Seahawks rankings in 9 important team numbers going into Week 7
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By now you have probably heard that the Seattle Seahawks defense ranks dead last in the NFL in yards allowed per game, giving up 443.2 yards per contest. Yards will always be important, but this is also a somewhat facile way to evaluate a modern defense. In an era of advanced stats and efficiency ratings, there are certainly other numbers that are more compelling. Let’s take a look at some different stats to get a better idea of how good this team is right now in all three phases.
Here’s where Seattle ranks in nine important team numbers going into Week 7.
No. 6 in DVOA on offense
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The Seahawks have some kinks to work out yet, for sure. However, their offense is still one of the most efficient in the NFL, despite losing starting quarerback Russell Wilson for five quarters. Their run game is respectable and Geno Smith has at least kept the wheels on so far. They rank No. 6 in DVOA on offense at 15.8%.
No. 14 in offensive EPA/play
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Other metrics are not quite as kind to this unit, though. They currently rank No. 14 in offensive EPA/play at 0.060. While it’s a decent number, it’s also the lowest one in the NFC West. The Cardinals and the Rams are both in the top five and even the 49ers are one spot higher.
No. 18 in offensive success rate
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There’s no denying the explosive dynamic for this group. Consistency has been an issue, though. The boom-or-bust nature has led to a lot of quick three and out possessions, which has put a major strain on their defense. Seattle currently ranks No. 18 in offensive success rate at 45.2%.
No. 18 in points per game
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The Seahawks started the year off very hot, averaging 29 points per game from Weeks 1-2. Things have dropped off over the last several weeks, though and now they only rank No. 18 in points per game, averaging 23.3 per contest. This is also last in the division.
No. 22 in DVOA on defense
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
While that yardage number at the top is awfully scary, it would be misleading to suggest this is the worst defense in pro football right now. Seattle ranks No. 22 in DVOA on defense at 5.5%. This unit’s performance against Pittsburgh on Sunday night was also very encouraging.
No. 22 in defensive EPA/play
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
In this case, the advanced stats are aligned. The team also ranks No. 22 in defensive EPA/play at 0.085. Once again, this puts them at fourth place in obscenity that is the NFC West.
No. 24 in defensive success rate
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This unit ranks No. 24 in defensive success rate at 47.6%. Thanks in part to their refusal to disguise coverages pre-snap and soft-shell zone tendencies, their opponents are averaging a league-best 25.5 first downs per game.
No. 20 in points allowed
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The scoreboard is ultimately what matters most, though. The Seahawks defense ranks No. 20 in points per game allowed at 24.8. Take away the Colts’ pathetic 16-point performance in Week 1 and their opponents’ average goes up to 26.6 per game.
No. 9 in DVOA on special teams
Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle’s special teams unit has been relatively strong, ranking No. 9 in DVOA at 1.9%. Jason Myer has missed a few kicks he should have made, but that’s really the only minor concern, here. Punter Michael Dickson has been absolutely crushing it and the return game is solid.
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