Seattle Seahawks pass rate has been higher than expected

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was outstanding in Sunday’s 23-20 overtime Week 2 victory over the New England Patriots. Smith completed 33-of-44 passing attempts for 327 yards and one touchdown. With starting running back Kenneth Walker missing out through injury, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb went to a pass-happy approach.

The Seahawks attempted 44 passes compared to just 19 rushing attempts, and only 14 of those went to a running back (Zach Charbonnet). It’s not like Grubb’s offense was frequently playing from behind, either. Seattle never trailed by more than seven, and they tied the contest at seven apiece on the ensuing possession following New England’s opening touchdown in the first quarter.

NFL fantasy analyst Kevin Cole recently released a chart of “pass rate versus expectation” for all 32 offenses in the league through two completed weeks. The data takes down and distance, score differential, and other factors into account when making its calculations. The Seahawks have been the league’s second-highest team in pass rate versus expectation, at 64.9% and 6.4% above the expectation.

Grubb has been outstanding as Mike Macdonald’s OC through two weeks. In a Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos, he showcased his ability to unlock a rushing attack in the second half that struggled throughout the opening two quarters. In Week 2, Grubb altered his approach to fit his available personnel, opting to place the game in Smith’s hands.

It’s refreshing to see the Seahawks playing aggressive football considering previous OC Shane Waldron was often so reserved. Macdonald gambled when he named Grubb, a first-time professional play caller, his offensive coordinator. That decision is paying dividends thus far.