The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 169 snaps in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Two members of the draft class were inactive, so it’s natural for the number of snaps to drop. Still, in a game that’s crucial for the future of the season, the rookies were able to make a huge impact.
Let’s look at the film from last Sunday. All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Byron Murphy II, Defensive Lineman (35 snaps)
Facing an undisciplined interior offensive line that struggles in pass protection, I said in the preview that I thought this could be a breakout game.
Unfortunately, it was a game below what he’d been producing in recent games. No pressures or run stops were attributed to him. He ended up standing out with a penalty on what could have been a key sack and when he lined up on offense (Murphy had two offensive TDs in Texas, one receiving and one rushing) as additional blocker.
He continues to use his trademark deadleg well. He makes the guard lose his balance against his leverage and, in addition to breaking up the double-team, he invades the backfield to tackle together with Tyrice Knight.
Christian Haynes, Offensive Guard (0 snaps)
No offensive snaps.
Tyrice Knight, Linebacker (51 snaps)
It was a relatively solid game. No big mistakes, but no big plays either. However, there are some areas for improvement like the fact that he is easily manipulated by the QB’s eyes.
This snap doesn’t create any stats for Tyrice Knight but it’s very encouraging. It’s hard to pay attention to it with Spoon’s great work on the play, but once the CB takes away Jordan Addison, QB Sam Darnold locks eyes on TE Josh Oliver (No. 84). Knight sees the fake and uses the robot technique to trap the TE, taking away the QB’s option. Darnold traps the ball and attempts a risky pass against the body.
First snap of the game, the Vikings call a play action slide. The first read is Jordan Addison’s short route that comes in motion. Knight again quickly identifies the fake and cuts off the pass against TJ Hockenson.
A small error in Seattle’s defense, the RB has an open path coming from the backfield. Knight covers well sideline-to-sideline making the tackle.
AJ Barner, Tight End (20 snaps)
He made a false start and that was the first moment that stood out in the game. On the very next snap he catches a pass and fights for 9 yards. At the end of the drive he catches a 4-yard TD pass that could have given us the win.
Pharaoh Brown also had 20 offensive snaps, while Noah Fant had 46. I hope he gets more opportunities in these last two games, since next season neither Brown nor Fant are expected to be on the roster.
The Seahawks only attempted FIVE play-action plays, so take advantage of this one. Barner comes in motion to the other side, simulating a split-zone. He chip-blocks the DE and goes on the route. The defender notices and positions himself to help, but is unable to do so. Barner breaks the tackle and it takes three other defenders to get him to the ground.
Amazing reception here. The CB covers him with a lot of distance and the safety decides to go after JSN’s route. This creates space in the back of the end zone. Geno needs to throw a high pass to get away from the DL/LB and Barner goes to get the pass and brings it to the ground with the help of his helmet. Incredible.
Nehemiah Pritchett, Cornerback (0 snaps)
Riq Woolen, Tre Brown and Josh Jobe combined for 97 yards and 1 TD. Still, Pritchett wasn’t even able to be active for the game.
Sataoa Laumea, Right Guard (63 snaps)
He’s given up 17 pressures in two weeks. His biggest problem is his passing game, but that’s been exposed. His 3.6 passing block rating is the result of that. Against the Vikings, he had 7 pressures, 1 sack, 1 hit and 5 hurries.
The problem is that his greatest strength, which is his running game, has been hidden by Seattle’s play-calling. If the team still isn’t going to run the ball, would Laumea be a better option than Haynes?
This sack isn’t common for him. Abe Lucas and Laumea block Van Ginkel. However, when the EDGE comes off the TE’s block, Lucas, correctly, goes to block him. This leaves Laumea 1v1 and he can’t impose himself physically. The contact is bad and Olu Olu’s attempt to help ends up making things worse.
Mike Jerrell, Right Tackle (0 snaps)
Inactive after Stone Forsythe returned.
Jalen Sundell, Center (0 snaps)
No snaps.
Final Thoughts
In short, it was up and down. AJ Barner had a positive highlight, while Byron Murphy II almost decided the game in Seattle’s favor. The foul gave the Vikings a new lease on life and they got the TD on the next play. Knight had an extremely solid game, while Laumea struggled in pass protection.