The Seahawks returned from the bye week and found themselves atop the Western Conference standings. The 5-2 Seahawks have the same record as the LA Rams, who are also 5-2. Like all teams in the NFL, the bye week was a much-needed respite for players, coaches, and front-office personnel. And in line with the standard NFL team protocols for the bye week, the Seahawks used the time off the field to self-scout.
“A lot of the things that we said going into the bye (week) of ‘Hey, where are we?’ We’ve put ourselves in a position to really attack this second half of the season, and we know we can improve. Numbers support that, tape supports that,” said Macdonald. “ The great thing is, I don’t think we have to reinvent ourselves. I think we’re a team with an identity. We know who we are. We just have to go be that team every day, and when we do that, we give ourselves a really good chance to win.”
Return of several players boosts confidence.
While he was not willing to divulge injury information, Macdonald said before the bye week that several key players in the backend of defense should be back. Safety Julian Love was seen during the 90-minute practice along with fullback Robbie Outzs. While he was not spotted during the practice, Devon Witherspoon is expected back.
“ We’ve majored in 12 personnel, 13 personnel, when we put two core guys in the game when we’re in one or two receiver sets. Brady’s (Russell) done a great job in the fullback type of role. So, we’ll see how the game plan shakes out, but Robbie (Ouzts) provides more two-back flexibility than probably we’ve had,” added Macdonald.
Health means decisions will need to be made.
With the expected return of Witherspoon and Love Macdonald, and his staff will have to decide on how the back end of the defense will look. Free safety Coby Bryant has been consistent and played up to expectations. Josh Jobe has been decent at left cornerback, starting the last six games and recording 26 tackles, half a sack, one interception, and six pass defenses. Two of the six came against the Texans.
Riq Woolen returned to the starting line last Sunday after missing the Jaguars game due to a concussion. After a rough patch, Woolen will be given a chance to be the starting left cornerback. Ty Okada filled in for Julian Love while rookie Nick Emmanwori has emerged as a legitimate starter at nickel during Witherspoon’s absence. Emmanwori has played over 90% of the defensive snaps in each of the Seahawks’ past two games.
Consistency and competition
It is a given that Love will slide into the strong safety role with Okada taking a seat on the bench. With Love and Bryant set at the back end of the defense, the starter at nickel is the next big question. With Emmanwori playing lights out, does Macdonald leave him at nickel and move Witherspoon to one of the outside cornerback positions?
Witherspoon is arguably the team’s most talented defender. If Witherspoon moves to left cornerback, Jobe would be the odd man out. If Macdonald sticks to his competitive coaching style, Woolen and Jobe will need to have a good week of practice to maintain their respective starting roles.
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