The Seattle Seahawks achieved a pivotal victory, marking their first win in this competitive season. Many analysts attributed this success to mistakes made by the San Francisco 49ers. However, considering the Seahawks’ history of losses against the Santa Clara team, one must question whether Seattle also had its share of errors and shortcomings during this game. Analyzing both teams reveals that each had opportunities to capitalize, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for evaluating the Seahawks’ potential moving forward.

This victory holds significant implications for Seattle’s aspirations this season. Let’s delve into the standout moments, both positive and negative, that defined this match, offering insights that can inform future performances and strategies.

All information presented in this article has been sourced from PFF, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the game.

Identifying Key Performance Issues

Charles Cross Faces Challenges on the Field

At the beginning of the season, I highlighted the importance of this year for Charles Cross, a promising young talent in the NFL. Entering his third season, he initially showcased his skills with a stellar performance against the Broncos in Week 1, marking one of the best outings for a Seahawks offensive lineman in recent memory. However, as the season progressed, his performance noticeably declined, placing him among the less effective players on the line in the last two games.

His struggles have raised questions regarding his fifth-year option, particularly after allowing the most pressures (4), alongside 1 sack, 1 hit, and 2 quarterback rushes against the 49ers. In addition to his pass-blocking issues, he failed to make a significant impact in the running game, which is crucial for a well-rounded offensive strategy.

One specific play exemplifies Cross’s struggles; during a critical touchdown play, he missed a block, forcing another player to intervene and prevent the defender from reaching the backfield. Such lapses can cost teams dearly in high-stakes moments.

Cross’s persistent issues with power moves have been a recurring theme throughout his early career. One embarrassing moment saw him lose his balance and fall to the ground, a sight that should not occur at the professional level.

Another instance highlighted his slow recognition of a stunt, leading to another balance loss and an ineffective block. This lack of awareness often results in significant pressure on the quarterback, undermining the offensive strategy.

He opened the inside lane for a defender, and when he attempted to recover, he was pushed right into the quarterback’s lap, forcing Geno to evade pressure and improvise.

A fundamental error in his positioning further compounded the issue. Cross began the snap at a disadvantage, arriving too late to block effectively, disrupting the timing of Geno Smith’s throw.

An opportunity for a big gain to DK Metcalf was thwarted when Cross succumbed to pressure, forcing Geno to vacate the pocket. While Cross eventually regained his footing and tackled the defender, the damage had already been done.

Defense Shows Improvement but Needs Consistency

There is no denying that the defense has displayed better performance in recent games, indicating a positive trajectory. However, it remains a work in progress that necessitates further refinement to be truly effective.

One notable breakdown occurred when there was a communication failure on a key play. The Seahawks anticipated a run but failed to cover Jauan Jennings, who was left wide open for a touchdown.

A recurring issue has resurfaced from earlier in the season: the inability to contain quarterbacks within the pocket. The Seahawks struggled to keep Brock Purdy, who is not renowned for his athleticism, contained, allowing him to escape even under pressure from Boye Mafe. This lapse culminated in a significant mistake by Ty Okada, who was fooled by a pump fake near the line of scrimmage.

Derick Hall’s inability to follow Purdy’s bootleg further highlighted the defensive inconsistencies. Had he not slipped, he would have had a clear path for a tackle.

On the subsequent play, the Seahawks faced similar difficulties. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald called a blitz from the left, yet neither defensive tackle could effectively contain Purdy, who capitalized with a touchdown, demonstrating the need for better execution on the defensive front.

Offensive Line Continues to Be a Weak Link

The offensive line has been a persistent issue for the Seahawks this season, and there are indications that this problem will continue. Geno Smith faced significant pressure during the game, being forced 13 times, which included 4 sacks and 1 hit.

While Charles Cross has been a focal point of criticism, he isn’t the sole contributor to the offensive line’s struggles. This ongoing issue has severely impacted the Seahawks’ offensive efficiency. In a critical moment, Tyler Lockett was in a one-on-one situation with a defender, presenting an opportunity for a potentially game-changing touchdown pass. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate protection prevented this from materializing.

The problem stemmed from confusion in the protection scheme. Zach Charbonnet became fixated on a stunt occurring on the left side of the line, leading to Laken Tomlinson arriving late to assist. As a result, Charbonnet was out of position to help Abe Lucas against Nick Bosa, ultimately resulting in a sack.

Recognizing Positive Developments

Defense Delivers Promising Performances

As noted earlier, while some may downplay the defense’s performance as merely a product of the 49ers’ injuries, it is evident that the Seahawks have addressed several critical flaws and are making significant strides in their defensive play.

In a strategic move, the Seahawks employed a blitz similar to the one that resulted in Brock Purdy’s rushing touchdown. This forced Purdy to throw the ball quickly to his hot read, Jauan Jennings, who was stopped just short of the first down marker by Coby Bryant—an impressive play that showcased the effectiveness of the Seahawks’ defensive adjustments.

Utilizing a prevent defense concept, the Seahawks positioned Boye Mafe to drop into coverage. His keen read resulted in a deflected pass, marking a notable moment in the game. Earlier, he contributed to a sack, demonstrating his ability to impact plays in multiple ways.

