Tag: seahawks offense

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have spent the entire week leading up Thursday night’s NFC West showdown game versus the San Francisco 49ers talking about getting running back Kenneth Walker more involved on offense. Walker saw a season-low five carries in last weekend’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants.

Walker rushed for 19 yards and received just a handful of opportunities despite the Seahawks being tied 10-10 at halftime. Macdonald’s squad never trailed by more than one possession until the final minute of the fourth quarter. Despite that, Walker was largely neglected.

With Walker supposedly being heavily involved in the game-plan for Thursday’s divisional game versus the rival 49ers, we’ve cooked up three bold predictions for his statline.

Walker sees a season-high amount of carries

Walker saw a season-high 20 carries in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. He was then sidelined by injury, and returned to a 12-carry workload against the Detroit Lions in primetime before the inexcusable five-carry showing versus the Giants. With Walker being a focal point of Grubb’s attack, he should easily surpass his previous personal-high 20 carries on Thursday night.

Walker rushes for 100-plus yards

Walker rushed for 103 yards against the Broncos, and nearly reached triple digits again versus the Lions (80). The former Michigan State standout rushed for 100-plus yards just once last season, but his current form indicates more success is on the horizon. It’ll be tough sledding versus a ninth-ranked 49ers defense allowing 110.8 rushing yards per game, but Walker’s potential volume indicates he could cross the 100 yard rushing mark.

Walker scores a rushing touchdown

Walker scored a rushing touchdown against the Broncos, adding three more scores versus the Lions. He didn’t score against the Giants, but that could be chalked up to receiving five carries. Walker’s sizable workload against San Francisco should help the versatile ball-carrier visit the end zone.

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Watch Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba sell a fake-out for a big Geno Smith gain

Watch Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba sell a fake-out for a big Geno Smith gain

NFL players are often judged by the statistics posted in the box score. Analyzing the film can offer a friendly reminder that there are multiple ways to impact a game. Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba offered a terrific example of just that in Sunday’s disappointing Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith rushed for a season-high 72 yards against the Giants. Smith’s longest pick-up of the afternoon went for a 32-yard gain. It was his largest rushing output since becoming Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022, and his longest individual run, too. Smith-Njigba aided that gain by running a deep route and calling for the ball despite knowing his quarterback was scrambling, pulling two secondary defenders with him. and away from his vet QB.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all positive for JSN on Sunday. The second-year wideout dropped a critical third-down pass from Smith late in the fourth quarter that directly led to the block field-goal attempt on the ensuing fourth down.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 29 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown through five contests. Smith-Njigba and the entire Seahawks offense will receive a quick opportunity to enjoy a bounce-back performance later this week versus the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football in a critical NFC West showdown.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes ownership for dropped pass in Week 5 loss

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes ownership for dropped pass in Week 5 loss

The Seattle Seahawks suffered a shocking 29-20 Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants on Sunday. Seattle’s offense possessed the ball trailing 23-20 with under two minutes remaining. The loss was confirmed when the Giants blocked a Jason Myers 47-yard game-tying field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown.

Prior to the field goal that would have potentially sent the contest to overtime, the Seahawks were facing a 3rd-and-4 from the Giants’ 28-yard line. Had quarterback Geno Smith and the offense converted, Seattle could have continued embarking on a potential game-winning drive. Sophomore receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba dropped Smith’s third-down pass, however, leading to the blocked field goal on the ensuing down.

Smith-Njigba accepted blame for the dropped pass that led to the unfortunate turn of events during his post-game presser with the media.

“Just didn’t execute well,” a disappointed looking Smith-Njigba said. “We stopped ourselves today.”

Smith-Njigba recorded just four receptions via seven targets for 31 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season. In total, the sophomore wideout has 29 catches for 289 yards through five contests. Smith-Njigba will receive a quick opportunity to enjoy a bounce-back performance later this week versus the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football in a critical NFC West showdown.

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Seahawks received much-needed humbling in Week 5 loss to Giants

Seahawks received much-needed humbling in Week 5 loss to Giants

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s Week 5 contest versus the New York Giants at an impressive 3-1. Mike Macdonald’s squad were one of few undefeated teams remaining in the league following the conclusion of Week 3. Sunday’s home defeat to the Giants made it consecutive losses for a Seahawks team that’s now been humbled.

Seattle’s opening three victories occurred over the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. They captured hard-fought victories over rookie quarterback Bo Nix, and a lackluster Jacoby Brissett in Weeks 1 and 2. In Week 3, the Seahawks had to be merely physically present against the Tua Tagovailoa-less Dolphins.

A 42-29 Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions was acceptable. The Seahawks were short-handed, missing a handful of notable defenders through injury. A high-scoring defeat to a Super Bowl contending Lions squad that qualified for the NFC Championship Game last season was deemed understandable.

Sunday’s loss to the Giants, however, was not acceptable.

