Tag: seahawks pff

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense took the field one final time in 2024, helping the team defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-25 in Sunday’s Week 18 finale. Mike Macdonald’s unit forced Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo into one turnover, and sacked him three times. Pro Football Focus was especially impressed with the following Seahawks, their three highest-graded players on defense from Sunday.

Artie Burns | 90.2

Veteran defensive back Artie Burns returned after a multi-month absence to earn a elite defensive grade from PFF. Burns totaled two quarterback pressures as a blitzer, and also only allowed two receptions on four receiving targets for 22 yards. The versatile, experienced defender also had a pass breakup.

Ernest Jones IV | 77.9

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV was his usual dominant self. Jones’ 77.9 overall defensive grade was his second-highest with the Seahawks this season. The versatile ‘backer accumulated nine tackles, two stops, and two pressures. He’ll now eye a contract extension in the offseason.

Devon Witherspoon | 75.7

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, playing his usual do-it-all role for Macdonald’s stingy defense. The former No. 5 overall selection matched a season-high eight tackles and also broke up two passes. Witherspoon is the heartbeat of the Seahawks defense, and helped Seattle reach 10 victories for the first time since 2020.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on offense in Week 18

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on offense in Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 campaign with a 30-25 victory in Week 18 over their arch rival Los Angeles Rams. It was an impressive offensive performance, the final on Ryan Grubb’s tenure after he was fired as offensive coordinator on Monday. Pro Football Focus was especially impressed with the following Seahawks, their three highest-graded players from Sunday.

AJ Barner | 89.8

Rookie tight end AJ Barner recorded season-highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (34). Barner also caught the fourth touchdown of his debut campaign, a four-yard score in the third quarter. It was a performance worth building on as the former Michigan standout heads into a critical offseason.

Noah Fant | 82.5

Veteran tight end Noah Fant wasn’t to be outdone by Barner. Fant led the Seahawks in receiving yards with 63, also tying Barner for the team-lead in receptions with five. The experienced weapon secured the game-winning touchdown, a 16-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Geno Smith | 81.7

Geno Smith was lights-out for the Seahawks at QB. The starting signal caller played a near-perfect game, completing 20-of-27 passing attempts for 223 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Smith maximized his earning potential as a result, gathering an additional $6 million in performance incentives.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on defense in Week 16

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on defense in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks fell short of upsetting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, dropping their Week 16 contest 27-24. Mike Macdonald’s defense struggled to get stops. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was unstoppable, totaling 10 catches for 144 yards and two scores. Kevin O’Connell had the offense cooking against Aden Durde’s defense.

These Seahawks were their highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jarran Reed | 86.5

Veteran interior defender Jarran Reed earned an elite grade of 86.5, his single-best score of the season. Reed recorded a strip-sack of Darnold, and the Vikings were fortunate to recover the football. The underrated defensive tackle totaled three quarterback pressures.

Devon Witherspoon | 75.9

Despite Minnesota’s passing-game success, versatile cornerback Devon Witherspoon forfeited very little through the air. He was credited with allowing four receptions on six targets for just 38 receiving yards. Witherspoon has allowed just one touchdown catch throughout this entire 2024 campaign.

Josh Jobe | 75.4

Boundary corner Josh Jobe was very competitive in coverage. The former undrafted free agent out of Alabama allowed five catches for 55 receiving yards, but wasn’t tagged with responsibility for any of Darnold’s touchdowns. Jobe only allowed nine yards after catch, and also recorded a pass breakup.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on offense in Week 16

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on offense in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks fell short of upsetting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, losing a nail biter 27-24. Though Geno Smith and the offense turned over the football on the game’s most important possession, Ryan Grubb’s unit was effective, racking up a game-high 361 total yards. These Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense on Sunday, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 75.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become Smith’s go-to receiver this season. JSN led the Seahawks in receptions (eight) and receiving yards (95) for an eighth consecutive contest. Smith-Njigba also reached the end zone for a sixth occasion this season via an 18-yard grab in the second quarter.

Charles Cross | 73.0

Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross handled Brian Flores’ haunting pass rush in impressive fashion. The former Mississippi State standout only allowed two pressures and zero sacks in pass protection. Smith was only sacked twice. He could always rely on his blindside protector to provide a clean pocket. The other four blockers? Not so much.

DK Metcalf | 67.9

DK Metcalf finally ended a five-game scoring drought through a 25-yard score in the first quarter, tying the game at seven apiece. Metcalf concluded Sunday with a respectable three receptions for 57 receiving yards. The big-play boundary threat averaged an explosive 19 yards per catch.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on defense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks did not play a good-quality defensive game in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Matt LaFleur’s offense encountered little resistance en route to scoring 30 points and posting nearly 400 total yards of offense. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Boye Mafe | 80.0

Boye Mafe did not make the graphic because he didn’t play the minimum required 25 snaps, but it feels silly to discredit 22 snaps. That’s a decent workload, and Mafe maximized those opportunities, earning a stellar overall grade of 80.0. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher tied for the team-lead in QB pressures with three.

Dre’Mont Jones | 79.4

Dre’Mont Jones has steadily improved his form as the season’s progressed forward and that remained the case on Sunday Night Football. The veteran pass rusher recorded three stops and was effective both as a run stopper and pass rusher. Jones has been an impactful defender for Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Leonard Williams | 69.3

Leonard Williams was a bit quieter than usual given his insane run of form, but he still accumulated a defensive-line-high five tackles. Williams pressured Packers quarterback Jordan Love twice. He also posted a defense-high five stops, matching what off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV achieved in this game.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks were dismissed by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, losing 30-13. Ryan Grubb’s offense gained just 208 total yards and were limited to 13 measly points. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 77.3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his ascension as Geno Smith’s go-to target in the passing game. JSN posted team-highs in receptions (10), receiving yards (83), and targets (12). Smith-Njigba did the majority of his work underneath the coverage, averaging just 8.3 yards per catch, though he was on the receiving end of Seattle’s longest completion of the evening, a 25-yard gain in the passing game.

