Tag: Olu Oluwatimi

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday Night Football’s showdown versus the Green Bay Packers with a pair of inexperienced offensive lineman in their lineup. Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was making his seventh consecutive start of the season. More notably, rookie right guard Sataoa Luamea was making his third straight start in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

The injury bug created more inexperience issues for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to deal with. Oluwatimi exited the contest with a knee injury and did not return. He was replaced by third-string rookie undrafted blocker Jalen Sundell.

Sundell was undrafted out of North Dakota State this year. The multi-position lineman was arguably the most surprising roster cut-down day decision made by general manager John Schneider, who opted to keep him around. Following Connor Williams’ retirement, Sundell has climbed the depth chart by default.

Sundell played center at the East-West Shrine Bowl during the pre-draft process. North Dakota State has been an offensive line factory in recent years, sending prospects like Dillon Radunz, Cody Mauch, and Cordell Volson to the NFL. The Packers showed no remorse, immediately attacking Sundell in the passing game.

It’s worth acknowledging Sundell played a handful of quality snaps. He helped create a pathway as a lead blocker for Zach Charbonnet’s 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a fighting chance. Oluwatimi’s health will be worth monitoring.

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Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi is DOUBTFUL to return

Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi is DOUBTFUL to return

The Seattle Seahawks’ struggling offensive line took a hit in the first half against the Green Bay Packers. Starting center Olu Oluwatimi exited the game with a knee injury and was declared DOUBTFUL to return.

In his place was third-stringer and rookie Jalen Sundell. Sundell was undrafted out of North Dakota State this year, and made the final roster cuts this preseason. With Connor Williams retiring and Oluwatimi dealing with a knee injury, the center position has suddenly become rather thin for the Seahawks.

As it stands, the Seahawks are trailing the Packers 17-3 towards the end of the second quarter. We at Seahawks Wire will continue to update on the rest of this game, and with regards to Oluwatimi.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the Seattle Seahawks are preparing to face the lowly New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest. The surging Seahawks, winners of two consecutive divisional contests, currently sit atop the NFC West. Fans are feeling particularly thankful this time of year.

The Seahawks have undeniably been powered forward by their superstars, players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Leonard Williams, to name a select handful. Underrated contributors have also made a difference, through impact and effort.

We’ve identified three underrated Seahawks players fans should be thankful for in 2024.

Olu Oluwatimi | C

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was catapulted into the starting lineup two weeks ago following Connor Williams’ shocking midseason retirement. In consecutive starts, the former Michigan standout hasn’t allowed a sack, nor has he been whistled for a single penalty. Seattle’s offensive line is suddenly playing better following some early-season struggles. Oluwatimi has completely transformed this unit at a critical point in the season.

Josh Jobe | CB

Third-year undrafted cornerback Josh Jobe joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. Several injuries at the position offered Jobe an opportunity to play meaningful snaps. He’s since established himself as a near-every down starter next to Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Pro Football Focus has credited the former Alabama Crimson Tide performer with allowing a passer rating of just 61.8.

Zach Charbonnet | RB

Zach Charbonnet is the clear No. 2 behind Kenneth Walker III, but consider this. Charbonnet’s five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) ranks second among all skill players behind just Walker (8). The backup running back has scored more touchdowns than Metcalf and Smith-Njigba this season. He’s been crucial to Seattle’s offensive success.

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Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was a total revelation in his first start of the 2024 season last weekend, a critical win over the San Francisco 49ers. Oluwatimi made his second start of the campaign in Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The former Michigan standout played his second consecutive quality game.

Oluwatimi pitched a shutout in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite only earning a pass-blocking grade of 54.0 versus the Cardinals, he was not credited with allowing a single pressure or sack. Oluwatimi also wasn’t whistled for any penalties. Starting quarterback Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passing attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Seahawks as an offense continued struggling to establish an effective ground game. Kenneth Walker III rushed for just 41 yards via 16 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Zach Charbonnet didn’t fare any better, totaling 22 yards on six rushing attempts (3.7 YPC). Oluwatimi had a run-blocking grade of 58.8, significantly lower than the 86.8 he posted against San Francisco.

All in all, Oluwatimi enjoyed another quality showing in a critical divisional win over the Cardinals. He was outstanding in pass protection, and Seattle’s struggles on the ground are a team-based failure. Oluwatimi continues to maximize his opportunity to earn a full-time starting role on the offensive line going into next season.

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Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi made his first start of the 2024 season on Sunday following Connor Williams’ unexpected decision to retire. Oluwatimi was outstanding in the important Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It turns out he captured an intriguing piece of franchise history through his impressive performance.

The center position has been a black hole for general manager John Schneider ever since he traded Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints following the Super Bowl XLIX defeat to the New England Patriots. Since then, the Seahawks have essentially rotated starting centers in every season over the past decade. In that span, the Seahawks have had just two centers register a Pro Football Focus grade of 80-plus in a single game, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

Justin Britt achieved an 80-plus PFF grade in four contests during the 2016 campaign. Ethan Pocic did it once in 2021. Meanwhile, Oluwatimi registered an 80.8 overall score in Sunday’s timely victory over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi also posted a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses while protecting starting quarterback Geno Smith on his drop backs.

Appropriately addressing the center position has been an elusive task for the Seahawks in recent offseasons. They believed they found a short-term solution in Williams, but his shocking retirement threw a wrench in those plans. Perhaps Seattle has lucked into a long-term option in Oluwatimi, who will attempt to build on his solid debut showing against the Arizona Cardinals in another critical NFC West division game on Sunday.

