The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Tennessee Titans last night, 16-15. While we didn't get to see Geno Smith and the starters on the field, we nevertheless learned a lot about this young roster, especially at quarterback.
Here are a few takeaways from the team's Pro Football Focus grades for this week.
Sam Howell, P.J. Walker at opposite ends on offense
The two highest-graded players for Seattle's offense were naturally the duo of backup quarterback Sam Howell and fourth-string wide receiver Easop Winston. Together they hooked up for three receptions, totaling 47 yards and one touchdown. Winston's 90.2 overall grade was the best for this unit, followed by Howell's 80.7 rating. Howell had a dazzling game all around, no matter who he was targeting.
At the other end, quarterback P.J. Walker earned the lowest grade for the Seahawks offense this week. He posted a 37.3 overall grade, which got dragged down by a brutal 38.3 passing score. Walker ended the game just 4/8 for 38 yards, no touchdowns and a passer rating of 63.5. Also having struggling last week, Walker should be considered a very distant third on the depth chart at quarterback.
Backup rookie offensive tackles Garret Greenfield and Sataoa Laumea were also on the lower end on offense, with poor grades in run blocking bringing down both their scores. Right guard Anthony Bradford was the top-rated offensive lineman at 80.5 overall.
Derick Hall led a sharp edge rotation on defense
On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks' depth on the edge shone through. Second-year edge rusher Derick Hall led the way with an 86.7 overall grade, thanks in large part to a sharp 81.1 mark in pass rushing. Nelson Ceasar, Boye Mafe and Darrell Taylor all graded out well, too. Safety Ty Okada was the big pleasant surprise this week, as he hustled his way into the top five with a 76.8 overall grade.
Rookie cornerback D.J. James and undrafted defensive tackle Davere Levelston posted the lowest grades for Seattle defensively. Levelston's grade was hurt by a bad 30.1 rating in tackling, while James earned a rough coverage grade at 40.7. Rookie corner/kick returner Dee Williams shined in limited action (14 defensive snaps), posting the team's highest coverage grade at 84.2.
Laviska Shenault Jr. paces special teams unit
On special teams it's no surprise that Shenault came in with the best overall grade (80.5). On the game's opening play he laid a big block to spring Dee Williams loose for a big kick return, and later he made a nice stop on special teams, as well. Derick Hall and Nelson Ceasar were also among the five highest-graded players in this phase.
