Crossword Genius

Played Seattle Seahawks and were disheartened and flat (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tasteless

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'flat' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'played seattle seahawks and were disheartened' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'seattle' is 'tastele' which is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tasteless that I've seen before include "Lacking flavour or ability to appreciate the beautiful" , "Vapid" , "improper" , "Unseemly" , "Lacking flavour or aesthetic appreciation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app