Seattle, WA
Derick Hall Looking to ‘Enhance’ Pass Rush, Shine in Seattle Seahawks’ New Scheme
RENTON, Wash. – If stat sheets serve as the only real means for player evaluation in the NFL, Derick Hall’s rookie season for the Seattle Seahawks certainly could have gone better, particularly as a pass rusher.
Despite playing in all 17 games, Hall didn’t generate a single sack and per Pro Football Focus, he produced a mere 11 pressures and a pedestrian 7.6 percent pass rush win rate. Among 120 edge defenders with at least 137 pass rushing snaps, he finished 115th in pressures, 94th in pass rush win rate, and 108th in pass rush productivity, a combination of disappointing results for a second-round pick who arrived in Seattle with plenty of hype.
But beyond the stats, Hall felt he made strides as the season progressed, becoming more comfortable competing against NFL talent. To his credit, he did play better in the final month of the season, including producing a trio of pressures, a quarterback hit, and a tackle for loss in Seattle’s last two games, and offseason film study confirmed his priors.
“I think just the growth throughout the season overall, from game one to game two to game three all the way to 17, just to growth and I guess how more comfortable I got as the season went on,” Hall said while reflecting on his rookie year. “Being more confident in my abilities to play in this league, and on this level, I think was really the biggest thing and then also being able to still be physical and stop to run and continue to take those steps in that aspect of my game as well.”
Of course, Hall understands that his performance, like any edge defender who wants to make their mark and set themselves up for a big pay day on a second contract, will be scrutinized most on his ability to harass quarterbacks and tally sacks, something he didn’t do near well enough in his first NFL campaign.
As Hall dove into the film this spring, he felt that he relied too often on trying to win with pure power as a rusher, which limited his effectiveness collapsing the pocket and pressuring quarterbacks. To attack that deficiency head on this offseason and “enhance” his pass rushing arsenal, he placed top priority on improving his hand techniques and proficiency deploying counter moves off of bull rushes and long arm moves while combatting against NFL tackles.
Aside from the physical aspects on his list of improvements, Hall also reflected on what he learned from a preparation standpoint and the mental side of the equation, including the challenges of film study and being able to adapt early in game against the best players in the league each week. As it turns out, what you see isn’t always what you get in professional football, a lesson many players discover the hard way.
“You see one thing on tape and when you get to the game, it’s completely different thing,” Hall explained. “It’s like ‘okay, he gives up this’ but you get to the game they really sharpen that tool or maybe he just had an off week. Film was pretty consistent, but you see games guys are like getting beat on certain things like, ‘okay, well, let me try to have something to prepare for that.’ And then it isn’t what you expect. So I think that’s the biggest shocker.”
After engaging in a trial by fire rotating in behind starters Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe a year ago, Hall’s rookie enlightenment journey for the Seahawks opened his eyes on a number of areas he has to be more focused on than he was at the college level thriving at Auburn. In particular, figuring out tendencies beyond simply the tackle lined up across from him and digging deep into formations and personnel groupings lies as a crucial key to success in the league.
Playing in an NFC West division featuring offensive masterminds in 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Rams coach Sean McVay, there’s no such thing as a shortcut for Hall and his teammates when it comes to putting the time in away from the field to properly prepare for complex opposing schemes.
“I think sometimes you still get those tendencies, from guys who don’t pay that much attention to it. Obviously, the higher level guys like Trent [Williams] and all those guys, they’re going to be more honed in and more profound with those techniques. But you still get those tendencies,” Hall remarked. “I think the biggest thing is formations, or really looking at formations and studying those to figure out, okay, what can I possibly get? Is it going to be play action passes, is it going to be run, is the back at home, or is he offset? Just different things like that to help you give tips like condensed sets, 2 by 2, pair slot, just different things like that you really didn’t pay attention to in the college game. Now it’s the thing that I have to look at to be successful.”
Now three weeks into his second training camp, Hall’s offseason efforts have manifested into vastly improved performance on the practice field. Still playing with excellent physicality and a motor that always runs above 100 degrees, he has stonewalled several runs in padded practice after holding serve off the edge and continued to find success overpowering tackles as a bull rusher.
But where Hall’s growth has been most evident has been with the aforementioned hand usage, as he no longer looks like a one-trick pony and has started to assemble an impressive collection of pass rushing moves. Whether powering past a defender with a rip/dip combination, shooting a gap with a quick swim move, or clubbing down on an opposing blocker’s arms off of an initial long arm, he has developed several quality counters that, while they remain a work in progress, have propelled his rise as one of the most improved players on the roster.
Hall’s emergence has also been aided by playing in coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme, which aligns well to his strengths as a combo outside linebacker who can rush the passer in a two-point stance or with his hand in the ground while also having enough athleticism to be able to drop into coverage on zone blitzes and simulated pressures when called upon. Between Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, whose defensive line background has been a boon for Hall and his counterparts, he loves the potential for Seattle’s edge rush group in 2024.
