D-line notes: Jones, Henry, Bullard, Dodd, Butler

I’m tentatively planning to produce a Seahawks centric digital draft guide. It’ll basically be a one-stop guide looking at team needs, the prospects who fit, draft trends under Carroll/Schneider, ‘Seahawky’ prospects, trade down scenarios and more. I’m planning for it to be available via free download after the combine. My hope is it will appeal to all Seahawks fans, not just those obsessed with the draft. Is this something people would be interested in?

I spent the weekend reviewing my take on a number of players. Here are some of the notes I made…

Chris Jones (DT, Mississippi State)
I watched two games live during the season and came away largely unimpressed. On both occasions Jones looked stiff, struggled to counter and generally stayed blocked if the OL won with leverage and hand placement. His motor was inconsistent (often not hustling to plays and coasting). I watched two more games over the weekend (LSU, Missouri) and was much more impressed. There were still signs of Jones giving up early and his conditioning probably needs some work. Yet he flashed much more ability as a disruptor. He has the kind of size the Seahawks like (6-6, 308lbs) — similar to Tony McDaniel. It’ll be interesting to see how long his arms are. In both games he used a quick first-step and swim-technique to burst into the backfield to shut down running plays. When utilised in a three-man front he played end and showed plenty of quickness and pursuit with the extra room to rush. He’s a powerful guy and manages to bull-rush and shed/disengage. The difference in tape over four games suggests he’s inconsistent. He was a late developer in High School but ended up being a 5-star recruit and the #2 overall prospect in the nation. And that’s why he’s interesting. A 5-star recruit at 6-6 and 308lbs is pretty Seahawky. And with their unconventional approach (3-4 personnel in a 4-3) he fits inside. I can see them being thoroughly intrigued by his skill set. The big question is — is he enough of a pass rusher to provide the improvement they’re looking for? Because if they re-sign Rubin and Mebane — they don’t just need another guy who fits their size ideals. They need someone who can provide legit interior pressure. Projection: Rounds 2/3

Willie Henry (DT, Michigan)
Reportedly a close friend of Frank Clark, Henry doesn’t have the same level of athleticism and upside as Chris Jones. In fact it’s not really that close. Only a former three-star recruit, I went back and watched Michigan’s loss to Ohio State this weekend. He wins with leverage and a nice inside push. It’s not always about a perfect rip/swim and get-off to shoot gaps and provide that highlight-reel inside rush. If you can drive the interior lineman back into the pocket and impact the quarterback, it’s still a splash play. He seems to do that well. Yet there’s not much evidence of Henry exploding with quick feet and technique. He gets leverage, wins with pad level and can bull-rush effectively. There was one play where he worked down the line and found himself in space off the left edge. From there he showed great pursuit and hustle to get to the quarterback and force a quick throw. That hints towards a level of athleticism but there wasn’t a ‘wow’ play like you see with Jones knifing through the LSU line to blow up Leonard Fournette. He looks like a pretty functional three-technique that can work into a rotation. He has similar size to Clinton McDonald so maybe he can be coached into that kind of role? McDonald’s a bit of an enigma though — a 7th round pick, eventually snubbed by the Bengals before having two great seasons (one in Seattle, one in Tampa Bay) before a very quiet 2015. If Henry lasts into the round 3/4 range he could be an option as a developmental interior rusher. Projection: Rounds 3/4

Jonathan Bullard (DT, Florida)
There’s absolutely no denying Bullard is a fun player to watch. In a pre-season interview he admitted he felt slighted by a mediocre draft committee grade. He returned to Florida intending to prove he was better than the projection. In every Gators game I watched in 2015 (and the subsequent review over the weekend) Bullard played with a real fire. In the SEC Championship game against Alabama he was a man on a mission — consistently showing good pad level, power and the ability to out-effort a vaunted ‘Bama O-line. Unfortunately, he’s always going to need to win with effort because he isn’t a brilliant athlete and lacks ideal size. I suspect that’s in part why he received such a middling draft grade a year ago. He’s listed at 6-2 and around 285lbs. He’s not a great swim/rip specialist and he doesn’t often win with quick-twitch or explosion. He needs to time the snap count to knife through and there’s little evidence of any kind of counter. He’s pure effort. And overall, that makes for a pretty average skill-set that he basically got the most out of in college. Is brilliant effort going to be enough at the next level against bigger and faster linemen? Can he vary his technique and improve his quickness and ability to win without leverage/effort? And is he better suited to playing end than working inside? Bullard isn’t the type of guy you bet against and he’ll provide someone with a high intensity D-lineman probably in round two. Whether he’s special enough for the Seahawks compared to a guy like Chris Jones — the jury’s out. Projection: Rounds 2/3

Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech)
Butler and Andrew Billings (Baylor) share very similar traits. They both make plays that players with their size shouldn’t make. In many ways it’s even more impressive to see Butler doing it at 325lbs. Billings is ‘only’ 310lbs in comparison. Their ability to move down the line, dominate with extreme power and pursue is extremely impressive. Butler has the edge when it comes to gap discipline and the ability to win with quickness. Again — at 325lbs that’s mightily impressive. I’m not really sure why Billings would go in the top-20 and not Butler to be honest — unless Billings’ age (19) and mystique over his strength gives him an edge. These types of players generally go early because even if they don’t end up being fantastic pass rushers — the stoutness, size and power they provide can anchor a line and draw double teams. Butler can play as a nose or as an athletic compliment. He might be able to play some end too — a role I think Billings is better suited to in the 3-4. Another difference between the two — you almost never see Butler on the floor. He’s a pain in the ass to handle even when he’s not ploughing his way into the backfield. The combination of size, athleticism and length is comparable to Muhammad Wilkerson. However, Wilkerson had major production at Temple (9.5 sacks in his final year). Butler only had three sacks in 2015 and might lack Wilkerson’s natural flair to rush the passer. He might not get in the 10-12 sack range but he has a chance to be a really nice anchor suited to working next to a quicker interior rusher. That might not solve Seattle’s desire to improve their pass rush — but he should be able to help somebody quickly. Projection: First round

