The Seattle Seahawks suffered their most frustrating defeat of the season this past Sunday against the Bengals. Seattle's defense shined in the loss, holding the high-powered Bengals offense to just 17 points. However, Seattle's offense was dismal throughout the game, especially in the red zone, where they turned the ball over on downs twice and Geno Smith threw one of his interceptions. Last Sunday was Geno's worst game of the season, as he tossed two critical interceptions which would prove costly.
Seattle's offensive line did not do Geno any favors either as they gave up four sacks. Geno had hardly any time to throw the ball throughout the game and the Bengals defense took advantage of a beat-up Seahawks offensive line. Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas missed his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury and guard Phil Haynes was also out due to a calf injury. This meant the Seahawks were playing both a backup guard and tackle against one of the NFL's best pass-rushing teams.
The Seahawks' defense deserves credit for keeping the 'Hawks in the game. The Seahawks' secondary looked the healthiest they have been all season. The only starter who did not play was Coby Bryant who was placed on the IR prior to the game.
Who to watch when the Seattle Seahawks play in Week 7
The Seahawks' secondary limited Joe Burrow to just 185 yards passing and forced him to throw an interception. Seattle's defensive line had a big day for the second consecutive game with three sacks of Burrow. The Seahawks' defense also held the Bengals to just 46 yards rushing.
As the Seahawks enter Week 7 against the Cardinals, they will look to keep up the defensive effort while improving on the offensive side of the ball. With the tougher part of the schedule one month ahead, the Seahawks need to take advantage of an over-matched Arizona Cardinals team which enters this game at just (1-5). Here are three Seahawks to watch in this week's game against Arizona:
Seahawks Player to Watch No. 1 - RB Kenneth Walker III
Kenneth Walker III has been a key part of protecting Geno Smith while the offensive line has been dealing with injuries. Whether as a safety valve in the passing game catching passes out of the backfield, or running the ball with authority, Walker has been taking the pressure off Geno. Last week was a bit of a letdown given Walker rushed for just 62 yards on 19 carries, with one touchdown on the opening drive. Walker also had just three catches for 27 yards in the passing game.
Walker's best game of the season came in Week 3 against the Carolina Panther where he was impactful both in the passing game and in the rushing attack. Walker rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries, with two rushing touchdowns. He also had three big catches for 59 yards receiving on the day.
His performance was much needed against a strong Carolina Panthers front seven. The previous year, the Seahawks struggled against the Panthers' defense in Walker's absence losing 30-24. Walker's big performance in Week 3 helped the Seahawks to a 37-27 victory and showed just how vital he is to the Seahawks' offense.
Though Arizona's (1-5) record is unimpressive, they still have a strong defensive front with 18 sacks on the season tied for ninth in the NFL. Kenneth Walker III needs to have a big game to keep the pressure off Geno Smith. The Arizona Cardinals gave up 179 yards rushing against the Rams back in their Week 6 loss to the Rams. LA exposed Arizona's defense, showing how vulnerable the Cardinals are against the run. Walker and the Seahawks need to exploit this weakness on Sunday, to be effective on offense against the Cardinals.
Seahawks Player to Watch No. 2 - CB Tre Brown
Tre Brown has done a terrific job of filling in for Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant this season. Brown has dealt with his share of injuries the past two seasons playing in just 11 games. When he has been healthy, Brown has played well at the cornerback position for the Seahawks' defense.
Brown was taken in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft at 137th overall out of the University of Oklahoma. Despite the lack of opportunities to play due to injury in his first two seasons in the NFL, Brown has developed into a solid contributor to the Seahawks' defense.
Last week, Brown picked up his second interception of the season, intercepting Bengals' QB Joe Burrow. He also had a crucial pick-six of Jared Goff and a forced fumble back in Week 2 against the Lions which helped the Seahawks to a 37-31 victory. Brown clearly has had a knack for being a ball hawk in the Seahawks' secondary this season. Should Brown be able to stay healthy, he could be an important weapon for Seattle's defense for this season and years to come.
The Seahawks' secondary has continued to look better each week this season, and Tre Brown has been an integral part of their success. The Arizona Cardinals have decided to continue going with backup QB Joshua Dobbs this year. Dobbs has been up and down throughout 2023. Last week was one of Dobbs' worst games of the season as he completed just 21/41 passes, for 235 yards, and one interception. Tre Brown and the Seahawks' secondary should have no problem going up against Dobbs and will be looking to take advantage of his inexperience at QB.
Seahawks Player to Watch No. 3 - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN)
JSN was taken with the Seahawks' second first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft at 20th overall. He dealt with a hand injury in the middle of the preseason in which he had to have surgery to repair a cracked wrist. JSN was still able to start the first game of the season and has not missed a game this year. Whether the injury affected his number of targets to start the year is a possibility, however, he is the third receiver among the Seahawks' starting wideouts. This could also be the reason for his lack of targets throughout JSN's first five NFL games.
In Seattle's game against Cincinnati, JSN had the most receiving yards he has had all season. He had 48 yards receiving and four catches on five targets. Playing behind veteran wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, JSN is starting to open up opportunities in the Seahawks' passing game for JSN. JSN played the most snaps he has played the entire season in last week's game against the Bengals with 53 snaps. The Seahawks are starting to find more opportunities for their rookie wide receiver and he made the most of those chances against the Bengals.
The Arizona Cardinals are 22nd in passing yards allowed per game this season. Allowing 243.3 yards per game through the air this season. With the Cardinals concentrating their attention on the Seahawks' top two wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, there could be more opportunities for JSN in this week's game.
JSN has been targeted 25 times this season, Lockett leads the team with 35 targets, and Metcalf has 33 targets this season. This Sunday will be a great opportunity to introduce the division rival Cardinals to JSN. Hopefully, Geno Smith can give JSN plenty of targets to show what he can do.