The Seattle Seahawks will face a significant challenge in Week 7 as they head into their matchup missing key players on both defense and offense. The team has officially ruled out two cornerbacks and their starting right tackle, posing a considerable test of the Seahawks’ depth as they prepare for a crucial game in their 2024 NFL campaign. While the Seahawks have shown resilience this season, these absences come at a time when every game is vital to maintaining their position in the competitive NFC West.
The Seahawks will be without two of their cornerbacks, a blow that could strain their secondary against a pass-heavy opponent. The players ruled out are starting cornerback Devon Witherspoon and key rotational player Tre Brown. Witherspoon, who has been a breakout star since being drafted, has provided a significant boost to the Seahawks’ secondary. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to match up with top receivers, Witherspoon’s absence leaves a major gap in the defensive backfield. His ability to shut down opposing receivers and make plays on the ball has been instrumental in helping Seattle’s defense limit big plays down the field.
Tre Brown, while not a starter, has been a reliable contributor in the secondary, often rotating in on passing downs and providing depth when the Seahawks employ nickel and dime packages. Brown’s absence further thins out the cornerback position, forcing the Seahawks to rely on less experienced players in critical situations.
With these two out, Seattle will have to turn to backups like Michael Jackson and Artie Burns to fill the void. This is a tough assignment, as Seattle faces an opponent with a talented receiving corps that can exploit mismatches. Jackson, who has shown flashes of potential, will need to step up and handle a starting role, while Burns, a veteran presence, must provide stability in coverage. This will also place additional pressure on the Seahawks’ safeties, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, to provide help over the top and ensure that Seattle’s secondary remains disciplined.
Adding to the Seahawks’ woes, starting right tackle Abraham Lucas has been ruled out for Week 7 as well. Lucas has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s offensive line, providing protection for quarterback Geno Smith and helping to anchor the running game. The loss of a starting tackle is never ideal, especially against a defensive front that is capable of generating pressure from multiple angles.
Lucas’s absence will force the Seahawks to shuffle their offensive line, likely turning to backup Jake Curhan or other reserves to fill the void. This shift could impact the team’s ability to protect Geno Smith against edge rushers and maintain their balanced offensive attack. For a Seahawks team that has relied heavily on a strong ground game, led by running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, losing a key run blocker like Lucas could limit their effectiveness.
To compensate, the Seahawks may need to adjust their offensive game plan, incorporating more quick passing plays and focusing on getting the ball out of Smith’s hands faster. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron might also lean on tight ends and running backs in pass protection to help the makeshift line manage the pressure. However, any breakdowns in protection could disrupt Seattle’s rhythm and make it difficult for Smith to connect with top targets like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
These injuries present a major test for Seattle’s depth and resilience as they head into Week 7. Head coach Mike MacDonald has emphasized a “next man up” mentality throughout his tenure, but this will be one of the more significant challenges the team has faced this season. The ability of backups to step into starting roles and perform effectively could be the difference between victory and defeat in this matchup.
Defensively, the Seahawks will need to find ways to generate pressure on the opposing quarterback to alleviate some of the strain on their depleted secondary. Pass rushers like Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe will need to play a pivotal role in disrupting the passing game, helping to mask the potential vulnerabilities at cornerback. If Seattle’s front seven can control the line of scrimmage and get to the quarterback, it could prevent their opponent from taking advantage of the inexperienced defensive backs.
On the offensive side, the Seahawks will need a strong performance from their interior line to help compensate for Lucas’s absence. Establishing the run game early could relieve some pressure from the backup right tackle, making the offense less predictable and reducing the number of obvious passing situations where the defense can tee off on the quarterback.
The Week 7 matchup is crucial for the Seahawks as they look to keep pace in the NFC West. With the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams also fighting for playoff positions, every game carries significant weight. A win could solidify Seattle’s standing as a contender, while a loss could create a difficult uphill battle in the second half of the season.
Despite the challenges, the Seahawks have shown a tendency to thrive under adversity in recent seasons. Geno Smith, in particular, has proven himself capable of leading the offense even when faced with tough defensive matchups. The Seahawks’ coaching staff will need to craft a game plan that minimizes the impact of their injuries and maximizes the strengths of their available players.
The absence of two cornerbacks and their starting right tackle will certainly make Week 7 a challenging game for the Seattle Seahawks, but it also represents an opportunity for backups to step up and prove their worth. If Seattle can overcome these setbacks and secure a victory, it would be a testament to the team’s depth, coaching, and resolve. As the Seahawks look to navigate these challenges, Week 7 could serve as a defining moment in their 2024 season—a moment that reveals the character and resilience of this team.
For the Seahawks’ young and untested players stepping into larger roles, this game provides a chance to prove themselves and contribute to a team that has its sights set on competing in the playoffs. A strong performance, despite the injuries, would go a long way toward building confidence for the remainder of the season and keeping Seattle in the thick of the playoff race.