News Seahawks Team Notes

[Seattle Seahawks]

Why the Steelers game will tell us a lot about Mike Macdonald, Seahawks

It’s been almost a week since the Seattle Seahawks had their brutal season opening loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers, and still it feels like the weight of that loss hangs over the team and fanbase. Home division losses also sting a little more, with the consequences usually stronger for playoff races. Beyond the disappointment of losing to a rival (at home) again, it is more about how that game unfolded that has been a cause of confusion and concern.

The surprising shift in offensive philosophies where they abandoned the play-action game, the inability for anyone other than Jaxon Smith-Njigba to produce, Riq Woolen’s collapse, and Macdonald’s decision to kick the field goal late when faced with a fourth and one yard to go. These were all key talking points for Seahawks nation, and it put Macdonald in a unique position. It felt like for the first time, Mike was questioned.

Questions about the running game and play-action

It was pretty clear early in 2024 that Macdonald was not long for the Ryan Grubb experience. Grubb’s inability to run the ball and convert on short yardage opportunities is why he’s at Alabama, and Klint Kubiak is calling plays in Seattle. After a dominant preseason running the ball with a complimentary play-action game, they got away from what they had so strongly preached in the summer. When asked about the running game this week, Macdonald acknowledged that his team has the ability to run the ball well, but “When we have some indecisiveness, it felt like that’s when things got twisted a little bit.”

You have to wonder if, from a rotation side, we’re about to see a changing of the guard at the running back position. Kenneth Walker has all the talent in the world, but indecision has been his biggest issue for the past few years. Zach Charbonnet looked good on Sunday, and just feels like a better fit in the new wide zone scheme. If Macdonald truly wants a physical brand of offensive football, does Charbonnet take the reins in Pittsburgh?

With regards to the lack of play-action, Macdonald acknowledged that the team needed more action and movement. He was short and blunt with his answer saying, “So we’ll call it and we’ll execute it when called.” It kind of sounds like Kubiak’s honeymoon phase ending in August, and that Mike wants the offense he brought Klint here to Seattle to coach. I expect to see a physical ground and pound attack against a Pittsburgh defense that got lit up against the Jets in Week 1.

Questions about Riq Woolen’s future

Multiple times this week, Macdonald has had the chance to be a “player’s coach” and defend the game altering lapses by Riq Woolen. While Mike did compliment him, he did not just hand him his job for week two. Instead, he talked about the job Josh Jobe did, and how this should now be viewed as a legitimate competition.

Personally, I love this. While it is looking doubtful that Devon Witherspoon will play this week, making it likely that Woolen will keep his job, Macdonald has made it very clear that his time as a starter (and potentially in Seattle) could be running out, if he can’t fix these brutal lapses. The best player will play, and that’s how I want this team to be coached.

Not going for it on 4th and 1

While I was a fan of Macdonald’s comments about the running game and the Riq Woolen/Josh Jobe competition, I was disappointed in his comments about the biggest decision in their loss to San Francisco.

The Seahawks had the ball with three and a half minutes to go, looking at a fourth and one at the 19-yard line. If Seattle had gone for it and gained the first down, they could’ve bled out the 49ers timeouts, or potentially scored a touchdown. There was even a possibility of draining the clock entirely and kicking a chip in field goal with no time left. The downside was potentially not gaining a first down and giving the ball back to San Francisco with three plus minutes to go, tied at 10.

We all know the story, Macdonald made the decision to kick the field goal, and it eventually cost them the game. When asked about that decision, Mike stated that his play sheet even called for his team to go for it, yet he wanted to get the points and trust his defense.

While I respect his personal respect for his defense, this screams a defensive coach that plays to not lose, rather than going and trying to win the game. In a division with brilliant offensive minds like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, you know those two would have gone for it, 100% of the time.

If you want to be at the same tier as those two coaches, you have to beat them, cause they’re not going to give the game away. Macdonald fired his offensive staff because they couldn’t get a yard last year. He preached this style of football all offseason, and then when the moment came to walk the walk, it felt like he shrunk in the moment. I’ll be curious to see in Pittsburgh and throughout the season, if Macdonald will continue to lean on his defense in those moments, or develop the trust in his offense. At the end of the day, this team will never get to where fans want it to go, if the coach doesn’t believe his team can get a yard.

It was a fascinating week to watch Macdonald’s attitude and answers after such a disappointing start. It’s early, but you can feel the urgency with Seattle. There were not just expectations with this team, but also there are the inevitable comparisons to what’s going on in Pittsburgh and Las Vegas.

They don’t want to go 0-2, as only 11% of teams that go 0-2 climb out of the hole to make the playoffs. Mike will face a pressure not yet seen in his tenure, should the offense struggle again while DK Metcalf goes to 2-0 at the expense of Seattle. There are plenty of storylines this Sunday for the Seahawks, but I’m fascinated to see how and if Mike Macdonald gets his team to the expectation level and standard that Seahawks were expecting to see before week one.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...l-tell-us-a-lot-about-mike-macdonald-seahawks

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Ted’s Talk: Mike Macdonald, Seahawks establish identity in win against Steelers

That’s more like it!

In a game that garnered significantly more importance than just trying to avoid starting the 2025 season 0-2, the Seattle Seahawks looked more like the team we saw in the preseason as they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17 on the road with an early kickoff.

This was a statement game. Unlike the opener against the San Francisco 49ers, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak didn’t give up on the run game, mixed in plenty of play action, and utilized his tight ends. It wasn’t always pretty with Sam Darnold throwing two interceptions. However, Seattle played complimentary football, keeping drives alive and letting their defense get some much needed rest. The offense made big plays on their second-to-last drive when they were up 24-17 with nearly half of the fourth quarter remaining, scoring a massive touchdown to go up by two scores. The Seahawks defense then kept their foot on Aaron Rodgers’ throat and choked him out like they had pretty much all game long. It was exactly how Mike Macdonald wants his team to play.

Seahawks Droppings

• I absolutely loved what I saw out of the Seattle defense today outside of that ugly 65-yard pass to Jaylen Warren. Even with that momentary lapse of concentration, they held Aaron Rodgers to 18/33 for 203 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT while netting 3.0 sacks. The defense only gave up 72 yards rushing on 21 carries, to boot. They were flying around and making big hits without one of their best players in Devon Witherspoon.
• Riq Woolen was great today, one week after drawing the ire of many in the Emerald City. He had an early penalty, but that’s the only time I heard his name called which means he was doing his job. Woolen was also the one who hustled all the way down the field and tackled Warren on that long pass play – which turned out to be huge since Derion Kendrick picked off Rodgers in the end zone to stymie a scoring opportunity.
• Let’s give some flowers to Kendrick and Josh Jobe as well. Kendrick dropped an easy interception earlier, yet made an even more spectacular pick in the end zone. Jobe was in position all day and helped limit DK Metcalf to 20 yards and 1 TD on 3 catches.
• Sticking with the defense, Rodgers was harassed all day. The fact that all three sacks came from the defensive tackle position shows what a factor quick interior pressure can be. Byron Murphy played like his first-round pick status today with 1.5 sacks and multiple run stops.

#Seahawks Byron Murphy with an incredible sack here.

[: NFL]pic.twitter.com/fIHN1lkOXU

— HawkMania (@hawkmania4) September 14, 2025

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a problem. He had another big game today with 8 catches for 103 yards. He’s so slippery and has a great feel for getting open. JSN also proved that he’s not just a slot receiver, hauling in a clutch 43-yard catch with Jaylen Ramsey in coverage on Seattle’s final TD drive that salted the game away. He’s another former first round pick that’s playing like one.

pic.twitter.com/7W92zVi02i

Jaxon Smith-Njigba 43 Yard Reception from Sam Darnold

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 2nd consecutive game with 100 yards

— Live Seahawks Scores (@seahawkscore88) September 14, 2025

• Cooper Kupp turned back the clock and looked like his old self with 7 catches for 90 yards. He was a great security blanket over the middle, extending drives and fighting for extra yardage. Rookie Tory Horton made his first NFL catch count with the first opening drive TD for the Seahawks since the Shane Waldron era. Elijah Arroyo and AJ Barner also got some looks today with Barner securing a nice TD grab over the middle between coverage.
• Sam Darnold had a few poor throws today, but looked quick and decisive in his decision making overall. I can’t blame him too much for the second INT as he had immediate pressure in his face, and the ball was knocked into the air. Darnold’s TD to Barner was a fantastic example of his ability to rip the ball into a tight space. His deep shot to JSN was right on the money, and something I wish the Seahawks would try to feature a little more – though that will probably come with time. Let’s not forget that he has solid athleticism evidenced by his spin move in the pocket to avoid the blitz and allow him to get the ball away for a first down. There will be some up’s and down’s with Darnold, but he really does look like a great fit for Kubiak’s offense.
• Take a bow, K9! Kenneth Walker III looked like the far superior running back today. There were a couple runs where he danced, but for the most part Walker was decisive and hit the hole hard. There aren’t many running backs in the entire NFL that have his combination of speed and power, so I hope this is just the start of him bouncing back in a huge way. Hat tip to Robbie Ouzts for demolishing two men in the hole to spring Walker on a 20-yard scamper. Ouzts missed some other blocks, but let’s remember that he’s transitioning to the fullback role and will only get better. He’s a key part of this new Seahawks offensive identity.

