New podcast: Seahawks vs Dolphins preview

Check out this weeks podcast and share your thoughts in the comments section…

527 Comments

  1. Sea Mode

    Newly-released footage of the Seahawks’ front office trying to stop Clowney from leaving town…

    https://twitter.com/seidodge/status/1311744683543007240

    • Hoggs41

      Does Clowney play soccer?

    • cha

      Alternate headline: Seahawks CBs Sunday vs Dallas WRs

  2. Sea Mode

    Nobody even close to sniffing him.

    PFF
    @PFF
    ·5h

    Highest rate of accurate passes thrown 10+ yards downfield:

    1. Russell Wilson – 75%
    2. Jared Goff – 62.5%
    3. Philip Rivers – 60.6%
    4. Dak Prescott – 60%

    • cha

      Iso that to QBs vs the Seahawks D and I bet those are #1

  3. hobro

    The point you raised about the implications of the likely cut in next year’s salary cap is an important one that hasn’t received much attention in the mass-audience websites. You’re surely right in suggesting that some cap-challenged teams will be making available defensive players that could help the Seahawks this year.

    A number-crunching general manager, though, might argue that it would be better to wait until next year. The $176 million cap is a pay cut of 11 per cent for the players, but it won’t be an across the board hit. The burden will be borne primarily by free agents – either those whose contracts expire, or those whose contracts are terminated because their teams have no choice but to eat the dead money in order to squeeze under the new, lower cap. Cash will be king in that environment and, in an inversion of the natural order, there will probably be proven players reaching free agency for the first time who offer better value than rookies. (And for that reason, the Jamal Adams trade looks better and better.)

    The argument about winning now given Wilson’s stunning performance to date would be compelling but for this: there is a non-zero probability that the season will be cancelled at some point. No one knows what that probability is, but it’s higher now than it was before the Titans’ outbreak.

    • Rob Staton

      I was with you right up until the ‘season cancelled’ stuff and then I just started rolling my eyes.

      They are not cancelling the season.

      It’s unfortunate the Titans have had a few positive tests and the league has acted accordingly. They have also shown how relatively straight forward it is to rearrange games. Meanwhile, 31 other teams have played three games and have avoided a similar outbreak. Including the team who just played the Titans.

      All this doom mongering about ‘cancelling the season’ is melodramatic and doesn’t do anyone any good.

      • QBGeno

        Rob I think you’re massively underselling the fact that the season is completely and utterly unsalvageable if this were to happen 2 or 3 more times.

        There are 256 games in an NFL season and after week 3 (48 games) one game has been postponed; we are less than a fifth of the way into the season. Why the NFL have not implemented designated weeks for covid rescheduled games is a very serious question.

        The Titans have had 11 positive tests (12 including Shane Bowen last week). The likelihood is there will be several more over the coming days. It is right to bring forward the discussion that the NFL have severely underestimated the potential impact of an outbreak among teams and by doing so have put the completion of the season in doubt. It’s not scaremongering to ask the question

        • Rob Staton

          It is scaremongering.

          People speculating on the season ‘being cancelled’ has ZERO worth. Who the hell benefits from that? And none of you have any CLUE what is going to happen. The ‘season will be cancelled’ brigade should just shut the hell up. If it happens, we can talk about it then. Right now, the NFL has successfully negotiated three weeks of a 17 week season. One team has had some positive tests. One game has been postponed and is in the process of being successfully rearranged. The process appears competent, efficient and the parties involved are cooperating beautifully.

          I cover Premier League and Football League soccer over here. Plenty of teams have had positive tests, had those individuals isolate, then proceeded.

          The same has happened in sports in America.

          All this bollocks about the season being cancelled after the first, predictable hurdle can get in the bin. As if people need to hear you or anyone else speculating about that. We’ve had enough crap this year, thanks.

          I’m talking about the Dolphins on Sunday.

          • Big Mike

            So do people really believe that even in the event the NFL has to shut down all games 2 or 3 weekends this season that they wouldn’t just extend the season by that number of weeks? February is an utterly dead month for sports with only regular season NBA, NHL and college hoops being played. The NFL is a monster folks. It’s the biggest sport in the USA and the biggest TV show. The season will go 16 games plus playoffs plus Super Bowl.

            • Rob Staton

              Spot on

            • charlietheunicorn

              If there is money to be made, you play on.

              Titans better get their stuff together however. With additional personnel/players testing positive today, they could really be in a tough spot…. possibly forfeiting games because of foolishness or at the minimum lax preventative COVID procedures/protocols.

              Good wake up call for all teams.

              • Eweb

                Bravo. Thank you for the sanity Rob.

        • CaptainJack

          So tired of covid fear porn.

          Half the Oklahoma team had it and they seem to be doing fine.

          • Ralphy

            OU is doing fine? Hilarious.

        • McZ

          There was a point, when there were three MLB franchises with multiple infections. Not a single hard case, returned to playing after 9 days max. The regular season is in the books, postseason is underway.

          The industry needs revenue, the people need a distraction, and we’re heading herd immunity anyway. In no friggin hell a vaccine will be faster than the pandemic.

      • hobro

        I think I see what you’re hinting at. The ‘c’ word has been struck from my vocabulary.

    • cha

      The burden will be borne primarily by free agents

      The lower tier free agents. The top-tier guys will still get their money. That’s the way things are when the cap gets tight. Teams who want the premium guys will find a way to fit them in. And the cap will rebound eventually.

      • NolaHawk

        I think you’ll see a lot of players that would be marquee free agents next year ink extensions at some point with their respective teams. They get security and the team gets maneuverability in the short and long term. Teams that have kicked the can on the salary cap (Eagles, Saints and Cowboys) could possibly make some moves should their season come off the rails. Other teams will just cut players next offseason to get under and those players will have to take less than market value on short term deals until the new TV contracts are negotiated. Older players like Von Miller, Khalil Mack etc who carry a heavy cap burden on the wrong side of 30. Others like Frank Clark stand to do better for themselves to renegotiate their contracts to lessen the cap hit for 2021 in lieu of being a cap causality.

  4. Chase

    Rob, this team reminds me of the 2018 chiefs in most facets. Great weapons, open playbook, lethal offense, capped with a great quarterback. However without the pass rush, we will face a similar exit. Another Question: After 3 weeks, what is your updated record prediction if it changed? Who do you think we are likely to drop some games to? Say we trade for a cox or kerrigan, how would that team fare?

    • Rob Staton

      Originally I thought they might start 3-1 or 2-2. So if they win on Sunday, they’d be ahead of my projection.

      I’m not sure I’d change anything just yet (having originally said 10-6). The run of games after the bye look fairly terrifying. Arizona (A), San Francisco (H), Buffalo (A), LA Rams (A) and Arizona (H) — those are all games fraught with danger. If they go 3-2 I think it’d be a cause for celebration.

      So if they go into the bye on 5-0 and then go 3-2 after the bye — I think at 8-2 you’re in a strong position to win four of your last six games at least.

      However, if you drop one or both of the next two games and then go 3-2 after the bye, suddenly you’re looking at 7-3 or 6-4 which brings the 10-6 scenario into play. Heck, if they lose to Miami and/or Minnesota, I’d have less confidence in their ability to go 3-2 in the post-bye gauntlet.

      During the bye week I will write an article reviewing my thoughts and prediction. Let’s get through Miami & Minnesota first. For me they are crucial games because they are the type Seattle ‘should’ win with Russell Wilson playing as he is. Yet they’re also the types of games I fear they will let slip because the defense is utter sewage. The aim for this franchise should be the #1 seed or at the very least a long overdue NFC West title. They need to win the games they should be winning to achieve that.

      If they were able to acquire one or more pass rushers before the deadline, then that would give them a very, very strong chance of winning the big games, not just the winnable games — and seriously contending for the #1 seed.

      • Denver Hawker

        Green Bay looks like the favorite for #1 unfortunately with a much easier schedule. NFL is a long season though and so much can change. Impossible to evaluate teams 3 games in.

        • Rob Staton

          I wouldn’t count out the Rams as favourites. I know they lost to Buffalo but plenty of teams will struggle there. They are playing well.

          • Denver Hawker

            Buffalo is legit. I really like how they built that team and supported Josh Allen.

            • Thomas Wells

              Buffalo looks good no doubt. But josh Allen’s performances under pressure leave a lot to be desired. He made some bafflingly bad decisions in the second half of the playoff game last year against Houston. You can chalk that up to that being his first playoff game if you want and I think that’s fair. But it could be a pattern. Yes, he got credited with a game winning drive against the Rams last week. But he made the same poor decisions trying to play hero ball and extend the play on that drive. He took a couple really bad sacks and was lucky he didn’t fumble on more than one occasion. And he only got the game winning touchdown pass after getting bailed out on a questionable 4th down PI call. I’ll recognize the bills as a real contender – and Allen as a serious mvp candidate – when he starts showing that same ice water in his veins under pressure that Russell has

        • charlietheunicorn

          Don’t count out the Saints. Way too early to drop dirt on their coffin. Way Way Way too much talent on offense and defense. Only thing that could derail them is if Brees starts to do the late season slide like the last 1 or 2 years… then “burnt toast”.

  5. Sea Mode

    And there it is from the neutral PFF as well, clear as day:

    https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-linseys-cover-6-takeaways-from-nfl-week-3

    3. THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS’ INABILITY TO GENERATE PRESSURE IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO BECOME A PROBLEM

    On the other side of that game, Seattle’s offense continues to look like a problem for the rest of the NFL. No one in the league throws a prettier deep ball than Wilson does, and the Metcalf-Lockett pairing at wide receiver was a match made in heaven on the receiving end of those over-the-shoulder dimes. Despite that, I can’t help but maintain some skepticism about the Seahawks being the best team in the NFC, and it comes back to their defense’s inability to generate any kind of pass rush.

    Seattle blitzed on nearly 40% of their pass-rushing snaps on Sunday (37.1%), and they still only got pressure on 19.4% of their pass-rushing snaps — one of the lowest marks in the league in Week 3. That number becomes even worse when you add additional context.

    The Cowboys’ offensive line was in bad shape — as bad as you’re ever going to catch it. Brandon Knight was starting at left tackle for the injured Tyron Smith, and Terence Steele started the game again at right tackle for La’el Collins. Steele got benched midway through the contest, however, which bumped Zack Martin from right guard to right tackle, moved Joe Looney from center to right guard and introduced the rookie Tyler Biadasz to the game at center.

    Even against that makeshift group and with a heavy dose of blitzes, the Seahawks weren’t able to make Prescott uncomfortable. Their offense has been able to rise to the pressure thus far, but it’s hard to imagine that some of Seattle’s defensive woes won’t become an issue at some point down the line.

    • Rob Staton

      Yes Sea Mode… but you’re ignoring that the run defense is great and that the secondary is LOB II so it won’t matter that the pass rush sucks and that Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa are better than anyone else they could’ve signed and they are 3-0 so none of this is important and who cares if this bites them on the arse in January when it matters because… 3-0. Call yourself a fan?!!!!?????!!!

      • SteveLargent80

        Rob, you’re missing out on the key points. Alton Robinson is Reggie White but better, and the Shaquem Griffin is a better version of Lawrence Taylor. They are 3-0, they can only get better, and the pass rush will automatically correct itself with these studs on the watch

        • cha

          I remember after that first good report about Robinson in camp, somebody here actually posted “maybe we don’t need Jadeveon Clowney.”

          • Steve Nelsen

            Apparently it was John Schneider.

      • Sea Mode

        I just post quotes so I don’t get fined… 😎

  6. Ashish

    Very informative podcast. I like the numbers you presented related salary cap and different situation to monitor. I guess JS is also banking on those situations, as they say its marathon and not a sprint. I will have to admit, I like you listening when you say about our defense than reading :). Those numbers how hawks spend $60 is printed in my mind now 🙂 true but can’t take it.
    Thank you for the podcast.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks for listening

  7. charlietheunicorn

    I wish there were more hard hitting headlines such as

    “Winless Jets have ‘four flat tires’; will Adam Gase be spared?”

    Damn that is a good one.

