Seattle, WA

Sounders at Rapids: Colorado’s undefeated streak continues

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2022

Sounders at Rapids: Colorado’s undefeated streak continues

The Seattle Sounders continued on the highway in Colorado, a spot the place they hadn’t gained in fairly a while and … didn’t win. The ultimate was 1-0 on what was primarily an personal aim and was indicative of a messy match between two good groups enjoying poorly. Each groups had been lacking quite a lot of gamers, however Seattle appeared particularly misplaced with out Nicolás Lodeiro there to create alternatives, repeatedly unable to penetrate a compact Rapids protection. Sounders will rue their huge possibilities missed in addition to some suspect refereeing choices, each of which performed a component in finally leaving Colorado with none factors.

Stefan Frei – 6 | Group – 6.5 (MOTM)

Colorado didn’t do a lot on this match to create targets, which meant a really sluggish evening for Frei. Though the Rapids had 16 pictures, they solely put 4 on body (together with the own-ish aim “shot” and one other comparable try by Yeimar to attain on Seattle). Stefan noticed extra of the ball together with his toes than he would have preferred, ending with 50 touches.

One factor I preferred: Frei had a pleasant 41^st minute near-post save, and did nicely all evening to pressure Colorado into poor alternatives, solely being scored on after he saved a cross into the large physique of Yeimar.

One factor I didn’t like: Stefan obtained the ball usually on this match however didn’t cowl himself in glory, with poor clearances sprayed haphazardly across the discipline. Even worse was a nonchalant play on the ball with Michael Barrios charging in and blocking the late clear try.

Going ahead: Frei was a part of a “bend however simply break a bit of” protection on this match, and that wasn’t sufficient.

Nouhou – 6 | Group – 6.0

Nouhou performed his third straight match, this time as a wingback in a five-man backline. Whereas defensively sound, he struggled to influence the offense as a part of a uninteresting left facet bereft of many attacking concepts. His 90 p.c passing consisted of primarily brief passes sq. and again to teammates.

One factor I preferred: Nouhou defended nicely, main the group with six clearances. A superb restoration in midfield within the 41^st stopped a Colorado assault. Equally, stepping ahead within the 65^th stole again possession and pushed the Sounders ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: Early on it was obvious Nouhou was going to stray far up discipline, and within the 26^th minute Colorado was in a position to take benefit. On the goal-scoring sequence, once more Nouhou was too far up, enjoying an offensive function.

Going ahead: JP may need been the key sauce to make the three-back system work nicely, and whereas Colorado didn’t punish Seattle incessantly, Nouhou must work on methods to match into the varied tactical formations and add influence on either side of the ball.

Jackson Ragen – 7 | Group – 6.4

Ragen performed the left centerback in a revamped backline and match the function nicely for a lot of the match. His skill to manage the ball, go or dribble ahead to shut house and create for others was glorious.

One factor I preferred: Jackson has completely magical passing and imaginative and prescient for a centerback, and within the 9^th minute he put Jordan Morris via for an opportunity on aim with a stupendous look ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: This recreation appeared method too depending on Ragen and never the established stars. He had 22 extra touches than anybody else within the recreation (92) and when he misplaced a bodily problem within the 50^th minute, Colorado instantly scored.

Going ahead: Ragen has change into indispensable for a group that possible wasn’t anticipating this a lot from him. A spot starter and backup throughout your entire backline, search for Jackson to play so much this season.

Xavier Arreaga – 7 | Group – 6.2 (off 73’ for Medranda)

Arreaga dropped into the center of a 3 centerback lineup with Ragen to his left and Yeimar to his proper, and confirmed he’s glorious on this formation. His aggressive motion vertically supported the midfield, dragging inverted wingers again in the direction of their very own aim.

One factor I preferred: Xavi began off exhibiting his nice vary defensively within the 1^st and seven^th minutes, every time roaming behind the opposite middle backs to defend to the sidelines. Later within the first half he aggressively stepped into central midfield areas to earn possession and condense the Rapids’ house.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 62^nd minute, Barrios utterly shook Arreaga, making the Seattle defender look foolish as he was soundly crushed.