Fullback! pic.twitter.com/0W7IEKS0dt

— Puck (@PuckSports) September 14, 2025

Nothing is a better salve than a win, particularly one that showcases the attitude and identity of a team. THIS is the Seahawks team that we were promised – albeit in the infant stages. They want to physically dominate you on both sides of the ball and make you feel every snap. How often in the last few decades have you seen the Pittsburgh Steelers get pushed around at home? “Bully ball” is back in the Pacific Northwest and hot damn does it feel good!

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...hawks-establish-identity-win-against-steelers

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Geno Smith has disastrous Raiders home debut, as Pete Carroll loses to Jim Harbaugh

If there was ever a game to justify why the Seattle Seahawks traded away Geno Smith, it’s this one.

After a very good debut Las Vegas Raiders debut against the New England Patriots, in which Smith threw for well over 350 yards and made several key throws in a 20-13 rainy road win, Smith’s first home game on a Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers could not have gone any worse. It was the type of performance that was everything his biggest detractors could point to as why giving Smith another year in Seattle, much less a contract extension, would’ve been ill-advised.

Smith finished a dismal 24/43 for 180 yards and not one, not two, but three interceptions (including a back-breaker in the red zone, what else is new) in a 20-9 loss. Monday night was Pete Carroll’s 74th birthday, and his “gift” was losing to Jim Harbaugh in their first meeting since 2014.

The night was ominous for Smith, whose very first attempt was picked by Daiyan Henley, leading to a Chargers field goal.

Daiyan Henley comes down with the interception on the first play of the game!

LACvsLV on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/8PB7QDKeIv

— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025

The second Smith interception was more or less a 3rd down arm punt, and it ended up pinning the Chargers at the 1.

Picked by Tony Jefferson, who was just called up from the practice squad

LACvsLV on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/2NOlghHWBG

— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025

But the third pick was the dagger, as the Chargers tried to Charger their way into another classic Chargers loss, only for Smith to throw a third down pick in the end zone on a Cover 2 shot to Jakobi Meyers. Derwin James made the tip, and Donte Jackson made the catch.

Tipped and picked. Chargers defense gets its 3rd interception of the game! @_DJack01

LACvsLV on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/7IGT4hgCwX

— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025

Smith was oddly inaccurate and overthrowing targets (including the giant but hobbled Brock Bowers) on a couple of occasions, and the explosive plays he was easily hitting against New England didn’t come against an elite Chargers defense. Nothing summed up his miserable night more than running for his life on 4th down in the closing minutes, only to throw it away.

A whopping 15 of Smith’s throws were defensed, which seems astronomically high in volume but also in rate (35 percent of all attempts). I can’t pretend the Raiders receiving corps is particularly good outside of Bowers and Meyers, but everything looked difficult and only three picks might have been kind to Geno.

The Chargers are a more talented team with a better quarterback and basically better everything, so it’s no shock they beat the Raiders without much difficulty. For Smith to play like that might already be the end of the honeymoon period among weary Raiders fans.

As for Pete Carroll, another lightning rod topic in his final years in Seattle, having an 11-minute, zero-urgency drive end in a field goal while down 20-6 in the 4th quarter might be one of those moments where making the tough decision to cut ties with the greatest (and only Super Bowl champion) coach in franchise history had to be made.

Oh well, unlike the Russell Wilson trade, there are no future draft picks at stake for the Seahawks to have a strong interest in the Raiders’ future.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...rs-home-debut-pete-carroll-loses-jim-harbaugh

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

NFL Week 3 odds: Seahawks are touchdown favorites vs. Saints

Following a 31-17 road victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks are at .500 through the first two weeks of the 2025 season. Despite his two interceptions in the first half, Sam Darnold threw a pair of touchdown passes, including the game-tying score in the third quarter. Two TDs and a field goal later, the Seahawks left the Steel City with their first win of the year, the team’s first triumph over the Steelers since 2019.

Seattle’s next opponent is offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s old squad, the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans has had a rough start to the season, having dropped back-to-back games against the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers over the first two weeks. The Saints will travel to the Pacific Northwest for Week 3 in hopes of ending their current losing streak vs. the NFC West, which began in Week 12 of the 2022 season.

New Orleans quarterback Spencer Rattler is seeking his first career win, having gone 0-8 as a starter up to this point. So far in 2025, the Saints’ sophomore QB has completed 52 of his 80 pass attempts for 421 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions through Weeks 1 and 2. In spite of his uninspiring record, Rattler has shown some promise under center down in The Big Easy.

Likewise, the Seahawks have a similar losing streak that could be snapped this week: Seattle has not beaten New Orleans since the teams met in the 2013 Divisional round, shortly before the ‘Hawks claimed the Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl XLVIII. The Saints have won each of the four matchups that have been contested in the time since then, all four of which were decided by just one score.

FanDuel Sportsbook unsurprisingly has Seattle with a decided edge at home, listing Seattle as a seven-point favorite for the moment. The over/under is set at 41.5, which may not be far off considering how many points were scored in the teams’ respective Week 2 contests. Seattle hasn’t won at home since a 16-6 defensive struggle over the Arizona Cardinals last November.

Which losing skid(s) will be snapped in Week 3? Tune in this Sunday at 1:05 PM PT to find out!

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...k-3-odds-seahawks-7-point-favorites-vs-saints

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks All-22 Review: The good and bad from the win over the Steelers

The Seattle Seahawks got their first win of the season. The start was rough, and it looked like the Seahawks would let the win slip away after shooting themselves in the foot several times in the first half. A win is important in an away game against a team that’s tough to beat at home.

Let’s look at the All-22 and see what happened in last week’s 31-17 win. All data used in this article was taken from PFF.

---

The Bad​

The inconsistency of the offensive line​

Ken Walker finding yards pic.twitter.com/7be7tNuXQj

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

The Seahawks rushed for 117 yards, averaging four yards per carry. They helped Ken Walker (who entered the Seahawks’ top 10 in rushing yards, surpassing Maurice Morris) achieve his first 100-yard game since his 2024 opener against the Broncos.

In pass protection, they had 15 pressures, 2 sacks allowed, 6 hits, and 2 players with a pass-block rating of 30 or less. The highest rating (Charles Cross) was only 68.7.

The unit had some good plays over the two weeks, but the main problem, in my view, has been consistency (or rather, the lack thereof). The offensive line is capable of opening up wide spaces for the run, creating clean pockets while delivering quick pressure and tackling behind the line of scrimmage.

They had 9 carries for 0 or fewer yards. If you increase the criteria to 3 yards or less, the number increases to no less than 18. You can’t look at the Seahawks’ OL and firmly believe the team will be able to convert a short third or fourth down. It’s as if anything is possible.

Offensive Line with problems to create movement pic.twitter.com/EitMC8f2wd

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

The offensive line can’t create movement in the encounter with the DL and leaves the RB essentially with no way out. Abe Lucas can’t block TJ Watt, and the tackle is made.

Why Patrick Queen was unblocked here? pic.twitter.com/pfZFZON9Kp

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Besides these “physicality” issues, there were problems with the execution of the runs. On this play, Bradford goes to the second level but leaves Patrick Queen unblocked, and the LB has a clear path to the RB.

OL confused… pic.twitter.com/bsxlgVe29L

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

This type of confusion also occurred in pass protection. The right OL has four players to block three. Abe Lucas seems to be waiting for a chip block and then blocking TJ Watt. He gets lost and doesn’t block anyone (basically, three players are around Watt), and Jack Sawyer has a clear path to the QB.

OL against stunt… pic.twitter.com/KjZ4Jh4Lzd

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

The Steelers used this type of stunt a lot throughout the game and were mostly successful, taking advantage of the Seahawks’ OL having no response. Watt comes from the D-gap on the right side, basically to the A-gap on the left.

Cooper Kupp amazing crack block. pic.twitter.com/bsmewsUVE9

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Pause to highlight this incredible crack block by Cooper Kupp. The receiver had an 89 run-blocking grade and leads WRs in zone blocking grade in the first two weeks with an 85.4.

Returning to the inconsistencies, let’s look at Bradford as an example.

Anthony Bradford strenght pic.twitter.com/j3xoadQEGA

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

On this snap, he manages to show all his strength (even though he wasn’t able to hold the block long enough).
Here, he fails to reach the second level, and this failure results in the failure of the run.

Anthony Bradford trying to block someone… pic.twitter.com/cu4cAxOLko

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

And I won’t even get into the merits of the pass block. The pressure arrives in essentially less than two seconds.

Anthony Bradford trying to block someone in second level… pic.twitter.com/99SJnYSZOk

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

There’s still room for improvement on defense​

The Seahawks continue to pressure the opposing quarterback, and despite improving their sack count (three in this game), I believe they still need adjustments. The consistency of pressure from the wedges needs to improve (Uchenna Nwosu still looks rusty after so long out).

