RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for their Super Bowl showdown, drawing on lessons learned from a crucial moment in their 2024 season. In a Week 9 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks faced a pivotal third-and-1 play at the Rams’ 16-yard line but were denied twice, a setback that highlighted their struggles in short-yardage situations. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed the necessity for improvement following that defeat, remarking, “Great football teams convert third- and fourth-and-short, and right now we’re not doing that.”
Fast forward to this season, the Seahawks found themselves back in a high-stakes game against the Rams in Week 16. Now under the offensive coordination of Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks utilized a new strategy dubbed the “Barnyard,” a play based on the popular “tush push” technique that has gained traction in the NFL. Tight end AJ Barner executed a key first down, propelling the Seahawks to a 55-yard touchdown on the next play, ultimately leading to a 38-37 overtime victory.
This season, Barner’s role has been instrumental to the Seahawks’ success, as he amassed seven touchdowns and became a formidable force in short-yardage situations. His execution of the “Barnyard” play has generated 13 first downs with only one failed attempt. Coach Macdonald highlighted the importance of the play within their strategy, saying, “We’ve got to stay sharp with it and keep doing the things we’re doing.”
The “tush push,” popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves players assisting the quarterback in gaining necessary yardage, a technique that faced some scrutiny but remains legal. Seattle’s implementation of the play, with Barner taking charge, has significantly boosted their efficiency in short-yardage scenarios. Last season, they struggled with just 58.8% conversion on third- and fourth-and-1 plays, ranking them among the NFL’s bottom teams. However, under the new offensive leadership, they have turned that statistic around, converting 10 of 11 attempts this season.
Barner’s transition from a mostly blocking tight end to a dual-threat player in the passing game underscores his growth. After a substantial improvement in his numbers this season, contributing 52 receptions and six touchdowns, he has solidified his position as the starter, following the team’s decision to release veteran Noah Fant.
In preparation for the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, Barner remains focused and prepared, even undergoing specialized training with UFC legend Chuck Liddell to enhance his physical performance. He expressed excitement about potentially using the “tush push” in the Super Bowl, noting, “It’d be super awesome to do it on that stage.”
While the Patriots’ defense has proven strong this season, allowing a respectable 33 conversions on third- or fourth-and-1 plays, the Seahawks’ newfound effectiveness in short-yardage situations could prove vital in the championship game. The team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with Barner at the forefront as they aim for football glory in Super Bowl LX.