Tag: Sataoa Laumea

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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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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Breaking down Sataoa Laumea’s 2nd start for Seahawks

Breaking down Sataoa Laumea’s 2nd start for Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive guard Sataoa Laumea made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. With regular starter Anthony Bradford on injured reserve (IR), Laumea continues to be the coaching staff’s choice at right guard ahead of fellow rookie Chrisitan Haynes. The rookie blocker was stellar, not spectacular, showcasing growth compared to his debut performance versus the New York Jets last weekend.

Pro Football Focus credited Laumea with allowing just one pressure in pass protection. He also wasn’t whistled for any penalties (he was penalized for two infractions last week) en route to earning a pass-blocking grade of 60.7. Laumea helped create a secure pocket for starting quarterback Geno Smith, who wasn’t sacked all afternoon and completed an efficient 24-of-30 passing attempts for 233 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers.

If Laumea struggled in any area, it was occasionally as a run blocker. His PFF run-blocking grade was a lackluster 53.3. On tape, he missed a few opportunities inside. Luckily, the Seahawks still managed to rush for 176 yards and two touchdowns through Zach Charbonnet’s 134-yard, two-score effort.

Laumea continues to showcase weekly growth. Sunday’s performance was overall very encouraging with room for improvement. Laumea remains Seattle’s best option at right guard, and barring injury, he’ll make his third straight start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

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Seahawks rookie OG Sataoa Laumea preparing for 2nd straight start

Seahawks rookie OG Sataoa Laumea preparing for 2nd straight start

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to start sixth-round rookie Sataoa Laumea at right guard against the New York Jets in Week 13. Regular starter Anthony Bradford was recently placed on IR with an ankle injury, creating an opening. In a surprising decision, it was Laumea, not third-round rookie Christian Haynes, that was elevated into the starting lineup. After playing well in the victory over the Jets, the first-year contributor is preparing to start his second straight game versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.

Laumea, a four-year starter for the Utah Utes, enjoyed a stellar NFL debut. Pro Football Focus credited Laumea with allowing two quarterback pressures and zero sacks. His nerves were also on display as he was whistled for two penalties. PFF assigned him a fairly harsh overall grade of 29.3. The eye test indicated he played fine, all things considered.

Starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on three occasions by the Jets. The Cardinals have been much better at rushing the passer than their talent on paper indicates. Jonathan Gannon’s aggressive squad has posted a ninth-best 34 sacks in 12 games despite a third-worst 30% pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Stats & Info. Interior rusher Dante Stills leads the Cardinals in sacks (4.5). Stills could match up against Laumea on Sunday.

The Seahawks will likely evaluate the right guard position on a week-by-week basis. Laumea remains in the starting role for now. Haynes will continue attempting to dethrone him behind the scenes.

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Sataoa Laumea to start at guard for the Seahawks in Week 13

Sataoa Laumea to start at guard for the Seahawks in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks have made a bit of a surprising roster move. On Friday, head coach Mike Macdonald announced the team was going to have fourth round rookie Sataoa Laumea start at right guard in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

Bradford was placed on injured reserve after exiting Seattle’s Week 12 game against the Arizona Cardinals with an ankle injury. This of course left an opening for a battle between the pair of rookies, Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea. A competition was held between the two and clearly Laumea had won.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Laumea was a four-year starter for the Utah Utes, and comes from a large family of 10 children.

Laumea’s victory in the starting guard competition comes as a bit of an upset. Christian Haynes had been the primary backup behind Bradford, even rotating at times during games. As for Laumea, not only will this be the first start of his career, it will literally be the first time he takes the field in a regular season NFL game. For every week this year, Laumea had been made inactive. Now, he starts.

While this is a good sign that the Seahawks possibly found a steal in the later rounds, it does bring up some concern about Haynes, who was arguably the top guard prospect in the draft. Haynes could not beat out Bradford for a starting role (who has been mostly awful this year) and now he can’t beat out his fellow rookie? Haynes’ development will surely be something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Seahawks place G Anthony Bradford on Injured Reserve

Seahawks place G Anthony Bradford on Injured Reserve

The Seattle Seahawks have made a litany of roster moves on Wednesday morning. The biggest of course concerning the health of starting right guard Anthony Bradford. During the 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, Seattle’s already struggling offensive line took another hit health wise. Bradford exited the game early with an ankle injury. During the postgame press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald alluded to Bradford’s injury being serious enough to cost him some time.

