Tag: seahawks offense

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet received his second consecutive opportunity to start in place of Kenneth Walker III in Sunday’s blowout 24-3 Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Charbonnet was extremely productive, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns via 18 carries. He also added three receptions and 16 additional yards to his offensive totals.

That represented career highs for Charbonnet in yards, yards per carry (5.1), and touchdowns. The former UCLA standout has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Charbonnet’s longest run gained 13 yards, meaning he was consistently churning out quality runs.

It was a far better, more efficient performance than what Charbonnet put forth against the New England Patriots in Week 2, his first start after Walker was sidelined. Charbonnet rushed for just 38 yards and 2.7 yards per carry (and a touchdown) in that contest. The Westlake Village, California native was significantly more effective versus the shorthanded Dolphins.

The undefeated Seahawks will face their largest test of the 2024 campaign in Week 4 when they travel to Detroit for a Monday Night Football primetime showdown versus the Lions. Dan Campbell’s Lions currently rank fourth-best in rushing yards allowed per game (76.7). We’ll monitor Walker’s practice involvement throughout the upcoming week of practice. If he’s still sidelined, Charbonnet proved capable of carrying the workload.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Can Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet bounce back vs. Dolphins?

Can Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet bounce back vs. Dolphins?

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet received the opportunity to start in place of the injured Kenneth Walker in last Sunday’s overtime victory over the New England Patriots. Charbonnet was not particularly effective. The former UCLA standout was limited to 38 yards and 2.7 yards per carry via 14 rushing attempts. He did score a touchdown, but play-to-play consistency wasn’t there.

Charbonnet also encountered little running room to operate with in Week 1. Though he worked as a change-of-pace option in that game, he managed just 12 yards, 1.5 per eight carries. Charbonnet scored a receiving touchdown, but ground-game effectiveness remained elusive.

Charbonnet is seemingly going to receive his second consecutive opportunity to start. Workhorse back Kenneth Walker hasn’t practiced all week and appears primed to miss his second straight game with an oblique injury. Barring a surprise, it’ll be Charbonnet carrying the workload versus the Miami Dolphins in Sunday’s Week 3 affair.

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1836911673073897857

The Dolphins defense has enjoyed middling results versus the run. First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has watched his unit allow a 15th-best 118 rushing yards per contest. That indicates they possess the advantage over the Seahawks’ 24th-ranked rushing attack (96.0/game).

Charbonnet hasn’t completely seized his chance to start in place of Walker, but he has managed touchdowns in back-to-back games. Another opportunity looms large versus a competent Dolphins defense on Sunday. It’ll be worth monitoring if Charbonnet fares better.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Can Stone Forsythe play another quality game for Seahawks in Week 3?

Can Stone Forsythe play another quality game for Seahawks in Week 3?

Seattle Seahawks right tackle George Fant was a limited participant on Thursday’s practice injury report with a knee injury designation. It’s the same injury that forced Fant to miss the team’s Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. If he’s unable to suit up, Stone Forsythe will earn his second consecutive start.

Forsythe played a quality game against the Patriots. The former Florida standout wasn’t credited with allowing any sacks by Pro Football Focus. He did forfeit five total pressures, including four hurries, but his performance wasn’t preventative to the Seahawks executing their offense. That’s all offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can ask for when relying on a backup tackle.

There’s reason to believe Forsythe could enjoy similar results versus the Dolphins if he’s tasked with starting. This Miami defense underwent sweeping changes in the offseason. They have a new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver, lost dominant interior player Christian Wilkins in free agency, and are still dealing with an injury to Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins have just three sacks in two games as a result. Only three defenses have fewer quarterback takedowns.

Quality offensive line depth is difficult to find around the league. Forsythe isn’t an above-average starter, but he’s a competent blocker that can help the Seahawks survive injuries to Abe Lucas and Fant at right tackle. Head coach Mike Macdonald should rest comfortably Saturday evening knowing Forsythe can rise to the occasion if necessary.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

3 Patriots players Seahawks need to be wary of in Week 2

3 Patriots players Seahawks need to be wary of

The Seattle Seahawks (1-0) have a tricky road matchup against the New England Patriots (1-0) in Week 2. The Patriots stunned the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, defeating them 16-10. Jerod Mayo’s stingy defense held an explosive Bengals offense to 10 points and 224 total net yards of offense. Offensively, their biggest playmakers did enough to win the game.

With that in mind, we’ve identified three Patriots players the Seahawks need to be prepared for in Week 2.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Stud running back Rhamondre Stevenson carried a heavy workload for the Patriots in Week 1 and he was extremely effective. The former Oklahoma standout ran the ball 25 times for 120 yards and a touchdown, averaging an efficient 4.8 yards per carry. The Patriots are also willing to get Stevenson involved in the passing game, hence his three targets on Sunday. Seattle’s front seven must be prepared for the threat he poses.

Christian Gonzalez

Sophomore cornerback Christian Gonzalez picked up where he left off after suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury last year. Gonzalez allowed a passer rating of 87.5 and forfeited just 5.0 yards per reception on the three catches he allowed, according to Pro Football Focus’ charting. There’s a decent chance he’ll shadow DK Metcalf on Sunday.

Keion White

One of the more underrated defensive lineman in the league, if Sunday was any indication, Keion White is primed for a monster breakout season. The former Georgia Tech product was credited with 2.5 sacks on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. White’s PFF pass-rushing grade was a 90.1 in Week 1 as a result, the fourth-highest score handed out. Given Seattle’s offensive line woes, this could spell trouble.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf eyes offensive improvement in Week 2

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf eyes offensive improvement in Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks offense looked rusty, at least during the first half, in Sunday’s 26-20 Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. Ryan Grubb’s unit compiled just 304 yards of total offense, a middling 15th-best in the league. Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw for just 158 net yards, the 20th-highest mark in Week 1. Smith was officially 18-of-25 for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Seahawks punted five times, were inefficient on third downs (4-of-12), and lost the time of possession battle (31:14 to 28:46). These metrics displeased superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf, who recorded just three receptions for 29 yards. Metcalf is eyeing better results versus the New England Patriots in Week 2, he told the media on Wednesday.

“We have a pretty good defense and they held us the whole game,” Metcalf said. “We have a tight-knit team in my opinion. The offense stuttered in the first half. Everybody saw it. The way our defense kept responding, they had to go out there and get big stops. We’re going to lean on each other this whole season. Nobody wants to start the season like we did on offense, but we’re going to learn from it.”

The Seahawks have a difficult road matchup against what was a surprisingly good Patriots defense in Week 1. The Patriots defense enters this weekend’s game ranked second in points allowed (10), third in rushing yards allowed (70), and 12th in passing yards (154). Metcalf and his teammates will have to execute with better efficiency if they’re to achieve desired improvement.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]