Going ahead: Seattle has the pliability within the again to alter formations, and Xavier is equally stout in both function. Because the group adapts to his aggressive model, the midfield ought to coalesce right into a extra cohesive unit.

Yeimar – 5 | Group – 5.4 (off 58’ for Chu)

This was a tough match from Yeimar, who was a bit off within the third match in per week’s time. Seattle appeared to have discovered Mark-Anthony Kaye, however sadly when he left, Jonathan Lewis’s velocity proved troublesome. Yeimar and Ragen each had some points coping with the rise in large velocity, with Yeimar exhibiting uncharacteristic troubles.

One factor I preferred: Yeimar and firm did nicely to cease Barrios from dominating as he has towards the Sounders previously (seven pictures, zero heading in the right direction for Barrios). With a implausible 94 p.c passing clip, Yeimar did his half to maintain the ball on the foot of the great guys.

One factor I didn’t like: There have been a number of atypical errors from the often reliable Yeimar, beginning together with his falling asleep and being crushed in behind within the 7^th minute. On the Colorado goal-scoring play, Yeimar tracked again to assist, however didn’t mark anybody and sadly redirected Frei’s save into the ready Lewis.

Going ahead: Nothing to see right here. On to the subsequent.

Kelyn Rowe – 6 | Group – 5.5 (off 73’ for Montero)

Rowe once more began at proper wingback and was very quiet on the night. He had 43 touches and 92 p.c passing, however was absent from a lot of the stat guide, simply content material to take house and never get beat for a lot of the match. He didn’t earn a recordable defensive motion or key go.

One factor I preferred: Kelyn obtained ahead within the 13^th minute, attacking the aim, and earned a harmful free kick.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 15^th minute Rowe made a pleasant flip (yay) earlier than not making the correct go and turning it over (boo). Following up factor with a turnover is going on too usually.

Going ahead: Kelyn Rowe stays extraordinarily priceless to the group for his versatility and has proven a excessive ground with a capability to slot in everywhere in the discipline. He possible performs each recreation he’s wholesome, with spot begins.

Jordan Morris – 5 | Group – 5.4 (off 80’ for Bruin)

Morris obtained one other begin and was principally ineffective for Seattle towards Colorado. He had 24 touches and earned a shot on aim in his 79-minute outing. Jordan appeared gassed enjoying at altitude, and by no means obtained an opportunity to actually run at a powerful, compact Rapids protection.

One factor I preferred: A vertical peel run within the 9^th minute displayed glorious familiarity with Ragen, and the 2 mixed to see Morris operating into the field unmarked with choices.

One factor I didn’t like: With solely 12 passes accomplished, Morris was absent a lot of the match. When he had an opportunity within the 53^rd minute to tie the match after a Colorado blunder, he wasn’t up-to-the-minute, chipping the keeper however with out sufficient tempo to beat a recovering defender to the open internet.

Going ahead: Morris remains to be creating huge possibilities, however wants to complete a number of extra for the Sounders to have hope of getting again into the Defend race. (Yeah, I stated it.)

Obed Vargas – 6 | Group – 5.9 (off 80’ for Atencio)

Vargas returned to pair within the center and had a pleasing match. Whereas there have been loads of notes each good and unhealthy, he continues to point out progress. Towards Colorado he had 49 touches and 89 p.c passing.

One factor I preferred: The highs are excessive. A 6^th minute attacking dribble central to seek out Raúl Ruidíaz was stunning, and a 60^th minute via ball for Morris confirmed his skill to be immediately aggressive transferring the ball ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: The lows weren’t punished, which is fortunate for Seattle. Obed misplaced a number of vertical runners into the field, and within the 28^th minute he utterly ignored a bottom runner who might have had an enormous likelihood.

Going ahead: This was a powerful efficiency from Vargas. With a bit extra maturation he could be the long-term reply at defensive midfield with Albert Rusnák, ought to the group go that path.

Albert Rusnák – 7 | Group – 6.2

Rusnák once more confirmed the type of composure you like from the middle of the pitch, repeatedly controlling the ball and distributing cleanly to teammates in good positions. He had two pictures to associate with six defensive recoveries.

