Tag: seahawks offense

How did Seahawks RT Mike Jerrell fare in second career start?

How did Seahawks RT Mike Jerrell fare in second career start?

Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive tackle Mike Jerrell made his second consecutive start at right tackle in Sunday’s disappointing 31-10 Week 8 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Jerrell, a D-III first-year player out of Findlay, earned the right after enjoying a decent debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Unfortunately, he struggled against a deep Bills defensive line on Sunday.

Jerrell played all 51 offensive snaps. The Seahawks managed just 10 points and 233 total yards of offense. Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures for a second consecutive week. He was also assigned blame for giving up the lone sack Seattle allowed.

As a result, Jerrell earned a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 48.3. He was also whistled for a penalty for a second straight contest. PFF also assigned Jerrell a below-average run 47.5 score as a run blocker.

The Seahawks could have conceivably opted to start veteran right tackle George Fant instead, who was eligible to come off IR. Head coach Mike Macdonald and all parties involved understandably opted to give Jerrell his second consecutive start after he enjoyed a positive debut against the Falcons in Week 7. Hindsight is 20-20, but it was probably the wrong decision.

Fant could return at right tackle in a massive NFC West showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. Elsewhere, Abe Lucas is nearing a return after recently participating in practice. Jerrell may not feature for the Seahawks again this campaign, but he deserves credit for getting ready to play given his inexperience.

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Should the Seahawks start Mike Jerrell or George Fant at RT vs. Bills?

Should the Seahawks start Mike Jerrell or George Fant at RT vs. Bills?

The Seattle Seahawks were down to their fourth-string right tackle last weekend. Rookie sixth-round pick Mike Jerrell, who played collegiately at D-III program Findlay, put forth an outstanding performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 7 blowout victory.

Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures. Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked just once, and Jerrell wasn’t to blame. The rookie performer has now given the Seahawks something to think about heading into Sunday’s Week 8 showdown versus the Buffalo Bills.

Right tackle George Fant is eligible to be activated off IR. The veteran blocker recently returned to practice, which was timely for the Seahawks because previous fill-in starter Stone Forsythe recently landed on IR with an injury of his own. Though he’s yet to be officially activated, indications are Fant could be cleared to play on Sunday.

And the Seahawks recently, and conveniently, cleared a spot on their 53-man roster by releasing safety Ty Okada. That vacated spot will be filled prior to Sunday’s game versus Buffalo. It could be reserved for Fant’s activation. Another option is Jarrick Reed II, who has been practicing in preparation of being activated as well.

Fant’s return to practice wasn’t the only positive development at right tackle. Intended starter Abe Lucas has also begun practicing after missing the entire season to date on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Seattle’s offensive line is getting healthy.

Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have a difficult decision to make. Fant is the veteran blocker they envisioned starting in place of Lucas while he healed, but Jerrell also played quality football in his first career start. Ultimately, it’s a good problem to have such offensive line depth.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest graded players in Week 7 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest graded players in Week 7 according to PFF

Several Seattle Seahawks players put forth excellent performances in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Each week, Pro Football Focus grades every qualifying player in the league. This week, the following Seahawks talents were the five highest-graded performers.

Kenneth Walker III | 87.7

Kenneth Walker III was outstanding on Sunday, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown via 14 carries en route to averaging an effective 4.9 yards per carry. The dual-threat Walker also added two receptions for 24 yards and an additional score to his offensive totals. Seattle’s excellent running back was understandably their highest-graded player.

Derick Hall | 87.7

Derick Hall didn’t record a sack on Sunday despite already having five QB takedowns this campaign. That doesn’t mean the former Auburn standout didn’t make an impact. Hall returned a 36-yard fumble recovery on a Boye Mafe strip-sack for his first career touchdown. He also recorded four pressures.

DK Metcalf | 80.6

DK Metcalf suffered a knee injury in the victory, but he still managed to make a massive impact. The rocked-up Metcalf recorded four receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown, and even caught Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s first career passing attempt. We’ll monitor Seattle’s WR1 and his injury status ahead of a matchup with the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.

Julian Love | 79.1

With Rayshawn Jenkins on IR, and various other secondary defenders sidelined, including Riq Woolen, the Seahawks were counting on receiving a consistent performance from veteran safety Julian Love. That’s exactly what they got. Love totaled nine tackles, and more importantly, recorded his second interception of the season.

