What's Behind Seattle Seahawks Run Defense Regression? - Locked On Podcast

Allowing more than 40 percent of their rushing yards for the entire season in a 37-3 loss, the Seattle Seahawks got gashed by the Baltimore Ravens with 298 yards on the ground. What went wrong? And how concerning is the recent drop off in run defense?

Following a strong start to the season stuffing the run, the Seattle Seahawks have taken a major step backward over the past three weeks, with the regression reaching a new low point surrendering 298 yards on the ground in a blowout 37-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Surrendering nearly 40 percent of their season total in rushing yards in just four quarters, the Seahawks were plagued by poor tackling, inconsistent run fits, and shaky pursuit angles, allowing the trio of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and rookie Keaton Mitchell to rush for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. With quarterback Lamar Jackson also adding 60 yards on the ground, coach Pete Carroll's squad gave up four runs of 20 or more yards.

This ugly performance came on the heels of back-to-back games against Arizona and Cleveland where Seattle gave up at least 127 rushing yards in close victories at Lumen Field, showcasing signs of clear regression after an excellent first month of the season slowing down opposing ball carriers.

What has gone wrong? And can the issue be fixed? On a new Locked On Seahawks, hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang dive into stats and diagnose a few plays from Sunday's game to diagnose Seattle's returning run defense issues, including a 42-yard run from Edwards where numerous defenders came up empty on tackle attempts.

Smith and Rang also share their final thoughts coming out of Week 9 on "Tell The Truth Tuesday" with a focus on Shane Waldron's recent play calling slump and turn the page to take a first peek at the Washington Commanders with what to expect on offense and defense.

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