Tag: seahawks vs. packers

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 QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seahawks QB Geno Smith leads league in INTs thrown into end zone

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith suffered an injury in Sunday’s primetime 30-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He did not return and was replaced by backup Sam Howell. Before Smith exited, he made an error in judgment that has him leading the league in a not-so-great stat.

Trailing 17-3 in the second quarter, the Seahawks had strung together a quality 11-play drive that gained 53 yards and reached Green Bay’s 12-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-9 in the red zone, Smith backpedaled in the pocket as he was under pressure from a fierce pass rush. Smith heaved a desperation ball towards Noah Fant in the end zone. It was intercepted by Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine.

It was Smith’s fourth interception of the season on a throw into the end zone, per ESPN Research. That ties Smith for the league-lead in that ill-advised category with Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

It marked a critical moment in the contest where the Seahawks could have pulled within one score of the Packers. Instead, possession went the other way. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur’s offense would convert a field goal on the ensuing opportunity, extending their advantage to 20-3.

Smith has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions this season. He’s been a starting-caliber quarterback for the Seahawks, but the untimely turnovers in the red zone are hurting Ryan Grubb’s offense. While awaiting an update on his health status, Smith needs to work on eliminating the backbreaking mistakes.

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Seahawks defense comes unglued vs. Packers in Week 15

Seahawks defense comes unglued vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday’s primetime contest versus the Green Bay Packers on the back of several strong defensive performances. Mike Macdonald’s swarming unit was largely responsible for Seattle’s four-game win streak. Unfortunately, it was borderline unrecognizable in the 30-13 defeat to the Packers.

Throughout Seattle’s four-game triumph, Macdonald’s defense was allowing 15.5 points per contest. It’s worth acknowledging those showings occurred against three teams, the Arizona Cardinals (twice), San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets, currently slated to miss the postseason. In a real test versus a playoff-bound Packers offense, Macdonald’s defense shriveled up and failed to meet expectations.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 20-of-27 passing attempts for 227 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He encountered little resistance from a Seahawks secondary that was also whistled for multiple pass interference infractions. All in all, Seattle racked up 108 yards in penalties.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs also rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown via 26 carries. Macdonald’s defense did recover a Jacobs lost fumble, but Green Bay still out-gained Seattle 140-80 on the ground.

Seattle’s defense had been powering the Seahawks towards a potential NFC West division title. They forfeited control of the division for now, with the 8-6 Rams leaping into first place. Simply put, Macdonald’s defense got gut-punched by a quality Packers offense and failed to respond.

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Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

Who is Jalen Sundell? UDFA C replaces Olu Oluwatimi vs. Packers

The Seattle Seahawks entered Sunday Night Football’s showdown versus the Green Bay Packers with a pair of inexperienced offensive lineman in their lineup. Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was making his seventh consecutive start of the season. More notably, rookie right guard Sataoa Luamea was making his third straight start in place of the injured Anthony Bradford.

The injury bug created more inexperience issues for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to deal with. Oluwatimi exited the contest with a knee injury and did not return. He was replaced by third-string rookie undrafted blocker Jalen Sundell.

Sundell was undrafted out of North Dakota State this year. The multi-position lineman was arguably the most surprising roster cut-down day decision made by general manager John Schneider, who opted to keep him around. Following Connor Williams’ retirement, Sundell has climbed the depth chart by default.

Sundell played center at the East-West Shrine Bowl during the pre-draft process. North Dakota State has been an offensive line factory in recent years, sending prospects like Dillon Radunz, Cody Mauch, and Cordell Volson to the NFL. The Packers showed no remorse, immediately attacking Sundell in the passing game.

It’s worth acknowledging Sundell played a handful of quality snaps. He helped create a pathway as a lead blocker for Zach Charbonnet’s 24-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Seattle a fighting chance. Oluwatimi’s health will be worth monitoring.

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Seahawks vs. Packers could be playoff preview

Seahawks vs. Packers could be playoff preview

The Seattle Seahawks are hosting the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. It’s a massive game between two playoff contenders to help further decide the standings in the NFC. In fact, if the playoffs started today, the Seahawks and Packers would meet in the wild-card round, as pointed out by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter via social media.

The Seahawks have won four consecutive contests, including three triumphs over their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals (sweeping the regular-season series). Mike Macdonald’s ongoing win streak has catapulted his club to the top of the NFC West standings. Seattle would host Green Bay at Lumen Field in a wild-card game if the current postseason seedings were confirmed. The Packers can’t win the NFC North because the Detroit Lions are an NFL-best 12-1.

The Packers enter Sunday’s contest nearly as red-hot as the Seahawks. They’ve claimed three victories in their last four outings, including a 38-10 blowout victory over the 49ers. They also dominated the Chicago Bears 30-17. Green Bay’s lone defeat since November 3rd was a narrow 34-31 setback to the Lions in Week 14.

