Tag: Seahawks defense

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

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

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense struggled in a Week 15 blowout defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Mike Macdonald’s unit allowed the opposing quarterback to throw for 227 yards and two touchdowns while completing 20-of-27 passes. Seattle also racked up 108 yards in penalties. Desperately needing a bounce-back versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, we’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense on Sunday.

Coby Bryant keeps the good times rolling

Coby Bryant has played his way into a full-time role in Aden Durde’s secondary. The former Cincinnati Bearcat has three interceptions, five pass breakups, and a defensive touchdown this season. Bryant will attempt to lure Sam Darnold, who is occasionally mistake-prone, into a turnover or two.

Seahawks keep Justin Jefferson out of the end zone

Seattle’s secondary struggled against Jordan Love and his cast of weapons. On Sunday, they’ll be facing the best wide receiver on the planet in Justin Jefferson. After enduring a six-game scoreless streak, Jefferson has reached the end-zone three times in consecutive Vikings victories. Cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon will have their hands full.

Leonard Williams dominates

Leonard Williams has been dominant for Macdonald’s defense this season, recording seven sacks in 13 regular-season appearances. Williams has totaled a team-high 42 pressures. The Vikings are dealing with some injuries across their offensive line. Look for the veteran defensive lineman to take advantage.

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Seahawks re-sign veteran DB Artie Burns to practice squad

Seahawks re-sign veteran DB Artie Burns to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran defensive back Artie Burns from his contract earlier this week. Burns, who just recovered from a multi-week injury, was activated to the 53-man roster for the Sunday Night Football loss against the Green Bay Packers. However, he was ruled inactive prior to kickoff, and released on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has now re-added Burns to their practice squad.

Burns has been an on-again, off-again member of the Seahawks since 2022. He’s been through countless transactions, involving both the practice squad and injured reserve IR). This season, Burns was placed on IR following Seattle’s Week 6 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. He remained on that list until last Wednesday.

Overall this campaign, Burns has recorded one tackle and two passes defended. He’s totaled just 14 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference. He’s also contributed seven special teams snaps for coordinator Jay Harbaugh. Burns played all 14 of his defensive snaps against the 49ers in Week 6, getting injured during that opportunity.

The Seahawks are fairly healthy in the secondary right now. Top three cornerbacks Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe are all available in Mike Macdonald’s defensive backfield. Burns will hope another call-up from the practice squad arrives later this season.

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

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

The Seattle Seahawks did not play a good-quality defensive game in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Matt LaFleur’s offense encountered little resistance en route to scoring 30 points and posting nearly 400 total yards of offense. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Boye Mafe | 80.0

Boye Mafe did not make the graphic because he didn’t play the minimum required 25 snaps, but it feels silly to discredit 22 snaps. That’s a decent workload, and Mafe maximized those opportunities, earning a stellar overall grade of 80.0. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher tied for the team-lead in QB pressures with three.

Dre’Mont Jones | 79.4

Dre’Mont Jones has steadily improved his form as the season’s progressed forward and that remained the case on Sunday Night Football. The veteran pass rusher recorded three stops and was effective both as a run stopper and pass rusher. Jones has been an impactful defender for Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Leonard Williams | 69.3

Leonard Williams was a bit quieter than usual given his insane run of form, but he still accumulated a defensive-line-high five tackles. Williams pressured Packers quarterback Jordan Love twice. He also posted a defense-high five stops, matching what off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV achieved in this game.

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Seahawks defense comes unglued vs. Packers in Week 15

Seahawks defense comes unglued vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s primetime contest versus the Green Bay Packers on the back of several strong defensive performances. Mike Macdonald’s swarming unit was largely responsible for Seattle’s four-game win streak. Unfortunately, it was borderline unrecognizable in the 30-13 defeat to the Packers.

Throughout Seattle’s four-game triumph, Macdonald’s defense was allowing 15.5 points per contest. It’s worth acknowledging those showings occurred against three teams, the Arizona Cardinals (twice), San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets, currently slated to miss the postseason. In a real test versus a playoff-bound Packers offense, Macdonald’s defense shriveled up and failed to meet expectations.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 20-of-27 passing attempts for 227 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He encountered little resistance from a Seahawks secondary that was also whistled for multiple pass interference infractions. All in all, Seattle racked up 108 yards in penalties.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs also rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown via 26 carries. Macdonald’s defense did recover a Jacobs lost fumble, but Green Bay still out-gained Seattle 140-80 on the ground.

Seattle’s defense had been powering the Seahawks towards a potential NFC West division title. They forfeited control of the division for now, with the 8-6 Rams leaping into first place. Simply put, Macdonald’s defense got gut-punched by a quality Packers offense and failed to respond.

