How Seahawks can take advantage of Commanders’ defense

The Seattle Seahawks are looking to build off their strong start as they begin the second half of their season this weekend.

After their bye week, the 5-2 Seahawks travel across the country for a primetime matchup with the Washington Commanders and old friend Bobby Wagner on Sunday. With a win, Seattle will be guaranteed to at least remain tied for first place in the NFC West with the Los Angels Rams.

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The Commanders may have star second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels back for the matchup, presenting a challenge for the Seahawks’ defense. However, Sunday’s game looks like an opportunity for a big game from Seattle’s fifth-ranked scoring offense.

Washington enters the week 21st in points allowed (24.8 per game) and 27th in total defense (372.8 yards per game). It’s also allowed the most yards per pass attempt (7.8) of any team in the league. Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is the league leader with 9.1 yards per attempt.

Additionally, it could be an opportunity for Seattle to get its run game going. The Commanders are 22nd in the league against the run (128.8 yards per game), while the Seahawks are 21st in rushing offense (106.1 yards per game) despite averaging the sixth-most carries per game (28.9).

What is the key to taking advantage of a susceptible Commanders defense? Former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus broke it down during his Four Down Territory segment on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.

“Middle, middle,” Bumpus said. “I’m talking about (attacking) the middle of the defensive line, the middle linebacker, the middle of the field.”

The 35-year-old Wagner, a Seahawks legend and future Hall of Fame linebacker, is part of the equation.

“I look at the film, and Bobby Wagner’s having a decent season when you look at the numbers that he’s putting up, but it’s just not that violent player anymore,” Bumpus said. “He’s not getting downhill.”

Bumpus also believes an up-the-middle approach in the run game would benefit an interior of the Seahawks offensive line that has had some struggles this year.

“I understand the wide zone is going to influence the defense, get guys flowing left and right (and) you boot off of that. But get physical, Bumpus said. “I think that the middle of the defense can be got, and I feel that’s how you jumpstart this run game. I mean, you can run middle inside zone. You can try to trap the (interior defensive linemen).

“And then when it comes to throwing the football, attack the middle of the field. You got some space and opportunity.”

Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player in this story. Listen to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app. 

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