  8. Steve Nelsen

    I love Robbie coming with the hot take about holding penalties being down. I know you said you got it from Brock but still. That was fun. And the teasing about the hats. How many do you have Robbie? You might need some more. Do you have a lucky one you wear for certain games or in certain situations like when Rob brings out the souvenir football?

    I should’ve posted this in the last podcast but wouldn’t it have been awesome karma if the kid who lost the ball to Rob was on the blog and came out blasting in the comments?! I loved how Rob had no remorse whatsoever and Robbie called him out, “That’s terrible.” But when Rob said how the ball was used to bring Seattle luck, I was like, “OK, I’m with Rob.” I don’t care about disappointed kids if it means Seattle wins.

    • Robbie

      LOL Steve I don’t even know how many hats I have. I have lot, not all Seahawks hats, I probably have 30 or so Seahawks hats / beanies. I get a few new ones every year. I don’t have any lucky hats or anything but I won’t wear the same hat two weeks in a row if we lose one, if we win I have no problem wearing the same hat, not if we lose though.

      • charlietheunicorn

        Rock some Kraken merch….. get in on the ground floor… plenty of room, but the bus is filling fast on the bandwagon. Tod Leiweke is no joke at building winning organizations and cultures from the ground up. Only “failure” was the Trailblazers and they were very competitive for a number of years with him in the building.

        Seahawks (2000s), Lighting (2010-2015) and was involved with the Canucks, Wild and Sounders FC…. all of which were somewhat to very successful with his guidance … not to mention doing a tour with the PGA during Tigers heyday when golf was at its Zenith of popularity.

        Stanley Cup to Seattle by 2030, very likely.

  9. cha

    Lano Hill and Jamal Adams did not practice today.

  10. cha

    The weather forecast for Miami reminds me of the 2014 loss in San Diego. The one where it was in the 90s and the Hawks were cramping like crazy and administering IVs.

    Having half your roster nursing an injury and then playing in a sauna on Sunday could be a real challenge.

    • charlietheunicorn

      The game was in the afternoon, if I recall correctly, Seattle’s next game is at 10AM.
      Little miracles.
      San Diego was a borderline SB team around that time I thought? The tunafish aren’t close.
      Go in and do what you do…. let RW do his thing…. then they will be OK.

  11. DC

    How funny would it be for our entire division to make the playoffs this year? It’s not entirely far fetched. Too bad we have to play each other 2x each.

    • charlietheunicorn

      There was something like a 30% chance this could happen. Just have to minimize losses to other NFC teams…. every team has a legit shot at making the playoffs…. compared to other divisions.

  12. charlietheunicorn

    Rob, if you have some time… listen to the Jets post game press conference…… LOL

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve just had a listen.

      Unrelenting is the word I would use. Proper questions, to the point, that the fans wanted asking.

  13. Mac

    The season will not end up being suspended at any point due to covid. Ian Rappaport said that the nfl has already prepared to stretch the SuperBowl into March or even April, if necessary. Bye week manipulation will work for now, if necessary.

    I personally think the nfl has billions of reasons why they wouldn’t consider cancelling the season.

    • Rob Staton

      Exactly.

      If they had to delay things a month they would.

      It’s a non issue. Just something to be managed and to be fair I think the NFL are doing a good job so far.

  14. GoHawksDani

    I think if they can win the next to games, improve their front4 to some extent and get a bit healthier roster in the bye weak, they have really-really good chance to make the playoff (90%+), decent chance to win NFC West (80%+), solid chance to win #1 seed (around 60%) and have some chance to go to the super bowl (if they’re #1 seed, then around 30%)
    If they drop one of the following games and doesn’t improve the passrush they likely won’t make the superbowl. And they’ll have a pretty good probability of not even making the playoff (finishing around 9-7, with maybe Rams win the West, and WC could be Cards and 49ers.

    They control their destiny but need to stay focused and win all their easier games and split for the harder games at least (2x SF, 2x ARI, 2x Rams, 1x BUF, maybe even WAS with their defense but their offense is pretty mehh).
    If Russ can keep playing at a really high level, the FO can man up and improve the passrush, they can evade major injuries and the team as a whole can gel better along the way the door is wide open

  15. Sebastian

    PFF has our Oline at place 15 after three weeks. One place ahead of the 49ers. That‘s encouraging!

    [blockquote]
    Pressures allowed: 33
    Rush yards before contact average: 1.6

    The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has slowly improved over time, and with Russell Wilson firing on all cylinders this season so far, the unit looks better than it has in a long time.

    Duane Brown remains its best member at left tackle, allowing just one sack through three games, but the biggest pleasant surprise could be the play of rookie right guard Damien Lewis. Pass blocking has been the weaker area of his game so far, but he has been a force as a run blocker and has allowed just one sack through three weeks.
    [/blockquote]

  16. Noah Parker

    Hey Rob, wondering if you had any thoughts on Coach Norton’s week four presser today. Specifically, his response to why the defense is giving up explosives (I.E. other team being in “chuck it downfield mode”). Personally thought it was a bit scary to hear…

    • Rob Staton

      I think he was struggling to put into words an answer that didn’t just hammer the team, so a lot of things were said, mostly buzz words, to get in and out of the press conference —- but it all made very little sense.

  17. GerryG

    They need to give up on the QB pressures with blitzing and just keep things in front of them. Keep giving up yards, and hope they can hold in the red zone. If the secondary can just keep from getting worked it will help. The pass rush has no chance, they made their bed, now they have to lie in it. Stop hanging the secondary out to dry with blitz packages they have zero clue to how execute. Just stopping the 40+yard touchdowns would be a decent step forward. The fact that they are compounding their DL failure into the rest of the D performing well below their career levels is dumbfounding

    • Alex H

      At this point, they might as well drop 8 (assuming they have enough secondary players) and just rush 3 to contain the QB (2 DT + 5 Tech). Only time you put “pass rushers” (downside the DL) in is obvious passing 3rd downs. We just don’t have a LEO. If we don’t have one, might as well add another secondary player.

      • GerryG

        They are going to be terrible, but if you take one 50 yd TD and turn it into a red zone stop, there’s 4 points a game improvement. Turns them from 27 to 23 I think. That’s huge considering the state of things. It’s not ideal, but it’s a better outlook imo

        • Gohawks5151

          I said something earlier that the conservative cover 3 style is what this team and quite frankly, this coaching staff has been trained to do. Stay on top, make them earn it all the way down field, bend don’t break in the red zone. You are right. Last game just 1 forced punt makes it a double digit win. You cannot give up the big play. Bring 5 if you have to but there is such a thing as a coverage sack if you put these guys in a position to succeed.

    • pdway

      Ideally, you just mix it up – and hope that you can at least keep the other team off-balance a little bit by not falling completely into patterns. You can tell that the constant Adams blitzes started to lose effectiveness once teams knew he was coming so often, and could plan for it..

      Maybe Robinson can help again, and maybe we have one in-season signing, that’s just all we’ve got this season. Need to make the best of it.

  18. cha

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    The #Texans and #Vikings have been informed that their game on Sunday is on, as scheduled, sources say.
    @TomPelissero
    reported this morning Minnesota had zero positive tests from Thursday’s round of COVID-19 tests.

    7:48 AM · Oct 2, 2020

  19. SteveLargent80

    Jordyn Brooks and Jamal Adams out against the Dolphins

    • Rob Staton

      We won’t see Adams until after the bye.

      • Gohawks5151

        Groin injuries take forever. Don’t use him until you need him

  20. cha

    Not figured into the cost of trade comp sent to the Jets for Adams. B Mac’s soul has been crushed.

    https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/1311882175239925760/photo/2

    • Rob Staton

      How much worse would Seattle’s defense be with McDougald instead of Adams?

      Not trying to be facetious —- it’s a serious question. They spent three first round picks, a second and two thirds on their defense this year and it’s beyond crap.

      • cha

        The offseason needs to be questioned I agree, but now it seems the mishandling of the roster continues to happen.

        It’s indefensible to give Mayowa as many snaps as he’s played. Is Damontre Moore SO much worse than Mayowa that they have a 80%/20% split of snaps?

        What possible reason was there to have 4 TEs and only 3 DEs active Week 2?

        It’s crazy to cut Shaquem and then be so desperate you elevate him and he’s your best player on the final defensive series. BBK hasn’t had one – not even one!- snap on defense this year. The only reason they kept BBK over Shaquem is they knew Shaquem didn’t want to separate from his twin brother and that he’d spurn the advances of other teams, which he did.

        And for all their talk about sports psychology and competitiveness they sure seem to have destroyed Flowers’ confidence.

        What are they doing?

      • Scot04

        I think the defense would have had similar results with McDougald.
        Adams had a high impact game one, but no one expected us to blitz so much.
        Adams would have been a great add if we had already fixed our D-Line and Pass Rush.
        Without the fix; i don’t see the addition of Adams making the resources sent to the Jets worth it.
        It’s a shame. Still as was pointed out when the trade was made, it seemed like a panic move. It just added to what was already a very confusing offseason.

        • CaptainJack

          I’d rather have Mcdougald and one legit pass rusher than Adams and nobody who can rush the passer.

        • Rob Staton

          The National narrative has changed this week.

          I’ve read and heard more about Seattle’s crap defense than I have Russell Wilson.

          • Gohawks5151

            No surprising. Most don’t like talking about Russell Wilson

            • Rob Staton

              The national media loves Russell Wilson.

              Any suggestion to the contrary is just typical fan ‘world is against us’ daftness.

              • Gohawks5151

                I was referring more to the, “how impressive was Cam?” and “how good was Dak in defeat” talk on ESPN.

                • Rob Staton

                  I’ve seen that a few times and please don’t take this personally — but my instant reaction was ‘oh FFS — how delicate are Seahawks fans these days???

                  Quite aside from the complete unwillingness by some to consider that the defense would be a mess going into the season, fans then take offense to Cam Newton and Dak Prescott getting praise for playing well.

                  That is allowed. You are allowed to praise other players. It doesn’t have to be 24/7 Russell Wilson otherwise the national media hates Seattle.

                  Wilson is the early front runner for MVP. He is talked about in the most glowing terms by every single reporter or broadcaster who covers the NFL. He is constantly talked up, praised and hailed.

                  Seahawks fans need to get real if they think Wilson doesn’t get a fair crack.

                  • Gohawks5151

                    None taken. It was a snide comment more than anything.

    • CaptainJack

      You can all but mark this one down as a loss, baring another insane Russell Wilson performance.

      Too many injuries to overcome, Dolphins will be able to score at will. It is what it is.

      • Darnell

        I disagree. I think this will be the Hawks most convincing win of the season so far.

        I got them on an adjusted spread of -9.5 for +135. We shall see.

  21. James Z

    The weather on Sunday should have an impact on Sunday. Rain, high winds (15-20 mph), and of course the humidity in Miami. With Miami’s vulnerabilities on run defense in appears the offense may have to rely on their RB’s and short passing game if the weather aligns with the current predictions for Sunday.

    • TomLPDX

      Weather will NOT be a factor on Sunday:

      Miami Gardens, FL
      Sun 04 | Day
      High: 88°
      Rain chance: 20% (thunderstorms are forecast for late in the evening)
      Winds: SE 14 mph
      Forecast: Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 88F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

      Humidity: 73%
      UV Index: 8 of 10

  22. Phil

    Really enjoying the podcast. I agree with what you are saying about Pete Carroll being stressed about the defense.
    Corbin Smith just wrote a good piece about Jabaal Sheard. What do you think about bringing him in. It could really help this rotation, I think.

    • Rob Staton

      Jabaal Sheard is not the answer I’m afraid.

      Thanks for the kind words about the pod

  23. Rob Staton

    Dunbar out again at the weekend.

    He’s now missed 16 games in 2.4 seasons.

    • dcd2

      Injuries are off the charts this year.

      • BobbyK

        But look at guys with a history of injuries. They can’t blame “this year” because they’re always hurt. Any GM acquiring a well-known injury prone player can’t cry when that said player gets hurt again and again.

  24. James Cr.

    I think we have two new starting corners in 2021. I wouldn’t resign Dunbar or Griffin.

    • Rob Staton

      Yep, throw that on the pile with the list of defensive needs.

