Breaking down the grades: New concerns but some positives

Damien Lewis has had a good start as a run blocker

In looking through the PFF grades for week two, the difference compared to the Atlanta game is quite stark.

Bobby Wagner (87.3) and Jamal Adams (85.8) both graded superbly against the Falcons. Against New England? It was the total opposite.

Adams in particular faired poorly, scoring only a 41.2. That was the second worst grade on the entire defense ahead of only Lano Hill (who was forced into a new role due to injuries and the ejection of Quandre Diggs).

As NFL Next Gen Stats revealed on Sunday, the Patriots were 6/6 for 157 yards when Adams was the nearest defender to the targeted receiver.

A lot of the focus after the game was essentially what would this defense be without Adams — mainly because of his blitzing ability. However it’s possible we saw on Sunday what can happen if you ask too much of him. It’s plausible that either he felt like he had to do too much on Sunday, that the Seahawks asked too much of him or his play suffered because he was forced into two extremes — being the last line of defense and also Seattle’s only creator of pressure.

Either way that’s an ugly grade for Adams and warrants some reflection. The Seahawks need to put him in a position to impact games and play to his brilliant strengths — not create a liability by putting too much on his shoulders.

Wagner also graded poorly with a 59.9. This is something that should alarm fans. Personally, I don’t think he’s any less of a player. In 2018 he had basically a perfect season for a middle linebacker. I suspect the complete lack of talent on the D-line is impacting him.

Is he being properly protected so that he can play with freedom and speed? Is he having to do too much to compensate for issues up front?

Seattle has two big stars on its defense and they need both players to be at the top of their game most weeks. One of the concerns raised prior to the season was the state of the D-line potentially having a negative impact on Adams and Wagner. They need to be kept clean to play fast and loose.

Are they currently able to play within the framework of the scheme? Was week two an example of the pre-season concern?

The defensive line, unsurprisingly, graded badly again with one big exception. Pete Carroll said on Monday that Bryan Mone had his best game for the Seahawks. According to PFF, he was Seattle’s third best performer on defense behind only Quinton Dunbar and Tre Flowers. Mone scored a highly respectable 74.8.

Anthony Rush, recently moved onto the active roster, was given a 66.7 grade which is also reasonable. Carroll seemed to suggest during his interviews yesterday that he is content with their defensive tackle rotation following this performance.

It’s encouraging but it’s also worth noting the scenario involved. Mone only played 26 snaps (36%) and Rush 15 (21%). The Patriots could do what they want in the passing game and basically abandoned a traditional ground attack.

In the first two weeks of the season, neither Atlanta or New England operated with a balanced offense. The Falcons abandoned the run to chase the game. The Patriots only ran their running backs 14 times because Cam Newton was untroubled in the pocket and was moving the ball with ease. We won’t know how the grades might’ve been affected had both opponents given their backs a heavier workload. Presumably Dallas and Zeke Elliott will deliver a serious test in week three.

Here are the grades for Seattle’s starting D-line against the Patriots:

Poona Ford — 61.9
Jarran Reed — 61.7
Benson Mayowa — 54.3
L.J. Collier — 51.1

The results, especially for the two defensive ends, speak volumes. I’ll simply repeat the call of yesterday’s article. They need to act now. Alton Robinson is set to replace Bruce Irvin in the pass rush rotation but it’s too much for a fifth round rookie to come in and save the day. Even if they bring in Clay Matthews or Cam Wake purely for third down passing situations, they need to do something.

I fear, based on Carroll’s comments yesterday, that nothing is forthcoming. Matthews reportedly had a clause in his contract with the Rams to pay him a certain amount this year if cut and not employed by another team. Any prospective suitor will need to make it worth his while to play. Wake is nearly 39-years-old and likewise might need coaxing back onto the field with a generous salary.

It seems like the Seahawks are stuck with what they’ve got, which is a concern given the loss of Irvin for the rest of the season and the increasing likelihood that Darrell Taylor will not play in 2020. Rasheem Green is also currently injured.

It’s extremely positive to see Quinton Dunbar graded with a 79.4. Last week he was Seattle’s lowest graded defender with a 40.6. He’s gone from worst to first. We all know PFF are big fans of Dunbar after grading him the #2 cornerback in the league last year. However, the Seahawks are banking on him having an impact. With an interception in the bag and now a strong overall performance, this is a big step forward.

The same can’t be said for Shaquill Griffin. He was given a 52.1 grade against Atlanta and this week he only faired marginally better (57.2). This isn’t a good start to his contract year. It’s also worth noting that Dunbar, with his interception on Sunday, now has 33% of Griffin’s career turnover production in two games.

There’s been talk of a potential contract extension down the line. For me, if this continues, the Seahawks would be better off waiting this out. If Dunbar outperforms Griffin, he’s the one you want to prioritise. Griffin has always looked ‘decent’ rather than ‘great’. Letting him test the market might not be the worst thing to do but there’s still plenty of time for improvement this season.

There’s one other concern and that’s the loss of Marquise Blair. The Seahawks had big hopes for Blair and he was regularly talked up as a positive from training camp. He was replaced by Ugo Amadi, who took over as the slot corner midway through last season. Personally, I didn’t think he played well in the role. I don’t think he’s naturally suited to it.

Perhaps he deserves the benefit of the doubt coming into a game in progress but he only received a 54.3 grade for his performance against New England. Rather than revert back to base defense or try to fit Amadi into the position, they might be better off trying to add a more natural slot corner. It’s one of the positions where they’ve often been able to find a diamond in the rough. Is there someone out there on a practise squad who might be able to come in and compete for a job?

On offense there weren’t any surprises. Russell Wilson was given a fantastic 88.8 grade. David Moore, Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf and Chris Carson all scored highly. Duane Brown received an 80.8 and Damien Lewis an 81.2 (Lewis received an elite run blocking grade of 90.6 but a horrendous pass blocking grade of 30.8).

Last week Mike Iupati scored poorly against the Falcons with a 37.9. Against the Patriots he was among Seattle’s top performers with a 71.8. His main competition for the left guard spot, Jordan Simmons, only received a 55.9 grade for his eight snaps.

Ethan Pocic was given a 65.8 grade which isn’t problematic. Brandon Shell’s 61.2, however, is right on the borderline of concern. Generally speaking though, the line did a good job against the Patriots. That’s encouraging, given the lack of pre-season games to build chemistry.

The tight ends were a mixed bag too. Will Dissly (69.0) received a decent grade but Jacob Hollister (55.1) was viewed less favourably. Neither compare to Greg Olsen though who was given a miserable 39.2 grade. His most notable contribution in the game was the pick six. The Seahawks need more from Olsen in the coming weeks.

Seattle’s special teams unit is ranked #1 in the league by DVOA after two weeks. Nick Bellore graded very well in this area against New England (75.7) closely followed by David Moore (73.7), Jacob Hollister (71.4), Lano Hill (71.4) and Tre Flowers (71.0). Never underestimate the importance of ST’s when considering roster decisions.

The Seahawks should call the Washington Football Team

Here’s a final thought for today. Yesterday I suggested the Seahawks had to do something to improve their pass rush. I think, in all likelihood, they’ll be forced to continue as they are. However, one name consistently comes up who might be a realistic target.

Ryan Kerrigan was desperate to return to the Washington Football Team this year because he was one sack away from equalling the franchise record of 91. With his two sacks already this season, he’s not only equalled the record — he’s broken it.

His contract expires at the end of the season and with Washington having spent first round picks on Chase Young and Montez Sweat, they are well stocked at defensive end. They’re in the early stages of a re-tool and re-shape on and off the field.

Franchise hero or not, it might be worth seeing what they can get for Kerrigan. Improve their draft stock and roll with Young and Sweat.

It’d be similar to the Duane Brown trade. Acquire a veteran who can deliver some instant impact and fill a crucial need.

It might cost a similar price. The Seahawks are already without their 2021 and 2022 first round picks and their 2021 third rounder. It might cost a second rounder for a player you aren’t guaranteed to retain, so it wouldn’t be cheap.

However, there’s also no reason why they couldn’t extend Kerrigan’s contract fairly quickly. He isn’t restricted from negotiating like Jadeveon Clowney was a year ago. You could argue the juice would be worth the squeeze if he can deliver the legit edge pressure the Seahawks are badly lacking.

With the sacks record in Washington now secure, would Kerrigan welcome an opportunity to try and help the Seahawks make a Super Bowl run?

And like Brown, could he provide 2-4 seasons of veteran quality at a position of serious need?

