Tag: seahawks news

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

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Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon deserves more pass-rushing opportunities

Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon deserves more pass-rushing opportunities

Seattle Seahawks sophomore cornerback Devon Witherspoon displayed outstanding blitzing abilities as a rookie in 2023. The No. 5 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft recorded three sacks and 10 pressures in 14 appearances as an instant contributor. Witherspoon’s versatile ability to rush the passer landed him a Pro Bowl appearance in his first season.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde brought a new scheme to the Seahawks this year. Witherspoon has been a workhorse for the Seahawks in the defensive backfield, but his pass-rushing opportunities have been limited to date. As a result, Witherspoon hasn’t recorded his first sack of 2024 yet. That should change soon, with Macdonald and Durde affording him more opportunities to blitz opposing backfields.

The Seahawks have posted a 25th-best 21 sacks through nine games. The bye week is muddying those numbers a bit, but Seattle’s pass rush hasn’t been effective enough given its personnel. General manager John Schneider has invested premium resources into a front four that features Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, Dre’Mont Jones, Leonard Williams, and Byron Murphy II on any given down.

Macdonald and Durde spent portions of the bye week analyzing all departments. The pass rush is one that requires answers with room for improvement. Perhaps utilizing Witherspoon as a blitzer with increased frequency could solve that woe.

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Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

The Seattle Seahawks returned to the practice field on Wednesday following their Week 10 bye. Head coach Mike Macdonald is preparing for a critical Week 11 game versus NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. In outstanding news, superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf returned to practice.

Metcalf suffered a sprained knee injury in a blowout Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He missed the following two contests, losses to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. All in all, bye week included, Metcalf was sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks with the knee-based ailment.

Metcalf has totaled 35 receptions for 568 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The former Ole Miss standout is averaging an explosive 16.2 yards per catch. Metcalf also leads all Seahawks pass catchers in receiving yards per game (81.1) by a sizable margin.

Metcalf was largely limited by the 49ers’ defense in their first meeting of the season. Metcalf accumulated just three receptions via 11 targets for 48 receiving yards. It was his second-worst performance of the 2024 campaign, trailing just his quiet afternoon in a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be anxious to get his go-to playmaker back. The 4-5 Seahawks trail the 5-4 49ers in the NFC West. Metcalf will attempt to provide the offense with a much-needed boost.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has flashed second-year growth this season. The former Ohio State standout currently ranks first on the team in receptions (50) by a sizable margin, with DK Metcalf, who missed two games due to injury, trailing him by 15 catches (35). Smith-Njigba also ranks in targets (75) and receiving yards (568, tied with Metcalf).

One of Smith-Njigba’s best pre-draft assets was his versatility. A technically advanced prospect, Smith-Njigba was described as being capable of playing all three wide receiver positions (X, Z, slot). It turns out he’s been especially dominant at one of those positions for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this season.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 43 receptions from the slot position, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads all receivers in catches from the slot. Smith-Njigba also leads all wideouts from the slot in receiving yards (514), first downs (25), and catches of 15-plus (13).

Grubb would be wise to continue moving Smith-Njigba around the offensive formation in search of advantageous matchups. PFF’s charting data indicates JSN has played 434 snaps from the slot and just 96 out wide as a boundary receiver. That indicates Grubb understands how to properly utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set.

Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

The right guard position has been a massive weakness for the Seattle Seahawks’ offense this season. Starting blocker Anthony Bradford has struggled all season long. Pro Football Focus has credited Bradford with allowing five sacks and being whistled for nine penalties. He unfortunately leads all guards in both categories.

Despite his lackluster showings, rookie Christian Haynes has been unable to permanently dethrone him. Haynes has received opportunities to rotate into the lineup, but the first-year guard hasn’t provided the offense with an upgrade. The former UConn standout has earned an overall grade of 48.0 from PFF for his sporadic performances.

A potential solution hit the waiver wire on Wednesday morning. The Chicago Bears released Nate Davis from his contract. The move arrives halfway into a disastrous three-year, $30 million contract signed in free agency last offseason.

The Bears ended up paying Davis more than $20.4 million for 13 starts. Davis was routinely injured throughout his tenure with the Bears. His effort level was routinely questioned by the coaching staff and fan base.

Davis has been benched and even a healthy scratch after a lackluster start to his campaign. The veteran Davis, a third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, must clear waivers before reaching free agency. Davis’ high-price contract makes him a near guarantee to pass through waivers, but Seahawks GM John Schneider could consider claiming him.

