The Seahawks selected Mississippi State tackle Charles Cross ninth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the team's highest-selected offensive player since tackle Russell Okung in 2010. After missing time at the start of the season to a toe injury, Cross has returned to the starting lineup, and risen to seventh amongst tackles league wide in run block win rate - per ESPN’s Advanced Analytics.
The 7-7 Seahawks have battled through their share of injuries across the offensive line in 2023, with 10-different players making a start in a contest thus far. After going down in the Seahawks 30-13 season-opener loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Cross was sidelined until mid-October before returning for Week 6's 17-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. As Seattle looks to fight its way to a playoff berth, Cross has returned to the play that earned him acclaim as a rookie. As part of ESPN Analytics' weekly rankings release of offensive and defensive line play per data, Cross continues to rise in the run blocking department following Week 15.
Cross helped Seattle rush for 100 yards and a touchdown by running back Kenneth Walker III on Monday, to secure a 20-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It comes as a progressive effort for a Seattle offense that’s rushed for just 80.7 yards per game over their last three contests. Per ESPN Analytics, Cross ranks No. 7 amongst offensive tackles in wins, with 168 on a total of 213 run blocking downs. That gives Cross a 79 percent win rate, tying for fifth-best amongst players at the position. But Cross is finding great success with the least help amongst his peers, with the lowest double team percentage (25%) amongst the group. The statistic indicates that Cross is getting the best of the defender in front of him on rushing downs without any assistance.
Seattle looks ahead to a Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans as they attempt to strengthen their playoff chances. With Cross and fellow second-year tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) back in the starting lineup following early-season injuries, the Seahawks are getting healthy and playing well at the right time.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 15. Eye on the Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba arrives for the Monday Night Football contest with the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.
Quarterback Geno Smith drops back during early warmups as head coach Pete Carroll playfully "blitzes."
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock throws a pass during early pregame.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner during early warmups.
Seahawks Legend Michael Bennett greets defensive lineman Myles Adams.
Captain Bobby Wagner receives the Seahawks Man of the Year award from team president Chuck Arnold and general manager John Schneider.
Seahawks captain Bobby Wagner speaks to the team in the locker room before kickoff.
As smoke swirls, Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, named the starter in place of injured Geno Smith, prepares to lead the team out of the tunnel during pregame introductions.
Seahawks mascot "Blitz" prepares for pregame introductions.
Bobby Wagner is introduced to the Monday Night Football crowd at Lumen Field.
Seattle's Derick Hall celebrates a special teams hit early in the game.
Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams celebrates with teammates after a stop.
Seahawks safeties Quandre Diggs and Coby Bryant celebrate.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III breaks into open field.
Seahawks place kicker Jason Myers makes the first of his two field goals.
Seahawks safety Julian Love makes a special teams tackle.
Seahawks cornerback Michael Jackson breaks up a pass along the sidelines.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scores with the aid of a block by quarterback Drew Lock as tight end Colby Parkinson celebrates.
Seattle's Leonard Williams celebrates after a tackle.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett crosses the field for yards after the catch.
Seahawks safety Julian Love celebrates an interception in the end zone to thwart an Eagles scoring threat.
Seahawks fans light up Lumen Field during a break in the action.
The Seahawks defense swarms Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as Bobby Wagner makes the tackle.
On Seattle's final scoring drive, Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf splits two Eagles defenders for a key 34-yard catch.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba catches the game-winning touchdown on a 29-yard pass from Drew Lock.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock celebrates after throwing the game-winning touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock is congratulated on the sidelines after throwing the game winning touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Seahawks safety Julian Love clinches Seattle's victory with an interception to end the Eagles final drive.
Seahawks offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal joins the fans in celebration near the end of the victory.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrates with fans after the victory.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock celebrates as he walks off the field after the win.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is fired up as he celebrates with his team in the victorious locker room.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith excitedly tells teammate Drew Lock that he's the man in the locker room after the win. At left is assistant quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith hugs and congratulates teammate Drew Lock after Lock led the Seahawks to a victory on Monday Night Football. At left is assistant quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph.