Macdonald and the Seahawks must do some quick soul-searching after losing to Daniel Jones at Lumen Field. The Seahawks still remain atop the NFC West after the Arizona Cardinals upset the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Seattle doesn’t possess much time to identify Sunday’s shortcomings. They’re on a short week, scheduled to host the 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

The Seahawks were welcomed back down to earth after a dreamlike first versus weaker opponents. A loss to the Giants should motivate coach Macdonald to identify and address the issues that made such a shocking home defeat possible.

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Updated pass protection, run blocking metrics for Seahawks heading into Week 5

Updated pass protection, run blocking metrics for Seahawks heading into Week 5

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Heading into Sunday’s Week 5 game versus the New York Giants, Smith has been sacked on 11 occasions, 11th-most in the league. It’s worth acknowledging one of the quarterbacks in the top 10 is Baker Mayfield, who has already played this week.

Struggling right tackle Stone Forsythe, the team’s third-string option, has allowed a team-high 20 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Left tackle Charles Cross (13) and left guard Laken Tomlinson (11) are Seattle’s other two offensive lineman who have allowed more than 10 pressures. Forsythe and right guard Anthony Bradford have allowed a team-high two sacks apiece.

ESPN Stats & Info also measures pass protection efficiency. The Seahawks currently rank 29th in pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) at 49%. They are also struggling in the run game, placing 30th in run-block-win-rate (RBWR) at 67%. As an offense, Seattle ranks 21st in rushing at 106.3 ground yards per outing.

Perhaps that could be attributed to Kenneth Walker’s injury. In two appearances, Walker has rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an explosive 5.7 yards per carry. His permanent return to the lineup could see Seattle improve in the run-blocking-win-rate metric.

Seattle’s offensive line remains a work in process. General manager John Schneider recently signed 21-year veteran right tackle Jason Peters to the practice squad. Peters could eventually replace Forsythe while Abe Lucas and George Fant remain sidelined. The team is also holding competition at right guard between Bradford and rookie blocker Christian Haynes.

Hopefully the Seahawks can find the right combination up front soon to fully unlock Ryan Grubb’s offense.

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Seahawks should start Jason Peters at RT vs. Giants in Week 5

Seahawks should start Jason Peters at RT vs. Giants in Week 5

The Seattle Seahawks reunited with offensive tackle Jason Peters on Tuesday. General manager John Schneider signed Peters to the practice squad, NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed via social media. The Seahawks should waste no time getting the 42-year-old veteran into their starting lineup. He should replace Stone Forsythe at right tackle versus the New York Giants in Week 5.

The Seahawks are down several offensive tackles due to injury. Presumed starter Abe Lucas remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with no clear timetable to return. George Fant, who began the season as the starting right tackle, is on Injured Reserve.

Forsythe, the team’s third-choice right tackle, struggled versus the Lions. He was credited with allowing 12 pressures by Pro Football Focus, the most pressures allowed by a tackle in a single-game showing this season. Forsythe gave up just one sack, but he earned a lackluster grade of 22.3 in pass protection.

In fairness to Forysthe, he struggled versus Aidan Hutchinson, the best pass rusher in the league. Hutchinson has posted a league-leading 6.5 sacks and 40 pressures. The majority of his 15 pressures against the Seahawks occurred when matched up with Forsythe.

The Seahawks play the New York Giants in Week 5, who field two high-quality pass rushers in Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Perhaps even more notably, the Seahawks have a crucial Week 6 matchup against their NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Getting Peters into the lineup now would be beneficial.

Peters appeared in eight contests for the Seahawks last season. He’ll play for a new coaching staff this year, but this regime was obviously impressed with his current shape and form given that a private workout was conducted a week before signing him. Peters should replace Forsythe at right tackle versus the Giants.

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The results of Seahawks rotating Bradford, Haynes at RG on MNF

The results of Seahawks rotating Bradford, Haynes at RG on MNF

Seattle Seahawks starting right guard Anthony Bradford has struggled this season. The sophomore blocker entered Monday Night Football’s eventual defeat with the Detroit Lions having been whistled for a league-high seven penalties. Despite that, the Seahawks have stuck by Bradford, explaining that he’s more experienced and pro-ready to handle powerful assignments than rookie option Christian Haynes is.

But with Bradford’s struggles being an ongoing theme, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb decided to test a new theory against the Lions. Bradford and Haynes rotated snaps at right guard. Bradford earned the majority nod, playing 54 total snaps, accounting for 60% of all Seahawks offensive plays. Haynes played a sizable 36 snaps, making up the remaining 40% of the team’s available plays.

Pro Football Focus credited Bradford with allowing just one pressure against a relentless Lions defensive front. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on three occasions, but Bradford wasn’t assigned blame for any of them.

PFF slapped the former LSU standout with a stellar pass-blocking grade of 66.6, a season-low run-blocking score of 30.8, and an overall offensive grade of 44.7. He finally wasn’t whistled for a penalty for the first time this season.