“The defense is great. Mike has a great scheme. I love it,” Hall smiled. “I love everything about that. I think the outside backers are going to produce really, really well in his defense, so I can’t complain at all.”
With Nwosu back healthy and Mafe coming off a breakout season, Hall will likely kick off his second season remaining a rotational reserve. But his toughness and versatility should open up plenty of opportunities for him to see the field, especially with Macdonald’s tendency to move players around the formation, which fits his profile quite well.
Closing in on the start of the season and Saturday’s preseason opener, Hall isn’t putting any numbers out there for what he hopes to accomplish in his sophomore season. From his perspective, stats won’t be what defines him, and as long as he finds a way to get better every single day, the numbers will eventually come as he aims to take on a more significant role for the Seahawks and help the team win football games.
Based on what he has shown throughout camp thus far, Hall looks to be well on his way to achieving that goal while playing multiple roles, and he’s looking forward to seeing what Seattle’s defense as a whole can accomplish with Macdonald at the controls.
“I think as long as you continue to take that step forward each and every week each and every day, and go out and be the best teammate possible, I feel like everything that I want to do is going to fall into place. As far as the defense goes with this scheme. I don’t think there’s a limit. I think Mike does a pretty good job of putting everybody in position to be successful, to go out and make plays, and play 12 as one. That’s our motto around here, 12 as one, be one cohesive group and go out and do whatever it takes to win.”
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 17: Hannah Murphy #83 of the Seattle Torrent tends net against the Ottawa Charge during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on December 17, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
SEATTLE – Julia Gosling scored the game-winning goal early in the third period, and Hannah Murphy made 37 saves as the Seattle Torrent beat the Montréal Victoire 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Gosling broke the 1-1 tie just 3:26 into the final period on a questionable goal that was upheld after review. Murphy then helped Seattle survive a late Victoire power play chance to close out the win.
With an extra skater on the ice with a delayed penalty call set to go against the Victoire for a tripping infraction, the puck leaked into the offensive zone onto the stick of Seattle captain Hilary Knight. Gosling was left unmarked across the crease and fired a one-timer that beat goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens for the go-ahead goal.
However, replays appeared to show Marie-Philip Poulin touch the puck for Montréal right as Knight won the battle for the puck. It was also close to having Knight offsides on the play as well, but the goal stood after replay review.
A penalty on Megan Carter for holding with 2:43 left to play gave the Victoire a prime chance to tie as Montréal went six-on-four with their net empty. Murphy made four saves on the power play – including a save against each member of the Victoire’s top line – as Seattle closed out the victory.
The Torrent have earned all three of their wins with Murphy in goal.
Seattle controlled play through most of the opening period, but the Victoire still managed to strike first. Despite trailing 12-8 in shots in the first, Montreal’s top line of Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey and Abby Roque combined to give the Victoire a 1-0 lead.
A nice passing play from Poulin and Stacey set up a half slap shot from atop the left circle that beat the glove of Murphy to grab the advantage with just 1:03 left in the period.
The second period played out in the opposite way to the first, with the Victoire creating more offensive chances but the Torrent finding a goal to tie.
A two-on-one rush for Seattle caught Kati Tabin in a pickle. Gosling’s shot rebounded hard off the pads of Desbiens as Alex Carpenter cleaned up the loose puck to tie it at 1-1.
Meanwhile, Murphy was terrific in goal for Seattle. She made 15 saves in the period as a power play fueled Montréal’s attack.
Gosling’s goal gave Seattle the lead early in the third as Murphy had to shine to get the victory across the finish line. Fifteen more saves followed in the final period with Montréal unable to crack Murphy, despite a few dangerous chances.
The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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Seattle weather: Driver conditions on Tuesday
If you are traveling over the passes the next few days, here is a look at the forecast. Snow overnight through early Tuesday, with several new inches for Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. We will see drier conditions Tuesday and then a mix of rain and snow for Wednesday.
SEATTLE – Strong winds are sticking around Western Washington into Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day is looking quiet.
There’s a low chance of high-impact windstorms around the region tomorrow. There’s still a considerable amount of uncertainty in the wind speeds due to extreme differences in the various weather models.
Be prepared for possible tree damage and power outages by Wednesday evening. Otherwise, you can plan on occasional scattered lowland rain and mountain snow tomorrow.
Possible windstorm on Christmas Eve
What’s next:
There’s a high wind watch posted for many locations around Western Washington for Wednesday morning to evening. The first round of winds is likely to happen in the morning (however, stick with us for updates as to the timing) with east/northeast gusts to 30 mph.
In the morning, the strongest winds will likely be focused over the Cascade gaps (e.g. North Bend and Enumclaw).
By the afternoon, there’s a chance for more forceful winds — this time, coming from the south. The second period of winds will have a higher impact with gusts potentially reaching 50-60 mph. Should this forecast pan out, there would be widespread tree damage and power outages.
Big picture view:
However, it’s important to note that the various weather models we analyze are presenting a broad range of possible outcomes on Christmas Eve. It’s rare to have this level of uncertainty about a forecast barely 24 hours in advance. Some suggest an intense windstorm while others indicate winds would barely reach 10 mph.
