Tag: Seattle Seahawks

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren named finalist for 2025 Hall of Fame class

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren named finalist for 2025 Hall of Fame class

On Tuesday morning, a select few finalists were named for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, and the 12th Man will surely recognize a familiar name. Among the finalists is former Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren!

At the end of October, former Seahawk head coaches Mike Holmgren and Chuck Knox were named semi-finalists for the Hall of Fame this coming year. While it is unfortunate Knox did not quite make the cut (as he is overqualified at this point) it is still great to see that Holmgren has reached an important step to potentially be enshrined in Canton. Holmgren, as well as those mentioned in the tweet above, will be considered alongside 15 modern-era players to join the Hall of Fame.

Holmgren helped take the Seahawks to new heights, and elevate them to relevancy during the early-to-mid-2000’s. Seattle under Holmgren had five-consecutive playoff appearances, four-straight NFC West titles, and a trip to Super Bowl XL – which should have been theirs.

The 12th Man could potentially see two Seahawk legends make their way to Canton this year. Holmgren is a finalist, and former safety Earl Thomas was named a semifinalist in his first year of eligibility.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks have one active player in top 10 Pro Bowl voting

Seahawks have one active player in top 10 Pro Bowl voting

The Seattle Seahawks have won three consecutive contests and currently sit atop the NFC West. Naturally, several of Mike Macdonald’s players are earning Pro Bowl consideration. As of Monday, following one week of fan voting, the Seahawks had two players among the top 10 in their position. They are safety Julian Love (fifth overall, third in the NFC) and special teams returner Laviska Shenault Jr. (fourth overall, fourth in the NFC).

Well, awkwardly, the Seahawks released Shenault Jr. from his contract on Monday, making Love their only active player in the top 10 of Pro Bowl voting at his position.

Shenault Jr. put forth a truly disastrous performance against the New York Jets that easily could have swung the result the Jets’ way. After the other struggling returner Dee Williams fumbled a kick off, Shenault muffed a kick of his own. He was able to recover, but his error set the Seahawks’ offense back at their own 12 yard line.

Just minutes later, the Jets scored a special teams touchdown via a 99-yard kickoff return. Shenault had an opportunity to redeem himself. Instead, he muffed a second consecutive return, and this time the ball was recovered by the Jets at Seattle’s 38 yard line, ironically leading to Leonard Williams’ historic 92-yard pick six return TD.

Love has been outstanding for the Seahawks throughout 2024. The versatile safety has recorded 82 tackles and is en route to a third consecutive 100-tackle campaign. Love has also added two interceptions and seven pass breakups to his defensive totals. He deserves Pro Bowl consideration.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on offense in Week 13

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on offense in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks outlasted the New York Jets on Sunday, winning their Week 13 contest 26-21. The offense struggled occasionally, but made enough game-changing plays to swing the result in their favor. The Seahawks gained just 16 first downs and 259 total yards. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Geno Smith | 75.9

Smith was more of a game manager, completing 20 of 31 passing attempts for 206 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He was sacked on just three occasions and did not commit a turnover. Smith’s lone touchdown pass went to tight end AJ Barner, helping eliminate a first-half 14-0 Jets lead.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 72.5

Sunday was arguably Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s most efficient performance of the entire season. JSN caught all four targets Smith threw his way, converting those opportunities to a team-high 74 receiving yards. The 22-year-old Smith-Njigba now ranks 11th in the entire league in that department with 829 yards, having already surpassed his rookie season output (628).

DK Metcalf | 71.0

DK Metcalf and Smith weren’t consistently on the same page, but his nine targets still resulted in four receptions for 66 receiving yards. Metcalf’s 30-yard reception was Seattle’s longest offensive gain of the afternoon. Seattle’s big-bodied dominant receiver was on the receiving end of double-team attention from Jeff Ulbrich’s secondary.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on defense in Week 13

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on defense in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New York Jets 26-21 in Sunday’s rollercoaster of a Week 13 game. Mike Macdonald’s defense was downright dominant. Seattle limited the Jets to 258 total yards of offense, forced two turnovers, and four punts. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Leonard Williams | 92.6

To nobody’s surprise, Leonard Williams was Seattle’s highest-graded defender for a second consecutive week. Williams maximized his revenge game opportunity versus the franchise that drafted him, sacking Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice. More historically, his 92-yard pick-six return touchdown was the longest by a defensive lineman in NFL history, according to ESPN Research. He also blocked a kick. The Jets had no absolutely no answer.

Julian Love | 86.1

Safety Julian Love made a big-time impact. The versatile safety recorded six total tackles and forced a fumble. Love also had a pass breakup. He was a critical part of a Seahawks secondary that limited Rodgers to 21 passing completions, 185 yards, and his aforementioned pick-six touchdown.

