6 takeaways from Seattle’s 20-17 win over Tennessee

What, did you think you were getting a stress free Seahawks game for Christmas?

What, did you think you were going to get a normal Seattle Seahawks game on Christmas Eve? Any wishes for a “stress free” Seahawks win went unanswered, so we’ll all have to settle for another thrilling comeback victory. Although less dramatic than a Monday Night Football setting against the Eagles, Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans is no less important.

It may not have been as easy as some expected, but Seattle did take advantage of their newfound life by beating a team they should. It was not pretty, but as I’ve said many times, style points do not matter in the NFL.

The Seahawks are back above .500, and control their own fate for the playoffs. Here are the top takeaways from their 20-17 win.

Additionally, we at Seahawks Wire want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas this year!

Seahawks tight ends preaching patience, per Will Dissly

Seahawks tight ends preaching patience, per Will Dissly

The Seattle Seahawks’ offense has been incredibly frustrating as of late. What makes it especially frustrating is how deeply talented this unit is, and the fact said talent is being underutilized.

It is not just the receivers who are being underutilized – like rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba – but Seattle’s tight end group. I have long been an advocate for using Noah Fant more, but it is not just him. Between Fant, Will Dissly and Coly Parkinson, this position group has not been used to their full potential. As such, not one Seahawks tight end has caught a touchdown this season.

Let me repeat: not one Seahawks tight end has caught a touchdown this season.

As frustrating as that is, the good news is the Seattle tight ends seem to be handling it well. Dissly himself took to the media to explain the group is patient.

Simply put, the Seahawks need to get more creative on offense. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron needs to start figuring out how to incorporate his plethora of weapons and calling plays to get them far more involved.

More Seahawks Wire stories

2024 NFL mock draft: Seahawks pick Michigan QB at 22

5 best prop bets for Seattle vs. Dallas Thursday game

10 things to know about the Seahawks and the Cowboys

Under-the-radar: 6 Seahawks who low-key shined in Week 3

Here are six players who won’t get a ton of attention but deserve some recognition.

The Seattle Seahawks got big games from some of their star players in their victory on Sunday over the Carolina Panthers. That includes a six-catch, 112 yard line from wide receiver DK Metcalf, two touchdowns and 150+ scrimmage yards for running back Ken Walker, 11 tackles and two pass breakups by cornerback Devon Witherspoon and eight tackles plus three quarterback hits for nose tackle Jarran Reed.

While all those guys stood out in obvious ways, the day couldn’t have been won without some outstanding under-the-radar performances. Here are six players who won’t get a ton of attention but deserve some recognition.

  • RB Zach Charbonnet: Walker had a magnificent game, but Charbonnet also contributed to a superb rushing attack. He totaled 46 yards on nine carries (5.1 per attempt) and came just inches away from scoring his first touchdown in the NFL.
  • TE Colby Parkinson: With Will Dissly sidelined by an injury this week, Seattle needed the other tight ends to step up and they did. Parkinson dropped one pass, but he made up for it by catching three others in significant moments.
  • TE Noah Fant: Now the true No. 1 tight end on the depth chart, Fant had another strong outing, catching four of five targets from Geno Smith and totaling 41 yards.
  • LB Jordyn Brooks: A lot of players stood out defensively, but with Bobby Wagner having a relatively quiet game, Brooks stepped up and made a bunch of stops. He racked up nine total tackles – including five solo tackles – plus a QB hit.
  • OLB Boye Mafe: The Seahawks pass rush finally showed some signs of life against the Panthers. It began with Mafe’s first sack of the season and he registered another QB hit later on.
  • K Jason Myers: Seattle’s kicker had a brutal start to the 2023 season, coming into the game just 3/6 on his field goal attempts. However, Myers made up for it and more against Carolina. He went 5/5 on field goals, keeping the Seahawks in the game in the first half while the offense was struggling.

More Seahawks Wire stories

NFL Power Rankings going into Week 4

Fans react to reassuring win vs. Panthers

DK Metcalf impressed by Devon Witherspoon’s competitive spirit

Devon Witherspoon appears to have the prerequisite dog-in-him mentality.

You have to be just a little bit crazy to play as a defensive back in the NFL. Not only are they the most difficult and physically challenging positions to play in the modern game, it’s also dangerous and largely thankless work compared to most positions. That’s why cornerbacks and safeties need just a little bit more of an edge than the average pro to succeed in this league.

Good news: Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon appears to have the prerequisite dog-in-him mentality. After Monday’s training camp practice – the first with pads – wide receiver DK Metcalf told reporters Witherspoon is so competitive that it’s fun to watch. Metcalf gave an example of tight end Colby Parkinson (6-foot-7, 251 pounds) trying to run over Witherspoon (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) on a route but the rookie was having none of it, per Mike Dugar at the Athletic.

