Tag: Mike MacDonald

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

The Seattle Seahawks significantly improved their postseason chances by defeating their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11. The Seahawks now find themselves in a three-way standings tie in the division with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with all three teams at 5-5. Sunday’s Week 12 opponent is the Arizona Cardinals, who are leading the NFC West with a surprising record of 6-4.

The victory over San Francisco boosted Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to The Athletic’s playoff model. Their odds of winning the NFC West currently stands at 8%. The remaining difference includes the opportunity to make the playoffs via the wild card.

Unsurprisingly, those odds will be drastically altered following Sunday’s outcome versus the Cardinals. With a victory, head coach Mike Macdonald will witness his postseason odds increase to 21%, with his chances to capture the division title upgraded to 16%, doubling from its current number. A loss would represent a major setback, with just 4% postseason odds, and 2% NFC West odds, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

The Seahawks are currently 1-2 within the NFC West, having suffered defeats to the 49ers and Rams. Falling to 1-3 would drastically hinder their chances of winning the division. Following Sunday, the Seahawks have their final two divisional games against the Cardinals in Week 14, and the Rams in Week 18’s regular-season finale.

Sunday’s home showdown versus the Cardinals at Lumen Field will understandably have a playoff-like atmosphere.

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Seahawks designate S Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice

Seahawks designate S Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice

The Seattle Seahawks designed safety Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice from injured reserve (IR). Jenkins has missed the previous four games with a hand injury. His practice window opens immediately, and head coach Mike Macdonald has already said the veteran safety may play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 this weekend.

Jenkins started the first six games of the season in Macdonald’s defensive backfield. He underwent surgery on his hand following Seattle’s Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks have been forced to rely on versatile defensive back Coby Bryant in Jenkins’ absence. Bryant has played well, totaling 36 tackles, three pass breakups, and one tackle for loss and an interception over that four-game span.

Jenkins has totaled 36 tackles and one fumble recovery for the Seahawks this season. He’s displayed excellent chemistry with fellow starting safety Julian Love. Once Jenkins returns, Macdonald will have various options at safety, with Bryant and Jarrick Reed II providing quality depth.

Pro Football Focus has also credited Jenkins with making 13 stops this season. They’ve assigned him a stellar coverage grade of 66.9. Jenkins has allowed just 9.5 yards per reception this year, forfeiting 18 receptions on 20 targets for 171 yards and one touchdown. Expect him to be activated ahead of Sunday’s potentially decisive NFC West showdown versus the Cardinals.

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Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

One of the biggest revelations of the 2024 Seattle Seahawks’ season to date has been the recent emergence of cornerback Josh Jobe. An undrafted free agent defensive back out of Alabama in 2022, Jobe initially joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. He’s since maximized his opportunity to play meaningful snaps.

Injuries to Tre Brown and Riq Woolen catapulted Jobe into the starting lineup for a Week 7 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jobe’s play earned him another chance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He became the first player to intercept superstar quarterback Josh Allen this campaign, since convincing head coach Mike Macdonald to promote him to full-time boundary starter opposite Woolen, relegating Brown to the bench.

Jobe was outstanding in Sunday’s critical 20-17 Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, Jobe has yet to have a game with over 1.6 yards of separation per target allowed, according to Next Gen Stats. As Corbin K. Smith pointed out via social media, that advanced metric indicates his coverage has been tight even on completed throws in his direction.

Pro Football Focus credited Jobe with allowing just two receptions for 17 receiving yards against the 49ers. In a Week 9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, the ex Crimson Tide performer forfeited just one catch on four targets for 16 yards. Jobe hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage yet this season.

Jobe has also totaled three pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks are seeing a passer rating of just 54.4 when targeting him in coverage. Finding quality starters in unlikely places helps propel NFL rosters forward. The Seahawks found an absolute gem in Jobe.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Seahawks DT Leonard Williams is elite in specific pass-rushing metric

Seahawks DT Leonard Williams is elite in specific pass-rushing metric

Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams was effective in Sunday’s critical victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The 2016 Pro Bowler recorded four tackles and had a stellar Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 66.8. Williams has been a dominant pass rusher for the Seahawks this season.

ESPN Stats & Info uses its pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) tool to analyze pass-rushing efficiency and effectiveness. Through 11 completed weeks, Williams is ESPN’s fourth-best defensive tackle in PRWR with a success rate of 14%. Only Chris Jones (18%), Zach Allen (18%), and Calais Campbell (15%) have a higher win percentage this year.

Williams has totaled just 2.5 sacks this season, but has routinely applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He’s been credited with producing 29 total pressures, including five-or-more in four individual games this campaign. Only Dre’Mont Jones has accumulated more pressures (30) than Williams this season. Boye Mafe and Jarran Reed have also racked up 29 pass-rushing wins.

