Seahawks' Defense Tested by Rising Injuries

Seattle Seahawks Face Defensive Challenges

Before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to accumulate 426 total yards against the Seattle Seahawks, the team was already aware that they would be playing with limited defensive resources. Three key defensive starters—end DeMarcus Lawrence, safety Julian Love, and All-Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon—were not on the field for Sunday’s game. Additionally, linebacker Derick Hall suffered an oblique injury, and cornerback Riq Woolen sustained a concussion during the match.

Despite the significant number of defensive players sidelined, coach Mike Macdonald refused to use injuries as an excuse for the 38-35 loss. “Injuries happen in the NFL,” he said. “I have to design better plays and put our guys in better positions consistently to play better on defense. It’s that simple.”

Without the presence of Witherspoon, Love, and Woolen, the Bucs' offense, which is ranked seventh in scoring, took full advantage of the weakened secondary. The Seahawks’ defense appeared confused at times, allowing Mayfield to complete 87.9% of his passes—his highest completion percentage of the season.

Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II acknowledged the issues faced by the defense. “We just gave up some plays (Sunday) that we shouldn’t have given up,” he said. “As a whole, we just have to be better.”

The Seahawks had been among the top teams in the league in terms of points allowed entering the weekend. Safety Coby Bryant emphasized the need for healthy players to step up while their injured teammates recover. “It can be tough,” Bryant said. “But at the end of the day, it’s like I said earlier, the next-man-up mentality. Whoever is out there, we’ve all got to be on the same page. We didn’t do that today.”

What's Working

The early results from the $100.5 million, three-year contract given to quarterback Sam Darnold are looking positive. He ranks third in accuracy among quarterbacks and is second in passer rating behind Indianapolis' Daniel Jones. Darnold also sits sixth in the league in passing yardage.

What Needs Help

One area where the Seahawks are struggling is forcing fumbles. They have yet to force a single fumble this season, a distinction they share only with the Green Bay Packers. Last year, the team forced 14 fumbles but recovered only four.

Stock Up

Despite the challenges, the Seahawks’ run defense continues to perform well. On Sunday, they held the Bucs to just 56 yards on 24 rushing attempts, averaging 2.3 yards per carry. The team has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the league this season.

Stock Down

Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe saw limited action, but his performance did not go smoothly. During one option play, he made a poor pitch to Kenneth Walker III, which was recovered by the Bucs and set up their first touchdown drive.

Injuries

Coach Macdonald reported that Witherspoon and Lawrence will attempt to practice this week. However, Hall remains week-to-week due to his oblique injury, and Woolen is still in the concussion protocol.

Key Number

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has recorded three games with 100 or more receiving yards, matching his total from the entire 2024 season.

Next Steps

The Seahawks will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their next game, which is scheduled for Sunday.