      It’s a good job they didn’t spend three first round picks, a second and two third on the unit this year.

  25. cha

    Friday press conf with PC

    [maz veda] Penalties minimized? “Trying to catch up with the trend. Gotta take adv of that. Big deal to us. Never good enough there.”

    [Curtis crab] Adams/Dunbar out, secondary depth? “Good week. Anxious to see how guys play. Really good performances last week group we have.”
    [Curtis] Randall able to help? “Yes. “He can help if we need it.”

    [art thiel] ESPN off holding penalties down 59% – NFL notify you? What you see? “Good watchful eye, Art. I don’t remember a real strong emphasis from the league.”
    [art thiel] Difference noticed? “Keep game going, keep it moving. Officials in past had more judgements on calls, whether it effected the play or not. Big part. I would think that’s what’s happening, but can’t say for sure.”

    • cha

      [tim booth] Dunbar & Adams, next week or after bye? “Depends on how guys are. Opportunity if guy just making it back, taking extra week could be worthwhile.”
      [tim] Carson this week? “Fine. Questionable. Had a good solid week, will go all the way to game time to make sure. Took plays yesterday and today.”

      [michael shawn] Voting initiative response? ((cha ed – nope))

      [bob condotta] Carlos Hyde injury? “Sore shoulder. Practiced all week.”
      [bob] Damien Lewis? “Practiced whole week. Didn’t flinch.”

      [matt] Schottenheimer approach year 3? “Evolution. Continue to evolve w all information to make decisions. Knowing our personnel and RW, working with all coaches. Going up to the box changed things for him. Great command. Longer in a relationship better communicate, on same page and chemistry w RW. Good players too.”

      [ben Arthur] Shaquille questionable? What happened? “Sore shoulder, practiced all week.”

      [joe fann] Running Back PTSD impact Carson use? “Fine about it. Good depth. All 4 guys can play, DJ is a good FB player you haven’t seen him yet. No more than anything else. Responded pretty well last year. 24 did pretty good. Happy w way guys are going. Gonna get knocked around. Carlos can bang away w Chris.”

    • Rob Staton

      I cannot believe the FIRST FRIGGING QUESTION was: ‘Pete, are you trying to minimize penalties?’

      For crying out loud.

      That is NOT good enough.

      Think of all the pressing topics with this team.

      And you get to ask any question first up and you decide to ask whether a football team is actively working towards not being flagged.

      Jesus wept.

      • cha

        These press conferences are basically just glorified injury reports nowadays.

        Pathetic.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t take any pleasure in criticising the standard of the press conferences.

          It’s very easy to hammer the media. I’m as aware of that as anyone.

          But time after time, these press conferences are just not up to snuff.

          Is it really that hard to craft a pertinent question, that is direct and capable of provoking a response that the fans might want to hear an answer too?

          Is it really that hard to, I don’t know, give it a couple of weeks before asking Pete for yet another update on ‘coach the vote’?

          Is it really that hard to see the glaring, massive issues on defense and find a way to delve into this? Or question how their stated off-season aims led to a defensive unit struggling this badly? Nobody has really asked a challenging question about it and it seems all Pete has to do is be somewhat abrupt and dismissive and everyone runs for the hills.

          To be sat here having to listen to a question about whether the Seahawks have tried to avoid being flagged as the opening gambit — that is simply not good enough.

          Press conferences are the only serious opportunity for the free press to hold people in the public domain to account. It’s not a tea party. I can honestly say that in every press conference I do, I’m conscious of coming away with an interesting answer. It doesn’t always work but I’ll give it a go. With most of the questions asked here, it feels like people are asking them for the sake of asking Carroll a question. No thought. No consideration that they might be able to uncover something interesting or deliver some news. Just a simple — ‘I’m here, I’ll ask whatever pops into my head, and I’ll see you for the next zoom call in two days’.

          And call me old-fashioned but one reporter referred to Brian Schottenheimer as ‘Schotty’ when asking a question today. No, his name is Brian Schottenheimer or coach Schottenheimer. It’s not ‘Schotty’. You are asking the Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks a question, not tweeting about a nice red zone call with an accompanying GIF.

          • cha

            It seems like the press and a good chunk of the public in Seattle want to elevate PC to some kind of folk hero and dig into his views and personality rather than focusing on X’s and O’s and teambuilding.

            And there’s a time and a place for that, but when the team in-season is playing completely the opposite of the VP of Operations’ vision, and with massive gaps in its performance, that could and should be the top story and the first question asked on a consistent basis.

            • Rob Staton

              Agree completely.

        • dcd2

          Who is Maz Veda? I’ve never heard of him.

  26. Rob Staton

    Shaquem Griffin promoted to the 53 man roster.

    I remember saying after the Green Bay game playoff last season… An admirable effort by Griffin but he simply isn’t a pass rusher, that him being utilised to try and provide ‘any’ kind of speed off the edge was an act of pure desperation and that it was the perfect illustration of how that need HAD to be addressed as a priority in the off-season.

    And here we are. Four weeks into the 2020 season. Shaquem Griffin is being relied upon to provide any kind of speed off the edge again.

    How the absolute F has this happened?

    • Scot04

      I was very surprised. Seahawks could have simply promoted him a 2nd time for the Miami game, then back to practice squad. Make the 53 man roster decision later.

    • cha

      This is a repeat of 2019, only nobody is has handed them a Clowney on a silver platter.

      • Rob Staton

        Yep

    • Henry Taylor

      I slightly disagree that he is just being brought up as an emergency pass rusher, I think we saw a niche role that he can play on this defense last week.

      Part of this is as a pass rusher, but it’s for his speed and energy on the second level. He played really well in that role last week (in a limited sample size).

      • Rob Staton

        He played well on a desperation drive where everyone was giving 100%. He deserves immense credit for that, as did everyone.

        He is not going to be playing middle linebacker/spy/underneath eliminator in any scenario other than that — desperation stop required at the end of a game.

        He’s show nothing as a pass rusher and that’s one of the reasons he was cut. He was a desperation try last season to manufacture some speed off the edge. To be in that same situation today is unacceptable given what they spent or used in terms of caps and picks in 2020.

    • McZ

      Yeah, but we need that speed and we have no means to get it any other way, so I think this is a reasonable move. We are better off with Shaquem showing at least the will to rush than with that assortment of lame ducks.

      We should also see the second sack from Mayowa this season, since, y’know, it’s smply a matter of math piling up sacks. [/irony]

      • Rob Staton

        My issue isn’t him getting called up to provide speed.

        My issue is that they put themselves in a position of having to do it.

  27. cha

    Curtis Crabtree
    @Curtis_Crabtree
    The Seahawks have promoted LB Shaquem Griffin to their active roster. He fills the opening they’ve carried all week.
    2:54 PM · Oct 2, 2020

  28. coach62344

    About what time during the season do teams start figuring out opposing team’s schemes? When there is enough game film to figure out what a team is trying to do on offense and defense? I would appreciate informed comments. Thanks.

  29. Michael P Matherne

    Just read the few articles below where it was referenced that the defense is on pace to give up 6891 total yards. I don’t mind this kind of extrapolation because it’s fun, even if it is slightly silly after 3 games. To add to it I’d like to point out that Russell Wilson is on pace for:

    74 TD, 5 INT, 4933 YDS, 139.0 QB Rating

    We’re incredibly fortunate that RW is this good. Watching him play is an absolute privilege. We really have no right to be 3-0 at the moment. But just as I expect his performance to fall short of the above stat line, I expect the defense to eventually normalize to a better (if still quite bad) level.

    • Rob Staton

      There’s nothing ‘silly’ about highlighting just how bad Seattle’s defense has been so far. Saying that is just a cheap way to undermine the arguments while avoiding having to make an actual relevant point in response to the issues raised. Lots of people have tried that over the last two months and I see it, and call it out, every time.

      They’ve given up more yards than any other team in the first three games by far. They are on pace to be historically bad. Even if it doesn’t end up being nearly 7000 yards, it’s perfectly plausible to use that statistic to highlight just how bad things have been.

      And it’s equally plausible to highlight Wilson’s current pace to show how exceptional he has been, regardless of the eventual outcome.

      But here’s the thing —- if Wilson’s pace slows, then we’ll chalk that down to mere normality returning and him being human. For Seattle’s defense to slow down their numbers, they actually have to make it happen. And I look at Seattle’s defense and see a lack of talent, pass rush and depth given the increasing injuries. It’s a chaotic mess. The numbers show that and so does the eye test.

      • TomLPDX

        Don’t you get tired of beating this dead horse? Unfortunately we are where we are at and only a miracle will elevate us to mediocre at this point…and I don’t see any miracles in our immediate future to do that.

        • Rob Staton

          No I don’t get tired of talking about the serious and pressing issues with the Seahawks.

          Because I want to talk about the things that matter, not shite.

      • Michael P Matherne

        I guess I don’t quite understand; why do you think regression to the mean is more likely for one than the other?

        • Lewis

          Just taking a stab at this, but perhaps because one case is predominantly based on a single person, whereas the defense is not. Far easier to imagine one individual on an absurd pace trailing of a little than an entire unit that is historically bad turning it around.

          • Wade

            Very well said Michael. Lewis: I don’t know if I’d agree that Russ’s stats are an individual accomplishment. More his talent combined with the needs and style of an offense.

            On another note, there’s actually less of a chance of “regression” in his counting stats the less the putrid passing defense cleans itself up because he’s going to have to keep throwing it at this rate.

          • Wade

            Also–to add to your point Michael… league wide offense is up so far seemingly because defense is shitting the bed without the proper preseason prep. There’s rational reason to hope for better, even if that “better” is only better than 11 men standing around and watching the opposition run down the field.

        • Rob Staton

          Clearly I never said that. Have another go.

  30. charlietheunicorn

    Press Conferences

    Seahawks control all access I assume. Seahawks are the hottest property to be put on in the Seattle sports world. You lose the access, via hard hitting questions, would relegate you to covering the Mariners….. frankly, I understand, they are terrible. Your career in Seattle sports media would be over.

    Last time I heard hard hitting questions routinely asked in the Seattle sports sphere routinely… was surrounding the Sonics. Think mid 1990s NBA, which was god in Seattle…. the Huskies CFB questions could get rather tense in press conferences from time to time. Seahawks were hot garbage and mariners had a few flash in the pan seasons (fun players to follow fortunately).

    • cha

      Has that ever happened? Has a reporter ever had their access restricted for legitimate reporting duties?

      And if it has, the press (who buy ink by the barrel), have done a really poor job making us aware of it.

      • Gohawks5151

        I heard only Sherm could take someone’s press pass

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve seen this so many times.

      Let me make it clear.

      The Seahawks, or any other top sports team, do NOT take away your access for asking good or challenging questions at a press conference.

      This isn’t communist China.

  31. Ashish

    We understand our defense is right at the bottom but we are 3-0. There is chance we improve over the period mostly after bye. Don’t forget to enjoy the season.

    • Lewis

      And our schedule after the bye looks FAR more difficult. The real question is: if the offense falters in a game, can the defense pick them up? Seems difficult to imagine.

      • Lewis

        Having said that, I’d love to see the young Gus continue to make players the next couple of weeks. If something changes, I think it will be from guys like Collier, Robinson, etc

    • Rob Staton

      Bit patronising that, Ashish.

    • Trevor

      I think everyone is excited about the offense and the 3-0 start. But to look at this team and think it is a Super Bowl contender with the defense playing like this is pretty naive.

      I feel like I am sitting out on a perfect Sunday afternoon enjoying a nice cool beer and off in the distance there is a bunch of really dark clouds gathering and it is heading right at us.

      Unless this team fixes the absolute mess on defense it is going to ruin this season at some point and that is worth talking about IMO all while enjoying any success the Hawks have.

      • Rob Staton

        I’m not saying Ashish is one of these people — but just wait and see what happens if/when this team drops a couple of winnable games.

        Those who shouted loudest and were angriest at the topics of discussion on here during the off-season will be the most vocal in their criticism of the team when those clouds arrive.

        • Ashish

          NE game we could have lost very easily. Cam walked 3 times before that try.