The Seahawks racked up 15 total pressures against 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy on Sunday. Jones led the way with five. Purdy was sacked twice, with Jones and Derick Hall recording the quarterback traps for Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Williams has been consistent for the Seahawks. Advanced metrics indicate he’s been one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the league this season. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde are fortunate to have him at their disposal.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Mike Macdonald’s excellent defense limited Kyle Shanahan’s offense to 17 points and just 277 total yards of offense. Brock Purdy threw for just 159 yards and one interception. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Devon Witherspoon | CB | 78.2

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, totaling a season-high eight tackles for Aden Durde’s aggressive defense. Witherspoon was competitive, recording three pass breakups in this game alone. PFF credited the versatile corner with allowing just four receptions on seven targets for 37 receiving yards. The 49ers found no success throwing the ball in his direction.

Tyrice Knight | LB | 77.5

Mid-round linebacker Tyrice Knight was outstanding in his first start at off-ball linebacker since the team surprisingly released Tyrel Dodson. Knight accumulated 10 tackles and one quarterback hit. Seattle’s new LB duo helped hold superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry.

Coby Bryant | S | 70.4

Coby Bryant has done an admirable job stepping up while the Seahawks have navigated some injuries in the secondary. Bryant played all 63 defensive snaps against the 49ers, remaining on the field for every defensive snap. The former Cincinnati standout totaled five tackles and allowed just one reception for a five-yard gain.

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Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

The Seattle Seahawks were left stunned earlier this week when starting center Connor Williams decided to abruptly retire in the middle of the season. The 27-year-old Williams had signed a one-year contract with the club in August. His departure catapulted sophomore fifth-round pick Olu Oluwatimi into the lineup for Sunday’s divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were dealing with various changes to their offensive line. Abe Lucas returned from a season-long stint on the sidelines to play the majority of snaps at right tackle. Luckily for head coach Mike Macdonald, Oluwatimi was outstanding in his 2024 debut start at center, a thrilling come-from-behind 20-17 win over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays. Brady Henderson posted this clip, highlighting one of his more encouraging reps on Geno Smith’s game-winning drive.

Pro Football Focus largely agreed with ESPN’s research. They assigned Oluwatimi blame for allowing one single pressure in pass protection en route to a qualifying pass-blocking score of 61.8. That pressure was defined as a 49ers hurry on Smith.

Furthermore, Oluwatimi was downright dominant as a run blocker. He was Seattle’s highest-graded run blocking offensive lineman, earning an elite score of 86.8. The Seahawks rushed for 94 yards, including Smith’s game-winning 13-yard scramble.

Williams’ unforeseen retirement placed an already struggling Seahawks offensive line in a tough situation. In a much-welcomed turn of events, Oluwatimi was fantastic, arguably playing better than Williams had all season. The sophomore blocker will start at center versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his 2024 regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas had been practicing in recent weeks, but had spent the first 10 weeks on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It was an encouraging debut for the former Washington State standout in a must-win game within the NFC West.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to ease Lucas back into the lineup. He rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps.

Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He played a high-quality game, earning a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, Lucas was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

“The last five or six plays [of Geno Smith’s game-winning drive], I was breathing very heavily,” Lucas admitted to reporters during his post-game media conference. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve played. When Geno took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus.”

Coach Macdonald and his staff wisely managed Lucas’ workload. He was terrific, helping transform Seattle’s struggling offensive line to a productive unit against the 49ers. The Seahawks were efficient on third down, converting six-of-13 attempts. Seattle’s offense out-gained San Francisco’s 289-277.

Lucas will attempt to continue showing signs of growth against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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Seahawks C Connor Williams has RETIRED from the NFL

Seahawks C Connor Williams has RETIRED from the NFL

On Friday, the Seattle Seahawks announced center Connor Williams was ruled OUT from Sunday’s week 11 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Williams had missed the entire week of practice, and was ultimately ruled OUT due to a not-injury related: personal reason. At the time we at Seahawks Wire reported this news, it was not known as to what the personal reason was/is.

Well, we have some idea now… after Friday’s practice, head coach Mike Macdonald announced Connor Williams had decided to officially RETIRE from the NFL. According to Macdonald, Williams has his reasons and any possibility to perhaps return later does not seem likely.

The Seahawks signed Williams in early August as a free agent. Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Williams became a Miami Dolphin for two seasons until he unfortunately tore his ACL towards the end of the 2023 campaign. Williams was allowed to walk in free agency, and was deciding between the Seahawks and Ravens before ultimately closing the deal with Seattle.

Williams started all nine games for the Seahawks this year, bringing his career start total to 86 out of 92 possible games played in the NFL. While there were times where it appeared Williams had brought stability to the interior of Seattle’s offensive line, he had shockingly begun to regress in his last two games. Specifically, the fact he kept snapping the ball far too high to quarterback Geno Smith, and even stepping on him on a crucial 4th down play on the goal line against the Buffalo Bills.

Coach Macdonald has confirmed sophomore backup center Olu Oluwatimi will start on Sunday.

The NFL is a highly challenging league. Not just physically, in the games… but emotionally and mentally. Football can be a dangerous sport and if your head/heart are not in it, for whatever reason, it can be detrimental to your health. We at Seahawks Wire want to wish Connor Williams a happy retirement in whatever endeavor he chooses after his life in football.

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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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