The Seahawks have long sought to build a formidable defensive line, and it appears they are on the right track. Dre Jones recorded a sack, but it was a collective effort from the entire defensive line that deserves recognition. Boye Mafe effectively engaged Trent Williams, Leonard Williams overpowered an offensive lineman, and Byron Murphy utilized leverage to his advantage, leading to Purdy’s pressure.

Mike Macdonald’s strategy, reminiscent of his approach in Baltimore, emphasizes teamwork. Tyrice Knight’s blitz created favorable matchups for the Seahawks, while Derick Hall effectively disrupted the tight end’s block, forcing the running back to move laterally. Ernest Jones then boxed in the running back, allowing Hall and Knight to combine for the tackle.

Leonard Williams showcased his strength by controlling his offensive lineman, maintaining the ability to defend multiple gaps. Roy Robertson-Harris effectively sealed the edge, forcing the running back toward Ernest Jones, who successfully tackled the ball carrier in the open field.

Boye Mafe held his ground against his block, compelling Christian McCaffrey to move laterally, which allowed Coby Bryant and Devon Witherspoon the opportunity to arrive and execute the tackle.

Standout Performers Among First-Time Starters

While not their first starts in the NFL, it was a significant milestone for both Abe Lucas and Olu Oluwatimi as they took the field in 2024. Both players faced challenging circumstances; Lucas was returning from a knee injury, while Oluwatimi was thrust into the starting role following the sudden retirement of Connor Williams.

During their initial matchup, Lucas faced a formidable challenge against Nick Bosa, who posed a significant threat to the offensive line. However, Lucas demonstrated remarkable patience, positioning himself well and effectively neutralizing the defender with strength.

Oluwatimi’s footwork was exceptional, allowing him to maintain leverage against the defensive tackle without yielding any pressure. According to ESPN Research, he achieved a perfect pass-block win rate, showcasing his potential as a reliable lineman.

In a noteworthy play, both the right tackle and center executed a reach block flawlessly, showcasing their athleticism and strength. Oluwatimi effectively overpowered his opponent, while Lucas controlled the defensive tackle, illustrating their potential to solidify the offensive line.

Ryan Grubb’s Play Calling: A Mixed Bag

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb continues to exhibit variability in his play-calling from game to game. Some calls demonstrate creativity and effectiveness, while others leave fans questioning the decisions made. This game was no exception.

As previously analyzed, AJ Barner’s failure to block effectively complicated matters for Zach Charbonnet, hampering his overall performance. However, one aspect that raises eyebrows is Grubb’s decision to give Charbonnet the ball in a crucial moment, despite his struggles throughout the game.

Screens were pivotal in this matchup, with the Seahawks isolating DK on one side while deploying four players running routes on the opposite side. Both Pharaoh Brown and Tyler Lockett’s routes were designed to create space. JSN was positioned strategically on the left, where there were fewer defenders. Although the offensive line struggled with blocking, JSN’s ability to find openings and gain yards put the team in a promising position.

Grubb’s innovative concept allowed Lockett to run an inside route that created separation, while AJ Barner’s route was designed to provide a screen for JSN, allowing him to navigate through defenders. The wide receiver’s efforts resulted in valuable yardage.

The T-Formation has emerged as Grubb’s signature on critical fourth downs. However, not all plays were executed flawlessly; Charbonnet missed a pivotal block on De’Vondre Campbell. If not for Walker’s speed and Laken Tomlinson’s impressive pull, the conversion might not have been successful.

Geno Smith’s Resilience Shines in Clutch Moments

Geno’s start to the game left much to be desired. He appeared hesitant in the pocket, which ultimately led to increased pressure from the defense. However, as the game progressed, his movement improved, allowing him to evade defenders more effectively.

While Geno demonstrated his ability to escape pressure, he sometimes focused too much on making plays rather than throwing the ball away. This resulted in unnecessary interceptions, contributing to his ranking among league leaders in that category.

In one play, Geno adeptly handled pressure coming from the left side, quickly processing the situation and delivering the ball to JSN, showcasing his decision-making skills under duress. This was just one of two blitzes executed by the 49ers throughout the game.

One of Geno’s finest moments came when he faced pressure from Anthony Bradford. He skillfully moved to find JSN, threading a pass through a narrow opening to avoid a significant hit from Fred Warner. This play highlighted his ability to stay calm under pressure.

In another instance, Geno exhibited excellent field vision, scanning through his options before targeting Barner. By cleverly manipulating the defense with his eyes, he created space for JSN to make a catch.

As Cross struggled with pressure, Geno was forced to escape the pocket. He displayed impressive chemistry with JSN, which allowed him to improvise and secure a critical catch.

Geno’s ability to make precise throws under pressure was evident when he delivered a laser pass to JSN, even while backpedaling and without a stable base. His arm strength and accuracy shone through in this pivotal moment.

Finally, his game-winning touchdown demonstrated his poise. As the 49ers employed a variation of Quarters coverage, Geno smartly read the situation. Rather than forcing a pass that could lead to a turnover, he chose to look for the touchdown, sealing the victory for his team.

Looking Ahead: Seahawks’ Path Forward

This victory was crucial for the Seattle Seahawks, providing them with a sense of control over their destiny. However, the path ahead remains challenging, as they face tough matchups over the next three weeks. Winning will be essential for maintaining momentum, with Arizona posing a significant obstacle on the horizon.

Goodnight and good luck!