          What I mean is, I understand hawks has issues but we are 3-0, bye is coming up soon PC will figure something to fix it. Or atleast try so there is a chance of defense improving.

          • Rob Staton

            Nobody needs to be reminded to ‘enjoy the season’ Ashish.

            This isn’t seahawkscheersquad.com — we are allowed to talk, in depth, about the issues the team is facing. Regardless of the record.

            • Ashish

              Ok got it

          • Scot04

            They had the whole offseason to fix the pass Rush. I don’t understand why you would be confident they’re going to fix it over the bye week.

  32. CaptainJack

    Rob,

    if the defense is terrible this sunday against the dolphins, which it probably is, I would suggest you look beyond the offseason personnel decisions, and onto members of the coaching staff. We are gutted by injuries right now, obviously, Blair out for the year, adams and dunbar out, irvin out for the year, brooks out, green potentially out for a long time. Not to mention lano hill, shaquill, poona ford and Benson Mayowa have all been struggling with injuries. these injury issues can’t just be luck, at this point. Strength and conditioning staff need a MAJOR look. And if the backups all play in a similarly disorganized manner as the starters, the entire defensive coaching staff needs to be criticized. It’s funny how the two oldest members of the defense, Wright and Wagner, seem to avoid these sorts of injury issues year after year. Part of it is luck, part of it is offseason preparation.

    • Rob Staton

      Well in that case every strength and conditioning coach in the league is on the hot seat because if you hadn’t noticed, the NFL is ravaged by injuries.

      And I’m not sure exactly what a coach can do about ACL injuries and knee issues.

      As for the coaches, all I could write is they are not doing a good job. And if this continues there will obviously be changes. But ultimately it all comes down to personnel. People can have a go at Ken Norton as much as they want but when you go into a season with this DL and then on a whim decide you have to revolutionise your scheme and blitz 36% of the time to compensate, you’re going to have major problems.

      • Big Mike

        Again, Jimmys and Joes are far more important than Xs and Os and the Seattle D is seriously lacking in the J & J dept.

        • Rob Staton

          You also need the Jimmy’s and Joe’s to play your preferred X’s and O’s.

          And Seattle didn’t sign any Jimmy’s or Joe’s, they only signed Jag’s.

  33. Gohawks5151

    I actually like seeing the kids get a chance. The defense was looking old and slow side to side. Ufo looking fast and confident. Alton needs snaps but he looks powerful and has a plan. Brooks looks like he can cover a lot of ground. He has some bend to his rush despite what looks like inexperience in rushing the QB. We’ll see what on Neal but they need options for when Diggs is up because I don’t know if he comes back after next year. I’m gonna count Adams too since he still on his rookie deal 😉. The LOB was a lot of redshirt players and others taking advantage of injuries in front of them. Here’s to hoping history will repeat with some experience. Just wish it wasn’t when the offense is championship ready

  34. Rob Staton

    BYU quarterback Zach Wilson has some talent.

    One to watch.

  35. Sea Mode

    DE watch, cause it’s come to that…

    Tom Pelissero
    @TomPelissero
    ·38m

    To make room for Eli Apple, the #Panthers are waiving DE Shareef Miller, per source. Likely re-signs on Carolina’s practice squad if he clears.

    6044, 254, 33 5/8 arm, 80 5/8 wing
    4.69 40yd, 1.64 10yd
    4.45 SS, 29.5 vert, 17 bench
    (didn’t do other tests- back injury)

    7.5 sacks, 15 TFL in his last year at Penn St. Came out after Jr. year.
    R4 pick by the Eagles in 2019. Waived this Sept. and claimed by the Panthers. Hasn’t done squat in the pros yet, but maybe worth a look like D’Andre Walker?

  36. Steve Nelsen

    Cam Newton positive for Covid!? It will be interesting to see what the NFL plan is.

    Stay safe Seahawks.

    • Big Mike

      Glad I didn’t put coin on the Patriots this week.
      Oh, and get well Cam and yes, PLEASE stay safe Hawks!

      • Volume12

        It messes up your fantasy too. Bad. Has a trickle down effect on your bench. I’m already out Derrick Henry, Pittsburgh D, and now Tyreek Hill

        • Big Mike

          I quit playing fantasy a few years back but have a friend who has said the same thing. I would suggest maybe it’s time to have a vote in your league to refund everyone their entrance fee and only play for fun this year.

    • Rob Staton

      There will typically be an overreaction on Twitter (because that’s what twitter does).

      But postponing the game, waiting for further tests results, then potentially postponing again if needs be (ala Pittsburgh vs Tennessee) is a sensible way to proceed.

      People are going to get coronavirus. It isn’t going anywhere. The important thing is to manage the situation in all walks of life and continue to function.

    • Aaron

      Cam was in close proximity two weeks ago to many Seahawks players…😬

      • Rob Staton

        And they’ve been tested regularly since and had no positive results.

  37. John seahawk

    I was reading some things elsewhere about how it is a no brainer we should have kept Frank Clark and thought yea probably so given his 2 sacks with a big one at the end of the Ravens game is all I had seen of him this year. Since I like to keep an eye on former Seahawks I had a look at some of his stats. I was really surprised to see Frank Clarks PFF grade after 3 games is 41 which is really bad, anyone know what is going on with him or is his pff grade just borked?

    • Rob Staton

      Who knows?

      But I know the Seahawks had 13 sacks off him in 2018 and blitzed exactly half as much as they are now as a consequence. The 2018 defense wasn’t great but it’s exactly what they need now — complementary.

  38. ReconUK

    With all this frustration about the Seahawks defence, I have come up with a solution, no change of scheme, no draft picks or expensive free agents required!

    Simply move Ken Norton Jr up to the skybox with Schottenheimer. Simple! He’ll be able to see the whole field and the rush will start to get home, the linebackers won’t miss a tackle and coverage will hold up!

    The answer was in front of us the whole time! Any deficiencies in technique, scheme or personnel cannot overcome the transformative effect of a better view!

    • Rob Staton

      Maybe they can move the opposing quarterback into the Sky Box too… give the defense a fighting chance.

  39. cha

    I’m in the mood to slay some dragons.

    Old thinking: CenturyLink is a loud noisy impenetrable fortress.
    Seahawks are 16-10 there from 2017 forward. Fan noise is down. Teams may get asked about noise and playing here, and PC cheerleads about the 12s, but this trope is old and tired. For all the hoopla about how great C Link is, you’d think we’d hear more questions about why that advantage has so clearly diminished.

    New truth: Seahawks are now awesome early risers.
    Seahawks are 8-0 on the road at 10am East Coast games in that same stretch. PC has clearly solved the body clock issue that so plagued the Mike Holmgren Seahawks. Fans and media need to stop talking about ‘the dreaded 10am games’ as an obstacle the team needs to overcome.

    ****

    Old thinking: the media disrespects the Seahawks.
    We all got a ton of mileage out of the feeling that we were being slighted by the media. Seattle = South Alaska. RW is too short. The LOB are a bunch of no name scrubs. “We all we got/we all we need.” Networks didn’t want prime time games in Seattle. The East Coast shows don’t give us proper due.

    New truth: Seahawks get a ton of positive pub.
    They’ve averaged 4 prime time games per year, RW highlights are appointment TV, NFL top 100 list placed 3 Seahawks in the top 30: RW (2), Wagner (13), and Adams (27). And yet Twitter was complaining this week that the major networks didn’t laud RW for breaking the first 3TD record as much as they did Mahomes last year. I get it. It’s easy motivation to think you’re being slighted. But the Hawks are getting tons of ink.

    ****

    Old thinking: In JS we trust.
    The front office earned a ton of rightly deserved credit for building the SB teams. They found diamonds in the coal from several areas: Late in the draft, trading spare parts for usable players, key free agent signings, etc. The last few seasons, it’s been more coal than diamonds. And coal burns in the heat of the playoffs.

    New truth: The FO have dug themselves a serious hole.
    It might arguably take an equal effort to the 2010-2013 goldstrikes to re-earn the trust they’ve squandered. Consider: They don’t have first and third round picks next year, and no first round in 2022. Put another way, they have no premium assets to barter further picks in the draft by trading down, or to trade for immediate upgrades. The 2019 and 2020 offseasons have really damaged the structure of the team and the results on the field show it. Can they make some in-season fixes to keep this team from sinking into another disappointing playoff exit? And can they have a good offseason in 2021 with limited draft capital? Do they realize they’re wasting prime RW?

    ****

    Old thinking: Bobby Wagner and the LOB powered the SB defense.
    They were a fearsome bunch and deserved a ton of press. But the defense elevated to all-time great when Avril and Bennett joined the team. They finally had the pass rush to complement the beef up front of Bryant, Mebane and McDonald. That allowed Wagner complete freedom to be a heat seeking tackling missile, and the LOB guys to take chances and line up serious hits in the backfield.

    New truth: This DL might single-handedly ruin the season.
    Adams, Diggs, Griffin and Dunbar/Flowers haven’t been as cohesive or sticky as hoped, and not all of their bad play can be marked up to the DL not getting pressure. But the Seahawks have so badly matched their personnel to their scheme, they’re stuck. They can’t get pressure with 4. They can’t blitz and get home repeatedly. And now, they can’t run with WRs 30 yards downfield. They simply must acquire someone who can win 1on1 battles, or command the occasional double team to free up blitzers.

    • Rob Staton

      Fantastic write-up.

      Worthy of a blog post of its own.

      • cha

        I woke up a little feisty after a rotten week of PC press conferences.

        In the mood to BBQ some sacred cow.

        • pdway

          Old truth: we have the worst O-line in football.

          New truth: our O-line is upgraded to the point where our offense is the #2 scoring team in the NFL at 37 ppg,(+ 12 ppg from last year) with over 400 yards from scrimmage per game.

          Old truth: Seahawks have one of the most conservative offensive mindsets, and are losing ground every year to the more sophisticated offensive gamecallers.

          New truth: Seahawks game planning has shifted focus to put more emphasis on their best player, and it is working exceedingly well through the first three weeks.

          It ain’t all bad folks – we’re 3-0 with two wins against quality teams.

          • Rob Staton

            Nobody has said it’s ‘all bad’.

            I wish people would stop trying to shoe-horn that in.

            You can be happy about 3-0 while also be very concerned about how shocking this defense is and have a serious, lengthy debate about it.

    • charlietheunicorn

      You forgot one

      **Old Truth: OL will ruin the season
      New Truth: DL will ruin the season

      which is kind of crazy to think about after the last 5 years of OL play.
      OL has looked competent in pass protection, just ned to get the rushing game going…. Sunday 🙂

    • Steve Nelsen

      This is well done cha!

    • Big Mike

      Yeah the 10:00 AM thing is just a non-issue now. I mentioned that before the Atlanta game. Now about the heat……………

      With the wasted(?) draft capital, how in the hell are they ever gonna get a LT? Free agency is their only shot and good LTs don’t often come on the market. They better hope for a Trent Williams type situation.

  40. Volume12

    This Florida team has some dudes! TE Kyle Pitts, WR Kadarius Toney, LB Ventrell Miller, QB Kyle Trask has some intriguing traits.

  41. charlietheunicorn

    I’m not going to blame Cam for the COVID test, I will bet dollars to donuts he got it from the Raiders players during their game last week. Them Raiders clowns have been not using proper protocols / caught in higher risk behaviors in the last 2 weeks (meet and greet without precautions).

    What is sad, the Patriots might be doing everything right, but another team impacts their players and team do to loosey-goosy policies and procedures. This is my fear for Seattle, is not the in house guys doing everything right, but clowns on other teams impacting them.

    • Rob Staton

      There’s no need to point a finger of blame.

      You can catch this virus going to the store for a loaf of bread. You can catch this virus walking the dog. You can catch this virus simply by being near some random person.

      People are going to get it. We hear about the high-profile athletes because they are tested all the time. Think of the millions who aren’t tested, get the virus and never even realise. Most people who have it seem to have no or only mild symptoms.

      As for fearing for the Seahawks — they literally had a player try and bring a woman into the team bubble for a night of passion a few weeks ago. So let’s not get on a high horse here.

