Tag: Seahawks defense

Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to stop the run this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the defense is currently ranked 27th in defending the run, allowing opposing offenses to produce 139.4 rushing yards per game. Missed tackles and gap discipline have been recurring issues across the front seven.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently made a notable change to the run defense. Schneider acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for 2025 draft-pick capital and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, their starting back Kyren Williams was limited to 69 yards and 3.1 yards per carry. Jones has already improved Seattle’s run defense.

The season-long metrics still leave plenty to be desired. As things stand, the Seahawks have posted a run-stopping-win-rate (RSWR) of 29%, 23rd-best in the league, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. That ranking aligns with what Seattle’s undisciplined run defense has put on tape.

Opposing backfields are rushing for 4.8 yards per carry against Seattle’s defense. That’s tied for the sixth-most yards per carry average allowed by any defense in the NFL. Mike Macdonald’s unit has forfeited a middling nine rushing touchdowns this season.

The Seahawks must defend the run with better efficiency when they return from their Week 10 bye. Acquiring Jones has slightly pushed the needle in a better direction. Using the off-week to course-correct their gap-sound discipline issues could lead to more desirable results versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on defense vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Sunday. The defense forced the Rams offensive into seven three-and-outs and limited them to 366 total yards of offense. Pro Football Focus had the following three Seahawks defenders as their highest-graded talents on that side of the ball versus the Rams.

Ernest Jones IV | 83.4

Ernest Jones IV was PFF’s fifth-highest graded linebacker in Week 9. He scored even better as a run defender, earning a third-highest 85.7. Jones IV recorded five pressures, three stops, and two pressures. The sideline-to-sideline linebacker has been an excellent addition to the defense following his acquisition in a trade with the Tennessee Titans.

Boye Mafe | 73.4

Boye Mafe has been a steady performer all campaign long. The 2022 second-round selection accumulated two quarterback pressures and two tackles versus the Rams. Mafe was also a force multiplier as a run defender, scoring a steady 73.4 in the run defense department.

Devon Witherspoon | 73.3

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon was credited with allowing five receptions on eight targets for 52 receiving yards against Matthew Stafford. His overall defensive grade of 73.3 was his third-best individually graded game of the season. Witherspoon has yet to allow a touchdown catch this year. He’s allowing just 8.7 yards per catch in 2024.

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Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

Seahawks defense enjoyed historical success vs. Rams offense in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks lost a heartbreaker, dropping Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West contest versus the Los Angeles Rams 26-20 in overtime. The Rams managed 26 points, 22 first downs, and gained 366 total yards of offense. Most notably, starting quarterback Matthew Stafford strung together an 83-yard game-winning drive via four plays in overtime after taking over possession following a failed Seahawks’ fourth down.

Seattle’s defense may have crumbled when it mattered most, but head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde gave their offense plenty of opportunities throughout the game. The Seahawks forced seven Rams drives to end in three-and-out. That only happened in one of 115 (0.87%) previous games since Sean McVay became the Rams’ head coach, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

The Seahawks out-gained the Rams 424-366. McVay’s offense punted (8) more than Seattle (7) did, and the time of possession was near dead-even, with Seattle owning the slight advantage, 32:53 to 32:10. The Rams converted just 3-of-13 third-down attempts.

Seattle’s defense unfortunately wavered with the contest on the line, and that must be addressed by Macdonald and Durde. But they also enjoyed a historical amount of success against a McVay-led offense throughout the contest. It shouldn’t go unnoticed.

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Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seahawks CB Riq Woolen consistently forces turnovers vs. Rams

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen endured an up-and-down performance in Sunday’s heartbreaking Week 9 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Woolen was borderline outstanding for four quarters, but overtime welcomed some difficulties. He missed a potential interception opportunity, was whistled for pass interference, and was beaten in coverage for the game-winning touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Demarcus Robinson.

Woolen also intercepted Stafford in the second quarter when the Seahawks were nursing a 6-3 lead. The Seahawks took the ensuing possession for seven, with Geno Smith finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 24-yard touchdown pass. It was a critical turnover going into halftime.

It was also Woolen’s third career interception in five regular-season appearances versus the Rams.

