Tag: Stone Forsythe

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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Seahawks place T Stone Forsythe on injured reserve, claim LB Josh Ross on waivers

Seahawks place T Stone Forsythe on injured reserve, claim LB Josh Ross on waivers

The good injury news giveth, and the bad injury news taketh away. Such has been life for the Seattle Seahawks at their right tackle position. On Wednesday afternoon, the Seahawks announced they were placing third-string right tackle Stone Forsythe on injured reserve. He will be out for a minimum of four games.

Forsythe was pressed into service after starter Abe Lucas began the season on the PUP list and backup George Fant was injured in Week 1. Forsythe has struggled for the majority of this season, surrendering by far the most pressures of any tackle in the league according to PFF.

Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Forsythe missed the first game of the season with a hand injury. Starting in his place was sixth round rookie Michael Jerrell, who performed admirably, and could perhaps be a viable option moving forward at the position.

Still, it’s hard to be too upset with this news, especially considering it came on the same day when it was announced both Lucas and Fant would be returning to practice.

Additionally, the Seahawks claimed linebacker Josh Ross off of waivers. Ross is now reunited with both his former college and NFL defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald. Ross was a Michigan Wolverine who played his senior year under Macdonald in Ann Arbor, and the first two years of his NFL career with him in Baltimore.

Ross is familiar with Macdonald’s system, and despite playing in only 12 games in the league, having someone with his knowledge is paramount.

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Can Mike Jerrell be a gem for the Seahawks moving forward?

Can Mike Jerrell be a gem for the Seahawks moving forward?

The Seattle Seahawks were essentially forced to start sixth-round rookie offensive tackle Mike Jerrell at right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Seattle was down to their fourth-choice right tackle, with perceived starter Abe Lucas still on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Elsewhere, George Fant is on IR, and Stone Forsythe is nursing a hand injury that sidelined him. Veteran signing Jason Peters remains on the practice squad.

In the heartwarming story of the weekend, Jerrell, who played college football at D-III Findlay, was outstanding in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 win over the Falcons. Jerrell played 60 total offensive snaps. The Seahawks scored 34 points and starting quarterback Geno Smith was sacked on just one occasion.

Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures, all of which were classified as hurries. He did not allow Seattle’s lone sack, earning a pass-blocking grade of 58.3. PFF also assigned Jerrell a 57.1 score as a run blocker, and he was whistled for one penalty.

“It felt like a dream come true,” Jerrell said at his locker during the post-game media scrum. “It goes to show, trust in your coaches and everything they say. I bought into the [Seahawks] program. They set the plan out for me. Obviously I had to come in and work for it, it wasn’t given to me. They got me to this point.”

The Seahawks have struggled to protect Smith this season. Right tackle has understandably been a recurring sore spot. Jerrell performed significantly better than Forsythe has. Jerrell should remain in the starting lineup until Fant and/or Lucas are prepared to return.

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Seahawks rookie Michael Jerrell to start at right tackle vs Falcons

Seahawks rookie Michael Jerrell to start at right tackle vs Falcons

For the Seattle Seahawks, no position has suffered more injury than their right tackle spot. From the beginning, the Seahawks were dealing with diminished capacity, as starter Abe Lucas began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He is still on the PUP list as of this article’s publication.

His back up, George Fant, became injured in Week 1, and was later placed on Injured Reserve. Now, his backup, Stone Forsythe, is out for the Week 7 showdown in Atlanta. The NFL is a total “next man up” kind of league. Well, the next man up is rookie Michael Jerrell.

Originally a sixth round selection by the Seahawks in the 2024 NFL draft, Jerrell was the only Division II player chosen. The Findlay prospect had options to transfer to larger schools, but decided to stay. Largely seen as a project, Seattle felt he was worthy of a draft choice to mold into something.

So far, Jerrell made it through the offseason, he made it onto the active roster, and is now going to enjoy his first start in the league. Interestingly, he had been made inactive for every single game this season up until last week. Jerrell was chosen instead of veteran Jason Peters, who won’t be elevated off the practice squad this week.

When asked, head coach Mike Macdonald gave a glowing endorsement to his new starting right tackle.

“He had a great week of prep, the guy has just kept improving since he’s gotten here.” Macdonald declared. “He has come such a long way in less than a year, so I’m proud of him. He’s got a great opportunity, I know he’s excited, and I’m excited to see him go do his thing. The game has slowed down for him tremendously. I know he’s working his tail off, and he’s banked a lot of great one-on-one reps against our ones in practice. He’s got a bright future, and hopefully this is the start of it.”

