Browns vs Seahawks: Four important players for Seattle in this crucial game

admin | October 27, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Plenty to be aware of for Browns fans watching the Seahawks

One of the NFL’s most underappreciated matchups on Sunday is the Cleveland Browns’ trip to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8. Cleveland will play their second NFC West rival of the season after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.

I will attempt to be as objective as possible in this evaluation even though I am a Seahawks fan (note that I said attempt). Although Seattle isn’t as good as the 49ers or the Eagles in the NFC, this club is nonetheless superior to popular belief.

Pete Carroll has received a lot of criticism, some of which is justified and some of which is unwarranted, but overall, he has done a decent job of leading his teams to their potential. This club is talented both offensively and defensively.

This offensive unit ranks among the top 10 in terms of efficiency. Geno Smith, the quarterback, is well known. He didn’t write back, so you know what happened after everyone wrote him off. He has been giving Seattle some continuity at the position while also playing good football. Later on, the running back tandem of Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker will be extremely dangerous, and the wide receiver group of Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith Njigba, and DK Metcalf will be a threat.

Jake Bobo, a wide receiver, is another player to be aware of. The offensive line of the Seahawks is strong even though some players are hurt.

This group has greatly improved defensively from the previous campaign. Seattle’s run defense has significantly improved, much like the Browns’. In terms of Run Defense EPA per play, Cleveland and Seattle both performed poorly in the previous campaign. Both clubs are placed in the top 10 this season, fourth and eighth.

Fan favorite and Seahawks legend Bobby Wagner returns to Seattle after spending a year with the Los Angeles Rams to help lead the linebacker room with Jordyn Brooks (who Seattle drafted in 2020 to replace Wagner). Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon are slowly emerging as a top-10 cornerback duo while safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams are an underrated safety duo.

Here are the 4 players to watch for from the Seahawks this week:

RB Kenneth Walker III

When Seattle drafted Kenneth Walker in the 2021 NFL Draft, many were wondering why Seattle made that decision. Considering the health of running backs Chris Carson (who eventually retired due to neck issues) and Rashaad Penny, Seattle ended up choosing the former Michigan State Spartan.

Safe to say, it has paid dividends. In his rookie season, Walker rushed for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. Seattle ranks in the top 10 in rushing EPA/per play and Walker is one of the many reasons for that.

Walker has immense talent, whether it is his strength to break tackles or reach that second gear when he gets to the second level. His running style from last year has changed this year, and it’s evident if you watch him.

Last season, Walker would tend to emulate Le’Veon Bell in terms of patience and waiting for the hole to open up but Bell doesn’t have the burst that Walker has. Cleveland’s run defense got a bit of a test last week against Indianapolis and this week it will be tested yet again.

LB Jordyn Brooks

Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, one player that people should keep a close eye on is Brooks. After suffering a torn ACL last season, Brooks looks rejuvenated and it shows in the film. Brooks was originally drafted to be the successor for Wagner. Brooks has had his ups and downs during his career but this season he is playing with a point to prove. While, Brooks is coming off a torn ACL and he’s playing at a high level.

His sideline-to-sideline speed has been impressive, he has been stout in coverage and has made numerous plays when called upon. It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if Seattle were to try to extend him if he continues to play at a high level. Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, he played arguably one of his best games in his career and was making multiple plays.

Cleveland’s offense will have to be wary of Brooks, he has the ability to come up big when necessary.

LB Boye Mafe

If there is one player on Seattle’s defense that Browns fans should worry about (just a little bit) it’s Mafe. Considering how linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is lost for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle, Mafe becomes the best edge rusher on the team. Going back to the preseason, Mafe showed signs that he was due for a breakout season. Mafe ranks 12th in pass rush win rate, 9th in win rate in terms of true pass sets and he leads the team in sacks. If you watch the tape, you can see how impactful he has been.

Mafe shows quickness and burst off the edge in his pass rush, and he has been stout against the run which was something that he excelled at when he was at the University of Minnesota.

Cleveland’s pass protection has been solid for the past two weeks but this week it will be tested. Mafe has the ability to make a play and Jed Wills and Dawand Jones will have to be prepared for it. Mafe will likely be lined up on the left side with Nwosu being out (he could line up on the right) and is someone to watch closely.

CB Devon Witherspoon

When the Seahawks drafted cornerback Devon Witherspoon in this past draft, many believed that this was the wrong pick considering how current Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was right there. Seattle opted to take University of Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon at pick #8. Has it paid off? DJ, play the track.

Despite not playing at all in the preseason due to a hamstring injury and missing the first game of the season, Witherspoon has emerged as a contributor in this Seattle secondary. He’s been solid in run defense and he’s been solid in run coverage as well. When you go back to the Legion of Boom, their secondary played with a certain level of physicality. Witherspoon fits that mold. Sticky in coverage, good range and the ability to lay the boom if needed.

Witherspoon is in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, rightfully so and he’s only going to get better.

For Cleveland, I would advise you to tread carefully around Witherspoon. He can get over-aggressive at times which Cleveland should take advantage of but last week he had a sack and an interception that were negated by penalties. He’s that dude and Cleveland needs to keep an eye on Spoon.