Tag: Geno Smith

Seahawks lose 26-20 to Rams in overtime, fall to last place in NFC West

Seahawks lose 26-20 to Rams in overtime, fall to last place in NFC West

The Seattle Seahawks are now in sole possession of last place in the NFC West. After losing 26-20 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams, and with the Arizona Cardinals defeating the Chicago Bears 29-9, the one-time division leaders are now in the basement of said division.

Seattle has now lost their fourth-straight home game, matching their longest losing streak at Lumen Field since the end of the 2020 season through 2021. What game started that particular losing streak? A home playoff loss to – you guessed it – the Los Angeles Rams.

Last season, the Seahawks lead the Rams 13-7 at halftime after a late Geno Smith touchdown pass, and were eventually shutout in a disappointing 30-13 home defeat. In a sick way, history almost repeated itself without edit.

On Sunday, the Seahawks took a 13-3 lead in the final moments of the half after a Geno Smith touchdown pass. From there, the wheels started to fall off for Seattle. The Rams scored 10 points of their own in the third to tie the game 13-13 headed into the fourth. Unfortunately, this is when the Seahawks started to implode.

Well, that’s not entirely accurate. I should say this is when quarterback Geno Smith started to implode. It was one of the worst second half performances the 12th Man has seen from a quarterback in some time. Smith got the offense down to LA’s goal line when he threw a wobbling pass into traffic in the end zone. It was picked off by Kamren Kinchens, who then returned the ball 103-yards for the go ahead touchdown.

After the pick-six, the Seahawks and Rams traded punts. At least, that’s what Los Angeles attempted to do, but their punt attempt was blocked by wide receiver Cody White, who was elevated off the practice squad this weekend. White’s block set Seattle up at the Rams’ 19-yard line.

Unfortunately, the golden opportunity was (quite literally) thrown away by Smith, who threw his third interception of the game five plays later.

However, against improbable odds, the Seahawks were given one final opportunity in regulation to tie the game, and they did make the most of it. Smith engineered an eight-play, 73 yard drive to tie the game with this beautiful throw to JSN. Seattle had life!

In overtime, the Seahawks won the coin toss and got the ball first. Seattle made it all the way to LA’s 16-yard line. On fourth and one, the Seahawks elected to go for it instead of kicking a field goal to take a lead. They were stuffed on the ensuing run. The game then shifted into sudden death overtime.

The Rams went 83 yards in only four plays, and ended the game with a 39-yard touchdown strike from Matthew Stafford to send the Seahawks into last place.

Seattle heads into their bye week seeking answers. Their 3-0 start has devolved into a 1-5 stretch and are looking up at every other team in their division… a division where they are now 0-2 in games against rivals. The Seahawks will be back in Week 11 to play the San Francisco 49ers on the road.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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Even the Seahawks’ Geno Smith had to compliment Bills Mafia

Even the Seahawks’ Geno Smith had to compliment Bills Mafia

Bills Mafia made themselves at home at Lumen Field on Sunday.

In Week 8, the Bills topped the Seahawks on the road in a 31-10 final.

It appeared that visiting fans traveled well. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith confirmed that was the case.

The Seahawks’ “12th Man” is often touted as one of the loudest in the NFL. However, it was Bills Mafia doing the damage.

In Smith’s words, it felt like the game was actually being played in Orchard Park because Bills fans were so loud.

Smith’s full reaction to Bills Mafia can be found below:

Seahawks suffer worst loss of season, fall 31-10 to Bills at home

Seahawks suffer worst loss of season, fall 31-10 to Bills at home

The Seattle Seahawks took the field on Sunday and hardly looked competitive against the Buffalo Bills. Once more, the Seahawks were bullied in their own home. Only this time, it was the least competitive we’ve seen from this team in quite awhile.

Seattle has lost at Lumen Field for their third-straight home game. The last time they accomplished this “feat” was during the 2021 season when they dropped their first four home games… that streak was actually five games as it started with the 2020 Wild Card loss to the Rams the year prior.

The Seahawks did narrowly avoid failing to score a touchdown at home for the first time since November 2002 when they lost 31-9 to the Broncos, but this silver lining is a cold comfort.

Right from the get-go, the Bills were clearly the better team. Buffalo marched 90 yards in 14 plays, eating over nine minutes off the clock. This was despite the team was flagged four times, but Seattle could not take advantage. In fact, the Bills were guilty of 13 penalties for 85 yards. It is immensely frustrating the Seahawks were unable to have any of those play to their advantage. But, then again, the Hawks were just as sloppy, with 11 penalties for 82 yards.

Seattle’s offense was incapable of moving the ball, recording only 233 yards on 47 plays. The worst culprit was the fact the team could not run whatsoever. Buffalo’s rush defense has been highly suspect all year, but on Sunday they prevented the Seahawks from gaining any momentum.

Quarterback Geno Smith wasn’t much better, either. Smith completed 21-of-29 passes for 212 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Smith’s interception came at a most inopportune time. Seattle was trailing 17-3, but made it across midfield when his pass was snatched by the Bills. Seven plays later, Buffalo made it 24-3 and effectively delivered the knockout blow.