Last season, as a sophomore, Woolen picked off Stafford in a tight-knit 17-16 defeat. As a fifth-round rookie in 2022, Woolen recorded a campaign-high seven tackles and an interception in a 27-23 early December victory over the Rams. He consistently locates the football versus the Rams.

Woolen plays the cornerback position with a red-hot motor and a sense of competitiveness and aggression. It occasionally leads to the lackluster reps he endured in overtime, including the defensive pass interference penalty. It’s also worth remembering it leads to big-time interceptions against division rivals like the Rams. Woolen isn’t Seattle’s problem.

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Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seahawks lost S K’Von Wallace to injury in Week 9 loss to Rams

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s Week 9 divisional showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams with several injuries in the secondary. Starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins and versatile defensive back Artie Burns are currently on IR. Mike Macdonald’s defense was unfortunately dealt another blow in the loss to the Rams.

K’Von Wallace has been playing a part-time spot on defense as a result of all the injuries. Wallace played a season-high 27 snaps in Week 6, and had maintained a rotational role in Weeks 7 and 8 entering Sunday, per snap-count data collected by The Football Guys. As the injuries continue mounting, Wallace exited Sunday’s game versus the Rams on an injury cart and did not return.

Wallace was officially diagnosed with an ankle injury.

The injury occurred on a kickoff return during the second half. Wallace immediately removed his shoe after suffering the injury and was seen avoiding placing any weight on his weight leg. That may indicate that Wallace will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Wallace played 10 defensive snaps before exiting the contest. A utility player, the former Clemson standout had logged an additional 16 snaps on special teams. Wallace may be joining Burns and Jenkins, forcing the Seahawks to get even more creative in the defensive backfield.

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Seahawks DL Leonard Williams gives detailed answer on struggling run defense

Seahawks DL Leonard Williams gives detailed answer on struggling run defense

The Seattle Seahawks are struggling to defend the run this season. Mike Macdonald’s inconsistent unit will enter Sunday’s Week 9 game versus the Los Angeles Rams allowing a 29th-ranked 148.4 rushing yards per contest. The challenge against Rams running back Kyren Williams will be sizable.

Seattle is allowing the fifth-highest yards per carry average (4.9) in the league. Veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams met with the media following Thursday’s practice and faced questions about the run defense. Williams offered an incredibly detailed answer.

“When you’re trying to correct something [run defense] for a few weeks, there’s a lot of competitors on this team,” Williams began. There are guys who want to put it all [the blame] on their shoulders, which is respectable. Everyone is competitive, they want to be the one to make the play. In times like that, we end up [trying to] do other people’s jobs and that affects the rest of the defense. It goes back to consistency, just consistently do your job and we’ll eventually all come together as 11. It’s about us getting back to basics and trusting that your teammate is going to do his job,” Williams concluded.

The Rams are averaging a seventh-worst 101.3 rushing yards per contest. Their 3.9 yards per carry average ranks 30th in the league. That’s despite superstar running back Kyren Williams scoring a touchdown in every game this season. Seattle’s defense will attempt to remain disciplined against LA’s struggling ground attack on Sunday.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Rams in Week 9

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Rams in Week 9

The 4-4 Seattle Seahawks host the 3-4 Los Angeles Rams this weekend. It’s a critical game to further determine the standings in a tight-knit NFC West division. We’ve conjured up three bold predictions for Mike Macdonald’s defense against Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Co.

Seahawks keep Kyren Williams out of the end-zone

Rams running back Kyren Williams has scored a touchdown in every contest this season. LA’s Week 8 victory over the Minnesota Vikings marked the first game of the campaign that he hasn’t rushed for a touchdown, but the former Notre Dame standout was on the receiving end of a Stafford passing score. The Seahawks are struggling to defend the run, allowing a 29th-ranked 148.4 ground yards per outing. Preventing Williams from reaching the end-zone would qualify as a major victory.

Derick Hall records his 6th sack

Sophomore pass rusher Derick Hall leads the Seahawks in sacks with five quarterback takedowns this season. The No. 37 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has gone ice-cold, failing to record a sack in three consecutive contests. Hall ends the recent drought on Sunday by recording his team-leading sixth sack, dragging Stafford down.