A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
I posted most of this yesterday but while we’re on the subject of defensive linemen I thought I’d bring up Robinson again. After further review I think the team that takes him will do so based on upside rather than anything he put on tape in college. He can be quite an ineffective, passive player. The Alabama front seven is loaded with talent and more often than not it was Jarran Reed, D.J. Pettway, Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Reggie Ragland standing out. Robinson is clearly a fantastic athlete. Against LSU he hurdled the LOS like Kam Chancellor vs the Panthers on a kick attempt. That’s at 312lbs by the way. And yet he barely threatens as a pass rusher and doesn’t play with a relentless attitude like Reed. Robinson had 3.5 sacks in 2015 (2.5 came in one game against Mississippi State) and he had zero sacks in 2014. This isn’t deceptive — he doesn’t seem to have many splash plays either. Is he capable of using his size, length and athleticism to be a great pro? Or is he one of those players who gets by on talent in college and never makes the most of it at the next level? He can be great. But does he want to be great? It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if a team falls for the upside and takes him in the top-20. It equally wouldn’t be a shock if he dropped into round two. I suspect it’d be pretty difficult to put together a highlight reel for Robinson — and teams will need reassurance he can ramp up the intensity at the next level. He does have the upside that might interest Seattle though — he should test well in Indianapolis. Projection: Rounds 1/2

158 Comments

  1. LikwidIce

    I think Rob S. is about to break the internet. Save me some download bandwidth!

  2. Rik

    I think a digital draft guide for the Seahawks sounds like a great idea!

    What do you think the Seahawks would do if Butler, Martin, Coleman, and Lee are all available at #26? I think the biggest weakness on the whole team is interior OL, and I might trade back 10 spots and take Martin (while picking up an additional 3rd round pick). Then look at a DT like Maddy later on.

    • Rob Staton

      The problem with Butler for Seattle is I think he’d be a one-technique. So unless they need to replace Mebane (or even see that as a first round type of solution) I’m not overly convinced they’ll draft him. If the Seahawks go D-line early I think elite quickness and get-off with sound technique is the key and that might only be Sheldon Rankins in this class. So I think OL remains likely early.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Truly looking forward to this, Rob. Even if it’s an indulgence and output of your obsessive inclinations, it’ll be a gift to all of us. And is sure to enhance our experience of this year’s draft immeasurably.

  3. cha

    Digital draft guide. yes please.

  4. franks

    Really looking forward to that draft guide Rob the people of Seattle should start paying you taxes. Biggest football day of the year and you’re all over it.

    Can I put links in the comment section?

    ESPN on the DT Hargrave whom you rec’d for the second round yesterday:
    http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/114853/hbcu-notebook-south-carolina-states-javon-hargrave-makes-statement

    Jutin Zimmer:
    http://blog.seattlepi.com/seahawksdraftblog/2016/01/06/justin-zimmer-dl-ferris-state-is-one-to-watch/

    Great compendium and search tool on the PI for Rob Staton articles:
    http://blog.seattlepi.com/seahawksdraftblog/author/rob-staton/

    Article from back in 2012, that’s how long this DLine has needed something more:
    https://seahawksdraftblog.com/seattles-1-need-is-defensive-tackle

    OL Free agent summary on fieldgulls:
    http://www.fieldgulls.com/2016/2/4/10911238/nfl-free-agents-offensive-linemen-seahawks

    And last but not least it’s Seahawk legend Jermaine Kearse’s birthday:
    http://www.seahawks.com/news/2016/02/06/jermaine-kearse-celebrates-26-today

    Happy Birthday Jermaine.

  5. Matt

    Very interested!

  6. Rick

    I would definitely be interested in a digital draft guide. Thanks for the generous offer.

  7. Thorson

    I would also be very interested in a draft guide. Rob, in the blog you’ve mentioned a number of DTs in the past few weeks. Many seem to fall into the Mebane mold of strong anchor, run stuffer, zero pass rush or are extremely raw, or not special athletically or have questionable drive. Of the DTs you’ve mentioned, who would be your top 5 that can actually provide some interior pass rush or collapse the pocket, yet check the Seahawks boxes of length, athleticism and upside? Who would you take at 26 of those realistically available?

    • Rob Staton

      It’s a class of compromises Thorson. In fairness if there was an interior rusher with length, athleticism, upside and evidence of pass rush he’d probably go in the top ten because those prospects are very rare. There isn’t a great interior rusher. There is no Kawann Short. Rankins (who won’t make it to #26) showed exceptional quickness and technique at the Senior Bowl but on tape he isn’t a fantastic pass rusher. Chris Jones is long and athletic and has some of the aspects they look for but he’s inconsistent and hasn’t delivered on his massive potential so far. Robert Nkemdiche has the potential to be one of the best players in the NFL but hasn’t played to that standard consistently so far and has character issues. Sheldon Day is a tweener who works inside and out and does show some interior rush but he’s also often easily blocked out. If he’s getting limited snaps then can he have a big impact in key games? Butler, Billings — better suited to the one-tech. A’Shawn Robinson could be brilliant or seriously underwhelming at the next level. Bullard an effort guy but average athlete. Jarran Reed is a run stopper, high intensity. Adolphus Washington is really streaky and lacks that central arrogance and belief the better DT’s possess. Austin Johnson is 325lbs and plays with quickness at times and has had some nice inside moves — but can he be a quick-twitch rusher at the next level? Not sure. Willie Henry a mid-rounder but not an automatic pass rusher. Kenny Clark a run stopper primarily. Jihad Ward is more of a Tony McDaniel.

      The Seahawks can add an interior rusher but I can’t give you the name of a guy who just lights it up and brings to the table what people want. I suspect they might be better using the FA market to add another veteran rusher (inside or out) and look for improved play from Hill and Clark on the roster. Rankins would do a job but likely won’t be there. I’m not convinced Butler or Billings will be either. Can they replace Mebane and offer more rush? Maybe. But how vital is replacing Mebane to the Seahawks to spend a R1 pick on that position when they need to improve and invest in the OL? Chris Jones at Miss. State might be the best fit for them.

      • Trevor

        I could see them going OL Coleman / Martin in Rd #1 Chris Jones Rd #2 and then back to the OL and LB in Rd #3.

        Based on Jones athleticism he is a guy who could be a big riser after the combine because I think his measurable will be off the chart.

        • Rob Staton

          I could see it — the thing is, as much as they’ve gone after big-time athleticism they also seem to rate production highly too. Bruce Irvin was the best pass rusher in college football for two years at WVU. Frank Clark’s tape was pretty remarkable. Tyler Lockett and Bobby Wagner had very productive college careers. Jordan Hill, as much as people are down on him now, looked like a terrific interior rusher for Penn State. Earl Thomas had eight interceptions in his final year at Texas. Golden Tate won the Biletnikoff. Paul Richardson had terrific production at Colorado. Even the guys who weren’t SPARQ’d up — James Carpenter was the anchor for the best run game in college football and John Moffitt helped Montee Ball do his thing in Wisconsin.

