Tag: Tyrice Knight

How good was Tyrice Knight vs the 49ers? Brian Baldinger breaks down his play

How good was Tyrice Knight vs the 49ers? Brian Baldinger breaks down his play

The Seattle Seahawks underwent massive midseason overall at their linebacker position. They began the year with Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker starting. Now, neither men are still on the team. Replacing them are Ernest Jones IV, and rookie Tyrice Knight out of UTEP.

Jones and Knight have been a revelation, presenting clear upgrades. Against the 49ers, the two combined for 23 total tackles, which easily led the team. But we should look at Knight’s performance in particular, which is what film guru Brian Baldinger did in one of his beloved “Baldy’s Breakdowns.”

It would appear the Seahawks have found something special with their fourth round pick from last spring.

Knight had 10 of those 23 total tackles between him and Jones.

The Seahawks will have another critical test this weekend against Kyler Murray and the explosive Arizona Cardinals offense. Seattle’s defense seems to have turned a corner, but it is just two games. If they can find a way to slow down Arizona, this unit might just truly be on its way to being fixed.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Mike Macdonald’s excellent defense limited Kyle Shanahan’s offense to 17 points and just 277 total yards of offense. Brock Purdy threw for just 159 yards and one interception. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Devon Witherspoon | CB | 78.2

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, totaling a season-high eight tackles for Aden Durde’s aggressive defense. Witherspoon was competitive, recording three pass breakups in this game alone. PFF credited the versatile corner with allowing just four receptions on seven targets for 37 receiving yards. The 49ers found no success throwing the ball in his direction.

Tyrice Knight | LB | 77.5

Mid-round linebacker Tyrice Knight was outstanding in his first start at off-ball linebacker since the team surprisingly released Tyrel Dodson. Knight accumulated 10 tackles and one quarterback hit. Seattle’s new LB duo helped hold superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry.

Coby Bryant | S | 70.4

Coby Bryant has done an admirable job stepping up while the Seahawks have navigated some injuries in the secondary. Bryant played all 63 defensive snaps against the 49ers, remaining on the field for every defensive snap. The former Cincinnati standout totaled five tackles and allowed just one reception for a five-yard gain.

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Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to release starting LB Tyrel Dodson

The United States may be enjoying a holiday today, but time does not stop for the NFL, or the Seattle Seahawks. On Monday, some major news was broken by ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

Henderson dropped an unexpected bombshell that the Seahawks were releasing linebacker Tyrel Dodson. This comes as a massive change to Seattle’s struggling defense, as Dodson had started all nine games for the Hawks.

Seattle brought Dodson over this offseason from Buffalo on a one-year deal. Paired alongside Jerome Baker from Miami on a similar one-year contract, Dodson and Baker represented an interesting decision from the Seahawks to replace Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks with less expensive options.

Nine games into the season, it is safe to say this strategy has failed to a spectacular degree. Baker was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, who was an immediate upgrade at the position right from the get-go. Now, they have moved on from their other offseason acquisition midway through the season. Both players were only contracted for a single season in Seattle, and neither made it through the year.

Dodson finished his stint with the Seahawks with 41 solo tackles (second most on the team, behind Pro Bowl safety Julian Love), two pass defenses, two sacks and one forced fumble. Presumably, Dodson’s departure opens up an opportunity for rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight, who has 23 total tackles on the year.

At 4-5, Seattle is looking for answers to right the ship. Especially since they are in last place, and their division rivals created separation this weekend.

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Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their two-day joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The final of two shared sessions was particularly physical and taxing. Head coach Mike Macdonald will respond by letting the second-and-third stringers play the majority of Saturday’s preseason game.

There’s a decent chance not a single of Seattle’s 22 projected starters will take a snap versus the Titans. It will represent the best opportunity for fringe roster players to make their case ahead of 53-man roster cutdowns. We’ve identified backup talents worth monitoring against the Titans.