“(He’s) a guy that’s going to go out there and compete and is not going to back down from a challenge. Colby tried to run into him, and he bowed up and tackled him. It’s just fun to watch how competitive he is. Once we get Jamal back out there, both their energy and their fire is gonna spark the whole defense.”

Witherspoon also reportedly acquitted himself well when he went one-on-one against Metcalf and against a wide variety of different play-calls from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron during team drills. Since signing his rookie deal and reporting to camp on Friday, Witherspoon has been getting snaps in the slot and on the left boundary.

Overall, Seattle’s secondary is deep but still a work in progress. Riq Woolen remains sidelined by a knee injury and is currently on the PUP list along with Jamal Adams, who’s still recovering from his torn quad in Week 1.

More Seahawks Wire stories

200 more photos from Seahawks 2023 training camp

These 5 free agents worked out for Seattle on Monday

Sights and sounds from the fifth training camp practice

Updated Seahawks 90-man roster going into August

Seahawks have 3 tight ends in PFF’s top 30 rankings

Togther, they combined for 109 catches, 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Seahawks don’t have a superstar at tight end like the Chiefs or the 49ers. They do have three quality contributors, though. Starter Will Dissly and backups Noah Fant and Colby Parkinson are all coming off a relatively strong 2022 season that saw the position more involved in the passing game than any year since Jimmy Graham’s exit. Togther, they combined for 109 catches, 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns.

They also did respectable work as blockers, helping keep Geno Smith clean and Ken Walker land in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. At the end of the season all three of them ranked in Pro Football Focus’ top 30 grades at the position. Here’s the full list.

Seahawks Highlights: Ken Walker’s 60 yard-run sets up Colby Parkinson touchdown

Watch rookie running back Ken Walker gash the Jets for a 60-yard run on the first snap of the game.

The Seahawks didn’t waste any time getting their first points on the board against the Jets.

Watch rookie running back Ken Walker gash the Jets for a 60-yard run on the first snap of the game.

That led to this 12-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith to tight end Colby Parkinson.

Seahawks 7, Jets 0.

[listicle id=98625]

Seahawks have 3 of NFL’s top 25 tight ends by PFF grades

Heading into Week 12, three Seahawks tight ends are ranked among the top 25 at their position according to the Pro Football Focus grades.

During Russell Wilson’s tenure as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, the tight end position was often overlooked. With the exception of one strong season from Jimmy Graham, Seattle hasn’t gotten much production from this position. That’s totally changed now that Geno Smith is in charge of running the offense. Smith’s instincts have helped unlock the potential of Seattle’s tight ends, especially Will Dissly.

Heading into Week 12, three Seahawks tight ends are ranked among the top 25 at their position according to the Pro Football Focus grades. Here’s the complete top 25.

 

Seahawks have 3 of NFL’s top 25 tight ends by PFF grades

Heading into Week 12, three Seahawks tight ends are ranked among the top 25 at their position according to the Pro Football Focus grades.

During Russell Wilson’s tenure as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, the tight end position was often overlooked. With the exception of one strong season from Jimmy Graham, Seattle hasn’t gotten much production from this position. That’s totally changed now that Geno Smith is in charge of running the offense. Smith’s instincts have helped unlock the potential of Seattle’s tight ends, especially Will Dissly.

Heading into Week 12, three Seahawks tight ends are ranked among the top 25 at their position according to the Pro Football Focus grades. Here’s the complete top 25.

 

Watch: Brian Baldinger breaks down Ken Walker, Seahawks tight ends

Baldinger also took time to credit Noah Fant, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson for their work, calling them the best trio of tight ends in the NFL.

The most-exciting player on the Seahawks right now is rookie running back Ken Walker. Following Rashaad Penny’s season-ending injury, Walker earned his first pro start in Week 6 against the Cardinals. Seattle hasn’t lost since and Walker bursting onto the scene as one of the game’s most-explosive rushers certainly hasn’t hurt.

Watch NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger break down Walker’s game against Arizona on Sunday.

Walker wouldn’t be able to do this alone, though. The Seahawks have blocked well for the run all season and a big part of that success has been due to their tight ends.

Baldinger also took time to credit Noah Fant, Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson for their work, calling them the best trio of tight ends in the NFL.

[listicle id=96229]

Fantasy Football: Potential bargains, must-plays from Giants-Seahawks game

Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Seattle Seahawks Week 8 game on Sunday afternoon.

The New York Giants (6-1) will head west this weekend to face the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in a showdown of the NFC’s two most surprising teams of 2022.

Fantasy football enthusiasts probably never thought they’d be looking forward to this one at the beginning of the season but this game is actually one that’s got some juice to it.

Here is a quick outlook.