Tyler Lockett | 77.8

Tyler Lockett continues to be ole reliable. The 2015 draftee hauled in four receptions for 45 receiving yards. Lockett has recorded 45-plus receiving yards in every contest this season, minus the Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. When Geno Smith is in a bind, he scans the field for his most consistent receiving threat.

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Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith navigate pocket pressure vs. Falcons

Watch Seahawks QB Geno Smith navigate pocket pressure vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks played a complete game in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Starting quarterback Geno Smith especially played a clean game. Smith completed 18-of-28 passing attempts for 207 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Smith was sacked on just one occasion. It marked the second consecutive week the Seahawks have given up merely one quarterback takedown. Smith also didn’t commit a turnover for the third time this campaign.

That would insinuate the Seahawks’ offensive line put forth a terrific performance. For example, rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell has earned league-wide praise for his performance. He deserves that, but the overall showing from the offensive line wasn’t as good as the statline indicates.

Smith faced pressure on roughly 47% of his dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That was the third-highest rate allowed in Week 7, per Brady Henderson, and would be second-highest in the league if that was Seattle’s season-long average. As seen below, Smith often avoided that pressure by navigating the pocket flawlessly.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are fortunate to have a pro like Smith operating the offense. It’s also worth acknowledging the Falcons are dead-last in sacks with six, so finishing has been a recurring problem for their defense. Regardless, Smith helped out the offensive line on Sunday.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba discusses first career passing attempt

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba discusses first career passing attempt

Everything went right for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb even showcased a willingness to deep-dive into his bag of tricks. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba completed a 35-yard pass to DK Metcalf on a trick play. Despite Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith throwing for 207 yards and two touchdowns, it was Smith-Njigba’s 35-yard completion that was Seattle’s longest passing play of the afternoon.

Smith-Njigba had fun discussing the play during the post-game media scrum at his locker.

“I count that as a passing attempt, yes,” Smith-Njigba joked following Sunday’s victory. “It’s been a minute [since I last attempted a [pass], middle school. That play call, when I’m throwing it, I said I don’t care, I’m throwing it [no matter what] and giving my playmakers a chance [to make a play on the ball],” Smith-Njigba joked about not passing up his opportunity to complete a pass. “I don’t care. I’m throwing the ball and making a play.”

Smith-Njigba has a 100% completion percentage in the NFL! All kidding aside, Grubb may reconsider drawing up another potential passing attempt for Smith-Njigba following his “no matter what” answer. Everything clicked for Seattle on Sunday.

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Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2024 season with quality depth at the right tackle position. Fast forward six games into the campaign and that depth has been completely decimated. There’s an excellent chance the Seahawks will be starting their fourth-string right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list without a clear-cut return date in mind. Replacement starter George Fant is on IR. Stone Forsythe has started every contest at right tackle since Fant went on IR, but Forsythe is now dealing with a hand injury that places his Sunday status in doubt.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb may be deciding between veteran 21-year-pro Jason Peters and rookie blocker Michael Jerrell on Sunday. The Seahawks have been preparing the 42-year-old Peters to make his season debut since signing him to the practice squad in early October. Jerrell is a sixth-round rookie that hasn’t played an offensive snap this season.

If Peters is physically ready to play, surely the Seahawks will promote him from the practice squad. Jerrell is a small-school rookie hailing from Findlay, a Division II program. He’s still acclimating to this level of football. Whichever decision the Seahawks make will be an unforeseen one.

Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been productive in the passing game this season. Despite missing two contests due to injury, Mike Macdonald’s dual-threat back has produced 21 receptions on 24 targets for 136 yards in four appearances. Averaging six passing targets per game, Walker actually ranks first among all running backs in targets per game this season.

Sunday’s Week 7 opponent is the Atlanta Falcons. Raheem Morris’ defense has struggled when tasked with defending running backs in the passing game. The Falcons defense ranks 26th in targets allowed to opposing running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s a surprising stat considering Atlanta’s pass defense currently ranks ninth in yards allowed per game (193). If the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba struggle to create separation on Sunday, starting quarterback Geno Smith should target Walker early and often versus a defense that struggles to cover running backs coming out of the backfield.

