Tag: seahawks news

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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Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

The Seattle Seahawks significantly improved their postseason chances by defeating their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11. The Seahawks now find themselves in a three-way standings tie in the division with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with all three teams at 5-5. Sunday’s Week 12 opponent is the Arizona Cardinals, who are leading the NFC West with a surprising record of 6-4.

The victory over San Francisco boosted Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to The Athletic’s playoff model. Their odds of winning the NFC West currently stands at 8%. The remaining difference includes the opportunity to make the playoffs via the wild card.

Unsurprisingly, those odds will be drastically altered following Sunday’s outcome versus the Cardinals. With a victory, head coach Mike Macdonald will witness his postseason odds increase to 21%, with his chances to capture the division title upgraded to 16%, doubling from its current number. A loss would represent a major setback, with just 4% postseason odds, and 2% NFC West odds, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

The Seahawks are currently 1-2 within the NFC West, having suffered defeats to the 49ers and Rams. Falling to 1-3 would drastically hinder their chances of winning the division. Following Sunday, the Seahawks have their final two divisional games against the Cardinals in Week 14, and the Rams in Week 18’s regular-season finale.

Sunday’s home showdown versus the Cardinals at Lumen Field will understandably have a playoff-like atmosphere.

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Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas made his regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely decided to ease Lucas back into the offense given his lengthy stint on the sidelines. Lucas rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps after making a handful of starts earlier this year.

Lucas was outstanding and did not appear rusty. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He earned a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, the former Washington State standout was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

Now that Lucas has some in-game reps under his belt, the expectation is that he’ll play 100 percent of Ryan Grubb’s offensive snaps in Sunday’s upcoming critical Week 12 NFC West showdown versus the Arizona Cardinals. Grubb confirmed that Lucas should play the complete workload. It offers a boost to Seattle’s improving offensive line.

The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks in 10 regular-season games this campaign. Jonathan Gannon has lost both of his best projected pass rushers, BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck, to season-ending injuries. ESPN Stats & Info credits the Cardinals with a pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of 30 percent, the second-worst rate in the entire league through 11 completed contests.

Sunday projects as a favorable matchup for Lucas to play 100 percent of snaps for the first time this season.

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Seahawks should have return specialists available vs. Cardinals

Seahawks should have return specialists available vs. Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical divisional game versus the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. There are legitimate availability questions surrounding both return specialists, Dee Williams and Laviska Shenault Jr. Thankfully, head coach Mike Macdonald recently said that both playmakers could be available on Sunday. Williams and Shenault Jr. are considered day to day.

Williams exited Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers with an ankle injury. Seattle’s medical team swiftly ruled Williams out. That’s typically a bad sign, but the former University of Tennessee standout appears to have avoided a major setback.

Shenault is nursing an oblique injury. He did not return any kickoffs against the 49ers. Third-string running back Kenny McIntosh handled kickoff duties, returning one attempt for 15 yards. The Seahawks also didn’t return any punts in Week 11.

Shenault has returned 14 kicks this campaign for 449 yards. He’s averaging an explosive 32.1 yards per return, including a 97-yard touchdown. Shenault is among the best kickoff returners in the league.

Williams has returned 13 punts this season for 96 yards. He’s been sure-handed, averaging 7.4 yards per punt return. Williams has called 16 fair catches.

The Seahawks would prefer to have both return specialists available versus the Cardinals. Shenault and Williams are potential game changers. Macdonald will discuss their game-day designations on Friday.

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Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seahawks O Olu Oluwatimi made team history in 1st 2024 start

Seattle Seahawks sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi made his first start of the 2024 season on Sunday following Connor Williams’ unexpected decision to retire. Oluwatimi was outstanding in the important Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It turns out he captured an intriguing piece of franchise history through his impressive performance.

The center position has been a black hole for general manager John Schneider ever since he traded Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints following the Super Bowl XLIX defeat to the New England Patriots. Since then, the Seahawks have essentially rotated starting centers in every season over the past decade. In that span, the Seahawks have had just two centers register a Pro Football Focus grade of 80-plus in a single game, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser.

Justin Britt achieved an 80-plus PFF grade in four contests during the 2016 campaign. Ethan Pocic did it once in 2021. Meanwhile, Oluwatimi registered an 80.8 overall score in Sunday’s timely victory over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi also posted a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses while protecting starting quarterback Geno Smith on his drop backs.

Appropriately addressing the center position has been an elusive task for the Seahawks in recent offseasons. They believed they found a short-term solution in Williams, but his shocking retirement threw a wrench in those plans. Perhaps Seattle has lucked into a long-term option in Oluwatimi, who will attempt to build on his solid debut showing against the Arizona Cardinals in another critical NFC West division game on Sunday.

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Seahawks designate S Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice

Seahawks designate S Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice

The Seattle Seahawks designed safety Rayshawn Jenkins to return to practice from injured reserve (IR). Jenkins has missed the previous four games with a hand injury. His practice window opens immediately, and head coach Mike Macdonald has already said the veteran safety may play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 this weekend.