It’d be worth a call to Ron Rivera.

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260 Comments

  1. cha

    It’s worth noting PC’s comments lend validity to the points you make as well Rob.

    PC was asked about Adams’ performance and instead of pivoting to his on-field energy and versatility, he agreed that Adams had things to clean up. “Sometimes he’s so active, he chases things he needs to ignore.” That says something.

    As for Amadi, all along PC has language-wise indicated Blair is way ahead of Ugo on the chart. In camp he was asked about the nickel spot and raved about Blair for a solid minute and then concluded with talking about Ugo “we know what we have there” in a very blah tone of voice.

    And yesterday he talked about how he has “big shoes to fill” and “we have high expectations for the position” if he’s going to play Blair’s snaps. PC also raved about Blair again when talking about the injury.

    So I agree – they will probably seek out some more depth in that area.

    • GerryG

      I think part of that may be Blair’s SS background as a heat sinking tackling machine, he probably is better in runD in the nickel formation

    • Uncle Bob

      I’ll preface this with the comment that I think Adams is a difference maker, and was worth the price paid, but (there it is) he has a weakness relative to the rest of his play. He’s relatively poor at pass coverage, always has been, and the Pats faced him twice per season and know that. Belichick is renowned for “taking away an opponents best………”. And that’s likely what happened to Adams, and the Seahawk staff bit on the bait. Fortunately, I hope, none of the rest of the teams we face the rest of the season will be as astute………….and that Norton learned a lesson about setting Adams up for the most success possible.

      • cha

        I think it’s a mix of that, and that the DB situation got scrambled with Blair and Diggs out.

        Add in a dash of Cam threw a couple absolute darts vs Adams in coverage and you have a rough overall grade.

  2. Nick

    Rob, you’re prolific man. Thanks for all your analysis.

    I’m so freaking excited about Damien Lewis. Dude’s gonna be a stalwart player for years to come on this line.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Nick 👍🏻

      • AC12THMAN

        Dude,you are amazing at spotting potential Seahawks draft picks and what they look for. Having said that,your reliance on PFF grades and your constant doom and gloom outlook are hard to read. It sometimes feels like your mad at the Seahawks for not making the moves you wanted. I really enjoy your draft coverage,but I’ll take PCSJ’s roster building resume over yours any day.

        • Rob Staton

          1. I’ve written two articles on PFF grades in 12 years. If you think that’s ‘over reliance’ then I don’t know what to tell you. I’m simply sharing their grades now that I have access to them. It’s your choice whether you want to read the article or ignore it.

          2. You referring to my posts as ‘constant doom and gloom’ is just an attempt to undermine the valid points raised and avoid having to actually offer a counter. We can all see right through it. It’s not welcome or wanted here.

          3. I’m not mad at the Seahawks. I think they did a bad job fixing their self confessed priority. It’s an important topic and I have been critical of them. Nothing more, nothing less.

          4. You finished with an appeal to authority, to complete the full set of ‘silly messages I regularly receive this year because I’ve criticised the team’. Either the Seahawks did a good job or a bad job fixing the pass rush. Which is it? If you think they did a good job, explain why. You comparing resumes isn’t an argument. It’s just a cheap, lazy way to avoid having to address the points raised.

          • AC12THMAN

            Touche sir, I apologize for th he cheap shots. They are unwarranted.

    • Big Mike

      Agree Nick. The pass pro will improve with experience and he’s such a beast the rub blocking is really good already and he’s played 2 games in the NFL, TWO. Pro Bowls in this kid’s future.

  3. Mike

    Hey Rob, beyond the desire to have literally anybody to help the pass rush, what do you think about adding Jabaal Sheard?

    If wake, sheard, dareus and mathews all signed, would it even make a difference?

    • Rob Staton

      I think Sheard opted out

      • Lewis

        I was trying to find evidence of this yesterday and change up empty. Is there a list somewhere?

        • Rob Staton

          I think I read it on Twitter but I could be mistaken.

          Either way he’s only been a 4-5 sack guy for a few years now.

          • Lewis

            That might be 4-5 more than we have now.

  4. JLemere

    Trade targets in order of cap hit from least to greatest

    1. Brandon Graham PHI- 6.29 mil cap hit in 2020
    2. Carlos Dunlap CIN- 11 mil cap hit in 2020
    3. Whitney Mercilus HOU- 12 mil cap hit in 2020
    4. JJ Watt HOU- 15.5 mil cap hit in 2020
    5. Leonard Williams NYG- 16.2 mil cap hit in 2020
    6. Trey Flowers DET- 16.74 mil cap hit in 2020

    Obviously things can change between now and week 6-7 with injuries and/or winning streaks. Trey Flowers has been the most consistence pass rusher out of this list the past two seasons, but would Flowers thrive outside the NE system? (only one who has is Chandler Jones from ARI) But just looking at this list, its obvious that PC needs to rely on Reed to provide interior pass rush, which right now it looks like we overpay for a run stuffer. I don’t feel confident that this problem will be fixed this season or next season with a lower cap ceiling.

    • Mike

      I don’t know. What I do know, is having two Trey Flowers on our defense would be hilarious.

    • Jordan E

      You need to consider the cap ramifications for their team too not just ours. Graham for instance is not going anywhere because eagles would be in the hole a crapton if they traded him.

      • JLemere

        It depends on the circumstance though. If PHI goes on a win streak and gets a 3-3 or 4-2 record by week 7 then they will just go all in and try for a super bowl run, but if they end up going 1-5, then their FO might start working early on getting their cap situation squared away for the next offseason by restructuring contracts and trading away players to teams whose cap situation is already looking good for next year. My gut feeling is after week 7, the only teams who might do an out of business sell of players will be DET and CIN.

  5. TomLPDX

    Can Tre play nickel? I have to admit that he is playing much better this year and has made marked improvements. With Dunbar on the field, between the two of them, one has to be a candidate for the NB.

    Rob, you and I are still 100% agree with regard to Shaquill … good but not great, let him test FA’cy.

    I’m also officially changing my attitude about David Moore. I will be the first to admit that I’ve been down on Moore up until these past two weeks. I have always noticed that Russ speaks highly of him and I think I’m beginning to see why. His TD on Sunday was an amazing display of body control and awareness. That was one of my favorite plays of the game. He had a good game all around.

    • SgtPeppy

      I’d rather put trey and dunbar outside and have shaquill take a shot at slot corner – but that’s never gonna happen in a contract year.

  6. coach62344

    Rob,

    Any chance of signing someone off a practice squad? Desperate times call for desperate measures. I always look forward to your analysis of the Seahawks. Keep up the great work Rob!

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly. No stone unturned and all that.

      • Scott

        Not that this can’t or won’t happen, but unfortunately the nature of this preseason (no games) makes this difficult. I’m betting that if there had been preseason games that they would have already targeted someone they thought was promising.

  7. James Z

    Nice write-up! The thing that stood out for me the most in this post was what happens when you have to ask star players to do too much or they take it upon themselves to try and do too much. It’s TOO MUCH! and weakens the team even more…

  8. Weirdo

    Was Bruce Irvin not graded for week 2 due to injury?

    • Rob Staton

      He got a 72. Not really much to glean from that though, given we won’t see him again this season.

      • TomLPDX

        Which is too bad. Glad we had Bruce for a few games and wish him well.

  9. cha

    Corbin Smith
    @CorbinSmithNFL

    Heading into Sunday’s game, Pete Carroll expected the Patriots to try and impose their will on the #Seahawks with their vaunted run game.

    But thanks to a pair of young defensive tackles, New England was forced to scrap its game plan quickly.

    https://twitter.com/CorbinSmithNFL/status/1308466132488081408

    STEEL CURTAIN CONFIRMED…oh my goodness…

    • Rob Staton

      Is that serious?

      Good grief.

      • cha

        I particularly enjoyed the premise that the Hawks are such masterminds, they brought up a guy from the practice squad and BB was scrambling to find an alternative formulation to respond to this brilliant chess move.

        • Rob Staton

          Are you serious?

          Is that a parody?

          I bet Belichick had a sleepless night thinking about Anthony Rush.

          My word 🤦‍♂️

    • Big Mike

      I know the time Cam had to throw was a large factor in the pass/run split for NE but I also think losing James White had something to do with it too. The other guys not named Cam looked awfully pedestrian.

      • Rob Staton

        Good point

  10. timon

    Thank you for all the great content Rob!

