Tag: Tyrel Dodson

Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Rams WR Puka Nacua ejected for throwing punch at Seahawks LB Dodson

Whenever the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams play each other, you can almost always expect it to be a physical and chippy matchup. But sometimes, even by these two teams’ standards, it can get a little more intense.

Towards the end of the first half, trailing 6-3, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford uncorked a pass for second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, which was intercepted by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. Three plays later, Geno Smith found his second-year receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown to give Seattle a 10-point lead.

But the touchdown was not the only thing Los Angeles suffered on the interception. After the ball was picked, Nacua was flagged for throwing a punch on Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This was more than egregious enough for the officials to immediately disqualify Nacua from the rest of the game.

Nacua’s sophomore season has been a struggle so far. Nacua missed five games after Week 1 due to a PCL injury, and was only recently reactivated last week for Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Nacua was questionable going into this game, but ultimately was ready to suit up.

Although Nacua only caught one reception for 11 yards on four targets, his absence is a blow to Los Angeles’ offense… even if Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp is in the lineup.

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Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson says switching positions will unlock his potential

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow ‘backer Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will make his Seahawks debut against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently said that he’ll play the MIKE linebacker position, forcing Tyrel Dodson to switch over to the weak-side [WILL] spot.

It represents a change in approach, because Dodson had actually been playing MIKE linebacker this season. Dodson, who played the weak-side linebacker position in Buffalo throughout 2023, believes the switch will lead to him recapturing his best form.

“We’re still working on that [who will be playing where],” Dodson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m a team-first guy. Moving over to the WILL [linebacker] position, it’s still linebacker at the end of the day. It’s not that much different. I’ll get to play in space a little bit more. I played it last year in Buffalo. You’re covering running backs out of the backfield. You’re in space covering tight ends. I had my best year at this position last year in Buffalo. Hopefully I have my best year again. I’m looking forward to it,” Dodson added.

Pro Football Focus has credited Dodson with an overall defensive grade of 68.1. The former Texas A&M standout has been especially stellar in coverage, earning a 75.5. Playing weak-side linebacker will ask him to defend running backs and tight ends in space more frequently. Last year, Dodson had an elite grade of 89.5 while playing the WILL in Buffalo.

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What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

What does Ernest Jones IV bring to Seahawks defense?

The Seattle Seahawks acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones will immediately step into Seattle’s starting lineup opposite Tyrel Dodson. He brings aggression and violence to Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have largely been displeased with the outputs of their run defense this season. Entering Sunday’s Week 8 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, Seattle is allowing a 28th-ranked 146.1 rushing yards per contest. Macdonald has routinely criticized the linebackers for missing tackles and playing with poor gap discipline.

Jones could help solve Seattle’s issues. The former South Carolina standout ranked second on the Titans in tackles (44) at the time of his departure. That will also rank second on the Seahawks, with Dodson and Julian Love (55) tied for the team-lead mark.

Jones is a downhill linebacker with outstanding read-and-react ability. Pro Football Focus has assigned him a stellar grade of 68.4 as a run defender this season. That’s notably higher than what Baker (62.6) and Dodson (54.0) have earned this season.

Jones has also been credited with 19 total stops. Jones has missed three tackles, which equals Dodson’s missed-tackle total to date, but is notably lower than Baker’s (6). That alone could help improve Seattle’s run defense.

If there’s one area of Jones’ game that requires improving, it’s coverage. He’s been credited with allowing 12 receptions on 14 targets this season for 151 yards and a passer rating allowed of 111.6, en route to a coverage score of 54.0. The Seahawks will likely continue using Dodson as their main coverage ‘backer, as he’s performed significantly better in man and zone situations, allowing 14 catches on 20 targets for 141 yards, and a passer rating of 89.8.

Jones is an excellent linebacker. The Seahawks were awfully familiar with him from his Los Angeles Rams & NFC West days. Jones is a big-time upgrade for Macdonald’s defense.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald reveals which position Ernest Jones IV will play

The Seattle Seahawks upgraded their defensive corps on Wednesday by trading Jerome Baker and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Jones should immediately help improve Mike Macdonald’s defense. Coach Macdonald already spoke about the player, even offering details on where he fits in the starting lineup.

“He loves football, he’s tough as nails, and we’re excited to get him here,” Macdonald said about Jones. “We’re working through that [his position] right now, but we’ll probably put Ernest at MIKE [linebacker] and have Tito [Tyrel Dodson] at weak-side linebacker right now,” Macdonald said when asked if Jones would step into Baker’s weak-side role.