          Jones is an underachiever so far. And the only example of SEA going for that early is Christine Michael — one of the best athletes to ever test at the combine. Is Jones going to be similarly incredible as an athlete? He might need to be.

          • Trevor

            It is a good point. He has some good tape ans some spotty tape. I thought he would go back for his senior year and put up some great production then be a 1st rounder next year.

            Could his lack of consistent production have anything to do with the scheme at Miss St.?

            • Rob Staton

              I wouldn’t think so — they’ve had some good DL’s come out of that scheme including Preston Smith last year. He just didn’t play as well as he’s capable of consistently enough.

              • Volume12

                If I’m not mistaken, I think the last 2 guys that led CFB in sacks, went on to have very productive, good rookie years at the next level.

      • sdcoug

        Still like Destiny Vaeao in the 5th/6th

        • oz

          I like Destiny also. I really like Zimmer. He can really find the ball and gets off blocks very well. Good looking athlete.

      • KyleT

        Yeah, I’ve been posting this for awhile: Coleman in the 1st and Jones in the 2nd. Thanks for educating me on the inconsistency factor with Jones though. I must have only watched his good tape so far.

  8. Trevor

    If Carolina wins today Cam will be first QB and become 2nd player in history to win Heisman, national title, MVP and Super Bowl. Marcus Allen was the other.

    Newton was also the only player in the modern era to, within a one-year span, be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and become the first overall pick in an NFL draft

    I am not a big fan but you have to admit it is a pretty impressive resume.

    • Volume12

      Here’s the thing that bothers me about people whp don’t like Cam Newton becausr of his ‘show boating.’

      It’s a game. It only lasts so long, enjoy it while you can.

      Some say, ‘show a little class.’

      What about the game of football is classy? It’s grown men in spandex, built like bulls, running into each other. Controllled chaos.

      • Trevor

        good point vol. He is an amzing athlete there is no denying it. Once in a generation talent really.

      • sdcoug

        Taking group selfies on the sodeline with four minutes left in a game? Come on

        • Volume12

          Come on what? It’s a different generation man.

          It’s not 1976.

          • Ed

            A different generation doesn’t mean no class. My big thing is, it’s all about him. Look at all the talk about a black QB in the SB. Wilson was there 2 years in a row and you never heard a peep about it.

            Cam is a great athlete, but not a great QB. Under 60% completion percentage, lower than Bridgewater, Cutler, Gabbert, etc…

            • Volume12

              Again, what’s classy about football?

              I disagree he’s not a great QB. He’s todays prototype.

              You guys wouldn’t root for him if he was our QB?

              You could make the argument that RW’s image is just that. An image. Do I think he’s a great, genuine, big hearted dude? Yes. Do I think there’s more than meets the eye, and he’s a little more cocky than what we see? Absolutely.

              • Ed

                What does that mean? Their is still honor and class in brutal sports. Just because it’s a brutal sport means nothing. I would root for my team, doesn’t mean I would be OK with how the QB acts. I didn’t like or agree with Sherman going bonkers on Bayless, but I still rooted for three Hawks

          • lil'stink

            The preening after every first down is a bit annoying. You can enjoy the game without trying to draw attention to yourself as often as he does (although he isn’t the only one who is guilty of this). It will be more interesting to see how he handles himself after he starts losing again.

      • cover-2

        He also puts a towel over his head and sulks on the bench, like little kid, when he is isn’t playing well.

      • SeventiesHawksFan

        I don’t buy the ‘it’s a different / new generation’ excuse at all. My 14 year old son and 25 year old employees, all well versed in modern and pop culture, say the same things as his critics. The self congratulatory and attention seeking on field antics from a quarterback are off putting, unbecoming, ungracious and lacking in awareness or basic respect for the history and example set before him that made it even possible for him to be in the position he’s in.

        And the antics you see from him in the field are mischaracterized as ‘celebrations’ or having a good time to begin with. It’s simple indulgence of inner adolescence. It’s the other side of the mopey Cam with the towel over his head when they’re losing.

        • lil'stink

          Cam rolling around after that last PI call on Norman. That says it all.

        • sdcoug

          Well said

  9. Trevor

    A drafty guide would be amazing Rob if you have the time that would be awesome. Thanks again for the blog!

  10. Volume12

    I think it was me and purpleneer discussing Chris Jones the other day.

    I said he was maybe too raw, and he said not so much.

    Kind of gotta agree with him. I’ll eat some crow.

    That LSU game is impressive. Controls the LOS, shuts dowb Fournette, makes plays up and down the LOS, pursues to the sideline. He also shows great awareness getting his hands into passing lanes.

    IMO, he’s gonna be a SPARQ freak. Former Bball player, and we know PC/JS love multiple sprt prospects.

    He’s the kind of high upside, athletic freak that Seattle takes year in and year out in round 2.

    • Rob Staton

      Only issue I have with Jones to Seattle is he’s an underachiever. As noted in my reply to Trevor — nearly every single early Seahawks pick has been a guy with a massive resume of production. The only exception is Christine Michael who was one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the combine, taken in a year when they basically had zero key needs.

      • Volume12

        And that’s a fair point and valid point.

        • Volume12

          It’s why I like Austin Johnson so much.

          Highly intelligent, big, strong, length, motor, anchor, team capain/leader, big time character, work ethic.

          Yes, I know he got knocked on his backside, but that’s gonna happen every now and then. Joe Dahl did the same to Jarran Reed.

          2015 stats: 78 tackles, 15.0 TFL, 6.5 QB sacks, 1 def. TD.

          That’s impressive production man.

          • Rob Staton

            His highlight reel is exciting. You can put together a collection of plays that ‘wow’ you. But watching an entire game — leaves a different perspective. A guy I want to study more this week because the production is there. He might be able to rotate with Rubin.

            • Volume12

              Yeah-not necessarily quick twitch, but built like a Seattle 3-tech and a gu y that can line up at both spots.

              When I watched him this year, I picked up on very little/subtle nuances that are quite advanced for a college player. Things that an NFL interior playet does.

              Maybe his weight needs to come down a bit, but playing in a defensive line rotation like Seattle’s would suit him nicely.

