Tag: seahawks news

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed their Week 10 bye on Sunday. The NFC West standings received further shake-ups with two of Seattle’s division rivals capturing victories. It wasn’t a great afternoon for the Seahawks. The following standing changes occurred in the NFC West.

Cardinals improve to 6-4

The shocking Arizona Cardinals remain in first place after blowing out the New York 31-6. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 266 yards and one touchdown while completing 91.6 percent of his passing attempts (22-of-24). Rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. had five catches, 54 receiving yards and one score.

The Cardinals are red-hot, having claimed victory in four consecutive contests. Jonathan Gannon’s team is now the first six-win squad in the NFC West. The Seahawks will meet the division-leading Cardinals in Week 12.

49ers move to 5-4

San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey made his regular-season debut in a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kicker Jake Moody missed several kicking attempts, but converted a 44-yarder with mere seconds remaining to help his team avoid overtime. The 49ers improved to 5-4 and remained in second place heading into Monday evening.

McCaffrey rushed for 39 yards via 13 carries, and added 68 receiving yards to his offensive totals through six receptions. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. The rematch is scheduled for this Sunday in Week 11.

Rams play on Monday Night Football

The 4-4 Los Angeles Rams are playing the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. If the Rams are victorious, the Seahawks will become the NFC West’s lone remaining team stuck on four victories. After losing 26-20 to the Rams in Week 9, the rematch is slated for Week 18’s regular-season finale.

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NFC wild-card rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

NFC wild-card rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks enter Sunday’s Week 10 bye at 4-5. They currently sit outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC wild-card playoff rooting guide for the weekend.

Jacksonville Jaguars over Minnesota Vikings

The 6-2 Minnesota Vikings currently own the conference’s top wild card spot, because they trail the 7-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Vikings are heavy favorites over the 2-7 Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Jaguars would be doing the Seahawks (and the entire NFC) a massive favor by upsetting Minnesota on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys over Philadelphia Eagles

The 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles own the NFC’s No. 2 wild-card spot because they trail the shocking Washington Commanders in the NFC East. The Eagles have a divisional showdown versus the Dallas Cowboys, who lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a multi-week injury. We’re not holding our breath on this hopeful upset.

New England Patriots over Chicago Bears

The 4-4 Chicago Bears are slightly ahead of the Seahawks in the postseason race despite also being outside the playoffs as things stand. Caleb Williams’ Bears host Drake Maye’s New England Patriots in an exciting rookie-vs-rookie matchup. A Patriots upset would be helpful, but qualifies as unlikely.

Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks trail the Los Angeles Rams in both the NFC West and in the heated wild-card race. A Miami Dolphins victory over the Rams on Monday Night Football would be especially helpful. Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

A San Francisco 49ers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers tie?

It’s difficult to choose between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because the Seahawks trail both in the current postseason picture. When in doubt, root for the non-divisional option. A Buccaneers victory would be the preferred outcome if a tie feels unrealistic.

New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals

The 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sit atop Seattle’s division at 5-4. Should the Cardinals lose to Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets on Sunday, they’ll fall back into the wild-card hunt. Regardless, a Jets victory would enhance Seattle’s postseason chances.

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Seahawks address offensive line in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address offensive line in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The struggling offensive line is the biggest weakness for the 4-5 Seattle Seahawks. The offense has forfeited a sixth-worst 28 sacks heading into the Week 10 bye. Starting quarterback Geno Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

The right side of the offensive line has particularly been an issue. Right guard Anthony Bradford has allowed 24 pressures, second-most among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113. Yet rookie blocker Christian Haynes hasn’t been successful in dethroning him for a starting role.

Right tackle has been equally as questionable. With preferred starter Abe Lucas still on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list, the Seahawks have played three different players there, due to additional injuries and underperformance. George Fant and Stone Forsythe have been particularly disappointing, thrusting Day Three rookie Mike Jerrell into action.

It’s no surprise that an NFL Mock Draft would have the Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman. The Draft Network’s Daniel Harms recently dropped his iteration. He has GM John Schneider selecting Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow with the No. 13 overall selection.

“Watching the offensive line in Seattle is a tough task, and if they want to bring in a young quarterback at any point, addressing the offensive line is top of the list,” Harms wrote. “Marcus Mbow is one of the best tackles most don’t know about and he could complete Seattle’s bookends with some of the best hand usage out there.”

The Seahawks could certainly use reinforcements on the offensive line ahead of the 2025 campaign. Whether Mbow plays tackle or guard at the next level remains to be determined, but he’s an underrated prospect. Depending on Lucas’ outlook, Seattle could utilize instant contributors at both positions.

