Tag: Seahawks defense

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks face a critical matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 14 game. It’s a potentially decisive NFC West rematch after the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 16-6 two weeks ago. Sunday’s outcome will have a drastic impact on the standings and postseason odds. Mike Macdonald’s defense was downright dominant in that victory a fortnight ago. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense in Week 14.

Uchenna Nwosu records a sack in his return

Macdonald’s defense received some excellent news on Thursday as the team activated Uchenna Nwosu off IR. It should provide the defense with a major jolt in the arm. The team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee, Nwosu has barely played in 2024, initially missing the opening four contests after suffering an injury in the preseason finale. His return from that setback lasted precisely just 20 snaps before a thigh injury sidelined him again. Look for the anxious defender to sack Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on Sunday on his triumphant return.

Leonard Williams keeps dominant run going

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams has been on a tear in recent weeks and that ongoing streak first began against the Cardinals in Week 12. Williams was unstoppable, sacking Murray 2.5 times. His latest performance against the New York Jets earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Cardinals aren’t looking forward to seeing him again.

Seahawks limit Cardinals to under 75 rushing yards

Arizona simply couldn’t run the football against Seattle’s stout defensive front two weeks ago. Running backs James Conner and Trey Benson were limited to 26 rushing yards via 11 carries (2.36 yards per carry). The Cardinals totaled under 50 net rushing yards. Similar results could occur on Sunday.

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Seahawks have one active player in top 10 Pro Bowl voting

Seahawks have one active player in top 10 Pro Bowl voting

The Seattle Seahawks have won three consecutive contests and currently sit atop the NFC West. Naturally, several of Mike Macdonald’s players are earning Pro Bowl consideration. As of Monday, following one week of fan voting, the Seahawks had two players among the top 10 in their position. They are safety Julian Love (fifth overall, third in the NFC) and special teams returner Laviska Shenault Jr. (fourth overall, fourth in the NFC).

Well, awkwardly, the Seahawks released Shenault Jr. from his contract on Monday, making Love their only active player in the top 10 of Pro Bowl voting at his position.

Shenault Jr. put forth a truly disastrous performance against the New York Jets that easily could have swung the result the Jets’ way. After the other struggling returner Dee Williams fumbled a kick off, Shenault muffed a kick of his own. He was able to recover, but his error set the Seahawks’ offense back at their own 12 yard line.

Just minutes later, the Jets scored a special teams touchdown via a 99-yard kickoff return. Shenault had an opportunity to redeem himself. Instead, he muffed a second consecutive return, and this time the ball was recovered by the Jets at Seattle’s 38 yard line, ironically leading to Leonard Williams’ historic 92-yard pick six return TD.

Love has been outstanding for the Seahawks throughout 2024. The versatile safety has recorded 82 tackles and is en route to a third consecutive 100-tackle campaign. Love has also added two interceptions and seven pass breakups to his defensive totals. He deserves Pro Bowl consideration.

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Seahawks defense has been dominant vs. the run throughout ongoing win streak

Seahawks defense has been dominant vs. the run throughout ongoing win streak

The Seattle Seahawks were struggling mightily to defend the run earlier this season. Approximately just one month ago, Mike Macdonald’s inconsistent unit entered their Week 9 contest versus the Los Angeles Rams allowing a 29th-ranked 148.4 rushing yards per contest. They were also allowing the fifth-highest yards per carry average (4.9) in the league.

Things have changed drastically in recent weeks. In Sunday’s Week 13 victory over the New York Jets, their third consecutive triumph, the combination of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen were limited to 71 rushing yards and zero touchdowns via 17 carries. The Jets were ultimately held under 100 net rushing yards.

Seattle’s run-stopping metrics have drastically improved since that Week 9 update. Macdonald’s disciplined run defense now ranks 22nd in the league, allowing 127 yards per outing. They are surviving their lackluster early-season start, and are consistently climbing the charts.

In fact, the Seahawks have faced four outstanding running backs over the previous four weeks. The list includes Hall, Kyren Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and James Conner. The results? Macdonald’s defense has allowed 216 rushing yards and zero touchdowns via 60 carries. That equals just 3.6 yards per carry.

They’ve been spearheaded forward by dominant performances from Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed and Co.

The turning point for Seattle’s run defense was arguably swapping out linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson for Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. Jones has been a tackling machine since being acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Seattle’s improving run defense is peaking at the right time.