One factor I preferred: one hundred pc. That’s Rusnák’s passing completion share. You would possibly assume he didn’t have many alternatives — assume once more. He had the second-most passes in your entire match, with 56 makes an attempt. His management and precision are unbelievable.

One factor I didn’t like: Tasked with a lot of the free kick responsibility, Albert by no means obtained the cling of the altitude, repeatedly overhitting set items and squandering possibilities. An tried shot late from exterior the field trickled harmlessly over the road for a aim kick.

Going ahead: This was a match that wanted Rusnák’s calm management to assist a midfield battle, and a direct attacking pressure to interrupt Colorado’s defensive blocks. We obtained midway there.

Cristian Roldan – 6 | Group – 5.6

Roldan was once more muted towards Colorado, unable to impose his will on the match, as he has so usually this season. Though at all times stuffed with effort, Cristian’s 63 touches had been largely secure and horizontal, missing the attacking verve we now have come to count on from his large play.

One factor I preferred: Within the 73^rd minute Cristian confirmed completely phenomenal protection, stopping an enormous likelihood from Colorado and exhibiting that defensive chunk we all know he possesses.

One factor I didn’t like: Though he had three pictures, Roldan appeared a bit of off, reminiscent of lacking Léo Chú on a via ball within the 72^nd and passing to nobody three minutes later.

Going ahead: Cristian is unlikely to be shut out of the scoresheet for for much longer.

Raúl Ruidíaz – 7 (MOTM) | Group – 6.1

Together with his group struggling and unable to create many possibilities, Raúl nonetheless managed to create two of the most important in your entire match, each out of sheer expertise and can. His 4 pictures led the match, and he added a key go to arrange a teammate.

One factor I preferred: Raúl earned a PK within the 66^th minute. He additionally beat three defenders to pressure an enormous cease within the 89^th minute, practically incomes stolen factors again on the evening.

One factor I didn’t like: Nobody missed Nico greater than Raúl, and for a lot of the match Ruidíaz roamed round, unable to seek out the ball anyplace however dealing with his personal aim.

Going ahead: Raúl continues to be a devastating striker who will rating if the group can simply discover him the alternatives.

Léo Chú – 5 | Group – 5.0 (on 58’ for Yeimar)

Yeimar got here out early within the second half for Chú, who ran on the protection quite a lot of occasions however was finally unable so as to add greater than hustle.

One factor I preferred: Chú introduced nice power and his motion created a nook kick alternative for Seattle mere moments after he entered.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 76^th minute Seattle’s complete left facet was ripped open as Chú didn’t play any semblance of protection.

Going ahead: Chú brings power however doesn’t seem like a seamless match with teammates. It’s odd he hasn’t been tried inverted a lot.

Fredy Montero – 4 | Group – 5.2 (on 73’ for Rowe)

Fredy got here in to present a special look to the Sounders late. He managed six touches.

One factor I preferred: A diagonal run via the center within the 73^rd minute was attention-grabbing, transferring the Colorado defensive form round in a brand new method.

One factor I didn’t like: His passing was tough, with Montero finishing solely 40 p.c of his makes an attempt. He didn’t seem like on the identical web page as anybody else.

Going ahead: Fredy has a number of worth at quite a lot of attacking positions, however he’s appeared off his previous few substitute appearances after a scorching begin.

Jimmy Medranda – 6 | Group – 5.1 (on 73’ for Arreaga)

Medranda entered and had one in all his finest matches this 12 months, exhibiting off an brisk presence throughout the sphere. In a mere 14 touches, he had 73 p.c passing however most significantly led the group with two key passes.

One factor I preferred: After discovering teammates for pictures on two events, within the 85^th he additionally earned a nook kick for his efforts.

One factor I didn’t like: Jimmy was utterly turned whereas defending within the 82^nd minute, showcasing some embarrassing footwork.

Going ahead: Medranda added some extra direct offensive manufacturing this match and continues to supply a special look on the left.

