Tag: seahawks offensive line

Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

The Seattle Seahawks were left stunned earlier this week when starting center Connor Williams decided to abruptly retire in the middle of the season. The 27-year-old Williams had signed a one-year contract with the club in August. His departure catapulted sophomore fifth-round pick Olu Oluwatimi into the lineup for Sunday’s divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were dealing with various changes to their offensive line. Abe Lucas returned from a season-long stint on the sidelines to play the majority of snaps at right tackle. Luckily for head coach Mike Macdonald, Oluwatimi was outstanding in his 2024 debut start at center, a thrilling come-from-behind 20-17 win over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays. Brady Henderson posted this clip, highlighting one of his more encouraging reps on Geno Smith’s game-winning drive.

Pro Football Focus largely agreed with ESPN’s research. They assigned Oluwatimi blame for allowing one single pressure in pass protection en route to a qualifying pass-blocking score of 61.8. That pressure was defined as a 49ers hurry on Smith.

Furthermore, Oluwatimi was downright dominant as a run blocker. He was Seattle’s highest-graded run blocking offensive lineman, earning an elite score of 86.8. The Seahawks rushed for 94 yards, including Smith’s game-winning 13-yard scramble.

Williams’ unforeseen retirement placed an already struggling Seahawks offensive line in a tough situation. In a much-welcomed turn of events, Oluwatimi was fantastic, arguably playing better than Williams had all season. The sophomore blocker will start at center versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his 2024 regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas had been practicing in recent weeks, but had spent the first 10 weeks on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It was an encouraging debut for the former Washington State standout in a must-win game within the NFC West.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to ease Lucas back into the lineup. He rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps.

Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He played a high-quality game, earning a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, Lucas was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

“The last five or six plays [of Geno Smith’s game-winning drive], I was breathing very heavily,” Lucas admitted to reporters during his post-game media conference. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve played. When Geno took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus.”

Coach Macdonald and his staff wisely managed Lucas’ workload. He was terrific, helping transform Seattle’s struggling offensive line to a productive unit against the 49ers. The Seahawks were efficient on third down, converting six-of-13 attempts. Seattle’s offense out-gained San Francisco’s 289-277.

Lucas will attempt to continue showing signs of growth against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

Seahawks WR DK Metcalf returns to practice

The Seattle Seahawks returned to the practice field on Wednesday following their Week 10 bye. Head coach Mike Macdonald is preparing for a critical Week 11 game versus NFC West arch rival San Francisco 49ers. In outstanding news, superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf returned to practice.

Metcalf suffered a sprained knee injury in a blowout Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He missed the following two contests, losses to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. All in all, bye week included, Metcalf was sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks with the knee-based ailment.

Metcalf has totaled 35 receptions for 568 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The former Ole Miss standout is averaging an explosive 16.2 yards per catch. Metcalf also leads all Seahawks pass catchers in receiving yards per game (81.1) by a sizable margin.

Metcalf was largely limited by the 49ers’ defense in their first meeting of the season. Metcalf accumulated just three receptions via 11 targets for 48 receiving yards. It was his second-worst performance of the 2024 campaign, trailing just his quiet afternoon in a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be anxious to get his go-to playmaker back. The 4-5 Seahawks trail the 5-4 49ers in the NFC West. Metcalf will attempt to provide the offense with a much-needed boost.

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Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

Should the Seahawks claim G Nate Davis off waivers?

The right guard position has been a massive weakness for the Seattle Seahawks’ offense this season. Starting blocker Anthony Bradford has struggled all season long. Pro Football Focus has credited Bradford with allowing five sacks and being whistled for nine penalties. He unfortunately leads all guards in both categories.

Despite his lackluster showings, rookie Christian Haynes has been unable to permanently dethrone him. Haynes has received opportunities to rotate into the lineup, but the first-year guard hasn’t provided the offense with an upgrade. The former UConn standout has earned an overall grade of 48.0 from PFF for his sporadic performances.

A potential solution hit the waiver wire on Wednesday morning. The Chicago Bears released Nate Davis from his contract. The move arrives halfway into a disastrous three-year, $30 million contract signed in free agency last offseason.