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

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense 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 defense was dominant in last weekend’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals, limiting them to 18 points and intercepting Kyler Murray twice. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense versus the Packers.

Uchenna Nwosu records a sack

Veteran EDGE Uchenna Nwosu returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines last week. The sack-artist played just 30 snaps as Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde opted to ease him back into the lineup. He totaled one pressure via 17 pass-rushing snaps. Nwosu could sack Packers quarterback Jordan Love while handling a slightly larger workload.

Tyrice Knight keeps the hype going

Rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight has been a revelation since helping replace Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker in the starting lineup. Knight was everywhere in last weekend’s win over the Cardinals, leading the team with 12 total tackles en route to earning NFC Defensive Rookie of the Week honors. Look for the former UTEP standout to build on that performance against the Packers.

Ernest Jones IV forces a fumble

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV has been outstanding since arriving in Seattle via midseason trade, routinely leading the defense in tackles. Jones recorded his first turnover as a Seahawk by intercepting Murray last week. The do-it-all defender could generate a turnover for a second consecutive week by forcing a fumble versus the Packers.

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How did Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu fare in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu fare in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu returned to the lineup in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Having suffered an injury during the preseason that sidelined him for the opening four contests, it represented Nwosu’s second appearance of the season after he played just 20 snaps and re-injured himself against the New York Giants in Week 5. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely eased him back into the rotation on Sunday.

Nwosu played 30 snaps against the Cardinals. That accounted for just 21 percent of Seattle’s available defensive plays, according to data collected by The Football Guys. It’s clear Seattle wanted to manage Nwosu’s health and stamina given his lengthy layoff.

Pro Football Focus credited Nwosu with totaling one quarterback pressure via 17 pass-rushing opportunities. He was only afforded four opportunities as a run defender. Macdonald opted to rest Nwosu on obvious run downs, calling him into action in obvious pass rushing situations.

Unsurprisingly, Nwosu played behind Derick Hall, Boye Mafe, and Dre’Mont Jones at outside linebacker. All three rushers played significantly more snaps than Nwosu did. The former USC Trojan may have a difficult time breaking back into the rotation on a more full-time basis.

Most importantly, Nwosu escaped his first contest back unscathed and healthy. The Seahawks have a challenging contest against the 9-4 Green Bay Packers in Week 15. Nwosu will attempt to continue shaking off the rust while trying to make more of an impact on Macdonald’s defense.

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Coby Bryant continues to be key member of Seahawks defense

Coby Bryant continues to be key member of Seahawks defense

Seattle Seahawks third-year safety Coby Bryant entered the 2024 season as a back-half-of-roster rotational defender. In a Week 1 victory, Bryant played one snap. Fast forward to Week 14 and he’s established himself as a keynote member of Mike Macdonald’s defense.

An injury to veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins eventually catapulted Bryant to a starting role. He’s taken full advantage of that opportunity. Bryant has now played 100 percent of Seattle’s defensive snaps in six consecutive contests. Jenkins has been available for Seattle’s last three contests, but the younger safety has nonetheless remained an every-down defender for defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Bryant has recorded 48 tackles this year, third-most among Seattle’s secondary defenders. Pro Football Focus has credited him with allowing just one touchdown catch in coverage all season long. He’s recorded three-times as many pass breakups (3).

More notably, Bryant has been a turnover generator in recent weeks. In a Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle’s second victory in an ongoing four-game win streak, Bryant intercepted Kyler Murray and returned it for a 69 yard pick-six touchdown. In this past Sunday’s rematch with Arizona, he logged another interception. Arizona will be glad to not see him again this season.

Bryant has now recorded a team-high three interceptions. He’s under contract through 2025 on the final scheduled season of his team-friendly rookie contract. Bryant’s form has been a revelation for Seattle’s in-form defense in recent weeks.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks captured their fourth consecutive victory on Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 30-18 in Week 14. Mike Macdonald’s defense limited the Cardinals to 356 total yards and forced two turnovers, completing the regular-season sweep over their NFC West rivals. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jarran Reed | 84.1

Veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed was his usual disruptive self. The former Alabama standout recorded three pressures and logged a QB hit on Kyler Murray. Reed also broke up a pass and routinely dominated the line of scrimmage versus an outmatched Cardinals interior offensive line.

Rayshawn Jenkins | 76.3

Rayshawn Jenkins was Seattle’ second-highest graded overall defender at 76.3. The versatile safety recorded three tackles and one of Macdonald’s two team sacks on a well-timed blitz. Jenkins accumulated two additional tackles and two stops. He was never targeted in coverage by Murray.

