Seahawks Midseason Review: Player Performances and Grades

The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a solid 7-2 record as they reach the midseason point of the NFL season. This performance ties their second-best start in franchise history, with only the 2013 team, which went on to win the Super Bowl, starting better at 11-1. Quarterback Sam Darnold has emerged as a pivotal figure in this success, garnering praise for his play. According to The Guardian US, Darnold has been sensational, leading the league in QBR and big-time throw rate, showcasing an ability to handle pressure and make challenging throws. His acquisition has transformed the Seahawks into one of the league's top teams, with his performance drawing comparisons to other top quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye. Bob Condotta from the Seattle Times notes that Darnold's performance has exceeded expectations, earning him an A-minus grade for his contributions, particularly in terms of wins above replacement.

The running back situation has been less stellar, with Kenneth Walker III showing promise, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and being on pace for over 1,000 yards. However, the overall performance of the running game has fluctuated, leading to a grade of B for the unit. The receiving corps, on the other hand, has thrived, particularly with rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba surpassing 1,000 yards and earning an A-minus grade for his impactful performance.

The offensive line has been a mixed bag, rated as middle-of-the-road for run and pass blocking. Despite impressive offensive stats, including 30.6 points per game, they received a B-minus grade, highlighting the need for improvement in protecting Darnold.

Defensively, the Seahawks have excelled in stopping the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry, and their defensive line has received high marks, earning an A-minus due to standout performances from Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. The edge rushers have also been effective, contributing to the team’s average of 3.6 sacks per game, which ranks among the best in the league, leading to a B-plus grade for the unit.

Inside linebacker play has been highlighted by Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight, both of whom have made significant contributions, earning an A-minus for their performances. The cornerback group has had ups and downs, particularly with injuries affecting key players like Devon Witherspoon. However, Riq Woolen has rebounded to play well, and the depth in this position is promising, leading to a B-plus grade.

In the safety position, the Seahawks have shown significant depth, with Ty Okada stepping in effectively during injuries. The special teams unit has been exceptional, rated number one by PFF, with Jason Myers performing reliably in field goals and Michael Dickson excelling as a punter. Overall, the coaching staff, led by head coach Macdonald, has also received high marks for their management and decision-making, earning an A grade for their performance this season. As the Seahawks look to build on their strong start, they will need to address their inconsistencies while maintaining the momentum they have generated in the first half of the season.