Author: Rob Staton (Page 216 of 424)

The Giants came into this game banged up and missing several key players. No Odell Beckham Jr, no Olivier Vernon, no Brandon Marshall.

Those are just the headliners.

But don’t let anyone talk you into thinking this wasn’t a terrific Seahawks win.

The defense continues to play Championship level football. Is there a better performing unit in the league right now?

They held the prolific Rams to ten points before the bye and completely smothered the Giants today. A couple of ugly plays against Tennessee in week three shouldn’t blight the overall picture. This is a unit that shut out Aaron Rodgers for a whole quarter at Lambeau. They are playing at an elite level.

The usual suspects continue to play with the discipline and execution you’d expect. Several new stars are emerging, however. Jarran Reed is quietly having a fantastic season. His sack fumble of Eli Manning today was the moment this game completely turned in the Seahawks’ favour. A tight contest, still in the balance, suddenly became a ten point Seattle lead thanks to Reed’s turnover.

It’s the second game in a row where he’s made a huge play, following the bull rush he had against the Rams to force Jared Goff to throw straight at Earl Thomas. Reed is not just a run stuffer. He is providing value as a pass rusher. He hasn’t just taken a step forward in 2017, it’s a giant leap.

Shaquill Griffin and Justin Coleman are equally making an underrated impression on this team. Opponents aren’t exploiting a rookie or a guy picked up via trade right before the season began. Considering these are merely the early days of their careers in Seattle, this is incredibly encouraging for the future of the secondary.

Naz Jones and Frank Clark also continue to have an impact (Clark scooped up the Reed forced fumble) and Sheldon Richardson, while not providing any big splash plays today, has fit into the defense nicely.

This group might not carry some of the attitude we saw in 2013 (they don’t have Red Bryant, Brandon Browner or Chris Clemons) but they might be performing at an equally good if not better level thanks to the youth movement and the addition of Richardson.

Bringing it all together is the play of Bobby Wagner — possibly the most underrated player in the NFL. Wagner is a phenomenal talent, one of the best players in the entire league (offense or defense) and it’s high time he received the national recognition he is due.

Yes they were facing an opponent ravaged by injuries. It’s also worth remembering what this same Giants offense did to Denver’s top tier defense a week ago:

Total yards @ Denver — 266
Total yards vs Seattle — 177

Yards per pass @ Denver — 5.4
Yards per pass vs Seattle — 3.3

Time of possession @ Denver — 30:36
Time of possession vs Seattle — 24:34

Rushing yards @ Denver — 148
Rushing yards vs Seattle — 46

It’s not easy to go into Denver, run the ball effectively and retain a balanced attack. The Giants achieved it and deservedly won on the road last week.

Today, the Seahawks virtually pitched a shut out against the same group. The only points came after a Thomas Rawls fumble deep into Seattle territory.

The defense is playing well enough for the Seahawks to win any game against any opponent. Whether they actually do or not will be down to the offense.

There was little sign of any offensive consistency emerging here. There were major highs and frustrating lows:

— Two horrible Jimmy Graham drops in the first half had everyone rolling their eyes but he had a much better second half capped by a late red zone touchdown

— Thomas Rawls’ fumble put points on the board for New York but he ended the game running hard as Seattle closed it out and managed 104 team rushing yards

— Seattle had 11 unsuccessful ‘and goal’ plays on one first half drive, meaning an eight minute attempt resulted in zero points

— They also moved the ball freely and with great success with Russell Wilson ending with 334 yards and three touchdowns

— Speaking of Wilson, he mostly had an excellent game but missed two wide open touchdowns to Doug Baldwin (wide open) and Tyler Lockett (clearly open) on a day where he could’ve easily had five scores

The encouraging thing is all the gripes are mistakes based around poor execution. Drops, overthrows and fumbles. This wasn’t a back-breaking ‘can’t run for love nor money’ performance or the type where the O-line completely destroys any chance of a sustained drive. On another day they score 30-40 points.

The Seahawks are gaining momentum and return to Seattle for two home games against Houston and Washington (I’ll be attending the Redskins game).

A quick final thought to finish on. The trade deadline isn’t until after the Houston game next week. Is it possible the Seahawks and Texans are waiting until after they meet to work something out for Duane Brown? It might explain why they haven’t signed Brandon Albert. It makes some degree of sense — with the Texans quite rightly not wanting to give Seattle a boost before they meet.

Just something to consider. The trade deadline might be conveniently placed for both teams after next weeks game.

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1. Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
Barkley just finds a way to make explosive plays and put points on the board every week. He’s a freak of nature with great character. A top five placing seems inevitable if he avoids injury.

2. Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
It was tempting to put Nelson at #1 but Barkley is too good. Nelson is the complete package at guard — he’ll pull to the second level, hit people at the LOS and open up huge running lanes. Fantastic prospect.

