Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive tackle Mike Jerrell made his second consecutive start at right tackle in Sunday’s disappointing 31-10 Week 8 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Jerrell, a D-III first-year player out of Findlay, earned the right after enjoying a decent debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Unfortunately, he struggled against a deep Bills defensive line on Sunday.
Jerrell played all 51 offensive snaps. The Seahawks managed just 10 points and 233 total yards of offense. Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures for a second consecutive week. He was also assigned blame for giving up the lone sack Seattle allowed.
As a result, Jerrell earned a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 48.3. He was also whistled for a penalty for a second straight contest. PFF also assigned Jerrell a below-average run 47.5 score as a run blocker.
The Seahawks could have conceivably opted to start veteran right tackle George Fant instead, who was eligible to come off IR. Head coach Mike Macdonald and all parties involved understandably opted to give Jerrell his second consecutive start after he enjoyed a positive debut against the Falcons in Week 7. Hindsight is 20-20, but it was probably the wrong decision.
Fant could return at right tackle in a massive NFC West showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. Elsewhere, Abe Lucas is nearing a return after recently participating in practice. Jerrell may not feature for the Seahawks again this campaign, but he deserves credit for getting ready to play given his inexperience.
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