The Seattle Seahawks will be playing against a backup quarterback on Sunday. The Miami Dolphins will be without Tua Tagovailoa versus Seattle in Week 3. Tagovailoa is dealing with another scary-looking concussion and will be replaced in the lineup by Skylar Thompson.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald must be relishing his opportunity to prepare for an inexperienced quarterback like Thompson. This offers Macdonald’s unit an advantage. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense on Sunday.
Seahawks force 3 total turnovers
Thompson has struggled with protecting the football throughout his short career. The seventh-round quarterback out of Kansas State committed seven total turnovers in eight appearances in 2022, the last time he saw extended action. The Seahawks have forced three turnovers in two contests, and will be looking to add to their takeaway total on Sunday.
Devon Witherspoon gets his first interception of 2024
Cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Julian Love have the Seahawks’ only interceptions this season. Superstar corner Devon Witherspoon picked off just one pass as a rookie in 2023, and is looking to create more turnovers as a sophomore. Witherspoon will be lurking underneath the coverage on Sunday and trying to bait Thompson into a mistake.
Seahawks sack Thompson 4+ times
The Seahawks have recorded a league-average five sacks thus far. Breakout edge defender Boye Mafe leads the defense with two quarterback takedowns. Expect Macdonald to field an aggressive defensive front against Thompson, who has struggled with holding onto the football in the past. The Seahawks could rack up four-or-more sacks.