3. Bradley Chubb (DE, NC State)
There aren’t many players at 6-4 and 275lbs who combine great athleticism, quickness and power. Chubb is an every down edge rusher, is physical against the run and has the same bloodlines as top-tier athlete cousin Nick Chubb.

4. Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
There are some similarities to Sheldon Richardson. Wilkins is a ball of energy. He’s not the most prolific pass rusher but his motor never switches off. He hustles to the ball and doesn’t stop. Good athlete.

5. Taven Bryan (DE, Florida)
An inside/out rusher who dominates the LOS. Bryan drives blockers into the backfield with a vicious bull rush but he also wins with quickness. He’s highly underrated and one of the best players in college football.

6. Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
Yes there are accusations of inconsistency but there aren’t many players with Vea’s skill set. He and Greg Gaines are a force inside, clogging up run lanes and providing some pass rush. Excellent nose tackle prospect.

7. Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson)
Shaq Lawson type defensive end coming off a forceful 3.5 sack performance against Syracuse. Ferrell is listed at 260lbs but looks and plays bigger. Good against the pass and the run. Part of a fantastic front seven.

8. Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
His performance against Indiana was dominant, adding to a great year so far. He lived in the backfield and blocked a crucial field goal. The league needs quality three-technique prospects. Hurst’s a classic example.

9. Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
Highly athletic, modern day defensive back capable of lining up in multiple positions. Aggressive, leads by example and should be an early starter at the next level.

10. Derwin James (S, Florida State)
He’s sometimes a bit stiff in the open field but he has the size to defend the run and the range to make plays in coverage. He’s listed at 6-3 and 211lbs and could play some strong safety and big nickel.

11. Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
He isn’t getting much help and he’s had some pretty terrible interceptions. That said, Rosen has also shown poise, accuracy and the ability to move around in the pocket to make a wide range of throws.

12. Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
Playmaker. Capable of running for a 1000 yards to go with his throwing ability. Continues to grow as a passer. There are too many critics with Jackson. He has a big future at quarterback. He gets no help at Louisville.

13. Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
Price plays like his hair’s on fire. Very active, very aggressive with the mobility to move to the second level. Switched to center this year but could play guard in the NFL. A notch behind Quenton Nelson but really good.

14. Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
Solid rather than spectacular but he emphatically won every battle against Boston College speed rusher Harold Landry. If you want to make a case for McGlinchey that’s the tape you turn to.

15. Bryce Love (RB, Stanford)
Home-run hitter, just needs a crease to explode to the second level and break off a big run. He’s not the biggest (listed at 5-10 and 196lbs) but he’s incredibly dynamic. Making a strong Heisman case.

Not included…

Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
He hasn’t even had a full season as the starter at USC. There’s no rush to declare, especially if Cleveland ends up with the #1 pick.

Trey Adams (T, Washington)
Reports suggest he won’t turn pro at the end of the season after suffering a serious knee injury. A weak tackle class could tempt him — but for now we have to assume he’ll stay with the Huskies in 2018.

Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
He’s a little bit banged up and needs a strong finish to the season to get some momentum behind his stock.

Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
He’s coming close to his best again but the medical checks will be so important. We know he’s a fantastic athlete. We’ll see if he’s still at that level at the combine.

Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
He’s starting to find some form. With #1 receiver size and a little Dez Bryant to his game, Sutton has time to push himself into the early part of round one.

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Cliff Avril on injured reserve

Cliff Avril headed to injured reserve as he faces "big decision" https://t.co/A6lkgnswHX

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 18, 2017

This is sad news and certainly not the way you’d want Cliff Avril to potentially end his career.

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear that’s the case:

Spoken at length w/Cliff Avril via text today. He tells me he is NOT thinking about retirement at all right now. @cliffavril #seahawks

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 18, 2017

Avril has long been under-appreciated and underrated not just in Seattle but in the NFL overall. He’s had an extremely consistent and productive nine-year stretch for the Lions and Seahawks. Between 2010 and 2016 he played in all but four games, recording 62.5 sacks. Always there for his team, always making plays.

He’s also an exceptional athlete. At the 2008 combine he ran a 1.50 10-yard split at 253lbs. Anything in the 1.5’s is considered elite. Avril nearly cracked the 1.4’s.

At only 31 years old hopefully he will make a full recovery. His cap hit next year is a ridiculously team friendly $8m. In the modern market a player of Avril’s quality might cost double that amount.

It’s also possible he could still return this year. The Seahawks can call back two players from injured reserve and haven’t got another candidate at the moment. It seems unlikely due to the serious nature of the injury — but at least the option is there.

More importantly though this is about a man’s health. Avril has done so much for charity during his career and was an integral addition as the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in 2013. The time where they added Percy Harvin, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril in an incredible triple move will go down as one of the more exciting weeks in franchise history.

