3. Can the Seahawks pass protection continue to hold up against the one defense to record three sacks against them this year?
One of the big reasons for Seattle’s offensive success this season has been the pass protection that has given Sam Darnold time to operate. Through eight games, Darnold has been sacked only nine times, tied for the fewest in the league, and the Seahawks have had three games, including last weekend’s win in Washington, in which they did not allow a sack.
“Our offensive line, they deserve some love,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “They’re playing really hard. I loved how they operated and practiced last week. They did a great job, and the pass protection is a product of that. The thing I would say is that if you’re going to say pass rush is an 11-man job and how you affect the quarterback, pass protection is the same thing. The timing of plays, how we identify pressures, the protection, how we execute protections, how we get the spots on the field, and Sam (Darnold) getting through his progressions, there’s a lot of trust involved. There’s a lot of work involved to make sure that timing comes to life. They’re doing a great job, protecting Sam. I think we’re staying square. We’re being firm in the pocket, which is letting Sam do his thing back there. They definitely deserve some love.”
Seattle’s line will be facing a tough test this weekend, however, going against a Cardinals pass rush that produced five sacks in Monday’s win over the Cowboys. The Cardinals are also the only team to record three or more sacks against Seattle, and they’ve gotten deeper up front since the previous meeting, with first-round pick Walter Nolen III making his NFL debut on Monday, an outing that included a sack.