  42. JimQ

    I have had a thought bouncing around in my head since the start of the Seahawks season. As I recall
    in the past 8 seasons, RW has played the first 3 quarters just “normally” and busted balls in the 4-th quarter to get a narrow victory. That was obviously at the direction of PC/Shotty, who wanted to just keep the game close and close it out at the end. The NFL may have figured that out.

    The “let Russ cook” movement MAY have changed managements game strategy? At any rate, we are now seeing a different game strategy with RW as an MVP candidate as a result. Perhaps the plan all along was to apply that game strategy as a season strategy? I can’t imagine that PC/JS don’t have at least some kind of a plan moving forward.

    With the potential lowered cap, many teams that are near or over the cap are maybe a reason why the Seahawks have held off of signing defensive line help feeling that numerous very good players MAY be available at the trade deadline? If they pick up a few guys in the early-middle of the season, maybe they feel they can then -finish the season- strong and advance in the playoffs beyond a first round loss and maybe even advance further? ————> Just a random thought I wanted to put forth just for discussion purposes. So I ask what exactly could managements plan -currently- be for this season? It would seem to be extremely out of character for PC/JS not to have one…. whatever it is.

    • Rob Staton

      The ‘Let Russ Cook’ movement haven’t had any impact at all. Pete Carroll isn’t basing his decisions for the team off a few memes and tweets.

      The Seahawks are being more aggressive early in games because they’re playing with a horrendous defense and they know it. They have to apply scoreboard pressure early in games.

      And it’s not that they ‘wanted’ close games before. It’s simply a case of they weren’t as aggressive to start. We can argue the con’s of that for sure — but let’s not overthink this too much.

      • pdway

        I attribute some of it to Schottenheimer’s evolution as an offensive coordinator; and maybe some subtle pressure from RW himself. Or maybe they’re just more in tune now that they have a couple seasons under their belt.

        Fully agree that they don’t gameplan based on the twitterverse.

        • Rob Staton

          I think there are a lot of reasons for it really. Mostly the situation with the defense and doing what they need to — points are the order of the day. They need +30 a game. But it’s also about the injuries at RB and how the offense collapsed at the end of last year, the talent they have at receiver and tight end, some pressure from RW and simply being open-minded to try new things. For all of the criticism PC gets for being stuck in his ways — nothing could be further from the truth. Not many coaches rip everything up. Carroll has on both sides of the ball because his roster calls for it.

  43. cha

    Bob Condotta
    @bcondotta
    Seahawks elevated Damarious Randall and Gavin Heslop off practice squad for tomorrow’s game, to add depth at safety and cornerback. So, Seattle has 55 players and can have 48 active for the game.

    • JLemere

      That probably means that Lano Hill and Neiko Thorpe are probably out for Sunday

      CB- Griffin, Flowers, Stephens, Heslop
      S- Diggs, Amadi, Neal, Randall

      Fitzpatrick might be making some magic tomorrow.

      • cha

        I’m more worried about the LBs personally.

        Myles Gaskin is their leading receiver had has 6 yards/catch.

        Who’s going to cover Mike Gesicki? 6’6″ TE that has 4.55 speed.

        • JLemere

          Yeah Barton will be tested.

          • cha

            You know who really needs a good game though? Quandre Diggs.

            He has not had a very good 2020. He was such a shot of adrenaline when he showed up for that SF MNF game. Everybody thought they’d just picked the Lions’ pocket.

            Let’s see some of that tomorrow. I want to see him streaking to the ball and hitting guys over the middle. Legally I mean.

            • Rob Staton

              Diggs has been piss poor so far.

          • Rob Staton

            Probably by a Ryan Fitzpatrick stiff arm

            • Big Mike

              I dunno, is Fitz as strong as Mr. Buff Aaron Rodgers?

              • Rob Staton

                Aaron ‘the beast’ Rodgers

            • TomLPDX

              Poor Cody will never live that down and the stiff-arm by the Panthers QB last year. He needs major redemption and I have a feeling it will never come.

              • Rob Staton

                We learnt everything we need to know about Barton when the Seahawks used a first round pick on a linebacker this year.

                • McZ

                  … who himself got stiffarmed twice by Charlie Brewer vs Baylor.

  44. Sea Mode

    🤷‍♂️

    Tom Pelissero
    @TomPelissero
    ·31m

    #Cowboys DT Trysten Hill was fined $6,522 for unnecessary roughness — twisting Chris Carson’s leg — and another $6,522 for roughing Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter against the #Seahawks last week.

    • Big Mike

      NOWHERE near enough! One game suspension at the minimum should’ve been handed down PLUS a fine.

  45. Tecmo Bowl

    Najee Harris is playing like Leveon Bell Jr. Patient yet decisive runner, with power and drive. Great catch on a well covered wheel route too. Harris might be RB1 come draft time.

    • Volume12

      He’s my favorite player in CFB at this point.

      Really like QB Mac Jones too. Footwork is iffy, but he’s got everything else. And Waddle has to be the WR1 in the country.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        Jones looks better than I thought. Trask at Florida it has really stepped his game up too.

        Waddle looks like he has sub 4.3 speed- special. Haven’t studied any route running tape, but the speed says top 20 pick.

  46. Gohawks5151

    Man, I love Devonta Smith. He looks like Marvin Harrison. Intelligent, tough, awareness, route running. He ended last year my favorite Bama guy and he is right there this year. Too bad he will be long gone by round 2. Or 4 if we make a trade

    • Rob Staton

      He would’ve been perfect in Seattle.

  47. cha

    What I’m looking for tomorrow:

    Where does the defense go from here?
    That last stand featured a ragtag group of scrubs filling in, playing their hearts out. Can they bring some of that energy to this week? What does this defense look like without Jamal Adams? Can the CBs look like they practiced this week? Will the rotating cast of safeties be able to stay assignment correct? Can Randall show the Hawks something at safety?

    Sacks.
    Not “the pass rush.” Actual sacks. We’ve heard noise about guys “would have had 3 sacks if they’d brought the QB down” and “the Hawks have played QBs that are hard to sack” the first 3 weeks. Look, Fitzpatrick may be a wily vet, but he doesn’t have near the skill profile Ryan, Newton and Prescott have. No excuses. You get a hand on the guy, wrap up and bring him down. This banged up unit behind the DL needs somebody to show something this week.

    Player health.
    Over half the roster on the practice injury list this week. Playing in warm weather. The coaching staff better be on point with proper cleats, hydration and appropriate snap counts (looking at you, PC and your declarations that Carson is totally fine and had a great practice week). Escape with a win and no new major injuries.

    Show me something, Cody Barton.
    Jordyn Brooks is out. BBK hasn’t played a single snap on D. Shaquem is a wild card. Here’s your chance to step up and take about 20-30 snaps a game. I’d settle for “don’t blow an assignment or screw up in a major way” but here’s your chance to say something. You’ve done precious little on the field for this defense for the investment made.

    Get the TEs more involved.
    I get it. Why not bomb it deep when Lockett and DK are wide open? Take the points. But 16 catches in 3 games (Olsen 9, Dissly 5, Hollister 2) is low for a prolific passing offense. There should be plenty of chances in the middle of the field.

    • Rob Staton

      Brilliant summary of some interesting thoughts. Thanks cha.

      • cha

        You’re very welcome.

    • TomLPDX

      Both of Hollister’s catches were money though. I’ve been scratching my head about the lack of Uncle Will sightings so far and TEs in general. I know Russ is having a field day with DK and Tyler but we need more TE action.

      Come on, Cody. Be a stud for once!

      • cha

        I think they’re pacing Dissly. Just trying to get to the bye week without a catastrophic injury.

        • charlietheunicorn

          They got 4 guys in the TE rotation, hard to get everyone involved.
          I swear there was a Willson sighting last week on a pass play….. keep them under wraps, until you need some big time TE plays later in the season, let defenses go to sleep on them…. then EXPLODE Week 8+ from the TE position.

          • cha

            It’s not a matter of getting everyone reps, it’s game planning and strategy. Those 3 drives in the 3rd Qtr vs Dallas that each got a first down and then a punt that let Dallas back into the game? Perfect time to work those TEs and slowly drone down the field and bide some time until DK or Lockett uncovers again.

            The offense is going to have to play defense by keeping the pressure on and protecting those leads until the defense wakes up. The margin of error is pretty high and TEs are a great way to maintain offensive momentum.

            And keeping them under wraps and defenses unaware, I’d argue the opposite would have just as much effect. Opposing DCs watching tape of DK and Lockett quick slanting for 7, and then on the next play streaking behind the D for bombs, then watching the TEs work the seam and then be unstoppable in the red zone, then watching Carson bruise guys and be a weapon in the passing game? It’s enough to make you weep.

    • Elmer

      If Cody doesn’t show PLEASE go to Shaquem & BBK!

  48. Volume12

    I talk about a lot of prospects, I know people hate this word, I use or sparingly, but UAB RB Spencer Brown (6’0, 220 lbs) is very Seahawky-y. Should be a guy they can get on day 3.

    • Volume12

      * it

    • Volume12

      On the year: 86 carries, 450 yds, 5 TDs (4 games)

      Vs Miami (’20):
      https://youtu.be/ISL-5j8uG54

      Vs C. Arkansas (’20):
      https://youtu.be/iQ3ZHS8yZyE

    • charlietheunicorn

      Vol12, we don’t hate opinions about seahawky guys…. we just hate when they end up on other teams
      :O
      😉

  49. Nathan W.

    The Big 12 is wide open for competition this season 😂

  50. Gohawks5151

    Since we are looking under every stones.. I came across an article about David Irving. He was last with Dallas and quit football in 2018 after some marijuana related instances and “quit in protest”. He, like Josh Gordon is looking.to reinstated soon and can actually be signed now like Gordon and Aldon Smith were. Put up some good pressure number in rotation on the interior of Dallas’s D line. Plays over the guard and has a good first step, still young, length and strength. Questions abound. Is he in shape and? When will he actually come off the list? Do they sign him now? Looks like he has some needed skills though. Here is some film I saw.

    https://www.dallascowboys.com/video/film-room-david-irving-returns-443661

  51. Aaron

    Seahawks Saturday Night

    https://youtu.be/pouQqqHZThI

    Anybody want to caption Russ reacting to the Neal INT?

    • Sea Mode

      Haha, that was great! Caption: “Defense got a stop; there is a God!”

      Another favorite was when Griffin picked off the pass and Tyler was surprised, “oh, sh**”, like a DB finally caught an INT.

    • Rob Staton

      Wow — I noticed it straight away.

      Russell clearly feels this defense needs some divine intervention.

      On a serious note… there was a serious ‘FFS’ vibe going on there.

  52. jopa726

    ProFootballTalk
    @ProFootballTalk
    ·
    2h
    Multiple coaches have suggested this weekend the possibility of pressing pause on the season, reconfiguring the schedule to have 12 total regular-season games, and putting teams in hotels for the nine games left to be played.

    • CaptainJack

      Won’t happen

    • Rob Staton

      I think the most likely scenario is a bubble, possibly with a two week window for players and teams to adjust.

      Let me stress though, anyone posting doom and gloom about the season being cancelled — that will not be allowed in here. Nobody wants that rammed down their throats. And the NFL can’t afford to cancel a season so it won’t happen anyway.

  53. CaptainJack

    Miami game giving me preseason vibes.

    Another Shootout or just spectacular flop from the offense to go with an admirable job from the defensive backups? Leaning Second option right now, I’ve got the phins in this one 27-20.

  54. AlphaDK

    Defense around the league has definitely taken a step back, offenses are scoring 3 more ppg than over the last 3 seasons, 42% of offensive drives result in TDs compared with 36%, 36.5%, and 33% over the last 3 seasons, and points per drive are up more than 15% over the prior 3 seasons.

    Seahawks defense has moved about the same magnitude from last season to this season as league averages have, so while the defense has been mostly disastrous, it’s not relatively more disastrous than what’s happening to other teams, so we got that going for us.

    I think there’s probably something to missing out on preseason games and all of the other offseason and preseason activity that was curtailed, and team defense is probably the hardest thing to coordinate with so little practice. That, and the complete lack of offensive holding calls are probably the two main culprits for the massive hike in scoring.

