Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds from Week 4 vs. Dolphins

Stud: Run defense

Entering Week 4, the Seahawks had the second-best run defense in the NFL. Seattle only allowed 66.7 rushing yards per game through the first three weeks. Miami more than topped that mark with 103 rushing yards, but that’s still a terrific performance on Seattle’s part. Last season, only nine teams held opponents below 103 rushing yards per game, and Seattle wasn’t one of them.

The pass rush is almost non-existent for the Seahawks, but a stiff run defense offers some redemption for Seattle’s defensive front. Even if the team can’t produce consistent pressure, stopping the run is almost as important. Head coaches and defensive coordinators love making their opponents one dimensional. If only Seattle’s secondary wasn’t struggling so much.

Dud: Time of possession

Miami kept this matchup close by controlling the clock. Despite only running for 103 yards, the Dolphins held the ball for nearly six more minutes than the Seahawks. The time differential occurred partially because Seattle delivered some quick strikes, but that put a lot of pressure on the defense. Without Adams, the Seahawks lack a difference-making pass rusher and defensive force.

Sadly, Sunday was the best outing for Seattle’s defense this season. That’s not saying much. At 37 years old, Fitzpatrick gashed Seattle for 315 yards. Ryan Neal benefited from a tipped ball while Shaquill Griffin picked off Fitzpatrick late in the fourth quarter, but the Dolphins converted seven of 13 third downs. Despite some successes, the time of possession needle points to Seattle’s defense struggling to get off the field.