Tag: Ryan Grubb

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf was an afterthought in last weekend’s blowout defeat to the Green Bay Packers. The former Ole Miss standout recorded just three receptions on three targets for 28 receiving yards. It was the fewest targets Metcalf has seen as a Seahawk since a 2022 game versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Speaking with the media on Thursday, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb admitted that needs to make a better effort forcing the ball to No. 14.

The issue with Grubb’s assessment is that consistently involving Metcalf in the passing attack has been an issue for all of November and December. The situation finally reached a boiling point versus the Packers. Metcalf deserves to be heavily featured against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

In September, Metcalf recorded three consecutive 100 receiving yard performances in Weeks 2 through 4. That was the last time the former second-round selection surpassed triple digits for the Seahawks in any game this season. In his eight appearances since, he’s averaging under 60 receiving yards per outing.

Meanwhile Jaxon Smith-Njigba has developed into Geno Smith’s go-to target. Metcalf hasn’t out-gained JSN since a mid-October blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons, approximately 60 calendar days ago. In fact, Smith-Njigba has led the Seahawks in receiving in seven consecutive games.

Metcalf has taken a backseat to JSN throughout 2024. Grubb indicates he’s aware that Metcalf deserves to be more involved. Expect Smith and Grubb to force-feed their slumping superstar wideout during Sunday’s big-time showdown with the Vikings on Sunday.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a difficult Week 16 matchup against a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s allowing a fourth-best 18.0 points per contest. Ryan Grubb’s offense is looking to bounce back despite the sizable challenge after scoring 13 points and totaling just 208 yards of offense in a blowout primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers. We’ve compiled three “Bold Predictions” for Sunday’s regular-season home finale versus the Vikings.

Geno Smith plays a turnover-free game

Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw a costly interception into the end-zone versus the Packers. The veteran quarterback has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions, but Seahawks fans should appreciate him more after watching Sam Howell play in relief. Smith should be healthy enough to play on Sunday, and he’ll be placing extra emphasis on protecting the football against an opportunistic Vikings defense.

Zach Charbonnet plays, thrives

Kenneth Walker III was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile Zach Charbonnet was an unexpected addition to Wednesday’s injury report with an oblique issue. Friday afternoon’s practice and media session should deliver more clarity regarding Charbonnet’s game-day status. If Walker III has to carry the workload, expect the ex Michigan State standout to pick up where he left off as he prepares to return from a two-game absence.

Sataoa Laumea bounces back

Rookie right guard Sataoa Laumea really struggled versus the Packers. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing an unfathomable 10 pressures in pass protection and one sack. The sixth-round interior offensive lineman should bounce back. The Vikings aren’t as deep at defensive tackle as the Packers are.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks were dismissed by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, losing 30-13. Ryan Grubb’s offense gained just 208 total yards and were limited to 13 measly points. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 77.3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his ascension as Geno Smith’s go-to target in the passing game. JSN posted team-highs in receptions (10), receiving yards (83), and targets (12). Smith-Njigba did the majority of his work underneath the coverage, averaging just 8.3 yards per catch, though he was on the receiving end of Seattle’s longest completion of the evening, a 25-yard gain in the passing game.

Charles Cross | 76.3

The Packers dominated the interior of the Seahawks’ makeshift offensive line, but Mike Macdonald’s bookend tackles held their own. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was credited with allowing three pressures and one sack, posting an overall grade of 81.1 in pass protection. That was his second-best grade of the season in protection.

Abe Lucas | 73.8

Right tackle Abraham Lucas was Seattle’s third-highest graded offensive player at 73.8. He occasionally struggled in pass protection, allowing five pressures and two sacks, but was also dealing with a lackluster situation at right guard. Lucas was also a net positive in the running game, earning a grade of 79.7 in that department.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. Mike Macdonald’s squad is coming off a terrific 30-point showing in a comfortable victory over their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the offense versus the Packers.

Zach Charbonnet shines again

Starting running back Kenneth Walker III missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday with an ongoing calf injury. In relief of Walker last Sunday against the Cardinals, Zach Charbonnet rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns via 22 carries. Charbonnet could impress for a second consecutive week in a lead-back role.

DK Metcalf leads the passing offense

DK Metcalf has taken a backseat to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent weeks. JSN has been serving as Geno Smith’s go-to receiver in a breakout sophomore season. Metcalf has remained a steady performer, recording 49-plus receiving yards in five consecutive appearances. DK hasn’t scored a touchdown in four straight games, however. He’s due for a big-time showing.

Sataoa Luamea plays a quality game

Sixth-round rookie Sataoa Luamea will start his third straight game at right guard in place of the injured Anthony Bradford. The former Utah standout was steady in pass protection versus the Cardinals, allowing zero sacks and just one quarterback pressure. Luamea is attempting to continue his level of play against a Packers defensive line posting a 26th-ranked 35% pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Stats & Info.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Jets in Week 13

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Jets in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks will face the New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest. Starting quarterback Geno Smith will return to MetLife Stadium for the first time since his messy breakup with the franchise that drafted him. We’ve conjured up three bold predictions for Seattle’s offense on Sunday.

Geno Smith throws 3 TD passes

Smith downplayed any revenge-game discussions earlier this week, but the ex-Jet is undeniably motivated to show-up the franchise that gave up on his development. Smith has enjoyed just one three-TD performance this season. It was accompanied by three interceptions in an overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Look for the former West Virginia standout to play a cleaner game while throwing three scores.

Zach Charbonnet catches a TD

Look for No. 2 running back Zach Charbonnet to be on the receiving end of a Smith touchdown pass. The backup to Kenneth Walker III has scored five touchdowns this season, second-best among all Seahawks skill players. Charbonnet has been extremely useful to Ryan Grubb’s offense this campaign.

