Gang Green Nation
The Jets take on old friend Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday
The New York Jets are essentially out of playoff contention already, but they will be seeking to restore some pride in front of their home fans on Sunday against a 6-5 Seattle Seahawks team. The Seahawks are looking to consolidate their place atop the NFC West against a team that last beat them 20 years ago.
Let’s break down the Seattle roster going position by position:
Quarterbacks
Geno Smith last played for the Jets eight years ago, but he will still enjoy an opportunity to get one over on his old team as he strives for his third Pro Bowl appearance in a row.
Smith leads the NFL in completions and passing yards per game, but he also has a league-high 12 interceptions. Having led the league in completion percentage last season, he’s down in fifth place this year. He also has four 300-yard games.
Compared to last season, Smith has been running the ball more. He has generated 14 first downs and two touchdowns on the ground, including a 34-yarder, so you still need to account for his ability to make plays with his legs.
Former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell backs up Smith, but he has not had to throw a pass so far this year.
Offensive Line
The Seahawks have good stability on the left side of the line with former first round pick Charles Cross at tackle and ex-Jet Laken Tomlinson at guard. Each has been healthy all year. However, they’ve been forced into multiple changes at the other three positions on the line.
At center, veteran Connor Williams just announced his retirement a few weeks ago, so youngster Olu Oluwatimi has taken over as the starter. He’s actually done really well so far.
The right guard for the first 11 games was Anthony Bradford, but he was just placed on injured reserve. Seattle is giving two rookies a chance to compete for the starting role this week. Third round pick Christian Haynes saw some action earlier in the season but struggled, so sixth rounder Sataoa Laumea might end up getting his first chance to play. Bradford was leading the team in penalties and sacks allowed so this was already a weak spot for the Seahawks.
The starting right tackle is now Abraham Lucas, who was just activated off the PUP list two games ago. Lucas started 16 games at right tackle as a rookie in 2022 but suffered a serious knee injury last year. Prior to Lucas’ return, Stone Forsythe started five games and George Fant started two before each ended up on injured reserve. Another sixth round rookie, Michael Jerrell, filled in as the starter for a few games before Lucas returned, but he struggled and is now back on the bench.
Forsythe could also return this week, as he’s recovered from the injury that sidelined him earlier this year, so his practice window has been opened. This could be...
