Chiefs 2022 Opponent Overview: Seattle Seahawks

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For the final time in the regular season, the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing a non-conference game against an NFC opponent. The Seattle Seahawks are the final squad for Kansas City to face from the NFC West division. Overall, that entire division has seen shocking developments come one after another. Seeing Seattle be competitive is something that most did not expect coming into the season, however. There is no guarantee that the Seahawks make the playoffs. Accordingly, there will be some work to do for them to get into the postseason, as they are currently just on the outside looking in. But, many did not envision saying that last sentence for Seattle in 2022.

More on some of the key matchups and game planning will be covered right here throughout this week. Today, we will be giving our own view of the Seattle Seahawks entering their matchup with the Chiefs. What can Kansas City expect from their offense and defense? Let’s kick it off.

Super Smith

While the Russell Wilson trade was shocking, you could see elements of a split building in Seattle over the last couple of seasons. Immediately after the blockbuster move, most assumed that the quarterback who the Seahawks acquired from the Denver Broncos would be the starting quarterback to open the season. That player, Drew Lock, was unable to win a training camp battle, allowing for veteran Geno Smith to take the reins.

His story of winning the job was tremendous itself. For instance, Smith had not been a starting quarterback in a season-opening game in eight years, when he faced and defeated Wilson in Week 1. Add in the success that he has had throughout most of the season, and Smith is likely going to be paid handsomely to be a starter again beyond this season. Whether that comes in Seattle or somewhere else, it will be well-earned after enduring a winding road throughout his NFL career.

Where has Smith stood out the most? Arguably, his accuracy and ball placement have been perfect. It seems like every throw is only to where his guy can go up and get it. That is true both in traffic, and in one-on-one situations, to boot. Elsewhere, Smith has shown noticeable awareness to use his legs. He can win by taking off and running. Meanwhile, Smith is a bit underrated, when it comes to his ability to step away from pressure in the pocket.

Feel The Rhythm

Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron runs a fascinating offensive scheme. Overall, there is a great mix of new age thinking and traditional thinking to his approach. From a new age perspective, Waldron appears to favor personnel to certain matchups depending on the opposing defense, rather than sticking with the top skill players with no adjustments. You can see him alter from 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) or 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends). When increasing his usage of tight ends, Waldron looks to attack defenses both vertically and in the perimeter. On top of that, you have seen the Seahawks increase their usage of play action for underneath and intermediate routes, not just solely for the deep passing game.

There is also the traditional side of the Seattle gameplans. Largely, this team wants the run game to be a staple of the offensive attack. What makes the Seahawks tough to corral in that regard, is the fact that almost any of their running backs can win in between the tackles. The Seahawks will also look to get Smith going by attempting short to intermediate throws early on. Progressively, Seattle will then look to broaden their routes and passing concepts in the deeper portions of the field. It may seem simple. Yet, the Seahawks have found the necessary rhythm to start small, so to speak, before expanding the passing attack.

Late Season Nosedive

Far and away, the Seattle defense has been the biggest reason for their late season nosedive. Despite still being close in the playoff race, the Seahawks have gone just 1-4 in their last five games. That comes after a 6-3 start to the season, of course. As a result, they sit at .500 with a 7-7 record. In that five-game span, the Seahawks have allowed a total of 135 points, good for 27 points allowed per game.

In the front seven, Uchenna Nwosu has been stymied lately after producing consistently as a pass rusher. Beyond Nwosu, the rest of the pass rush has been mostly nonexistent. Veterans Quinton Jefferson and Shelby Harris have been outmuscled and run over by opposing offensive linemen far too often. Furthermore, linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton are being forced to make more stops in space. While they have not been hopeless there, Seattle is not receiving the same kind of production from that duo either.

Finally, the greatest amount of confusion has shown up in the Seahawks secondary. Tariq Woolen has enjoyed a fine rookie season. Though, he and fellow rookie Coby Bryant have been tested heavily by larger and more physical pass catchers lately. Others like Ryan Neal and Mike Jackson have been caught with bad body positioning, allowing opposing pass catchers to gain easy leverage on the inside. Can this group find some cohesion in the final few weeks?

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.