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most intelligent quarterbacks in the league, but he’s 41 years old. Still, he’s managed to find ways to extend plays or “nullify” pressure with quick passes. Jaylen Warren caught four passes for 86 yards, but it’s worth noting that only one of them totaled 65 yards.

A lot of missed tackles… pic.twitter.com/eOPVuW3zhj

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

And speaking of that play, it was a defensive error. It started with Tyrice Knight, who was responsible for the cornerback on most of the plays. The cornerback looks at the quarterback and loses the cornerback’s tracking, giving him a chance to complete the pass. After that, he and Ernest Jones miss tackles (something unusual), other players follow suit in a somewhat passive stance, and the Steelers end up in the red zone. Riq Woolen made the touchdown saving tackle.

All defense fooled by A-Rod pic.twitter.com/Fdg9rA6Y2p

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Another play where the team missed the opportunity to make a play. Yes, ARod is one of the best at this fake handoff, but almost half the Seahawks defense bought the run, leaving the QB free to complete the pass.

Riq Woolen’s situation is still worrying​

Woolen gave up two receptions on two targets for 18 yards. His highlight of the game was the tackle on the play we discussed in the thread above. However, he committed an unnecessary foul that saved a third down for the Steelers.

Riq Woolen not attacking the ball pic.twitter.com/CTF9J5gbDP

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Furthermore, just like in Week 1, he displayed the same problem attacking the ball at his highest point. This play was against DK Metcalf, so it wouldn’t have been easy, but Woolen offered no resistance.
Woolen is the prototypically perfect CB. It’s as if he was created in Madden. He lacks consistent intensity and aggressiveness.

Sam Darnold being Sam Darnold​

If you weren’t familiar with Sam Darnold’s play, the game against the Steelers showcased his entire portfolio, both positive and negative. Kubiak’s scheme doesn’t require a rare talent, but rather someone capable of executing simple calls. Consider what Mac Jones did for the 49ers against the Saints, using a similar scheme.

Sam Darnold’s interceptions were concerning. They were errors in execution/technique and decision-making. As a result, the QB finished the day 22-of-33, with 295 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs.

Sam Darnold bad throw results in INT pic.twitter.com/vgOLmlramE

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

There are different factors that can lead to an interception. It could be context, an offensive line error, a receiver running a poor route, the defender’s merit, or even a poor call. None of these factors led to Darnold’s first interception. The pocket was clean, and the call was good enough to leave open space toward the sideline. However, the error was purely a matter of execution by the QB. The pass should have been much more directed to the sideline, where the receiver would have an advantage. Yes, Jalen Ramsey made a great play, but here the main blame lies with Darnold.

Sam Darnold bad decision results in INT pic.twitter.com/dVAGYvMj4Q

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

The second interception is also Darnold’s fault, but the main reason is his decision-making after a mistake in pass protection. There’s a saying in Brazil that sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward. The Seahawks are on fourth-and-1 and decide not to run the ball (due to the OL’s inconsistency) and don’t go for the TE sneak with AJ Barner.

The call gave Sam Darnold the option to AJ Barner on a short flat route, and the conversion would likely have been successful. The problem is that the rookie fullback misses the cut block and allows a rusher to get right up to the QB. In this context, Darnold makes a poor decision: forcing the pass. You might think that on fourth down there would be no harm in fumbling the ball, but it turns into an interception returned to the red zone (and could have been a pick six) and that field position resulted in the Steelers’ only TD drive.

Sam Darnold great in this 3rd down pic.twitter.com/GZLUUR82Or

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Still, Darnold made some good plays in the game, including on third-downs, demonstrating composure and waiting until the last moment to throw the ball. On this play, he already has Jaxon Smith-Njigba as his primary target and realizes that the Steelers’ man-to-man call would give him a chance. Even with a defender charging at him, he waits until the right moment to make the pass, makes the conversion, and takes the hit.

Sam Darnold great play pic.twitter.com/1OzX3hhgcW

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

This was a play that happened at a crucial moment and was perhaps one of Darnold’s best. As mentioned in a previous thread, the Seahawks struggled with stunts. The Steelers called a stunt on this play, and a defender had a clear path to Darnold, who, despite not being a mobile QB, managed to escape the pocket and throw under pressure to Barner for the conversion.

The Good​

Josh Jobe continues to fight for the starting job​

Josh Jobe against Steelers pic.twitter.com/ni23yNPhGx

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

According to PFF, Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe allowed one reception for seven yards on four targets as the closest defender, with one pass defensed. In two games: nine targets, two receptions for eight yards, one INT, and one PD. In Week 1, his NFL Passer Rating allowed was ZERO. Of course, two games is still not enough. But Jobe’s two starts in 2025 are better than any other game on his resume.

Josh Jobe amazing coverage. pic.twitter.com/lFpBWsXPIZ

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

This snap is an example of what Jobe managed to do basically the entire game. A suffocating defense, leaving no space, whether in deep or double-moves.

Coverage sack pic.twitter.com/1sb8D69Thj

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Aaron Rodgers makes his progressions and waits for DK Metcalf in deep. However, Jobe has good step-by-step coverage with the receiver, and the QB has to hold the ball and ends up getting sacked.

Derion Kendick interception pic.twitter.com/cHb0OCSYTD

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

This was basically Jobe’s only bad play of the game. It would have been a shame if he had given up the TD here. He stopped and gave up on the play and allowed the receiver to come back and try to make the catch. But this time, luck was on the Seahawks’ side; the ball went up and ended up being intercepted by Derion Kendrick.

Keep pressuring​

The Seahawks lead the NFL with a 49.4% pressure rate via @NextGenStats, despite using a four-man front at 83% of the time and being the second-to-last team in blitzing the least (13%), behind only the Bengals.
Boye Mafe has been playing very well and hasn’t been talked about much. He’s greatly improved his technique for inside moves, and this has been a problem for the linebackers.

Boye Mafe great inside move pic.twitter.com/ekvcI2WC60

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

In the snap above, he takes advantage of the RT’s big step outside and uses a swipe move to attack inside and force an incomplete pass.

Boye Mafe simulates a speed to power and uses inside move again to quick pressure. pic.twitter.com/TDykfD2Fle

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Mafe adopts a speed-to-power stance, and the OT prepares for it, making himself susceptible to the edge’s inside move, which again puts pressure on the QB and forces him out of the pocket.

Eventually, these pressures will turn into sacks…

Byron Murphy quick pressure. pic.twitter.com/nn88GCIgXP

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

Another player worth mentioning is Byron Murphy II. He’s been a pillar in the running game and has also managed to achieve good pass rush numbers. Murphy uses a stutter step to get the center’s attention while Jarran Reed executes the stunt move. Uchenna Nwosu also attacks the inside gap, and Murphy loops the ball, “jumping” two gaps, quickly reaching Rodgers, who throws the ball away.

Klint Kubiak’s true debut​

I don’t think Kubiak is the NFL’s next great offensive genius, but he’s clearly capable of doing more than he did in Week 1. Adjustments have been made:

• Against the 49ers, the Seahawks were shotgun on 62% of their snaps, a figure that dropped to 40% against the Steelers;
• The Seahawks called only two play-action plays in Week 1 compared to 10 in Week 2.

Klint Kubiak great call. Misdrection moves the second level of the defense and create space for Elijah Arroyo get yards after the catch. pic.twitter.com/HuXvq6cE9d

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

This play epitomizes Kubiak’s offense. The Seahawks move the fullback to the right side, fake a toss to the same side, while Elijah Arroyo comes in the opposite direction. This misdirection moves the second level of the defense, leaving room for Arroyo’s speed to emerge. There’s no complex read here; the quarterback makes life easier for the quarterback; it’s just a matter of passing the ball.

More misdirection by Klint Kubiak pic.twitter.com/ghZkt8lO8W

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

More misdirection. Gray Zabel is sent in for a pull, and another fake toss occurs. Arroyo is also put in motion to threaten a block, but the idea is actually to give him a free release. Once again, the second level of the defense takes the bait and leaves space behind him.

The play design is incredible, but JSN still finds a way to excel. The receiver realizes that Jalen Ramsey has entered pursuit mode on Arroyo and left a clear zone. He adjusts his route and points to Darnold where the pass should be thrown.

Klint Kubiak and his favorite concept: Yankee concept. pic.twitter.com/MtwkUIN2GA

— Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) September 17, 2025

One of Kubiak’s trademarks finally appears. By my count, there were at least three Yankee concept calls in the game, including the first TD.

Yankee is a play with a longer development. It’s usually executed from a play-action with eight or nine men. Run-heavy formations force the defense to bring players into the box and ensure a single safety look deep downfield.
The Yankee concept consists of two main routes. Sometimes there are checkdown routes with running backs or TEs escaping into the flats. These main routes are:

• A 16-18 yard dig route;
• A post route on the opposite side;

The read is simple: the safety attacked the dig (as in the TD play), the pass goes to the post, and vice versa.

Final Thoughts​

Starting 0-2 would have put enormous pressure on the Seahawks and wouldn’t have done justice to what the team has shown (even though there’s plenty of room for improvement). Starting 0-2 would have also put additional pressure on the Seahawks facing the Saints, who’ve already lost to two of Seattle’s NFC West rivals (and looking toward the end of the season, winning is crucial as well).

