The Seahawk’s injury concerns took another major blow, with the team reporting that running back Kenneth Walker II is questionable for Sunday’s contest with the Falcons due to an illness. Riq Woolen and Tre Brown were ruled out for the contest on Sunday due to ankle injuries. Artie Burns was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. Cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Faion Hicks were elevated from the practice squad to add some depth at the cornerback position. Rookie Nehemia Pritchett is expected to start at cornerback for Brown, who was replaced by Woolen in last Thursday’s loss to the Niners.
HOW WILL INJURIES EFFECT COVERAGES?
A concern for the Seahawk’s defensive coaches is how will the shuffling at corner back affect the team’s coverages. Mike Macdonald’s defense is based on part deception, using man-to-man and zone coverages. The Falcons Kirk Cousins-led offense is ranked 21st overall but 6th in passing. Cousin’s favorite target is Drake London, who has 428 receiving yards, four touchdowns, and 11.4 yards per reception. Macdonald was asked about possibly shifting Devon Witherspoon from nickle to cover London.
If Spoon’s (Devon Witherspoon) not at nickel (cornerback), then you would see some other guys you might not have seen but have been repping there. We’ll leave the combinations, let them figure that out at this point.” Said Macdonald
“But yeah, Spoon will play nickel at some point. Other guys will play nickel as well. They’ve all gotten those reps, so we should be ready to go.”
CAN THE INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
While the Seahawks have the league’s third-best pressure rate, 32%, they are number eight in sacks. The Seahawks’ run defense gives up an average of five yards per carry, which is 29th in the league. Macdonald is hoping the trade for Roy Robertson-Harris and the return of Byron Murphy II will significantly impact the team’s run and pass defense.
“It’s great to see Murph (Byron Murphy II) return. We had a physical practice on Wednesday and (he) really showed what he can do in the run game. Excited for him to come back, get rolling, and get those combinations up front with our d (defensive) line that we haven’t had the last few weeks.” As for Robertson- Harris Macdonald said he is excited to see him play.
“As we expected, it’ll be fun to see him go out there and play. Picked it up really quickly. Just a smart guy, great guy, physical. He’s enormous, which is good. You like big players, (he’s a) big strong guy. It will be fun to see him go do his thing.”
HOW WILL MIKE JERRELL FAIR?
Stone Forsythe has been ruled for Sunday’s game, and, in steps, another rookie in Michael Jerrell. Jerrell played four snaps in the Niners game, which was his first game action of the season. After a week’s worth of practice, Macdonald said the coaching had no doubt Jerrell was ready for the task.
He had a great week of prep (preparation). The guy has just kept improving since he’s gotten here. He’s come such a long way in less than a year. (I’m) proud of him, and he’s got a great opportunity. I know he’s excited, and (I’m) excited to see him go do his thing.”
BIG PICTURE
This game will be the proverbial shoot-out. The Falcons have the 17th-ranked defense, and just below them a couple of spots is the Seahawks defense at 19th. While both are in the top ten in pass defense, the Seahawks are 10th, and the Falcons 9th. It’s their run defense that is the issue. The Seahawks rush defense is giving up an average of 144.7 yards a game ( 27th ) while the Falcons are right behind them at 142.7 yards a game which is 25th in rush defense. Whoever can consistently run the ball will win the game.
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