The Seattle Seahawks have been using a version of the “insert” motion the Los Angeles Rams popularized last year. Superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua would function as a tight end, lining up inside in nearly interchangeable roles with the team’s other tight ends. The 49ers and Seahawks do something similar with their tight ends and fullbacks, which makes them priority blockers while remaining hidden on the receiving and rushing stat sheets. Watch out for Brady Russell and AJ Barner to wreak havoc along the line of scrimmage against the Washington Commanders tomorrow.
When the Seahawks kick off their Week 3 quest in the “other” Washington, the nation’s capital, they will look to continue the type of second-half ground attack Emanuel Wilson flexed
in Arizona early on. Despite a woeful offense, the Commanders have tons of defensive talent who could cause problems for Seattle’s offensive line. Since their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, has already gone down with an injury, they will have to play complementary football— a run-heavy, under center offense operated by backup Marcus Mariota— to give the Seahawks fits. Mariota did win a Heisman twelve years ago, and is still looking to pick up yards with his legs by nature. He’ll need to secure the ball and run low alongside their running back room of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Kaytron Allen.
The offensive battle in this game might bore fans who are looking for it to appear more on NFL RedZone, but it will be a good test for both offensive lines. The Seahawks’ is as good as it’s been in recent history, while the Commanders’ has been ranked 32nd and 31st by PFF through the first two weeks of the season. To win this game, the defensive linemen (Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Joshua Josephs, and Charles Omenihu) and linebackers (Sonny Styles, Franke Luvu, and K’Lavon Chaisson) their franchise have invested heavy free agent and draft capital in recently need to step up and compete with what the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX winning “Dark Side” Defense has to offer. If not, it’s hard to see a path for them to live out the “trap game” narrative in a run-heavy game with their backup QB.
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This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Brady Russell, AJ Barner's blocking is key for Seahawks vs Commanders