    The early bye week will probably be a huge help, especially with all the injuries we have going on. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see most if not all of Green, Brooks, Adams, Taylor, Hill, and Dunbar back after the bye, plus give Mayowa and Ford a chance to heal up their nicks.

    The bye will also give the coaches a chance to polish up a few of the fundamental issues that are plaguing the team. On the positive side of things, tackling has been pretty good, except for players trying to sack Cam. And despite the lack of rushing attempts against the Hawks, run defense DVOA is 4th in the league, so the DL is keeping Bobby and KJ pretty clean. On the negative side, pass rush, plus this looks like the least coordinated the secondary has ever been under Carroll – there just wasn’t any time to get Dunbar and Adams fully familiar with the defense, and now their both dinged up. Week 7 will probably look at least a little better than weeks 1-3.

    Of course, we’ll still be behind the curve on pass rush, but Alton getting some snaps and the potential of a little contribution from Taylor is like a square inch of silver leaf hidden somewhere in the Oort cloud.

    • Rob Staton

      Unfortunately though, AlphaDK, the Seahawks are still going to line up the worst D-line in the NFL after the bye. Which means they’ll probably still have to blitz 36% of the time, which will then put more pressure on the secondary, which will mean they continue to concede yards at a record-setting pace.

      Or, alternatively, they resort to rushing with four and having no pressures or knockdowns to go along with their complete lack of sacks and get torched that way too.

      Clearly there is a defensive dilemma across the NFL currently but Seattle’s isn’t down to a lack of pre-season so much as a lack of talent. Which is why we’re seeing such massive, glaring extremes in their production so far. They went into the season hoping Benson Mayowa could be a 90% snap premier pass rusher. That is the perfect illustration for why they’ve struggled so much.

    • Sea Mode

      Holding calls down is for sure huge. Maybe the league just wants higher-scoring games and so gave the mandate to “let em play” as long as the holding is away from the play.

      Also, I’m actually wondering if offenses just operate that much better in a quiet stadium. Listening to that segment of Lockett mic’d up, it’s dead quiet out there after the playclock hits 20 seconds and all adjustments are easy to make for blocking calls and audibles.

      • Rob Staton

        The lack of crowd noise is huge.

    • RWIII

      Alpha. You hit the nail on the head. The defense has been hit hard with injuries. Including season ending injuries to Bruce Irvin and Marquis Blair. But I can guarantee you this much. There is no one in San Francisco and Los Angeles feeling sorry for the Seahawks.

      The good news is that the bye comes at the right time. Right after the bye the Hawks play the most brutal part of their schedule. Right after the bye the Hawks play @arizona, san francisco, @la rams, @Buffalo, home to arizona on a Thursday night. The Hawks then get a mini bye before playing a Monday night game @ Philadelphia. So at least before the Hawks enter dangerous waters they will have an extra week to rest and prepare when they play the big boys.

  55. All I see is 12s

    I know everything is weird and negative right now. Unfortunately, for family reasons I had to move to Denver a ways back. While formerly I could see CenturyLink from my desk, now I endure seeing the Broncos facility every day on my way to work.
    However, I currently have my 12th Man flag flying while deep in Broncos country. This annoys my neighbors and makes me happy. I’m smiling. Please enjoy the chaos of this day.

    • Matt

      I live in Colorado as well, Denver is a horrible city in my opinion.

  56. Sea Mode

    Wait, Hyde is hurt too?

    Adam Schefter
    @AdamSchefter
    ·6h

    Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson, listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury, is expected to play against the Dolphins, per source. RB Carlos Hyde, also questionable Sunday with a shoulder injury, will be a pre-game decision.

    I would say Homer and Dallas it is, but we all know it’s gonna be Russ…

    • Sea Mode

      Ian Rapoport
      @RapSheet
      ·2h

      #Seahawks starting RB Chris Carson (MCL sprain) was listed as questionable, but he’s expected to face the #Dolphins today, source said. But RB Carlos Hyde (shoulder) should be out.

  57. Henry Taylor

    I know we’re all frustrated at how this offseason has set the team up this year, and it’s been rightly criticised.

    But early returns on this draft class has got me feeling positive that they have managed to acquire some cheap talent, which will absolutely be needed in the coming years. Lewis has been as good as advertised, Alton had loads of hype from camp and made good on that hype when finally given the opportunity, Freddie Swain looks to be taking hold of the WR3 spot.

    That could be 3 solid picks if they continue on the current trajectory. If Darrel Taylor can get healthy and contribute, not to mention that we haven’t really seen much of Brooks (when we have its been playing SAM or rushing the passer which just isn’t his game so I’ll reserve my judgement until we get to see more of him in his natural spot), we could have a genuinely good and deep draft class for the first time in a while.

    • Rob Staton

      Lewis & Swain — very positive so far. It was nice for Robinson to get a sack on debut.

      However, I also can’t fathom drafting a WILL linebacker of the future in round one and then, because you so badly failed fixing the pass rush in free agency, trading up in round two for a pass rusher who had major, glaring injury flags. I did multiple podcasts pre-draft where I was asked about Darrell Taylor and wondered out loud whether he’d go undrafted. Simply because teams couldn’t test him properly due to Covid restrictions and this was a serious injury.

      Rather than go undrafted, the Seahawks spent second and third round picks on him and his rookie season might be a complete write-off.

      It’s another horrendous use of resources in 2020 and will overshadow any occasional spark from Freddie Swain and Alton Robinson if the top two picks go the same way as Seattle’s last eight top two picks.

      • Henry Taylor

        Yeah no doubt it indicates a continuation of what’s been a worrying trend, but as of right now the verdict is out on those 2 players. We probably won’t have good indication of what they can offer until 2022, which is a problem in of itself, but it’s game day and I’m in a good mood so I left that part out.

        • Big Mike

          “worrying trend” is being kind Henry. Complete shite (drafting d-line) is my description

          “shite” a nod to the blog owner 🙂

          • Rob Staton

            Well played 👏🏻

  58. Sea Mode

    He’s already HC and GM, and now he’s gonna take over OC too…? Dang…

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·1h

    After a sluggish start, the #Texans and coach Bill O’Brien will change the way they call plays, sources say. O’Brien will have a heavy hand in play-calling and game-planning.

    Also, not wrong 😏: https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/1312731116621660160

    • Sea Mode

      Maybe Washington isn’t the only team that should just be renamed at this point… 😂

  59. Rob Staton

    https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1312726291993554944

    Watch Mike Rob’s face when Earl Thomas is discussed here.

  60. Sea Mode

    Gosh, can’t even read NFL twitter right now. All it is is test results, when’s the next round of testing, etc. Yawn.

    • Sea Mode

      Take a shot every time you see the word “tests” in a tweet today…

    • Trevor

      What i find amazing is that all these baseball and NFL players have tested positive but I can’t think of one of them who even got sick. It is so weird how Covid hits the sick or elderly so hard but most people don’t even know they have it. Weird times and I am so tired of it.

      • Ralphy

        Can we please not pretend to know how Covid has affected any of these players? People are very private with their health information and aren’t gong to be giving out info on it, and we certainly don’t deserve to know.

        • Trevor

          NFL is private with its players health information? Are you kidding right now.

      • Sea Mode

        Agree. Most healthy people don’t even realize when they have it, and those that do seem to mostly report a loss of smell/taste and that’s about it. I’m just thankful it pretty much doesn’t affect kids.

      • AlphaDK

        Ryquell Armstead had COVID 3 weeks before the season started and has still not returned to the team, so he’s going on 7 weeks.

        That said, the empiric treatments of steroids, anticoagulants, and antivirals have definitely reduced the most severe outcomes. The postinfectious systemic inflammatory disorder is pretty scary though, and it’s not clear that the treatments that help reduce the acute severe disease do anything to decrease the long term morbidity.

  61. cha

    Inactive

    Dunbar
    Adams
    Thorpe
    Hyde
    Brooks
    Hill
    Fuller

    • Lewis

      Huh, maybe we greet to see some of Dallas today.

    • charlietheunicorn

      Hyde : /

      I was looking for big day from him.
      I know he fought an injury during the week, but this is disappointing to see.

  62. DC

    Need to see another big day from Amadi and Diggs getting back into it.

    • Robbie

      Agreed! Diggs really needs to step up his game this week. It’s been a rough slow start for him.

      • Dc

        I wonder if the issue with Diggs is him trying to do too much due to the terrible play of the corners and receivers having forever to run around. Much like how Adams coverage hasn’t been great from doing too much.

  63. cha

    Brady Henderson
    @BradyHenderson
    Replying to
    @BradyHenderson
    With the Seahawks missing CBs Quinton Dunbar and Neiko Thorpe, another player who could see more action is Linden Stephens. GM John Schneider noted on his
    @710ESPNSeattle
    radio interview that Stephens was with Miami last year and said he hopes that familiarity helps him today.
    9:37 AM · Oct 4, 2020

  64. cha

    CODY BARTON!!

    RYAN NEAL!!!

    • Big Mike

      Cody with an actual play how awesome

    • AlaskaHawk

      Ryan Neal???? and he had an interception to close the game last week? Who is he and when did the Seahawks get him?

      • cha

        Off and on the practice squad. Almost quit FB this year.

    • Volume12

      Did Barton tip it?

      • charlietheunicorn

        yes

  65. charlietheunicorn

    Was that a#57 sighting on that last play….

  66. BigSmooth13

    I think Mawyora hit fitz on that play!

  67. cha

    What a freaking laser by RW. That was insane.

  68. Volume12

    Come out slingin

  69. Volume12

    Carson looked good there

    • cha

      The split him out at WR on a play and threw to him. Feels like they wouldn’t do that if the leg wasn’t pretty decent.

      • Lewis

        I’m a huge fan of involving the backs in the passing game. Really nice to see them doing that a little more frequently this year. To me, it synergies week with this offender because it gives the defender yet another thing to think about.

  70. AlaskaHawk

    Great start, keep the pedal to the metal Russ.

    • cha

      COMMENCE SCOREBOARD PRESSURE

  71. Trevor

    The defense might suck but this offense is ridiculously good right now. The have scored a TD with every red zone trip. Give the OC a little credit for that. Russ is off the charts right now.

    • AlaskaHawk

      With a future hall of fame quarterback, two great receivers and numerous other receivers and tight ends that can contribute, a good running game with potentially 3-4 running backs, there is no reason why this offense shouldn’t be scoring over 40 points a game.

  72. cha

    Defensive series 1: INT
    Defensive series 2: 3 and out

    GO BOYS GO!!

    • charlietheunicorn

      A welcome surprise to be sure…. and Parker might be out.

  73. Lewis

    Add I thought, that penalty for illegal forward pass was wrong

  74. Scot04

    Metcalf needs to hold on to those

    • Rob Staton

      As good as he is, there are still some noticeable flaws.

      He should make that catch.

      • Volume12

        He’s a body catcher. His big weaknessv

        • Rob Staton

          Whenever it goes his way, I always think in my mind… ‘is he going to get it?’

          Never feel that way about Lockett

          • Volume12

            I know what ya mean.

          • Rob Staton

            I jinxed him

    • Lewis

      Good defensive play, knocked his helmet forward into the Ball

      • Sea Mode

        Was a good play, but he needs to feel the safety coming in that scramble situation and block out with his body.

    • Big Mike

      Was Ross a 1/2 2nd late with that throw though or was he waiting for DK to clear?

      • Big Mike

        Russ

  75. Sea Mode

    What’d I miss? Who scored 1st drive?

    • Volume12

      Mayowa hit Fitz, ball came out wonky, Barton tipped it up, Neal picked it. Russ hit DK for a 37 yarder, and then ran Carson for the next 5 plays or so including a TD for him.

      • Sea Mode

        Sweet, thanks! I like to see 7-0 Hawks when tuning in a couple minutes late!

    • cha

      Carson on a plunge

      Hawks deferred, and Barton tipped a ball into Neal’s hands for an INT

      Hawks blew down and scored

  76. clbradley17

    A DeeJay Dallas sighting, on special teams. Wonder if they let him run or catch the ball today?

