The Seattle Seahawks struggled to defend the run in Sunday’s 23-20 Week 2 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. The Patriots outgained the Seahawks 185-46 on the ground. Starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson compiled 81 rushing yards and a touchdown. Reserve player Antonio Gibson averaged an astonishing 8.6 yards per carry, gaining 96 total yards via just 11 carries.
As a team, the Patriots averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The Seahawks now own the league’s 21st-ranked run defense as a result, allowing 142 ground yards per contest. That displeases defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald, who oversaw an elite Baltimore Ravens defense in 2023 as their defensive coordinator.
“That number [the Patriots’ 185 rushing yards] makes you sick to your stomach,” Macdonald said via a recent appearance on 710-AM.
Based on Macdonald’s comments and overall approach, it’s obvious that correcting the run defense is going to be a huge point of emphasis against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Furthermore, the Dolphins are expected to take a run-heavy approach on offense. They’ll be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was placed on IR earlier this week after suffering another concussion.
The Dolphins currently rank sixth in rushing yards per game (135.8) and first in overall yards gained per contest (401.3). They have a potential breakout stud in sophomore running back De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert, who led the league in touchdowns last season. With the inexperienced Skylar Thompspon under center, you better believe the Dolphins will utilize the speed in their backfield. Head coach Mike McDaniel will also get creative with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in and around the line of scrimmage.
Expect Macdonald to field an aggressive defense that crowds the line of scrimmage with eight or nine defenders. Run blitzes could feature frequently throughout Macdonald’s defensive game plan. Week 3 versus the Dolphins could be a resume-defining showing for Seattle’s work-in-progress run defense.