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Seahawks DT Jarran Reed reaches milestone in Week 13 win

Seahawks DT Jarran Reed reaches milestone in Week 13 win

The Seattle Seahawks claimed their third consecutive victory on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets 26-21 in Week 13. It was an absurd game that featured multiple special teams gaffs by the Seahawks, and a historic 92-yard pick-six touchdown by 300-plus pound defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Lost in the craziness was some team history made by veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed.

Reed appeared in his 100th career contest for Seattle on Sunday, according to Seahawks PR. Over 1,200 players have played for the Seahawks. Reed became just the 50th to play in 100 games for the franchise.

Reed made his usual impact for a Seahawks defense that was stout versus the Jets offense. Reed played a total of 35 snaps, accounting for 51 percent of Mike Macdonald’s available plays. He consistently supported a dominant Williams on the defensive line.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider originally drafted Reed with a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Alabama standout played out his entire rookie contract with the franchise before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. He later played a single season for the Green Bay Packers before re-joining the Seahawks in 2023 via a two-year contract worth $9 million.

Reed has totaled 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks throughout 2024. He made heartwarming history for the Seahawks on Sunday. Reed is an underrated performer that deserved Sunday’s accolade.

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

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

The Seattle Seahawks are entering an extremely winnable game versus the 3-8 New York Jets in Week 13. Mike Macdonald’s defense put forth a dominant showing in the Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. They’ll love their chances of repeating those efforts against Aaron Rodgers and a struggling Jets offense. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense on Sunday.

Leonard Williams dominates again

Leonard Williams was downright dominant in last weekend’s win over the Cardinals, recording seven quarterback pressures and two sacks. Williams’ Pro Football Focus grade was an elite 87.0. It was arguably his best single-game showing as a Seahawk. Fans can expect a solid follow-up performance against a lackluster Jets offensive line.

Coby Bryant records another interception

Rotational safety Coby Bryant has been maximizing his opportunity to start in recent weeks. Bryant made the game-defining play in last weekend’s victory over the Cardinals by returning a Kyler Murray 4th-and-1 throwing attempt for a 69-yard pick-six touchdown. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. The versatile defensive back will be anxious to pick off Rodgers, who has thrown seven interceptions this season.

The Jets fail to surpass 17 points

The Seahawks have held consecutive opponents, the 49ers and Cards, to 17 and six points respectively. Macdonald’s defense has been dominant since exiting the Week 10 bye. Meanwhile the hapless Jets offense is averaging a 27th-ranked 18.5 points per game.

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3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

3 underrated Seahawks we’re thankful for

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the Seattle Seahawks are preparing to face the lowly New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest. The surging Seahawks, winners of two consecutive divisional contests, currently sit atop the NFC West. Fans are feeling particularly thankful this time of year.

The Seahawks have undeniably been powered forward by their superstars, players like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Leonard Williams, to name a select handful. Underrated contributors have also made a difference, through impact and effort.

We’ve identified three underrated Seahawks players fans should be thankful for in 2024.

Olu Oluwatimi | C

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was catapulted into the starting lineup two weeks ago following Connor Williams’ shocking midseason retirement. In consecutive starts, the former Michigan standout hasn’t allowed a sack, nor has he been whistled for a single penalty. Seattle’s offensive line is suddenly playing better following some early-season struggles. Oluwatimi has completely transformed this unit at a critical point in the season.

Josh Jobe | CB

Third-year undrafted cornerback Josh Jobe joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. Several injuries at the position offered Jobe an opportunity to play meaningful snaps. He’s since established himself as a near-every down starter next to Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen. Pro Football Focus has credited the former Alabama Crimson Tide performer with allowing a passer rating of just 61.8.

Zach Charbonnet | RB

Zach Charbonnet is the clear No. 2 behind Kenneth Walker III, but consider this. Charbonnet’s five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) ranks second among all skill players behind just Walker (8). The backup running back has scored more touchdowns than Metcalf and Smith-Njigba this season. He’s been crucial to Seattle’s offensive success.

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Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu will return to practice this week

Seahawks EDGE Uchenna Nwosu will return to practice this week

Seattle Seahawks EDGE defender Uchenna Nwosu will return to practice later this week. Head coach Mike Macdonald announced the expectation during Tuesday’s press conference with the media. Nwosu’s return to practice will trigger his three-week window to be activated off IR, insinuating he’ll play again for the Seahawks this season.

It’s been a difficult year for Nwosu. The former USC standout initially suffered a sprained MCL knee injury during the preseason finale versus the Cleveland Browns that cost him the opening four games of Seattle’s 2024 season. Nwosu made his midseason debut, but then suffered a thigh injury against the New York Giants in Week 5 that led to his current stint on IR.