  77. Lewis

    Ryan Neal. WOW

  78. Gohawks5151

    Ryan freeeeeakin Neal

  79. charlietheunicorn

    Captain Crunch.. ouch

  80. Henry Taylor

    Im loving me some Ryan Neal.

  81. Volume12

    This Ryan Neal can play man. My goodness. Licked that dude

  82. Rob Staton

    Ryan Neal can frigging play

  83. Robbie

    Good play by Amadi and Neal, wish Neal would have looked for the pick instead

    • cha

      He had nothing but green in front of him.

  84. Sea Mode

    Nice play, but Neal should have gone for the ball there.

  85. Rob Staton

    Offense got to keep going here.

    Points points points

    The order of the season

    • Sea Mode

      Absolutely

    • AlaskaHawk

      Yep, no excuses for the offense. They got to score and keep scoring,

  86. Gohawks5151

    Amadi and Neal playing at a good speed. Feet don’t stop, see it, go for it. No hesitation. First time seeing DBs playing like that in a while.

  87. AlaskaHawk

    Great stop by Ryan Neal, why haven’t I noticed this guy before? 6-3 and 200 pound cornerback , from Southern Illinois.

  88. Scot04

    wow. Rare lockett drop

  89. Rob Staton

    Very, very sloppy from the two main receivers. Killed two drives.

  90. Robbie

    Ugh too many drops. Uncharacteristic by Lockett

    • Sea Mode

      Meh, he’s always been a body catcher tbh. Usually it doesn’t matter cause he has so much separation, but every once in a while he’s gonna drop one.

  91. charlietheunicorn

    points

    10-3 after 1, not bad

    • AlaskaHawk

      I just hope that the Seahawks don’t slack off and play down to Miami’s level. Fitzpatrick is no joke, he’s a savvy veteran. If they go into the 4th quarter close, it could be a problem.

  92. clbradley17

    Myers with the 55 yard FG. Would be great to see him back to his Pro Bowl form from 2018.

  93. cha

    Gotta wake up Barton. that’s your man.

    • Big Mike

      Maybe he got stiff armed out of the play

  94. Rob Staton

    Cody Barton is rubbish

  95. Sea Mode

    Barton juked out of his cleats on that one…

  96. Volume12

    Ryan Neal looks like a young Richard Sherman.

    • Volume12

      Body & length wise

      • Gohawks5151

        Pretty good tackler so far too

  97. clbradley17

    Like seeing the Panthers up on the Cardinals 14-0.

  98. clbradley17

    Our swiss cheese D is going to make this another shootout till the end of the game.

    • Scot04

      if our offense would quit dropping passes in yheir hands it might help

    • Lewis

      Not if the offensedoes their job. Defense is serviceable so far

  99. Lewis

    Lots of uncharacteristic drops today.. even on defense

  100. Pran

    KJ dropped 2 or 3 picks in this game.

    Fitz is on the way for another 400 yard game. This is a 1 minute defense.

  101. Rob Staton

    KJ catching the ball like he has two pirate hooks today

  102. charlietheunicorn

    Another defensive stand near the goal. Keep it up.

    • Lewis

      Yeah, like what we are seeing from D today so far.

  103. Sea Mode

    I know he’s a LB, but what is up with dropping INTs this season?

  104. Scot04

    He figured he wanted to join the Metcalf, Lockett drop party

  105. cha

    I guess this is the formula now. Between the 20’s offense can do whatever they want to this Hawks D. When the field tightens in the RZ the defense gets that extra defender and holds.

    • Lewis

      Nothing new. Been doing that for years. The difference today is that they are stopping people in the red zone.

    • AlaskaHawk

      The best defensive stand the Seahawks had was when the refs ruled Fitzpatrick was over the line. Good thing they didn’t replay that one.

  106. Lewis

    Go DeeJay!

  107. cha

    Welcome to the NFL DJ Dallas! Nice carry.

    • Lewis

      Indeed!

  108. clbradley17

    D. Dallas carrying the ball for the 1st time in 2020. Good carry for 6 yards.

  109. AlaskaHawk

    Okay – how can miami have a three man rush, and the guy on the right side has a clean untouched shot at Wilson?

  110. clbradley17

    Swain was a good find on day 3 too, almost always has a 1st down or big play the 1-2 times a game he catches it, no drops yet I believe.

    • clbradley17

      Looked it up, WR Swain had 3 catches on 3 targets with a TD before today, a 17 yd. avg.. Today he has 2 catches on 2 targets for 32 yards.

  111. SteveLargent80

    Hands are MIA

  112. cha

    Gregg Bell
    @gbellseattle
    Chris Carson down on his back hurt. But now up after trainers help him
    11:06 AM · Oct 4, 2020

    • Volume12

      Got knocked it. Looked like anyways

  113. charlietheunicorn

    Looks like Carson is down….. no number for sure however

  114. Big Mike

    Who hurt?

    • Sea Mode

      Carson. Looked to me live like he got clotheslined.

  115. Big Mike

    Nm

  116. cha

    Great Seahawks debut, Ogbuehi.

  117. Volume12

    Dammit. Zero protection there.

  118. Rob Staton

    Offense is having an off day.

    And no idea why they didn’t kick

  119. Scot04

    don’t understand not taking the fieldgoal to go up

    • Scot04

      7

    • Big Mike

      Ditto

    • Rob Staton

      Was silly.

      I like being aggressive but the offense is not playing well. Take the points.

  120. Henry Taylor

    4 point game, take the points

  121. Trevor

    Why would you rotate backup OL in on 4th down? Ogbuehi was in there by design WTF?

    • SteveLargent80

      Was Iupati gassed or something? No reason to do that

      • Trevor

        He was in for Shell. They are rotating then through to keep fresh I guess.

        I have no problem with that but not on 4th downs.

  122. Trevor

    I hope the Hawks don’t get carried away with this let Rus cook idea. You have a chance to go up 7 when your offense is a little you take it. WTF Pete.

    • Rob Staton

      How to lose a game 101

      • clbradley17

        Agree Trevor. Take the FG on 4th down.

    • cha

      Gregg Bell
      @gbellseattle
      This is an example of letting an inferior team hang around a game. #Seahawks
      11:12 AM · Oct 4, 2020

  123. SteveLargent80

    Great play by Bobby.

  124. cha

    Feels like this D has had the fear of God put into them to not get beat deep. R’s roaming free 4-8 yards deep.

  125. Lewis

    Hot take: defense gets a better grade so far than the offense so far

    • Rob Staton

      That’s not a hot take it’s a fact

      Only touchdown so far off a turnover

      Offense has been all over the place. No rhythm, two awful drops, lucky play to Olsen. Nobody is making a play.

      • Trevor

        The defense looks focused today which is a good sign but the offense looks anything but. One of those games I think. Russ has had a few of those over the years but he always seems to make a play or two to bail the team out in the end.

  126. clbradley17

    Love to see that, a sack by the 2 young DTs Rush and Mone!

    • Gohawks5151

      The 2 run stuffers even!

  127. SteveLargent80

    Is that a sack without a blitz? I must be dreaming

  128. Trevor

    It feels like this is going to be one of those really ugly games that you just cross your fingers and hope the team that has experience winning (Hawks) can make one more play than the team with experience loosing (Dolphins).

    One thing for sure if the Hawks have a chance to put points on the boards with a FG they need to take it from now on. I have a feeling every last point could be critical.

    • Curtis Bradley

      Yep. Feels like the crappy mistake-ridden 1st game loss to the Dolphins at home 3-4 years ago. Just don’t let Russ get hurt like he was then. This poor OL play to allow the sack on 4th down doesn’t bode well for next week against the Vikings. They have 2 or more of the best sack artists in the game, and are crushing Watson and the Texans 17-3 at halftime.

      • Curtis Bradley

        Sorry, it was a win but barely and felt like a loss it was such a bad, low-scoring game and Russ was hurt by DT Suh.

  129. Trevor

    What does it say when the best player on your defense is Neal a practice squad player. I get killed every time I say this but since Bobby signed that big deal I just don’t see the same dominant game changing LB. Solid yes but dynamic I don’t think so.

  130. Sea Mode

    Gregg Bell
    @gbellseattle
    ·1m

    #Seahawks RB Chris Carson being evaluated for a concussion

  131. charlietheunicorn

    Getting some pressure with 4 DL

    Playing a ton of 2 high safety right now

    • Lewis

      No big plays given up over the top so far, which is a big improvement

  132. SteveLargent80

    I think that Cowboys game terrified Flowers and Griffin. Playing very soft today

  133. charlietheunicorn

    I didn’t see the Browns taking it to the Cowboys like they are… today.

  134. AlaskaHawk

    Early in the day and hot weather for the Seahawks. Could be a giant sweaty fade in the second half.
    The offense needs to get back on track.

  135. Trevor

    Not fun to watch but this is Pete Carrol defense. Keep receivers in front of you and make them work thier way down the feild. When they get in the red zone hold them to FG. Classic PC defensive concept.

    • Lewis

      Exactly

    • AlaskaHawk

      I guess Ryan Neel replaced Flowers today?

  136. AlaskaHawk

    Whoo hoo, Moore. That’s what we need, a 56 yard play.

  137. cha

    There’s the explosive offense!

  138. Volume12

    What a throw. Off balance too

  139. charlietheunicorn

    Beautiful throw on the run

  140. Sea Mode

    Let’s gooo!

    What a toss by Wilson

  141. charlietheunicorn

    wow, Homer

    • AlaskaHawk

      Love seeing the defense moving on Wilson’s look to the left. Good catch by Homer.

      • charlietheunicorn

        Good OL play, keeping him clean for the most part

  142. Volume12

    29 seconds left and they strike

    • cha

      75 yards in :26

  143. clbradley17

    Remember to start the season we thought we had a bounty of several good RBs with Perry back after the bye, + Carson and Hyde. Now after Hyde’s out with an injury and Carson looks to have a concussion, we have just Homer and Dallas at RB.

  144. SteveLargent80

    TD pass to Homer!

  145. charlietheunicorn

    Get RW right, now time to strike in 3rd quarter

  146. Sea Mode

    Wow, that’s a huge swing with us getting the ball coming out.

    • Volume12

      Exactly

    • AlaskaHawk

      The trick is to use Metcalf and Lockett as a diversion. They are both getting a lot of coverage.

  147. Lewis

    Solid half of football by the defense. Hopefully the offense can get Lockett involved early in the 3rd Q and the defense can remain steady.

  148. Rob Staton

    That was a championship end of the half.

    Got the stop, then a touchdown in 24 seconds.

    Fantastic.

    • Ashish

      And we get ball back, good opportunity to get 2 scores lead.

      This is a different mindset team than previous years. Earlier we would have taken knee.

  149. cha

    Defense: 7 passes defensed (!), 1 INT, 1 sack, 5 QB hits

    Not bad. Not bad.

    Get KJ some Lester Hayes stickum and they’ve got a couple more INTs

    • charlietheunicorn

      missed 2 or 3 int as well…

    • AlaskaHawk

      I have a lot of respect for Fitzpatrick’s tenacity. This game will be a real confidence builder for the defense.

    • Gohawks5151

      Great effort. Energy seems to be there. Keep stuff underneath. Make them earn it. Get more chances to make a play on the ball. Alton Robinson been in much?

  150. charlietheunicorn

    31-14 Browns… WTF is doing on in Big D

    • clbradley17

      The Cowboys D is as bad or worse than ours. Feel a LOT better about this game after the TD before halftime. Seemed like except for the early INT., Fitz and the Dolphins were marching down the field at will until they bogged down in the red zone and had to settle for FGs, and was going to be a close game until the end. Keep it up in the 2nd half Russ!

  151. cha

    This is the offense protecting a lead. Carson pounding and RW scrambling for a first down.

    • charlietheunicorn

      Homer had an outstanding blitz pick-up on the play… gave RW just enough time to escape.

    • clbradley17

      Great that Carson is back! Thought he had a concussion, or maybe he was just being looked at in case he had one.

  152. AlaskaHawk

    I have to admire Carson’s performance, considering the flagrant leg twist last week, and almost a concussion this week. Did they ever penalize that Dallas defensive linemen?

    • cha

      Fined him $6k + another $6k for the RW helmet hit.

      Bleh.

