Tag: seahawks offensive coordinator

Keenan Allen explains why former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron failed in Chicago

Keenan Allen explains why former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron failed in Chicago

The Chicago Bears relieved former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron of his duties earlier this week. Waldron was replaced as their OC by Thomas Brown, who previously worked under Sean McVay in the NFC West. Seahawks fans were not surprised by the decision based on how ineffective their own offense was last season under his ruling.

Waldron was allowed to interview elsewhere following the departure of head coach Pete Carroll. New head coach Mike Macdonald appointed former Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb as the new play caller. Grubb has already been an upgrade, considering Waldron’s offense in Seattle lacked identity and productivity.

Bears veteran receiver Keenan Allen is an excellent judge of a coach’s ability to successfully coordinate an offense. Allen is a six-time Pro Bowler and potential future Hall of Famer. Unfortunately for Waldron, he recently went into detail over his coaching failures.

“He was too nice of a guy,” Allen said. Organized team activities, training camp, we fell into a trap of letting things go and not holding people accountable. That’s a slippery slope. Just professionalism and doing things the right way from the beginning,” Allen concluded his critiques with.

Waldron failed in Chicago despite having the No. 1 overall pick and quarterback, Caleb Williams, from the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears have a loaded offensive supporting cast with DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, and D’Andre Swift in addition to Allen. Despite that, the Bears just went 23-straight possessions without a touchdown and are on a three-game losing streak. They’re currently last place in the NFC North division.

The Seahawks are far better off with Grubb as their offensive coordinator.

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Former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron is struggling with Bears

Former Seahawks OC Shane Waldron is struggling with Bears

The Seattle Seahawks wisely decided to make a change at offensive coordinator this past offseason. When long-tenured head coach Pete Carroll did not return to the team in 2024, it was obvious that his OC Shane Waldron would be exiting with him. New head coach Mike Macdonald made that decision official before appointing Ryan Grubb as his offensive coordinator.

And though Grubb’s results have been mixed thus far, he’s been undeniably better than Waldron was last season. Speaking of Waldron, he immediately landed another gig, gaining control of play-calling duties for the Chicago Bears and their rookie No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams.

Fast forward 10 weeks into Waldron’s tenure with the Bears and The Athletic is reporting that head coach Matt Eberflus is already considering making a change.

The Bears were defeated 19-3 by the New England Patriots on Sunday. Waldron’s offense gained 142 total yards and managed three points and 11 first downs. The Bears converted 1-of-14 third-down attempts and punted on eight occasions. Williams hasn’t thrown a touchdown in three consecutive contests, all losses. The Bears are averaging 9.0 points per outing since their Week 7 bye week, a historically relevant scoring drought.

The Seahawks wisely moved on from Waldron and his offense that lacks identity. The Bears were silly to entrust Waldron with Williams’ development. Seattle is far better off with Macdonald and Grubb at the helm.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald criticizes OC Ryan Grubb

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald criticizes OC Ryan Grubb

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by their NFC West rival Los Angeles in overtime in Sunday’s Week 9 contest. Trailing 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, starting quarterback Geno Smith located sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 14-yard touchdown with under one minute to play, sending the game to overtime.

The Seahawks won the coin toss in OT and received an opportunity to score a walk-off touchdown. The Seahawks ran seven plays on that possession, gaining a total of 54 yards. Facing a 3rd-and-1 from the Rams’ 16-yard line, running back Kenneth Walker III was stuffed at the line of scrimmage. Head coach Mike Macdonald opted for the fourth-down attempt as opposed to kicking a go-ahead field goal.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb called another Walker run, and he was again stuffed at the LOS for no gain. The Rams took over possession and swiftly scored a game-winning TD. Speaking with the media on Monday, Macdonald was critical of Grubb’s third-and-fourth-down play calling.

“It’s not good enough right now,” Macdonald bluntly said. “We’re not converting those short yardage situations.” Macdonald did add, “It’s not like he [Grubb] just sits in his office and dreams this stuff up. It’s a team effort,” carefully ensuring to avoid placing full blame on Grubb.

Grubb is a first-year NFL offensive coordinator that is working through some critical-down (third/fourth down) struggles. An underperforming offensive line and rushing attack isn’t making those decisions easier. Together, Macdonald and Grubb must find ways to improve in crucial situations.

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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 OC Ryan Grubb talks Jason Peters, RG competition

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb talks Jason Peters, RG competition

The Seattle Seahawks recently reunited with 42-year-old offensive tackle and 21-year pro Jason Peters by signing him to the practice squad. With Abe Lucas on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and no clear-cut timeline for his return in place, and George Fant on IR, Peters could eventually replace the struggling Stone Forsythe at right tackle.