Haynes allowed one pressure via his limited opportunities. The rookie blocker from UConn had a pass-blocking grade of 67.9, a run-blocking score of 56.9, and an overall offensive grade of 61.8, far better than Bradford’s final grade.

The Seahawks continue to sort through their options at right guard. Indications are it may be a problem-position all campaign long. Haynes and Bradford will attempt to separate themselves ahead of a Week 5 contest versus the uncompetitive New York Giants.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks QB Geno Smith vs. Lions

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks QB Geno Smith vs. Lions

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith off to a phenomenal start in 2024 under the guidance of first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Smith completed 26 of 34 passing attempts for 289 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in last Sunday’s dominant Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

We’ve compiled three bold predictions for Smith against a difficult Detroit Lions defense on Monday.

Smith throws for 300+ yards

Smith threw for 327 yards in a Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. The former West Virginia standout nearly surpassed 300 yards against the Dolphins for a second consecutive week (289). The Lions are allowing a 12th-worst 216.7 passing yards per contest.

Smith throws 2+ TDs

Despite placing below league-average in passing yards, the Lions have only allowed three touchdowns through the air. Monday’s primetime contest could be a shootout, however. With Lions defensive back Brian Branch doubtful, Smith could throw a pair of touchdowns to the likes of DK Metcalf and Noah Fant.

Geno Smith plays a turnover-free game

Smith has thrown three interceptions this season, including a season-high two versus the Dolphins, but tcontext is important. Two of his interceptions were largely due to pressure from a collapsing pocket, and the other was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Smith has been accurate while attempting just one turnover-worthy pass, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Will Seahawks QB Geno Smith keep his hot streak at Ford Field alive?

Will Seahawks QB Geno Smith keep his hot streak at Ford Field alive?

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is off to an outstanding start in 2024. Smith currently ranks fourth in the entire league in passing yards (and the two top spots are occupied by Daniel Jones and Dak Prescott, who played on Thursday). He also ranks third in completion percentage (74.8%).

And historically speaking, Smith has been outstanding versus the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, the site of Seattle’s upcoming Week 4 opponent on Monday Night Football. Last season, Smith led the Seahawks to a thrilling 37-31 Week 2 overtime road victory over the Lions by completing 32-of-41 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2022, Smith’s first season as Seattle’s unquestioned starter, the Seahawks won another thriller in Detroit, outlasting the Lions 48-45 in Week 4. Smith completed 23-of-30 passing attempts for 320 yards and two touchdowns. As ESPN’s Brady Henderson noted, those performances rank second- and third-best in terms of QBR since he became Seattle’s starting signal caller.

Henderson asked Smith about his comfort level at Ford Field.

“Winning there against a really good team, I thought it was obviously great for our season,” Smith said, reminiscing on those recent road victories over the Lions. “It’s a new season this year. They’re [Lions defense] doing some new things. We have to play Monday’s game. Those other games don’t matter. It’s just about this one. I’m looking forward to a tremendous opportunity,” Smith said, tempering expectations.

Smith also discussed handling the crowd noise at Ford Field.

“It gets pretty loud,” Smith added. “We handled those situations pretty well [in the past]. I think we’ll be ready for it. There’s something about those environments that just charge you up.”

https://twitter.com/BradyHenderson/status/1839420657656090737

Smith answered the questions with class and grace. He gave credit to the Lions defense and environment, and mentioned a new campaign means new opportunities. But there’s no denying Smith has historically enjoyed big-time performances at Ford Field.

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Seahawks continue dealing with uncertainty at RG

Seahawks continue dealing with uncertainty at RG

The Seattle Seahawks went into last week’s practice sessions holding another open competition at right guard between sophomore Anthony Bradford and rookie Christian Haynes. Bradford had won the job in training camp, but has put forth lackluster performances throughout the early portion of the regular season. He was awarded another opportunity in Sunday’s Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, but struggled mightily.

Bradford played all 64 offensive snaps as the Seahawks even declined an opportunity to rotate him by series with Haynes, a strategy we’ve seen other offensive lines employ, to inconsistent results. Bradford arguably delivered his worst performance of the campaign. He had season-low grades in protection (27.4), as a run blocker, (50.1), and overall score (37.5), according to Pro Football Focus.

Bradford allowed his first two sacks of the season. He struggled to block the likes of Calais Campbell and Zach Sieler, who each had a sack (so did Da’Shawn Hand). Bradford allowed a season-high six pressures. He was also whistled for two penalties, bringing his overall infractions count to a position-high seven.

Perhaps the more disappointing aspect of all this is that the Seahawks settled on Bradford after evaluating him and Haynes throughout the week of practice. There’s no reason to doubt Macdonald’s evaluation. Haynes is a rookie blocker. He played 15 snaps against the New England Patriots in Week 2 and struggled, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 18.3.

The unfortunate reality is the Seahawks may not possess a straightforward answer to the struggles at right guard. Bradford continues to deliver below-average results, and Haynes isn’t yet fully acclimated to the challenges of professional football. It could be a season-long weakness for the Seahawks offense.

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