This is a big opportunity for Frank Clark. He had an exceptional game against the Rams and is eligible for a new contract in the off-season. We’ll see if Marcus Smith expands his role and hopefully Dion Jordan can have an impact down the line.

Avril is one of the best pass rushers this franchise has had. Period.

They can only dream of finding a player in the future with equal stature who will provide so much quality at such great value.

If you want to donate to the Cliff Avril Family Foundation, or if you want more information on the great work they do, here’s the link.

Offensive tackle problems

The knee injury for Trey Adams — and the reports since suggesting he will now return to Washington in 2018 — has left the offensive tackle draft class looking pretty thin.

We’ve had this discussion before…

There will be some nice O-line options in the draft next year (Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, Billy Price) but there’s no getting away from the fact the tackle numbers are light yet again.

Tony Pauline sums up the problem:

That leaves just two potential first-round tackles: Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame and Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown.

People I’ve spoken with tell me they expect Brown to enter the draft but that he doesn’t grade out as a top-25 selection — an opinion I share at this point.

Several scouts are enamored with Chukwuma Okorafor of Western Michigan, but I haven’t heard any first-round grades on him since the season began. The recent ankle injury to Martinas Rankin, which I’m told is worse than what’s being reported, also negatively impacts the position.

The projected crop of free-agent tackles for next March does not look very promising either. This means teams needing an offensive tackle in the offseason could be in a bind.

That last paragraph really does ring true. A league lacking adequate talent at left tackle is facing another barren year in the draft and free agency.

Nate Solder, recently struggling with the Patriots, is arguably the best prospective free agent set to hit the market next year. Then you have the likes of Luke Joeckel, Justin Pugh and Jack Mewhort. There’s no Andrew Whitworth next year.

This is possibly why so many teams spent big money on O-liners in free agency in March — anticipating an even weaker crop of veterans in 2018.

This might be one of the reasons why the Seahawks have been pursuing the likes of Branden Albert and Duane Brown. At the very least they’d get some veteran security on the left side of the line and some insurance for 2018. They wouldn’t need to pick at the limited options available on the open market.

It’s only October and a lot can change over the next few weeks — but the injury to Cliff Avril and the continued issues with the O-line make it increasingly likely we’ll be focusing on the trenches again come draft time. It’s looking like there’ll be a very attractive crop of defensive line talent available. And at the very least a handful of good O-line options (Nelson, Price, McGlinchey).

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— Michigan defensive lineman Maurice Hurst had a fantastic game against Indiana, looking every bit a first round pick. He blocked a vital field goal and was constantly creating pressure. On numerous occasions he moved the quarterback off the spot and forced him out of the pocket. His combination of quickness and an effective swim move were really impressive. His stat line of 1.5 TFL’s barely tells the story. He was the outstanding player on the field, consistently in the backfield and is destined to be a high pick as a three technique.

— Florida’s Taven Bryan continues to look incredibly impressive too. Against Texas A&M he had 1.5 sacks and it’s weird how he isn’t getting more attention. A highly disruptive, supremely athletic defensive lineman who can play inside and out — Bryan is an early first round talent. He just has the perfect combination of size, quickness and power. With the likes of Hurst, Bryan, Christian Wilkins and Vita Vea — this is shaping up to be a really good class for interior defensive linemen. If you need a reminder of what he’s capable of:

Came to watch Josh Allen of Kentucky, stayed for Taven Bryan… this cat… first play of the game pic.twitter.com/cmqEIsrc6e

— Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) October 13, 2017

Watch DT Taven Bryan (#93) collapse the pocket & set the dinner table for DB Chauncey Gardner (#23). Both will be key this fall… 🐊 pic.twitter.com/scnk4oVAD6

— Bill Sikes (@realbsikes) May 13, 2017

— Washington left tackle Trey Adams has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. This is really sad news for a couple of reasons. Obviously it hurts the Huskies. It also impacts the 2018 draft. There was every chance Adams would’ve been a very high pick had he declared. His combination of size, length and athleticism would’ve really shown up at the combine, catapulting his stock at a time when the NFL is desperate for good tackle play. According to Dave ‘Softy’ Mahler, Adams is planning to return to Washington in 2018.

— Here’s the latest on Seattle’s search for O-line improvements:

After waiting in Seattle, FA LT Branden Albert leaves the #Seahawks with an offer but no deal. Could resurgent #NYG visit that was canceled.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2017

This is perhaps indicative of Seattle’s inability to spend money at the moment. Albert, having spent considerable time in the PNW, is now leaving. We’ll see if the Seahawks admit defeat in their attempt to upgrade the O-line or whether they have something else they’re working on. Sadly, with such little cap room to play with, any kind of a deal will take a sacrifice of some description. And the Seahawks might be unwilling to undergo severe roster surgery mid-season.

