After defeating the Broncos, the Chargers look to make it four straight wins when they host the Seahawks this Sunday.
To get you prepped for the Week 7 bout, here are four key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Geno is a guy
After the marriage between the Seahawks and Russell Wilson ended, they turned to Geno Smith as the man under center. Expectations were fairly low for the 10-year veteran, but surprisingly, Smith has surpassed them. Through six games, Smith leads the NFL with a 73.4% completion rate and ranks fourth in QBR (68.3). Besides being an efficient passer, Smith has done the job with his legs, as he ranks eighth among quarterbacks in total rushing yards (125).
Dynamic wide receiver duo
Smith has benefited from having prolific pass-catchers at his disposal. Tyler Lockett (34 catches, 423 yards) and D.K. Metcalf (30 catches, 406 yards) are in the top seven in receiving yards in the NFC. A threat with the ball in his hands at all levels of the field, Lockett is averaging over 12 yards per catch and has recorded five big plays (20+ yard receptions). Meanwhile, Metcalf has a rare combination of size, speed and physicality.
Young guns
It looks like the Seahawks struck gold with their 2022 rookie class. First-round pick Charles Cross has looked every bit of a franchise left tackle. Second-round selection Boye Mafe has been a solid rotational edge defender. Their other second-rounder, Kenneth Walker, has 243 rushing yards and has scored in consecutive games. Third-round right tackle Abraham Lucas leads all rookie tackles with a pass-blocking grade of 70.5. In the backend of the defense, cornerbacks Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen have been nothing short of outstanding. Bryant leads the NFL in fumbles with four, while Woolen has the most interceptions (4) and is allowing a passer rating of 38.6 when targeted.
Suspect defense
If it weren’t for the Seahawks having a good offense, they likely wouldn’t have three wins because their defense has been shaky this season. Seattle entered Week 6 allowing the most yards per game (430) and the second-most points per game (30.8), as well as showing up poorly in other metrics, including yards per pass (8.3) and yards per rush (5.0). Last weekend in their victory over the Cardinals, the Seahawks held them to just 315 total yards and nine points, a sign of a potential turnaround. Former Chargers edge defender Uchenna Nwosu has been a bright spot, as he has 19 pressures and three sacks.
