The Seattle Seahawks are entering their bye week 5-2 and tied for first in the NFC West.
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The good and bad news about that is that while they’re in prime position to build on a stellar start in the second half of the season, they’ll also need to separate themselves from a pack of six teams currently tied for the best record in the conference.
Here are two keys to solidifying a promising group over the final 10 games.
Crack the run game code
Just seven teams are averaging more carries per game than Seattle, so it’s not for a lack of trying that the run game hasn’t taken off. The Seahawks are also seeing some explosive run plays. And while the run play percentage is keeping their pass game healthy, it’s also meant they’re not the well-rounded offense they’d love to be — and they’re missing a key element to their stated identity.
And while Seattle is adding tremendous value offensively with its explosive pass game, it’s tracking a minus-0.16 EPA/rush, second worst in the league behind the Raiders. That’s a complicated way to say that on average, the Seahawks’ rushing attempts make it less likely that play or drive will result in points, probably because there are so many attempts that are for a loss or no gain.
Coincidentally, the Rams are the third worst… and the 49ers are also in the bottom six. That’s not a horrible thing per se — all three teams are 5-2 — it’s just that all three NFC West leaders are significantly more effective at passing the ball right now. They’re leaning on the threat of the run, but it’s not adding the return they need.
NFL standings
Both of Seattle’s running backs are healthy, which is good news two months into the season, but the Seahawks will be taking a closer look at their run game heading into the bye.
“I thought we took strides (in Monday’s win over Houston),” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told Brock and Salk on Tuesday. “There’s an opportunity there for more explosive yards and I think it’s just going to come with more detail. I think we’re figuring out what we do well, which is a positive. And coaches are working well together. We’re not there yet, but it’s positive (and) I think we’re going in the right direction.”
Focus on fundamentals
There’s plenty to be happy with for the Seahawks through seven weeks, but you can be sure that Macdonald is eyeing a few basic categories: third-down conversions and turnovers.
Seattle is 28th in third-down conversion percentage (33%), better only than the Jaguars, Jets, Texans and Titans. While the 5-2 Eagles are also huddled next to Seattle there (34%), it’s an area that could cost the Hawks in key moments.
At the top of the league? Green Bay (49%), San Francisco (47%) and Indy (46%).
Turnovers are another key area of concern. Seattle’s minus-4 turnover differential is seventh-worst. This time it’s not the fault of a defense that’s struggling to get interceptions; Seattle ranks fourth there with eight.
But there are some odd notes on fumbles. The Seahawks remain the only team to not recover a fumble from an opposing offense, and have fumbled the ball away more than any other team with seven, which is tied with the Jets.
More on the Seattle Seahawks
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• Daniel Jeremiah: Seattle Seahawks one of NFC’s two best teams
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