As mentioned throughout the article, there’s room for the team to improve, especially on offense. However, it’s much better to make these adjustments while winning games than the other way around.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ks-all-22-review-good-and-bad-win-vs-steelers

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Pre-Snap Reads 9/17: Seahawks depth showing up early

In Today’s Links: more on the Seattle Seahawks’ advancing D-line, things that are going right for our squad, a mailbag!; a Sam Darnold early season performance review (too early?), more on Byron Murphy II, pods, etc. The ‘Hawks have a bit of momentum going and I feel as if the fanbase is sensing something special brewing. How do yall feel? Is it too early to feel too good about this team? Or did Sunday’s win fortify your best wishes for our Seahawks? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for being here.

Seahawks News

Seahawks DL hype is real and spectacular – Seaside Joe
In year 2, Mike Macdonald has Seahawks defense exactly where he wants them

With ‘textbook’ technique, CB Josh Jobe excelling for Seahawks – Seattle Sports
This time last year, Josh Jobe was on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad.

What’s working, what needs help for Seahawks after Week 2 – Seattle Sports
As much as the Seattle Seahawks struggled to run the ball or spread it around through the air in a season-opening loss to San Francisco, they had no such challenges in Week 2.

Seahawks Mailbag: DB Depth, Rare Touchdowns & More – Seahawks.com
You had Seahawks questions; we have answers.

How Seahawks have fared against best (and worst) QBs in their history – The Seattle Times
Which quarterbacks have the Seahawks beaten the most? We decided to find some answers and take a little walk down the Memory Lane of Seahawks’ opposing QBs.

How Seahawks QB Sam Darnold upstaged Aaron Rodgers in way few others have – si.com
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold managed to out-duel a future Hall of Famer and show his growth in the process..

Sophomore Season Breakout? Byron Murphy II Looking Like Player Seahawks Drafted – Emerald City Spectrum
Eclipsing his full season totals from his rookie year in one game on Sunday, Byron Murphy’s pass rush has come to life early in his second season, making a great Seahawks defensive line even more of a problem for opponents.

Latest Bump & Stacy appearance & Seahawks Collective podcast – Seahawks Draft Blog
Usual request — do me a huge favour and please check these out and if possible, head over to the YouTube pages for the videos too, leave a like and a comment on there. Your support is much appreciated!

474: The Seahawks Defenders Who Made Pittsburgh Look Lost – Sea Hawkers Podcast
The Seattle Seahawks had another dominant defensive performance this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’re celebrating a 31-17 win and some of the standout defensive performances. We discuss the emergence of Josh Jobe, Byron Murphy’s impact, and how Mike Macdonald’s coaching is shaping a resilient, and seemingly plug-and-play, defense. The impressive road win streak continues, but can they find a way to bring that success into Lumen?

NFC West News

The good news for the Cardinals? A 2-0 record. The bad news? Can’t put teams away – Revenge of the Birds
It’s a long season, and the soft portion of the schedule is about over

Is Kyle Shanahan better than ever in Year 9? – Niners Nation
The 49ers head coach is quietly having one of the best years of his career in a number of ways.

How long can Rams maintain these pass defense statistics? – Turf Show Times
The Rams are tied for the lowest yards per pass allowed in the NFL with the Packers, giving up just 4.3 yards per pass through two games.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ap-reads-9-17-seahawks-depth-showing-up-early

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Pre-Snap Reads 9/18: Klint Kubiak’s offense starting to take shape

In Today’s Links: various player profiles, strategies and agendas for the Seattle Seahawks’ Week Three match-up with the Saints, comments from Geno Smith and the reactions hereto forthwith, do the ‘Hawks really need a Michah?; and much, much more. It’s all about our squad. Don’t worry about what’s going on with the other teams. We rock. Thanks for being here.

#np easy going down by lil hero

Seahawks News

Robbie Ouzts: Old school football with modern football players – Seaside Joe
Seahawks-Saints Week 3 film studies on Robbie Ouzts, Josh Jobe, and Byron Murphy!

Stacy Rost: How the New Orleans Saints want to beat the Seahawks – Seattle Sports
Remember last year’s Seattle Seahawks game against the New York Giants?

Seahawks shuffle roster, add WR from practice squad – Seattle Sports
The Seattle Seahawks signed wide receiver Cody White from the practice squad as a part of small roster shuffle Wednesday.

Leonard Williams & Seahawks Defensive Line Setting The Tone For Seahawks – Seahawks.com
Two games into the season, Seattle’s defensive line has looked like one of the best in the NFL.

Animosity unlikely between Seahawks and Geno Smith, despite his comments – The Seattle Times
QB Geno Smith recently told ESPN.com that he didn’t fit the Seahawks’ “aesthetic,” but that likely has more to do with his connection to coach Pete Carroll.

It sure looks like the Seahawks didn’t need Micah Parsons – si.com
The Seahawks have an elite pass rush anyway.

Seahawks Looking to End Home Field Blues With Alvin Kamara-Led Saints Coming to Town – Emerald City Spectrum
Once one of the most vaunted places to play in the NFL, Lumen Field has lost its luster as a house of horrors with opponents having tons of success against the Seahawks in recent years. What’s behind the struggles and how can Seattle get back on track against New Orleans in Week 3?

College football week three scouting notes: Where are the first round prospects? – Seahawks Draft Blog
There are a few things I wanted to get into today, including the disappointing start to the college football season for several big names, the state of the 2026 quarterback class and some new names to monitor in the coming weeks.

Meet the unheralded Seahawks DB who’s playing like a star – The Athletic
Josh Jobe has become a player whom Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald won’t ever turn down an opportunity to celebrate.

March On! Will the Seahawks Stomp the Saints? – GAME PREVIEW – Sea Hawkers Podcast
The Seahawks are riding high after a statement win in Pittsburgh, and we’re here to break down what’s next as the Saints march into Seattle. We dig into the biggest questions facing both teams: Can Seattle’s run defense keep Kamara in check? Will the Saints’ pass catchers test our secondary, or will Seattle’s revamped offense exploit a shaky New Orleans DB room?

NFC West News

Where the Cardinals rank statistically after the Week 2 win over the Panthers – Revenge of the Birds
The Cardinals are gearing up for a Week 3 matchup with the 49ers, where they will look to stay undefeated and atop the NFC West.

One simple factor has been the biggest reason for Ricky Pearsall’s jump in Year 2 – Niners Nation
The 49ers lead receiver has been through some bumps. But, one factor has made him the top wideout on the team.

Jared Verse is going to be just fine – Turf Show Times
It’s not time for the Rams to be concerned about Jared Verse just yet.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-klint-kubiaks-offense-starting-to-take-shape

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Pre-Snap Reads 9/19: Special Teams making an impact for Seahawks

In Today’s Links: more on Byron Murphy II’s early returns this season, the ascending Seattle Seahawks D-line, more on the rise of the Josh Jobe experience, and a Week 3 preview of our game against the Saints. It’s a lovely Friday and hopefully y’all are doing well. Dive into the links, get yourself some knowledge, and prepare for Sunday’s battle. Thanks for being here.

#np Riding Round by WifiGawd

Seahawks News

Seahawks ‘middle out’ defense is coming out of both ends – Seaside Joe
Mike Macdonald’s defense has been one-of-one after the first quarter

‘The light is coming on’ for Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II – Seattle Sports
For a first-round draft pick, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II had a relatively quiet rookie campaign last year. The 6-foot, 306-pounder did plenty of invaluable dirty work in the trenches, but there weren’t many splash plays that showed up on the stat sheet.

Rookie Grey Zabel Is a ‘Steadying Force’ On Seattle’s O-Line – Seahawks.com
Mike Macdonald said through two games, Grey Zabel ‘doesn’t feel like he’s a rookie.’

How Seahawks are handling changes to NFL kickoff rules | Notebook – The Seattle Times
As the Seahawks’ touchdown on a recovery of a kickoff vs. the Steelers shows, there have been plenty of changes to the rules lately, and they’re having an impact.

Seahawks star Leonard Williams on what Byron Murphy does better than him – si.com
Seattle’s extra-large defensive end says that the 2024 first-round draft pick is actually better than he is at taking on double teams against the run.

From Waiver Wire to Emerging Star, Josh Jobe Thriving With ‘Complete Game’ in Seahawks’ Secondary – Emerald City Spectrum
Beyond on-field production, Mike Macdonald has his type when it comes to mindset and attitude on defense. Coming to town as a waiver wire pickup, it didn’t take long to know Josh Jobe fit that type, and his results in a Seahawks uniform speak for themselves.

475: The Saints Are Carrying Seahawks Kryptonite into Week 3 – Sea Hawkers Podcast
We break down the Seattle Seahawks upcoming home matchup against the New Orleans Saints, exploring why the Saints have been a persistent challenge for Seattle in recent years. We look at the key players to watch, including Alvin Kamara and Spencer Rattler, and discuss how the Seahawks defense can keep the momentum going. Is the Saints’ new coaching staff legit?

