Tag: Mike Jerrell

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

The right tackle position was a major sore spot for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran tackle George Fant received the start after being activated off IR. Fant was credited with allowing two pressures and one sack before re-injuring his knee and exiting the game.

Fant was replaced by rookie blocker Mike Jerrell, who had started the previous two contests at right tackle. Jerrell also struggled, allowing two sacks and four pressures. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald offered an encouraging update about the position during Monday’s press conference.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas has missed the entire campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas recently returned to practice and is working towards making his debut. With the Seahawks on a Week 10 bye, Macdonald said Lucas may start at right tackle versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

The 4-5 Seahawks are currently dead-last in the NFC West. The standings will receive another shake-up in Week 10, but the following contest versus the 49ers is a potentially decisive one. Macdonald’s Seahawks are currently 0-2 in the division and must turn around their fortunes if they hope to qualify for the postseason. Getting Lucas back could provide Seattle’s lackluster offensive line with a much-needed jolt.

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Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

The Seattle Seahawks activated offensive tackle George Fant off injured reserve (IR) ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 showdown versus their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Fant was active for the first time since Week 1, when he suffered a knee injury in the regular-season opener. He opened Sunday’s contest as the starting right tackle, replacing rookie Mike Jerrell.

Fant unfortunately suffered another knee injury in the overtime defeat to the Rams. The veteran blocker exited the game and did not return. Jerrell replaced him and played the majority of snaps on Seattle’s offensive line.

Fant only managed 17 offensive snaps before re-injuring the leg that landed him on IR in September. Jerrell played the remaining 63 snaps on offense. Seattle’s offensive line was totally ineffective once again, with starting quarterback Geno Smith under constant duress from the Rams’ offensive line, leading to seven sacks for the defense.

Assuming Fant’s season isn’t over, the Seahawks unfortunately can’t rely on his availability for the rest of the season. Ideally, presumed starting right tackle Abe Lucas, who has been practicing lately, is getting closer to being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Otherwise, Jerrell will likely serve as the starting right tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 when the Seahawks return from their bye week.

Fant simply can’t be relied on.

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Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical NFC West showdown game against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. The 4-4 Seahawks are in a three-way tie for first place in the division with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. In preparation for their big-time game, it sounds like rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell could be making his third consecutive start.

Jerrell was thrust into the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons because George Fant and Stone Forsythe were on IR. With Fant eligible to return against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, the Seahawks stuck with Jerrell. It sounds like head coach Mike Macdonald is considering sticking with the sixth-round rookie from Findlay.

Jerrell played all 51 offensive snaps in Sunday’s blowout defeat to the Bills. Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures, and he was blamed for giving up the lone sack Geno Smith took. As a result, Jerrell earned a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 48.3.

Initial expectations were that Fant would be activated off IR and start in a critical divisional game versus the Rams. It currently sounds like Jerrell, one of Seattle’s ongoing heartwarming stories, is preparing to make a third consecutive start. Macdonald continues placing trust in the obscure small-school performer.

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How did Seahawks RT Mike Jerrell fare in second career start?

How did Seahawks RT Mike Jerrell fare in second career start?

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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Should the Seahawks start Mike Jerrell or George Fant at RT vs. Bills?

Should the Seahawks start Mike Jerrell or George Fant at RT vs. Bills?

The Seattle Seahawks were down to their fourth-string right tackle last weekend. Rookie sixth-round pick Mike Jerrell, who played collegiately at D-III program Findlay, put forth an outstanding performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 7 blowout victory.

Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures. Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked just once, and Jerrell wasn’t to blame. The rookie performer has now given the Seahawks something to think about heading into Sunday’s Week 8 showdown versus the Buffalo Bills.

Right tackle George Fant is eligible to be activated off IR. The veteran blocker recently returned to practice, which was timely for the Seahawks because previous fill-in starter Stone Forsythe recently landed on IR with an injury of his own. Though he’s yet to be officially activated, indications are Fant could be cleared to play on Sunday.

And the Seahawks recently, and conveniently, cleared a spot on their 53-man roster by releasing safety Ty Okada. That vacated spot will be filled prior to Sunday’s game versus Buffalo. It could be reserved for Fant’s activation. Another option is Jarrick Reed II, who has been practicing in preparation of being activated as well.

