Brock Huard, a former NFL quarterback and current sports analyst, has been a prominent voice in the Seattle Seahawks community. His insights into the team's performance have been invaluable, especially during their recent struggles. In this article, we delve into Huard's analysis of the Seahawks' current season, focusing on the key statistics and challenges they face.
1. The Alarming Stat: Pressure on Geno Smith
One of the most alarming statistics shared by Huard is the high pressure faced by quarterback Geno Smith when he throws passes in under 2.5 seconds. According to Brian Nemhauser, Smith is still being pressured 19.7% of the time in these situations, which is the third-highest mark in the league. This is a significant concern because it indicates a breakdown in the offensive line's ability to protect Smith quickly enough. For instance, quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, and Josh Allen have all been pressured under 7% of the time in similar situations.
Huard emphasized that this high pressure rate is a massive breakdown that needs to be addressed. He noted that when the ball is out quickly, the defense must be almost beaten clean to give up a pressure. This suggests that the Seahawks' offensive line is not effectively picking up stunts or blitzes, leaving Smith vulnerable to quick pressures.
2. The Monster: Aidan Hutchinson
The Seahawks will face a formidable opponent in Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions' defensive end and current NFL sack leader. Hutchinson has already accumulated 6 1/2 sacks this season, including a 4 1/2-sack outing against Tampa Bay in Week 2. He also leads the league with 25 total pressures and boasts a second-highest pass rush grade of 94.2, according to Pro Football Focus.
Huard highlighted that Hutchinson is a 'monster' who will require the Seahawks' offensive line to step up their game. With the fourth-lowest pass blocking grade at 53.2 and starting guards Laken Tomlinson and Anthony Bradford ranking in the top 50 of most pressures allowed, the Seahawks face a significant challenge in protecting Smith against Hutchinson's relentless pass rush.
3. The Struggles on Defense
Despite their strong start to the season, the Seahawks' defense has shown signs of struggle. In their loss to the Detroit Lions, they allowed 7.8 yards per play and failed to force an incompletion, leading to six touchdowns on the Lions' first nine drives.
Huard pointed out that one key factor in their defensive struggles was their inability to force third-down situations. The Seahawks were only able to force six third downs throughout the game, while Detroit converted three of those opportunities. This lack of pressure on third downs allowed Detroit to maintain high play averages and ultimately secure their victory.
Additionally, Huard noted that Detroit's offense rarely faced pressure situations due to the Seahawks' inability to stop them on first down. The Lions averaged 9.96 yards per play on first downs that didn't end in penalties, including a 70-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Jameson Williams and a 40-yard pass to running back David Montgomery.
This lack of ability to stop Detroit on first down meant that they were rarely forced into third-down situations, which significantly impacted their overall defensive performance. Huard emphasized that this was a stark contrast from previous weeks where they had forced higher numbers of third-down situations.
4. The Impact of Injuries
The Seahawks' defensive struggles were further exacerbated by injuries to key players. Standout safety Julian Love exited early in the game with an injury and did not return, leaving a significant void in their defensive lineup.
Huard noted that head coach Mike Macdonald was aware of the importance of third-down situations and had emphasized this during production meetings with ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Buck. However, despite this awareness, the Seahawks were unable to effectively manage these critical moments.
The absence of several defensive starters and Love's injury significantly impacted their ability to contain Detroit's offense. This lack of depth and talent on defense contributed to their inability to force third-down situations and ultimately led to their loss.
5. The Role of Geno Smith and DK Metcalf
Despite the defensive struggles, Geno Smith and DK Metcalf have been emblematic of the Seahawks' recent performance. Smith has been his usual accurate self, leading the NFL in passing yards after a career night. However, Metcalf's lack of production has been a concern, particularly in their loss to the San Francisco 49ers where he was criticized by Deommodore Lenoir for his limited impact.
Huard highlighted that Metcalf has grown significantly as a player but still needs to elevate his game to meet the high expectations set by his previous performances. He noted that Metcalf's best moments come when he is able to create separation and make big plays downfield.
The dynamic duo of Smith and Metcalf has been crucial for the Seahawks' offense, but their success is heavily dependent on the team's ability to protect Smith and create opportunities for Metcalf to make impactful plays.
6. The Need for Friction
Huard emphasized that the Seahawks need to focus on creating 'friction' within their team to address their current struggles. He suggested that this friction could come from within the coaching staff, players, or even the front office.
By fostering an environment where everyone is pushing each other to improve, the Seahawks can potentially overcome their current challenges and return to form. Huard believes that this collective effort is essential for the team's long-term success.
In conclusion, Brock Huard's analysis provides valuable insights into the Seahawks' current season. From the alarming statistic on Geno Smith's pressure rate to the impact of injuries on their defense, Huard's commentary highlights the complexities of the team's performance. As they navigate these challenges, it is clear that the Seahawks must focus on creating friction within their organization to achieve sustained success.