Charles Cross | 76.3

The Packers dominated the interior of the Seahawks’ makeshift offensive line, but Mike Macdonald’s bookend tackles held their own. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was credited with allowing three pressures and one sack, posting an overall grade of 81.1 in pass protection. That was his second-best grade of the season in protection.

Abe Lucas | 73.8

Right tackle Abraham Lucas was Seattle’s third-highest graded offensive player at 73.8. He occasionally struggled in pass protection, allowing five pressures and two sacks, but was also dealing with a lackluster situation at right guard. Lucas was also a net positive in the running game, earning a grade of 79.7 in that department.

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Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III is elite at making defenders miss

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III is elite at making defenders miss

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III did not play in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals due to a calf injury. Zach Charbonnet filled in more than admirably, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Mike Macdonald called Walker “day to day” at Wednesday’s practice, for which he remained sidelined. When Seattle’s top-choice ball carrier has been on the field this season, he’s been elite at making defenders miss.

Walker leads the Seahawks in rushing yards with 542 despite missing three games this season. Pro Football Focus does an outstanding job tracking advanced running back data. Walker ranks second in the entire league in missed tackles forced (MTF) after a rush with 58, tied with Green Bay Packers back Josh Jacobs.

Najee Harris leads the league in missed tackles according to PFF with 59. Walker has carried the football on 145 occasions this campaign compared to 223 for Harris. It’s safe to assume a fully healthy Walker would be topping the league in that category.

Both of Seattle’s running backs have done an outstanding job navigating the difficulties provided by an underperforming offensive line. Charbonnet ranks fifth in yards after contact per attempt (YCO/A) at 3.61. As a tandem, they’ve been highly effective in making defenders miss either at the line of scrimmage, or after contact.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in this advanced stat since Week 11

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in this advanced stat since Week 11

The Seattle Seahawks are among the hottest teams in all of professional football. Their ongoing four-game win streak is the third-largest active streak in the league, trailing just the Philadelphia Eagles (nine) and Minnesota Vikings (six). A big reason why has been the play of starting quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith has been outstanding over the previous four contests. The former West Virginia standout has completed 91-of-124 passing attempts for a stellar completion percentage of 73.3%. Smith has thrown three touchdowns, two interceptions, and 914 yards. He added a rushing score to his offensive totals via the walk-off win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 that started this recent run of form for Seattle.

Unsurprisingly, Smith’s advanced metrics have been equally as outstanding as the raw numbers indicate. Since Week 11, the start of Seattle’s ongoing win streak, Smith ranks second among all qualifying quarterbacks in adjusted completion percentage (ADJ%) at 83.2%, according to data tracked by Pro Football Focus. Only Sam Darnold ranks higher (83.8%).

If you’re unfamiliar, ADJ% tracks the percentage of aimed passes that are thrown on target combining completions with drops / aimed passes). Typically, when a quarterback is playing well, their ADJ% rises because their actual completion percentage is being lowered by drops and missed opportunities. Smith has been elite and accurate for the Seahawks since Week 11 onward and his ADJ% proves it.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks captured their fourth consecutive victory on Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 30-18 in Week 14. Mike Macdonald’s defense limited the Cardinals to 356 total yards and forced two turnovers, completing the regular-season sweep over their NFC West rivals. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jarran Reed | 84.1

Veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed was his usual disruptive self. The former Alabama standout recorded three pressures and logged a QB hit on Kyler Murray. Reed also broke up a pass and routinely dominated the line of scrimmage versus an outmatched Cardinals interior offensive line.

Rayshawn Jenkins | 76.3

Rayshawn Jenkins was Seattle’ second-highest graded overall defender at 76.3. The versatile safety recorded three tackles and one of Macdonald’s two team sacks on a well-timed blitz. Jenkins accumulated two additional tackles and two stops. He was never targeted in coverage by Murray.

Coby Bryant | 73.4

Rotational safety Coby Bryant continues to take advantage of his opportunities. With Jenkins still easing into the lineup, Bryant has captured a full-time starting role for himself. The ex Cincinnati Bearcat played 100 percent of Macdonald’s defensive snaps for a sixth straight game. He recorded his team-high third interception of the season, his second takeaway in three games.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 14

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks strung together a complete performance in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offense produced more than 400 yards of offense and completed nearly 50 percent of their third-down attempts. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 84.1

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be Seattle’s most effective wide receiver this season. JSN caught a first-quarter touchdown on the next play after linebacker Ernest Jones IV intercepted Kyler Murray. All in all, Smith-Njigba totaled a team-high 82 receiving yards and a score via five receptions. He averaged an explosive 16.4 yards per catch.

Zach Charbonnet | 80.4

Zach Charbonnet received an opportunity to lead the backfield after Kenneth Walker III was ruled out with a lower-leg injury. The former UCLA Bruin took full advantage of his opportunity, rushing for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns. Charbonnet was impactful in all phases, adding seven receptions for 59 receiving yards to his offensive totals.

Geno Smith | 79.2

Geno Smith was the architect of Seattle’s stellar offensive performance. The veteran quarterback was efficient, completing 24-of-30 passing attempts for 233 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. Smith pulled the strings for a Ryan Grubb-coached offense that was firing on all cylinders.

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