The Seattle Seahawks rookies combined for 198 snaps in Week 7 versus the Houston Texans. That was the most so far this season. Gray Zabel and Nick Emmanwori had a significant impact, and Elijah Arroyo also played well, despite the “bad image” left by the fumble basically at the end of the game. Tory Horton hasn’t been producing in recent weeks but can still contribute, and we could see Robbie Ouzts return in the coming weeks.

All data used in this article was taken from PFF.

Let’s analyze some of the key plays from this game!

Grey Zabel, Guard (72 snaps)

I think that after a lot of fluctuations, this was a much more consistent game for Zabel. He made a few mistakes (expected for a rookie) but managed to make an impact offensively. Much of our productive runs came on plays where he made key blocks, even though PFF gave him a run-block grade of 59.4. In pass protection, he only conceded two pressures.

Grey Zabel learned throughout the game, especially on snaps against Denico Autry. He formed an excellent double-team duo with center Jalen Sundell. His eyes were always alert, looking for threats and where he could help, especially with stunts. On this play, he realizes that the center needs more help than Charles Cross after first contact, and finishes the play by putting the opponent on the ground.

As I mentioned in the introduction, many runs developed into good blocks by the left tackle. Zabel is very quick and moves quickly to the second level. On this play, he allows the linebacker to access his chest first, and he ends up failing to sustain the block.

The Seahawks successfully called an Iso Draw. The Draw is basically the opposite of a play-action; the play starts as a pass and turns into a run. The idea is to manipulate the defense’s movement. Notice how the linebackers drop, waiting for the pass. Now let’s explain the Iso.

Iso is a downhill running play where a fullback or the lead blocker isolates and blocks a linebacker one-on-one, creating a path for the running back. This is a basic power play, often run from an I-formation, designed to overpower the defense by getting the ball carrier downhill quickly.

The linebackers start by dropping back, with the exception of Zabel and Sundell. They double-team the DL, and the center advances to the second level, leaving the fullback “isolated” against the other linebacker and creating the gap. Meanwhile, Zabel manages to contain Tommy Togiai, who caused headaches for the Seahawks’ OL, especially in the run game.

An excellent call. Elijah Arroyo’s movement creates new gaps. AJ Barner has a physical block at the edge that essentially leaves the FB unassigned. Then the TE goes to the DB and creates the gap. This gap is created by the excellent blocking of Zabel, who executes a reach block (a football technique where an offensive lineman blocks a defensive player horizontally to the outside, sealing them away from the play to create a lane for the runner) and raises the wall, leaving the running back untouchable to enter the end zone.

Nick Emmanwori, Defensive Back (71 snaps)

Emmanwori had another standout game. He had three pressures, was targeted seven times, and allowed three receptions for 40 yards. Other stats include:

6th in Defense Grade;5th in Run Defense Grade;13th in Pass Rush Grade;4th in Coverage Grade;

His usage included three snaps on the DL, 11 in the box, one as FS, and 56 in the slot. This could be a huge help to the defense. If he can maintain consistency, Spoon can play outside, and we won’t have to see Josh Jobe on the field as much (as long as Witherspoon’s health allows).

Let’s start with the plays where he needs to improve. He bites play-action and his eyes wander to the backfield, allowing the TE to escape and get an easy first down.

On this snap, he starts with zone work, navigating between the receivers, but gets lost while keeping his eyes on the QB. He turns to chase the receiver and can’t recover in time, being saved by a drop.

Now, a snap with ups and downs. He’s very physical on the blitz, but he typically loses at least one snap per game with a false step. That’s the difference between a sack and a hurry. When he gets that right, it’ll be a nightmare.

Emmanwori hasn’t lined up against a productive, agile slot yet, and I think that will be his biggest challenge. Here, he shows that verticality won’t be a problem. The Texans use a slot fade, but Emmanwori shows his speed against a guy 20 pounds lighter and who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the Combine.

The rookie will still make mistakes with his reads, as he’s been playing in the slot and will have completely different assignments than when he was a safety in South Carolina. But I think he’s looking more comfortable than expected. He does another excellent job in zone coverage and anticipates the Dagger concept well, passing the vertical route to the safety and paying attention to the dig route.

This play is absolutely fantastic. The receiver has favorable inside leverage against Josh Jobe, and CJ Stroud takes a good angle to escape Ernest Jones’ zone. Emmanwori realizes the TE stays to block and looks for a way to help, aiming for the QB’s eyes. He manages to acrobatically deflect the ball.

Elijah Arroyo, Tight End (27 snaps)

After a few games without much production, he was a standout performer in box score. He was second on the team in yards, receiving 4 of 5 targets for 42 yards. The start of the game was exciting, but unfortunately, he had a fumble.

The Seahawks put three TEs on the field, and the Texans respond by filling the box and believing in the run. AJ Barner and Arroyo get separation from the DBs once Stingley was expecting a run, and Sam Darnold picks the rookie who’s furthest from the safety and resists the tackle.

Arroyo uses his catch radius well. The LB’s coverage isn’t bad, but Darnold sets the pass away, so the TE stretches his arms and uses his body as a shield. I imagine he could be used more this way as well.

There’s still a long way to go in his blocking work. The call is play-action, but it still puts the TE in a very difficult situation, lining up against Danielle Hunter. The pressure arrives instantly, and the QB throws the ball away.

Jalen Milroe, Quarterback(0 snaps)

Rylie Mills, Defensive Lineman (0 snaps)

Tory Horton, Wide Receiver (28 snaps)

Horton hasn’t made much of an impact offensively for a few weeks now. In this game, he had three targets, all of which were incomplete deep passes. He needs to learn to adjust to these passes a little better. He managed five punt returns for 67 yards, but at times, he showed some insecurity with the ball.

Robbie Ouzts, Fullback (0 snaps)

Bryce Cabeldue, Offensive Lineman (0 snaps)

Mason Richman, Offensive Lineman (0 snap)

Quite a positive impact from the rookies. It could have been better without Arroyo’s fumble, and if Horton had been able to catch any of his targets. We’ll probably see Ouzts helping the running game after the bye week.