    For context: I am 100% with you that the D-Line is absolutely horrible and the FO had so many opportunities to fix this problem.

    I just want to quote this tweet from Joe Fann and am curious about your thoughts:

    “ Pass rush win rate – 12th (45%)
    Run stop win rate – 10th (32%)
    Pass block win rate – 12th (61%)
    Run block win rate – 29th (65%)

    These numbers illustrate that Seattle’s secondary has been underwhelming through two games.”

    Looking forward to your insight and keep up the great work!

    • Rob Staton

      Seattle’s secondary has been underwhelming.

      But we can all see the pass rush is a disaster zone. I can supply stats such as pressure rate and sack rate that have the Seahawks near the bottom of the league.

      I suspect the win rate above is thanks to Jamal Adams ‘winning’ on his blitzes. He’s a good blitzer. The actual players you need to ‘win’ though in the four man rush aren’t getting it done. We can all see that.

      • timon

        Thanks for your insight!

      • CarpeDiem3767

        Looks like we need to keep Jamal Adams near the line of scrimmage even when playing “prevent” defense. He can be the 3rd line backer. Diggs and Hill/Amadi can play safety.

        • Rob Staton

          Part of Adams’ success though is his ability to blitz from the safety position. That’s a skill. If you move him to LB, he’s just playing LB. I’d prefer to keep him as a blitzing safety, doing what he does well, and simply improve the D-line.

    • Darnell

      Mone and Moore’s top 10 PRWR is interesting as well.

  11. CaptainJack

    What happened to all the offseason talk about keeping Flowers on the field and having Dunbar play nickel back?

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t think that was ever likely

  12. GerryG

    Would DIggs have been covering Edelman on those deep routes if were in the game?

    Guessing Adams abysmal grade is based on coverage, and a lot those routes were kinda deep. They didnt acqure him to cover 20 yards behind LOS. Did McDaniels scheme that to get him off the LOS, or was he forced into with the loss of Blair/Diggs?

    • Henry Taylor

      I do think this is a fair comment.

      Our pass rush is atrocious, and the main culprit of the Defensive woes, but it was also bad last year and the unit played much better once Diggs was added. A proper center fielder is critical to this defense under normal circumstances and now it has the added benefit of allowing Adams to play closer to the line.

      • dcd2

        Ya, losing both of our FS and having our ‘3rd’ need to play Nickel certainly impacted the coverage.

        Those were some great pitch & catches from Cam and Edelman as well.

  13. schrub

    Fantastic read, thanks.

  14. Darnell

    I think the loss of Diggs/Blair forced some tough adjustments. Particularly, losing Diggs impacted Adams’ role for the evening.

    Holding an opponents offense to 23 should be enough for this team to win most games; and what a finish! Defend every inch until the final whistle.

  15. Trevor

    Pete is a defense first and power run game with big play passing offense coach. Has been his entire career. Would love to hear behind closed doors how he really feels about those first two wins. I am sure he is excited about the wins but wants to throw up when he watches the tape.

  16. Gohawks5151

    Two articles in two days! Thanks for the effort man despite the negative crowd. it is much appreciated. I’m actually very encouraged about the O Line. They are always the last piece of the offense to come together so i expect them to clean up a lot of things. Lewis is good and he will learn not to chase the stunts a little better as we go along. I thought Shell’s pass blocking was good.

    Nickel wise, some had been talking about Dunbar in the slot and Tre outside. I’m not so sure about it but there is something to be said about putting the most talented 3 on the field. That said i though Amadi was OK. He came up and made some plays. Tight on some Edelman catches. Also DJ Reed on practice squad? You’re right about Adams but cover deep was never really his thing, much less against one of the biggest middle of the filed receivers in recent memory. It speaks more to them not wanting Hill getting beat deep.

    • Trevor

      I have been pleasantly surprised with the right side of the OL too and they should only get better as the year goes on. Shell is not great but a definite upgrade to Ifedi IMO. I think Lewis is a stud.

      • pdway

        In my opinion – Shell has been the most pleasant surprise of the first two games.

        I think I underestimated what an issue Ifedi’s passblocking was – having a more athletic RT has made a huge difference in RW having necessary time to throw the ball.

        Haven’t watched him as closely b/c Centers are tougher to see if you are specifically paying attnetion to them – but seems like Pocic has been steady as well.

        Russ deservedly getting all the credit – but the improved O-line play (over a small sample size I know) – is a material part of why it’s happening.

    • TomLPDX

      DJ Reed is on IR isn’t he? Not expecting him to play this year.

    • Rob Staton

      My pleasure. There’ll be another tomorrow.

      • RugbyLock

        Cool! Looking forward to it!

  17. Trevor

    The over / under for the Dallas game is 55.5 I think that is the highest in the Pete Carrol era. At what I can recall. Scary part is I think that is low. Would be shocked if both tems don’t put up at least 30 each this week.

  18. L80

    Knowing Taylor was not going to be available and the dreadful tandem of Irvin and Mayowa as your DE’s I was dumbfounded by Robinson being inactive…

    Rookies need playing time and the need was obvious. He lost 2 complete games of any experience and now they put him in because of attrition. Not ready???….too bad, GET READY……I’m not buying that as an excuse because he got glowing reviews in camp. Yeah camp means diddly squat in games but we all know DE is a position that needs experience unless you are a JJ Watt or a Bosa.

    Dumb

    • cha

      Meanwhile, as was pointed out in the last thread, Luke Willson is active with no snaps of action…

      • Rob Staton

        Why have an extra pass rusher though when you can have… errr… an unnecessary fourth tight end.

        • cha

          9 snaps of Hollister. $203k game check.

          • Rob Staton

            I would be willing to do it for $189k.

            • cha

              Nice work if you can get it.

        • GerryG

          Especially with Mayawa playing 90% of snaps.

          they must not trust him to be assignment sound

          • L80

            The reasons the FO uses to make decisions leaves a lot to be desired. They know all of this. Look at Bennett for example. He was a Seahawk in the early days. He stunk and they let him go to TB. He got better and they brought him back and he improved dramatically.

            Having Robinson inactive the first 2 weeks is simply ignorant. The guy needs experience and our line is in ineptitude about the size of a brontosaurus ass. And in fact they have played like it.

            Wake up Pete…Jeezus.

      • pdway

        yeah – what is going on there? makes no sense to have Willson active and Robinson (or really any other D-lineman) not. I don’t get it.

    • Pran

      With such atrocious DL, if Robinson cannot get to field you have to imagine how far from ready he is.
      at the same time rookies dont get to see much snaps under PC unless you are super good or you are out of bodies. You would not be surprised if PC says wish we could have played him more in end of the season press conference.

  19. God of Thunder

    Game for the ages. Still thinking about it.

    PFF scores, I’ll say it again. Pffffst. Sample size still small. Better to go with our eyes, our gut, and listening respectfully to those we can learn from, like Rob.

    Speaking of eyes, I don’t think I’ve seen Cam Newton play better in 3-4 years. He was lights-out excellent. He looked healthy, and was lethal in all aspects. He stayed calm when the Patriots were in desperation mode, trying to catch up. And yet he was overshadowed by RW who was remarkable.

    I can recall watching Montana, Elway, and Warren Moon (underrated) etc. And I vaguely remember watching Bradshaw and Staubach but I was a kid. RW is up there. He can air it out like Marino and move like, no, better than Young. What we’ve seen from RW these two games portends that he’s going to have legend status when he retires. The deep balls, the rainbows, the decision making, the command he has over the offence, the way he sees plays develop, the spirals into tight windows… please let the OL keep him safe and let the Front Office bolster the DL!

    • hawkfanforetenity

      Cam looked amazing Sunday night. But we’ve made a habit for the last couple of years of making every QB that plays us look the best they’ve ever been.

      • God of Thunder

        Indeed (except maybe Wentz—don’t if he’ll ever be elite).

        In the two games so far, Ryan and Newton have looked great. But in one sense it’s not surprising: they are both former League MVPs. Next up, Dak. I think we’ll win, but it might not be pretty.

        • Pran

          QBs dream come true is playing Hawks D. Cousins, Mullins, Fitz etc will thrive i guess

    • Hawksince77

      Agree about Cam. What struck me was how much fun he was having. Unlike the sulking beast he used to be. It was like he was playing with genuine joy, a change in attitude I am sure related to the quality of his game (one the cause of the other).

