Tag: Aden Durde

Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon deserves more pass-rushing opportunities

Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon deserves more pass-rushing opportunities

Seattle Seahawks sophomore cornerback Devon Witherspoon displayed outstanding blitzing abilities as a rookie in 2023. The No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft recorded three sacks and 10 pressures in 14 appearances as an instant contributor. Witherspoon’s versatile ability to rush the passer landed him a Pro Bowl appearance in his first season.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde brought a new scheme to the Seahawks this year. Witherspoon has been a workhorse for the Seahawks in the defensive backfield, but his pass-rushing opportunities have been limited to date. As a result, Witherspoon hasn’t recorded his first sack of 2024 yet. That should change soon, with Macdonald and Durde affording him more opportunities to blitz opposing backfields.

The Seahawks have posted a 25th-best 21 sacks through nine games. The bye week is muddying those numbers a bit, but Seattle’s pass rush hasn’t been effective enough given its personnel. General manager John Schneider has invested premium resources into a front four that features Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, Dre’Mont Jones, Leonard Williams, and Byron Murphy II on any given down.

Macdonald and Durde spent portions of the bye week analyzing all departments. The pass rush is one that requires answers with room for improvement. Perhaps utilizing Witherspoon as a blitzer with increased frequency could solve that woe.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to stop the run this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the defense is currently ranked 27th in defending the run, allowing opposing offenses to produce 139.4 rushing yards per game. Missed tackles and gap discipline have been recurring issues across the front seven.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently made a notable change to the run defense. Schneider acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for 2025 draft-pick capital and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, their starting back Kyren Williams was limited to 69 yards and 3.1 yards per carry. Jones has already improved Seattle’s run defense.

The season-long metrics still leave plenty to be desired. As things stand, the Seahawks have posted a run-stopping-win-rate (RSWR) of 29%, 23rd-best in the league, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. That ranking aligns with what Seattle’s undisciplined run defense has put on tape.

Opposing backfields are rushing for 4.8 yards per carry against Seattle’s defense. That’s tied for the sixth-most yards per carry average allowed by any defense in the NFL. Mike Macdonald’s unit has forfeited a middling nine rushing touchdowns this season.

The Seahawks must defend the run with better efficiency when they return from their Week 10 bye. Acquiring Jones has slightly pushed the needle in a better direction. Using the off-week to course-correct their gap-sound discipline issues could lead to more desirable results versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

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Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks lost a heartbreaker, dropping Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West contest versus the Los Angeles Rams 26-20 in overtime. The Rams managed 26 points, 22 first downs, and gained 366 total yards of offense. Most notably, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford strung together an 83-yard game-winning drive via four plays in overtime after taking over possession following a failed Seahawks’ fourth down.

Seattle’s defense may have crumbled when it mattered most, but head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde gave their offense plenty of opportunities throughout the game. The Seahawks forced seven Rams drives to end in three-and-out. That only happened in one of 115 (0.87%) previous games since Sean McVay became the Rams’ head coach, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

The Seahawks out-gained the Rams 424-366. McVay’s offense punted (8) more than Seattle (7) did, and the time of possession was near dead-even, with Seattle owning the slight advantage, 32:53 to 32:10. The Rams converted just 3-of-13 third-down attempts.

Seattle’s defense unfortunately wavered with the contest on the line, and that must be addressed by Macdonald and Durde. But they also enjoyed a historical amount of success against a McVay-led offense throughout the contest. It shouldn’t go unnoticed.

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What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will immediately step into Seattle’s starting lineup opposite Tyrel Dodson. He brings aggression and violence to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have largely been displeased with the outputs of their run defense this season. Entering Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle is allowing a 28th-ranked 146.1 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald has routinely criticized the linebackers for missing tackles and playing with poor gap discipline.

Jones could help solve Seattle’s issues. The former South Carolina standout ranked second on the Titans in tackles (44) at the time of his departure. That will also rank second on the Seahawks, with Dodson and Julian Love (55) tied for the team-lead mark.

