Tag: Stone Forsythe

Seahawks will be missing the following crucial pieces vs. Lions

Seahawks will be missing the following crucial pieces vs. Lions

The Seattle Seahawks face a resume-defining game on Monday night when they face the Detroit Lions. The undefeated Seahawks have enjoyed a soft schedule thus far, but Jared Goff and the Lions will offer a significantly stiffer test. Mike Macdonald’s squad will unfortunately be missing several standout players via injury, including the following:

Abe Lucas

Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. His return to play timeline remains unknown. Lucas’ injury became more front-facing for the Seahawks once another injury occurred across the offensive line.

George Fant

George Fant was acquired as insurance at right tackle by John Schneider. Fant has missed several games and will continue being sidelined on Monday with a hamstring injury. He’s ineligible to return until Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. Stone Forsythe will continue starting in his place.

Boye Mafe

Boye Mafe initially injured his knee in the Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. Mafe participated against the Miami Dolphins the following week and has recorded a sack in every single contest. The Seahawks are now taking a cautious approach with their ascending pass rusher.

Uchenna Nwosu

Uchenna Nwosu suffered a multi-week knee injury in the preseason finale. The Seahawks opted against placing him on IR because the initial belief was he’d return against the Lions on Monday night. That unfortunately didn’t come to fruition, but Macdonald possesses faith that Nwosu will return against the New York Giants next weekend.

Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams exited the victory over the Miami Dolphins with a rib injury. Williams consistently didn’t practice leading up to Monday’s primetime showdown. The Lions will be without Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow. It’s a shame the Seahawks may fail to take advantage of his absence.

Byron Murphy II

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is nursing a hamstring injury. The Seahawks will rely on Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins in his absence. Quinton Bohanna is a possible practice squad call up.

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Jason Peters would represent big-time upgrade for Seahawks’ OL

Jason Peters would represent big-time upgrade for Seahawks’ OL

The Seattle Seahawks hosted veteran free agent offensive tackle Jason Peters for a workout on Tuesday. Signing Peters would represent a reunion between he and the Seahawks, after the future Hall of Famer suited up for eight contests last season. He would be a worthwhile addition for general manager John Schneider.

The Seahawks’ preferred starting right tackle heading into the season was Abe Lucas, but he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list before the campaign even kicked off due to a knee procedure he underwent this past winter. His replacement, veteran George Fant, was placed on Injured Reserve this past weekend. The Seahawks have been forced to start Stone Forsythe at right tackle as a result.

Forsythe performed admirably in Seattle’s dominant Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing just one quarterback pressure en route to a pass protection grade of 77.0. He was less consistent in Week 3 versus the New England Patriots, forfeiting five pressures.

The Seahawks would be completely unprepared if Forsythe were to suffer an injury. The inexperienced trio of McClendon Curtis, and rookies Michael Jerrell and Sataoa Laumea are the options behind Forsythe. That’s precisely why Peters would be a big-time addition.

The aging Peters provided the Seahawks with league-average play last season. He wasn’t credited with allowing a single sack in eight appearances, but did forfeit 14 total pressures. Peters was a difference-maker in the ground run, earning a stellar run blocking score of 71.2.

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Can Stone Forsythe play another quality game for Seahawks in Week 3?

Can Stone Forsythe play another quality game for Seahawks in Week 3?

Seattle Seahawks right tackle George Fant was a limited participant on Thursday’s practice injury report with a knee injury designation. It’s the same injury that forced Fant to miss the team’s Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. If he’s unable to suit up, Stone Forsythe will earn his second consecutive start.

Forsythe played a quality game against the Patriots. The former Florida standout wasn’t credited with allowing any sacks by Pro Football Focus. He did forfeit five total pressures, including four hurries, but his performance wasn’t preventative to the Seahawks executing their offense. That’s all offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb can ask for when relying on a backup tackle.

There’s reason to believe Forsythe could enjoy similar results versus the Dolphins if he’s tasked with starting. This Miami defense underwent sweeping changes in the offseason. They have a new defensive coordinator in Anthony Weaver, lost dominant interior player Christian Wilkins in free agency, and are still dealing with an injury to Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins have just three sacks in two games as a result. Only three defenses have fewer quarterback takedowns.

Quality offensive line depth is difficult to find around the league. Forsythe isn’t an above-average starter, but he’s a competent blocker that can help the Seahawks survive injuries to Abe Lucas and Fant at right tackle. Head coach Mike Macdonald should rest comfortably Saturday evening knowing Forsythe can rise to the occasion if necessary.

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Seahawks RT George Fant ruled OUT with a knee injury

Seahawks RT George Fant ruled OUT with a knee injury

Last season in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Seattle Seahawks lost both of their tackles to injury. Charles Cross and Abe Lucas both left early, and missed several games combined.