Josh Atencio – 5 | Group – 5.3 (on 80’ for Vargas)

Atencio arrived into the midfield and was a part of a late offensive flurry for Seattle because the match stretched with the Sounders urgent for an equalizer.

One factor I preferred: Fifteen touches, 85 p.c passing, and a few positional protection allowed Rusnák to push into the assault greater, creating a number of possibilities.

One factor I didn’t like: An 82^nd minute kick was straight out of bounds.

Going ahead: Atencio has appeared robust in every of his previous few appearances and makes a case to suit into the defensive midfield, which permits Seattle extra flexibility.

Will Bruin – 5 | Group – 4.6 (on 80’ for Morris)

Bruin got here in for a drained Morris and introduced a number of effort to the entrance as Seattle moved to a multiple-forward formation.

One factor I preferred: A superb dummy within the 94^th minute opened up the ball for a teammate.

One factor I didn’t like: Will’s try at an 84^th minute holdup was comical, with him shedding possession and falling over in a heap.

Going ahead: Will wasn’t in a position to influence so much on this match however at the least one flick gave Ruidíaz house to work and could also be an possibility value extra time sooner or later.

Tim Ford – 4 | Group – 2.8

Ford did a number of issues proper, after which he did all the pieces mistaken. The fouls had been even, the playing cards had been even, the match was even, however then this referee made some egregious calls, even assisted by a reliable VAR.

One factor I preferred: Calling a handball on Jonathan Lewis within the 77^th minute when he flopped and landed on the ball was glorious, and hilarious.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 43^rd minute Lalas Abubakar two-hand grabbed Ruidíaz by the again of the neck on a break and Ford known as “benefit” and by no means gave a card. This was egregious, however nothing like being known as to the sideline to confirm a PK and ignoring the proper name with some ridiculously BS excuse like “he may need been exterior the field.” What large hubris should it’s a must to make such a crummy name?

Going ahead: Use the VAR. They’re there for a motive.

Jonathan Lewis was an early substitute for Mark-Anthony Kaye, who suffered a head damage. Whereas Kaye was being slightly simply corralled by Ragen, Lewis was a special story. His velocity appeared to unsettle each Ragen and Yeimar as he labored the channels. Finally, his game-winner was very a lot of a case of proper place, proper time, and he did nicely to be there.

Subsequent up: Huge dwelling stand arising and expectations needs to be excessive.

Source link

Seattle, WA

Two more Seattle restaurants close due to minimum wage hike

Published

1 hour ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Two more Seattle restaurants close due to minimum wage hike

Two more Seattle restaurants are calling it quits thanks to the untenable minimum wage hike.

At the same time that the Seattle minimum wage rose from $19.97 an hour to $20.76 an hour, the city ended the tip credit of $2.72. Under the previous rules, restaurants were able to pay $17.25 hourly wage if their staff earned at least $2.72 in tips per hour. But as cost of business continues to skyrocket in Seattle, a minimum wage hike without a tip credit is simply untenable for many small businesses.

Jackson’s Catfish Corner in Seattle’s Central District closed its doors in this new year. In an interview with Converge Media, owner Terrell Jackson argued Seattle is too expensive to operate in.

“I know that the minimum wages went up to 20 bucks an hour … I know that’s hard for my business as a small Black business,” Jackson said. “I’m not Amazon or Walgreens or Walmart who can pay their employees that much.”

Jackson isn’t alone in his complaints.

More from Jason Rantz: Panic as Seattle restaurants may not survive massive minimum wage shift

A second West Seattle eatery closes, citing the minimum wage hike

Bel Gatto, a bakery and café, became the second West Seattle eatery to close its doors over the Seattle minimum wage hike. The owner posted a sign to the front door to thank supporters but said she can’t afford to stay open anymore.

“Our revenues, unfortunately, are not able to cover the close to 20% increase in mandated wages, salaries and payroll taxes put into effect by the Seattle City Council effective 1/1/25. This ruling has made the continuation of our bakery operations untenable,” the sign read.

The owner, Peter Levy, explained to the West Seattle Blog that, “we were approaching close to a break even status in the last quarter of 2024, but the requirement to absorb another $4,000 per month in payroll expenses with the new mandate by the city put a break even further from our grasp which is what led to the closure.”

