“It’s a group that has the potential to be the first Seattle defense to finish in the top 10 in points allowed since 2016”
We’ve got Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Geno Smith as the L.A. Rams and Seattle Seahawks face off in the regular season finale. The Rams are resting starters ahead of the playoffs while the Seahawks are seeking double-digit wins for the first time since 2020.
I spoke with John Gilbert from Field Gulls for some insider information on Seattle’s improved defense, Geno Smith and more ahead of the Week 18 bout.
Q – The Seahawks’ defense likely gave poor Caleb Williams nightmares as they sacked him 7 times in a 6-3 win in Chicago. Seattle’s D is a unit on the rise after years of floundering under Pete Carroll. Where has the defense improved the most in 2024?
A – The biggest difference between the defense this season and that of years past is situationally this group seems a lot better. Seahawks fans used to joke that 3rd and long is right where the offense wanted to be because of the ability to generate explosive plays against the Seattle defense, and that has largely changed this season. There have certainly been growing pains and missed assignments at times throughout the year, but as the coaching staff has identified the players who best fit the system and the players have gained the reps in the system to know their assignments, it’s a group that has the potential to be the first Seattle defense to finish in the top 10 in points allowed since 2016. We’ll be counting on the Rams’ backups not to blow that opportunity for us this weekend.
Q – While the defense did the heavy lifting, the offense didn’t bother showing up against the Bears as the Seahawks won just their third-ever game without reaching the end zone. Given all the playmakers scattered throughout the offense, what has been the unit’s biggest problem this season?
A – This will depend on who you ask, but it either comes down to being too pass heavy or having a horribly inexperienced, and therefore largely porous, offensive line.
The complete lack of a run game has all but rendered play action an afterthought, and there are a lot of fans and observers who expect offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to be let go in the offseason. Of course, a piece of that is that the offensive line has struggled mightily to open up holes, and when combined with the fact that Kenneth Walker has never taken a handoff he didn’t believe he could bounce outside for a big gain, it’s been a recipe for disaster in the run game. Likewise, the line has struggled to protect Geno Smith in high leverage passing situations, such as on third downs, in the red zone and in end of game situations, and that has led to a lot of potential points being left on the field, as Geno is forced to either throw early or throw as he’s being hit.
Q – Geno Smith won the first Thursday night game of his career versus Chicago, yet his performance felt nowhere close to a win. Smith is tied for the second-most interceptions in the league with 15. What do you expect Seattle to do under center if the front office decides to move on from the veteran quarterback?
A – I’d guess that the only reason the franchise would move on from Smith is because they have moved on from general manager John Schneider. Schneider remained adamant through the offseason that the 2024 Seahawks were reloading, not rebuilding, and that there was a mandate from ownership to compete. If they’re moving on from Geno, it means they’re committing to a rebuild, and given everything that’s been said publicly, that’s not what the franchise was looking for when it fired Pete Carroll and kept Schneider after last season.
In short, if they move on from Smith, your guess is as good as mine because I’d need to know who the new GM will be before I even venture a guess on the type of quarterback that might interest him.
Q – Second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke out in his sophomore campaign with 96 receptions (and counting) for 1,121 yards and 6 touchdowns. Who are some other breakout performers on this Seahawks team that Rams fans should get to know?
A – Second-year running back Zach Charbonnet has flashed at times while filling in for Kenneth Walker, and some fans are starting to question whether his more disciplined running style might not be a better fit as the lead back for the team going forward. Third-year safety Coby Bryant had been at nickel corner in previous seasons, but he’s not the most agile defensive back, and that hindered him trying to cover the quick, shifty receivers who often line up in the slot. He’s been a much better fit at safety this season, and has shown that the team might have a quality, young duo at safety in Bryant and Love in the years to come.
Q – Despite the Seahawks being eliminated from playoff contention, the future appears promising under Mike Macdonald. How does Seattle build on Macdonald’s first season?
A – For the fifth straight year, the 2025 season will be about winning a playoff game for the first time this decade.