Seattle’s Key Players Eyeing a Dangerous Playoff Push
The Seattle Seahawks’ season seemed in jeopardy just a few weeks ago, but they have managed a strong rebound. After starting 3-0, the team went on to lose five of six games, only to bounce back with two straight victories, now sitting in first place in the NFC West. The division is still up for grabs, with Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco, and Los Angeles all within striking distance at 6-5 or 5-6.
The biggest positive in recent weeks has been the Seahawks’ defense, which has significantly improved after struggling early in the season. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the defense is finally showing the promise many hoped for. If this improvement continues, Seattle has a good chance at making the playoffs—and once there, they could be a dangerous team. Here are four key players who deserve credit for the Seahawks’ recent turnaround:
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV
After the trade of Jerome Baker to the Tennessee Titans, many questioned whether the Seahawks had made a mistake in their linebacker signings. While Jones initially had a shaky start, he has been a standout in recent games. With double-digit tackles in three of his four games, Jones has proven to be a valuable addition, playing a key role in improving the defense. He has yet to miss a tackle since joining Seattle, according to Pro Football Focus, and could become a priority for the Seahawks to re-sign.
Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
JSN had a slow start to the season, with his early performances falling short of expectations for a first-round pick. However, over the last three games, he has exploded with 367 receiving yards, 23 catches, and three touchdowns. His yards per catch have significantly increased, and he now looks like one of the best wide receivers in the league. Smith-Njigba has exceeded expectations and appears to be a steal at No. 20 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Safety Julian Love
Signed in 2023, Love initially seemed like a rotational safety behind Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs. But when Adams went down with an injury, Love stepped up and has consistently delivered solid performances. In games where he plays significant snaps, Seattle’s defense has been noticeably more effective, allowing fewer points. This season, Love is one of the top safeties in the league, ranked tenth by Pro Football Focus, and has been strong both in coverage and against the run. With an extension that keeps him in Seattle through 2027, Love has been an invaluable addition to the defense.
Defensive Lineman Leonard Williams
After a quiet stretch in the middle of the season, Williams has returned to his dominant form in the last three games. His performance in Week 12 against Arizona was particularly impressive, with 7 pressures, 2.5 sacks, and a tackle for loss. Despite concerns earlier about his high contract, Williams has proven he is worth the investment. As Seattle’s best and most versatile defensive lineman, his presence elevates the entire defense, and he continues to play at a Pro Bowl level.
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