Seahawks offensive and defensive grades from Week 15 victory

Defense

Yesterday, this defensive front proved they can win a game for the Seahawks. I know the Washington offense got cooking in the fourth quarter, but with the game on the line, this defensive line recorded back-to-back sacks. Without those sacks, who knows what happens on the remainder of that drive. This defensive line struggled for the first half of the season. They affected how the rest of this defense performed. But, after acquiring Carlos Dunlap, that has all changed.

Dunlap has been a great addition to this defensive line and he already has two game-winning sacks. The first coming back against the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football where he sacked Kyler Murray on 4th down. The second coming yesterday, when he sacks Dwayne Haskins and proceeds to a do flip over him in celebration. DT Poona Ford was also very disruptive in the rushing attack. I liked what I saw from this group late in the game. They showed their resiliency yesterday, making the stop when they had to.

I am going to be a little harsh on this group. I know Washington wasn’t very effective in the run game, but J.D. McKissic (the former Seahawk) did have a nice game through the air. The majority of Washington’s offense is underneath routes to the running back or tight ends. Seattle did a good job of containing it in the first half but got picked apart in the second half. I know with a 17 point lead, the defense was more concerned about keeping everything in front of them. But, Washington was able to gain some momentum by hitting the short routes and working their way up the field.

TE Logan Thomas had 13 catches for 101 yards. I know he’s a big body and is athletic for his position, but these linebackers had to do a better job of containing him. He was really the motor that propelled this Washington offense into the end zone. Bobby Wagner got beat a handful of times in coverage. Other times, in a simple zone, these linebackers were missing their assignments and leaving the middle of the field wide open on either a hitch route or an in route. They did well for three quarters but slipped up a bit in the fourth.

Another game, another sack for Jamal Adams. He wasn’t as aggressive in the pass rush yesterday, but he showed off his speed with the one sack he had on Haskins. Adams also had a solid day in coverage, breaking on routes and making big tackles before the line of scrimmage. I thought CB Shaquill Griffin played a solid game as well. He made a great play on the ball with the one interception he had. I know he scared many 12s when he walked off the field with an injury, but, it was good to see him return.

I thought CB D.J. Reed also played a great game. Washington continually attacked him in the passing game and he stepped up the challenge. He also made a great read in coverage with the one interception he had. 12s need to keep in mind that both Quinton Dunbar and Tre Flowers remained sidelined with injuries. But, they should be returning sooner rather than later. When they do, this secondary should get even better.