Tag: seahawks 49ers

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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How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his 2024 regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas had been practicing in recent weeks, but had spent the first 10 weeks on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It was an encouraging debut for the former Washington State standout in a must-win game within the NFC West.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to ease Lucas back into the lineup. He rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps.

Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He played a high-quality game, earning a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, Lucas was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

“The last five or six plays [of Geno Smith’s game-winning drive], I was breathing very heavily,” Lucas admitted to reporters during his post-game media conference. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve played. When Geno took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus.”

Coach Macdonald and his staff wisely managed Lucas’ workload. He was terrific, helping transform Seattle’s struggling offensive line to a productive unit against the 49ers. The Seahawks were efficient on third down, converting six-of-13 attempts. Seattle’s offense out-gained San Francisco’s 289-277.

Lucas will attempt to continue showing signs of growth against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.

Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.

Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.

Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.

All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

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Seahawks DT Jarran Reed has been outstanding over previous 3 weeks

Seahawks DT Jarran Reed has been outstanding over previous 3 weeks

The Seattle Seahawks have dealt with injuries across the defensive line in recent weeks. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will miss his third consecutive contest against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. The defense was also without Leonard Williams in their Week 4 primetime defeat to the Detroit Lions.

Luckily for Mike Macdonald and the defense, veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed has answered the call in recent weeks. Reed ranks sixth among interior linemen in sacks (2.0) and pressures (12), and fifth in pressure rate (16.4%) over the previous three contests, according to a tweet from Pro Football Focus’ Seahawks account. Macdonald is getting production from his big-bodied disruptive force.

 

Pro Football Focus has assigned Reed a pass-rushing grade of 71.2 and overall stellar defensive score of 73.5 through five contests. Reed is Seattle’s sixth-highest graded defensive player. The former Alabama standout had a season-high five pressures in the Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants.

Reed has earned pass-rushing grades and overall defensive scores of 70-plus in three consecutive showings. On the season, he’s totaled 13 pressures and nine stops. He’s also added 16 tackles and two sacks to his total statistics.

Coach Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde will need another big-time showing from Reed against the 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

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Seahawks vs. Cowboys: Game day info for Thursday night matchup

Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, stream or listen to this week’s game.

The Seahawks are officially on the ropes. As they approach the second game on their brutal four-week swing, Seattle has lost three of four and now will be visiting one of the league’s best teams in the Cowboys.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, stream or listen to this week’s game.

What: Seattle Seahawks (6-5) vs. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

When: Thursday, Nov. 30 – 8:15 p.m. Eastern time, 5:15 p.m. Pacific

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Watch: The game will be streamed live on Amazon Prime.

Broadcasters: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit

Stream: Fubo TV (try it for free)

Listen: KIRO 97.3 FM, Seattle Sports 710AM

Why: While they may be a little punch-drunk, these Seahawks aren’t down and out yet. Beating the Eagles or 49ers seems like a long-shot, but they can and must upset Dallas – otherwise they’ll probably come out of this stretch two games under .500 and with zero confidence leftover.

Odds: According to BetMGM, the Seahawks are 8.5-point underdogs.

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75 photos from Seahawks vs. 49ers Thanksgiving matchup

Here are 75 photos from tonight’s game.

The Seahawks showed some fight in the third quarter, but otherwise they got obliterated by their biggest rivals tonight. The visiting 49ers pounded Seattle for the vast majority of the game and came away with a 31-13 win.

Here are 75 photos from tonight’s game.

Devon Witherspoon pulls off a no-look PBU to save a touchdown

For Witherspoon to be this good this soon indicates his ceiling is somewhere beyond our knowing.

This is one of the more remarkable pass deflections that you’ll ever see.

Watch Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witehrspoon show off some sensational instincts on this play, crossing the field to get the back of his hand on a ball intended for Brandon Aiyuk that saved a touchdown.

Not many DBs are making that play at any level of experience. It’s worth repeating. For Witherspoon to be this good this soon indicates his ceiling is somewhere beyond our knowing.

While this particular game is probably cooked, the future remains bright for this franchise, in no small part thanks to Spoon.

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53-man roster tracker: Coby Bryant activated from IR

8 things to know about the Seahawks and the 49ers

Ranking the 8 remaining games on the Seahawks schedule from easiest to hardest

Let’s see if we can predict how the rest of the regular season will play out.

The Seattle Seahawks are now past the halfway point on their 2023 schedule. While there have been some bumps along the way, Seattle is roughly where we expected them to be at this point in the season. At 6-3 they are a tough but flawed team, on the bubble of true Super Bowl contenders but not quite there just yet.

Things are about to get a whole lot harder, though. After this week’s rematch on the road with the Los Angeles Ram the Seahawks will embark on the most-brutal part of their schedule – arguably the roughest four-game run any team in the NFL will face this year.

Let’s see if we can predict how the rest of the regular season will play out. Here’s how we rank the eight games remaining on the Seahawks’ schedule and our predictions for each of them.

Predicting the Seattle Seahawks’ prime-time games in 2023

That’s why we are projecting four prime-time games for Seattle this coming season.

The 2023 NFL regular season schedule will be rolled out tomorrow night with all the usual fanfare. The Seahawks used to be virtually guaranteed the maximum five prime-time games per season, but last year they only appeared in two.

First, they opened the regular season with a thrilling one-point win at home against the Broncos on Monday Night Football, then in December they hosted a Thursday night game, ending in another humiliating loss to the 49ers. Seattle also faced Tampa in Munich, which had an international audience but wasn’t technically prime-time.

However, when the 2022 schedule was made most folks thought this team was going to be a bust as the post-Russell Wilson era began. Now we know better and fans should expect more time in the national spotlight. That’s why we are projecting four prime-time games for Seattle this coming season. Here’s who we think they’ll be facing for each matchup.