Tag: seahawks offense

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf was an afterthought in last weekend’s blowout defeat to the Green Bay Packers. The former Ole Miss standout recorded just three receptions on three targets for 28 receiving yards. It was the fewest targets Metcalf has seen as a Seahawk since a 2022 game versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Speaking with the media on Thursday, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb admitted that needs to make a better effort forcing the ball to No. 14.

The issue with Grubb’s assessment is that consistently involving Metcalf in the passing attack has been an issue for all of November and December. The situation finally reached a boiling point versus the Packers. Metcalf deserves to be heavily featured against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

In September, Metcalf recorded three consecutive 100 receiving yard performances in Weeks 2 through 4. That was the last time the former second-round selection surpassed triple digits for the Seahawks in any game this season. In his eight appearances since, he’s averaging under 60 receiving yards per outing.

Meanwhile Jaxon Smith-Njigba has developed into Geno Smith’s go-to target. Metcalf hasn’t out-gained JSN since a mid-October blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons, approximately 60 calendar days ago. In fact, Smith-Njigba has led the Seahawks in receiving in seven consecutive games.

Metcalf has taken a backseat to JSN throughout 2024. Grubb indicates he’s aware that Metcalf deserves to be more involved. Expect Smith and Grubb to force-feed their slumping superstar wideout during Sunday’s big-time showdown with the Vikings on Sunday.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a difficult Week 16 matchup against a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s allowing a fourth-best 18.0 points per contest. Ryan Grubb’s offense is looking to bounce back despite the sizable challenge after scoring 13 points and totaling just 208 yards of offense in a blowout primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers. We’ve compiled three “Bold Predictions” for Sunday’s regular-season home finale versus the Vikings.

Geno Smith plays a turnover-free game

Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw a costly interception into the end-zone versus the Packers. The veteran quarterback has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions, but Seahawks fans should appreciate him more after watching Sam Howell play in relief. Smith should be healthy enough to play on Sunday, and he’ll be placing extra emphasis on protecting the football against an opportunistic Vikings defense.

Zach Charbonnet plays, thrives

Kenneth Walker III was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile Zach Charbonnet was an unexpected addition to Wednesday’s injury report with an oblique issue. Friday afternoon’s practice and media session should deliver more clarity regarding Charbonnet’s game-day status. If Walker III has to carry the workload, expect the ex Michigan State standout to pick up where he left off as he prepares to return from a two-game absence.

Sataoa Laumea bounces back

Rookie right guard Sataoa Laumea really struggled versus the Packers. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing an unfathomable 10 pressures in pass protection and one sack. The sixth-round interior offensive lineman should bounce back. The Vikings aren’t as deep at defensive tackle as the Packers are.

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Zach Charbonnet joins Seahawks’ injury report, creates new problem in backfield

Zach Charbonnet joins Seahawks’ injury report, creates new problem in backfield

Seattle Seahawks starting running back Kenneth Walker III has missed two consecutive games with an ongoing calf injury. Backup Zach Charbonnet has done an admirable job filling in for Mike Macdonald’s bellcow. A new problem arose on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s Week 16 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. Charbonnet has joined the injury report with an issue in his oblique.

Charbonnet was outstanding against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14. The former UCLA Bruin rushed for an astounding 134 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an explosive 6.1 yards per carry. Charbonnet added 59 receiving yards through seven catches to his offensive totals. Against the Packers, he totaled 66 yards of offense and scored a touchdown via just nine touches, averaging 7.3 yards per touch.

Walker III appears slated to miss his third consecutive contest. He’s certainly trending in the wrong direction. It’ll be worth monitoring Charbonnet’s status at Thursday’s and Friday’s practice sessions. If both Walker III and Charbonnet are sidelined, the Seahawks could be dealing with a real issue against the Vikings.

Sophomore seventh-rounder Kenny McIntosh and rookie ball carrier George Holani are the other running backs on the Seahawks’ 53-man roster. McIntosh has earned 14 carries for 63 yards and 4.5 yards per carry this season. The ex Georgia standout has accumulated just 37 offensive snaps. Holani has played five snaps, logging three carries for 10 yards.

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Seahawks need QB Geno Smith to play through injury, if possible

Seahawks need QB Geno Smith to play through injury, if possible

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith exited Sunday’s devastating primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury. Smith was 15-of-19 with 149 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception prior to his setback. He was replaced by Sam Howell, who dreadfully completed just five of 14 passes for 14 yards, was sacked four times, and threw an ugly interception.

There’s been optimism surrounding Smith’s injury since the team assessed the damage, confirming none of it is structural. Smith has already expressed optimism, through head coach Mike Macdonald, that he’ll be healthy enough to play versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. If his injury is truly minor, the Seahawks desperately need their starting QB to suit up.