Unfortunately, it seems the bad injury luck to the tackle position has struck the Seahawks once more. At the end of the first quarter, during Seattle’s most successful drive, right tackle George Fant got banged up.

Although Fant walked off the field under his own power, he was seen slowly moving to the locker room. It did not take long for the Seahawks to announce he was officially ruled OUT for the remainder of the game. In his place is now 2021 6th round selection Stone Forsythe.

The Seahawks offense is struggling mightily in this one. They currently trail the Broncos 5-3 (yes, you read that one right) thanks to a holding call in the end zone which resulted in a safety.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire or @KoleMusgrove23 for live updates from Lumen Field.

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Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

Seahawks shuffle OL with several starters on rest days

The Seattle Seahawks are still working through multiple scenarios across their offensive line heading into Saturday evening’s preseason finale with the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike Macdonald shuffled things up front at Thursday’s practice due to different circumstances.

In the most positive development, center Connor Williams was more involved than ever before. Williams played the majority of snaps during the scrimmage, according to Gregg Bell. That represented a new trend, after he was replaced midway through Monday’s and Tuesday’s session.

It’s clear that Macdonald is ramping up Williams’ workload with Week 1 versus the Denver Broncos on the horizon. Williams is unlikely to play versus the Browns in the exhibition finale this weekend, but he’s getting ready for regular-season action.

Elsewhere, right tackle George Fant and left tackle Laken Tomlinson presumably received veteran rest days. Their absences meant Christian Haynes was the starting left guard, and Stone Forsythe was the right tackle, per Brady Henderson. Haynes is still in a position battle with Anthony Bradford at right guard, but his services were required to fill-in on the left for Tomlinson.

The Seahawks continue to display faith in Haynes’ ability to play both left and right guard. Switching sides on a daily basis hasn’t prevented him from pushing Bradford for the right-sided starting gig. A decision on the starting right guard is expected to be announced prior to Week 1.

Forsythe is an interesting case. He’s not guaranteed a 53-man roster spot, though Abe Lucas‘ injury status may rescue his chances given that he’s currently working as the second-string right tackle behind Fant. With Lucas remaining sidelined at this point, Forsythe is seeing an increase in work given Fant’s advancing age.

 

4 of the most-pleasant surprises for the Seahawks in 2023

Here are four players who have been the most-pleasant surprises for Seattle so far this year.

In case you haven’t heard, the Seahawks are good again. Off to their first strong start since they won five straight to begin the 2020 season, Seattle has arrived at the early bye week with a 3-1 record. Aside from the second half collapse against Los Angeles in Week 1, these Seahawks have performed above even our relatively-rosy projections heading into the year, predicting they’d finish at 11-6. Right now it looks like we sold them short.

The biggest single reason why things are going so well is the return of middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. He has whipped the front-seven into shape and completely reversed last year’s dynamic of atrocious run defense, leading a unit that is currently allowing the third-fewest yards per carry in the NFL and less than 90 rushing yards per game. Wagner’s brilliance hasn’t been breaking news for about 11 years, though. Let’s focus on some contributors who we didn’t expect to ball out but have started the 2023 season hot.

Here are four players who have been the most-pleasant surprises for the team so far this year.

Geno Smith credits backup OTs for solid pass protection vs. Detroit

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith spoke some endearing words about his offensive line after Sunday’s victory over the Lions.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith spoke some endearing words about his offensive line after Sunday’s victory over the Lions.

Smith was sacked just once on 67 total offensive plays despite Seattle having to deploy backups at both left and right tackle. Here’s what he shared about Stone Forsythe and Jake Curhan.

Smith’s “This is who we are” remark likely refers to the Seahawks’ ability to overcome blowing a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. On a flawless nine-play overtime drive, Smith punched in on a six-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett to win the game.

More Seahawks Wire stories

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Here’s a review of the team’s options and depth at each position assuming Cross is out as well as Lucas.

It didn’t take long for the Seahawks offensive line to get shaken up. Right tackle Abe Lucas has been placed on injured reserve due to knee soreness, knocking him out until at least Week 7. Meanwhile, left tackle Charles Cross is day to day with turf toe and did not practice yesterday – an indication he’ll also be out on Sunday against the Lions.

Since the team learned that both Cross and Lucas are injured they have been very busy on this front. Seattle has signed two offensive linemen to their practice squad, bringing back Greg Eiland as well as signing 41-year old veteran Jason Peters. Yesterday, the Seahawks signed two more offensive linemen to their active roster, poaching offensive tackle Raiqwon O’Neal off the Buccaneers practive squad as well as tackle/guard combo McClendon Curtis off the Raiders practice squad.