  20. Chris

    Ugo Amadi interviewed by Bob, Dave & Moore. Starts at 24:45 – 33:25

    https://sports.mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=bdfe60d8-ab63-4503-8a5d-ac3e0001ae3c&sid=1013&n=Bob%2C+Dave+and+Moore

    He may lack certain physical traits but he’s definitely got something between the ears. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops with playing time now, and if DJ Reed will compete to start when he’s placed off of IR.

  21. DC

    After 2 games, my favorite development of the season so far is Chris Carson’s involvement in the passing game. Absolutely love what we are seeing.

    Oh, and that Russell Wilson guy’s processing speed going quantum is pretty cool too…

    • hawkfanforetenity

      Russell is processing the game at prime Payton Manning levels currently. Yet still has the legs to move and run.

  22. John seahawk

    Credit to the coaching staff for changing their ways with by attempting to apply score board pressure and blitzing, I see a lot of what choice did they have around the internet but in August I saw a lot of they can’t or won’t. And a lot of coaches will just keep in whistling past the grave yard. The run defense has looked OK to me in the small sample size and I suspect they like Bryan Mone more that most think. Zeke will probably tell us what we need to know there this week. The pass rush needs help not matter the blitz packages and offensive help. Churning the bottom of the roster seems unlikely to fix it. While I have hope for Collier and others to get it together it seems like to big a gamble to bet this season on their development. Clay made no sense to me while we had Irvin, he might.now. A trade seems like the place to find our fix (or attempted fix) at this point , Given what D. Brown and Q Diggs cost, very good players can be gotten for what we can trade. The question becomes does a player or players that make the difference in a super bowl run become available and at what point. To paraphrase myself you get picks every year, you do not get MVP level quarterbacks in their prime every year.

  23. RyanL

    Purely hypothetical and borderline heresy but let’s say Carson continues at this clip – what could he fetch at the deadline in a contract year, assuming Penny and Hyde are healthy?

    3rd rounder (if given an extension)? I just can’t see Seattle signing him to a Mixon-like contract after testing free agency, but maybe that’s just me.

    • cha

      Why?

      • Rob4q

        Really I think our only trade-able assets are:

        Hollister
        Barton
        Hyde
        Moore
        Finney

        Not sure you get much for any of those guys. They are not going to trade Carson, DK, KJ or any of the OL besides Finney. Hard to trade any of the rookies either so that leaves future draft picks. So it probably means they are stuck with what they have until the trade deadline and then maybe make a small move…

        • RyanL

          Totally agree – and I wouldn’t suggest the trade at all just to be clear, more just curious as to what current value would be for a player like him on a contract year since it might be hard to justify paying him 8-10m/yr after this offseason with so many other holes on the roster.

          Agree with your list – I could probably only see Moore or Hollister moved and only if others (Dorsett, Parkinson) get healthy and prove they could contribute before then.

  24. cha

    Tom Pelissero

    @TomPelissero
    After further evaluation, #49ers DE Dee Ford is expected to miss this week’s game against the #Giants and there’s no clear timetable for his return, sources tell me and
    @MikeGarafolo
    . The hope is Ford’s back injury settles down, but it may take some time.
    12:17 PM · Sep 22, 2020

    • RugbyLock

      Brutal…

  25. SteveLargent80

    Rob, I believe Rush reverted to the PS. I’m excited for Mone, but outside of a midseason trade for a pass rusher, I don’t think Seattle will go very far in the playoffs, assuming they make it. Dallas will be a true test of this team

    • BobbyK

      We will probably lose 49-45 in the NFL Championship Game. Pete will talk about how fixing the DL is the most important thing they need to do and then he’ll realize they have no picks and the cap is going down. Then he’ll talk up an extension for Mayowa.

      • Big Mike

        Ouch

        (you’ll notice I’m not disagreeing)

  26. JJ

    Rob,

    Have you been able to watch any college football?

    • Rob Staton

      Not yet

  27. Simo

    Yeah, don’t think any of those guys move the needle much, especially for a good to very good pass rusher. It will take a reasonably high draft pick to entice a team to trade, and we don’t have many of those to work with anymore.

    Also, seems as if PC/JS just aren’t very thrilled with the idea of adding Clay Matthews or Cam Wake at this time. Perhaps they are asking for top money? Perhaps they just aren’t very good anymore? Our options for improving the pass rush/DL are very few and far between at this point.

    It will be a shame to see the DL (and defense in general) keep this team from potentially reaching greatness this year!

    • Simo

      Meant to respond to the post about Hollister, Finney, Barton, Hyde and Moore as tradeable assets!

  28. Tim

    Rob, I think JS needs to make another phone call to the Washington football team. They are not going to be competing this year and Riverboat Ron would want to bring in more of his guys (which is much easier in year 2 of a new regime). I feel like Ryan Kerrigan would be someone the Seahawks should target.

    He already has 2 sacks this year and is on the last year of his deal. With the upcoming free agent class having some big names like Clowney, Yannick, Cam Newton and a cap going down, he would not generate a third round comp pick. Assuming the trade doesn’t happen this week, he would cost 10 mill. How could the Seahawks not trade a 2021 4th round pick to Washington for a Kerrigan rental? Or another would be to call Buffalo and ask about Trent Murphy, who John Clayton has name dropped on his show. They could also talk t to the Raiders about Arden Key and take a shot on a guy that had potential coming out of the draft years ago. Thoughts?

    • Rob Staton

      Kerrigan would be a quality addition I’m just wary of the price tag for a player in the last year of his contract, who is 32-years-old and has had injuries.

      That said — Kerrigan was determined to play for Washington this season to beat the franchise record for sacks. He’s now done that with his two this year. So maybe he and the team would be willing to negotiate. After all, they have plenty of talent at DE and they need picks for the future.

      Murphy to me won’t be a difference maker.

      • Tim

        I agree about Ryan Murphy, he has played in a 3-4 and even though Seattle’s defense is supposedly a 4-3 with 3-4 principles I don’t think it would be a good fit. I think that if Washington wants to clear some money in a rebuilding year and also give Kerrigan the chance to go to a Super Bowl then it could appeal to them. We talk about comp picks a lot, but would it even be a guarantee that he would net a third round comp pick? They could get a fourth rounder a year earlier than a fourth round comp pick in 2022 if they just let him walk.

        I’m not sure about the cap ramifications if Seattle would take on the 10 mill or so that he’s owed this year. Would cutting Hollister clear about 2 mill off the cap if he’s cut? Or maybe they could trade him like Vannett like last year even though it would at best be a 6th round pick. Sounds like Clay wants 5 million dollars and it seems like Seattle will make a trade for someone rather than bringing someone in at an exorbitant price.

    • hawkfanforetenity

      The NFC east is brutal this year. Washington has as good a chance as any other team to win it. I don’t see why they’d trade a valuable player for a pick while they have a good chance at winning the East.

  29. Volume12

    Anybody watch that Miami/L’ville game Saturday night? Just finished it myself.

    Miami DE Jaelen Phillips had himself a game. Disruptive. Was held almost every play. Has some mouth watering traits. Athletic, big, can bend, plays the run well, gets his hands into passing lanes. Different man.

    • Trevor

      He is an old school Hurricanes DE. Like him a lot and think he will go early. There is talent all over that roster .

      • Volume12

        He keeps playing like he has he will. Trying to focus on the D-lineman and CBs. Plenty of depth at the corner position this year. Not a ton of EDGE guys this year, at least so far or that I’ve seen, which is why it’s probably best they target one of those FA D-lineman and then grab a DT in the draft.

    • Gohawks5151

      Yes. He looked really good. First game back in a while and he ended a little winded but the athletic traits area all there. He reminds me a little of bigger Anthony Barr. Quincy Roche was up and down for me. A few times chasing to the outside he just ends up flopping to the ground. Not nearly the pressure i thought he would bring so far. Nesta Silvera played good inside. An interesting group. Man if they only had Rousseau…

      • Volume12

        Not a huge fan of Roche honestly. Their safety, Budda Bolden, popped for me too. And L’ville’s RB, Javian Hawkins, was real impressive.

        • Gohawks5151

          Bubba is another talented dude. He will get better throughout the season if he stays healthy. A lot of stop/start/injuries has hurt his development a little. Amari Carter played well too. I want to like Al Blades so much, but he is just kind of alright. How do you rate D’Eriq King?

  30. All I see is 12s

    So when I was confused why the Seahawks are consistently rated above the Packers this season? Seems to me that Rogers has been equal impressive as Wilson but the Packers actually have a decent defense.Seems odd to me.

    • Rob Staton

      Green Bay should be above Seattle.