NFC West News

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray posts a photo of himself in a Michael Vick jersey, and yes, with a pit bull – Revenge of the Birds
Childhood fan fav, but you have to think about the association.

Why the 49ers offense is on the verge of breaking out – Niners Nation
The offense is very close even without George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk

Rams are kings of explosive plays on both sides of the ball – Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams have the highest explosive pass percentage on offense and the number one ranked explosive runs allowed on defense.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...9-special-teams-making-an-impact-for-seahawks

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

With an ailing secondary, Seahawks open up roster spot by releasing Cody White

As is the case during the NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks have made another roster transaction involving cutting a player and signing them right back to the practice squad. In Friday’s case, that involves wide receiver Cody White. Since White is a vested veteran, he does not need to clear waivers before becoming a free agent. This is the third time that White has made a move between the 53-man roster and the practice squad, the most recent one occuring earlier this week when he was signed to the active roster from the practice squad.

To make room on the practice squad, Seattle released seventh-round draft pick, running back Damien Martinez. It would not be a surprise to see Martinez, who’s been on and off the practice squad, return to Seattle in some form again moving forward. However, Seattle did lose on-again, off-again practice squad member, Sataoa Laumea, earlier this week. As is the case with roster management, there is always a risk of losing a player. Rookie UDFA Jacardia Wright is the lone RB on Seattle’s practice squad, which could be very relevant for a game day elevation given Zach Charbonnet is unlikely to play in Week 3.

All in all, this roster move of dropping White to the practice squad, and leaving a spot on the 53-man roster reeks of another practice-squad member being signed to the active roster. This comes especially with the very banged up secondary leading into this weekend’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Safeties Julian Love and Nick Emmanwori, along with cornerback Devon Witherspoon have all been listed as doubtful. With the secondary being very thin, it would make sense to see a cornerback Shaquill Griffin or safety D’Anthony Bell as potential signings. Seattle of course will be able to make two practice-squad elevations for this weekend’s game as well.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...s-practice-squad-cody-white-released-nfl-news

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks-Saints injury report: Julian Love, Zach Charbonnet among 4 doubtful to play

The Seattle Seahawks have four players unlikely to play in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, all of whom are significant contributors.

Safety Julian Love is likely out with a hamstring injury, which could mean Ty Okada getting the call to be starting safety alongside Coby Bryant. That is arguably the biggest blow possible to Seattle’s secondary.

As if Love’s absence wasn’t enough, it looks as if rookie safety Nick Emmanwori will miss his second straight game with an ankle sprain. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is expected to be out again after hurting his knee against the San Francisco 49ers. Lastly, running back Zach Charbonnet’s toe injury will make it doubtful for him to play. It’d be just the second missed game of Charbonnet’s Seahawks career. George Holani, who had what was more or less the game-changing touchdown on special teams against the Pittsburgh Steelers, could assume some of Charbonnet’s carries while Kenneth Walker III operates as the primary back.

Having already previously stated that Emmanwori is not expected to go on injured reserve, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald says the same applies to Love, Witherspoon, and Charbonnet.

Mike Macdonald says that right now, IR is not a consideration for Julian Love, Devon Witherspoon or Zach Charbonnet.

— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) September 19, 2025

The Seahawks do have a Thursday night road game against the Arizona Cardinals after facing the Saints, but keep in mind that practices for Sunday-Thursday short weeks are pretty much walkthroughs, so it may not necessarily be the case that any of the four doubtful players for the Saints game will be held for the Cardinals game. Perhaps it’s more realistic to look at availability for Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start October.

Everyone else on the injury report, including Ernest Jones IV, Josh Jobe, Tory Horton, Derick Hall, and Abe Lucas are all set to go on Sunday.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ove-zach-charbonnet-among-4-doubtful-nfl-news

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Jaxon Smith-Njigba suddenly Questionable to play against Saints

The Seattle Seahawks opened up the 2025 NFL season with a home loss to the NFC West division rival San Francisco 49ers, before a cross country weekend trip to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In theory, the team should have had an easier time in Week 3, with the winless New Orleans Saints coming to town, unfortunately, a rash of injuries left several members of the roster doubtful for the matchup, including Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Julian Love and Zach Charbonnet.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, the Seahawks added leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the injury report, applying a questionable designation.

.@Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been added to the injury report as Questionable (illness).

— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) September 20, 2025

As the team noted in the post, it’s an illness that has JSN questionable, and if he is unable to play, the Hawks could be perilously thin at receiver against New Orleans. Having released Cody White on Friday, if JSN is unable to go, the only healthy receivers on the 53-man roster are Cooper Kupp, Jake Bobo, Tory Horton and Dareke Young. That quartet of receivers has 11 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown so far this season, with Kupp alone accounting for nine of the 11 catches.

This news, obviously, makes the pre-game inactives more critical than typical on Sunday.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ly-questionable-to-play-against-saints-week-3

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

NFL fines Steelers star for uncalled personal foul penalty on Sam Darnold

For the second week in a row, no Seattle Seahawks players were fined for game infractions (whether called or uncalled). Sam Darnold’s first touchdown pass as Seahawks quarterback, however, should’ve had a flag thrown at the time and did cost a Pittsburgh Steelers star some money.

Veteran linebacker Patrick Queen was fined $17,389 for a blow to the head/neck area on Darnold’s pass to rookie receiver Tory Horton. It looked pretty clear watching on the television broadcast that Darnold was hit up top and illegally so, but there was no flag thrown. Horton’s touchdown would’ve led to a declined penalty, but it should’ve been roughing the passer.

Tory Horton’s 1st career catch is a touchdown!

SEAvsPIT on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/rCS74Ca0gA

— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025

This is really a ridiculous throw from Darnold considering the hit he took as he unloaded this. But he needed to hold onto it that long for Horton to come uncovered on crosser. pic.twitter.com/dI4BXj2FmJ

— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) September 16, 2025

It’s one hell of a strike by Darnold with pressure in his face, but I suppose he’s used to not getting calls in his favor no matter what uniform he’s wearing. This was otherwise a cleanly played game with few penalties on either team, so it’s not a surprise that the NFL didn’t find much objectionable in the Seahawks vs. Steelers game.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...sser-sam-darnold-patrick-queen-fined-nfl-news

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Words of Prey, Seahawks vs. Saints: What’s this now? A surprise Sunday stroll?

Seattle Seahawks games are many things, but never easy. They’re joyful and dispiriting, agonizing and thrilling. Hell, they have a way of switching between all four of those in a single quarter.

Coming into Week 3 at Lumen Field against the New Orleans Saints, who’d looked pluckier than their 0-2 record indicated, it was logical to observe all the usual fanbase fanspace for fanfrownyface. Hadn’t the Seahawks lost seven of their past eight home games? (Yes.) Hadn’t the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune felled Seattle’s top two defensive weapons and sickened their top offensive threat? (Also yes. Assume the questions are Yes until further notice.)

And then, the game itself put all perturbation to rest. It was 21-0 before you could blink, 38-6 at half, and the entire fourth quarter was fifteen minutes of mercy rule. For the second week in a row, the Seahawks scored seven on their opening drive, won in all three phases and easily dispatched a foe that a good team should easily dispatch.

Of all frickin’ things, it was a relaxing Seahawks victory on a perfect fall afternoon, bracketed by other key wins from other local teams, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Anyway. All three phases. That definitely includes this franchise record 95-yard punt return from winged rookie sensation Tory Horton.

TORY HORTON TAKES IT 95 YARDS TO PAY DIRT

— NFL Daily News (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) 2025-09-21T20:27:53.435Z

The only Who Horton heard on the way to the end zone was the breathy thud of New Orleans’ kicker having the wind knocked out of him by Chazz Surratt, who we most definitely will get to later.

We’ll get to almost everything, but the everything was a lot more than usual today. With your permission, a cross-sport analogy. You know what they say about baseball — in part, you go to a game because you never know what you’ll see for the first time.

Today’s first? Kellen Moore throwing in the towel before it even had a chance to dry. A recent Seahawks coach used to say you can’t win the game in the first, second or even the third quarter. Well, the Saints staff proved that wizened coach wrong, in a roundabout backwardsy sort of way. They did something I’ve never seen in an NFL game: they conceded before the two-minute warning. No, not THAT two-minute warning. The first one. To set the stage for a sec:

Seattle had been scoring at will in the first half. After the score reached a preposterous 35-3, Moore found himself contemplating fourth and two at the Seattle 33. Having moved the ball already 42 yards on the drive, a go made sense. A long field goal takes you from a four score game to a four score game. There is no point. And yet there he is, sending out the kicking team. (Missed the kick but that’s immaterial.)

I understand that Moore had gone for it on the first drive and come up empty. Then watched his squad mis-execute their next chance on fourth and one, leading directly to the blocked punt. But there is no better way to show disbelief in your team than to kick when you’re four possessions down and the field goal keeps it a four-possession game.

Later, when the Saints settled for a red zone field goal attempt, to trim the deficit from 35 to 32 as the half expired, you could audibly hear derisive laughter in the stadium. Victory laughter. In the second quarter! The Saints had already conceded. The Seahawks had already won. The only questions were:

A) Would we see Scorigami? (Close, but no.)

