The Seahawks head to Maryland in Week 3 with a chance to stack a third straight win, and the matchup sets up like one that could get lopsided fast. Washington comes in battered, with Jayden Daniels likely to miss extended time because of a shoulder injury, while Seattle may get Sam Darnold back after a couple of weeks out. Add in a defense that’s been carrying the load, and this could turn into the kind of game where lesser-known names end up stealing a little of the spotlight.
That’s especially true if the Seahawks are able to control the game early and lean on the run. If that happens, there are a few players who could wind up making a bigger impression than expected.
Christian Haynes is the most obvious one. With Anthony Bradford headed to IR because of knee and hip injuries, Haynes is lined up to take over at right guard.
The opportunity is there, and so is the chance to make the spot his own. Seattle’s run game should have room to work against Dan Quinn’s defense, which has never been especially strong against the run.
Rookie Beau Stephens is also expected to be in the mix, though the sense is that the team doesn’t think he’s quite ready yet. If Haynes handles his business, he’ll have a month to build his case as the missing piece inside.
Emanuel Wilson could also see his role grow in a hurry. Jadarian Price and George Holani are both banged up, and with Seattle likely easing Darnold back into action, the backfield could belong to Wilson in this one.
If the Seahawks jump out early, there’s even less reason to expose Price or Holani, who are described as the team’s RB1 and RB2. Wilson already made a strong impression with a bigger workload in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, so Brian Fleury may decide to stick with the hot hand and keep feeding him.
Then there’s Rashid Shaheed, who would qualify as a surprise simply because the early returns in Seattle haven’t been loud. After two quiet outings, a breakout would stand out in a big way.
But this matchup gives him a chance to get going. Washington’s secondary has been described as terrible, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone on that side who can match up with one of the fastest players in the league.
In Other News...
Rams Suddenly Have A Puka Nacua Problem Heading Into Week 3
Puka Nacuas status has become one of the early-season worries for the Rams, with Sean McVay saying there is still uncertainty about whether the receiver will be available in Week 3. McVay described the issue as a minor injury and stressed that it is not viewed as a long-term concern, but even a brief absence would matter for a Los Angeles offense that has leaned heavily on him as a featured option.
For the Seahawks, it is the kind of development worth watching closely in a division that has already had its share of early drama. Seattle is also dealing with its own storyline after Mike Macdonald addressed a past controversy tied to Sean Paytons cheating suspicions, apologized for airing a private conversation, and said he takes responsibility for what he said. In a crowded NFC West, those off-field moments can linger just as much as the injury reports. [Read more 🡒]
Drew Lock Just Made Seattles Quarterback Decision A Lot Tougher
Drew Lock has spent the first two games of the season making a real case for himself behind Sam Darnold, and he has done it in a way that has turned heads inside and outside the locker room. DeMarcus Lawrence was among those taking notice, pointing to Locks high completion rate, four touchdowns and zero interceptions as evidence that Seattles backup has handled the job with poise while filling in.
The timing only adds to the intrigue for the Seahawks. Darnold is working back from injury and could be close to returning, but Locks strong start has raised his profile at exactly the wrong moment for a team that still has to sort out its long-term quarterback picture. With Lock in the final year of his contract and headed for unrestricted free agency after the season, Seattle suddenly has more to weigh than just who starts next week. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Real Fight Brewing On The Offensive Line
Anthony Bradfords move to injured reserve has suddenly opened a meaningful hole for Seattle along the offensive line, and the Seahawks will have to sort it out without their starting right guard for at least four games because of a hip injury. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury said Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens will handle the spot in Bradfords absence, setting up a competition that arrived faster than the team probably wanted.
Fleury pointed to both players work in the previous game against the Arizona Cardinals, which gives Seattle some reason for optimism even with the shuffle. Still, this is the kind of injury that can test depth quickly, especially up front, and the Seahawks now have a real decision to monitor as they look for the best answer on the right side of the line. [Read more 🡒]