Studs and duds from Seahawks Week 3 Preseason win against the Browns

DUD - Pass defense

The Seattle Seahawks have embarked on a new chapter with head coach Mike Macdonald at the helm, bringing with him a reputation for defensive mastery honed during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. As Macdonald takes the reins, expectations are high for a significant defensive overhaul that will address past shortcomings and instill a new level of discipline and effectiveness.

However, the Seahawks’ preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns highlighted that there is still much work to be done, particularly in the realm of pass defense.

Mike Macdonald’s appointment as head coach was met with optimism, largely due to his impressive track record as a defensive coordinator. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to adapt game plans to exploit opponents' weaknesses, Macdonald is expected to transform Seattle’s defense into a formidable unit. His approach is characterized by aggressive schemes, innovative play-calling, and a focus on fundamentals, all of which are seen as essential to revitalizing the Seahawks' defensive efforts.

Despite the promising changes and new defensive strategies, the Seahawks' preseason finale against the Browns exposed several vulnerabilities. With Deshaun Watson sidelined, the Browns' offense was led by backup quarterback P.J. Walker. Despite Walker’s lack of experience compared to Watson, he was able to exploit Seattle’s defense with alarming ease, accumulating 324 passing yards.

Seattle's defensive issues were apparent throughout the game. The secondary struggled to contain the Browns' receiving corps, allowing numerous big plays and failing to effectively challenge Walker’s throws. The lack of pressure on Walker also played a significant role; without a consistent pass rush, Walker had ample time to survey the field and find open targets. This allowed the Browns to methodically advance down the field and put up impressive passing yardage.

The game against the Browns underscored several areas where the Seahawks need to improve. The pass defense, in particular, was a major concern. Defensive backs were frequently caught out of position, and communication breakdowns led to missed coverages and easy completions. This lack of cohesion in the secondary will need to be addressed swiftly if the Seahawks hope to contend in the competitive NFC West.

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