If Davis clears, the Seahawks would be free to negotiate a brand-new contract with his representation. Bringing in Davis would be a risk given his reputation in Chicago. Given their weekly problem at right guard, would Seattle consider rolling the dice? Time will reveal.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

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Seahawks place DB K’Von Wallace on IR, add NT to 53-man roster

Seahawks place DB K’Von Wallace on IR, add NT to 53-man roster

The Seattle Seahawks announced various roster moves on Monday afternoon. Rotational safety K’Von Wallace was placed on IR. Wallace will now miss a minimum of four contests after injuring his ankle during a kickoff against the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 10 defeat. The earliest he can return is against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15.

Wallace’s injury represents the latest setback in Mike Macdonald’s ravaged secondary. Starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins remains on IR with a hand injury and will be sidelined for at least one more contest. Versatile defensive back Artie Burns is also on IR.

Coby Bryant and Julian Love had been the starting safeties prior to the Seahawks’ Week 10 bye. With Wallace now joining Jenkins and Burns on IR, Jerrick Reed II and Ty Okada (practice squad) could be forced to play rotational roles behind the makeshift starters.

Elsewhere, the Seahawks filled Wallace’s roster spot by claiming nose tackle Brandon Pili off waivers. A former undrafted free agent out of USC, Pili previously spent time with the Miami Dolphins. The big bodied interior defender totaled 99 defensive snaps across two seasons in Miami, accumulating six total tackles.

Fellow nose tackle Cameron Young was recently placed on IR by Seattle. That offers Pili an opportunity to play some rotational snaps behind Johnathan Hankins. General manager John Schneider continues to churn the roster.

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Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks made various roster moves on Monday afternoon, the most shocking of which was releasing starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. General manager John Schneider made other additions and subtractions to the roster. In perhaps the most unforeseen move, Schneider signed former first-round pick N’Keal Harry to the practice squad.

Harry initially entered the league as the No. 32 overall selection of the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. In three seasons at Arizona State, Harry totaled 2123 receptions for 2,889 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the pick backfired in a major way.

Harry struggled to generate separation as a receiver, a concern that was mentioned throughout his pre-draft process. Harry thrived as a contested-catch winner in college. That did not carry over to the NFL.

Harry eventually landed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. He made the surprising decision to switch positions to tight end. Given his failure to separate from cornerbacks as a wide receiver, playing a less-athletic position was done in an attempt to salvage his career.

Harry hasn’t stuck on any NFL roster as a tight end either. The Seahawks currently have Noah Fant, Brady Russell, AJ Barner, and Pharaoh Brown at tight end on the 53-man roster. Harry joins Tyler Mabry on the practice squad. Seattle’s coaching staff will attempt to develop the failed first-round pick into a usable player.

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Updated NFC Wild-Card Standings following Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

Updated NFC Wild-Card Standings following Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks sat out Sunday’s festivities via their Week 10 bye. Mike Macdonald’s squad currently sits outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. Here’s an updated look at the NFC West wild-card playoff picture.

Minnesota Vikings remain in No. 1 wild card spot

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 12-7 on Sunday to remain the NFC’s top wild-card seed. They own an excellent 7-2 record, but trail the 8-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is overseeing an elite defense that limited the Jaguars to 143 total yards. The Vikings feel like a lock for the postseason.

Washington Commanders No. 2 seed

The Washington Commanders lost 28-27 by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Mike Williams for a 32-yard go-ahead game-winning touchdown with 2:27 remaining. The Commanders entered the weekend leading the NFC East, but fell down to the No. 2 wild-card seed as the Philadelphia Eagles took over the division lead.

Green Bay Packers remain No. 3 seed

Like the Seahawks, the Green Bay Packers enjoyed a Week 10 bye. Despite the off-week, the 6-3 Packers did not forfeit their current postseason positioning. Matt LaFleur’s squad is the third place team in the NFC North, trailing the Lions (8-1) and Vikings (7-2).

San Francisco 49ers remain in contention

The San Francisco 49ers got Christian McCaffrey back and defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. The 49ers improved to 5-4 and remained on the Packers’ heels for the final wild-card spot. Kyle Shanahan’s annual contenders will remain in the playoff hunt despite their current outside-looking-in circumstances.

Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football

Seattle’s other NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams, play the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The red-hot Rams are 4-5 and could equal the 49ers’ 5-4 record with a victory. A Dolphins upset would greatly benefit the Seahawks’ postseason positioning.

Chicago Bears free-fall

The Chicago Bears have lost three consecutive contests, equaling Seattle’s current record of 4-5. Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is struggling to build a successful offense around No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams.

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