Tag: Mike MacDonald

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 HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

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Former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron is struggling with Bears

Former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron is struggling with Bears

The Seattle Seahawks wisely decided to make a change at offensive coordinator this past offseason. When long-tenured head coach Pete Carroll did not return to the team in 2024, it was obvious that his OC Shane Waldron would be exiting with him. New head coach Mike Macdonald made that decision official before appointing Ryan Grubb as his offensive coordinator.

And though Grubb’s results have been mixed thus far, he’s been undeniably better than Waldron was last season. Speaking of Waldron, he immediately landed another gig, gaining control of play-calling duties for the Chicago Bears and their rookie No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams.

Fast forward 10 weeks into Waldron’s tenure with the Bears and The Athletic is reporting that head coach Matt Eberflus is already considering making a change.

The Bears were defeated 19-3 by the New England Patriots on Sunday. Waldron’s offense gained 142 total yards and managed three points and 11 first downs. The Bears converted 1-of-14 third-down attempts and punted on eight occasions. Williams hasn’t thrown a touchdown in three consecutive contests, all losses. The Bears are averaging 9.0 points per outing since their Week 7 bye week, a historically relevant scoring drought.

The Seahawks wisely moved on from Waldron and his offense that lacks identity. The Bears were silly to entrust Waldron with Williams’ development. Seattle is far better off with Macdonald and Grubb at the helm.

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Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks with 21 quarterback takedowns through nine contests heading into this weekend’s bye. Mike Macdonald’s defense has taken a by-committee approach to rushing the passer. Three Seahawks defenders have produced three-or-more sacks, with Derick Hall (5.0), Boye Mafe (4.0), and Dre’Mont Jones (3.0) sitting atop the team leaderboard.

Leonard Williams (2.5), Tyrel Dodson (2.0), and Jarran Reed (2.0) aren’t far off from joining that club. Williams actually leads the Seahawks in pressures with 28, and Mafe (27), Hall (26), Reed (26), and Jones (25) aren’t far behind, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s been a team-effort for Seattle’s front seven this season.

The advanced analytics are in-line with these tangible results. The Seahawks have posted a league-average 41% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) so far this season, ranking 17th in the NFL through nine weeks, according to data provided by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle has been effective at getting after opposing passers.

Williams has posted 15 pass-rushing-wins out of 100 reps, also per ESPN. Williams’ 15% PRWR ranks third-best (tied with Calais Campbell) among all qualifying defensive tackles, trailing just Zach Allen (21%) and Chris Jones (20%). There’s no denying his production this season.

Applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks hasn’t been Seattle’s issue this season. The 4-5 Seahawks are entering a Week 10 bye. When they return, a productive, all-hands-on-deck pass rushing unit will attempt to aid other areas of struggle.

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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-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 HC Mike Macdonald criticizes OC Ryan Grubb

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald criticizes OC Ryan Grubb

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by their NFC West rival Los Angeles in overtime in Sunday’s Week 9 contest. Trailing 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, starting quarterback Geno Smith located sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 14-yard touchdown with under one minute to play, sending the game to overtime.

The Seahawks won the coin toss in OT and received an opportunity to score a walk-off touchdown. The Seahawks ran seven plays on that possession, gaining a total of 54 yards. Facing a 3rd-and-1 from the Rams’ 16-yard line, running back Kenneth Walker III was stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Head coach Mike Macdonald opted for the fourth-down attempt as opposed to kicking a go-ahead field goal.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb called another Walker run, and he was again stuffed at the LOS for no gain. The Rams took over possession and swiftly scored a game-winning TD. Speaking with the media on Monday, Macdonald was critical of Grubb’s third-and-fourth-down play calling.

“It’s not good enough right now,” Macdonald bluntly said. “We’re not converting those short yardage situations.” Macdonald did add, “It’s not like he [Grubb] just sits in his office and dreams this stuff up. It’s a team effort,” carefully ensuring to avoid placing full blame on Grubb.

Grubb is a first-year NFL offensive coordinator that is working through some critical-down (third/fourth down) struggles. An underperforming offensive line and rushing attack isn’t making those decisions easier. Together, Macdonald and Grubb must find ways to improve in crucial situations.

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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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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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Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s Week 9 divisional showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams with several injuries in the secondary. Starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins and versatile defensive back Artie Burns are currently on IR. Mike Macdonald’s defense was unfortunately dealt another blow in the loss to the Rams.

K’Von Wallace has been playing a part-time spot on defense as a result of all the injuries. Wallace played a season-high 27 snaps in Week 6, and had maintained a rotational role in Weeks 7 and 8 entering Sunday, per snap-count data collected by The Football Guys. As the injuries continue mounting, Wallace exited Sunday’s game versus the Rams on an injury cart and did not return.

Wallace was officially diagnosed with an ankle injury.

The injury occurred on a kickoff return during the second half. Wallace immediately removed his shoe after suffering the injury and was seen avoiding placing any weight on his weight leg. That may indicate that Wallace will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Wallace played 10 defensive snaps before exiting the contest. A utility player, the former Clemson standout had logged an additional 16 snaps on special teams. Wallace may be joining Burns and Jenkins, forcing the Seahawks to get even more creative in the defensive backfield.

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