The Seahawks have an incredibly difficult matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. The 12-2 Vikings are now tied for first place in the NFC North with the banged-up Detroit Lions and possess a legitimate opportunity to win the division and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Seahawks won’t have a realistic chance against the surging Vikings if Howell starts.

Smith is a hard-nosed, tough quarterback. If he’s medically cleared, there’s no doubt he’ll be campaigning to play versus the Vikings. With the postseason now at risk, the Seahawks need their starting QB now more than ever.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks were dismissed by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, losing 30-13. Ryan Grubb’s offense gained just 208 total yards and were limited to 13 measly points. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 77.3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his ascension as Geno Smith’s go-to target in the passing game. JSN posted team-highs in receptions (10), receiving yards (83), and targets (12). Smith-Njigba did the majority of his work underneath the coverage, averaging just 8.3 yards per catch, though he was on the receiving end of Seattle’s longest completion of the evening, a 25-yard gain in the passing game.

Charles Cross | 76.3

The Packers dominated the interior of the Seahawks’ makeshift offensive line, but Mike Macdonald’s bookend tackles held their own. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was credited with allowing three pressures and one sack, posting an overall grade of 81.1 in pass protection. That was his second-best grade of the season in protection.

Abe Lucas | 73.8

Right tackle Abraham Lucas was Seattle’s third-highest graded offensive player at 73.8. He occasionally struggled in pass protection, allowing five pressures and two sacks, but was also dealing with a lackluster situation at right guard. Lucas was also a net positive in the running game, earning a grade of 79.7 in that department.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered an injury in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He did not return and was replaced by backup Sam Howell. Before Smith exited, he made an error in judgment that has him leading the league in a not-so-great stat.

Trailing 17-3 in the second quarter, the Seahawks had strung together a quality 11-play drive that gained 53 yards and reached Green Bay’s 12-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-9 in the red zone, Smith backpedaled in the pocket as he was under pressure from a fierce pass rush. Smith heaved a desperation ball towards Noah Fant in the end zone. It was intercepted by Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine.

It was Smith’s fourth interception of the season on a throw into the end zone, per ESPN Research. That ties Smith for the league-lead in that ill-advised category with Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

It marked a critical moment in the contest where the Seahawks could have pulled within one score of the Packers. Instead, possession went the other way. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur’s offense would convert a field goal on the ensuing opportunity, extending their advantage to 20-3.

Smith has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions this season. He’s been a starting-caliber quarterback for the Seahawks, but the untimely turnovers in the red zone are hurting Ryan Grubb’s offense. While awaiting an update on his health status, Smith needs to work on eliminating the backbreaking mistakes.

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Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday Night Football’s showdown versus the Green Bay Packers with a pair of inexperienced offensive lineman in their lineup. Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was making his seventh consecutive start of the season. More notably, rookie right guard Sataoa Luamea was making his third straight start in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

The injury bug created more inexperience issues for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to deal with. Oluwatimi exited the contest with a knee injury and did not return. He was replaced by third-string rookie undrafted blocker Jalen Sundell.

Sundell was undrafted out of North Dakota State this year. The multi-position lineman was arguably the most surprising roster cut-down day decision made by general manager John Schneider, who opted to keep him around. Following Connor Williams’ retirement, Sundell has climbed the depth chart by default.

Sundell played center at the East-West Shrine Bowl during the pre-draft process. North Dakota State has been an offensive line factory in recent years, sending prospects like Dillon Radunz, Cody Mauch, and Cordell Volson to the NFL. The Packers showed no remorse, immediately attacking Sundell in the passing game.

It’s worth acknowledging Sundell played a handful of quality snaps. He helped create a pathway as a lead blocker for Zach Charbonnet’s 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a fighting chance. Oluwatimi’s health will be worth monitoring.

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Packers Pro Bowl CB ruled OUT for Seahawks game

Packers Pro Bowl CB ruled OUT for Seahawks game

The Seattle Seahawks will face a difficult task against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. If there’s a potential area for Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith to exploit, it’s a lackluster Packers pass defense that ranks 22nd in air yards allowed per game (222.2). That weakness may be magnified by the latest injury news delivered by Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur.

Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander has been ruled OUT of Sunday’s contest with a knee injury. Alexander had been a full participant at Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice sessions. In the end, LaFleur deemed he’s not ready to return.

Alexander has appeared in just seven contests for the Packers this season while battling recurring injuries. Yet the boundary cover-man still ranks second on the defense in pass breakups with seven. Alexander has also added 16 tackles and two interceptions to his defensive totals this year, including a pick-six return touchdown. The inexperienced trio of Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Eric Stokes will presumably continue playing heavy snaps in his absence.

Smith has been red-hot at QB for the Seahawks lately. The former West Virginia standout has completed 91-of-124 passing attempts for a stellar completion percentage of 73.3% with three touchdowns, 914 yards, and two interceptions during Seattle’s ongoing four-game win streak.

Smith’s job versus the Packers just got easier with news of Alexander being out of the lineup.

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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.

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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.

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