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

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

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. Starting quarterback Geno Smith executed a game-winning drive by rushing for what was essentially a walk-off touchdown. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | 88.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again Seattle’s most effective wide receiver, recording 10 receptions for 110 yards. Smith’s game-winning, 11-play drive that gained 83 yards featured two third-down conversions to Smith-Njigba in the clutch. DK Metcalf is back from injury, but JSN is currently Smith’s go-to playmaker.

Olu Oluwatimi | C | 80.8

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup after Connor Williams shockingly retired earlier this week. Oluwatimi rose to the occasion, earning an overall grade of 80.8 from PFF as Seattle’s highest-graded offensive lineman. The former Michi 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.

Abe Lucas | RT | 76.8

The theme of returning offensive linemen thriving for the Seahawks continued with right tackle Abe Lucas. Making his season debut, PFF credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. With a stellar 76.8 grade, his return appears to have immediately solved Mike Macdonald’s season-long revolving door at right tackle.

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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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Retired Seahawks C Justin Britt has a message for his former team

Retired Seahawks C Justin Britt has a message for his former team

Thanks to Connor Williams retiring from the Seattle Seahawks, we have talked a lot more about centers than we may have ever done on this website. With Williams’ departure, responsibilities for the starting center role falls upon second year player Olu Oluwatimi, who is Seattle’s top option for the foreseeable future. At least, for the remainder of this season.

But could there be another possibility for the Seahawks? Former Seahawks starting center Justin Britt seems to think so. On his TikTok, Britt commented on the center situation in Seattle, while wearing one of the team’s iconic throwback hats. Britt’s message can be seen below, courtesy of HawkMania and Seattle ON Tap.

Of course, Britt’s comments come off as more tongue-in-cheek than anything, considering he has not played in the league since the 2022 season, and officially retired from professional football in March of 2023. He is also 33 years old.

Britt started his career as a right tackle, then eventually a left guard. He was not great at either position, but became a serviceable starter as a center. He eventually signed with the Houston Texans in 2021, but spent plenty of time on injured reserve.

Considering his age, time away from football and injury history towards the end of his career, I find it unlikely the Seahawks are going to give him a call. However, if he has somehow remained in football shape, perhaps general manager John Schneider might at least consider looking at the phone, if nothing else than for depth at the position.

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How good was Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi in 2023 as a rookie?

How good was Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi in 2023 as a rookie?

The Seattle Seahawks and the 12th Man were shocked by some major news this week. Starting center Connor Williams, who was signed in early August and had played in all nine games this year, announced his retirement on Friday. The reasons have not been made clear as of right now, but it was for personal reasons. Of course, we at Seahawks Wire wish him the best as he begins this new chapter in his life after football.

But time stops for no man in the NFL, and the Seahawks must move forward. And they will do so with second-year center Olu Oluwatimi to anchor the interior of this offensive line. Originally a fifth round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Michigan, Oluwatimi has not seen much of any action this year. Now he is thrust into a starting role. Next man up, I suppose.

With his limited play time this year, we need to take a look back at how he performed as a rookie. During his debut season, Oluwatimi actually played rather well… again, with limited reps.

Oluwatimi started only one game last year, which was a 20-10 home win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Of course, given how pathetic the Seahawks offensive line has played, there are surely those who might be wondering “if Oluwatimi was so good, why wasn’t he starting in the first place? Why else would Seattle sign Connor Williams?” While these questions are fair, it is also understandable why the Seahawks would want to sign Williams – who had been one of the best centers in all of football the last few years. Regardless of how well Oluwatimi may or could be, Williams was (theoretically) an upgrade over just about anyone else in the league.

Additionally, given Oluwatimi’s lack of experience, it made sense for a new coaching staff to perhaps want him to develop more behind an established veteran. As for the charge of “why couldn’t he beat out Williams?” it is important to remember how Williams was playing well, up until the last two games the Seahawks competed in.

Whatever the reason may be for Oluwatimi not starting, we’ll get to see how he fares on Sunday… for better or worse.

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Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting Connor Williams missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice. His designation on the injury report is “personal reasons.” Members of the media are unaware of the reason behind his absence. Williams is entitled to a personal life and doesn’t owe us details.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald should deliver final game-day designations on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 game versus NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Williams has played all 618 offensive snaps for Seattle this season. His status for Sunday is legitimately unknown, but Macdonald should confirm his status during Friday’s scheduled meeting with the media.

The backup center is sophomore fifth-round selection Olu Oluwatimi. The former Michigan standout has played just four offensive snaps as a sixth blocker this season because Williams has been a full participant. Oluwatimi played 128 snaps at center as a rookie in 2023, earning an overall grade of 53.1 from Pro Football Focus.

The other option would be rookie undrafted Jalen Sundell. The coaching staff has occasionally preferred him to Oluwatimi this season according to practice reps, so there’s a possibility he’d earn the start if Williams is unavailable. Sundell totaled 70 snaps at center during the preseason, earning a stellar overall grade of 72.4 from PFF.

Seattle’s offensive line has struggled this campaign and Sunday’s matchup versus the 49ers is important within the NFC West. Williams has been Macdonald’s second-best offensive lineman behind just franchise left tackle Charles Cross this season. Williams’ availability is key to Seattle’s chances on Sunday.

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