After seven NFL weeks, the Seattle Seahawks are the top dog in the NFC West with a 4-3 record. A surprise to many but not to the Seahawks coaches and players. Another stellar defensive effort for the second week in a row combined with a career-setting day by rookie Kenneth Walker III has turned everyone’s attention to the Seahawks.
DK METCALF INJURY MIGHT NOT BE THAT BAD
The one dark cloud over the Seahawk’s victory was the injury to wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf suffered a knee injury in the first quarter on a 2-9 play from the Chargers ‘ yard line. Geno Smith threw a pass to the left sideline which Metcalf jumped up and snagged but landed awkwardly on his knee out of bounds. Head coach Pete Carroll offered some hope in his post-game press conference regarding Metcalf’s injury.
In addition to Metcalf, the Seahawks also lost Guard Phil Haynes and special teams captain Nick Bellore. Both players suffered concussions and will be week to week.
KENNETH WALKER III IS A GOOD PLAYER
Last year’s top collegiate back is showing that he can be just as good in the NFL. Former Michigan State running back and Doak Walker award winner Kenneth Walker III had a career day rushing for 168 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. Walker’s electrifying 74 yards in the fourth quarter had him clocked at 22 mph.
That is the fastest time of any NFL running back this year. Walker is both elusive, quick fast and powerful. It is very rare to find so many of those attributes in one player.
MARQUIS GOODWIN CAN BE THE SECOND RECEIVER WHILE DK HEALS
Another offensive player that took advantage of his opportunity for some playing time was receiver Marquis Goodwin. The Seahawks signed Goodwin this offseason after he played 14 games with the Chicago Bears in 2021T.he nine-year wideout played in five of the six games leading up to the Chargers game. Goodwin was inactive for the Saints game. How big was his performance on Sunday? With an ailing Penny Hart and a banged-up DK Metcalf Goodwin led the team with two receiving touchdowns and a team-high 67 receiving yards on four receptions.
With Metcalf’s injury situation uncertain, Goodwin is sure to get more reps and show that he is more than a capable replacement.
AND NEVER SAY THE SEAHAWKS DON’T KNOW HOW TO CELEBRATE A WIN
Another good sign for the Seahawk offense was the participation of Tyler Lockett. After missing practice, all week and being listed as a game-time decision Lockett finished the game with a team high seven receptions and 45 receiving yards.
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THE DEFENSE DOES IT AGAIN
Give credit to the DC Clint Hurtt and the players for being true to their word. After the New Orleans Saints, the players had a players-only meeting and held a specific film study. The meeting was not about blaming but rather hearing how each defensive unit was reading specific plays. After that game, the coaching staff made some changes to take advantage of the player’s strengths.
The result has been a defense that is improving each and every game. Against the Cardinals, the Seahawk’s defense had six sacks. On Sunday against the Chargers, the defense recorded three sacks, one interception, and a fumble recovery. The Seahawk’s defense held L.A. to just two rushes of 10-plus yards. At times the Seahawks have three safeties in their Nickle and time packages which seemed to confuse Herbert.
At one point in the game, the Chargers had five consecutive punts between the third and fourth quarter. The Seahawk’s defense held L.A. to just two rushes of 10-plus yards. At times the Seahawks have three safeties in their nickel and time packages which seemed to confuse Herbert. The lone second-half touchdown came in garbage time when the outcome of the game had been decided. The return of Al Woods was another big factor in the Seahawk’s ability to clog the middle on defense. With a clogged middle the Chargers were unable to run the ball and when in passing situations Herbert was hounded, chased, and battered by the edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor.
BIG TAKE
The Seahawks simplified their defense and players are able to attack and not spend time overthinking each situation. Just like last year Ryan Neal is showing that he is can fill the void left by Jamal Adams. The play of the D-line is really the difference maker so far. If that unit can continue to bring pressure there is no reason the defensive ascension cannot continue.
On offense, the team cannot do without DK Metcalf for a long period of time. Yes, Marquis Goodwin and Penny Hart when healthy are capable of catching the ball but they are no DK. If Walker can continue to run like he did today and there is no reason to think he can’t the O can survive until DK returns
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