Last week, a video by Corina Luckenbach, owner of Bebop Waffle Shop in West Seattle, went viral as she said the minimum wage hike was forcing her to close after 11 years. She said she didn’t have an extra $32,000 a year to pay her staff what the city mandates.

More from Jason Rantz: Democrats blame Los Angeles fires on climate change to deflect from their own complicity

Will more restaurants close?

Ahead of the minimum wage hike, restauranteurs offered many warnings over what’s to come.

Ethan Stowell operates a number of Seattle’s top restaurants, including How to Cook a Wolf, Staple and Fancy, and Tavolata. He warned this change would be exceptionally costly for businesses in an industry notorious for razor-thin margins. And restaurants can’t merely raise menu prices again.

“I know everybody wants to say, ‘Just raise things (on the menu) a dollar or two,’ and that’s what it’ll be. That’s very simplified math. I wish it was that easy, but it’s not. This is a large increase that’s probably large enough to be equal to or close to what most restaurants in Seattle profit,” Stowell told “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH.

Portage Bay Cafe co-owner Amy Fair Gunnar noted the minimum wage change will cost her about $45,000 more a month. She said restaurants will have to “seriously change what they’re doing or they’re going to close their doors.”

More from Jason Rantz: Here’s why Seattle residents vow to stop tipping in new year

Ignoring the warnings, mocking the business people

The warnings from restaurant owners were mostly ignored or mocked.

Efforts by the Seattle City Council to address the forthcoming crisis fell apart after activists said they didn’t want restaurants to get an exception. Council president Sara Nelson told “The Jason Rantz Show” they will take up the issue again this year but there’s no specific idea yet to forward for legislation. The Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, has been almost completely absent from the issue.

Left-wing voices, meanwhile, claim to not care. That if businesses “can’t afford to pay a living wage,” then they shouldn’t be in business.

One reporter with The Stranger mocked one of the closures, quipping on X, “Has anyone ever eaten at bebop waffle lol.” Left-wing Seattleites condemned the business for “creating a right wing media darling to complain about paying people a living wage.”

KING 5 reporter Maddie White helped elevate this talking point by citing the National Low Income Housing Coalition, claiming “the average renter needs to make upwards of $40 an hour to afford rent.” But she’s quoting a stat for two-bedrooms. Minimum wage jobs aren’t meant to cover the cost of a single person renting a two-bedroom home or apartment.

Ironically, as activists dismiss the concerns of small business owners, they fail to acknowledge the inevitable consequence: when those businesses shut down, people lose jobs. A $20.76 hourly minimum wage — even with a $2.72 tip credit — means nothing if you’re unemployed.

Listen to The Jason Rantz Show on weekday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast here. Follow Jason Rantz on X, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

Follow @https://twitter.com/jasonrantz

Source link

Seattle, WA

Reports: Seattle Seahawks to interview 2 candidates for OC job

Published

9 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Reports: Seattle Seahawks to interview 2 candidates for OC job

A pair of candidates have surfaced in the Seattle Seahawks’ search for a new offensive coordinator.

An NFL insider’s view on Seahawks OC change and what’s next

The Seahawks are scheduled to interview Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley and Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, according to multiple reports. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero first reported the news Thursday morning.

Seattle will interview Fraley on Friday and Brown on Saturday, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

The Seahawks moved on from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on Monday after an up-and-down season for Seattle’s offense that included one of the worst rushing attacks in the league.

Fraley, 47, has been on Detroit’s coaching staff for the past seven seasons, including the past five as the team’s offensive line coach. Fraley has coached an offensive line that’s paved the way for one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. The Lions rank third in Pro Football Focus’ run block grading and finished the regular season sixth in both rushing yards per game (146.4) and yards per carry (4.7).

During his time in Detroit, Fraley has helped develop four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and three-time Pro Bowl right tackle Penei Sewell. As a player, Fraley started 123 games at center and guard over a 10-year NFL career with the Eagles (2001-05), Browns (2006-09) and Rams (2010). According to Breer, Fraley has done groundwork in searching for a pass game coordinator that he would pair with as an OC.