The Seahawks are also facing ongoing questions at the right guard position. In the Week 4 defeat to the Detroit Lions, head coach Mike Macdonald and the offense made the decision to rotate Anthony Bradford and Christian Haynes, two players in competition with each other. Bradford has been whistled for a league-high seven penalties this season. Despite playing fewer reps, the general consensus was that Haynes outperformed his peer.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb discussed the addition of Peters, and the ongoing battle at right guard following Thursday’s practice.

“Anytime you have a Hall of Fame-caliber player, has done it at that level for many years, you’re bound to get a lot of experienced wisdom filtering through the room,” Grubb said about Peters. “It’s been awesome having him [Peters]. It’s a big help.”

“I thought they both had some really good points,” Grubb said about Bradford and Haynes when asked to assess their performances versus the Lions. “I thought there were a few points where both of them played their best football of the year. So I think the competitive spirit is helping them both out. I think we still have to brush up on some things at practice, they’re still showing up on tape. Christian did a better job not getting overwhelmed.”

The Seahawks will continue analyzing their offensive line against the New York Giants in Sunday’s Week 5 contest. The Giants have posted a third-highest 15 sacks this season. Pass rushers like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence could get the better of Seattle’s struggling offensive line.

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DK Metcalf discusses importance of run game in Seahawks offense

DK Metcalf discusses importance of run game in Seahawks offense

Seattle Seahawks first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will officially debut his offense in Sunday’s Week 1 matchup versus the Denver Broncos. Grubb coordinated the explosive Washington Huskies offense in college football last season, one that featured a high-volume passing attack that starred quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Rome Odunze. Seahawks fans may be expecting a similar approach with Geno Smith under center.

After all, the Seahawks have an outstanding trio of receivers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Former OC Shane Waldron was relieved of his duties partially due to his inability to maximize the talent at wideout last season. While Seahawks fans are anxious to see Grubb to unveil the passing attack, Metcalf recently informed fans how important the run game will be to the offense’s success this season.

“Our run game, we’re going to run the ball downhill and make the defense stop the run first,” Metcalf said when asked about what the offense’s bread and butter will be this season. “And you know, after that, it’s pretty much dealer’s choice with how we want to take the game from there,” Metcalf continued. “I think the foundation of running the ball first is going to open up everything else for me, Smith-Njigba, Lockett, Fant, and everybody else in the receiver and tight end rooms.”

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The Seahawks averaged a 28th-ranked 92.9 rushing yards per contest last season. Waldron’s failure to consistently run the football with effectiveness hamstrung Seatlte’s offense throughout 2023. It appears Grubb won’t be making the same mistake. Establishing the run will be critical to Grubb’s offense firing on all cylinders.

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Report: Anthony Lynn named a candidate for Seahawks offensive coordinator position

Pete Carroll wants Anthony Lynn in Seattle.

The Chargers parted ways with Anthony Lynn earlier this month. However, there’s a good chance that Lynn will likely be back on his feet coaching as early as this next season.

According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Lynn has spoken with Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll about becoming the team’s new offensive coordinator.

Pelissero added that Lynn isn’t sure of his future plans but Seattle wants him to be in charge of their offense.

This wouldn’t be Lynn’s first rodeo as offensive coordinator. He was hired as the Bills’ OC early in the 2016 season after Greg Roman was fired. Prior to that, he served as Buffalo’s running backs coach for a few seasons.

Along with Lynn, offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton are also in consideration for the same position.

Report: Chargers OC Shane Steichen expected to receive interest from Seahawks

The Seahawks could be eyeing Shane Steichen to fill the offensive coordinator spot.

The Seahawks recently fired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Seattle does not plan on wasting any time to fill the vacancy, and one candidate they could be eyeing is Chargers OC Shane Steichen.

According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, it’s expected that Steichen will be on the list of possible replacements.

After serving as Los Angeles’ quarterbacks coach, Steichen was promoted to offensive coordinator after the team parted ways with Ken Whisenhunt midway through the 2019 season.

With his first full season calling the plays, L.A. averaged 382.1 yards per game (9th), 270.6 passing yards per game (6th) and 24.0 points per game (18th).

Steichen along with QBs coach Pep Hamilton are credited for some of the success of rookie sensation Justin Herbert.

If Steichen isn’t back, they will be looking to fill his void along with the defensive coordinator spot after Gus Bradley found a new home with the Raiders.

Update: According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Seattle may consider Hamilton for the role.