Tag: Ryan Grubb

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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Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks continue to struggle to establish an efficient rushing attack. Those ongoing difficulties took center stage against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, a lopsided 31-10 defeat. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb must make an effort to rely on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet earlier in games.

Walker was completely ineffective, rushing for 12 yards via nine carries. Charbonnet rushed for four yards and a touchdown on three carries. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was Seattle’s leading rusher, galloping for 16 yards via five scrambles.

The Seahawks rushed for 32 net offensive yards. Mike Macdonald’s squad was woefully out-gained on the ground by the Bills 164-32. Time of possession heavily favored Buffalo, 38:03 to 21:57.

Grubb continues to feature a pass-heavy attack. As pointed out by The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell, the Seahawks called seven passes on their first nine offensive plays from scrimmage. The Seahawks gained 16 rushing yards via 12 carries by Walker and Charbonnet. Buffalo only led 7-3 with 20 seconds remaining in the first half, giving Seattle no tangible reason to go into a pass-happy shell.

The Seahawks are now the league’s 29th-ranked rushing attack, producing 89.3 ground yards per outing. Grubb must work on his willingness to establish the run early. Seattle will continue being an inconsistent offense until they run the football more effectively and efficiently.

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Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2024 season with quality depth at the right tackle position. Fast forward six games into the campaign and that depth has been completely decimated. There’s an excellent chance the Seahawks will be starting their fourth-string right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list without a clear-cut return date in mind. Replacement starter George Fant is on IR. Stone Forsythe has started every contest at right tackle since Fant went on IR, but Forsythe is now dealing with a hand injury that places his Sunday status in doubt.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb may be deciding between veteran 21-year-pro Jason Peters and rookie blocker Michael Jerrell on Sunday. The Seahawks have been preparing the 42-year-old Peters to make his season debut since signing him to the practice squad in early October. Jerrell is a sixth-round rookie that hasn’t played an offensive snap this season.

If Peters is physically ready to play, surely the Seahawks will promote him from the practice squad. Jerrell is a small-school rookie hailing from Findlay, a Division II program. He’s still acclimating to this level of football. Whichever decision the Seahawks make will be an unforeseen one.

Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks committed three turnovers in Thursday’s Week 6 defeat to their NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw two interceptions. Kick returner Laviska Shenault also lost a fumble on special teams. By comparison, the 49ers played a clean, turnover-free game. It made a sizable difference in a two-score ball game.

The Seahawks have committed 10 turnovers, third-most of any team in the league through Week 6. Meanwhile, head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have seen their unit force just four takeaways, tied for fifth-worst in the NFL. The minus-6 (-6) differential is tied for third-worst in the league.

Safety Julian Love discussed the turnover issues that have plagued the Seahawks all season long.

“It starts with me on the defense and we have to create more turnovers,” Love said. “We have to get the ball [back to our offense]. Going minus three against a team like this [49ers], you put yourself in a giant hole.”

 

The Seahawks play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Falcons have committed just seven turnovers in six games this campaign. Macdonald and Durde will hope to create turnovers against a fairly disciplined offense.

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Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks are in the first losing streak of the Mike Macdonald era. They will look to get off the schneid on Thursday night against the 2-3 San Francisco 49ers – a team they have lost to for five-straight games.

Despite the recent success San Francisco has had against Seattle, judging by fans online it does not seem as if anyone is too confident in their team… on either side. Currently, the Seahawks remain in first place in the NFC West, but they mainly have the Arizona Cardinals to thank for this. Arizona upset the heavily injured 49ers 24-23 on Sunday, keeping Seattle on top of the division despite their own brutal loss.

San Francisco has become a walking wounded squad. Star defensive lineman Javon Hargrave has been lost for the year, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Christian McCaffrey is still on injured reserve. The Niners have struggled in the red zone this season without McCaffrey, but they are still able to run the ball well behind the legs of Jordan Mason.

Unfortunately, Seattle’s weaknesses along their own defensive front in regards to stopping the run. The Giants gashed them for 175 yards as a team on Sunday, and rookie Byron Murphy II will be missing his third-straight game.

However, the Niners have equal vulnerability on the ground. They key for Seattle is if they will be able to get their own rushing attack going. On Sunday, the Seahawks ran 58 plays and only seven were called runs. This is unacceptable with a healthy Kenneth Walker III in the mix, especially when the game against the Giants was either tied or within a score for three full quarters.

Being able to establish the run will be crucial for a Seahawks offensive line struggling mightily to protect Geno Smith. Having the men up front move forward more than backwards, taking pressure off themselves and their quarterback. The Niners may not have Hargrave, but Nick Bosa is more than terrifying enough.

Seattle’s defense may not be as injured as they were against the Lions, but they will be without cornerback Riq Woolen. They will have Boye Mafe back to help bring pressure to Brock Purdy, but San Francisco has too many weapons for a shorthanded secondary.

The 49ers are desperate. They are a veteran team with a well-established system and culture. Seattle could make this more competitive than they have in the last five meetings, but San Francisco is still a touch matchup.

Prediction: 49ers over Seahawks 28-21

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have spent the entire week leading up Thursday night’s NFC West showdown game versus the San Francisco 49ers talking about getting running back Kenneth Walker more involved on offense. Walker saw a season-low five carries in last weekend’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants.

Walker rushed for 19 yards and received just a handful of opportunities despite the Seahawks being tied 10-10 at halftime. Macdonald’s squad never trailed by more than one possession until the final minute of the fourth quarter. Despite that, Walker was largely neglected.

With Walker supposedly being heavily involved in the game-plan for Thursday’s divisional game versus the rival 49ers, we’ve cooked up three bold predictions for his statline.

Walker sees a season-high amount of carries

Walker saw a season-high 20 carries in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. He was then sidelined by injury, and returned to a 12-carry workload against the Detroit Lions in primetime before the inexcusable five-carry showing versus the Giants. With Walker being a focal point of Grubb’s attack, he should easily surpass his previous personal-high 20 carries on Thursday night.

Walker rushes for 100-plus yards

Walker rushed for 103 yards against the Broncos, and nearly reached triple digits again versus the Lions (80). The former Michigan State standout rushed for 100-plus yards just once last season, but his current form indicates more success is on the horizon. It’ll be tough sledding versus a ninth-ranked 49ers defense allowing 110.8 rushing yards per game, but Walker’s potential volume indicates he could cross the 100 yard rushing mark.

Walker scores a rushing touchdown

Walker scored a rushing touchdown against the Broncos, adding three more scores versus the Lions. He didn’t score against the Giants, but that could be chalked up to receiving five carries. Walker’s sizable workload against San Francisco should help the versatile ball-carrier visit the end zone.

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