Tag: seahawks news

Seahawks QB Geno Smith doesn’t see Jets game as revenge opportunity

Seahawks QB Geno Smith doesn’t see Jets game as revenge opportunity

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will face his old team, the New York Jets in Sunday’s Week 13 contest, but he isn’t thinking about the past. The Jets originally selected Smith with the No. 39 overall selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

A potential first-round hopeful, Smith slid in the draft and began his tenure hoping to be the Jets’ long-searching answer at franchise quarterback. Smith ultimately played out his four-year rookie contract in East Rutherford, but it never went according to plan. As a rookie, he threw 21 interceptions and 12 touchdowns, and as a sophomore, he had 13:13 TD:INT ratio.

Smith was eventually benched as a third-year quarterback in 2015, and he suffered a season-ending torn ACL as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s backup in 2016. Smith would spend 2017 as the backup quarterback in New York with the Giants, and again in 2018 with the Los Angeles Chargers. He joined the Seahawks in 2019 and the rest is history.

Sunday’s Seahawks-Jets contest will be the first time Smith has faced the Jets at MetLife Stadium. His lone previous meeting versus the franchise that drafted him occurred two campaigns ago in Seattle. But Smith shot down the notion that it’s any sort of revenge game.

“As far as the revenge thing, that’s not on my mind,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday.

Ironically enough, the Jets haven’t enjoyed a winning season since Smith left. They’ve spent a ton of draft and trade capital on quarterbacks since, including drafting Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold with No. 3 overall picks, and traded for Aaron Rodgers last season. All to no avail.

Meanwhile Smith has revived his career in Seattle, leading the Seahawks to multiple contending seasons. Seattle currently sits atop the NFC West, and the Jets are 3-8. Smith has already captured revenge on a franchise that wronged him.

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Around the NFC West: Rams are getting TE Tyler Higbee back

Around the NFC West: Rams are getting TE Tyler Higbee back

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. The NFC West rematch is scheduled for the regular-season finale in Week 18. The Rams may be near full strength for that contest, with tight end Tyler Higbee returning to practice earlier this week.

Higbee has missed the entire campaign to date, but the Rams designated their pass-catching tight end to return to practice. That would signal a potential return for Higbee against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. He’ll provide Sean McVay’s offense with a much-needed boost.

Higbee has been recovering from torn ACL and MCL injuries suffered in the fourth quarter of the Rams’ wild-card playoff defeat against the Detroit Lions. Higbee recorded 47 receptions for 495 yards and two touchdowns in 15 appearances last season. The Rams signed Colby Parkinson at the position this offseason, but he hasn’t been as productive. Davis Allen and Hunter Long are also playing reps at tight end.

Expect Higbee to form an intriguing trio with Parkinson following his return. The Rams’ offense is getting healthier down the stretch of the 2024 campaign. The Seahawks must continue playing strong defense leading up to a potentially decisive Week 18 regular-season finale showdown.

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Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Could the Seahawks make a surprising decision at RG?

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was helped to the sidelines before being carted into the locker room, making him unlikely to play versus the New York Jets in Week 13. The expectation would be that rookie second-string guard Christian Haynes would start in his place. Not so fast, says head coach Mike Macdonald.

The Seahawks plan to evaluate fellow rookie blocker Sataoa Laumea, Macdonald said on Tuesday. Laumea will compete with Haynes for the vacant right guard position. It indicates the Seahawks aren’t overly pleased with Haynes.

Haynes had previously received opportunities to compete with Bradford for the starting gig, but the rookie guard eventually lost ground to the second-year pro. Pro Football Focus credits Haynes with allowing six pressures and one sack in 113 pass-blocking snaps. His season-long overall grade currently sits at a lackluster 50.4.

Laumea has not played a single snap for the Seahawks this season. He featured regularly in the preseason, playing admirably. The sixth-round selection out of Utah allowed just one pressure and zero sacks.

Laumea was drafted three rounds (No. 180) after Haynes (No. 81). Bradford hasn’t played particularly well this season, so Haynes’ initial failure to dethrone him at right guard spoke volumes. With Laumea earning consideration to enter the lineup, the Seahawks are making their third-round blocker earn every rep.

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Seahawks make several changes to 53 man roster

Seahawks make several changes to 53 man roster

The Seattle Seahawks made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon. General manager John Schneider claimed defensive back A.J. Finley off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. To make room, defensive end Myles Adams was waived.

