Field Gulls
The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 215 snaps in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. That was the most so far this season. This includes snaps from some players not listed in this article such as Ricky White III (7), Nick Kallerup (11) and Connor O’Toole (17). In addition to the debuts of White III and Kallerup, this game marked the return of FB Robbie Ouzts. Furthermore, with three WRs out of the game (Dareke Young, Cooper Kupp and Jake Bobo) Tory Horton took on the role of WR2 and therefore had more snaps.
All data used in this article was taken from PFF.
Let’s analyze some of the key plays from this game!
According to PFF notes, his game was very dichotomous. He finished second in pass block grade with 79.2, without giving up any pressure, but he had the worst score in run block grade with 44.8. Yes, he needs to improve in the running game (as does the rest of the offensive line), but I don’t think his game was that far from Jalen Sundell’s, for example, who had the second-best run blocking grade with 70.8.
Let’s start with these issues in the running game. In the play above, his get off is very quick and he gets the reach block. However, he can’t sustain the block for very long. When the defensive lineman stretches his arms, he avoids contact with Zabel, and the LG can no longer recover. This “loss,” along with AJ Barner’s, results in an immediate tackle.
Zabel’s objective in this play is to block the #4. However, he is late in trying to help Charles Cross with the first block on the defensive lineman (#99). This allows the linebacker to penetrate, and Ken Walker tries to cut outside, without success.
There are encouraging snaps, like this one. The center helps the first block, and Zabel simply takes the defensive lineman off the screen. This would have been a big gap for the running back if Charles Cross had been able to maintain his block.
I always like recovery snaps. It’s natural for players to make some mistakes, so it’s crucial that they have the ability to recover and at least reduce the damage. Zabel’s first contact is poor, and he starts to lose contact with the DL. But, notice how he adjusts his feet to prevent the DL from advancing.
He analyzes the blitz threat and then comes to help defend the inside gap. He delivers a strong push, leaving the DL on the ground. It’s the kind of play you want to see from your OL.
Grey Zabel takes a step towards the left side, but the DL is slanting the inside gap. Basically, with one step, he’s back in position to make the block. Without a doubt, he has one of the best footwork in the position.
He had two pressures, six tackles (1 TFL), and was targeted...