The Seahawks’ up and down season continues. They started the year with three-straight wins, then lost their next three. They blew out the Falcons on the road for their most complete victory of the year, and followed it up with their worst home loss (by margin of defeat) since their 42-7 blowout loss to the Rams in 2017.

Speaking of the Rams, that’s who the Seahawks have next. Frustratingly, Los Angeles looks like they are back to being a legitimate threat. Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back, and they just took down the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football last week so they will be well rested.

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First half recap: Seahawks trail Bills 14-3

First half recap: Seahawks trail Bills 14-3

This story was updated to add new information

Once more, the Seattle Seahawks have a slow start in the first half… and at home, no less. The Seahawks are hosting the 5-2 Buffalo Bills, who look every bit the part of an AFC contender. Seattle, on the other hand, are struggling to keep pace.

The Bills are dominating the Seahawks in all major statistical categories:

  • Total yards: 224 to 96
    • Passing: 152 to 95
    • Rushing: 74 to 1
  • Time of possession: 18:07 to 11:53
  • First downs: 15 to 6
  • Total plays: 35 to 23
  • Yards per play: 6.4 to 4.2

There are only two reasons why this score isn’t uglier than it should. First off, the Bills have been penalized an astonishing 7 times for 48 yards. They cannot seem to get out of their own way. In fact, the penalties are the doing a better job of slowing Buffalo down than the Seahawks are. The second reason is because of cornerback Josh Jobe stealing a possession away from the Bills with his interception. It is the first Josh Allen has thrown all season/

The primary culprit in Seattle’s slow start is the offense, which yet again, cannot seem to get anything going in their first halves. This is routine for them, aside from two or three games this year. Geno Smith has completed 10-of-13 passes for 95 yards, while Kenneth Walker III has five yards on six carries. The inability to get the ground game going is hurting Seattle to a disproportionate degree.

Buffalo will get the ball to start the second half.

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Seahawks in Week 8

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Seahawks in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills will play the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 8 at Lumen Field.

The Bills (5-2) are looking to build on a dominant second half in last week’s blowout win over the Tennessee Titans. The Seahawks (4-3) are coming off of a blowout win of their own as they beat the Atlanta Falcons by 20.

It’s a close matchup between two good football teams and Las Vegas agrees. The Bills are favored by a field goal on the road. They’ll need to execute their game plan to gain their sixth win of the year.

Here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 8:

Balanced offensive attack

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The Bills’ passing game finally got on track during the second half of last week’s win. Allen had his first 300-yard passing game since Week 18 of last year. But, Seattle has been giving up chunks on the ground.

They allow 146 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth-worst in the NFL. This is the type of defense that you must keep guessing and the Bills should get their stable of running backs going.

Control the line of scrimmage on offense

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Perhaps the best matchup to watch will be the Bills’ offensive line against Seattle’s defensive line. The Bills’ O-line ranks seventh in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, but they will have their hands full.

The Seahawks have talent and depth across the line. They rank 13th in the NFL per PFF. Last week they sacked Kirk Cousins three times and hit him nine times as he threw two interceptions. They are capable of getting after the quarterback and making a difference. If the Bills minimize what the Seahawks can do up front, then it will open up a lot for the offense.

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The Seahawks love to air it out on offense. They have the most passing yards in the league and they’ve attempted the most passes, too. Quarterback Geno Smith has attempted the most passes of 10-plus yards downfield among all QBs. The Bills will be tested in coverage.

Safeties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin have a lot on their plate. If they can make a few plays on the ball and limit the deep passing, then it will bode well for the Bills in this one. What makes things difficult for the Bills is that linebacker Terrel Bernard won’t be there in the middle of the field.

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Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills (5-2) will visit the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in their upcoming Week 8 matchup.

In this cross-conference and cross-country matchup, the games within the game will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Seahawks contest:

Amari Cooper/Keon Coleman vs. Seattle corners

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Last week against the Tennessee Titans, Bills wide receivers Amari Cooper and second-round rookie Keon Coleman had their way against their matchups. This week, they face tougher cornerback matchups. On the outside for Seattle will be Riq Woolen, who ranks 18th-best among corners according to PFF.

They also have cornerback Devon Witherspoon who was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Witherspoon is used both on the outside and in the slot. He may shadow Cooper, but either way, the Bills’ wide receivers need to be prepared to win some tougher matchups to help out Josh Allen and the offense. A couple of big plays from Coleman or Cooper could be the difference in the game.

Jaxon Smith Njigba vs. Taron Johnson

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With DK Metcalf ruled doubtful for Week 8, a lot more targets may fall on the shoulders of second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The bad news for Smith-Njigba is that All-Pro Taron Johnson will occupy the area of the field where he likes to work.

Smith-Njigba has had a hot and cold season, with games of 12 catches and games of two or three catches. His usage has been mainly matchup-dependent, but if Metcalf can’t play then his usage would have to go up. The Bills’ All-Pro nickel corner going against the first WR taken in the 2023 Draft is a great matchup in the slot.