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Seahawks rule Riq Woolen, Tre Brown and Stone Forsythe OUT for W7

Seahawks rule Riq Woolen, Tre Brown and Stone Forsythe OUT for W7

The Seattle Seahawks will attempt to end their current three-game losing streak incredibly short handed, once more. The team is headed to the Big Peach to play the Atlanta Falcons, who are as hot as ever at the moment.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks are going to be without two key contributors in the secondary, and one of their starting offensive linemen. Injuries have decimated Seattle’s offensive line, as the team started the season behind the proverbial eight ball to begin with Abe Lucas on the PUP list.

Now, third-stringer Stone Forsythe is out.

The Seahawks have ruled out four players for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. They are as follows:

  • CB Riq Woolen
  • CB Tre Brown
  • T Stone Forsythe
  • S Jerrick Reed II

Jerrick Reed was recently activated off the PUP list, so it is not surprising he is not able to go on Sunday. Once activated, Reed had a 21-day window to qualify for the active 53-man roster. This has clearly not happened yet.

Seattle’s secondary has a tall task ahead of them. Thankfully, rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will return. The Seahawks are in desperate need of his services, and will happily add him back into the lineup.

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Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

Seahawks could be down to 4th-string RT vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2024 season with quality depth at the right tackle position. Fast forward six games into the campaign and that depth has been completely decimated. There’s an excellent chance the Seahawks will be starting their fourth-string right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list without a clear-cut return date in mind. Replacement starter George Fant is on IR. Stone Forsythe has started every contest at right tackle since Fant went on IR, but Forsythe is now dealing with a hand injury that places his Sunday status in doubt.

Head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb may be deciding between veteran 21-year-pro Jason Peters and rookie blocker Michael Jerrell on Sunday. The Seahawks have been preparing the 42-year-old Peters to make his season debut since signing him to the practice squad in early October. Jerrell is a sixth-round rookie that hasn’t played an offensive snap this season.

If Peters is physically ready to play, surely the Seahawks will promote him from the practice squad. Jerrell is a small-school rookie hailing from Findlay, a Division II program. He’s still acclimating to this level of football. Whichever decision the Seahawks make will be an unforeseen one.

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Seahawks Week 7 injury report: Byron Murphy II returns to practice

Injuries have been the name of the game for the NFL this season, especially when it comes to the Seattle Seahawks. After playing three games in an eleven day stretch, the team was in desperate need of some time off. Unfortunately, it appears the extra rest didn’t exactly heal the team up.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins was placed on injured reserve, no improvement to Abe Lucas, and now the injury report includes the right half of Seattle’s already decimated offensive line.

The only bit of good news is Byron Murphy II has returned to practice in a limited capacity. But that’s just about where it ends for Wednesday’s injury report.

The full report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • T Stone Forsythe – Hand
  • G Anthony Bradford – Toe
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • WR Laviska Shenault – Back

Limited Participation: 

  • C Connor Williams – Chest
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • DT Byron Murphy II – Hamstring
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee
  • S Jerrick Reed II – Knee

Full Participation: 

  • S Julian Love – Hamstring/Quad

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Seahawks should start Jason Peters at RT vs. Giants in Week 5

Seahawks should start Jason Peters at RT vs. Giants in Week 5

The Seattle Seahawks reunited with offensive tackle Jason Peters on Tuesday. General manager John Schneider signed Peters to the practice squad, NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed via social media. The Seahawks should waste no time getting the 42-year-old veteran into their starting lineup. He should replace Stone Forsythe at right tackle versus the New York Giants in Week 5.

The Seahawks are down several offensive tackles due to injury. Presumed starter Abe Lucas remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with no clear timetable to return. George Fant, who began the season as the starting right tackle, is on Injured Reserve.

Forsythe, the team’s third-choice right tackle, struggled versus the Lions. He was credited with allowing 12 pressures by Pro Football Focus, the most pressures allowed by a tackle in a single-game showing this season. Forsythe gave up just one sack, but he earned a lackluster grade of 22.3 in pass protection.

In fairness to Forysthe, he struggled versus Aidan Hutchinson, the best pass rusher in the league. Hutchinson has posted a league-leading 6.5 sacks and 40 pressures. The majority of his 15 pressures against the Seahawks occurred when matched up with Forsythe.

The Seahawks play the New York Giants in Week 5, who field two high-quality pass rushers in Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Perhaps even more notably, the Seahawks have a crucial Week 6 matchup against their NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Getting Peters into the lineup now would be beneficial.

Peters appeared in eight contests for the Seahawks last season. He’ll play for a new coaching staff this year, but this regime was obviously impressed with his current shape and form given that a private workout was conducted a week before signing him. Peters should replace Forsythe at right tackle versus the Giants.

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