Unfortunately, Macdonald’s words proved true. On Wednesday, the Seahawks placed Bradford on injured reserve. He will now miss the next four games at minimum. Bradford has struggled mightily this year, especially in the first half of the season. But he has been a starter. The presumed replacement is rookie Christian Haynes, who was arguably the top guard prospect in the 2024 NFL draft. However, Macdonald has alluded that fellow rookie Sataoa Laumea (a four-year starter at Utah) could be in the mix for the starting role.

Filling the open roster spot is linebacker Patrick O’Connell, who was signed from the practice squad. O’Connell has played in the last two games, as well as the Week 3 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Additional roster moves include top pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu and right tackle Stone Forsythe being designated to return from practice. Nwosu missed the first four games of the season with an MCL injury, and shortly left in his return to action in Week 5 to return to the injured reserve list with a thigh injury. Nwosu is not expected to be ready for Week 13 against the New York Jets.

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Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was helped to the sidelines before being carted into the locker room, making him unlikely to play versus the New York Jets in Week 13. The expectation would be that rookie second-string guard Christian Haynes would start in his place. Not so fast, says head coach Mike Macdonald.

The Seahawks plan to evaluate fellow rookie blocker Sataoa Laumea, Macdonald said on Tuesday. Laumea will compete with Haynes for the vacant right guard position. It indicates the Seahawks aren’t overly pleased with Haynes.

Haynes had previously received opportunities to compete with Bradford for the starting gig, but the rookie guard eventually lost ground to the second-year pro. Pro Football Focus credits Haynes with allowing six pressures and one sack in 113 pass-blocking snaps. His season-long overall grade currently sits at a lackluster 50.4.

Laumea has not played a single snap for the Seahawks this season. He featured regularly in the preseason, playing admirably. The sixth-round selection out of Utah allowed just one pressure and zero sacks.

Laumea was drafted three rounds (No. 180) after Haynes (No. 81). Bradford hasn’t played particularly well this season, so Haynes’ initial failure to dethrone him at right guard spoke volumes. With Laumea earning consideration to enter the lineup, the Seahawks are making their third-round blocker earn every rep.

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Competition comes naturally for Seahawks OL Satao Laumea

For Laumea, competition practically raised him

Perhaps the defining mantra of Pete Carroll is “always compete.” It defined his Seattle Seahawks to the point it practically became ingrained in the organization’s genetic code. While Carroll may no longer be calling the shots in Seattle, it is unfathomable to think his emphasis on competition is going away any time soon.

This is a good sign for rookie offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea, who has a unique understanding of what it means to compete. For Laumea, competition practically raised him… literally.

If competition is the nature of the Seahawks organization, then Laumea was nurtured in an environment that bred it. Don’t believe me? You can read for yourself in the tweet below.

Laumea was a four-year starter at Utah, which has arguably been one of the most overlooked programs in college football for a while now. The Utes are always defined by their physicality and toughness. I have no doubt Laumea will bring this to Seattle.

To start out, Laumea saw most of his snaps at left guard during rookie minicamp.

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Seahawks pick Utah OT Sataoa Laumea at No. 179 overall

With the No. 179 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Seahawks have selected Utah offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea.

With the No. 179 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, the Seahawks have selected Utah offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea.

The team announced the pick themselves this time around.

Laumea (6-foot-4, 311 pounds) mostly played right tackle during his time at Utah, but he also offers some experience at right guard. He may project as a guard at first and potentially take over for Abe Lucas at right tackle if he’s shut down due to his knee issue.

PFF gave Laumea a solid 68.7 run blocking grade last season, but only a 54.0 in pass blocking. For now Laumea projects as a backup behind Lucas and whoever wins the right guard competition, likely Christian Haynes.

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