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NFC West rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

NFC West rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks enter the Week 10 bye at 4-5. They reside in last place in a tight-knit NFC West division that features the surprising 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sitting atop the division. The resurgent Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are 4-4 apiece. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC West rooting guide for the weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers over San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers travel to Raymond James Stadium for a road date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield’s squad is 4-5 and lost an overtime heartbreaker to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in primetime in Week 9. The 49ers, who are expecting superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to make his debut, are considered slight favorites.

New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals

The aforementioned Cardinals are sitting atop the division and will host the New York Jets on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers’ struggling Jets are fresh off a big-time win in primetime over the playoff-bound Houston Texans. A Cardinals loss would cause another shake-up in the NFC West standings.

Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams

The 4-4 Rams have claimed victory in three consecutive contests, including wins over the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. This week, they’re hosting the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The 2-6 Dolphins have been considerably more effective since getting a healthy Tua Tagovailoa back at quarterback.

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Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks with 21 quarterback takedowns through nine contests heading into this weekend’s bye. Mike Macdonald’s defense has taken a by-committee approach to rushing the passer. Three Seahawks defenders have produced three-or-more sacks, with Derick Hall (5.0), Boye Mafe (4.0), and Dre’Mont Jones (3.0) sitting atop the team leaderboard.

Leonard Williams (2.5), Tyrel Dodson (2.0), and Jarran Reed (2.0) aren’t far off from joining that club. Williams actually leads the Seahawks in pressures with 28, and Mafe (27), Hall (26), Reed (26), and Jones (25) aren’t far behind, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s been a team-effort for Seattle’s front seven this season.

The advanced analytics are in-line with these tangible results. The Seahawks have posted a league-average 41% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) so far this season, ranking 17th in the NFL through nine weeks, according to data provided by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle has been effective at getting after opposing passers.

Williams has posted 15 pass-rushing-wins out of 100 reps, also per ESPN. Williams’ 15% PRWR ranks third-best (tied with Calais Campbell) among all qualifying defensive tackles, trailing just Zach Allen (21%) and Chris Jones (20%). There’s no denying his production this season.

Applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks hasn’t been Seattle’s issue this season. The 4-5 Seahawks are entering a Week 10 bye. When they return, a productive, all-hands-on-deck pass rushing unit will attempt to aid other areas of struggle.

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Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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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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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

The NFC West received a shake-up during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Not only did the Arizona Cardinals acquire outside linebacker Baron Browning, but the Los Angeles Rams traded cornerback Tre’Davious White and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round selection. The Seattle Seahawks watched their divisional competitors admit a mistake on Tuesday.

Rams general manager Les Snead signed White to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in the offseason with $3.25 million guaranteed at signing. White also received up to $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. The low-risk, high-reward gamble did not pay dividends.

White has allowed 12 completions on 18 targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The former Pro Bowl cornerback has forfeited 178 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed a passer rating of 138.4 when targeting White this season.

The Rams eventually benched the aging, struggling White in favor of cornerbacks like Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 26-20 in overtime this past Sunday. The divisional rematch is scheduled for the Week 18 regular-season finale. It will perhaps be a decisive contest in a tight-knit NFC West. It’s a shame White won’t be in coverage.

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Around the NFC West: Cardinals move for pass rusher signals intent

Around the NFC West: Cardinals move for pass rusher signals intent

The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly sit atop the NFC West after nine completed weeks. Our beloved Seattle Seahawks are a dead-last 4-5, but remain one game outside the division lead in a tight-knit quartet. The Cardinals made a move at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline that signals their aggressive intent for the remainder of the season.

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort acquired pass rusher Baron Browning from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Browning has appeared in just five contests this season, totaling five pressures and zero sacks. Playing time had been difficult to come by in Denver due to their depth on the edge.

The Cardinals have recorded a middling 21 sacks in nine games this year. The results have been somewhat encouraging considering head coach Jonathan Gannon has lost both Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari to season-ending injuries. Rushing the passer was a massive concern after finishing 30th in sacks last season with just 33 quarterback takedowns.

Browning has accumulated 11 career sacks and 82 pressures. The former Ohio State standout earned a career-best grade of 73.5 from Pro Football Focus after totaling five sacks and 35 pressures last season. Browning should immediately help the Cardinals on the defensive line.

The Seahawks’ struggling offensive line has another productive pass rusher in the division. The Seahawks and Cardinals are scheduled to play in Weeks 12 and 14. The Cardinals believe they can capture the NFC West.

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