B) Would Seattle score 50? (Close. Maybe in hand grenades.)

C) Then would the Seahawks score on every drive? (Again, no cigar, but it’s the thought that counts. Get it?)

D) Would Jalen Milroe enter the game? (Hey, yes this time for a change, but the quietest yes, for a single three-yard carry.)

First quarter delights were a-plenty. Yes, Horton’s 95 yards of ecstasy. But also Kenneth Walker scoring a rugby try early, aggravating the wound New Orleans would spend all afternoon trying to close, to no avail.

Kenneth Walker The Third for NOvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://watch.nfl.com

— NFL (@nflbot.bsky.social) 2025-09-21T20:42:01.000Z

This isn’t exactly breaking news, but K9 gets a bad rap for dancing at the line and not choosing the best option his teammates or the scheme have prepared for him. Feel free to cite whatever stats you’d like to prove or disprove the narrative, but I literally do not care what you conclude. Inside the five he lusts after the white line. There aren’t that many RBs who score on the play above.

The thing I enjoyed most about Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s first-drive score is how Sam Darnold had options on the rollout to his left. He had blockers to run, a deeper target, and a sneaky little JSN-shaped-sprite who’d slithered in from the opposite slot, between the big boys and the ‘backers. Options are good. Options stress the defense. This is a real modern offense, after ten years of waiting.

JSN. TOUCHDOWN.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/8FHXFOq7uA

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 21, 2025

Up 14, the small city assembled in Sodo started to smell blood. N’awlins went backwards three times in the next four plays, on two false starts and a hold, setting up 2nd and 25. The Mike Macdonald defense is disciplined, so there was no braindead flag to save the visitors, and they lined up to punt on 4th and 12. For the second time, the ball did not travel as they intended.

For the second time, Chazz Surratt was at the center of chaos, first to the loose ball like the hoopster who wants it the most. Look at that wide 44 with nothing but green in front of him.

BLOCK! @Seahawks special teams with another play!

NOvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/PCUtBOcgET

— NFL (@NFL) September 21, 2025

Oh man, a scoop and score would’ve cemented him in Seahawks lore, but his misstep is all good because that allows us to focus on the jump our king D’Anthony Bell got. Gave it his best Superman/Victor Robles impression (if you know you know), and two plays later, Walker is in.

The punt block changed game calculus somewhat, but the second quarter is when the Seahawks pulled away. Yes, the Saints added three on a long drive cut short by Josh Jobe’s long arms inside the 10. (He plays the ball with authority and will be a rich man soon.) Yes, it’s still technically anyone’s ballgame at 21-3. No, that game state wasn’t to Horton’s liking. After another JSN bomb set the Seahawks up in Saints territory, Horton worked his way into a half-step of openness down the right sideline. That’s all Darnold needed to drop a heat-seeker over his receiver’s outside shoulder. Two feet in and Horton had punched his third TD ticket in three games. Say, has anyone told you he’s a rookie?

Said it once, we'll say it again. Tory Horton hype train.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/Lfo0etftoa

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 21, 2025

Fun fact: Seattle’s three offensive touchdown drives were a total of 11 plays long. Combined. That’s one way to tire out your defense. It’s also the best possible way. They should consider mistreating the defense like that every week.

Rest of the second quarter was consumed with Moore’s aforementioned Can We Start The Bus Yet tactics and KW’s second touchdown/bulldozing act.

Third quarter saw the Seahawks offense shift into temporal consumption mode. Nine minutes of clock for two FG drives and I kid you not, my seat neighbor yawned.

You really don’t know what you’re going to see at ANY sporting event.

As the fourth frame began, pretty sure the last empty square on your Seahawks bingo card was defensive takeaway. And let’s be real — Spencer Rattler had big pick energy all game. It was only a matter of time until either Jobe, Derion Kendrick, or Coby Bryant sealed the deal. The bottle spun, spun again, and landed pointing at Kendrick, who now has interceptions in successive games in relief of Devon Witherspoon.

Read it like a book.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/6QcxwPrLrc

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 21, 2025

I don’t know about y’all, but without Spoon and J-Love in the secondary I had a pit in the bottom of my stomach pregame. Being wrong never felt so good. This team has depth on the defensive line, depth in the secondary, and hopefully Ernest Jones sleeps in a bubble-wrapped hyperbaric chamber with the Praetorian Guard at every entrance and a food taster on call because that dude is indispensable. Or so we think today.

A few academic drives later, managed perfectly by Drew Clock until the clinching kneeldown, and 44-13 turned out to be the final damage. It wasn’t even that close.

In conclusion, special teams don’t just matter, they swing games. Sure, the Saints made four pretty critical errors, but you could also ask the Los Angeles Rams their opinion. This was the last play of their game in Philadephia.

BIRDS – The Eagles block the Rams FG and Jordan Davis *rumbles* for the TD

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) 2025-09-21T20:09:39.472Z

On that happy thought, let’s glide over to Predator and Prey. Which will be woefully short for the amount of dominance displayed by Seattle in all facets.

PREDATOR​

Tory Horton is the obvious choice. Three Seahawks games have elapsed and that’s how may touchdowns Horton has. It doesn’t work like this, but he outscored the entire Saints team. (It totally works like this.)

Chazz Surratt.

Watch this block by Chazz Surratt (No. 44) in the open field.

It takes all 11 to return a punt to the house pic.twitter.com/ftLqnazkjk

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 21, 2025

It’s probably a hard clip to find but he also blew up the kick returner on the next play.

The home crowd. Three false start penalties in the first nine minutes made Saints drives more challenging than they could have been. I’ve been to about 120 Seahawks home games and the energy of this one compares favorably with primetime affairs. The Twelves were on point too.

The Seahawks OL on pass plays. Two QB hits and no sacks allowed. Consistent time to throw for their QB. This comes on the heels of a similar Week 2 performance. Must monitor as the opposition toughens.

Jay Harbaugh. Sunday was a triumph for him. The Horton and Dareke Young returns, the punt block, and excellent coverage even after the game was out of hand.

And THIS is how you do kick coverage no matter the score

— John Fraley (@johndavidfraley.bsky.social) 2025-09-21T21:36:14.100Z

Sam Darnold. For the second straight week, he escaped a sack-adjacent situation only to find JSN on the run and flip a negative play into an explosive. He completed his first five passes for two scores to guide the lead to 28-0. The Horton TD was as on the money as a corner route can be. He has good instincts. Like his predecessor, he doesn’t have such a big ego that he has to run the team.

When he’s looking for Smith-Njigba, Darnold can be a Jean Reno-level hitman. Besides the 12-yard TD, the two connected for 29 and 45 yards in the first half. They might be special together, and I have a mea culpa to insert — never thought they could develop this level of chemistry this quickly. I was wrong about them, and the smart money says it won’t be the last time.

The Seahawks official team account? Repurposed a well-known meme on the only day they could. Enjoy getting to use the old one again for the next 14 games.

https://t.co/rtMzP92DSv pic.twitter.com/nucRWREfYT

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 22, 2025

ATTEMPTED PREY BUT IT DIDN’T WORK​

Ty Okada. In the absence of Julian Love, the Saints threw at Okada for what seemed like the entire second quarter. Rattler rattled off 13 completions but no game-breakers. Completions in the second period went for 8, 1, 5, 4, 1, 15, 5, 3, 7, 6, 8, 5 and finally 15 past Riq Woolen as the rest of the Seahawks guarded the end zone. Just once did Okada get beat for a medium amount. He excelled at keeping everything in front of him and making sure tackles.

PREY AND PREDATOR​

Kenneth Walker scored twice out of sheer will. Inside the five he will find a way.

That’s how you cash it in.

: CBS pic.twitter.com/ItyX10pE8B

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 21, 2025

Outside of the double no-you-can’t-tackle-me-I’m-an-angry-hippopotamus moments at the goal line, he was stymied for 32 carries on 14 yards. He didn’t break one beyond 10 all day. So the Seahawks offense will need better run-blocking or vision, or both — probably both — if they want to eventually beat teams better than the Steelers and Saints.

PREY​

Kellen Moore. He literally rolled over onto his back, leaned fully into the submissive position, showed his tummy and asked for rubs. Much was made of this being a meeting between the league’s two youngest coaches but only one of them got caught in a headlock and cried uncle.

To wedge in one final item of business, Sunday afternoon left one wishing for one solitary missing piece: more Milroe. Drew Lock snaps are wasted. He is not an unknown, and he is not this franchise’s future. But the rookie might well be. To Milroe, at this stage of his career nothing is more valuable than live reps against live bullets, even if the Saints were firing a water pistol most of the afternoon. However, a home blowout win is rarefied air we might not breathe again for years. Thus the closing line is filled with more optimism than I’ve felt in a while; if the Hawks are to go, let us go with them.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-saints-whats-this-now-surprise-sunday-stroll

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks signing veteran running back; Damien Martinez works out for 3-0 team

The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly signing veteran running back, Khalil Herbert to their practice squad. This signing is not too surprising after the team worked out three different veteran running backs today (including Herbert, former Washington Huskies star Myles Gaskin, and Brandon Bolden).