Bills offensive line vs. Seahawks pass rush

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How the Bills offensive line holds up against a talented Seattle front will determine the level of success the team can have on the road. We know it can get loud at Lumen Field, and if Josh Allen is constantly under pressure then it will make things a lot more difficult.

The Seahawks rank eighth in the NFL in sack percentage and are tenth in sacks per game. They rank fourth in the league in pressure rate while not blitzing much. And, they just got Byron Murphy back from injury, who was their first round pick in April. It’s a tall task to keep them out of the backfield all game, but the Bills will need to limit how often they get back there. Running the ball will help keep the defense honest.

Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith navigate pocket pressure vs. Falcons

Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith navigate pocket pressure vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks played a complete game in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Starting quarterback Geno Smith especially played a clean game. Smith completed 18-of-28 passing attempts for 207 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Smith was sacked on just one occasion. It marked the second consecutive week the Seahawks have given up merely one quarterback takedown. Smith also didn’t commit a turnover for the third time this campaign.

That would insinuate the Seahawks’ offensive line put forth a terrific performance. For example, rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell has earned league-wide praise for his performance. He deserves that, but the overall showing from the offensive line wasn’t as good as the statline indicates.

Smith faced pressure on roughly 47% of his dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That was the third-highest rate allowed in Week 7, per Brady Henderson, and would be second-highest in the league if that was Seattle’s season-long average. As seen below, Smith often avoided that pressure by navigating the pocket flawlessly.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are fortunate to have a pro like Smith operating the offense. It’s also worth acknowledging the Falcons are dead-last in sacks with six, so finishing has been a recurring problem for their defense. Regardless, Smith helped out the offensive line on Sunday.

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Seahawks snap losing streak, defeat Falcons 34-14

Seahawks snap losing streak, defeat Falcons 34-14

The Seattle Seahawks are finally off the schneid! After losing their last three-straight games, Seattle is finally back in the win column with a dominant 34-14 road victory over the Falcons. It was easily their most complete game of the season.

Atlanta had been one of the hotter teams in football as of late, as they had won their previous three games, including last week’s by a blowout. However, against the Seahawks, they could not really find their footing.

Seattle quickly built up a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Falcons were able to make it 10-7, but right before the half expired the Seahawks made it a 10-point game once more thanks to Geno Smith finding DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown. Atlanta did manage to pull within three once more, making it a 17-14 game in the third quarter… but that was as close as they would get for the remainder of the outing.

Seattle responded by Smith finding the birthday man himself, Kenneth Walker, for a 17-yard receiving touchdown. Once more, it was a 10-point game at 24-14, and the Seahawks poured it on from there.

Atlanta’s first three drives of the fourth quarter all ended in disaster. At midfield, Boye Mafe forced a fumble of Kirk Cousins, and Derick Hall scooped the ball up for a 64-yard touchdown to make it 31-14. On the ensuing drive for the Falcons, Cousins pass bounced off wide receiver Drake London’s hands and into Julian Love’s… who secured his first interception since Week 1.

Seattle turned that interception into three more points. Finally, the last Falcons drive Cousins led was once again ended abruptly thanks to a Coby Bryant interception… his first in his career. After that, rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over and had his first regular season snaps of his career. The game was effectively over by this point.

The Seahawks secured a much-needed win, stopping the bleed. They improve to 4-3, and keep pace with the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, depending on how San Francisco’s game against Kansas City plays out, Seattle could theoretically move back into sole possession. However, that is merely a hypothetical. What matters is they did not lose any ground.

Geno Smith was highly efficient, completing 18-of-28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Walker had 69 yards and two total touchdowns, and DK Metcalf led the team with 99 receiving yards and a score.

Next up: a return to Lumen Field to host the Buffalo Bills. At the moment, they have a multiple score lead over the Tennessee Titans late in the fourth quarter. Assuming the Bills can hang on, they will improve to 5-2, giving the Seahawks another considerable challenge.

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Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been productive in the passing game this season. Despite missing two contests due to injury, Mike Macdonald’s dual-threat back has produced 21 receptions on 24 targets for 136 yards in four appearances. Averaging six passing targets per game, Walker actually ranks first among all running backs in targets per game this season.

Sunday’s Week 7 opponent is the Atlanta Falcons. Raheem Morris’ defense has struggled when tasked with defending running backs in the passing game. The Falcons defense ranks 26th in targets allowed to opposing running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s a surprising stat considering Atlanta’s pass defense currently ranks ninth in yards allowed per game (193). If the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba struggle to create separation on Sunday, starting quarterback Geno Smith should target Walker early and often versus a defense that struggles to cover running backs coming out of the backfield.

Seattle’s passing attack currently sits atop the entire league at 276.7 yards per outing. Walker recorded a season-high eight receptions for 37 yards the last time out versus the San Francisco 49ers. His passing-game involvement should be in that same neighborhood against the Falcons on Sunday.

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