Brown, 38, began the season as Chicago’s passing game coordinator. He then was promoted to offensive coordinator when Shane Waldron, a former Seahawks assistant, was fired as OC on Nov. 12, and then to interim head coach when Matt Eberflus was fired on Nov. 29. Brown went 1-4 as the Bears’ interim head coach.

Brown was the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2023. Prior to that, he spent three seasons under head coach Sean McVay in various roles on the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Salk: What will decide if Geno Smith returns with Seahawks in ’25
• Four Seattle Seahawks who took the biggest leap in 2024
• How should Seattle Seahawks approach RBs in 2025?
• With Seattle Seahawks’ 2025 opponents set, here’s what stands out
• Where Seattle Seahawks players, team finished on NFL leaderboards

Follow @CameronVanTil

Source link

Seattle, WA

Mike Macdonald Calls Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Gig ‘Best Job Out There’

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Mike Macdonald Calls Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Gig ‘Best Job Out There’

RENTON, Wash. – Since taking over as coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Macdonald hasn’t stood pat when he identified an area of improvement that needed to be addressed with urgency, continuing that trend on Monday by dismissing offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season on staff.

According to Macdonald, Seattle made the decision to part ways with Grubb due to a difference in philosophy and vision for how they wanted the offense to operate, citing the need to play complementary football and do a better job of getting the ball to playmakers in space among the criteria for a potential replacement. Finishing 19th in scoring, 29th in rushing, and 28th in goal to go efficiency rate, he felt the underwhelming production didn’t match the talent level on that side of the ball, necessitating a change.

Speaking with reporters in his end of season press conference on Tuesday, when asked what makes the Seahawks’ coordinator vacancy stand out compared to other openings, Macdonald delivered his pitch to potential candidates with great confidence, calling it the “best job out there” with the expectation it will be as coveted of a position as any in this offseason’s coaching carousel.

“I think this is a heck of a job,” Macdonald responded. “I mean it starts with the organization. I mean all the reasons why I felt like this is such a great place to, has been backed up tenfold. So that starts there and then our players are really the next best. I mean, shoot, we got great players. We’ve got a great young core and shoot, I think it’s a heck of a job.”

With the offseason only being a few days old, no reports have surfaced yet regarding potential successors for Grubb. But without dropping any names, Macdonald did indicate the team had already submitted two requests for interviews, and that list will only grow in coming days.

Once the interviews begin later this month, Macdonald and general manager John Schneider will have plenty of star power to sell to a prospective play caller to spark interest, starting with the trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Ken Walker III.

Injuries dogged Walker in his third NFL season, as he missed a total of five games with oblique, calf, and ankle ailments, resulting in a career-low 573 rushing yards and 3.7 yards per carry. But he’s only two years removed from an 1,100 yard season and per Pro Football Focus, he ranked eighth among running backs with 61 missed tackles forced, demonstrating his ability to make defenders miss and compensate for poor blocking in front of him.

Primarily doing his damage from the slot, Smith-Njigba tied Tyler Lockett for Seattle’s single-season receiving record with 100 catches and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time at just 22 years of age, enjoying a breakout season while still scratching the surface of his immense potential. Metcalf came up eight yards short of a fourth 1,000-yard campaign while playing through a knee injury, but based on what Macdonald said on Tuesday, an argument can be made that those numbers played a part in Grubb being let go as well.

“I felt like we felt DK’s [Metcalf] presence consistently throughout the year and there were some explosives that he really tilted the game in our favor and that’s really the vision we have for him,” Macdonald said. “We just wish we could have done it more consistently. Early in the season, going into the Atlanta game before he got his knee banged up, he was tops in the league probably dang near every category and we wish we could have kept that going when he got back. So those are the things we’re looking to build off with DK, he’s such a force out there.

“It’s not just good enough to get the coverage tilted for him. We got to figure out more ways to give him the ball consistently and let it impact the game with the ball on his hands rather than just moving coverage that way.”