Fant’s return to practice wasn’t the only positive development at right tackle. Intended starter Abe Lucas has also begun practicing after missing the entire season to date on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Seattle’s offensive line is getting healthy.

Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have a difficult decision to make. Fant is the veteran blocker they envisioned starting in place of Lucas while he healed, but Jerrell also played quality football in his first career start. Ultimately, it’s a good problem to have such offensive line depth.

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Can Mike Jerrell be a gem for the Seahawks moving forward?

Can Mike Jerrell be a gem for the Seahawks moving forward?

The Seattle Seahawks were essentially forced to start sixth-round rookie offensive tackle Mike Jerrell at right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Seattle was down to their fourth-choice right tackle, with perceived starter Abe Lucas still on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Elsewhere, George Fant is on IR, and Stone Forsythe is nursing a hand injury that sidelined him. Veteran signing Jason Peters remains on the practice squad.

In the heartwarming story of the weekend, Jerrell, who played college football at D-III Findlay, was outstanding in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 win over the Falcons. Jerrell played 60 total offensive snaps. The Seahawks scored 34 points and starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on just one occasion.

Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures, all of which were classified as hurries. He did not allow Seattle’s lone sack, earning a pass-blocking grade of 58.3. PFF also assigned Jerrell a 57.1 score as a run blocker, and he was whistled for one penalty.

“It felt like a dream come true,” Jerrell said at his locker during the post-game media scrum. “It goes to show, trust in your coaches and everything they say. I bought into the [Seahawks] program. They set the plan out for me. Obviously I had to come in and work for it, it wasn’t given to me. They got me to this point.”

The Seahawks have struggled to protect Smith this season. Right tackle has understandably been a recurring sore spot. Jerrell performed significantly better than Forsythe has. Jerrell should remain in the starting lineup until Fant and/or Lucas are prepared to return.

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Mike Jerrell had the best reaction to getting drafted by the Seahawks

Mike Jerrell had the best reaction to getting drafted by the Seahawks

For me, the best part of draft content is the reaction videos/stories from the teams where the actual act of drafting takes place. The call from general manager John Schneider to whichever lucky young man is fortunate enough to begin their NFL career. They are usually filled with joy, blessings, and gratitude.

Other times, they are just flat out awesome. Such is the case for offensive tackle Michael Jerrell from Findlay, who was Seattle’s last pick in the 2024 NFL draft. When Jerrell was picked, he had quite the amusing reaction, per the Seahawks team website.

“‘Hey Michael, John Schneider with the Seattle Seahawks, how you doing?'” Schneider says. ‘You had a great visit. We’re getting ready to select you here at 207, OK?’ ‘

Oh shit, for real?’ Jerrell replies…

‘Oh yeah, for real!’ Schneider answers.”

Jerrell is largely considered a project, and an intense one at that. His official scouting profile even declared he is nowhere near ready to take NFL snaps. But he possesses unique athleticism for an offensive lineman. Unique enough to where the Seahawks felt it was worth spending a draft pick on to see if they can develop him.

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Mike Jerrell comments on his pre-draft visit to Seattle

Jerrell is seen largely as a project, as many believed he would go undrafted.

We live in divided times. Folks around this country are divided on just about everything. Politics, pop culture, and of course, sports. People of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are no different. But if there is one thing everyone in this area can find common ground on is the beauty of the area is.

We are fortunate to live in such a gorgeous sliver of our planet, and the newest Seattle Seahawk seems to agree. Selected in the sixth round out of Findlay, offensive tackle Mike Jerrell spoke recently about his pre-draft visit to Seattle. The Oilers alum marveled at the stunning scenery of the Emerald City.

I believe you would be hard pressed to find those who would disagree with you, Mr. Jerrell.

Jerrell is seen largely as a project, as many believed he would go undrafted. However, he has unique athleticism for an offensive lineman, which likely intrigued the Seahawks to take a flier on what they might be able to work with. Fortunately, by drafting Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea ahead of him, Seattle does not have a dire need for Jerrell to be a finished product by September of this year.

So for now, Jerrell can sit back, work hard, and take in the beauty of our city.

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