      Pundits are getting caught up in Wilson-mania.

      • CaptainJack

        Disagree with you here Rob

        Their defense has given up 27.5 points per game which is the exact same as what the seahawks have given up , and they have played a dumpster fire detroit and a vikings team that is replacing a ton of players and just got blown out by the colts.

        Wilson has more yards per game than Rodgers and also has three more touchdowns. Wilson>Rodgers.

        They may have a better defense but I would rank the seahawks above them.

        • Rob Staton

          I just think they’re a more rounded team with fewer flaws.

          • CaptainJack

            They definitely are stouter in the tenches, I can’t argue against that.

    • God of Thunder

      I guess because they’ve played the Vikings, who clearly haven’t gelled and look awful. And the Lions, also a bit of a mess.

      • Big Mike

        Not to be a dick here, but calling the Lions “a bit of a mess” is like saying water is a bit wet. They are in competition with the Seattle Mariners as worst franchise in North American pro sports.

        • BruceN

          Lions are actually a decent team but are run like crap (excuse my French). They have perfected the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Bad franchises find different way to lose and good franchises find ways to make lemonade from lemons. They are the former.

        • SteveLargent80

          That’s the Mariners title to lose. The Lions at least have made the playoffs in the last nineteen years. Having top ten all-time players at their positions, and failing to even appear in a championship game ever marks a team as a terrible franchise

      • CaptainJack

        In comparison, seahawks played a flawed but undeniably talented Falcons team with Julio Jones and Matt Ryan, that lost to a talented Cowboys squad (number one offense in the NFL last year) by one point on a botched onside kick recovery. And, the patriots, who despite having to replace starters on defense, have the best coach in football and are enjoying a resurgent Cam Newton.

        Seahawks >Packers, as of right now.

        • BobbyK

          I don’t care about being better right now. The dumpster fire of a DL is going to prevent this team from winning a Super Bowl in February. I only care about another Super Bowl win, not another 11-5 season and semifinals loss. Adding to the DL doesn’t guarantee anything, but it sure increases realistic odds.

  31. dcd2

    Dorsett to IR now too. That’s 3 roster spots. Robinson is one.

    Wonder who the others will be. Christmas? Walker? Quem? Ursua?

    • CaptainJack

      Robinson and Walker are already on active roster.

      I imagine Rush could now be moved up permanently. Quem and Ursua might be the two next logical, Ryan Neal would be a sleeper pick to be promoted.

    • cha

      Josh Gordon

      • cha

        Kyle Fuller too

  32. John seahawk

    What do you guys think it would take to get an end of the year rental on Ryan Kerrigan at or around the trade deadline? Assuming the Washington Football Team has a fork in it by then.

    • Rob Staton

      Check out the article. I’ve added some thoughts on this at the bottom.

      • cha

        Does Washington need some interior OL?

        I’ll drive Finney to the airport myself.

        • Gohawks5151

          I’ll give you gas money!

        • Rob Staton

          Who doesn’t need an $8m backup guard?

  33. cha

    Tom Pelissero

    @TomPelissero

    The #Seahawks are promoting CB Linden Stephens from their practice squad, per his agents
    @agent_LB
    and
    @SamLeaf
    . Reinforcements after losing Marquise Blair to a season-ending knee injury.
    2:48 PM · Sep 22, 2020

    • Rob Staton

      There’s your nickel competition

  34. cha

    Bob Condotta
    @bcondotta
    Seahawks today also have protected practice squad WR Stephen Sullivan, meaning he can’t be signed to another team’s 53-man roster this week. First time this year Seattle has used that new rule. Obviously, looking for depth at WR just in case with Dorsett now out.
    2:56 PM · Sep 22, 2020

    • cha

      Condotta clarified that Sullivan is a TE but was nodding toward “pass-catcher” instead of specifically WR

  35. Ukhawk

    Ryan Kerrigan = Grant Wistrom?

    • cha

      Or Patrick Kerney

      • Gohawks5151

        I can’t figure out if this is a dis or not…

        • Cortez Kennedy

          We wish we had somebody on the roster on the level of 2007 Patrick Kerney.

  36. Jordan E

    100% agree Rob. Ryan Kerrigan would be a great trade candidate and add for the Hawks. The only better option which is extremely unlikely is JJ Watt. Perhaps BOB (who traded DHop for a 2nd and DJ) thinks he can easily replace JJ. Maybe we can trade some second rounders and a Hollister or even Shaq Griffen (I don’t think hes worth resigning at this pace) for him.

    • Rob Staton

      I think JJ Watt is too important for Houston. It’d be like trading the franchise.

    • BruceN

      JJ Watt would be a steal and he deserves to compete for a SB. But there will be mutiny in Houston if they traded him. He and DeShaun are the faces of that franchise.

  37. cha

    Tom Pelissero

    @TomPelissero
    The NFL is fining the #Saints and #Raiders $250,000 each and coaches Sean Payton and Jon Gruden $100,000 each for failing to properly wear face coverings in the bench area Monday night, per source.

    That brings the total to $1.75 million in total fines for violations in Week 2.
    2:23 PM · Sep 22, 2020

    So which NFL HC has the guts to pull a Marshawn and wear a mask that says “I’m just wearing this so I don’t get fined” ?

    • TomLPDX

      Haha! Love it Cha!

    • Big Mike

      That’s damned funny cha!

  38. Rob Staton

    I’ve written another alternative off-season article.

    It’ll be live tomorrow.

    It’s what I would’ve done.

    It’s 3000 words long.

    • cha

      Lemme guess. You would only have given BJ Finney $7m?

      • Rob Staton

        Have you hacked my account??

        How did you know!

        • cha

          It’s a gift.

          Can’t wait to read it.

      • Big Mike

        You’re on fire today cha

    • Aaron

      The see a horde of trolls approaching…

      • Aaron

        *I see

      • Rob Staton

        Probably.

        A lot of people who say they don’t visit the blog any more seem quite keen on… visiting the blog to tell me.

        • STTBM

          Lol! +1!

        • cha

          Not joking, completely serious, I honestly think the COVID lockdown has done something to us this year. With many “regular” recreational opportunities severely restricted, a lot of typical outlets to blow off steam are unavailable. And some of that steam is manifesting in unproductive ways. Like telling you’re wrong about the defense after nearly giving up 1000 yards in 2 games.

          • Rob Staton

            Certainly plausible.

            I’ve been surprised by the animosity but maybe you’re right.

            I also think people want to believe and to hope. And when places like this don’t offer that belief and hope, it’s triggering. But I don’t write to make people feel better. I just share my views on what I think are the important topics. I just write what I want to write about. And all I can promise is I’ll call it without agenda.

            • Lewis

              There’s a giant elephant in the room. Either we talk about it or we don’t (which would be silly). Unfortunately, with this off-season there hasn’t been much ELSE to talk about compared to a typical offseason (closed practices, no preseason, etc), which has led some people to think you are flogging a dead horse, I think. Heck, I agree you have come across a bit sour at times, but what else was there to discuss?

              And now we are in the season, thinking of what could be with a qb playing out of his mind and a pretty talented offense overall and wanting to see action to address the Elephant rather than wishing and hoping it all somehow works out. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

              • Rob Staton

                There’s nothing sour about critical analysis on a serious topic

            • GerryG

              The internet is a cesspool, was only a matter of time before they came here

            • BruceN

              Rob, I don’t read much animosity in their tone. Just a fatigue of realizing and being told repeatedly about the dumpster fire of our DL. With the exception of less than a handful most here realize the missed opportunity. I also realize our options are minimal to none. But I prefer if we talk about what is possible rather what could have been. That ship has sailed and rehashing it doesn’t get us anywhere. I get it. It’s really sad how we got here (only $3M apart from signing Clowney 🤦‍♂️).

              • Rob Staton

                You don’t see the messages I moderate.

                And let’s not act like this is an endless stream of what could’ve been. I’ve literally published back to back articles looking ahead at what they could or should do.

                • Pokiri

                  This. Even this blog post has suggestions on what the Seahawks can do now… even when there aren’t many options left.

                  I just hope they don’t raid the offense to shore up the defense, or get desperate enough to sign a locker room liability.

        • pdway

          that is the internet in a nutshell.

          i.e. . ..I hate all this politics in sports, that’s why i’m here reading an article on a sports site, and taking the time to write a comment on that site. . . .

  39. jopa726

    I find it surprising that Earl Thomas is still without a job in the NFL. Do you, Rob?

    • Rob Staton

      Nope.