    • AlaskaHawk

      That’s chicken scratch.

  153. cha

    My goodness are they cooking on offense. Jet sweep to Moore and he just sidesteps the tackler LOL.

  154. clbradley17

    Another big play to David Moore!

  155. cha

    Carson, didn’t your momma tell you not to hurdle defenders?

  156. Gohawks5151

    32s knee looks ok on the hurdle

  157. charlietheunicorn

    Yummm

    Pound the rock and tire out the Tunafish Defense

  158. cha

    Right we’re moving, we’re doing whatever we want. Let’s not step on their throats. Let’s call a timeout and give them a breather.

    C’mon guys.

    • cha

      That TO killed their momentum and allowed the defense to regroup. C’mon guys.

  159. Sea Mode

    Timeout? Didn’t like the look?

  160. AlaskaHawk

    Damn – offense can’t get out of it’s own way.

  161. Rob Staton

    Offense has been crap today.

    You’re up by eight. It’s OK to run the ball in the red zone you know.

    • Rob Staton

      Plus the Dolphins have a lot of answers for Seattle’s red zone stuff.

      Early pressure with intelligent blitzing, no easy outs because they’re still dropping nicely.

    • clbradley17

      They were on the 6 yard line and threw it 3 times in a row.

      • Rob Staton

        Poor

        Getting carried away with the cooking

    • AlaskaHawk

      Yes – this was the first drive I’ve seen where the running game was working. Why abandon it when your within 8?? yards of the end zone?

    • Scot04

      interception looked alot like the superbowl one. Agree, it’s ok to run down that close.

  162. Gohawks5151

    Jeeze. All out blitz. Audible to screen. Bubble. Draw. Anything but throw and pray

  163. Volume12

    Terrible throw. Why’s he putting that so low for DK anyways?

    • CaptainJack

      Pass blocking has been crap

  164. Big Mike

    Throw it away and take the first
    And yes run on first

  165. Rob Staton

    Why can’t it ever just be comfortable?

  166. dcd2

    Nice tackle Barton

  167. cha

    Look at Fitzpatrick running like he’s woken from bed and forgot to put the garbage cans out.

    And the Seahawks are letting him get 7.

  168. CaptainJack

    Cody Barton was an interesting project but time to move on.

    • Rob Staton

      He was an interesting project for one training camp in 2019. Then… reality.

  169. Rob Staton

    Send Cody Barton back to Utah.

    Not good enough.

  170. Leonardo

    Barton is going to make me break my TV soon

  171. Big Mike

    Please just cut your losses and cut Barton this off-season

  172. SteveLargent80

    Barton is getting bullied. Linebacker play night and day between him failing to wrap up and KJ sniffing out the screen

  173. clbradley17

    How is old Fitz scrambling for 11 yards against us? He has 4 carries for 26 yards.

  174. SteveLargent80

    Hold them to three. Cody Barton should not be on the field

    • Rob Staton

      We’ve all seen enough of Barton.

      A total liability.

      • Big Mike

        Yet another higher draft pick wasted

      • SteveLargent80

        I thought getting stiff armed by Aaron Rodgers and Kyle Allen would be enough. He just isn’t an NFL caliber player

  175. charlietheunicorn

    Welp

    Hold em to FGs works too

    • cha

      This is the way.

      • clbradley17

        A Mandalorian reference, Cha? Nice. Season 2 starts end of this month.

        • cha

          Indeed

  176. Big Mike

    We REALLY need a td drive here

  177. clbradley17

    At least we held them to another FG, but they’re hanging around. We passed on the FG in the 1st half, and bungled the last drive. Should have had at least 2 more FGs and be up 23-12 instead of striking distance.

  178. Gohawks5151

    Time for an MVP quarter and a half

  179. cha

    Wow look Schotty, running the ball is good!

    • clbradley17

      With Carson it is….

  180. Rob Staton

    We’ve seen enough of Travis Homer as a runner.

    • Rob Staton

      Three runs for -2 yards.

      • Trevor

        Dee Jay Dallas should get any backup carries.

    • Volume12

      We really have. Dallas looked better anyways.

    • AlaskaHawk

      Homer has no power. But he was good for a TD catch. As long as he doesn’t have to get additional yardage he’s okay.

  181. Aaron

    Homer should not get any more carries

    • Big Mike

      Dallas sure looks like he has more pop and better vision

    • clbradley17

      Only Carson or Dallas rushing the ball. Dallas got 6 yards his one and only carry.

  182. cha

    The entire stadium saw the blitz coming Russ. Get your behind out of the pocket.

  183. Rob Staton

    Offense gets one good run for Carson.

    Then a crap run by Homer and a sack.

    Absolutely dreadful.

    • Rob Staton

      They better not piss this game away — 17-9 and in the red zone to this.

      • Volume12

        Have left at least 6 points off the board

    • Trevor

      I have hated the offensive play calling and approach today. Dolphins have one of the worst run Defense in the league and we failed ot establish the run when we had a chance.

      1st and goal on the 6 and we throw it 4 times resulting in a pick.

      Not kicking the feild goal on the 20.

      Let Russ cook fine but get back to sound fundamental football or you are going to blow this game.

      • AlaskaHawk

        I like that they came out passing. But when the running game started working = they should have stuck with it.

  184. Gohawks5151

    Come on Russ. QB responsible for an extra guy on the hot. Throw. It. Away.

  185. CaptainJack

    Outside of Wilson…

    Chris Carson is the second most important player in this offense.

    Please stop giving carries to Homer

  186. Big Mike

    Time for the give up 5 yd run and punt?

    • SteveLargent80

      Called it

      • Big Mike

        SIGH

    • cha

      The patented Mike Holmgren 3rd and long draw!!

  187. cha

    What a bomb by Dickson! 58 yards!

    • SteveLargent80

      62. Man, Dickson is on another level

  188. Big Mike

    SIGH

  189. SteveLargent80

    Looking on the bright side, ST has been on point the whole season. Great punt and good coverage

    • Trevor

      you nailed it ST cost us games the last couple of years but this year they have been top notch and a strength.

  190. Trevor

    Defense has been better than expected with the bend not break but the offense has not helped them today for a change. They have been on the field a ton already.

  191. CaptainJack

    Sadly this game is going exactly as I predicted.

    Decent defensive showing when factoring in injuries, significant offensive step back.

  192. JC3

    Maybe they should sign a DE off someone else’s practice squad.

  193. Curtis Bradley

    If we lose this 18-17 after giving up 2 more FGs, I’m going to start drinking for the 1st time this century.

  194. SteveLargent80

    Poona continues to impress in the run game. If he can develop in the pass rush department, he will be great

  195. SteveLargent80

    It’s disrespectful to run a screen against KJ Wright

  196. cha

    PC is right. That’s not a personal foul.

    • Volume12

      What’s Diggs supposed to do there? BS flag

    • SteveLargent80

      Not sure how else you can play that

    • Lewis

      And the one on Amadi wasn’t interference

  197. cha

    “Let’s cut KJ. He’s old and slow”

    • Volume12

      Has played 1 helluva game

  198. SteveLargent80

    Inexcusable to give up a first to a 37 year old QB

  199. clbradley17

    Another 10 or more yd. scramble for the old QB Fitz?

    • AlaskaHawk

      It’s the Irish Whiskey – it preserves your body.

  200. AlaskaHawk

    Fitzpatrick is playing pretty well – having a good game. That last dropped pass was in the receivers hands.

    • Volume12

      He’s making some dangerous throws

  201. clbradley17

    Thought we were beasts putting 38 on Dallas last week. Cleveland has 41 with almost the whole 4th qtr. to go.

    • charlietheunicorn

      Dallas lost 2 starting OL during game.

  202. Rob Staton

    Going to say this every week it seems.

    If you want to be MVP, you score a touchdown here to make it a two-score game and win.

    • charlietheunicorn

      Challenge Accepted ~ RW

      • clbradley17

        If he doesn’t or even if he does, there’s a good chance Aaron Rodgers takes the lead for MVP with a big game against a sorry Atlanta D Mon. night. He’s been playing almost as good and GB has been averaging 40 points a game so far.

        • charlietheunicorn

          TD

          😉

    • Rob Staton

      There you go

    • Volume12

      Wish granted. They’re ears were burning.

  203. CaptainJack

    This is an absolutely critical drive

  204. icb12

    Offense absolutely cannot go 3 and out here

    Got to give the D a break.

  205. charlietheunicorn

    Cha, the comment about Holmgren made me laugh

  206. AlaskaHawk

    Moore is showing up in a big way today.

  207. SteveLargent80

    David Moore scored!!

  208. Sea Mode

    Whew, some breathing room…

  209. Volume12

    What a throw man. Seattle has some kind of receiving group.

  210. Lewis

    Would love to see the defense put an exclamation point on their day right here.

    • Lewis

      That’ll do

  211. charlietheunicorn

    Moore and Swain showing up all game

    DK early and Lockett late….

    Some quality WRs

  212. clbradley17

    YES!! David Moore having a big game, and Lockett getting some love this drive.

  213. Rob Staton

    David Moore have a game, sir.

  214. Volume12

    DeeJay Dallas looks good

  215. charlietheunicorn

    Played 9 LB/DBs last series….. 2 pass rushers

    Wowza Seattle

  216. charlietheunicorn

    Panthers taking it to the Cardinals

    Most excellent

    • clbradley17

      Fantastic, should be 2 games up on AZ after today.

  217. Matt

    Pretty amazing that this is a “down week” for RW. Sometimes I don’t think we realize how truly special he is. Again…down day and putting up a 110 QB rating.

  218. Gohawks5151

    Miami pass game:

    Page 1: Slants

    No other pages…

  219. charlietheunicorn

    Finally

  220. SteveLargent80

    Griffin pick! Down to the 10

  221. Sea Mode

    Yeah, baby!

  222. Sea Mode

    Fitz been staring down his targets all game. It’s about time!

  223. Volume12

    Thought Fitz was making some iffy throws.

  224. Volume12

    What a play! Freaky

  225. Sea Mode

    Respect DK!

  226. charlietheunicorn

    Dk is such a beast
    Holy Cow

  227. AlaskaHawk

    YES!!!! Big Interception followed by a touchdown. Way to go Seahawks!!!

  228. Gohawks5151

    DK needs 3 bubble screens minimum. It’s a guaranteed 5 yards

  229. SteveLargent80

    DK takes a smoke screen 30 yards…just phenomenal effort. He’s made up for his gaffe against the Cowboys

  230. clbradley17

    TD and another INT. Now life is much better. That’s 2 for Shaq. in the 1st 4 games this year, think that equals his previous career total, both from the Bears game 2 2018.

  231. clbradley17

    DK had another 100 yard day, and Moore was right there with him at 95 yards and a TD on 3 catches for almost a 32 yd. avg..

  232. charlietheunicorn

    49 bringing so juice to the defense again. Just making plays.

  233. Trevor

    Not pretty but I bet Pete will feel a whole lot better about this defensive performance. They kept everything in front of them and at least till now forced FG not TDs. They were on the field a ton so hope no more injuries late in this game.

    • clbradley17

      Spoke too soon. The old man Fitz again with a 10 yd. run, this time for a TD.

    • Trevor

      Spoke too soon garbage yards and TDs suck.

  234. Matt

    That’s what we call the “Prevent…the other team from using timeouts” Defense…my goodness.

  235. AlaskaHawk

    Almost impossible for Miami to tie, but Fitzpatrick is really driving that team.

  236. AlaskaHawk

    Seahawks finished with a great 4th quarter from defense and offense. Scores 14 points in the 4th! Griffen has the interception! Strong Finish!

  237. Big Mike

    Generally better effort by the defence today but allowing a quarterback as old as him to run like he did is an embarrassment

  238. charlietheunicorn

    DALLAS

    LMFAO

  239. AlaskaHawk

    I’m amazed that Tom Brady threw for 5 touchdowns today, and has Tampa Bay at 3-1. They have made the transition well.

    • Gohawks5151

      Says more about Jameis Winston? Tom has looked bad at times

  240. charlietheunicorn

    Defense has 12 pass defensed in game.
    Only had 1 sack… :/

© 2024 Seahawks Draft Blog

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