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Washington dropped their Week 8 game to the Kansas City Chiefs 28–7, with Jayden Daniels unavailable and Terry McLaurin re-aggravating a quad injury. Despite a competitive first half, Washington collapsed after halftime, allowing 21 straight points. (washingtonpost.com) Washington enters Week 9 at 3-5 overall and has now dropped three in a row. Their offense has struggled with continuity given injuries to key players; without Marquess Wilson last week, they couldn’t generate explosive plays. On defense, while they forced turnovers, they’ve allowed big gains, particularly after halftime, with a lapse in red-zone coverage evident against Kansas City. The run defense has held up in short-yardage but has been gashed on second level plays. Overall efficiency metrics show a middling EPA/play on both sides, and success rates on third downs remain well below league average. Momentum is against them, but getting back on home turf helps. (washingtonpost.com)
Injuries
Offense: - Jayden Daniels – QB – Probable (hamstring, full practice) (reuters.com) - Terry McLaurin – WR – Out (quadricep) (reuters.com) - Laremy Tunsil – T – Questionable (hamstring) (seahawks.com) - Colson Yankoff – TE – Out (hamstring) (seahawks.com) Defense: - Jer’Zhan Newton – DT – Out (ankle) (commanders.com) - Javon Kinlaw – DT – Questionable (shoulder) (seahawks.com) - Bobby Wagner – LB – Probable (thumb) (commanders.com) - Matt Gay – K – Questionable (back) (seahawks.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Dan Quinn and his offensive staff are trying to reintroduce rhythm with Jayden Daniels back under center after his hamstring injury. When healthy, Daniels provides dual-threat capability—his scrambling, RPOs, and ability to “push plays beyond the design” force defenses to stay honest. But with his top targets absent, architects of the offense must rely more on tight ends and backs in space, using shifts and motion to generate mismatches. The run game needs to compensate more, especially behind a line that is hindered by Tunsil’s status. Defensively, Washington under new DC changes has emphasized improved second-level tackling and more zone coverages, especially in the red zone and on third down. Their pressure rate has been moderate—not elite—but they're trying to leverage speed with linebackers and nickel pass rushers to create disruption, since their defensive line has seen key losses.
Matchup Analysis
This Seattle matchup pits Washington’s offensive injury woes against Seattle’s defensive strength. The Seahawks rank among the top in fewest yards allowed per play (~4.7) and are effective in intermediate coverage shells, a problematic zone for Washington’s backups. Without McLaurin and with limited production from young receivers like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, Daniels will likely see heavy bracket coverage or coverage resources diverted from Deebo Samuel Sr. to shut down secondary options. Seattle’s pass rush is capable but not overwhelming; if Washington’s offensive line, including Tunsil, can give even average protection, Daniels might exploit seams against Seattle’s linebackers in zone exhibits. On the defensive side, Washington’s front must generate pressure to disrupt Sam Darnold, who has shown he can manage a game if given time. Seattle’s injury list dims the deep threats slightly, with Jake Bobo limited and Cooper Kupp downtempo, potentially giving command of the secondary to their corners against Washington’s wideouts. Matchups at the line and leverage from these WR injuries tilt the scale modestly toward the Seahawks. Efficiency metrics favor Seattle in EPA/play, red-zone scoring, and success rate on third downs.
Team Summary
Washington is a team fighting the injury monster more than the opponent. Their identity this season was built around Daniels’s mobility combined with playmaking from McLaurin and Samuel; now forced into contingency plans, the offense leans on improvisation, short throws, runs, and tight end releases. Defensively, Washington tries to hang tough—rotating personnel, mixing coverages, looking to force turnovers—but has been exposed by elite offenses. To stay competitive vs. Seattle, Washington must win the line of scrimmage: protect Daniels, get consistent push, control the clock via the run, and limit big plays to prevent defense from getting into third-and-manageable situations. They must also get red-zone stops. A field goal can’t suffice where Seattle often converts touchdowns.
Key Takeaway
Washington’s win hinges on execution in limited personnel: if Daniels is upright and mobile, and if the run game keeps Seattle honest, they have a puncher’s chance. Otherwise, their depleted receiving corps and Seattle’s stout defense may render them outgunned.