It’s notable because Dodson had been playing MIKE linebacker in Seattle’s defense this season. Instead of having Jones fill Baker’s previous weak-side role like-for-like, the Seahawks plan to have Jones swap roles with Dodson.

Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde have been dissatisfied with the state of their defense, particularly in the run game. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider has made aggressive moves in recent weeks to acquire Jones and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris. Having Jones and Dodson swap positions is another tweak to Macdonald’s in-progress defense.

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Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson discusses run defense struggles

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson discusses run defense struggles

The Seattle Seahawks have consistently struggled to defend the run this season. Mike Macdonald’s defense has allowed 868 rushing yards, fifth-most in the league, through six contests. They’re also allowing 5.0 yards per carry, fourth-worst in the NFL.

Starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson was one of many offseason acquisitions tasked with helping Macdonald install his preferred defense. Dodson, paired with fellow free-agent signing Jerome Baker, have occasionally struggled at off-ball linebacker. The latter recently discussed why the defense is struggling to defend the run, using an interesting analogy to get his point across.

“If one brick is out of the wall, the whole wall is going to fall down,” Dodson said, referring to the run defense being a collective issue. “So everyone has to be on the same key of music, and then when it gets to the back end, we’ve got to make those plays. It starts with the linebackers, because when you think of the run game, you think of linebackers stopping it. Me and [Jerome Baker], we’re going to take full ownership of that. I’m going to fix it. We’re going to be a better defense.”

The Seahawks visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. The Falcons rank 21st in rushing, producing 113.7 ground yards per game. The metrics aren’t impressive, but Seattle must prove capable of slowing down running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

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Should Seahawks sign LB Devin White?

Should Seahawks sign LB Devin White?

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was critical of his second-level run defense following Sunday’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants. The Seahawks own the league’s 20th-ranked run defense heading into Thursday’s primetime divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. If general manager John Schneider wants to add competition to the linebacker position next alongside Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, a potentially intriguing opportunity just became available.

The Philadelphia Eagles released Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White from his contract earlier this week. White was deemed a poor fit for the defense despite signing a one-year contract worth $7.5 million in the offseason. Veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had been opting to start Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean at linebacker instead.

White was previously a five-year starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and shouldn’t be available on the open market for long. After three consecutive 100-plus tackle campaigns, White totaled 83 tackles in 14 appearances last season. Teams searching for veteran linebacker help will be attentive.

It’s worth acknowledging Pro Football Focus credited White with nine missed tackles and a lackluster run stopping grade of 30.8 last season. Defending the run has typically been a weakness for White. His PFF run-stopping grades were 29.0 and 42.6 in 2021 and 2022.

Perhaps the Seahawks should consider playing fourth-round rookie Tyrice Knight if they’re so disappointed with their linebacker play. It’s more likely that Baker and Dodson will continue receiving opportunities to improve their second-level discipline. In the meantime, Schneider could ponder adding White to the mix.

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Seahawks LB Jerome Baker comments on run defense criticism

Seahawks LB Jerome Baker comments on run defense criticism

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was critical of his run defense following Sunday’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants. Seattle allowed Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. to rush for 129 yards in his first career start, giving up 7.2 yards per carry to the first-year ball carrier via 18 attempts. Macdonald discussed his second-level run defense following the lackluster performance.

“The second level run fits are falling short,” Macdonald told local media earlier this week.

That would presumably include starting off-ball linebacker Jerome Baker, who had 14 tackles and one sack versus the Giants. Baker met with the media following Tuesday’s practice session. Corbin Smith asked the veteran linebacker about Macdonald’s criticism of the run fits.

“I think we’re all just trying to make the play,” Baker said. “We kind of got out of position sometimes. I think that’s the main thing. The intent is there, but we all gotta do our one job, and that’s how our defense plays. If I do my job and T [Dodson] does his job, Hank does his job, and Leo does his job, we’d be a great defense. We all just gotta do our job, and we’ll be fine.”

https://twitter.com/CorbinSmithNFL/status/1843751226737045629

Baker appears to agree with Macdonald’s criticism, admitting that the defense has been lacking gap discipline on certain run fits. The Seahawks are taking the league’s 20th-ranked run defense (128/contest) in Thursday night’s primetime divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Baker and his teammates must showcase better discipline against the run to begin course-correcting.

