Tag: seahawks news

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III is elite at making defenders miss

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III is elite at making defenders miss

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III did not play in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals due to a calf injury. Zach Charbonnet filled in more than admirably, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Mike Macdonald called Walker “day to day” at Wednesday’s practice, for which he remained sidelined. When Seattle’s top-choice ball carrier has been on the field this season, he’s been elite at making defenders miss.

Walker leads the Seahawks in rushing yards with 542 despite missing three games this season. Pro Football Focus does an outstanding job tracking advanced running back data. Walker ranks second in the entire league in missed tackles forced (MTF) after a rush with 58, tied with Green Bay Packers back Josh Jacobs.

Najee Harris leads the league in missed tackles according to PFF with 59. Walker has carried the football on 145 occasions this campaign compared to 223 for Harris. It’s safe to assume a fully healthy Walker would be topping the league in that category.

Both of Seattle’s running backs have done an outstanding job navigating the difficulties provided by an underperforming offensive line. Charbonnet ranks fifth in yards after contact per attempt (YCO/A) at 3.61. As a tandem, they’ve been highly effective in making defenders miss either at the line of scrimmage, or after contact.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks address IOL in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address IOL in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The interior of the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has undoubtedly been their weakness this season. Poor play, injuries, and unexpected retirements have led to constant lineup shakeups. Veteran center Connor Williams surprisingly retired in the middle of the season and was replaced by sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi. Right guard Anthony Bradford has struggled mightily and is currently on IR. He’s being replaced by sixth-round rookie Sataoa Laumea, who beat-out third-round rookie Christian Haynes for an opportunity.

NFL draft analyst Field Yates recently completed his latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft for ESPN. Yates has the Seahawks addressing their interior offensive line by selecting University of Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 23 overall pick.

“The Seahawks have had to shuffle the interior of the offensive line this season, and I expect them to address guard and center in the offseason,” Yates wrote. (There isn’t a surefire first-round center.) “Booker is a tone-setter with excellent size and power. He holds up well in pass protection, surrendering two pressures and zero sacks all season. Those pass-blocking traits would help Seattle, which has given up 40 sacks (ninth most) and has Laken Tomlinson potentially hitting free agency.”

Yates is spot on with his analysis. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson is slated to reach unrestricted free agency and hasn’t played particularly well in Seattle this season. Pro Football Focus currently has assigned him an overall grade of 63.9. General manager John Schneider still has issues to sort through at center and right guard. Are Oluwatami and Laumea/Haynes long-term answers?

Adding Booker to the mix would improve Seattle’s biggest weakness on offense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in this advanced stat since Week 11

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in this advanced stat since Week 11

The Seattle Seahawks are among the hottest teams in all of professional football. Their ongoing four-game win streak is the third-largest active streak in the league, trailing just the Philadelphia Eagles (nine) and Minnesota Vikings (six). A big reason why has been the play of starting quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith has been outstanding over the previous four contests. The former West Virginia standout has completed 91-of-124 passing attempts for a stellar completion percentage of 73.3%. Smith has thrown three touchdowns, two interceptions, and 914 yards. He added a rushing score to his offensive totals via the walk-off win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 that started this recent run of form for Seattle.

Unsurprisingly, Smith’s advanced metrics have been equally as outstanding as the raw numbers indicate. Since Week 11, the start of Seattle’s ongoing win streak, Smith ranks second among all qualifying quarterbacks in adjusted completion percentage (ADJ%) at 83.2%, according to data tracked by Pro Football Focus. Only Sam Darnold ranks higher (83.8%).

If you’re unfamiliar, ADJ% tracks the percentage of aimed passes that are thrown on target combining completions with drops / aimed passes). Typically, when a quarterback is playing well, their ADJ% rises because their actual completion percentage is being lowered by drops and missed opportunities. Smith has been elite and accurate for the Seahawks since Week 11 onward and his ADJ% proves it.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks release P Ty Zentner from practice squad

Seahawks release P Ty Zentner from practice squad

Ty Zentner, we hardly knew you. The Seattle Seahawks signed Zentner to the practice squad late last week in case veteran punter Michael Dickson wasn’t medically cleared to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14. The replacement option has already been released from the practice squad.

Dickson was questionable heading into the weekend. He suffered a back injury in the fourth quarter of Seattle’s Week 13 victory over the New York Jets. Spasms prevented Dickson from punting in the dying moments of that contest.

Dickson was active and available versus the Cardinals. He punted on five occasions for 265 yards, averaging an outstanding 53 yards per punt. Dickson’s longest punt went for a booming 61 yards and he placed four of them inside the opponent’s 20-yard line with one touchback. He showed no ill effects of the injury suffered against the Jets.

Zentner is a second-year punter that’s endured stints with various franchises in one-and-a-half seasons. The former Kansas State standout punter spent time with Seattle’s NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams earlier this year. Zentner punted seven times for the Rams, totaling 281 yards (40.1 yards per punt). He previously appeared in nine career games with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.

Zentner will continue being a popular league-wide target for teams with punter injuries. Thankfully, Dickson is healthy and available for Seattle heading into a showdown with the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

ESPN updates Seahawks’ playoff odds after Week 14 win

ESPN updates Seahawks’ playoff odds after Week 14 win

The Seattle Seahawks captured a massive victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, winning their Week 14 contest 30-18. Mike Macdonald’s squad has now successfully completed the regular-season sweep over the Cardinals. Seattle has won four consecutive games, including three straight divisional ones. Their postseason odds have drastically improved as a result.

The Seahawks now possess approximately a 55.5% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Analytics department. Their predictive model gives Seattle a 51.8% chance to win the NFC West division title, which they currently lead by one game over the Los Angeles Rams. Macdonald’s surging squad must remain focused. A defeat on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14, paired with a Rams win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, would drop Seattle out of postseason seeding altogether, according to ESPN team reporter Brady Henderson.

A defeat to the Cardinals on Sunday would have dropped Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to FTN Fantasy’s simulation model. It was a necessary victory for Macdonald’s squad within the NFC West. Seattle is now 3-2 within the division.

Seattle’s lone remaining divisional contest is versus those pesky Rams in Week 18. The NFC West could be decided on primetime. A victory over the Packers on Sunday would further strengthen the Seahawks’ postseason chances. Furthermore, all 12’s should be rooting for the 49ers to defeat the Rams on Thursday Night Football.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]