      Earl’s a weirdo and the league doesn’t want to know.

  40. Gohawks5151

    I’m not sure how this will work or not because im on my phone but this is hilarious

    https://www.reddit.com/r/49ers/comments/ixvsj6/i_feel_like_this_is_all_of_the_49ers_faithful/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

    • Denver Hawker

      This is next level, I’m in tears!

      • jopa726

        Meme of the season, so far. You made my week! I laughed so hard. I watched 3 times in a row.

    • Inkomhawker

      Oh shit, that’s funny. Can’t unsee Russ as Jesus

    • Steve Nelsen

      Awesome 😆

  41. cha

    I think it might be time to question this medical teams’ competency. Paul Allen shelled out good money for VMAC and it doesn’t seem to be paying off. Just look at some of the strange medical stuff the last 2 seasons – not even counting conditioning type injuries:

    2020
    Taylor’s draft evaluation and rehab
    Dorsett’s previous injury that they didn’t know about
    Ethan Pocic saying he “finally” got a sports hernia figured out that’s been bothering him
    Ogbuehi doesn’t appear to be previously known but hasn’t played a snap yet

    2019
    Ed Dickson’s on again off again IR trip (previous year he signed a deal and immediately got hurt)
    Ethan Pocic’s on again off again IR trip
    Ziggy Ansah’s busted shoulder (maybe desperation pushed this signing – but the Hawks paid him $9m to rehab)

    • Rob Staton

      Well in the case of Taylor, it seems they let desperation take over. Failed to get a speedy EDGE in free agency. Hardly any in the draft. Found one they like but he had major injury red flags. Traded up to get him anyway, despite not having all the information on his injury, because what was the alternative?

      Now left with the prospect of him missing 2020 and given this injury has dogged him for a year now — is it always going to be something he has to deal with? Who can honestly say either way.

      And I think that was the exact same situation with Ziggy Ansah too. Traded Frank Clark. Didn’t get the pass rusher they wanted in round one (Gary or Burns). After the draft had to immediately sign Ziggy Ansah because what was the alternative? And they took a massive gamble on his health, when the rest of the league said ‘no thanks’.

      When the Seahawks are calculated, they have success (see: Marshawn Lynch trade). When the Seahawks are desperate, bad things tend to happen.

      • TomLPDX

        That last statement rings so true. Wish they would get ahead of the curve and go on offense in the FO.

      • charlietheunicorn

        ITs like buying a used car, if you are calculated you can make a good deal.
        When you get emotional about the deal, you will get “hosed”.

      • Ashish

        I remember early days JS/PC used to have more guys even behind studs just for competition. Now PC says pass rush is much better than it seems go figure

    • CaptainJack

      Dorsett was signed for vet minimum. Sad he can’t play, but it’s not a huge loss.

      • Mike

        I still think dorsett on the field would change our offense. The guy is freaky fast. Id rather him rest up and get healed and then join in the second half of the season. Let him be percy harvin and surprise people later in the year.

        Teams can put their fastest cover guy on DK, but you add in dorsett then they better have another elite speed cover guy. That’ll expose some defenses for big gain plays.

    • Mike

      You’d be surprised how many quacks run the strength and conditioning programs for prominent football programs. Many are just strongmen who program “bro science” to athletes, rather than using actual science. You see it a ton at the college level, but it may very well be in the NFL too.

  42. Rob Staton

    https://twitter.com/jonmachota/status/1308515424716324865

    “The Cowboys lead the NFL with 41 offensive plays of 10-plus yards.

    The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 47 plays of 10-plus yards.”

    • Trevor

      Scary! Going to be big 12 football Sunday with 70+ points scored. 38-35 Hawks with a Myers kick to win it at the whistle. Elliott racks up 250 all purpose yards in the loss.

      • TomLPDX

        We need at least 38 points to win. Let’s hope we are the victors.

        • Rob Staton

          We’ll need +30 most weeks this season

        • charlietheunicorn

          Scoring is up across the league, several games in the low 40s last week… so a 35+ point output may be required to win games, until the defense comes around. It is fun as hell to watch the offense let RW cook and be completely unpredictable. Also, having the OC up in the booth might be a huge benefit, since he seems to be making more creative play-calls and dialing up almost the exact right play over and over during long stretches during the first 2 games.

        • CaptainJack

          Both teams could easily score over 40, even 50. Honestly we could see a new NFL record set. Two fantastic offenses with absolutely dreadful defenses.

    • Rob Staton

      32% of Seattle’s defensive snaps have ended with an explosive play of +10 yards being conceded.

      • Hoggs41

        This team reminds me of the 2018 Chiefs.

    • Pran

      Russ.. you want to be MVP? Score 40 when facing better offenses.

      • Rob Staton

        That’s the kind of stuff that will piss Wilson off

        • Pran

          we have no other choice. if you don’t score 40 against Boys, Rams etc you are toast. as you highlighted only a 13-3 or 14-2 will make Russ a MVP

  43. Trevor

    Kerrigan for a 2nd now or 4th at the deadline makes a ton of sense for both sides. Extend for 2 more years and it would be worth it I think.

    • Hoggs41

      Maybe for a 2nd now and get a 5th back? At least not lose a draft pick since we dont have many. Id sign up right now.

  44. Hoggs41

    I have two thoughts. First is how much stock do we actually put into PFF? Either for good grades or poor grades? Im aski g that as a serious question. Second would be on Kerrigan. I would love him but he has a base salsry of $11.5 this year and our cap space just under $6. Compensation aside Im not sure how we could afford him unless we could extend him to lower it or even trade a player.

    • Rob Staton

      On PFF, I neither follow it religiously or feel the need to diminish it. I think for a few years now most of their grades have made sense. I don’t have any problem sharing them for the purpose of a discussion. Doesn’t mean they are spot on with everything but they’ve put them together and studied the tape, so it’s worth listening to their conclusions.

      On Kerrigan —- remember to take two game cheques off that cap hit. And let’s be right here, if Washington wants a high pick they might be willing to absorb that salary. They can also approach Wilson or Lockett to re-work their deals and create space.

      • Hoggs41

        Im guessing they might not trade him until week 6 or 7 if they did at all so it might be half of that by then. Sure would be nice to have him now though. You could be right on the higher pick as they may be willing to eat some salary. Would be rough not having a 1,2, or 3 though.

        • Mike

          Maybe JS wants to take a vacation next spring and plans on dealing away all our draft picks.

  45. charlietheunicorn

    “Rob, Any chance of signing someone off a practice squad?” ~ Coach

    After watching the TE Waller kid light it up for the Raiders, I’m all for taking a look at every practice squad and seeing if a nugget might be available. DT/DE/OLB makes no difference to me. Coaches comment was funny to read, since I was thinking the exact same thing earlier today.

    As for a trade, need to look at the bottom feeders and see if you can do a deal. I don’t see them making a move before the bye. Just ride ity out, then bring help in, if you can keep the injury bug off the DL until then. Any more DL injuries, could force them to move up that schedule.

    OL has look competent. RW hasn’t been running around dodging pressure as much as I’m accustomed to…. he is also very decisive and not normally holding the ball as long, so that is helping as well. Lewis has faced a couple of very talented players and had no training camp, he is holding up pretty well imo. Natural ability is shining already, which is a good sign.

  46. Cortez Kennedy

    I’d love it if we traded for Kerrigan. I have a feeling The Football Team will tell John to go kick rocks though.

    • Denver Hawker

      I think they’ve operated like the Bengals which is why they always suck. They refuse any and all trade proposals.

      • All I see is 12s

        We did get Dunbar for a fifth in the contract year.

      • Chase

        They’ve also recently traded Trent Williams

      • Big Mike

        And I’m guessing Rivera doesn’t take the job unless he has a near rubber stamp from Snyder.

      • Denver Hawker

        I agree things might be different with Rivera in charge, but both Dunbar and Trent we’re off-season malcontent situations. Williams wasn’t going to play and Dunbar, as we found out, is an off-field liability.

        I’d love to get Kerrigan, but I’m not optimistic based on their trading history.

  47. Hoggs41

    We really need to start rooting for Washington to lose games. The sooner they are out the sooner we could get Kerrigan.

  48. smityy1547

    Well Rob now that the Cable man is gone. I have to say I agree with about 90% of your take this year, especially with the defensive criticism. It seems to be to not only be fair and honest but on point. Not sure where all the hate and discontent would be coming from. What do you think about a Michael Bennett reunion?