Jenkins started the first six games of the season in Macdonald’s defensive backfield. He underwent surgery on his hand following Seattle’s Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks have been forced to rely on versatile defensive back Coby Bryant in Jenkins’ absence. Bryant has played well, totaling 36 tackles, three pass breakups, and one tackle for loss and an interception over that four-game span.

Jenkins has totaled 36 tackles and one fumble recovery for the Seahawks this season. He’s displayed excellent chemistry with fellow starting safety Julian Love. Once Jenkins returns, Macdonald will have various options at safety, with Bryant and Jarrick Reed II providing quality depth.

Pro Football Focus has also credited Jenkins with making 13 stops this season. They’ve assigned him a stellar coverage grade of 66.9. Jenkins has allowed just 9.5 yards per reception this year, forfeiting 18 receptions on 20 targets for 171 yards and one touchdown. Expect him to be activated ahead of Sunday’s potentially decisive NFC West showdown versus the Cardinals.

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Around the NFL: Former Seahawks QB Drew Lock disappointed with Giants decision

Around the NFL: Former Seahawks QB Drew Lock disappointed with Giants decision

Former Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock signed with the New York Giants in free agency this past offseason for a better opportunity to compete for a starting job. Unsurprisingly, Lock was named the No. 2 after Daniel Jones retained his gig.

Lock understood the long-term ramifications. It was frequently mentioned throughout the preseason that Jones had an injury clause in his contract that would trigger a sizable payout in 2025 if he got hurt in 2024. With the Giants currently sitting at 2-8, head coach Brian Daboll has made the unsurprising decision to bench Jones to ensure they could release him from his contract this coming summer.

But in a shocking turn of events, Lock was not named the starter despite practicing as the No. 2 quarterback all season long. Instead, Daboll bypassed him in favor of No. 3 quarterback Tommy DeVito. Lock recently expressed his disappointment.

“That’s a question I still have for myself,” Lock bluntly answered when asked about DeVito going from No. 3 QB to starter. “It was expressed to me that I was going to be the No. 2 [backup quarterback]. It’s an interesting situation. There’s not much I can say besides I’m going to be here for him [DeVito]. We’re still communicating, we’re still very good friends.”

The 2-8 Giants are currently slated to own the No. 4 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. They’re prime candidates to select one of the top three quarterback prospects, Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, or Jalen Milroe. Lock seemingly won’t receive an opportunity to improve the Giants this season.

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Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

One of the biggest revelations of the 2024 Seattle Seahawks’ season to date has been the recent emergence of cornerback Josh Jobe. An undrafted free agent defensive back out of Alabama in 2022, Jobe initially joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. He’s since maximized his opportunity to play meaningful snaps.

Injuries to Tre Brown and Riq Woolen catapulted Jobe into the starting lineup for a Week 7 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jobe’s play earned him another chance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He became the first player to intercept superstar quarterback Josh Allen this campaign, since convincing head coach Mike Macdonald to promote him to full-time boundary starter opposite Woolen, relegating Brown to the bench.

Jobe was outstanding in Sunday’s critical 20-17 Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, Jobe has yet to have a game with over 1.6 yards of separation per target allowed, according to Next Gen Stats. As Corbin K. Smith pointed out via social media, that advanced metric indicates his coverage has been tight even on completed throws in his direction.

Pro Football Focus credited Jobe with allowing just two receptions for 17 receiving yards against the 49ers. In a Week 9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, the ex Crimson Tide performer forfeited just one catch on four targets for 16 yards. Jobe hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage yet this season.

Jobe has also totaled three pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks are seeing a passer rating of just 54.4 when targeting him in coverage. Finding quality starters in unlikely places helps propel NFL rosters forward. The Seahawks found an absolute gem in Jobe.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Seahawks DT Leonard Williams is elite in specific pass-rushing metric

Seahawks DT Leonard Williams is elite in specific pass-rushing metric

Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive tackle Leonard Williams was effective in Sunday’s critical victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The 2016 Pro Bowler recorded four tackles and had a stellar Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 66.8. Williams has been a dominant pass rusher for the Seahawks this season.

ESPN Stats & Info uses its pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) tool to analyze pass-rushing efficiency and effectiveness. Through 11 completed weeks, Williams is ESPN’s fourth-best defensive tackle in PRWR with a success rate of 14%. Only Chris Jones (18%), Zach Allen (18%), and Calais Campbell (15%) have a higher win percentage this year.

Williams has totaled just 2.5 sacks this season, but has routinely applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He’s been credited with producing 29 total pressures, including five-or-more in four individual games this campaign. Only Dre’Mont Jones has accumulated more pressures (30) than Williams this season. Boye Mafe and Jarran Reed have also racked up 29 pass-rushing wins.

The Seahawks racked up 15 total pressures against 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy on Sunday. Jones led the way with five. Purdy was sacked twice, with Jones and Derick Hall recording the quarterback traps for Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Williams has been consistent for the Seahawks. Advanced metrics indicate he’s been one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the league this season. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde are fortunate to have him at their disposal.

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