Three Seahawks reasons for concern against the Jaguars week 8
The Seahawks have come up short in each of their last two games against the Steelers and Saints losing each by a field goal. They are now 2-5, and in desperate need to stop their current three-game losing streak. The Jaguars appear to be a good opponent for them to get back on track, however some of their current struggles could prevent them from winning.
1. Conservative play-calling
The Seahawks have consistently been trying to protect Geno Smith the last two weeks from making risky decisions throwing the ball. Since he became starting QB, the Seahawks have run the ball more than they have thrown it. Against New Orleans, the Seahawks running backs and wide receivers ran the ball 25 times, while Smith threw the ball 22 times.
Three concerns when the Seahawks play the Jaguars
Which is strange considering how Smith completing an amazing 84-yard TD pass to D.K. Metcalf on their second drive of the game. Metcalf would go on to only have four more targets the rest of the game after that long TD. This is troubling because it shows the Seahawks’ coaching staff does not trust Smith throwing the ball.
2. Inability to rush the quarterback
This season has been terrible for the Seahawks defensive line, as they rank among the league’s worst at sacking the quarterback. The defensive line was expected to be improved with the addition of Darrell Taylor at defensive end.
Even before he suffered the horrific injury in the Sunday night game, which fortunately was less severe than expected, the defense was unable to generate a consistent pass rush. To be successful on defense, the Seahawks need to prove they can get after the quarterback and disrupt the pocket.
3. Geno Smith struggling to produce game-winning drives
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Smith has played admirably in Russell Wilson’s absence, unfortunately he has failed to produce a game-winning drive in each of the three games he has played. He had an opportunity to do so in each of those games, yet he has either turned the ball over or failed to sustain a drive in each of those chances. These are situations in the past where Russell Wilson has thrived, but Smith’s struggles indicate the Seahawks need to play better earlier in the game, and not put Smith in that position.