Riq Woolen intercepts Stafford

Seattle’s No. 1 cornerback Riq Woolen was a full participant at Thursday’s practice. Woolen continues to work through an ankle injury that sidelined him for two contests. He returned to a full workload versus the Buffalo Bills, and could continue rounding back into tip-top form by intercepting Stafford.

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Seahawks DL Jarran Reed clears air after sideline dust-up with Derick Hall

Seahawks DL Jarran Reed clears air after sideline dust-up with Derick Hall

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Emotions tend to boil over when suffering such a lopsided defeat. At one point, those emotions boiled over when veteran defensive lineman Jarran Reed decided to address Derick Hall on the sideline following his critical roughing the passer penalty.

Reed claims the Seahawks had discussed how Bills quarterback Josh Allen is a well-known flopper that draws roughing the passer penalties. That was at the heart of Reed’s disappointment with Hall’s 15-yard penalty. The two defenders have since buried the hatchet, per recent comments.

“Emotions run high in football,” Reed told the media on Wednesday. “We talked about what [Bills QB] Josh Allen could do all week with the flopping. It was a boneheaded play, and I just wanted him [Derick Hall] to know that we couldn’t do that. It was a critical play in a critical time of the game. It created an explosive play, which is what we’re trying to eliminate. That’s all we were talking about. We’re just two guys who care about football. Look, D-Hall is my guy, he’s one of my friends on this team. We’re still cool. There’s no love lost, it just happens,” Reed concluded.

Hall leads the Seahawks in sacks this season with five quarterback takedowns. Reed has been effective, totaling 25 tackles, three for loss, and two sacks. The Seahawks need Hall and Reed to continue playing quality football for Mike Macdonald’s struggling defense.

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Seahawks host veteran DE Randy Gregory on free-agent visit

Seahawks host veteran DE Randy Gregory on free-agent visit

The Seattle Seahawks hosted free-agent veteran defensive lineman Randy Gregory on a visit, according to multiple reports. General manager John Schneider has dealt with various injuries to his front seven this season, though Mike Macdonald’s defense is mostly healthy now. Gregory would be an intriguing gamble as a low-risk, high-reward addition.

The controversial Gregory has often been entangled in off-field disappointments. Most recently, the former Nebraska standout was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after no-showing at training camp. Gregory has been available on the open market ever since.

The Seahawks have shown a willingness to roster familiar veteran pass rushers on the practice squad this season. They momentarily had Tyus Bowser before he was plucked by the Miami Dolphins. Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde briefly overlapped with Gregory in Dallas.

Ascending pass rushers Derick Hall and Boye Mafe have performed admirably for the Seahawks this season. Dre’Mont Jones is also playing on the edge more frequently this year. Gregory would have a difficult time earning snaps in Seattle when all rushers are healthy.

Gregory has occasionally flashed high-end talent throughout his career, but he was also suspended for the entire 2017 and 2019 campaigns. Gregory played for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers last season. He’d likely join the practice squad first if Seattle decides to add him.

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Seahawks DL Dre’Mont Jones clears air, blasts social media criticism

Seahawks DL Dre’Mont Jones clears air, blasts social media criticism

Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones has been playing better since enduring a slow start to his 2024 season. Head coach Mike Macdonald has been utilizing him as a more traditional edge rusher, and he’s starting to acclimate to that role. In two games against the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons in Weeks 6 and 7, Jones accumulated a combined 11 quarterback pressures. The former third-round pick recorded a sack in the blowout win over the Falcons.

Unfortunately, Jones (and the entire Seahawks team) couldn’t carry that momentum over to Sunday’s 31-10 Week 8 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Jones did not record a single pressure on Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Seattle’s performance was lackluster against a true Super Bowl contender.

One Seahawks reporter took to social media to criticize Jones’ effort on a particular play. The rep shows Jones barely stringing together a pass-rushing move versus Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins. The effort appears sluggish and nonexistent.

Jones took to social media to clarify that he actually suffered a shoulder injury on the prior rep. Jones further adds that it’s been diagnosed as an AC sprain.

Jones’ status for the upcoming Week 9 divisional showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams remains unknown. Updates regarding his shoulder injury could arrive following Wednesday’s practice. Jones has recorded 17 tackles and three sacks this season.

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