Tariq Woolen | 79.3

Tariq Woolen was a shutdown cornerback. Rodgers tested his coverage abilities on seven occasions, completing just one pass for a five-yard gain, according to PFF’s tracking data. Woolen forced an incompletion via a pass breakup. His average depth of target (aDoT) was 18.7, which means the Jets failed to complete multiple deep-ball attempts in his direction.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald misses practice for an excellent reason

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald skipped practice for an excellent reason

The first place Seattle Seahawks are looking to defend their perch atop the NFC West this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. However, the team was without head coach Mike Macdonald for Monday’s practice to kick off a crucial week of preparation.

Why? Well, I believe I speak for us all when I say missing practice because your wife is in labor is a pretty strong excuse to miss practice!

Assistant head coach Leslie Frazier took the responsibility of answering questions with the media on Monday, and even gave an update on his boss’ return.

This is truly joyous news. We at Seahawks Wire want to congratulate Coach Macdonald and his wife on a safe delivery of a healthy baby. Of course, we will update you, dear reader, on any new developments.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks waive WR/KR Laviska Shenault Jr. after disastrous performance

Seahawks waive WR/KR Laviska Shenault Jr. after disastrous performance

The tenure of wide receiver/kick returner Laviska Shenault Jr. in Seattle is officially over. On Monday, the Seahawks waived their utility man after a truly disastrous performance against the New York Jets that easily could have cost the team a much-needed win.

We at Seahawks Wire hammered Shenault for his outing in Week 13, but there is no such thing overstating how poor it was. After the other (struggling) return man Dee Williams fumbled the ball on a kick off, Shenault muffed a kick of his own. He was able to recover it, but it set the Seahawks up at their own 12 yard line… much deeper in their own territory than they needed to be. Fortunately for Shenault, Seattle was able to find the end zone that drive.

Immediately after New York scored on a 99-yard kick off, Shenault once again had a chance to redeem himself. Instead, he muffed the return again, and this time the ball was recovered by the Jets at Seattle’s 38 yard line. The Seahawks were down 21-7 at this point and New York had all the momentum. The Jets were in prime position to make it a 28-7 game, effectively putting it out of reach for Seattle this early on. Once again, fortune bailed out Shenault when Leonard Williams intercepted Aaron Rodgers and returned it 92-yards for a touchdown – the longest by a defensive linemen in NFL history.

It seems that was the end of the line for Shenault, as the team won’t allow him to place them in another opportunity where they would need a potentially history-making play to save the day. Shenault ends his Seattle career with 459 return yards and a 97-yard return touchdown. He also had two fumbles as well.

The Seahawks also had to make a roster decision anyways. Top pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu and right tackle Stone Forsythe are back from injured reserve, and head coach Mike Macdonald hinted Nwosu’s return could be “sooner than later.” Should that be the case (especially if “sooner” means Week 14 against the Cardinals) a spot on the active 53-man roster is now open for him.

Seattle’s special teams have been nothing short of a terrible liability all season long, and Shenault has been a key contributor in the mess. As for his running mate, the aforementioned Dee Williams, the writing is on the wall that this staff will no longer tolerate self-inflicted wounds of his nature.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Former New Yorkers-turned-Seahawks thrived in return to MetLife Stadium

Former New Yorkers-turned-Seahawks thrived in return to MetLife Stadium

Week 13 was a bit of a homecoming for four current Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Geno Smith, safety Julian Love, and defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Jonathan Hankins all had one thing in common: all were former New York Giants. Three were also former New York Jets.

To them, they are intimately familiar with MetLife Stadium, which has become a true home away from home for the Seahawks.

Of course, the biggest name on the list is Geno Smith, who was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. Smith spent three seasons in the Big Apple before infamously flaming out, causing him to wander the desert of being an NFL journeyman backup. Smith spent a season with the Giants (starting one game on the road), then one with the Chargers before becoming a Seahawk starting in 2019 to present.

Leonard Williams was taken No. 6 overall by the Jets during the 2015 NFL draft and spent the first five years of his career with Gang Green, before being traded to the Giants. The first time he actually had to move in his career was to Seattle, when the Seahawks traded for him last season.

Julian Love became a Giant after being taken in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft and spent his rookie contract with Big Blue. Prior to the 2023 season, the Seahawks signed him to a two-year deal, but quickly outplayed it and earned a well-deserved three-year extension this past offseason.

Jonathan Hankins has moved around the most on this list. He originally was a second rounder for the Giants in 2013 where he played for three years. He then played with the Colts, Raiders and Cowboys before ultimately becoming a Seahawk this year.

In the Week 13 homecoming game, these former New Yorkers thrived. Geno Smith had another solid performance, completing 64% of his passes for 206 yards and a touchdown, as he engineered his 11th game-winning drive since the start of the 2022 season – the most in the league during this span.

Leonard Williams was an absolute terror, and felt right at home back in his original stadium. Williams had two sacks, an interception and a touchdown. His effort on Sunday made history by becoming the first player since 1982 (when sacks became an official stat) to have multiple sacks, a pick-6, and a blocked kick in the same day. He also set the NFL record for longest pick-6 by a defensive lineman.