Herbert, a sixth-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 2021 saw a productive first few years as a backup running back and kick returner. Herbert went on to start 12 games in three-and-a-half years with the Bears before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round draft pick in the middle of the 2024 season. Herbert spent part of 2025 with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad.

By signing Herbert to the practice squad, he looks to compete for possible playing time with rookie Jacardia Wright,who was just elevated to the active gameday roster last weekend, and potentially George Holani. This signing of Herbert could also be a potential hedge in case Zach Charbonnet’s injury (which sidelined him last weekend) is more serious than initially thought. It will be interesting to see if Herbert’s returner background will factor into any playing time as well. Of course, Tory Horton and Dareke Young starred in those roles last weekend.

The other news that comes out of this signing is the likely departure of seventh round draft pick, running back Damien Martinez. Though some expected Martinez to return to Seattle after being released from the practice squad last week, it looks like that will no longer be the case. After being passed on the depth chart by Wright and now with the signing of Herbert, Martinez looks to be the odd man out. Martinez may be reading the same tea leaves, as he was reported to be working out with the Indianapolis Colts today. If Martinez does end up leaving Seattle, he would be the first 2025 draft pick to leave the team. As for Herbert, time will tell if he will be able to get any playing time this week or this season.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-news-seattle-seahawks-khalil-herbert-signing

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks Week 4 injury report: Some good news on Zach Charbonnet

A short week for the Seattle Seahawks means that even though the team did not practice on Monday, they were still required to release an injury report for their Week 4 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

All of these practice designations are, of course, estimations, but they’re still helpful in terms of figuring out who could play on Thursday. In a world where the Seahawks immediately returned to the practice field after thrashing the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, running back Zach Charbonnet would be considered a full participant. That’s encouraging news considering he missed last weekend with a foot injury.

The only “had they practiced” DNPs for Seattle are fullback Robbie Ouzts and swing tackle Josh Jones, both of whom suffered ankle injuries on Sunday. Everyone else on the injury report was either limited or full, and all eyes will be on Nick Emmanwori, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love, all of whom didn’t play Sunday and are key members of the Seahawks secondary.

Here’s the full injury report:

It should be noted that Leonard Williams did get his elbow looked at in the opening quarter of the Saints game before quickly returning to the field.

Short week practice reports are always tricky to maneuver so it’ll be hard to make any super strong guesses one way or another as to who will play on Thursday. The Seahawks will hold practice on Tuesday but expect it to be essentially no more than a walkthrough. Game designations will be made on Wednesday. Don’t you just love the Sunday-to-Thursday turnaround? And to think the Seahawks have to do that again later in December, although they’ll at least not have to travel for the Week 14-15 stretch of games against the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...week-4-injury-report-nfl-news-zach-charbonnet

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks national power rankings roundup, Week 4: Seattle on the rise after Saints beatdown

Last week, after the Seattle Seahawks beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, many national media sites moved Seattle up in their weekly rankings. However, how will that change after the Seahawks completely dismantled the New Orleans Saints 44-13 in Week 3?

This week there is a lot more parity in the national media’s rankings of Seattle. Last week there were rankings as low as 20 and as high as 14. This week, the five media sites reviewed (Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, NFL.com, and Pro Football Talk all rank Seattle at either 14th or 13th. Lets look at those who have the Seahawks 14th in the league first.

Yahoo sports, who moved Seattle from 19 to 14th on their list this week, noted that since blowing the week one game against the San Francisco 49ers, have looked “like a buzzsaw” and may be a “very good team everyone is sleeping on early in the season.” Bleacher Report, who similarly moved the Seahawks up six spots from 20 to 14, noted the impressive performances by Sam Darnold show that his “2024 Pro Bowl campaign in Minnesota doesn’t look like a fluke” and that the Seahawks offense should look well balanced between Darnold and the running backs (Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet) if they can stay healthy. ESPN also moved Seattle up to 14, up four spots from 18 last week. In their analysis, ESPN noted that you would “have to nitpick to find any flaws” in Seattle’s defense, who is allowing the second-fewest points per game at 15.7.

If those three power rankings and analysis did not seem positive enough, the rankings from NFL.com and Pro Football Talk (PFT) are even better. PFT moved Seattle up three spots, from 16 to 13. NFL.com did similar, moving Seattle up one spot, from 14 to 13. In addition to noting the impressive performances by Seattle’s offense, defense, and special teams, NFL.com noted that Seattle was able to blow out the Saints, something that both the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals could not do. Despite this, the article additionally noted that the Seahawks’ true litmus test for Seattle will be the next three games: at the Cardinals, home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After Week 2, the average power ranking among the five sites (NFL.com, PFT, Bleacher Report, ESPN, and Yahoo) was 17.4. After Week 3, the average power ranking between these same five sites is 13.6. As can be seen in this positive trend, the overall consensus from the national media seems to be optimistic about Seattle. However, the national media still is not confident enough in Mike Macdonald’s team to put them into the top ten of the league. This Thursday night against the Cardinals will be another big test for Seattle to see if they can change that and get themselves into the top ten for this next week.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...roundup-week-4-seattle-on-the-rise-nfl-saints

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Report: Giants to bench Russell Wilson

When former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants in free agency, it was readily apparent that he would serve as a bridge to the future.

Whether that meant simply filling the role for the 2025 season or potentially mentoring a younger quarterback added in the draft, with the best days of the 36 year old signal caller in the past it was obvious that Wilson did not represent a long term solution for New York.

Then, on the first day of the 2025 NFL Draft in April, the role for Wilson as a mentor became apparent when the Giants used the 25th pick to add Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. At that point it became a matter of when, not if, Wilson would surrender the starting role to Dart.

According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the when is Week 4.

A QB change: Giants are planning to start rookie Jaxson Dart on Sunday vs. the Chargers, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PwYApMCoN7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2025

Whether or not New York planned to start Dart this early in the season is not known. What is known is that after Russ’ performance on the Giants’ final possession of the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it was obvious that whatever the hope had been, Wilson was not the answer for the Giants in 2025.

RUSSELL WILSON WITH THE WORST 4-PLAY SEQUENCE OF ALL-TIME:

– Intentional grounding into locker room
– QB draw for 4 yards
– Sky ball through back of end zone
– Hits crossbar on 4th & goal pic.twitter.com/ipqS5H2wAE

— GhettoGronk (@TheGhettoGronk) September 22, 2025

Wilson will still serve as a backup to Dart on Sunday when Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers visit MetLife. Jameis Winston is the third-string quarterback.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-to-bench-russell-wilson-week-4-chargers-dart

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Seahawks roster moves: Robbie Ouzts placed on injured reserve

The Seattle Seahawks announced a few roster moves on Wednesday, including placing starting fullback Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve.

For those watching the Seahawks game against the New Orleans Saints last weekend, you could see Ouzts limping off of the field in the third quarter of Seattle’s 44-13 win. Unfortunately, that was due to an ankle injury, one that will now sideline Ouzts for at least four weeks. That means that Oustz will miss all of October, including games against the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. After the Texans game, the Seahawks have a bye week which would allow Ouzts at least one more week of rest before he would be eligible to return in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Brady Russell will serve as the backup fullback.

In other roster news: Safety D’Anthony Bell was signed off of the practice squad to the 53-man roster after Ouzts was placed on IR. The open practice squad spot vacated by Bell’s signing was then filled by safety Jerrick Reed II, who was waived from the 53-man roster earlier this week and went unclaimed.

Bell and Reed’s roster shuffling is not too surprising as the Seahawks have been making a flurry of roster moves where they move players back and forth between the practice squad and the 53-man roster. Moves like this highlight how the Seahawks, like other NFL teams, truly have a 70-man roster between the 53-man roster and the 17-man practice squad.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...ter-moves-robbie-ouzts-placed-injured-reserve

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Pre-Snap Reads 9/25: Seahawks v Cardinals! Tonight!

In Today’s Links: several pertinent articles regarding today’s TNF match-up between our Seattle Seahawks and their Arizona Cardinals. Also, some other links regarding our squad like, a bit more on Sam Darnold’s early season success, a mailbag, and more. Thanks for being here. Enjoy the game.

#np Sparkle Tape Break-Up (Mndsngn remix) by Hiatus Kayote

Seahawks News

Brady Russell era is underway – Seaside Joe
Seahawks place Robbie Ouzts on IR, sign D’Anthony Bell

Preview: Seahawks, Cardinals fight for position in talented NFC West – Seattle Sports
The NFC West has not had too much margin for error so far this season.

Seahawks Roster Moves: Rookie FB Robbie Ouzts placed on IR – Seattle Sports
The Seattle Seahawks will be without one of their 2025 NFL Draft picks for at least the next four games.

Seahawks Mailbag: A Good Problem In The Secondary, Cooper Kupp’s Impact & More – Seahawks.com
You had Seahawks questions; we have answers.

