Three unsung Seahawks players who turned into stars versus the Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks badly needed a win in Week 7 versus the Atlanta Falcons but getting a win seemed somewhat unlikely. Seattle had lost three straight games entering Week 7 and the Falcons had won three straight. As badly as Seattle's defense had been struggling, the Falcons seemingly had the offensive tackle to take advantage.

That did not happen, however. Atlanta did get 370 total yards, but much of that, especially the rushing yards, was in the first half. Seattle made adjustments and outscored Atlanta in the second half by the same score they did in the first half: 17-7. Seahawks stars Geno Smith, DK Metcalf (until his injury in the second half), and Kenneth Walker III played well, but they got some help.

The three players that follow also had great games. One is probably going to start for a while now. The other two might revert back to not playing should people ahead of them on the depth chart return soon.

Three unsung Seahawks players who played like stars against the Atlanta Falcons

Cornerback Josh Jobe

Jobe isn't new to the NFL, but he is new to Seattle. He started three games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. His quarterback rating allowed was a decent 88.0. Still, he was stuck on Seattle's practice squad until he was elevated for Week 7 due to injuries to Riq Woolen and Tre Brown. In other words, once Woolen and Brown return, Jobe will likely revert to the practice squad.

Against the Falcons, Jobe was in on six tackles and didn't whiff on one. He also allowed completions on only three of his seven targets for just 32 yards. He also had two passes defended. There is no guarantee that Jobe will play another game for Seattle, but he might be helped by Karl Scott being the Seattle defensive backs coach. Scott also coached Jobe when Jobe was in college at Alabama. The communication between Scott and Jobe should be clearly understood.

Safety Coby Bryant

Bryant has had an interesting career with Seattle. He began as a cornerback and was Seattle's main slot corner in 2022 and then he was hampered by an injury in 2023 and got a lot less playing time. Plus, Seattle had drafted Devon Witherspoon so Bryant seemed to have no spot to play. He was closer to being a cut candidate than making a long-term impact.

With starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins being placed on injured reserve last week, Seattle trusts Bryant, not offseason acquisition K'Von Wallace, to take Jenkins' place. The move turned out to be a wise one. Sure, Bryant got literally run over once by Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, but that was by far his worst play of the game.

The safety was in on 10 tackles - eight of them were solo tackles - and he had an interception that sealed the game. He got better as the game grew old, too, and that should help him moving forward as he will probably get a lot of playing time in at least the next three games.

Right tackle Michael Jerrell

Jerrell gave up four total pressures against the Falcons, but even that was a vast improvement over Stone Forsythe. Forsythe had started every game between Week 2 and Week 6, and then he hurt his hand. If he is able to play in Week 8, he still should not start. Jerrell should.

The right tackle also opened a hole for running back Kenneth Walker that allowed him to run for a 20-yard touchdown. Early in the game, Seattle often lined up a tight end next to Jerrell to give the rookie, who was playing his first NFL game, some assistance. He got less help in the second half as the Seahawks began to believe in Jerrell. He held up even better. Jerrell might find his way to be the Seahawks' long-term right tackle if he continues to play well in his chances this season.