DK Metcalf surpasses 100 receiving yards

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been Seattle’s most productive receiver in recent weeks. That makes typical go-to wideout DK Metcalf a candidate for a late-season breakout performance. Metcalf hasn’t topped 100 receiving yards in a single contest since a late-September loss to the Detroit Lions. Look for that drought to end versus a disappointing Jets defense.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has flashed second-year growth this season. The former Ohio State standout currently ranks first on the team in receptions (50) by a sizable margin, with DK Metcalf, who missed two games due to injury, trailing him by 15 catches (35). Smith-Njigba also ranks in targets (75) and receiving yards (568, tied with Metcalf).

One of Smith-Njigba’s best pre-draft assets was his versatility. A technically advanced prospect, Smith-Njigba was described as being capable of playing all three wide receiver positions (X, Z, slot). It turns out he’s been especially dominant at one of those positions for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this season.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 43 receptions from the slot position, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads all receivers in catches from the slot. Smith-Njigba also leads all wideouts from the slot in receiving yards (514), first downs (25), and catches of 15-plus (13).

Grubb would be wise to continue moving Smith-Njigba around the offensive formation in search of advantageous matchups. PFF’s charting data indicates JSN has played 434 snaps from the slot and just 96 out wide as a boundary receiver. That indicates Grubb understands how to properly utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set.

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 WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted career-highs in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted career-highs in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was outstanding in Sunday’s 26-20 Week 9 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Smith-Njigba recorded seven receptions on 13 targets for 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. It represented the most single-game receiving yards of JSN’s career. The seven catches were his third-most in a single appearance, and it was his first career multi-score game.

Smith-Njigba average depth of target (aDoT) of 20.3 yards was easily the highest of his career, according to Establish The Run’s Adam Levitan. It’s especially notable because JSN’s aDoT last season was just 6.4 yards under previous offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Sunday’s performance showcased some much-needed growth as Geno Smith peppered JSN with deep targets.

Smith-Njigba entered Sunday with an average depth of target of 8.2, significantly higher than last season’s 6.4. That number (8.2) will further increase once Sunday’s data is implemented to his season-long totals. There have been some disappointing metrics as well. Smith-Njigba also went into the game versus the Rams averaging fewer yards per route run (1.22), yards per target (6.3), yards per reception (9.0), and yards after catch per reception (4.5) than last season.

Sunday’s performance was JSN’s second 100-yard showing of the campaign after failing to reach triple-digit receiving yards in any game as a rookie. It also highlighted that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is still learning how to best-utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set. Sunday’s showing was a positive step in the appropriate direction.

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Analytics are disappointing for Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Analytics are disappointing for Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks made a good decision when hiring Ryan Grubb as the new offensive coordinator in place of Shane Waldron this season. Waldron consistently failed to maximize Seattle’s offensive outputs last year. And while Grubb is still working through some kinks, like the team’s run-game struggles, there’s little doubt that he’s been an upgrade in the play-calling department.

One area Seahawks fans were excited to see Grubb improve was the usage of sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Waldron didn’t get the most out of Smith-Njigba last campaign. And while the second-year wideout has improved his weekly efforts this season, the analytics actually indicate his advanced numbers are down across the board.

Smith-Njigba is averaging fewer yards per route run (1.22), yards per target (6.3), yards per reception (9.0), and yards after catch per reception (4.5) than last season, according to the data collected above by Ian Hartitz. It’s not all bad news, however. Smith-Njigba’s average depth of target has increased from 6.4 during the 2023 campaign to 8.2 this year.

Smith-Njigba currently leads the Seahawks in targets with 62. The former Ohio State standout also leads the offense in receptions (43), but is third in receiving yards (388) with just one touchdown. His 9.0 yards per reception trails DK Metcalf (16.2) and Tyler Lockett (12.7) by a fairly large margin.

Grubb needs to start helping Smith-Njigba produce better metrics in these departments. Smith-Njigba must also take accountability for the outputs he’s in control of, such as yards after catch per reception. The analytics indicate the Seahawks haven’t fully unlocked their second-year wideout yet.

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Seahawks must establish RB Kenneth Walker III vs. Rams in Week 9

Seahawks must establish RB Kenneth Walker III vs. Rams in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks failed to run the football effectively versus the Buffalo Bills in their Week 8 blowout defeat. Starting running back Kenneth Walker II was completely ineffective, rushing for 12 yards via nine carries. Change-of-pace back Zach Charbonnet rushed for four yards and a touchdown on three carries. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was actually Seattle’s leading rusher, a sign of their ground-game failure, gaining 16 yards via five scrambles.

Establishing Walker versus the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West showdown is a must. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has faced difficult questions about abandoning the run this week. Grubb will surely attempt to get Walker going against the Rams.

Grubb dialed up seven passing attempts on Seattle’s opening nine offensive plays from scrimmage. The Seahawks immediately went into a pass-happy shell while the game was still close against Buffalo. That can’t be repeated versus the Rams.

Sean McVay’s Rams have struggled to defend the run this season. They’re currently allowing a 23rd-ranked 139.1 rushing yards per contest. Seattle’s offense is essentially the opposite of that, rushing for a lackluster fourth-worst 89.3 ground yards per outing. Analytics indicate the Rams actually have an 11th-best run-stop-win-rate (RSWR) of 32%, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Meanwhile, Seattle’s run-block-win-rate (RBWR) is just 69%, 25th-best in the league, indicating the struggling offensive line is to blame for the run-game struggles.

Walker rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. It’s been difficult to repeat those efforts, with a disappointing string that included showings of 19, 32, and 12 rushing yards. Establishing Walker against the Rams is a necessity given the recent ground-game struggles.

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