Coby Bryant | 73.4

Rotational safety Coby Bryant continues to take advantage of his opportunities. With Jenkins still easing into the lineup, Bryant has captured a full-time starting role for himself. The ex Cincinnati Bearcat played 100 percent of Macdonald’s defensive snaps for a sixth straight game. He recorded his team-high third interception of the season, his second takeaway in three games.

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Seahawks’ trade for Ernest Jones IV was best in-season acquisition of 2024

Seahawks’ trade for Ernest Jones IV was best in-season acquisition of 2024

A ton of big-name players were dealt at the NFL trade deadline this season. That list included superstar wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper. None of them have matched Ernest Jones IV’ impact for the Seattle Seahawks.

Jones has been downright outstanding since his arrival. In his first appearance, he totaled a team-high 15 tackles in a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. Shortly thereafter, the Seahawks began embarking on an ongoing four-game win streak. In those first two triumphs, Jones recorded a combined 23 tackles in divisional victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.

On Sunday, Jones made another game-changing play in the rematch with the Cardinals. The former Rams linebacker kick-started Seattle’s explosive first quarter by intercepting Kyler Murray. One play later, Geno Smith connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 19-yard touchdown, giving the Seahawks a 10-7 advantage, one they’d never relinquish en route to winning their fourth straight game, including three within the NFC West.

Jones was sent to Seattle by the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round selection. Baker has made little-to-no impact in Nashville, and Jones immediately took over the middle linebacker spot in Mike Macdonald’s defense, transforming a previously struggling unit. Throughout the ongoing win streak, the Seahawks are allowing 15.5 points per contest.

Linebacker was Seattle’s biggest sore-spot on defense during the early portion of 2024. Swapping out both starters, Baker and Tyrel Dodson, for Jones and Tyrice Knight has rebuilt the defense. The Seahawks have made some outstanding in-season trades, including acquiring Marshawn Lynch, Duane Brown, and Quandre Diggs. Lynch notwithstanding, Jones is beginning to establish himself in this all-time conversation.

Jones, who recently turned 25, is slated for unrestricted free agency. The Seahawks should possess interest in re-signing him. Jones currently earns $3.116 million per season and will be in a strong position to demand roughly three times that amount.

Jones has been the MVP of Seattle’s defense since his arrival.

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Is this Uchenna Nwosu’s last chance to stick with Seahawks?

Is this Uchenna Nwosu’s last chance to stick with Seahawks?

The Seattle Seahawks activated EDGE Uchenna Nwosu off IR on Thursday. Nwosu will play against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 14 NFC West showdown. This upcoming stint may represent his last opportunity to prove he should stick with the Seahawks for the foreseeable future.

It’s been a difficult period for Nwosu since recording a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2022. The former USC standout missed more than half of the 2023 campaign due to a pectoral injury suffered in Week 7. The 2024 season has welcomed more challenges.

Nwosu suffered an MCL sprain in the preseason finale that kept him sidelined for Seattle’s opening four regular-season contests. The Seahawks never placed him on IR and he healed slightly slower than expected. Nwosu made his 2024 debut against the New York Giants in Week 5, but that only lasted 20 snaps. He exited with a thigh injury and was placed on IR. He’s been absent since.

Nwosu hasn’t been consistently healthy since 2022. Since then, the Seahawks have wisely invested premium resources into the EDGE position, signing Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year contract worth more than $51 million, and drafting Boye Mafe and Derick Hall with back-to-back second round picks in 2022 and 2023. All three of those rushers have produced in Nwosu’s absence.

Nwosu is technically signed through 2026, but he doesn’t possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract moving forward. General manager John Schneider could release Nwosu from his deal in the offseason and save nearly $15 million versus the 2025 cap if he designates the transaction as a post-June move, according to OverTheCap. The dead-cap charge would be a manageable $6.5 million. If the Seahawks wanted the funds immediately, a pre-June move would penalize them $13 million in dead money while creating $8.4 million in immediate financial flexibility.

The Seahawks are currently scheduled to be $6 million over the 2025 cap. That qualifies as the third-worst cap situation of any team in the league heading into the offseason. It’s a minimal amount that Schneider should easily navigate, but it makes creating funds via releasing players a borderline necessity.

Hall and Mafe are long-term pieces on affordable rookie contracts. Jones is signed through just next season and is an alternative potential cap casualty, buy why would the Seahawks choose to release Jones over Nwosu when the former has been healthy and productive? If Nwosu wants to make this a difficult decision for Schneider, he needs to stay available and impactful down the stretch of the 2024 campaign.

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