Key Insights from Mike Macdonald’s Monday Press Conference: Preparing for a Big Game on a Short Week

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Key Insights from Mike Macdonald’s Monday Press Conference: Preparing for a Big Game on a Short Week

How the Seahawks are Prepping for a Saturday Game

The Seattle Seahawks are shifting their routine this week. Usually, they start practice on Wednesday for a Sunday game. But since they’re playing the 49ers on Saturday night, everything gets pushed up. Coach Macdonald explains that the team practices Wednesday and Thursday, while Friday is travel day. This means a mix of a regular schedule and one suited for a Thursday game. On Tuesday, practices will be lighter to help players recover.

“It’s all about balance,” Macdonald said. They need to ensure the team is prepared but not overworked. The adjustments are crucial, especially since it’s a West Coast trip and everything is a bit tighter than usual.

Injury Updates

On the injury front, there’s not much news. Pro-Bowl returner Rashid Shaheed left Sunday’s game with a concussion. Though he seems to be doing better, the team won’t know if he can play until later in the week. Safety Coby Bryant and left tackle Charles Cross are also out due to injuries. Macdonald mentioned that the team still lacks updates on their timelines.

Sam Darnold’s Performance

Quarterback Sam Darnold had an okay game last Sunday. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 147 yards with one touchdown and one interception. While he made some mistakes, he also had key plays, like a touchdown to AJ Barner that helped secure the win. Macdonald acknowledged that Darnold has room for improvement but praised his ability to do just enough to win. “Some decisions could be better,” he noted, “but he’s in good spirits.” This shows that even a less-than-perfect game can lead to a win.

AJ Barner: The Spark of the Offense

Rookie AJ Barner is proving to be a vital player for the Seahawks. Known for making impactful plays, he caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown last game. His performance highlights his growing importance in the offense. Macdonald praised his hard work and attitude, suggesting these traits are what contributed to his success. Barner now has over 500 receiving yards this season and is the team’s third-leading receiver. It’s evident that his efforts in training and games are paying off.

Addressing Slow Starts

Seattle’s offense has struggled to start strong in recent games. In the last four matchups, the team has often gone into halftime with a tie or a small deficit. Yet, despite these slow starts, their point differential is the best in the NFL, thanks to a solid defense. Macdonald is aware of the issue but admits it’s tough to find a single cause. He emphasizes the importance of energy and preparation, recognizing that the team is putting in the effort but not always getting results. “We just need to keep attacking these issues,” he stated, showing confidence in his players’ potential for improvement.

The Seahawks are gearing up for their game against the 49ers, making necessary adjustments and focusing on improvement. Fans will surely be watching closely as the team aims to build on recent successes and tackle challenges head-on.



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