The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Heading into Sunday’s Week 5 game versus the New York Giants, Smith has been sacked on 11 occasions, 11th-most in the league. It’s worth acknowledging one of the quarterbacks in the top 10 is Baker Mayfield, who has already played this week.
Struggling right tackle Stone Forsythe, the team’s third-string option, has allowed a team-high 20 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Left tackle Charles Cross (13) and left guard Laken Tomlinson (11) are Seattle’s other two offensive lineman who have allowed more than 10 pressures. Forsythe and right guard Anthony Bradford have allowed a team-high two sacks apiece.
ESPN Stats & Info also measures pass protection efficiency. The Seahawks currently rank 29th in pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) at 49%. They are also struggling in the run game, placing 30th in run-block-win-rate (RBWR) at 67%. As an offense, Seattle ranks 21st in rushing at 106.3 ground yards per outing.
Perhaps that could be attributed to Kenneth Walker’s injury. In two appearances, Walker has rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an explosive 5.7 yards per carry. His permanent return to the lineup could see Seattle improve in the run-blocking-win-rate metric.
Seattle’s offensive line remains a work in process. General manager John Schneider recently signed 21-year veteran right tackle Jason Peters to the practice squad. Peters could eventually replace Forsythe while Abe Lucas and George Fant remain sidelined. The team is also holding competition at right guard between Bradford and rookie blocker Christian Haynes.
Hopefully the Seahawks can find the right combination up front soon to fully unlock Ryan Grubb’s offense.
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