Seahawks’ Defense Is Super Bowl–Caliber, Can the Offense Keep Up?
It’s been apparent for most of the season that the Seattle Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Their 18-16 win over the Colts on Sunday marked the sixth time this season that Seattle had kept an opponent under 17 points. Their average of 17.3 points per game allowed ranks second in the NFL, just behind the Houston Texans.
If that total holds, only the two Super Bowl seasons of 2013 and 2014 had a lower points allowed per game over the last 13 seasons in Seattle. This defense is elite, plain and simple. Along with ranking second in points allowed per game, they are fourth in the entire NFL for yards allowed, third in QB pressures, fourth in sacks, and third in rushing yards allowed per game.
They are also the top defense for yards allowed on a per-play basis.
Seattle’s defense is a well-rounded unit, with two premier defensive tackles in Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy, who each have 7.0 sacks on the year. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence’s 35 QB pressures rank seventh-most in the NFL. Linebacker Ernest Jones is second in the NFL with five interceptions along with his steady 104 combined tackles. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is the fifth-highest graded defense player per Pro Football Focus, and top defensive back. Safety Nick Emmanwori is making a late push for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Needless to say, this defense is deep, versatile, and essentially, as well-built and well-rounded as you will find the NFL. This defense is ready to compete for a Super Bowl this season. Seattle is very close to clinching a playoff spot and takes on the Rams Thursday night for a chance to put themselves in position to win the NFC West and get the No. 1 overall seed.
That being said, the Colts game raised some concerns about this team’s ability to compete for a Super Bowl.
Twice in the last month, Seattle failed to reach 20 points scored. Three times in the last month, they failed to reach 315 total yards.
It’s perplexing, since the offense ranks fifth in the NFL in yards per play. However, they are 19th in third down rate and 18th in red zone touchdown rate.
The overall numbers are acceptable. However, the offense itself is inconsistent. While they have scored more than 35 points four times this year, they also have scored 20 or less four times as well.
The Colts pressured Sam Darnold 12 times on Sunday, many times making him rush throws or not allowing plays develop. The run game was non-existent for the most part. Their 50 yards rushing was the worst total of the season and worst total since Week 8 of last season against the Buffalo Bills.
To put it frankly, if the Seahawks play offense like it did against the Colts, it will be a quick exit in January. Going 2-for-13 on third downs while constantly starting drives inside their own 20 yard line won’t cut it come playoff time.
The Seahawks got away with having the offense sputter on Sunday against the Colts, with Philip Rivers unable to threaten the defense downfield. However, against teams like the Rams with Matthew Stafford, the 49ers with Brock Purdy, and into the NFC playoffs, that will not be the case.
The Seahawks have earned Super Bowl expectations now. The defense is that good. However, now it’s become a question of whether or not the offense can at least be productive enough to not be a hinderance.
While it has not all been Sam Darnold’s fault, it’s worth nothing three of the four worst games of his season by passer rating standards, have come in the last five weeks. His completion percentage dipped below 62 percent for a third time in four weeks, after opening the year with at least a 62 percent completion rate in eight of his first 10 games.
The rushing attack needs to better complement Darnold. It did just that in Weeks 10 through 14, averaging 140 rushing yards per game. That is what it will take to win games in January when the weather isn’t conducive to throwing it 30-plus times
The best example of what it may take to win a playoff game or two is the game against the Jaguars. The defense stifled the Jaguars and the offense did just enough, with 20 points and 346 total yards, to win the game. Seattle doesn’t need to be an offensive juggernaut. But they also can’t have the offense be a liability.
The Seahawks’ defense is ready to compete for a Super Bowl. Is the offense?
