The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 215 snaps in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. That was the most so far this season. This includes snaps from some players not listed in this article such
as Ricky White III (7), Nick Kallerup (11) and Connor O’Toole (17). In addition to the debuts of White III and Kallerup, this game marked the return of FB Robbie Ouzts. Furthermore, with three WRs out of the game (Dareke Young, Cooper Kupp and Jake Bobo) Tory Horton took on the role of WR2 and therefore had more snaps.
All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Let’s analyze some of the key plays from this game!
Grey Zabel, Guard (48 snaps)
According to PFF notes, his game was very dichotomous. He finished second in pass block grade with 79.2, without giving up any pressure, but he had the worst score in run block grade with 44.8. Yes, he needs to improve in the running game (as does the rest of the offensive line), but I don’t think his game was that far from Jalen Sundell’s, for example, who had the second-best run blocking grade with 70.8.
Let’s start with these issues in the running game. In the play above, his get off is very quick and he gets the reach block. However, he can’t sustain the block for very long. When the defensive lineman stretches his arms, he avoids contact with Zabel, and the LG can no longer recover. This “loss,” along with AJ Barner’s, results in an immediate tackle.
Zabel’s objective in this play is to block the #4. However, he is late in trying to help Charles Cross with the first block on the defensive lineman (#99). This allows the linebacker to penetrate, and Ken Walker tries to cut outside, without success.
There are encouraging snaps, like this one. The center helps the first block, and Zabel simply takes the defensive lineman off the screen. This would have been a big gap for the running back if Charles Cross had been able to maintain his block.
I always like recovery snaps. It’s natural for players to make some mistakes, so it’s crucial that they have the ability to recover and at least reduce the damage. Zabel’s first contact is poor, and he starts to lose contact with the DL. But, notice how he adjusts his feet to prevent the DL from advancing.
He analyzes the blitz threat and then comes to help defend the inside gap. He delivers a strong push, leaving the DL on the ground. It’s the kind of play you want to see from your OL.
Grey Zabel takes a step towards the left side, but the DL is slanting the inside gap. Basically, with one step, he’s back in position to make the block. Without a doubt, he has one of the best footwork in the position.
Nick Emmanwori, Defensive Back (57 snaps)
He had two pressures, six tackles (1 TFL), and was targeted five times, and allowed four receptions for 46 yards. Other stats include:
- 15th in Defense Grade;
- 6th in Run Defense Grade;
- 14th in Pass Rush Grade;
- 13th in Coverage Grade;
Emmanwori continues to showcase his physicality defending screens. Good anticipation and aggressiveness to push the blocker several yards back and basically make the tackle with one hand. Awesome.
Good call by the Commanders to try to confuse the defense in the backfield with two RBs, motion, and the threat of a toss. Emmanwori defends the possibility of a toss but without losing sight of the QB. When the QB keeps the ball, the rookie goes after him and forces the #5 to get rid of the ball.
Up and downs here. I really liked his move to beat the tight end, threatening the outside gap and attacking the inside. The TE, although defeated, manages to save the sack by holding one of the DB’s arms. Emmanwori also lost Jayden Daniels with the spin move and it was a real chance for his first sack. It wasn’t easy, but with better balance and control here, he could have made the play.
I was very interested to see him against TEs. Despite playing as a nickelback, his agility will be tested against more explosive slot players and could be a problem. I wanted to know if he would be able to shut down a tight end (this could even help us against Trey McBride next week). His press technique is very good, he is very physical, he just needs to find the “limit” so as not to commit an illegal contact or holding penalty, as was the case here on Zach Ertz.
Don’t take the cheese. A rookie mistake and probably the point he will have to work on the most. He has been manipulated by the QB’s eyes and caught out of position in some zone coverages.
Good drop in zone and seems to have identified the route coming from the other side of the field (good process here). However, he gets a little lost when aiming for the QB’s eyes and gives up the reception.
Elijah Arroyo, Tight End (22 snaps)
He had 2 targets and 2 receptions for 29 yards and his first TD. PFF gave him a run blocking rating of 57.7, the sixth-worst among Seahawks players.
Speaking of run blocking… Clearly #4 is threatening to attack inside and Arroyo can’t adjust to it. The angle is bad and he also loses in strength, and the defender gets the tackle.
The play didn’t go wrong because of Arroyo, but he needs to learn to adjust better. The Seahawks call a pin and pull with Charles Cross and Arroyo as pullers. The TE should block #39 and leave the defender more inside for the LT. With that, the defensive back (#39) has a clear path to make the tackle.
He plays lined up on the outside (in fact, with the receivers’ injuries I thought he would have many more snaps here, since there were only 3). He comes out on the release and tries to use his physicality to create separation. After the contact, he improvises a spin and manages to get open deep.
We arrive at his first TD. Good get-off escaping the initial contact. He takes advantage of the LB’s slow reaction, and Arroyo wins in depth and receives an excellent pass from the QB.
Jalen Milroe, Quarterback (0 snaps)
Inactive.
Rylie Mills, Defensive Lineman (0 snaps)
NFI List.
Tory Horton, Wide Receiver (37 snaps)
4 targets, 4 receptions, 48 yards and 2 TDs. Incredible efficiency from the rookie.
The Seahawks call the Insert C concept, something quite common in the NFL. It’s nothing more than bringing in a receiver, a TE, to block the C gap (space between the OT and the TE). Horton has a more slender frame, but he caught my attention in this block.
The Commanders defend in man-to-man. So, the QB waits for someone to get open quickly, and Horton manages to do that and converts the down.
Very similar call to JSN’s TD against the Saints. The Commanders use two defenders to cover #11 and leave Horton in a 1v1. The defender still commits a penalty, but the WR manages to receive even with contact and interference by Marshon Lattimore.
After the punt return TD, this was the play I liked most from the rookie. It’s exciting when the WR wins so quickly coming out of the line of scrimmage. Horton is in a 1v1 again and without help from the safety over the top, Mikey Sainristil just watches the rookie’s second TD.
Robbie Ouzts, Fullback (13 snaps)
Important return, we hope he continues his evolution. Still a timid return and he even committed a penalty while trying to block early in the game.
Bryce Cabeldue, Offensive Lineman (3 snaps)
Only 3 snaps, so little chance to show anything, but I managed to find something good here. Excellent reach block and basically removing any chance the defender had to try anything different.
Mason Richman, Offensive Lineman (0 snaps)
Inactive.
Final Thoughts
Rookies continue to help a lot. 3 TDs in the game, a fumble recovery, and no pressures allowed. In snap numbers, this should probably be the most of the season, unless Rylie Mills debuts at some point in the season and has significant snaps. That’s unlikely given his injury, this year should basically be a “redshirt year.”