    • Rob Staton

      Bennett isn’t happening

      • smityy1547

        That was my thoughts as well, but thought Id ask

  49. charlietheunicorn

    Some guys that might be worth keeping an eye on…. bottom feeders

    Broncos DT Jurrell Casey / 2 years left.. a bit older, but signed for 3 seasons.
    Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap / 1 year left / doubt he is available.
    Giants DT BJ Hill / initial contract. Snap count is down… could get a bargain.
    Eagles Brandon Graham / 2 years on contract. (Dumping salary for 2021)
    Eagles DT Malik Jackson / 1 year left on deal. (Dumping salary for 2021)
    Browns DE Adrian Clayborn / 2 years left on deal
    Vikings DE Yannick Ngakoue / don’t laugh, this could realistically happen 😉
    Bears DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo / cheap and familiar

    Just some names to widen the conversation.

    • charles mclean

      those sound better than clay mathews

    • BobbyK

      I can see a guy like Kawann Short being available. He’s 31 and there is a brand new regime in Carolina. They have the luxury of thinking long-term and a guy like Short isn’t at the age to be part of that vision.

      I don’t view a team like the Vikings willing to trade anyone on the DL. Their coach is on the hot seat and will be fired if improvement isn’t made. Their GM isn’t on the safest footing either. It’d be suicide for a team like that (I mean the decision makers) to deal a quality player for a pick that they probably won’t be around to make.

      The Bengals just don’t trade players.

      • Steve Nelsen

        There is only 1 team in rebuilding mode right now; Carolina. No other team is a possible trade partner right now. There will undoubtedly be more possible trade partners at the trade deadline but Seattle will be going with the guys they have until then.

        Collier needs playing time to develop. They drafted Brooks to start and he’s next man up.

        And you can forget about Seattle trading players, especially starters. Rebuilding teams want draft picks. So you can table the #tradeKJ nonsense.

      • charlietheunicorn

        Short has not been terribly effective the last year or so. He was lost to injury last season and with no offseason, could be a huge risk.. not to mention a decent salary to take on.

        As for the Vikings, if they lay another 1 or 2 goose eggs, they are cooked.
        They take on the Texans (W?), Titans (L?), Seahawks (L?), Packers (L?) and Falcons (L?) … they could be 1 and 6 or so… and with the hot start of GB… won’t catch the Packers at this rate. So, around Seattle bye week, keep an eye on them. They are already over the cap next year, also making them a tempting target to dump salary.

        • DC

          By mid season there could be some fire sales.

    • Adog

      Might as well add Clowney to that list…if you’re talking zero sacks and tackle s for loss.

  50. clbradley17

    2020 Week 2: Seahawks vs. Patriots | Seahawks All Access

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8OHCOj0jIs&ab_channel=SeattleSeahawks

  51. Andy J

    I think we need to bring in 2 pass rushers… but right now, honestly, all I want in the world is for the Hawks to sign Michael Bennett.

  52. dcd2

    Steelers DL just terminated his own PS contract. Expected to sign with another team…

    https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2020/9/22/21451675/transaction-shows-daniel-mccullers-time-in-pittsburgh-has-come-to-an-end-steelers-nfl-news-update

    • charlietheunicorn

      Hum. Not opposed to kicking the tires.. IF anything, he is 6’7″ 350 pounds and can clog the middle.

    • cha

      “The names Daniel McCullers. Here abouts known as Big Dan Muccullers, or those who pressed for time, Big Dan, tout cort!”

  53. charlietheunicorn

    Patriots WR N’Keal Harry says Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs reached out to him after Sunday’s game about the hit that led to Diggs’ ejection. “He made it clear that he was not trying to hurt me and it was not intentional,” Harry said. “When it happened, I didn’t think it was intentional either. I know that when you’re out on the field, stuff happens super, super quickly. … Him reaching out definitely meant a lot.”
    Mike Reiss
    ESPN Staff Writer

  54. CaptainJack

    Kyle Fuller’s suspension is over… could you trade Pocic or Finney? Fuller now on active roster, effectively replaces Dorsett. Logjam of interior offensive linemen again. Getting anything for trading Finney would be beautiful, even a late pick.

    Stephens replaces Blair. I don’t know who replaces Irvin’s spot but the most obvious would be Rush if they really liked how he played against the pats or Quem because he plays SAM. If Green is good to go Quem might make more sense.

    Gordon still suspended, complicated situation and with rule changes there’s little precedent to help figure out when/if the suspension will be lifted.

    • BruceN

      Impossible to find someone who needs a backup G for $8M. We’re stuck with Finney.

      • EastToWest

        Imagine spending, what, $15m on Olsen and Finney, instead of grabbing 1 or 2 premier pass rushers.

        • BruceN

          $15M would get us one but not two premier pass rushers. Griffen was a tough loss at $6M..

        • dcd2

          It’s not just that they spent that amount on a G and TE, but they then double and tripled down at the positions. Lewis/Fluker & Parkinson/Holister (Willson)

          But hey, we drafted a broken DE and punted DT completely. At least we didn’t have to trade up with a valuable 3rd rounder to get the guy who won’t play this year. Oh wait.

          The talent evaluation, due diligence regarding injuries and roster construction have all been awful. We are now stuck with it however, so…. let Russ cook, I suppose.

  55. SonGoku

    Do you think it’s possible they pull up two trades for Kerrigan and maybe someone like McKinley (ATL)? Or more likely they bring a free agent in?

    • Rob Staton

      The Falcons are desperate. The GM and HC are fighting for their jobs. They won’t be trading players.

      Washington are different because they’ve invested in two first round pass rushers and they’re in the early stages of a rebuild. Kerrigan has secured the franchise record for sacks and if they can turn him into a high pick for next year, long term that makes sense.

      I don’t know how likely it is but he’s the only name I can think of who fits the bill.

  56. Rob Staton

    I’m going to push my alternative off-season article to Thursday.

    We’ve got a new podcast coming on Wednesday and there are some stats I want to discuss.

    • Sea Mode

      You know I’ve read every article and every comment on this blog for years now, but I’m not so sure I’ll be able to stomach this one about what could have been now that we see the level Russ and the offense are at this season.

      • cha

        Don’t worry about it too much Sea Mode.

        Rob slipped me a preview and he proposed trading RW to San Fran for Jimmy G and a couple loaves of sourdough bread.

        • Lewis

          Lol, dude… you’re killing it.

        • Sea Mode

          Only if they give us Ziggy back as well to fix our pass rush problem.

  57. L80

    Dorsett to IR. Now if Gordon can get reinstated they can add him, OR make some sort of trade or signing (DE,DT) to fill that spot.

    • Rob Staton

      It looks like the three spots that became vacant this week will simply be taken up by Anthony Rush, Linden Stephens and then a receiver (Ursua perhaps, if not Gordon).

      I suspect there’s simply nothing the Seahawks can do for the D-line. Matthews’ situation with the Rams means it’s probably not worth his while to play. Cam Wake is nearly 40. No teams are in the trade market after two weeks. They’ve simply F-d up and even after losing Irvin, who they were banking on producing 6-8 sacks, there’s nothing they can do.

      • Big Mike

        🙁

        • Rob Staton

          Hope I’m wrong.

          I’m dangling that 2021 second rounder. It’s not even a hesitation for me. I’m giving that up right now for a pass rusher who can do something 1v1 off the edge.

          • CaptainJack

            What’s the last time a team hasn’t picked until day three?

          • pdway

            agree.

            Aren’t the Jaguars also in tank for Lawrence mode? anyone interesting left on their D-Line?

            • Rob Staton

              No, they are playing very well and are 1-1. They’ve no shot at the top pick next year.

      • Pran

        rush 2 or 3 and drop everyone in to coverage…. with the resources they have rushing 4 or 5 does not make much difference.

  58. Trevor

    How much did the Hawks spend on the following guys this off season? Seems like a great use of resources (sarcasm)

    -Bruce (done for year and ineffective prior to injury)
    -Cedric (Has not been active)
    -Finney (Has not played a snap)
    -Hollister (5-10 snaps a game)
    -Dorset (Has not played a snap)

    All very predictable levels of contribution except for perhaps the injury to Bruce an old SAM linebacker.

    • Trevor

      I will give you a hint about $17 mil. Seem like about the same amount an elite pass rusher might have cost.