George Holani, RB

Undrafted running back George Holani is attempting to win the RB3 job from sophomore Kenny McIntosh. Holani rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s first preseason game. He should receive an extended look versus the Titans after getting some first-team reps at joint practice.

Easop Winston Jr., WR

Eason Winston Jr. was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks player in their Week 1 preseason game. Winston recorded two receptions for 31 receiving yards, including an explosive 21-yard gain. He’s attempting to capture a reserve roster spot at receiver behind D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo.

Brady Russell, TE

Sophomore tight end Brady Russell scored Seattle’s only passing touchdown last weekend, catching a 13-yard score from Sam Howell. Russell should play a lot on Saturday with starting tight end Noah Fant nursing a minor injury that’s likely to keep him sidelined for a meaningless exhibition game.

Carlton Johnson, CB

Seahawks undrafted cornerback Carlton Johnson consistently put forth strong reps during one-on-one drills with the Titans receivers. There’s a lot of competition at reserve cornerback with the Seahawks having drafted two rookies in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. Johnson needs to carry over his joint practice performances into Saturday’s game.

Tyrice Knight, LB

Fifth-round rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight put forth an eye-opening performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first preseason game. Knight should see another heavy workload versus the Titans with Jerome Baker and Jon Rhattigan nursing injuries. The other projected starter, Tyrel Dodson, is unlikely to play as well.

Easton Gibbs, LB

Undrafted rookie Easton Gibbs is in his second stint with the Seahawks already. He was waived earlier this summer after signing with the team as a UDFA after the 2024 NFL Draft. Macdonald needed bodies at off-ball linebacker for joint practices with Baker and Rhattigan being non-participants. Gibbs needs to take advantage of increased play-time on Saturday.

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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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Dre’Mont Jones transitioning from interior lineman to outside linebacker

The team seems to recognize they need more bodies on the edge because they’re changing the positions of two front-seven defenders this offseason.

The Seattle Seahawks decided to pass on edge rushers in the 2024 NFL draft, one of several decisions we questioned coming out of it.

The team seems to recognize they need more bodies on the edge because they’re changing the positions of two front-seven defenders this offseason. During rookie minicamp we learned that fourth-round pick Tyrice Knight will be moving from inside linebacker to outside linebacker once the vets arrive for the next portion of the offseason program. Apparently interior defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones is also making the transition to OLB, according to a post by his personal trainer on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6cMl8wRkP3/

Jones did play some edge last season after the Leonard Williams trade and was more disruptive than he had been inside. However, overall the results were pretty underwhelming. He finished the 2023 season with just 4.5 sacks and 20 total pressures.

Jones will have to step those numbers up if he wants to avoid becoming a salary cap casualty next year. According to Over the Cap, the team can save a little over $16.5 million for the 2025 season by cutting him.

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Seahawks rookie Tyrice Knight to train at OLB when vets arrive

Seahawks rookie Tyrice Knight to train at OLB when vets arrive

One of the biggest needs for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 materialized shortly after the start of free agency. The linebacker position was left suddenly bare with the departure of Bobby Wagner to the Washington Commanders and Jordyn Brooks to the Miami Dolphins.

Seattle started to address these concerns by signing a pair of former AFC East linebackers to fill the holes: Tyrell Dodson from the Buffalo Bills, and Jerome Baker from (interestingly enough) the Miami Dolphins.

However, the team was not done there, as they drafted UTEP’s Tyrice Knight in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. This move was largely viewed as a depth pick, as there is a significant veteran presense at the linebacker position. Head coach Mike Macdonald seemed to reinforce that, and even moving positions slightly for Knight. However, he hinted at what the future might hold.

 

Both Dodson and Baker are on one-year deals. Certainly, this does not ensure their time in Seattle will be limited. Perhaps the Seahawks will fall in love with one or both and re-sign them.

Or perhaps they are transitional journeymen, filling a role destined for Knight to eventually develop into.

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