              I’m pretty high on him.

              • Rob Staton

                Watching a couple of games now on youtube. Fantastic hustle down the line. Always moving. Very active. Has shown evidence of an ability to swim into backfield. Hmmm…

                Might have a post tomorrow. Ohio State 2015 tape was tough to watch will go back and watch that too.

                • Volume12

                  Nice. This kid can play man. And we know Seattle always scouts Penn St heavily.

                  He’s overlooked IMO.

                  I say pull the trigger on this kid. Really exciting. I can’t stress enough how much I like him.

                  • C-Dog

                    Admittedly, I haven’t payed much attention at all to Johnson, but now I’m excited to check more of him out. Loving the idea of a big active 3 tech more and more. Thanks guys, now I probably have another DT prospect to overly obsess over.

                  • C-Dog

                    Soooo.. just been watch some stuff on youtube. Yeah, Force of Nature is what I’d call him. Love that fact he wears 99. That’s been a good number on DTs in Seattle over the years. I’d be very good with that.

                  • Volume12

                    Force of nature.

                    I like that. He’s got that power and strength that JS always rmentions when it comes to D-lineman.
                    Not as good, but similar to Kevin Williams.

                  • oz

                    I like him Too. Flying under the radar a bit for me. Should be rated higher.

                  • C-Dog

                    Yeah, you can see it when he hits and tackles, it looks absolutely taxing on the ball carrier or QB.

              • SeventiesHawksFan

                THIS should be extremely encouraging. ALL extreme performers who are the best at what they do (and it doesn’t matter what the field of endeavor might be) can perform extreme finite and nuanced adjustments in real time. Great scouts and guys like you and Rob have an extremely developed ability to SEE it on tape, though they can’t actually perform it even if you know what it is.

                This is also why it’s so hard and unlikely for a ‘raw’ and undeveloped but unusually gifted physical specimen type athlete to become proficiently good at it in a short period of time. They don’t have the ability to perform the subtle adjustments that are essential to peak performance and true mastery. That is only acquired with a lot of TIME spent developing and ingrainimg the skill set.

                • Volume12

                  Good points. Well said.

                • SeventiesHawksFan

                  Which is also why I don’t like D line converts to O line. They’re all going to run into the same reasons for why Michael Jordan had no chance at being even halfway good at hitting a baseball. The guy who could perform the most subtle and nuanced finite adjustments with a basketball in real time in all of human history . . . had no history to speak of with developing finite and nuanced adjustments to swinging a bat or discerning the pitch he was being thrown.

                  • Volume12

                    Bo Jackson? One of, if not the greatest/freaky-ish athlete to ever step on a football field.

                    The guy could throw to home plate off his back foot from the warning track.

      • troy

        So perhaps worth rolling the dice with one of our two picks in the 3rd RD on Jones?

    • purpleneer

      That’s the only tape I’ve watched so far. Even in that one, you can see the potential for conditioning and weight control to be an issue, but he looked really good. The key for him is to be properly used early in his career.
      All my opinions on individual players are far from set in stone, due to such limited input so far. I’ll probably stay well behind some of you guys regarding how much film I get around to watching.
      Other guys I’ve recently taken a first look at:
      Maliek Collins looks really good as far as potential, but needs plenty of work (I watched tape vs Wisconsin)
      Sheldon Day looks solid and versatile, but only mildly exciting (Clemson)

  11. Volume12

    I thought it was interesting that Dane Brugler said he thinks the run on DTs will start at the end of round 1 and early 2nd.

    Rob also brings up a good point. Butler looks like a 1-tech. And so does Hargrave at least to me.

    Kind of like Nebraska’s DT Maliek Collins as a penetrating, disruptive 3-tech. Not in the 1st by any means, but if he was there in the 3rd, could be good value.

    • Trevor

      Agree on Collins he might be a nice pick with our 3rd round comp pick if we don’t take a DT like Rankins or Jones early.

      You can get veteran run stuffers in our system. I don’t see us spending a high pick on a guy like that.

  12. Eric

    A draft guide would be fantastic.

  13. Volume12

    All the pressure is on Cam. Peyton has been here before and knows what it takes to win this thing.

    Cam Newton throws high. Dan Quinn gave him his last 2 losses, and IMO is his kryptonite and knows his weakness. I’m thinking Denver realized and picked up on this.

    • Trevor

      That Denver pass rush is pretty impressive. Carolina looks nervous on the big stage.

      Still pissed about Kams holdout and our awful start to the year. Have to think if we play Carolina at home in the playoffs it is a different outcome.

      • Volume12

        The toughest losses for me to stomach where the back to games against Cincy and Carolina. Blowing double digit 4th quarter leads in botj of those.

        I still think had we beaten Carolina, they woldn’t have gone on to have the kind of season they did.

        • Trevor

          Agree Vol that game gave them a ton of confidence and was a springboard for the rest of the season. Was like a monkey off their back and gave them belief.

  14. Jon O

    Rob – I was going to tell you about ‘Big’ Willie Henry. Yes, he is friends with Frank Clark as former high school teammates for Ted Ginn Sr at Glenville high school in Cleveland. Henry was the strongest player on Michigan’s team (Country strong as some might call it). The Ohio State game is probably the worst tape to watch. He has an ability to make plays in the backfield and plays with a nasty disposition. Sometimes hits the qb to late. I think he would be a great 3rd round comp pick. Has starter upside, only 20 and played right away as a true freshman. He is a penetrating 3 tech and not a NT. His best football is ahead of him. Improved dramatically each year at Michigan. Based on talent should be higher than late 3rd but due to depth on DT in draft would be great value. Go Blue!

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks for the info Jon. If that was Henry’s worst game vs Ohio State, it means he and Penn State’s Austin Johnson both struggled against that O-line. Perhaps says more about Ohio State than the two DT’s. I will strive to check out more tape on Henry.

  15. Jon O

    It does Rob. Buckeyes will break the record with 15 players selected. Probably best team in the nation,but got punished for extremely soft schedule.

    • Rob Staton

      Unreal roster they had in 2015 — and blew that one game against Michigan State with a bizarre offensive game plan. Funny thing is — they lost that game against MSU’s backup QB too. Must be a sickener for them. Cost them the season.

      • purpleneer

        Yeah, it was their gameplan against MSU that killed them. Kind of a choke job by Meyer, who is usually brilliant.

