Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Thursday, December 15 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan Neal Ranks Among League's Top Safeties
After losing safety Jamal Adams for the season to a quad injury in September, safety Ryan Neal was called upon by the Seahawks – and has answered. From fill-in to one of the league's best of the season, Neal ranks No. 8 on Pro Football Focus’ Top-25 safeties rankings heading into Week 15.
Through 13 games, Neal has recorded 61 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception. Neal's coverage abilities have been big for Seattle's defense, with Neal leading all safeties league-wide with five pass breakups.
Pro Football Focus writer Marcus Mosher breaks down Neal's inclusion at eight, and how he's become one of the league's best pass defenders in 2022.
After signing with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Neal played a combined 839 snaps across his first four NFL seasons. But Jamal Adams' injury in Week 1 thrust Neal into a full-time role with the Seahawks shortly after. He is currently the third-highest-graded safety in the NFL this season (84.1), as he's been excellent in coverage.
Neal has allowed just 166 yards on 36 targets, and opposing quarterbacks have a 79.2 passer rating when targeting him in coverage. No safety in the NFL has more pass breakups than Neal's five this season. He also has 23 run stops, tied for the 10th most among safeties. Neal has been one of the NFL's biggest surprises so far.
As Seattle continues its fight for a playoff berth heading into Thursday night's action against the San Francisco 49ers, Neal is questionable with a knee injury. But Neal's been available through nagging injuries all year. Coach Pete Carroll discussed the Southern Illinois alum's current status on Wednesday evening.
"He's questionable," said Carroll. "We just have to use every minute that we have, so we are just waiting."
Coming off a career-high 11 tackles in Week 14's 30-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Neal is becoming a key factor in Seattle's secondary.
Social Post Of The Day
Michael Shawn-Dugar of The Athletic on the 10 Seahawks ranking in the Top-10 in NFC fan Pro Bowl Voting for their respective positions. #Seahawks
More from Around The Web
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks’ struggling run defense faces another tough test vs. 49ers.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: What to watch when Seahawks take on 49ers in Week 15 — plus Bob Condotta’s prediction.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III expected to play Thursday vs. 49ers.
Frank Sumrall of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks Playoff Chances: What stands in front of Seattle.
Connor Zimmerlee of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks QB Geno Smith Ready For 'Big Division Game' vs. 49ers.
Zach Dimmitt of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks vs. 49ers 'Most Challenging Thing'? Coach Pete Carroll Explains TNF Issue.
Behind-the-scenes of Episode 8 of The Sound, featuring the Seahawks' historic trip to Munich, insights from Geno Smith, the story behind Kenneth Walker III's "My Cause My Cleats" design, and more. Read more here.