Seahawks get Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love vs. Cardinals | Notebook – The Seattle Times
The good news for the Seahawks is that Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love are returning from injury. The bad news is there are plenty of…

What return of 2 key defenders means for Seahawks vs. Cardinals – si.com
The Seattle Seahawks have some reinforcements on the way entering a critical Week 4 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Reinforcements Coming as Seahawks Hit Road to Face Cardinals on Thursday Night Football – Emerald City Spectrum
Set to fly down to Glendale for a crucial NFC West matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football, the Seattle Seahawks will be much closer to full strength in the secondary to square off against Kyler Murray and his arsenal of receivers.

Sam Darnold has been as advertised (and more) for the Seahawks so far – The Athletic
Darnold has hit the checkdowns but also the explosive plays, even without an efficient run game to help him.

Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon, Julian Jove back to face Cardianls – ESPN.com
The Seattle Seahawks will get a pair of Pro Bowlers back for their NFC West showdown with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, as cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Julian Love are off the injury report.

NFC West News

Cardinals-49ers reactions: The offense, the defense and injuries – Revenge of the Birds
Talking the Arizona Cardinals loss to the 49ers.

The 49ers will receive some salary cap relief thanks to an insurance policy – Niners Nation
The 49ers will receive $7 million in salary cap space in 2026 thanks to an insurance policy they took out on Nick Bosa

Where does Rams GM Les Snead need to improve? – Turf Show Times
Do Rams have a top-5 front office in the NFL?

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...-snap-reads-9-25-seahawks-v-cardinals-tonight

 

[Seattle Seahawks]

Winners and Losers from Seahawks vs. Cardinals: When in doubt, go to JSN

Well that was a little more adventurous than it needed to be, but it’s not like we haven’t seen this type of zaniness before with the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in years gone by.

The Seahawks seemed comfortable with leads of 14-3 and 20-6, then it all fell apart. A furious rally by the Cardinals tied things up at 20-20 with under a minute to go, but Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba connected for one more huge play to set up Jason Myers to be the walk-off hero. It was a 23-20 game that should’ve never been that close, but the Seahawks still own the Cardinals and continue to prevail in Glendale.

For at least this week, I’m back handling Winners and Losers. I deeply thank Terrance Robinson, Jer’rel Coleman, and Tyler Alsin for subbing in over the past few games.

---

Winners​

Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba

This combination could go in the Seahawks history books as something special. Imagine having zero targets in the first half and then suddenly you finish with four catches for 79 yards and the most clutch of game-deciding grabs. Darnold was 18/26 for 242 yards and a touchdown, playing a very good game yet again and notching his first two-minute drill game-dinning drive as a Seahawk. I’m highlighting Sam and JSN together because their chemistry already looks as crisp as Russell Wilson (and Geno Smith) and Tyler Lockett, or Russ and Doug Baldwin, or Matt Hasselbeck and Bobby Engram. I’d say Darnold has a lot of elements of the best version of Hasselbeck to his game, which I appreciate. He’s also continuing the deep ball success of his predecessors, albeit currently with one guy.

JSN is a bare minimum top 10 receiver in the NFL right now. The explosive downfield part of his game has arrived and the league should be on notice that it’s hard to keep this man down for long. Maybe you can call a questionable holding penalty to take away a game-clinching touchdown, but that’s it.

AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo

I’m combining these two because these are your top two tight ends. The Seahawks had a quiet night from Jaxon Smith-Njigba and relied on their big fellas to lift the passing game. Barner caught the game’s first touchdown and finished with three catches for 32 yards, while the rookie Arroyo had two grabs for 44 yards and a pass interference drawn in the end zone, otherwise he’d have likely had his first NFL touchdown.

Uchenna Nwosu

It’s been a long time coming for Chenna. After missing so much of the last two seasons due to injury, Nwosu picked up his first sack of the year early in the first quarter by blowing past Trey Benson and Isaiah Adams to bring down Kyler Murray. Go figure that he’s the first Seahawks edge to sack a quarterback. I’m very happy to see him make an impact. Nwosu also drew a hold on Paris Johnson Jr to help derail a drive and had another sack later in the game.

Leonard Williams

Big Cat with another 1.5 sacks as the Seahawks interior defensive line continues to dominate in the trenches. He’s too damn hard to block and it doesn’t matter whether he’s sniffing out a screen or raising hell on a run play or rushing the passer.

Zach Charbonnet

This is not for his statline, which was 12 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, but for his final carry. It looked like Charbonnet would be stuffed for no gain but he showed some serious leg drive and determination to surge ahead for some extra yards that may have been the difference between a Jason Myers make or another miss. Defend every blade of grass? How about advance every blade of grass?

Kenneth Walker III

This may be a controversial inclusion considering he had a taunting penalty that cost Seattle a field goal opportunity, a drop on one of his receiving targets, and a few maddening “RUN FORWARD!” moments, but the run blocking is just not up to par and he still managed 81 yards on 19 carries. Add in his big play on his lone catch and that’s 110 yards on 20 touches, even if it didn’t feel like it.

Ernest Jones IV

Another year, another pick off of Kyler Murray in the desert. He also recorded a half-sack that was really just Murray stepping out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage. Jones is a premier linebacker and continues to play like it every week.

Jason Myers

I shouldn’t award winners for helping create the problem, but it still takes some nerves of steel to hit a walkoff field goal from a similar distance you just missed from. He’s now hit walk-offs against the entire NFC West to complete the full set.

Losers​

Offensive line

That wasn’t a good showing. Darnold’s sack total doubled in one simmering Glendale evening. Charles Cross gave up a strip sack, Anthony Bradford was involved in multiple busts, Jalen Sundell struggled holding his blocks in the pass and run game, Abe Lucas was getting driven back a few times, and I thought Grey Zabel had his worst game as a Seahawk. They were admittedly better in the run game, as evidenced by the 100+ combined yards from Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, but it felt like the backs were making a lot of their own yards. This has to be picked up knowing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans are coming to town in October.

Riq Woolen

I really didn’t want to do this because I feel like some of the Riq criticism has been overblown. A trio of penalties will not help his cause. He committed two DPIs and a face mask, giving him six penalties (four accepted) on the season. The last DPI was a little iffier but the first two penalties were no-doubters. When Riq is very good, you don’t notice him on the screen and he’s doing his job. When Riq screws up it’s loud and noticeable and annoying. He shouldn’t be committing obvious DPIs on guys like Michael Wilson.

Devon Witherspoon

Woof. Welcome back, Spoon. Gave up a touchdown and a few other major catches to Marvin Harrison Jr late on, and missed the tackle on Emari Demercado on the tying TD. Witherspoon did record a half-sack and a pass defensed but that wasn’t an especially sharp showing.

Klint Kubiak

I do not understand why he coached the second half of this game so conservatively. After the big play to JSN on third down, the Seahawks’ next course of action was three consecutive runs to settle for a long field goal, which Jason Myers missed. Even after the JSN hold nullified a Zach Charbonnet touchdown, we saw two runs and a screen to Kupp from a mile out. The last Charbonnet carry just to settle for a long field goal with :18 and a timeout left also felt very conservative. Just because it worked doesn’t make it good process.

That was not impressive stuff from Klint and I am worried as to what will happen when Seattle inevitably trails by double digits in a game. Is this offense truly built to play from behind a significant deficit? I’m skeptical.

Tyrice Knight

I think it’s telling that Drake Thomas (who had a sack tonight) is getting more playing time and indeed even got the start for the first time. Knight may not be physically at 100 percent and that could explain the rotation, but he’s been getting caught out of position all season and one of his biggest tackles of the evening was on Coby Bryant. Something’s not right with Knight and I believe Thomas may get even more snaps moving forward.

Final Notes​

• Julian Love nearly had an interception near the end of the first half and looked like he didn’t miss a beat.
• Quieter game for Byron Murphy II as a pass rusher, but he had a possible sack taken away because of a holding penalty on Arizona that was accepted. Murphy still helped out against the run, where Seattle continues to impress as the only team not to allow a rushing TD.
• No updates yet on DeMarcus Lawrence after he left the game with a thigh injury. I’m hoping for the best because that would be a major loss on this defensive line. It’s eerie he got hurt more or less on the anniversary of last year’s season-ending foot injury while with the Dallas Cowboys.
• I’m annoyed that this was a classic “Seahawks get way too comfortable and let the other team back in it” performance we’ve often ascribed to Pete Carroll, but it’s still a win. And it’s another road win, making it nine out of 10 under Mike Macdonald and eight straight overall. I’m not even super worried about the defense’s late collapse because they were so dominant and the offense didn’t hold up its end of the bargain by putting the game away sooner. Arizona still only had 253 total yards on the night.
• While the San Francisco 49ers game is increasingly annoying in hindsight, I believe 3-1 was a very reasonable record to get out of September. I predicted 4-0 but it didn’t quite happen that way. The October stretch of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans is very tricky to me, especially with the d-lines of TB and Houston, but from what I’ve seen I think the Seahawks should be able to get two wins minimum from this set. I can’t wait for the Tampa Bay game just because of the double throwbacks.
• It’s been a minute since I’ve done two Enemy Reactions in less than a week. This one should be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, except Seahawks fans were able to barf with a smile in the end. See you Friday with more post-game wrap-up, including a live-streamed show with Bryce Coutts with our deeper observations.

Source: https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-...eahawks-vs-cardinals-nfl-analysis-darnold-jsn