    • Trevor

      Agree one of the best rosters of all time from a talent standpoint. Would have loved to have seen them in the playoff again. No chance Albama blows them out like they did MSU. Still don’t know what Urban Myer was thinking in that loss.

      • Volume12

        I agree. I think they break or come close to breaking Miami’s record of most players drafted in a single year.

  16. Trevor

    The Super Bowl really drives home the point of how important a pass rush / pass protection are.

    Rob you mentioned that Carolina have gotten by with marinal talent at OT well it is coming back to haunt them so far in the 1st half. They have been getting beat like a drum.

    I think Carolina will have to get the Rbs and TEs helping out more in pass pro in the 2nd half. This Denver pass rush is really impressive and deep like out 2013 team.

    • Trevor

      marginal talent at OT

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      I’m watching this and drawing a slightly different conclusion. The problem is Cam simply being the same QB we used to contain and force into stupid throws. He’s had enough time. He just can’t do much within less than 3 seconds, including finding his open dump off options. He’s just not a good enough QB to do much more than a few runs, a couple downfield shots that will connect and be followed up by not much else, and less than 55% completion rate.

      • Trevor

        That and his receivers are just not open. There is no separation at all. Denver has it all clicking on D (tight coverage and amazing pass rush). Those tackles are getting beat like a drum by MIller and Ware though. Thre is no denying that. The pressure has been off the edge not up the middle.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          WRs had multiple drops and the Denver secondary (Roby specifically) made some outstanding plays. Did you see Von Miller cover a WR outside the numbers and break-up the pass….. that was outstanding.

    • Rob Staton

      Look who they were playing. Let’s not let an entire season of evidence go to waste because of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware’s brilliance.

      • C-Dog

        Miller and Ware, but their OL also had their hands full of Jackson, Wolfe and Williams. I had a sneaking feeling Cam and Co were going to be walking into a buzz saw with that Denver D. The way they took it to Brady and Co a couple weeks before, it just seemed like any offense facing them was going to be in for a nightmare, and the Panthers hadn’t had to deal with anything close to that all season long. My only question was how Manning was going to do against the Carolina D, and man, it was almost as painful to watch. When Von Miller got that first strip sack recovered for TD, I thought, “that’s it, Carolina won’t recover from this. It’s going to be what it was for the Broncos two years ago.”

    • oz

      Do ya think Spence will make it out off the top ten now?

  17. EranUngar

    After watching the first half of the SB:

    In your last mock draft you presented a case for building the OL from the inside out. The model you used is Carolina. We have just watched that interior OL dominated by Denver and the mediocre Tackles account for 3 sacks and that fumble.

    NFL offensive lines in the last decade are clearly inferior in talent compared with DL. Even the best of them will crumble facing the best defensive lines. The solution is quick pocket passing plus prolific running game. Basically, everything the Seahawks did in the 2nd half of the season. Watching that game makes me think about penetrating DTs and additional targets for RW (Boyed, Shepard, Higgins, Fuller).

    • bigDhawk

      The only thing I want after watching this game is Quinn back as DC and Norton Jr back as LB coach. Those two losses hurt our D more than anything last year.

    • Rob Staton

      A line that dominated all year had a tough day against the best pass rush in the NFL.

      If they had Joe Thomas at right tackle I doubt the ending would’ve been any different.

      • EranUngar

        Exactly!!!!

        A line that dominated all year is still no match for the best pass rush. Keep that in mind.

        And, realistically, what are we (Seahawks) more likely to be able to field next year? A Denver like pass rush or a Carolina like OL?

        I think that with Bennett, Avril, Clark and Marsh already on board, we are one dominating piece (penetrating DT) from a scary DL rotation (we have the LBs and secondary to give Den. a fight for their money). Can anybody say the same about our OL? Are we just one player from a dominating OL?

        I believe that is your answer right there. We are closer to fielding a great pass rushing DL and if we do – it’s better to have than having a dominating OL.

        • C-Dog

          This game made me crave more pass rush in Seattle more than anything else. It had me thinking which path is the easiest to getting back to top dog, more emphasis on offense, or more resources on the defense? As much as I want to see this offense expand, really, in my football heart, I really want to see our defense get back to total dominance. Not just be a good run defense, okay pass defense, vice versa. Dominant. Can’t run against, Can’t pass against, flat out domination. That was fun to watch tonight.

          • Volume12

            Pretty sure that’s their goal every year.

            It wasn’t like Seattle came into this year saying ‘let’s be decent against the pass and dominate against the run.’

            Seattle still led defensively in PPG, and had the no. 2 or no. 3 defense overall.

            We’re just so used to them being flat-out dominant and historic, that anything even remotely below that, is head scratching.

          • bigDhawk

            We don’t need Denver’s style of pass rush. Our pass rush functioned different in SB48 than Denver’s conventional 3-4 scheme with 2 all-pro edge rushers. Ours was based on a dominant secondary that gave time for a constantly rotating, fresh front seven to apply consistent pressure that disrupted the timing foundation of Denver’s historic offense. We didn’t produce conventional sack numbers like the Denver defense of this year but the effect was even more devastating against an offense that relied on a quick, scheduled passing attack.

            The big thing we are lacking from that SB48 defense, rather than sacks, is turnovers. Denver had a great TO game in the SB, as they did all year. That’s where we have fallen off and where we need to get back. And in our scheme it will happen again when our secondary is dominant and our front seven can rotate and provide consistent pressure.

        • purpleneer

          That’s just it. We are overrating their performance for the whole season. They did loads of max-protect all year and looked good due to consistently competent offensive coaching, balance, and some major playmaking by their QB.

  18. JC

    So watching how disruptive this Denver d-line is tonight reminds me you can never have too many good pass rushers, no matter how much we talk about other needs. If they think one is there at #26. This game also reminds me that we didn’t get good fortune 3 weeks ago with the fumble and drop issues of the Panthers tonight

    • bigDhawk

      Honestly I thought Demarco Ware was done when he left Dallas, with his bad back. The fact Denver has got anything out of him at all is a complete surprise to me.

    • Trevor

      You are so right. A pass rush is the #1 requirement in the NFL for any defense now as it is so hard to cover downfield.