The Bears ended up paying Davis more than $20.4 million for 13 starts. Davis was routinely injured throughout his tenure with the Bears. His effort level was routinely questioned by the coaching staff and fan base.

Davis has been benched and even a healthy scratch after a lackluster start to his campaign. The veteran Davis, a third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, must clear waivers before reaching free agency. Davis’ high-price contract makes him a near guarantee to pass through waivers, but Seahawks GM John Schneider could consider claiming him.

If Davis clears, the Seahawks would be free to negotiate a brand-new contract with his representation. Bringing in Davis would be a risk given his reputation in Chicago. Given their weekly problem at right guard, would Seattle consider rolling the dice? Time will reveal.

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Seahawks address offensive line in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address offensive line in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The struggling offensive line is the biggest weakness for the 4-5 Seattle Seahawks. The offense has forfeited a sixth-worst 28 sacks heading into the Week 10 bye. Starting quarterback Geno Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

The right side of the offensive line has particularly been an issue. Right guard Anthony Bradford has allowed 24 pressures, second-most among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113. Yet rookie blocker Christian Haynes hasn’t been successful in dethroning him for a starting role.

Right tackle has been equally as questionable. With preferred starter Abe Lucas still on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list, the Seahawks have played three different players there, due to additional injuries and underperformance. George Fant and Stone Forsythe have been particularly disappointing, thrusting Day Three rookie Mike Jerrell into action.

It’s no surprise that an NFL Mock Draft would have the Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman. The Draft Network’s Daniel Harms recently dropped his iteration. He has GM John Schneider selecting Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow with the No. 13 overall selection.

“Watching the offensive line in Seattle is a tough task, and if they want to bring in a young quarterback at any point, addressing the offensive line is top of the list,” Harms wrote. “Marcus Mbow is one of the best tackles most don’t know about and he could complete Seattle’s bookends with some of the best hand usage out there.”

The Seahawks could certainly use reinforcements on the offensive line ahead of the 2025 campaign. Whether Mbow plays tackle or guard at the next level remains to be determined, but he’s an underrated prospect. Depending on Lucas’ outlook, Seattle could utilize instant contributors at both positions.

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Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

The right tackle position was a major sore spot for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran tackle George Fant received the start after being activated off IR. Fant was credited with allowing two pressures and one sack before re-injuring his knee and exiting the game.

Fant was replaced by rookie blocker Mike Jerrell, who had started the previous two contests at right tackle. Jerrell also struggled, allowing two sacks and four pressures. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald offered an encouraging update about the position during Monday’s press conference.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas has missed the entire campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas recently returned to practice and is working towards making his debut. With the Seahawks on a Week 10 bye, Macdonald said Lucas may start at right tackle versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

The 4-5 Seahawks are currently dead-last in the NFC West. The standings will receive another shake-up in Week 10, but the following contest versus the 49ers is a potentially decisive one. Macdonald’s Seahawks are currently 0-2 in the division and must turn around their fortunes if they hope to qualify for the postseason. Getting Lucas back could provide Seattle’s lackluster offensive line with a much-needed jolt.

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Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

The Seattle Seahawks activated offensive tackle George Fant off injured reserve (IR) ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 showdown versus their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Fant was active for the first time since Week 1, when he suffered a knee injury in the regular-season opener. He opened Sunday’s contest as the starting right tackle, replacing rookie Mike Jerrell.

Fant unfortunately suffered another knee injury in the overtime defeat to the Rams. The veteran blocker exited the game and did not return. Jerrell replaced him and played the majority of snaps on Seattle’s offensive line.

Fant only managed 17 offensive snaps before re-injuring the leg that landed him on IR in September. Jerrell played the remaining 63 snaps on offense. Seattle’s offensive line was totally ineffective once again, with starting quarterback Geno Smith under constant duress from the Rams’ offensive line, leading to seven sacks for the defense.

Assuming Fant’s season isn’t over, the Seahawks unfortunately can’t rely on his availability for the rest of the season. Ideally, presumed starting right tackle Abe Lucas, who has been practicing lately, is getting closer to being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Otherwise, Jerrell will likely serve as the starting right tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 when the Seahawks return from their bye week.

Fant simply can’t be relied on.

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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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