Seattle’s passing attack currently sits atop the entire league at 276.7 yards per outing. Walker recorded a season-high eight receptions for 37 yards the last time out versus the San Francisco 49ers. His passing-game involvement should be in that same neighborhood against the Falcons on Sunday.

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Seahawks C Connor Williams is showcasing weekly improvement

Seahawks C Connor Williams is showcasing weekly improvement

The Seattle Seahawks signed free-agent center Connor Williams in August to help solidify an interior offensive line that went into the 2024 season with massive question marks. Fast forward six games into the campaign, and both left guard (Laken Tomlinson) and right guard (Anthony Bradford/Christian Haynes) have been problem spots for the Seahawks. Thankfully, Williams has been rock solid.

Williams arguably played his best game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. Among all offensive lineman, Williams played the most pass-blocking snaps (53) with allowing a single pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.

It marked the first game this campaign Williams wasn’t credited with allowing a pressure, mind you he’s allowed just one (1) pressure in four of his other five appearances. Williams’ worst performance came against the New England Patriots in Week 2, when he was assigned blame for three pressures. The former Texas Longhorn standout has allowed two sacks.

Williams’ PFF pass-blocking grade of 70.3 was his second-best single-game mark this year, trailing just the 70.7 he earned in protection against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Overall, Williams has Seattle’s second-best grade in pass protection this season, with left tackle Charles Cross (77.8) leading the way.

The Seahawks have unfortunately struggled to protect quarterback Geno Smith this season. Collectively, they’ve posted a 52% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), 28th-best in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

At least Williams has solved the center position.

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Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

Turnover deficit has been consistent problem for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks committed three turnovers in Thursday’s Week 6 defeat to their NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw two interceptions. Kick returner Laviska Shenault also lost a fumble on special teams. By comparison, the 49ers played a clean, turnover-free game. It made a sizable difference in a two-score ball game.

The Seahawks have committed 10 turnovers, third-most of any team in the league through Week 6. Meanwhile, head coach Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have seen their unit force just four takeaways, tied for fifth-worst in the NFL. The minus-6 (-6) differential is tied for third-worst in the league.

Safety Julian Love discussed the turnover issues that have plagued the Seahawks all season long.

“It starts with me on the defense and we have to create more turnovers,” Love said. “We have to get the ball [back to our offense]. Going minus three against a team like this [49ers], you put yourself in a giant hole.”

 

The Seahawks play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Falcons have committed just seven turnovers in six games this campaign. Macdonald and Durde will hope to create turnovers against a fairly disciplined offense.

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Seahawks veteran WR Tyler Lockett dishes on 3-game losing streak

Seahawks veteran WR Tyler Lockett dishes on 3-game losing streak

The Seattle Seahawks dropped their third consecutive contest on Thursday, losing 36-24 to their NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. It was an extremely sloppy performance by the Seahawks, who are now 3-3 despite starting the new campaign at a perfect 3-0.

Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett was among Seattle’s best performers. Lockett recorded four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. His late fourth-quarter score gave the Seahawks hope of attempting a come-from-behind victory. San Francisco’s next play from scrimmage went for a 76-yard run.

Lockett discussed the defeat with reporters on Thursday evening.

“I haven’t seen anybody give up out here,” Lockett said. “When I first got to the league, you’d hear stories about, obviously when you get close to the playoffs, you’ll see teams tap out and players check out. We’re not going to check out on each other. We’re going to fight to the very end. Even though we lost the game, we were still trying to score at the end. We can’t just tap out, we can’t just throw in the towel. Our players, our coaches, they’re not going to do that. You’ll see who you really are in the face of adversity. We’re going to press through instead of running away from it.”

It’s encouraging to hear that Seattle’s locker room is sticking together through a three-game losing streak. The Seahawks have an incredibly difficult slate of upcoming games, so that togetherness is necessary. Following the defeat on Thursday Night Football, the Seahawks travel to Atlanta after this mini-bye to face the Kirk Cousins-led Falcons before returning to Lumen Field to host the Super Bowl contending Buffalo Bills.

Lockett will need to continue rallying his teammates in the face of adversity.

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