    • Rob Staton

      Bruce Irvin $5.9m
      B.J. Finney $3.5m
      Jacob Hollister $3.259m
      Cedric Obuehi $2.237m
      Phillip Dorsett $887,500

      Total: $15.73m

      In comparison, Calais Campbell’s cap hit is $10m this year. Dante Fowler’s is $6.6m. Jadeveon Clowney’s is $12.7m. Everson Griffen’s is $5.8m.

      • James C

        While Olsen is getting the snaps, but for $7M, and $1M more than Griffen is lol with how much they need and needed DL help.

        I’ve never been more confused since:

        Mingo cancels Graham 3rd or 4th rd comp pick
        E.Dickson cancels S.Richardson 4th rd comp
        J.Brown cancels P.Richardson 5th rd comp
        Stephen cancels Willson 7th rd comp

      • Scott

        It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility that they could have gotten both Campbell and Griffen. Obviously that depends on whether or not those players wanted to go to Seattle, but it as far as affording it, it was definitely possible.

      • Trevor

        Looking at those numbers and thinking about our pass rush makes me want to throw up. Seriously what was JS doing / thinking this off season? Saying you made a competitive offer to Clowney is simply not good enough. He needs to be on the hot seat for this off season which was complete debacle IMO with regard to how he spent $60 mil and used some quality draft capital.

        • Rob Staton

          A huge, titanic misjudgement that could cost them a chance to contend in what, for all we know, might end up being the best season in Russell Wilson’s career.

    • Mike

      It sums up to about 1 jadeveon clowney

  59. James C

    My bad, just checked and they lost a 4th, 5th, 5th and 7th for those players.

  60. BruceN

    Now the Niners are looking For rushers to replace Bosa. This is off a Niner site regarding Cameron Wake.

    “ The 38-year-old was still the best pass rusher available. In 198 snaps last season, Wake had 2.5 sacks and eight QB hits. For reference, Arik Armstead had seven QB hits last year on 788 snaps, and that was second on the Niners in 2019. Wake can get after the pass rusher, and that’s all the 49ers would ask of him. Wake could serve as Ford’s replacement in sub-packages, which would allow Armstead to stay inside on obvious passing downs.”

  61. cha

    Dion Jordan brought up

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    With the season-ending injuries to DL Nick Bosa and DL Solomon Thomas, both have been placed on Injured Reserve and the #49ers have signed DL Ezekiel Ansah to a one-year deal and promoted DL Dion Jordan to the active roster from the team’s practice squad.
    8:07 AM · Sep 23, 2020

  62. cha

    https://twitter.com/billlee4pres/status/1308778822175662080

    LOL this is fantastic

    • Rob Staton

      Wonderful

    • Steve Nelsen

      Love it!

  63. Big Mike

    So someone posted about the Seahawks medical staff and was wondering if there are problems there. It certainly is possible but I can assure you it isn’t as bad as the Chargers medical staff. A report just came out that Tyrod Taylor had to go to the hospital because he was taking a pain killing injection in his ribs before the game Sunday and the doctor accidentally punctured his lung.

    • cha

      This is for you V12

      https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/1308800722264305665

      • Volume12

        🤣 the sound of the bed pan bouncing off his head pops me every damn timem

    • Sea Mode

      Ryan Harris
      @salaams_from_68
      ·1h

      Little known fact:

      Per CBA when player accepts team medical care they can not sue…

  64. Big Mike

    It was just announced that Gale Sayers has passed away. If you are of an age like me you know what an electrifying football player the man was before the knee injury, very possibly the most electrifying football player I’ve ever watched and I’ve been watching football since 1964. I saw the 6 touchdown game against the 49ers in his rookie season in 1965 and it was truly amazing. He looked like a college man playing against junior high boys in that game.
    RIP Gayle

    • WALL UP

      He was UNREAL!! My all time favorite RB.

    • Volume12

      Way ahead of his time. RIP 🙏

  65. PAUL DIFURIA

    Rob,

    I listened to your podcast the other night and you used the phrase “you need to give your a head shake”. I cannot remember hearing that before and could not stop laughing. I have subsequently used the phrase when discussing politics to great effect – using an English accent, of course. Brilliant!

    Here is how the Urban Dictionary defines YNTGYHS:

    A phrase which has never actually been spoken aloud. Instead, it is found exclusively in letters to the editor and on message-boards. Must be spoken with a grumpy old white man accent.
    “Legalize marijuana? You need to give your head a shake, boy. And get off my lawn.”

    • Rob Staton

      Haha! It’s quite a commonly used phrase over here in Yorkshire.

      I’m not sure it’s necessarily restricted to grumpy old white men. I’ve always thought it meant ‘don’t be daft’.

      I’ll try and throw in a few other ‘Yorkshire’ phrases over the next few pods.

      • cha

        How about “manky” ?

        As in “the Seahawks pass rush is manky.”

        • Rob Staton

          It’s a shout.

          I’d probably say ‘load of old bollocks’ but either works.

  66. cha

    What I’d like asked today (or variants of these)

    “970 yards in two weeks, coach. What do you attribute that to? Can you share one specific area on the defense you’ve targeted for improvement?”
    “Has the lack of preseason hindered defensive game planning? Get tape on offenses the defense will catch up?”

    “Ethan Pocic has played every snap at center so far. Safe to say the job is his to lose? Fuller back now, how does he fit in the mix?”

    “Who is getting the majority of Irvin’s snaps Sunday?”

    “3 sacks in 2 games – on pace for 24 – 28 last year and you stated improving the pass rush is a priority. Mission accomplished?” (admittedly that one is pretty combative)

    “Coach Norton has mentioned managing Mayowa’s snaps and keeping him fresh. So far he’s played 85-90% of the defensive snaps. Do you feel comfortable with that high of a percentage?”

    “4 TEs active Sunday and only two got significant snaps. A flow of the game issue? Thought you’d get them more involved and didn’t happen? Or is there an injury/play time concern for Dissly?”

    “With COVID protocols, what is your timetable for bringing in an outside player and having them cleared to be onsite, practice enough to play that Sunday?”

    • Rob Staton

      Why have 32% of your defensive snaps ended up in explosive plays for the opponent? And how do you stop that happening again this weekend?

  67. Frank

    What went wrong with Taylor’s rehab from the injury I wonder? I understood Reed having a bad 2019, dealing with off field stuff, but there is no hint of the player that popped in 2018. The 5 tech spot is miserable, and until Taylor and Robinson get some reps so is the Leo. This should have been a big year for Green to take the next step to being a star player and is stuck behind LJ the bust, and injuries. I simply don’t understand how the Seahawks have gone from being able to find HOF talents in late rounds, to not being able to even attain mid level starters with there top picks. One free agent isn’t fixing this issue, it’s a problem you can’t outrun if you draft picks are busts every year. I like the fact that the Hawks and the blog are paying more attention to PFF, it’s way to easy to fall for a prospects high light real, or combine work out and think you can harness it ala Rashan Gary when play by play grading shows you far more what they are, than even watching the game does. We have to find a 5 tech, or DT that can inject a little push up front and get Robinson and Taylor on the field ASAP to find out if this line and draft are a dumpster fire.

  68. Volume12

    Gohawks5151

    Wasn’t sold on D’Eriq King when he was Houston. Still not, but he made some seat up in your seat throws Saturday night. That rollout early in the 2nd, throwing off his backfoot against the grain for example. His decision making was perfect. Beginning to change my mind a little.

    • Gohawks5151

      Agreed. He will be an interesting guy to watch.

  69. DD

    I’m all for go after Kerrigan… or anyone that can rush the passer 🙁

  70. cha

    Patrik [No C] Walker
    @VoiceOfTheStar
    Chidobe Awuzie will miss ‘multiple weeks’ with injury — per #Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy.
    8:36 AM · Sep 23, 2020

    • GerryG

      Both teams might score 50 this week.

  71. BruceN

    Speaking of DL help, Clowney so far in 2 games has 3 solo tackles, 1 TFL, 0 sacks and 3 QB pressures. Not exactly setting the world on fire. TEN is 17th in DVOA, 10th against the pass and 22nd against the run.

    I still would’ve preferred if we had signed him.

  72. jopa726

    From Bob Condotta Twitter: “One of my favorite random Seahawks notes that pops up again this week is that the player who has had the most receiving yards in a single-game for Seattle against Dallas is Jerry Rice — 145 in a game in 2004.”

    This was in the last year of Jerry Rice’s amazing career. He had 22,895 receiving yards in his career. That is exactly 13.009 miles. Let that sink in..

    For those who are interested second on the career list is Arizona Cardinals Receiver Larry Fitzgerald at 17,167 receiving yards (in counting).

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