Let’s break it all down and see if we can project who will wind up starting at each spot this week. Here’s a review of the team’s options and depth at each position – assuming Cross is out as well as Lucas.

Left tackle:

  • Charles Cross
  • Stone Forsythe
  • Raiqwon O’Neal
  • Jason Peters

The next man up on the depth chart after Cross is Stone Forsythe, which doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence given his experience level. The former sixth-round draft pick has only one start under his belt and has only been on the field for a total of 149 offensive snaps in his career. If head coach Pete Carroll doesn’t like Forsythe’s chances against Lions second-year edge Aidan Hutchinson, he may roll with one of the new tackles he brought in this week.

The nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters is the most-logical option to start here given his extensive experience at left tackle (200+ pro starts). However, it sounds like Peters won’t be ready to go until next week. That makes Raiqwon O’Neal the next-best option on the blindside for Seattle against Detroit. He played two years at Rutgers then transferred to UCLA last season, where he started 13 games at left tackle.

Prediction: Our best guess is that Forsythe will begin the game starting. However, it won’t take much for Carroll to pull him in favor of O’Neal.

Right tackle:

  • Abe Lucas
  • Jake Curhan
  • McClendon Curtis
  • Greg Eiland

On the other side we know for sure that Lucas is out, and this spot is the far more concerning one. While Forsythe somehow graded out well in pass protection according to PFF, Jake Curhan put in another poor grade, getting a 53.0 mark in pass blocking, the second lowest on the team. Curhan did well in run blocking (72.7) but that won’t help Geno Smith when Aidan Hutchinson lines up on that side and comes crashing into the backfield to pressure his throwing arm.

Next up on the depth chart is McLendon Curtis, one of several Senior Bowl darlings that Seattle was widely expected to pick on Day 3 of the draft. Curtis is one of the most highly-regarded undrafted rookie linemen in the league. While he doesn’t have Curhan’s experience, we’re willing to bet that his ceiling is higher.

Seattle also has Greg Eiland as a distant third option. He may be elevated from the practice squad this week for depth but it’s unlikely he will play significant snaps unless the other options both fail miserably or get injured.

Prediction: We’re going to go out on a limb here and pick Curtis to start over Curhan – who was the team’s worst offensive lineman last season and would be their weakest link up front if he does wind up starting.

More Seahawks Wire stories

PFF grades for all 32 starting QBs in Week 1

NFL power rankings going into Week 2

Gators coach Patrick Toney checks in on this 4-star safety target

The West Orange High product gets a visit from a Gators coach at his school’s spring game.

Florida football’s co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach [autotag]Patrick Toney[/autotag] is out on the recruiting trail on Thursday for a scheduled visit at West Orange High in Winter Garden, Florida, according to Swamp247. The Gators coach will be in town to watch the school’s spring game, which includes 4-star safety [autotag]Jordan Castell[/autotag] who is among many head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and his staff are pursuing to beef up their defensive backfield.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 195-pound athlete is no stranger to the Gators, having toured UF’s campus back in March, giving him a chance to familiarize himself with the team and its surroundings. While meeting with the coaching staff, he was also able to get a gander at some of the spring practices that were underway giving him a peek at what the Swamp has to offer.

After the visit, Castell offered the following to Swamp247.

“I love the energy there. I love the coaching staff they have at Florida. It’s just a really great spot to be at. I was at their scrimmage so I got to see the energy of their practice. They had guys that looked like they loved being out there playing for each other. It was real nice. I got to sit in the position meetings with the safeties and then I got to meet with the DB coaches like Coach Raymond, Coach Toney, and Coach Chaney. I have a good relationship with them.

“Really I just like the environment there. The coaching staff seemed really cool and I got to talk to some of the players. They get guys to the next level at Florida and have players who want to be there. I just feel like I fit in there. I think I fit in their defense. I am good at covering and I can come down and tackle. I just feel like I can help them a lot.”

The junior safety is planning on taking another trip to Gainesville in June for an official visit, though no exact date has been set yet.

Another top player that the Warriors’ program recently produced is Oklahoma Sooners 2022 signee wide receiver [autotag]Jayden Gibson[/autotag], who the Gators pursued and managed to get a commitment from, but ultimately missed out on. Former Florida offensive tackle [autotag]Stone Forsythe[/autotag], who was the 24th pick of the sixth round (No. 208 overall) in the 2021 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks, also played for the high school Orange and Blue.

Castell is the No. 359 prep prospect overall while ranking as the No. 32 player at his position nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite, while the On3 Consensus has him at Nos. 332 and 30, respectively. Both services have Florida out front in the recruitment race, with 247Sports listing it as the only “warm” school and On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine giving the Gators a 46.8% chance of landing him.

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