  19. Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

    I said it a couple of days ago. Cam can be got. What we did to him two seasons ago, Denver has done to him tonite. Of he is pressured, he is not savvy anough to deal with it. He can’t process quickly and doesn’t ddeal with adversity. He is shellshocked. And reading ALL the nauseating heaps of praise that were being heaped upon him by the NFL media, they annointed him as potentially the best EVER. That is insane! He does everything the wrong way, whereas as RW does everything the right way and he is merely an afterthought. This was enjoyable. We were better than Carolina two times this season and let silly mental errors and poor preparation undermine us. But watching Manning ride off in to the sunset over the backs of the baffled and demoralized Panthers was pretty satisfying. Can’t wait to see the media spin this so Cam doesn’t look like he was utterly overmatched. And then after that, I can’t wait for the draft

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Cam isn’t even the 30tn best QB ever. He was gifted an unusual schedule and season. And a total first half meltdown by us. This is just him returning to reality.

    • Ed

      Exactly. Under 60% and he still got so much praise. He can’t throw well. He can’t handle pressure and he is a poor sport. Glad he didn’t even get to do his down move.

      Awesome.

      All draft now Rob

      • Ed

        First down move. And the fact he didn’t dive for the fumble says it all about him.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          That taking a step back from a ball on the ground is one of the must unfathomable split second defining moments I’ve ever seen. Holy wtf?????

          • Trevor

            That was pretty brutal have to admit. I am sure he is going to be asked about that after the game. I have never seen that at any level of football, much less in the SB.

            • SeventiesHawksFan

              Exactly. It’s unfathomable. Who at THAT level doesn’t know to throw their body reflexively at that ball? The inability to make the OBVIOUS decision that needed to be made was laid bare. He’ll dab and to selfies and dress up and do first down dances. Those are all conscious and deliberate decisions too. They’re even football decisions when it’s a QB choosing to do them. But then a CRUCIAL moment of saving that football . . . he doesn’t even know the peewee basics of falling on it. He’s is simply FLAWED fundamentally in the head.

              The guy who CHOOSES first down dances as an NFL QB . . . it’s not an accident that that same guy took a literal step back from a football on the ground at the end of the game with his team down in the Super Bowl. Rather than making the immediate attempt to throw his body on it.

  20. Trevor

    Incredible defensive performance by Denver have to give them huge props. Looked the equivalent of our 2013 Squad.

    Nice to see Peyton go out on top. Von Miller is absolutely incredible.

    • bigDhawk

      Let’s not get crazy.

      • Trevor

        You don’t think that was one of the most dominant defensive performances?

        • bigDhawk

          Not 43-8 dominant.

          • Trevor

            I am not saying the team was as dominant. The Defense was every bit as dominant.

            • bigDhawk

              The Panthers were not the greatest scoring defense of all time when we pwn3d them. And Cam was not even the best QB on the field tonight. Elway cobbled together a defense to mimic ours after we schooled him, but, no, it was not nearly as dominant as our historic 48 defense.

              • bigDhawk

                pwn3d the Broncos, that is.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          No. It was competent. But very beatable. There were SO many plays with Cam just standing back there with time. Denver’s LB’s are not THAT good to cover the sideline and outlet options that would open up the deeper routes. And Cam even got the occasional deeper shot, not that he can follow it up with much.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      The Denver defense was top 5 all-time… single season. They got very little offensive help all season and held multiple single point leads for wins this season. This is a very special group, likely not to be seen again for a number of years.

      • Volume12

        They weren’t historic as Seattle’s 2013 D.

    • 75franks

      wade phillips deserves mvp for Denver first he shuts down NE and now a completely different offense. very impressed

  21. JC

    Cam vs pressure < Russell vs pressure. Newton had gotten great protection prior to this game, the completions vs Seahawks other than the TD to Olsen he was living in the pocket throwing wide open short passes vs zone. He's just not that accurate, and it really showed tonight

  22. bigDhawk

    Swell. Manning can go away. Cam can go suck it. Let’s have another Super Bowl draft.

  23. Trevor

    This game me really appreciate Russ so much more and how fortunate we are to have him as our QB.

    He never gets down, always stays positive and believes no matter how dire the situation or how many times he gets hit. He really is a great leader because of this.

    One other thing that I don’t think gets talked about with Russ is his incredible conditioning. I think he is unlike any other QB in the league. He can scramble around for 10 sec one play, get sacked the next, then run for 20 yds the next. Everyone else is gassed and he rarely even looks winded. It really is amazing.

    He also never gets his head down when he gets sacked or things are not going well. Seeing Cams body language this game made me really appreciate that so much more about Russ.

    • bigDhawk

      Yeah, somebody please enlighten me, what exactly had sCam Newton accomplished when he was taking selfies during gametime?

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Cam took multiple sacks and prob another 15 QB hits…. he got killed by the Broncos front 7.

  24. EranUngar

    2 years ago we humiliated the best offense in the history of the game. Elway watched and learned. He let the offense decline and stocked the defense. He got his reward tonight.

    We forgot that lesson. We allowed talent and depth on the defense to dissipate. We would have won the SB last year if we still have Mebane, Hill, Avril, Lane playing in the second half.

    We have RW, Rawles, Kearse, Baldwin, Lockett, Graham and Willson. We’ll manage to put points behind a poor OL, we did it already this year.

    My lesson is stock the defense. Get a quality penetrating DT as a first priority and try to get another pass rusher. Add a CB not later then the 4th round.

    Add your OL players in between but they are a second priority. Defenses win championships.

    • Volume12

      Seattle will always be a defensive team, as long as PC is the HC.

    • nichansen01

      I disagree with some of the opinions you share, but man does this ring close to home. Why has Russell Wilson improved every year since Super Bowl 48 but the team done worse? We went 13-3, 12-4 and now 10-6 with the offense getting better every year. Wilson took off in 2015 and the team nosedived.

      The reason is pretty obvious… The defense has lost its intimidation factor. It’s why we choked at the end of games. It’s why the panthers took out of the gates running in the playoffs. It’s why it took a missed field goal to squeak by the Vikings. It’s why we couldn’t stop Case Keenum and Nick Foles when we needed to most.

      I’m going to rethink my opinion on going overboard on oline in the draft after watching this game. Sokoli, Poole and Glowinski can man the interior. Let the offense decline. I think the Seattle defense needs to be redefined.

      • bigDhawk

        A big reason why our defense sucked in the clutch this year was our DC. It wasn’t just the personnel Elway acquired that put them over the top. It was the scheme of Wade Phillips. Phillips may very well be one of the best DC’s in NFL history. Richard, not so much. When Phillips took over the reigns in Denver they became a SB defense. Just like ours was a SB defense under Quinn. Personnel is important, but you also need a great coordinator to make it championship caliber. We don’t have a championship caliber DC right now.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          Completely agree that this is SCHEME more than anything else. Players CONSTANYLY out of position was typical this year. And put our players in a reactive position to not make plays on the ball
          And punish every reception. We played way more zone and less press coverage this year.