Injuries have derailed Nwosu for two consecutive seasons now. In 2023, the versatile pass rusher was lost for the entire campaign after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7. Nwosu’s in the midst of the second year of his three-year contract he signed prior to the 2023 season.

When Nwosu was last completely healthy, he recorded 9.5 sacks during the 2022 campaign. The Seahawks are fortunately deep at the pass-rushing positions and have managed to survive Nwosu’s absence. Leonard Williams played his best game of the season in Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals. Derick Hall and Boye Mafe continue to take steps forward for Mike Macdonald’s defense as well.

Nwosu could be targeting the Green Bay Packers game in Week 15 or Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 for his return.

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Analyzing Leonard Williams’ dominant performance in Seahawks’ Week 12 win

Analyzing Leonard Williams’ dominant performance in Seahawks’ Week 12 win.

The Seattle Seahawks defense put forth an outstanding showing in Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle won 16-6, catapulting themselves to the top of the NFC West standings. Mike Macdonald’s defense spearheaded the victory, limiting the Cardinals to six points, less than 300 yards of offense, and a conversion percentage of 23% (3-of-13) on third and fourth down attempts.

Seattle’s best player was veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Williams recorded seven quarterback pressures and two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He captured an elite single-game grade of 87.0.

Coach Macdonald believes his performance should be rewarded accordingly.

“It was really good,” Macdonald told local media after watching the film of Williams’ performance. “Just great, great football game. [Williams] should be the player of the week in my opinion,” Macdonald concluded.

“I think that was definitely my most dominant game since being a part of the Seahawks,” Williams said. “I woke up Sunday morning with a great feeling. I told everyone I had a good feeling about this game. I had great energy and it showed.”

Williams’ seven quarterback pressures was a season-high amount. It was also his second multi-sack performance of the campaign. Williams’ five sacks is tied for second on the defense with Boye Mafe, trailing just Derick Hall and his team-leading six quarterback takedowns.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

The Seattle Seahawks moved into first place in the NFC West by beating the Arizona Cardinals 16-6 in Week 12. It represented a dominant defensive performance by Mike Macdonald and Co., who held the Cardinals to six points and 3-of-13 on third and fourth down attempts. The Seahawks managed five sacks and limited Arizona to under 300 yards of offense. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Leonard Williams | 87.0

Leonard Williams was downright dominant against an outmatched Cardinals offensive line. Williams was credited with generating seven quarterback pressures and two sacks. It was arguably the best performance of his Seahawks tenure to date, and his highest individually-graded game of the season.

Ernest Jones IV | 73.5

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV has completely transformed this run defense since his arrival via trade with the Tennessee Titans. Jones once again led the Seahawks in tackles with 10 takedowns. He helped limit Cardinals running backs Trey Benson and James Conner to 26 rushing yards via 11 carries, allowing just 2.36 YPC. Dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray scampered for just nine yards via two scrambles.

Julian Love | 71.1

Safety Julian Love played 100 percent of defensive snaps (58). Love accumulated four tackles and two pass breakups in a stellar defensive performance. He played a keynote role in a Seahawks secondary that scored a pick-six return touchdown via safety Coby Bryant. Seattle held the Cardinals to 249 net passing yards and zero touchdowns.

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Seahawks defense set tone with dominant first half vs. Cardinals in Week 12 win

Seahawks defense set tone with dominant first half vs. Cardinals in Week 12 win

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense put forth a dominant showing versus their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s crucial 16-6 Week 12 victory. Mike Macdonald’s defense was firing on all cylinders early. It turns out they set the tone during the opening half of Sunday’s triumph.

The Seahawks pressured Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on nine of his 20 dropbacks (45%) throughout the first half, according to advanced data collected by ESPN Research. That represented the highest pressure rate Murray has faced in a first half in the last two seasons. He predictably struggled under duress, going two-of-six for 27 yards and three sacks on those plays.

Overall, the Seahawks’ surging defense limited the Cardinals to six points, 49 rushing yards, and 300 total yards of offense. A Seahawks defense that’s consistently struggled to defend the run this season held Cardinals running backs James Conner and Trey Benson to 26 yards via 11 carries (2.36 yards per carry).

Arizona’s offense went a combined three-of-13 on third and fourth down attempts. Murray threw zero touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked on five total occasions.

The Seahawks have held consecutive divisional opponents to under 20 points. Back-to-back victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Cardinals have the 6-5 Seahawks suddenly sitting atop the NFC West after all three of their divisional contenders lost on Sunday. Macdonald’s in-form defense is powering Seattle forward.

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