Julian Love had six total tackles, and forced a fumble from running back Breece Hall. The Seahawks had just been stopped on downs at the goal line in a disappointing sequence, but Love stole momentum right back to Seattle, as the fumble was recovered by rookie Tyrice Knight. The Seahawks were able to score a needed field goal after that turn of events. Love also created a stop on 2nd-and-10 with a tackle, keeping the Jets at 3rd-and-10, setting up Leonard Williams to get his second sack of the afternoon. This was on New York’s final drive of the game.

Jonathan Hankins may not have shown up on the score sheet, but he was still a member of a defense that pitched a shutout over three full quarters of football, fueling the comeback for Seattle. Had the defense shown any cracks after going down 21-7, the Seahawks would be sitting at 6-6 right now.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Around the NFL: Former Seahawks S Jamal Adams signs w/ Lions practice squad

Former Seahawks S Jamal Adams signs w/ Lions practice squad

The road back to relevancy for former Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams has led him to the Motor City. On Sunday it was announced Adams was signing with the Detroit Lions practice squad, with the expectation of being elevated to the Lions’ active 53-man roster. This news was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It has been a tumultuous time for the former All-Pro safety. Injuries derailed his final couple of years in Seattle, which ultimately led to his release from the team. Adams tried to get back on track in the Music City by signing with the Tennessee Titans for a veteran minimum contract, but things did not work out down south.

Adams was underutilized on Tennessee’s struggling defense, only playing a grand total of 20 defensive snaps across three games. His frustration with lack of playing time eventually ended with him requesting his release from the team, which the Titans granted.

Now, Adams is in his fourth NFL home, and third in two seasons. It makes sense why Detroit would take a chance on a three-time Pro Bowler, as their defense has been decimated by injuries this year. Detroit has a lofty 11-1 record, but it has come at a cost. The Lions have an astonishing 14 players who are either on injured reserve or officially OUT for the rest of the season. Adams may not be what he once was, but he is a healthy body and that’s something Detroit clearly does not have in abundance at the moment.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Updated NFC West standings headed into Week 14: Seahawks remain in 1st

Updated NFC West standings headed into Week 14: Seahawks remain in 1st

It cannot be overstated how big of a seized opportunity it was for the Seattle Seahawks for winning on Sunday. The Seahawks survived a sloppy and bizarre game against the New York Jets, ultimately prevailing with a 26-21 victory on the road. As I say often, style points do not matter in this league, only wins count.

And count they do, as Seattle created a little distance between themselves and the rest of the division. The Seahawks won, but the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers did not. Arizona lost a narrow battle to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 with Kyler Murray throwing a game-losing interception in the final minute of the game.

Meanwhile the 49ers suffered their second-straight blowout loss. One week after being dog walked by the Packers to the tune of 38-10, they endured an almost identical fate by losing 35-10 to the Buffalo Bills.

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Rams are still somehow alive, being the only other NFC West team to prevail in Week 13. They also won on the road, taking down the New Orleans Saints 21-14. Below are the current divisional standings:

  • Seattle Seahawks 7-5
  • Arizona Cardinals 6-6
  • Los Angeles Rams 6-6
  • San Francisco 49ers 5-7

Arizona edges out Los Angeles for now due to a direct head-to-head tiebreaker over the Rams. The Cards obliterated them 41-10 in Week 2 of this season.

Speaking of the Red Birds, they are Seattle’s next opponent. The rematch of the season is already upon the Hawks, and the stakes are just as high. Should Arizona beat Seattle in Week 14, they will reclaim first place in the NFC West due to a better division record tiebreaker. Currently, the Seahawks are 2-2 in the division, while the Cardinals are 2-1.

Seattle did themselves a favor by winning, but that’s officially in the past. What matters now is finding a way to win in Week 14 to stave off Arizona, and a Los Angeles team that simply will not quit.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Zach Charbonnet continues to be underrated member of Seahawks offense

Zach Charbonnet continues to be underrated member of Seahawks offense.

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet entered Sunday’s Week 13 contest versus the New York Jets having scored five touchdowns this season, second-most among all Seahawks skill players. Charbonnet has been extremely useful to Ryan Grubb’s offense this campaign. He made another big-time impact in the come-from-behind victory over the Jets.

The Seahawks once trailed 14-0. Entering the fourth quarter down 21-16, a Jason Myers field goal narrowed the Jets’ advantage to 21-19. On the next possession, Grubb’s offense put together a 12-play drive that started with a Charbonnet run. A horse collar tackle later extended the drive, and Charbonnet concluded Seattle’s comeback efforts with an eight-yard TD run.

Charbonnet’s game-winning TD was featured on Brian Baldinger’s social-media-famous “Baldy’s Breakdowns.”

Charbonnet has now rushed for 266 yards and five touchdowns via 75 carries this campaign. He’s been a useful resource behind No. 1 running back Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet has also added 29 receptions for 204 yards and one additional touchdown to his offensive totals.

Charbonnet earned just four carries versus the Jets, but he averaged 7.0 yards per carry, his second-best average output of the season. Walker was his typical workhorse self, but struggled to consistently find running room, gaining 49 yards on 16 carries (3.1 YPC). Charbonnet will continue maximizing his opportunities.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]