          The lesson of the Falcons loss was forgotten. When Tony Gonzalez was allowed to run in a straight f-ing line past Bobby Wagner and just turn around to receive a ball thrown in 2 seconds. A college tight end makes that okay. ANY form of disrupting or delaying Gonzales’s route and the rush gets home and Gonzalez isn’t deep enough or turned around. It would have made more sense to tackle him at the snap and take the penalty.

          Gus Bradley style defense came back this year. And made us the more reactive team in the clutch. Reactive teams are less physics teams. And they get beaten.

          • SeventiesHawksFan

            * a college tight end makes that play

      • SeventiesHawksFan

        The defense was not the more physical team in multiple games they played to be sure. More on offense than defense though. Our LB’s were better than ever this year. Safeties were much worse. Corners worse. Outside rush not much worse. Interior rush notably worse. Rush defense better. We still don’t give up the long ball.

        Our inability to punish the short middle of the field that led to fumbles, interceptions, receivers and TE’s getting blown up (despite better LB play) seems the difference on defense. Kam isn’t who he used to be and we don’t shut down tight ends or slot guys.

        I blame the shift in SCHEME back to more ofb the Gus Bradley soft zone that lost the last 30 seconds of the Atlanta Game. They ran it all year. It makes the players reactive rather than aggressors. And it’s safe football. It’s losing football. And shows up as less physicality.

  25. Volume12

    Glad Peyton Manning aka ‘The Sheriff’ wnt out on top.

    Von Miller needs to be MVP.

    • Steele

      I hate Manning. All Mannings.

  26. Jeff M.

    I bet if you set up a voluntary pay-what-you-want option for the draft guide many of your readers would even happily chip in $5 or 10 as a thank you for all the great content you put out here.

    • 75franks

      agreed happily

    • Trevor

      I would be in for that.

  27. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Unsung hero of SB50…. M. Jackson. He just made himself a lot of money.
    Von Miller was the MVP, second would be D. Ware. Both were outstanding.

    • Volume12

      Still think that Derek Wolfe is better than Malik Jackson.

      That’s not to say that Jackson isn’t a good player, because he is, but Denver made the right choice in prioritizing Wolfe over Jackson.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        The four of them caused havoc. Late in the game, Jackson got a key pressure on Cam and at least one other time flushed him from the pocket, right into the pass rush from the outside. Reminder me of the 2013 Seahawks team, with all the pressure placed on the QBs.

  28. Cysco

    So sounds like Lynch announced his retirement.

    Thanks for all the great memories Beast Mode!

    I’m really excited for the the Rawls era.

    • bigDhawk

      Thanks for the once in a lifetime memories, Beastmode. You’ll never be replaced.

    • Volume12

      Are him and Peyton done on the same day?

      Sad indeed.

      Lynch was the last of a dying breed. One of the most unique characters to ever lace ’em up.

      BEASTMODE!

  29. Volume12

    Wow. Last year it was, ‘let’s be like New England.’

    Now it’s, ‘let’s do what Denver does.’

    Didn’t Denver become what we are after we thumped them?

    • bigDhawk

      The only part of Denver’s defense I’m envious of is their DC.

      • nichansen01

        Are you kidding me? Von Miller? Demarcus Ware? Derek Wolfe? Malik Jackson? Chris Harris? Aqub Talib?

        I’d replace these player with our starters in a heart beat (minus Sherman).

        • bigDhawk

          I’ll give you Harris over Shead, but the rest, nope.

          • bobbyk

            Von Miller? Really?

            • bigDhawk

              Over who? Bennett? Nope.

              • HI Hawk

                Over Irvin – YUP!!

          • SeventiesHawksFan

            Von Miller and Harris. Only.

            Wade Philips put his players up at the LOS all game. He let his players play a pretty damn simple and physically imposing game plan. You know, the kind we played when we won it all and got away from. I hope Kris and Pete watched this one tonight and had more than a moment of thinking I remember when we did it this way. And why did we get away from that? I think they got scared in the New England game when they didn’t have the athletes to cover the trio of Gronk, Edelman and Amendola well enough and they couldn’t stop the run after the catch. So they switched back to zone and and less press and softly and subtly gutted their identity that would allow them to be dominant. All the other elements of the scheme remained in tact. But it neutered their core physicality at the LOS, moment of the reception and point of contact.

            And it’s the REAL REASON for the defensive slide. We replaced the fearless soundness of Dan Quinn the with safe calculation of Gus Bradley. Keeping the fundamentals intact so you can’t discern the essential difference.

            The lesson being that the safer calculation is actually also less sound. Because it turns players who were born and then bred to impose their split second talents and physicality . . . into players who have to cover and area, react and think about it, in case a Julian Edelman catches and outruns them.

            The lesson needed to be cover and disrupt an Edelman personally. Because that’s how we play. That isn’t what we did though. And it turned into tight ends running f-ing free anywhere they want to on the field in the fourth quarter when we’d double down even worse on what we never shoulda done.

            Wade Philips made a simple decision to not line up or play his guys that way. That is the true lesson for us.

            • CharlieTheUnicorn

              Wade Philips disguised coverages and used pressures very effectively. Cam look confused for most of the first half, unable to get a good read on the defense he was facing.

              • SeventiesHawksFan

                Wade crowded the LOS and played aggressively. First and foremost. Any disguised coverages were out of putting his players in an aggressor position from the snap.

                • Volume12

                  Thank you SHF.

                  Finally someone said it. Wade Phillips had a ton to do with that defense.

                  The only guys I would want, Von Miller and Bradley Roby.

                  • oz

                    The Denver D did a great job taking Olson out of the game.

    • EranUngar

      Yes, learning from a SB champion is what made Denver what we saw last night.

      What we learned from NE was that the remedy to OL issues is a quick prolific pocket passing game. Once we implemented it in the 2nd half of the season our offense changed dramatically.

      What we need to learn from Denver is that a dominant defense wins it all. If we did not remember how we won the SB, they should serve as a reminder.

      Maybe “everybody” around the NFL will try to do what Denver does but we already have most of the tools to do it already on board and are a player or two away from it. I think that should be our goal.

