Jackson Powers-Johnson vs. DeForest Buckner
After missing two games coming out of concussion protocol, Jackson Powers-Johnson looked dominant against the Chicago Bears.
Pro Football Focus gave him a team-high 85.4 pass blocking grade, and he did not allow a single sack or pressure throughout the game. He even had two tackles on Kevin Byard III to prevent interceptions returned for touchdowns.
"I was really happy with JPJ's game," Pete Carroll said Wednesday, "and he's going to start this week, and we're looking forward to seeing him contribute again. He had a good, significant role now that we can see it all happen."
His fast and physical style of play will be needed more than ever against a Colts interior line starring All-Pro tackle DeForest Buckner. The three-time Pro Bowler has a career 67.5 sacks and 92 tackles for loss. He's been the catalyst for a Colts defense that's allowed the eighth-least amount of rushing yards to opposing offenses this season. Additionally, his run tackle percentage of 31.7 leads all defensive tackles, per Next Gen Stats.
"Great interior D-line ... especially with D-Fo [Deforest Buckner]," Powers-Johnson said. "Me being an Oregon guy looking up to him, getting able to play him and test my metal against those guys, it's definitely going to be a challenge but I'm excited for it."
Coming off a Week 4 game where Geno Smith wasn't sacked and the ground game exploding for 240 yards, this matchup will be imperative to win – especially with left tackle Kolton Miller going down with an ankle injury.