Keep in mind: there’s an elevated ‘bust potential’ for this forecast — meaning, the winds could be a dud, barely blowing — or gusts could be highly damaging. I recommend preparing for the worst-case scenario and being pleasantly surprised if conditions are quieter.
What you can do:
As a meteorologist, this is what I recommend you do with high winds possible:
- Don’t spend time outside during this windstorm if at all possible (in the event that weak trees or tree branches fall).
- Limit time on the roads during the peak of the in case trees fall! With this particular windstorm, I’d recommend traveling in the morning (unless the timing changes) before winds peak in the afternoon and early evening.
- First, make sure you keep your phone charged in the event of a power outage.
- You can also download the FOX Local app on your phone so you can watch our weather coverage and forecast. Remember to keep the fridge shut during a power outage to maintain the cool air there.
The weather models are split as to the path of this storm: the impacts of this system depend on where it moves. You better believe our weather team will be watching how things develop. If the low pressure moves over the coast and the Olympic Peninsula, the winds would be more damaging. However, if it moves into Eastern Washington, the winds would likely be weaker.
This storm serves as a reminder as to the importance of humans as meteorologists — because most weather apps can’t express the range of possible outcomes and various scenarios.
River flood threat decreasing
Except for the Skokomish River in Mason County, the threat of river flooding is over this week. Even the risk of river flooding next week has decreased substantially. Stay tuned in case anything changes!
There may be minor coastal flooding at times this week.
Local perspective:
Beyond the winds on Christmas Eve, you can expect scattered lowland rain and occasional minor mountain snow.
On Christmas Day itself, the morning will be about the aftermath of any tree damage and outages. Quieter weather is expected on Christmas.
Take good care,
Meteorologist Abby Acone
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The NFC West is a crowded mess, with three of the NFL’s best teams vying for both the division crown and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
And it just got messier.
The 49ers’ win over the Colts on Monday night improves their record to 11-4, tying them with the Rams and putting both teams one game behind the 12-3 Seahawks.
Are Seahawks now the NFC favorite? Sheil Kapadia’s take
What does it mean for Seattle? I’ll be using The Athletic’s 2025 Playoff Simulator to navigate through the next two weeks…
First, the basics. What’s next for these three teams?
The 49ers have two at home. They host the 11-4 Chicago Bears (the league’s leader in takeaways and coming off back-to-back wins) for Sunday Night Football and then host the Seahawks. The date and time on that one is TBD, usually settled late Week 17, but it’s a favorite to be another primetime matchup.
The current NFL playoff picture
The Seahawks have two on the road. They head to Carolina to take on a hungry 8-7 Panthers team, also coming off a win, that can clinch the NFC South for the first time in a decade with a victory and a Bucs’ loss to the Dolphins. Then the Seahawks head to Santa Clara to face the 49ers.
The Rams have the easiest slate, facing two teams already eliminated from the postseason. They head to play the 6-9 Falcons and then host the 3-12 Cardinals in the regular-season finale.
What are the Seahawks’ current odds of clinching the No. 1 seed?
The Seahawks entered Monday with 53% odds to clinch the No. 1 seed. There’s not a big hit from the 49ers’ win: Seattle’s odds dip to 48%, but are still the highest of the three (49ers at 27% and the Rams at 11% before games are played this upcoming Sunday).
The only thing eliminated by virtue of the 49ers’ win was the Seahawks’ ability to clinch the top seed this Sunday.
If all three NFC West teams win in Week 17, the Seahawks’ odds are right where they were: 53%. That’s how monumental Week 18’s game against the 49ers is.
Best-case scenario in Week 17: Easy. The Seahawks are the only team of the three to win this Sunday. Their odds would jump to 74%. They get the No. 1 seed one of two ways after that: beat the 49ers, or lose to the 49ers + a Lions win over the Bears.
Worst-case scenario in Week 17: The Seahawks lose, while the Rams and 49ers win. Seattle’s odds would drop to 7%. But they’re not done; in this scenario, they could still get the top seed with a win over the 49ers + a Cardinals win over the Rams.
How would the Rams clinch? The Rams’ loss to the Seahawks last Thursday night took L.A. out of the driver’s seat. The Rams’ simplest path is to: win out + the Seahawks and 49ers lose one game each + the Lions beat the Bears. The Rams need the Seahawks to lose to make up for the one-game lead, and need the Bears to lose to win a tiebreaker (conference record).
What else should we know?
Oh, that’s right, the Bears.
There’s another team here still fighting for the top seed. Chicago’s Saturday night comeback win over the Packers wasn’t just a thriller; it also added some new playoff implications.
The Bears are currently the No. 2 seed. But they have a better conference record than both the Rams and the Seahawks, so keeping a game ahead is massive.
Again, all Seattle has to do is win out. It doesn’t matter what any other team does if that happens. But things become tricky if Seattle drops a game.
In that case, if the Seahawks lose to the Panthers, root for the Lions and Cardinals. And always root against your NFC West foes.
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