      • Rob Staton

        Improved pass protection had much more of an impact than any change to a quick passing game. Some of Wilson’s best throws in the second half of the season came on developing routes, not snap and shoot.

        • bigDhawk

          Perhaps a definition of ‘developing routes’ is needed, because our pass protection was drastically at it’s best when a quick passing game was used and likewise at it’s worst when routes took time to develop, which is the opposite of what you seem to be suggesting.

          • Rob Staton

            Some examples — Doug Baldwin’s long touchdown vs Minnesota down the seam. His sideline TD vs Pittsburgh. The red zone work vs Baltimore that isn’t just snap and shoot, they used cultured routes to get open. The superb Lockett play call down the left sideline for a big TD against Cleveland. That play where the DB fell over allowing Baldwin to be wide open? That’s brilliance from Baldwin to get open. It wasn’t an explosive break and just a short, quick slant. Wilson trusted the protection, hung in there and delivered big plays.

            They quickened things up on certain plays — but the turning point wasn’t any major philosophical shift. It looks pretty simple to me — they turned by far the league’s most hopeless pass pro unit into a functioning group and Wilson began to trust it.

            • bigDhawk

              Sure, there were a handful of plays this year where the pass pro actually held up long enough against a couple bad opponents for developing routes to be completed. But the vast majority of our 2-4 start was plagued with the the old play-action scheme of taking long-developing, explosive shots downfield that no longer worked with the changes in our OL and the diminished abilities of Beastmode.

              It wasn’t until the second half of the Pittsburgh game, when we were forced to abandon the run-dominated/play-action scheme and switch to a quick pass attack that our pass pro suddenly looked good. That quick passing game brought us back to win against Pittsburgh and carried us through the rest of the season to the extent we chose to keep using it. And the times late in the season when we reverted back to our old play-action, deep shot ways, our pass pro suddenly fell apart again.

              Our passing success in the second half of the season was not the result of the OL suddenly learning how to pass block better. It was the result of getting the ball out much quicker with much more consistency, masking the our OL deficiencies that were there throughout the season and never got better, evidenced by the seeming regression we experienced late in the season and playoffs. How this could be viewed any other way boggles my mind somewhat.

              • Rob Staton

                Seattle’s starting O-line consisted of a guy playing guard for the first time (Britt), a guy playing O-line, right tackle and starting for the first time (Gilliam) and a converted center (Nowak) was replaced mid-season for a guy who knew the position (Lewis).

                The concept that the line needed time to perform adequately isn’t a fanciful suggestion. Pete Carroll constantly referred to this during the season. Every week.

            • SeventiesHawksFan

              Agree completely.

  30. Ed

    And Cam press conference says it all again. Then walks away. Awesome that the SC anchors called him out. Classic

    • Cysco

      i missed it. what happened?

      • Ed

        His pouty self. Wasn’t answering questions, head low, etc… Someone started to ask about him not going for the football, but was cut off. He got up and left barely 3 minutes in.

        When they cut back to sports center, they called him a pour sport and that’s why he gets the criticism he gets and he should handle losing with some class. Which is exactly what Kuechly did. I really like that guy now.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          The HC Rivera took it, all the questions, after the game. Showed what you should do in a tough situation. I respect him more and more as I get to know him (via the press).

          • bigDhawk

            Got no problems with Rivera. Like him, even. But sCam is who we thought he was.

            • bobbyk

              When I coached baseball, I always told my kids that I never learned anything about them as people after wins, but I did learn about them after a loss. Everyone gets a mulligan because we’re all human and everyone makes mistakes… but he’s about as entitled as they come and, yes, he is who we knew he was. How Russ handled his loss last year and how Cam handled it this year is just one reason I am so thankful we have Wilson and don’t have Cam.

              • rowdy

                And how Payton handle his super loss 2 years ago, complete professional.

  31. bobbyk

    Panthers are probably going to invest in an offensive tackle in the first round. Might not be a bad idea.

    So many variables in football. What is your strength? Weakness? Who do you play against? What is their strengths? Weaknesses?

    For much of the season, them having tackles that aren’t good isn’t going to matter as much (how they are built). But when you run into a team who has a strength going against your weakness – you’re going to run into trouble (like them having terrible tackles and the Broncos having unbelievable edge rushers).

    • Volume12

      Carolina’s weaknessess caught up to them today.

  32. CharlieTheUnicorn

    What stood out to me…

    1. Denver has 3 very talented CBs able to mix and match coverage on TEs and WRs
    2. The DTs got constant pressure and made Cam have to move around
    3. The DEs are exceptional. Very likely the best 2 starters in the league. When Ealy came in, added a spark to the pass rush.
    4. The speed and coverage ability of the LBs was exceptional.

    What can Seattle do…
    1. Need 1 more good CB
    2. Need 1 or 2 disruptive DTs
    3. Add one more pass rusher, the 2 starters they have are very good. Need a bit more depth.
    4. Figure out a way to get more speed into the LB group, likely via Irvin spot.

    Essentially, this is what Seattle had in 2013….. time to go back to the roots.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Cam had LOTS of time to make a throw on multiple downs. The Carolina scheme designed to protect his deficiencies either gave him limited second and third options or he just couldn’t find them. It became just an impossible numbers game. He was going to complete around 50% and get the occasional downfield play that he’d then have no ability to follow up with anything else. Their defense just needed to line up at the LOS and compress the field, give up the occasional but harmless 20 plus yard reception. And then force the hopeless scheme to produce options that Cam could act upon. Which he can’t. At least not often or consistently enough.

      That Denver team and defense is VERY beatable though. The same way we used to beat Carolina and the good SF team. You’ll get your opportunities. They gave at least four by my count to Carolina. The problem though was an offense designed to mask Cam’s deficiencies. And protect Cam.

      • Coleslaw

        If Shillique Calhoun falls in their lap I think they bite, our DEs would be best and deepest in the league by far

      • Steele

        I’m not impressed with either Carolina or Denver. Both of whom should have lost in their respective championship games. It should have been the Pats and the Seahawks. The Pats were too injured, the Hawks didn’t wake up soon enough.

        The coronation of the undeserving Manning is sickening.

        Carolina had their chances even on a disastrous day. The Panthers D was good enough. The vaunted Carolina running attack, the vaunted Cam, failed.

    • Volume12

      IDK, people can say we wanted Dominique Easley, but didn’t they really like CB Bradley Robb too, if not more?

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