As for who will be throwing the ball to Smith-Njigba and Metcalf, Geno Smith will most likely be back for a fourth season as the Seahawks starting quarterback. While he struggled with turnovers this past season by throwing 15 interceptions, he also finished in the top five in the NFL in passing yards, completion percentage, and game-winning drives, and coordinator candidates may not have a better option to be paired with in this coaching cycle for immediate success than the accurate vet.

Of course, while Macdonald made it clear he wants the veteran signal caller back in 2025, some candidates may have a different plan in mind at quarterback than the 34-year old Smith, and for as much skill player talent as Seattle has, there’s a bigger catch. For whoever accepts the coordinator vacancy, i revolves around the major question marks along the offensive line.

On the plus side, the Seahawks do have a pair of quality young tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, who remain the foundation for a young unit and could both be part of the franchise’s long-term blueprint up front. Cross took a positive step forward starting all 17 games in his third season, while Lucas finally appears to be past the injury issues that dogged him over the past two seasons and will get to enjoy a normal offseason for the first time since his rookie year.

But a new offensive coordinator will inherit an interior offensive line that struggled mightily in 2024 with multiple starters at center and right guard and a looming change at left guard with starter Laken Tomlinson heading to free agency.

With Smith being pressured on 38.5 percent of his drop backs in 2024, right guard was the biggest problem for Seattle, as the quarterback took 24.5 percent of his pressures from that position, the second-highest rate behind Buffalo’s Josh Allen. Anthony Bradford allowed seven sacks – tied for the second-most among guards in the NFL this season – before an ankle injury ended his season and rookie Sataoa Laumea replaced him for the last six games, giving up 23 pressures and two sacks.

While the 33-year old Tomlinson might not be back on the left side, Bradford and Laumea will return next season along with returning second-year guard Christian Haynes, who failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities to carve out a starting role during a disappointing rookie season but remains part of the Seahawks future plans. Those three players could vie for two starting jobs next summer with the strong likelihood of adding to the group in free agency and/or the draft this spring.

At center, Seattle lost starter Connor Williams in Week 10 to an abrupt retirement, forcing Olu Oluwatimi into the starting lineup for the final eight games. The second-year pivot man allowed eight pressures and no sacks, and as Macdonald noted, if there’s a silver lining, his progress coupled with Lucas returning healthy and Laumea steadily improving in a second half audition provides at least a sliver of optimism for the future in the trenches.

“You look at the guys who were playing towards the end of the season, Abe coming off the injury, Olu really taking the center spot. Jalen Sundell had some good reps. Sataoa, I thought he played some really good football for us, so he’s got a great future,” Macdonald said. “I think there’s a lot of bright spots moving forward up front.”

Even with the chronic offensive line questions, assuming Smith and Metcalf both return to go with Smith-Njigba and Walker, the Seahawks have an exciting nucleus that should offer as much intrigue as any offensive coordinator opening in this cycle. Other teams such as the Browns, Jaguars, Patriots, and Raiders won’t have near as many weapons to sell a candidate and unlike those four teams, the organization offers far better stability right now as well.

From that standpoint, Macdonald’s proclamation that Seattle has the “best job out there” carries some weight, and as evidenced changing linebackers in the middle of the season, he’s already proven he can make swift, effective changes to personnel and the coaching staff when things don’t pan out as expected. In terms of upside, it’s tough to argue that any other current offensive coordinator openings have the pieces in place to match.

With that said, the position comes with an important caveat that could be seen as an asterisk to some candidates, as the new hire will need some support from Schneider to continue retooling the trenches to create an optimum opportunity to maximize on the Seahawks immense skill talent. If that doesn’t happen, however, the new coordinator may have a difficult time doing much better than Grubb did with clear personnel limitations.

Despite No Playoffs, Seahawks Prove Mettle as Road Warriors

Seahawks To Build 2025 OL Through All Avenues

Mike Macdonald: Geno Smith Returning to Seahawks ‘Best For Team’ in 2025

After Solid Rookie Year, Seahawks’ AJ Barner Played His Way Into TE1 Conversation

Examining 9 Candidates For Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Vacancy

Source link