Jones is a downhill linebacker with outstanding read-and-react ability. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a stellar grade of 68.4 as a run defender this season. That’s notably higher than what Baker (62.6) and Dodson (54.0) have earned this season.

Jones has also been credited with 19 total stops. Jones has missed three tackles, which equals Dodson’s missed-tackle total to date, but is notably lower than Baker’s (6). That alone could help improve Seattle’s run defense.

If there’s one area of Jones’ game that requires improving, it’s coverage. He’s been credited with allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets this season for 151 yards and a passer rating allowed of 111.6, en route to a coverage score of 54.0. The Seahawks will likely continue using Dodson as their main coverage ‘backer, as he’s performed significantly better in man and zone situations, allowing 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards, and a passer rating of 89.8.

Jones is an excellent linebacker. The Seahawks were awfully familiar with him from his Los Angeles Rams & NFC West days. Jones is a big-time upgrade for Macdonald’s defense.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

The Seattle Seahawks upgraded their defensive corps on Wednesday by trading Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Jones should immediately help improve Mike Macdonald’s defense. Coach Macdonald already spoke about the player, even offering details on where he fits in the starting lineup.

“He loves football, he’s tough as nails, and we’re excited to get him here,” Macdonald said about Jones. “We’re working through that [his position] right now, but we’ll probably put Ernest at MIKE [linebacker] and have Tito [Tyrel Dodson] at weak-side linebacker right now,” Macdonald said when asked if Jones would step into Baker’s weak-side role.

It’s notable because Dodson had been playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle’s defense this season. Instead of having Jones fill Baker’s previous weak-side role like-for-like, the Seahawks plan to have Jones swap roles with Dodson.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have been dissatisfied with the state of their defense, particularly in the run game. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider has made aggressive moves in recent weeks to acquire Jones and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris. Having Jones and Dodson swap positions is another tweak to Macdonald’s in-progress defense.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Falcons

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks defense has struggled in recent weeks. On Sunday, they’ll face veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins has a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Darnell Mooney. The Falcons are scoring an 11th-best 24.8 points per contest.

Mike Macdonald and Aden Durde will have their defense tested. We’ve identified three bold predictions for Seattle’s defense against Atlanta on Sunday.

Byron Murphy II records a sack

Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will make his return after missing the previous three contests with injury. Seattle’s defensive line has missed their first-year playmaker. Murphy II spoke with the media on Thursday, claiming he believed the Falcons were going to draft him. They took quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead, and he said they would regret that decision on Sunday.

Murphy II has recorded half-a-sack this year. The former Texas Longhorn sounds extremely motivated for his return-to-play. We’re backing Murphy II to record the first complete sack of his career.

K’Von Wallace forces a fumble

The Seahawks defense will be without starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins on Sunday after the veteran defender was placed on IR. With Artie Burns also sidelined, and fellow cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Tre Brown both questionable, Macdonald and Durde have been forced to shuffle personnel. Backup safety K’Von Wallace played a season-high 27 snaps last week, and he could see an even larger workload against the Falcons.

Wallace is a versatile defender with a knack for creating turnovers. The Falcons have coughed up the football on a middling seven occasions this season. Wallace could take advantage of his opportunity by forcing a fumble.

Seahawks hold Falcons under 110 net rushing yards

Macdonald’s run defense continues to struggle, allowing a seventh-worst 144.7 rushing yards per game entering Sunday. Gap discipline and wrap-up tackling has been a massive point of emphasis. The Seahawks are challenging themselves to solve one of their largest issues.

The Falcons are averaging a 22nd-ranked 113.7 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald’s defense could improve by holding the Falcons’ rushing attack to under 110 net yards. Durde and Macdonald would consider that an appropriate step in the correct direction.

