Tyrice Knight was a standout performer among the Seahawks rookies in the win over the Bears.
The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 143 snaps against the Chicago Bears. A game that ends 6-3 doesn’t have many offensive highlights. The best of the rookies were on defense, mainly pressuring quarterback Caleb Williams.
Time to look at the film! All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Byron Murphy II, Defensive Lineman (32 snaps)
Only one run stop, but was second on the team in pressures with four, tied with Tyrice Knight. That number tied his career best (he also had that number against the Cardinals and Patriots).
Excellent leverage against the LG (former Seahawk Jake Curhan). He not only defends the gap, but he also throws the OL back and prevents the RB from advancing. Incidentally, Murphy II doesn’t get a TFL.
Excellent lateral mobility to quickly get to the outside zone and make the tackle.
Stutter step, manages to infiltrate, tries to rip move, but the QB starts to escape. He comes back and goes after him along with his DL teammates.
Stutter step again. Notice how the threat disrupts the LG’s footwork and he quickly gets to the QB, forcing him to leave the pocket.
Christian Haynes, Offensive Guard (0 snaps)
No offensive snaps. The only detail I wanted to bring up here is that it was reported that he has been playing some snaps as a center in the warm-up of the game. Maybe this is a way to fit him into the team next year.
Tyrice Knight, Linebacker (45 snaps)
A huge game from him. He led the team in tackles with six. He was second in pressures with four, behind only Leo Williams. He was also second in Defense Grade (77.3) and first in Coverage Grade (88.2), with 2 targets and receptions resulting in 0 yards.
I’ve always said that one of Knight’s best qualities is the fact that he can escape blocks while keeping his eyes on the RB. The center advances to the second level, but Knight moves very well laterally and makes the immediate tackle.
Here is a play of great maturity. Macdonald’s players seem to have the freedom to improvise blitzes when they see the opportunity. On this play, Knight realizes that the RB is going to run to a zone that is already covered (Ernest Jones) and when he sees a big gap open in the OL, he improvises the blitz, forcing Caleb Williams to throw the ball away.
Knight’s good speed on this blitz through the middle, forcing the incomplete pass, even though the attempt is short.
Good explosion in short space. He and Uchenna Nwosu attack the LT who gets lost and ends up blocking neither of them. Williams is cornered and basically chooses who will get the sack.
AJ Barner, Tight End (14 snaps)
The first analysis is the split of snaps. He was the TE with the least in this game. Pharaoh Brown, who suffered Seattle’s only turnover, had 18 and Noah Fant had 29.
With that, Barner went blank without a single target, Grubb preferred to call a screen for Pharaoh Brown. Barner received the fourth-best run block grade on the team with 61.4.
A highlight was this block early in the game. The TE helps Charles Cross in the double-team and goes to the second level opening the way for Zach Charbonnet. He also finishes the play by taking the opponent to the ground.
Nehemiah Pritchett, Cornerback (0 snaps)
Inactive, again.
Sataoa Laumea, Right Guard (52 snaps)
After giving up 17 pressures in two weeks, Laumea did not give up a single one against the Bears. Good runs came his way, despite the fact that Ryan Grubb took better advantage of the rookie.
His block prevents any attack from the iDL. Combined with the good block from Olu Oluwatimi, a huge gap is created for Kenny McIntosh to advance.
The Seahawks call a long trap, with Laumea sent to block the EDGE. The RG does his job and creates the gap. Also note the excellent work of Zach Charbonnet with quick cuts.
Mike Jerrell, Right Tackle (0 snaps)
Inactive after the return of Stone Forsythe.
Jalen Sundell, Center (0 snaps)
No snaps.
Final Thoughts
An excellent recovery by Laumea, essential for a OL as problematic as Seattle’s. AJ Barner could have helped a lot more, as he has done in recent games, especially on short passes, as was the offensive focus.
Knight and Murphy were among the leaders in pressures. Mike Macdonald’s defense made Caleb Williams pay for holding the ball too much.