Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Falcons in Week 8

Stud: Jadeveon Clowney, DE

I have been critical of Seattle’s pass rush this season, but the Seahawks got after Matt Schaub on Sunday. While the Seahawks only sacked Schaub twice, the team recorded seven quarterback hits as well. Jadeveon Clowney was responsible for one of those sacks and three quarterback hits.

The Seahawks traded Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo, and a 2020 third-round pick for Clowney in early September. Clowney, who is in the final year of his contract, has struggled this season. Entering Sunday’s game against the Falcons, the Pro Bowler had just one sack and three quarterback hits in seven games.

Clowney is only on pace for four sacks and 12 quarterback hits this season, despite collecting 18.5 sacks and 42 quarterback hits in the last two years.

Dud: Jarran Reed, DT

After missing the first six games of the season because of a suspension, Reed has gotten off to a slow start. Reed recorded two tackles last week and he only registered one tackle against Atlanta, along with a quarterback hit.

Last year, Reed emerged as a star player for Seattle. His sudden rise meant the team could afford to trade Frank Clark during the offseason, even though the team wanted to keep the star defensive end. Reed recorded 10.5 sacks and 50 tackles in 2018.

However, the NFL suspended Reed six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy back in 2017. The Seahawks need Reed to recapture his 2018 form.