Finley was waived by the Chargers just earlier this week. Finley initially entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss in 2023. The former Rebels standout appeared in 12 games as a rookie with the Chargers last season, and another 10 this year before being waived.

Finley played a total of 370 snaps on special teams for the Chargers, and another 69 on defense. The Seahawks are dealing with various injuries across their defensive backs. Artie Burns and K’Von Wallace are currently on IR.

Defenders Mike Morris (215) and Drake Thomas (202), and wide receiver Jake Bobo (200) are the only Seahawks to play 200-plus snaps on special teams this season. Finley had totaled 170 special teams snaps for the Chargers before being cut. He should immediately earn a role in the underrated third phase of the game for the Seahawks.

Adams had totaled just 35 defensive snaps in Seattle this season. The Seahawks also made changes to the practice squad, signing cornerback Ryan Cooper and wide receiver Cornell Powell. To clear room, cornerback Faion Hicks and running back Brittain Brown were waived.

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

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

The Seattle Seahawks captured a critical victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, winning their Week 12 contest within the NFC West 16-6.  Starting quarterback Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passing attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Smith and the offense were effective enough on offense. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Kenneth Walker III | 88.2

It was borderline surprising to see Kenneth Walker III score so highly considering he rushed for 41 yards and zero touchdowns via 16 carries. The Cardinals shut down the former Michigan State standout, holding Seattle’s preferred ball carrier to 2.6 yards per carry. Walker however chipped in with four receptions on six targets for 52 receiving yards, totaling nearly 100 yards of offense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 79.1

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign. JSN was once again Smith’s go-to target on Sunday, leading the Seahawks in receptions (six) and receiving yards (77). Smith-Njigba also scored Seattle’s only offensive touchdown of the afternoon. JSN is living up to the hype as last year’s first-round selection.

DK Metcalf | 69.8

DK Metcalf remains Smith’s tried and true deep threat. The vertical boundary receiver accumulated four receptions for 59 receiving yards. The highlight of Metcalf’s afternoon was a 29 yard reception, Seattle’s second-longest play from scrimmage on offense. The Cardinals had few answers for Seattle’s passing attack.

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Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seahawks C Olu Oluwatimi continues strong start in Week 12 win

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was a total revelation in his first start of the 2024 season last weekend, a critical win over the San Francisco 49ers. Oluwatimi made his second start of the campaign in Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The former Michigan standout played his second consecutive quality game.

Oluwatimi pitched a shutout in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite only earning a pass-blocking grade of 54.0 versus the Cardinals, he was not credited with allowing a single pressure or sack. Oluwatimi also wasn’t whistled for any penalties. Starting quarterback Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passing attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Seahawks as an offense continued struggling to establish an effective ground game. Kenneth Walker III rushed for just 41 yards via 16 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Zach Charbonnet didn’t fare any better, totaling 22 yards on six rushing attempts (3.7 YPC). Oluwatimi had a run-blocking grade of 58.8, significantly lower than the 86.8 he posted against San Francisco.

All in all, Oluwatimi enjoyed another quality showing in a critical divisional win over the Cardinals. He was outstanding in pass protection, and Seattle’s struggles on the ground are a team-based failure. Oluwatimi continues to maximize his opportunity to earn a full-time starting role on the offensive line going into next season.

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Seahawks RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Third-year Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s 16-6 Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Lucas made his regular-season debut in last weekend’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Sunday’s showing indicates Seattle’s preferred right tackle is nearing full strength.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb made the decision to occasionally rotate Lucas out of the lineup against San Francisco, replacing him with rookie blocker Mike Jerrell to allow Lucas to catch his breath. That did not occur versus the Cardinals. He played every offensive snap.

Lucas wasn’t perfect. The former Washington State standout was whistled for two illegal formation penalties. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing two quarterback pressures and zero sacks.

Lucas graded subpar as a run blocker, earning a 50.3 from PFF’s decision makers. It was significantly lower than his debut run-blocking grade of 79.0 last week. Seattle struggled to effectively run the football. Starting ball carrier Kenneth Walker III was limited to 41 rushing yards via 16 carries (2.6 yards per carry).

Lucas’ ability to play the complete workload of snaps indicates progress. The penalties and occasional setbacks in pass protection and as a run blocker indicates he’s still shaking off the rust. Lucas should continue improving down the critical stretch of Seattle’s 2024 season.

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