Tag: seahawks offense

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Rams in Week 9

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Rams in Week 9

The 4-4 Seattle Seahawks host the 3-4 Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field this weekend. It’s a critical divisional showdown to further determine the standings in the tight-knit NFC West. We’ve come up with three bold predictions for Ryan Grubb’s offense against the Rams defense.

Kenneth Walker III rushes for 100 yards

Kenneth Walker III was a non-factor in Sunday’s defeat to the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 12 yards via nine carries. Grubb will attempt to establish Walker against the Rams this weekend. The former Michigan State standout hasn’t rushed for 100-plus yards since Week 1, but all parties involved will be looking to end that drought against a 23rd-ranked Rams run defense that’s allowing 139.1 yards per game.

Tyler Lockett enjoys bounce-back game

Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett was another offensive weapon that was borderline invisible versus the Bills. Despite DK Metcalf being sidelined with injury, Lockett recorded season-lows in receptions (one) and receiving yards (nine). With Metcalf’s status versus the Rams still questionable heading into Friday’s practice, Seattle’s most established wideout may need to put forth a much better performance against the Rams.

Geno Smith throws two touchdowns

Geno Smith did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season against Buffalo. Prior to the Bills disappointment, Seattle’s starting quarterback had thrown eight touchdowns in seven appearances. Smith could toss multiple scores against an outmatched Rams secondary that ranks a middling 16th versus the pass (212.6/game).

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Seahawks to stick with Anthony Bradford at RG in Week 9

Seahawks to stick with Anthony Bradford at RG in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to establish a starting right guard on the offensive line this year. Sophomore blocker Anthony Bradford won a training camp competition, but has routinely delivered lackluster performances on Sundays. Rookie guard Christian Haynes has received opportunities on occasion as a result, but he hasn’t fared much better.

The Seahawks have begun rotating Bradford and Haynes in-game. In a Week 8 blowout defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Bradford earned the majority of snaps, playing 40 of the available 51 offensive snaps. Haynes earned the remaining 11.

Haynes struggled mightily against a hard-nosed Bills defensive line. Haynes was whistled for a penalty and allowed one pressure via just eight pass-blocking snaps, earning a season-worst pass-pro grade of 12.0 from Pro Football Focus. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks are rolling with Bradford in Sunday’s Week 9 NFC West showdown versus the Los Angeles Rams.

Bradford wasn’t called for a penalty for a fifth consecutive game after being whistled for a league-high seven infractions in Seattle’s opening three contests. Pro Football Focus assigned him an overall offensive grade of 65.3, his second-best score of the season. Another good performance versus the Rams in a big-time game for Seattle would help Bradford create more distance between Haynes and himself.

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Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical NFC West showdown game against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. The 4-4 Seahawks are in a three-way tie for first place in the division with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. In preparation for their big-time game, it sounds like rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell could be making his third consecutive start.

Jerrell was thrust into the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons because George Fant and Stone Forsythe were on IR. With Fant eligible to return against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, the Seahawks stuck with Jerrell. It sounds like head coach Mike Macdonald is considering sticking with the sixth-round rookie from Findlay.

Jerrell played all 51 offensive snaps in Sunday’s blowout defeat to the Bills. Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures, and he was blamed for giving up the lone sack Geno Smith took. As a result, Jerrell earned a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 48.3.

Initial expectations were that Fant would be activated off IR and start in a critical divisional game versus the Rams. It currently sounds like Jerrell, one of Seattle’s ongoing heartwarming stories, is preparing to make a third consecutive start. Macdonald continues placing trust in the obscure small-school performer.

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Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks continue to struggle to establish an efficient rushing attack. Those ongoing difficulties took center stage against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, a lopsided 31-10 defeat. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb must make an effort to rely on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet earlier in games.

Walker was completely ineffective, rushing for 12 yards via nine carries. Charbonnet rushed for four yards and a touchdown on three carries. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was Seattle’s leading rusher, galloping for 16 yards via five scrambles.

The Seahawks rushed for 32 net offensive yards. Mike Macdonald’s squad was woefully out-gained on the ground by the Bills 164-32. Time of possession heavily favored Buffalo, 38:03 to 21:57.

Grubb continues to feature a pass-heavy attack. As pointed out by The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell, the Seahawks called seven passes on their first nine offensive plays from scrimmage. The Seahawks gained 16 rushing yards via 12 carries by Walker and Charbonnet. Buffalo only led 7-3 with 20 seconds remaining in the first half, giving Seattle no tangible reason to go into a pass-happy shell.

The Seahawks are now the league’s 29th-ranked rushing attack, producing 89.3 ground yards per outing. Grubb must work on his willingness to establish the run early. Seattle will continue being an inconsistent offense until they run the football more effectively and efficiently.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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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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