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Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks committed three turnovers in Thursday’s Week 6 defeat to their NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw two interceptions. Kick returner Laviska Shenault also lost a fumble on special teams. By comparison, the 49ers played a clean, turnover-free game. It made a sizable difference in a two-score ball game.

The Seahawks have committed 10 turnovers, third-most of any team in the league through Week 6. Meanwhile, head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have seen their unit force just four takeaways, tied for fifth-worst in the NFL. The minus-6 (-6) differential is tied for third-worst in the league.

Safety Julian Love discussed the turnover issues that have plagued the Seahawks all season long.

“It starts with me on the defense and we have to create more turnovers,” Love said. “We have to get the ball [back to our offense]. Going minus three against a team like this [49ers], you put yourself in a giant hole.”

 

The Seahawks play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Falcons have committed just seven turnovers in six games this campaign. Macdonald and Durde will hope to create turnovers against a fairly disciplined offense.

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Seahawks defense will be tested by these upcoming QBs

Seahawks defense will be tested by these upcoming QBs

The Seattle Seahawks defense has been Kryptonite for opposing quarterbacks throughout their perfect 3-0 start to begin the 2024 NFL season. In Sunday’s dominant 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Macdonald’s unit held backup quarterbacks Tim Boyle and Skylar Thompson to 140 net passing yards and zero touchdowns. They were also sacked six combined times and converted just 1-of-15 third and fourth down attempts.

The Seahawks currently lead the league in quarterback rating (QBR) allowed (24.4) by a comfortable margin, according to Brady Henderson. It’s worth acknowledging the Seahawks have accumulated that dominant number by playing against bad quarterbacks. In Week 1, it was the first career start for Denver Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix. They saw Jacoby Brissett and the New England Patriots in Week 2, and aforementioned backups Boyle and Thompson in Week 3.

Not exactly a murderer’s row of quarterbacks.

That dominance is going to be tested in the coming weeks. The Seahawks are about to face a gauntlet of high-end quarterbacks on their upcoming schedule. The next six they’ll face are Jared Goff, Daniel Jones, Brock Purdy, Kirk Cousins, Josh Allen, and Matthew Stafford. Jones notwithstanding, that’s quite the list.

That list includes the first (Allen) and fourth (Purdy) ranked quarterbacks in QBR, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Goff is off to a disappointing start, but he’s overseen an explosive Lions offense two consecutive campaigns in a row. Seattle’s defense is about to face some legitimate tests for arguably the first time this season.

How they respond will be telling.

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Seahawks defense ranks top 5 in 3 most important statistical categories

Seahawks defense ranks top 5 in 3 most important statistical categories

The Seattle Seahawks defense put forth another downright dominant performance in Sunday’s 24-3 blowout Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Mike Macdonald’s unit took full advantage of an opportunity to play against backup quarterbacks Tim Boyle and Skylar Thompson. The Seahawks held the Dolphins to a combined 1-of-15 on third and fourth down, 65 net rushing yards, and 205 total yards.

Seattle forced the Dolphins to punt six times (in addition to three failed fourth-down attempts). They also accumulated six sacks and forced three fumbles (the Dolphins luckily recovered them all). The Dolphins offense was outmatched in every phase.

Two contests occurred on Monday Night Football. Week 3 concluded with the Washington Commanders upsetting the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Buffalo Bills swept aside the Jacksonville Jaguars. League-wide statistics have been updated as a result.

The Seahawks defense currently ranks first in passing yards allowed (132.3) per game, second in total yards allowed (248.7), and fourth in points allowed per contest (14.3).

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Only four NFL defenses have accumulated more sacks than Seattle’s 11 QB takedowns. If there’s an area for improvement, it’s in the turnover department. Macdonald’s defense hasn’t been opportunistic enough. They’re -1 having forced three turnovers versus four giveaways.

Macdonald oversaw a Baltimore Ravens defense last season that led the NFL in points allowed per contest (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31) as John Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator. Perhaps Seattle’s early-season defensive dominance should come as no surprise. They’ve taken on the identity of their first-year head coach.

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