Things can change, but Seattle’s Week 15 contest versus the Packers qualifies as a potential postseason preview.

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Packers Pro Bowl CB ruled OUT for Seahawks game

Packers Pro Bowl CB ruled OUT for Seahawks game

The Seattle Seahawks will face a difficult task against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. If there’s a potential area for Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith to exploit, it’s a lackluster Packers pass defense that ranks 22nd in air yards allowed per game (222.2). That weakness may be magnified by the latest injury news delivered by Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur.

Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander has been ruled OUT of Sunday’s contest with a knee injury. Alexander had been a full participant at Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice sessions. In the end, LaFleur deemed he’s not ready to return.

Alexander has appeared in just seven contests for the Packers this season while battling recurring injuries. Yet the boundary cover-man still ranks second on the defense in pass breakups with seven. Alexander has also added 16 tackles and two interceptions to his defensive totals this year, including a pick-six return touchdown. The inexperienced trio of Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Eric Stokes will presumably continue playing heavy snaps in his absence.

Smith has been red-hot at QB for the Seahawks lately. The former West Virginia standout has completed 91-of-124 passing attempts for a stellar completion percentage of 73.3% with three touchdowns, 914 yards, and two interceptions during Seattle’s ongoing four-game win streak.

Smith’s job versus the Packers just got easier with news of Alexander being out of the lineup.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Packers in Week 15

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. Mike Macdonald’s defense was dominant in last weekend’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals, limiting them to 18 points and intercepting Kyler Murray twice. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense versus the Packers.

Uchenna Nwosu records a sack

Veteran EDGE Uchenna Nwosu returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines last week. The sack-artist played just 30 snaps as Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde opted to ease him back into the lineup. He totaled one pressure via 17 pass-rushing snaps. Nwosu could sack Packers quarterback Jordan Love while handling a slightly larger workload.

Tyrice Knight keeps the hype going

Rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight has been a revelation since helping replace Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker in the starting lineup. Knight was everywhere in last weekend’s win over the Cardinals, leading the team with 12 total tackles en route to earning NFC Defensive Rookie of the Week honors. Look for the former UTEP standout to build on that performance against the Packers.

Ernest Jones IV forces a fumble

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV has been outstanding since arriving in Seattle via midseason trade, routinely leading the defense in tackles. Jones recorded his first turnover as a Seahawk by intercepting Murray last week. The do-it-all defender could generate a turnover for a second consecutive week by forcing a fumble versus the Packers.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. Mike Macdonald’s squad is coming off a terrific 30-point showing in a comfortable victory over their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the offense versus the Packers.

Zach Charbonnet shines again

Starting running back Kenneth Walker III missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday with an ongoing calf injury. In relief of Walker last Sunday against the Cardinals, Zach Charbonnet rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns via 22 carries. Charbonnet could impress for a second consecutive week in a lead-back role.

DK Metcalf leads the passing offense

DK Metcalf has taken a backseat to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent weeks. JSN has been serving as Geno Smith’s go-to receiver in a breakout sophomore season. Metcalf has remained a steady performer, recording 49-plus receiving yards in five consecutive appearances. DK hasn’t scored a touchdown in four straight games, however. He’s due for a big-time showing.

Sataoa Luamea plays a quality game

Sixth-round rookie Sataoa Luamea will start his third straight game at right guard in place of the injured Anthony Bradford. The former Utah standout was steady in pass protection versus the Cardinals, allowing zero sacks and just one quarterback pressure. Luamea is attempting to continue his level of play against a Packers defensive line posting a 26th-ranked 35% pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Stats & Info.

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Watch: Griffin brothers team up for sack of Aaron Rodgers

Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin teamed up to take down Aaron Rodgers for a crucial fourth quarter sack in Seattle’s loss to Green Bay.

The Seattle Seahawks fell to the Green Bay Packers, 28-23, when their valiant comeback effort fell just short.

Perhaps the biggest play on Seattle’s comeback tour was a sack of Aaron Rodgers on third-and-9, which resulted in a fourth-and-17 and a punt, giving Seattle the ball back with 6:27 left in the game.

The sack was more than just a crucial momentum swing though, as it was orchestrated by two of Seattle’s most beloved players: Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin, who teamed up for what was the first sack of Shaquem’s career, and the second for Shaquill.

Shaquem joined the Seahawks a year after his ‘older’ brother, getting selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. He was primarily a special teams player for the first one and a half years of his career, but when the Seahawks needed a spark of energy off the edge, Griffin was summoned to serve as a pass rusher in third down situations.

He made an immediate impact, often getting into the backfield quickly – although it took until Sunday’s game against the Packers for him to finally get a sack on the stat sheet.

The season may have ended on a sour note, with a furious comeback attempt falling short on a questionable first down conversion by Jimmy Graham and the Packers, but the Griffin brothers teaming up for a sack and giving Seattle the ball back was one of the coolest moments of the season, and will be a staple in Seattle’s film sessions for years to come.

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