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Seahawks haven’t gotten 2nd-level run support from linebackers

Seahawks haven’t gotten 2nd-level run support from linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks struggled to defend the run in Sunday’s disappointing Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants. The Giants were without starting running back Devin Singletary due to injury. That apparently did not matter, as rookie ball carrier Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushed for 129 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per carry via 18 attempts in his first career start.

Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones also scrambled for 38 yards via 11 carries. Seattle simply could not stop a Giants rushing attack that helped their offense win the time of possession battle 37:22 to 22:38. The clock-controlled Giants also gained 24 first downs versus Seattle’s 17.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald had an opportunity to analyze the film of Sunday’s defeat prior to Monday’s regularly scheduled press conference. Macdonald had plenty of deserved criticism for starting linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson. The cornerbacks and safeties were also included in his statement.

“We’re not leveraging the ball well on the second level as well as we need to be,” Macdonald told reporters during Monday’s meeting with the press. “The second level run fits are falling short,” Macdonald concluded.

Dodson was credited with nine total tackles and a sack versus the Giants. Baker recorded a team-high 14 tackles and added a sack of his own. Pro Football Focus credited Dodson with a season-high defensive grade of 83.0, including a 70.9 as a run defender. Baker had a stellar PFF grade of 72.3 with a run defense score of 82.0

Macdonald clearly did not agree with those assessments and the numbers indicate Baker and Dodson struggled versus the Giants, as the off-ball linebackers often have run-game responsibility. The Seahawks face the San Francisco 49ers and their seventh-ranked rushing attack (144.0/game) on Thursday Night Football. Baker and Dodson will be tasked with putting forth bounce-back performances.

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Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson embodies Mike Macdonald’s defense

Seahawks LB Tyrel Dodson embodies Mike Macdonald’s defense

Seattle Seahawks inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson was tremendous in Sunday’s dominant 24-3 Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Dodson was credited with five tackles and his first sack of the season. He’s currently embodying everything that is going right for head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Dodson was Pro Football Focus‘ second-highest graded Seahawks defender at 77.3. He totaled a hefty 55 snaps on defense. Dodson’s sack occurred on a critical 3rd-and-2 in the third quarter as the Dolphins were attempting to mount a comeback.

Dodson discussed that sack during his post-game presser. He used the question as an opportunity to heap praise on coach Macdonald and the confidence he’s instilling in the players.

“I want to give a shout out to coach Mike [Macdonald],” Dodson said. “He’s been showing us that formation since I got here. He said hey, if you see this formation, just go. I trusted him and made a big play for my team.”

https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1838007854063845692

The Seahawks also made a big-time goal line stand in the fourth quarter, denying the Dolphins’ four attempts. Dodson was asked about that defensive stop.

“It felt really good,” Dodson said. “It’s great when a team is knocking on the door for four downs and you don’t let them win. I’m so proud of our defense because we’re resilient.”

Dodson is currently thriving in Macdonald’s scheme. All parties involved are playing and coaching with confidence. Dodson is proving to be an outstanding addition.

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Seahawks rookie LB Tyrice Knight took advantage of preseason Week 1 opportunity

Seahawks rookie LB Tyrice Knight took advantage of preseason Week 1 opportunity

Seattle Seahawks rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight took advantage of his sizable opportunity in Saturday’s 16-3 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Starting off-ball linebacker Jerome Baker missed the game with a hamstring injury. The other projected starter, Tyrel Dodson, was limited to six snaps. That catapulted Knight into a much larger role.

Knight played 30 snaps, which accounted for 57% of Seattle’s defensive plays on Saturday. The only linebacker that out-snapped him was fourth-year undrafted free agent Jon Rhattigan, who totaled 35 snaps. Knight was arguably Seattle’s best defender.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight was flying around sideline to sideline. The former UTEP standout was credited with making three solo tackles. Knight was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks defender, and their second-highest overall graded player. He earned an elite overall grade of 89.9 with a coverage score of 84.7 and a run defense score of 73.8.

Knight was targeted just in coverage and allowed a four yard reception. For a fifth-round rookie that was considered inexperienced in the 2024 draft, Knight did a fantastic job evading blockers in space and reaching ball carriers in the hole. His athleticism allows him to navigate tight spaces and make plays.

The expectation is that Baker will return to practice soon. There’s concern with his hamstring injury, which the Seahawks are approaching with caution because they tend to linger if not treated correctly. Baker was limited to 13 regular-season appearances last season, so there’s a bit of a recent history with injuries. If his issues persist, Knight appeared capable of filling in as necessary.

That depth is invaluable, especially coming from a Day Three rookie.

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