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Seahawks looking to improve offensive line through a trade, began pursuits weeks ago https://t.co/8YWtYT4QKi https://t.co/9u8k6EDWLY

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 15, 2017

We know Branden Albert met with the Seahawks this week. Rumours have also linked the Seahawks with interest in Houston hold-out Duane Brown. According to Jason La Canfora, another name has been considered:

The Seahawks had previously approached the Bills about their left tackle, Cordy Glenn, but those conversations largely fizzled. While Glenn could be an option to be moved ahead of the deadline — Buffalo has a plethora of tackles at a time most teams have a scarcity, and the team is high on several of its young linemen — it would take a considerable haul to land him. That and his high salary made for a poor fit with the Seahawks.

This one appears to be a non-starter but it’s indicative of Seattle’s desire to prop-up their O-line. While Germain Ifedi has shown steady progress and Justin Britt continues to play well, Luke Joeckel’s bye-week surgery and the play of backup left tackle Rees Odhiambo will be a concern.

As we saw today, the NFC is wide open this year. Aaron Rodgers could be out for the season with a broken collarbone and Atlanta lost at home to Jay Cutler’s Miami despite leaping to a 17-0 lead.

The only two teams playing a consistent brand of football seem to be Philadelphia and the Rams. Seattle already won in LA and face the Eagles at home in week 13.

There’s an opening for someone to take control of the conference and stake a claim for the top two NFC seeds. Last year Dallas saw an opportunity and took it. It could be the Eagles this year — they have three consecutive home games coming up next, all winnable (vs Washington, San Francisco and Denver).

It could also be the Seahawks. The defense is certainly showing signs of classic form. For it to happen, however, the offense has to be better. Or at least more consistently balanced.

Losing George Fant to injury in pre-season was a significant blow and it’s been tough sledding for Odhiambo in relief. The injury to Chris Carson is compounding matters — stripping the team of its top running back.

This really shouldn’t be dismissed when we consider the impact of the two injuries on the offense. Fant and Carson aren’t Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott (for example) — but it’s still Seattle’s starting left tackle and top RB. Only teams with top tier quarterbacks are going to be able to roll with the punches in this kind of situation. Even Russell Wilson has been streaky in this difficult environment.

When Seattle lost Malik McDowell they went out and made an aggressive move to bring in Sheldon Richardson. Now, with Fant and Carson out, a similar move to help the offense seems to be required.

Here’s more from La Canfora:

It may result in a far lower-profile transaction before the deadline, but other teams that have been in contact with the Seahawks are convinced of their intent to improve the line, and if Brown is dealt, expect Seattle to have at least made an attempt to land him.

It feels like there’s quite a lot of poker going on behind the scenes. The Cordy Glenn name drop in La Canfora’s piece might be deliberate. It lets the Texans know the Seahawks are looking at other options. The Branden Albert interest might follow a similar theme — but it’s also an opportunity to meet with a viable alternative (and one that won’t cost any draft compensation).

Either way it seems like the Seahawks are primed to do something, possibly before the Giants game. Either sign Albert or make a trade.

There’s a big opportunity for someone to rise to the top in the NFC. The Seahawks can be that team — but the offense will need some help to make it happen.

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This was a crucial win. Think about the sliding doors effect.

If the Seahawks lose this game you’re looking at two weeks of teeth-gnashing and hand-wringing. The game in New York against the Giants would be labelled a ‘win or bust’. They’d be 2.5 games behind the Rams, ceding all momentum in the NFC West in the process.

People would be questioning Seattle’s ability to make the playoffs — and you’d hear a lot about the Championship window closing.

The Rams? They’d be crowned in the media.

Instead, the Seahawks are in first place in the NFC West and showed they’re still the team to beat in this division.

The game in New York has a totally different feel now. After a week of rest, it’s a big opportunity to continue building momentum.

People will ask questions about how good the Rams truly are.

The Seahawks have a crucial tie-breaker against their strongest opponent in the division. Arizona look a shell of their former selves.

The Giants are hurting. Eli Manning reportedly has a neck injury. Odell Beckham Jr broke his leg. Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard both picked up ankle injuries. Dwayne Harris fractured his foot early in the second half. Big opportunity in a fortnight.

This was such an important victory.

The season feels like it’s starting to come to life.

Seattle’s offense clearly still has a ways to go. The Rams gave the Seahawks numerous opportunities to close the game out. The defense forced five turnovers and the offense didn’t really capitalise.

The running game in particular continues to toil and struggle. The Rams had the 30th ranked run defense coming into the game and yet Seattle mustered only 62 yards on 25 attempts. 16 of those yards came from Russell Wilson as did five of the runs. To only run 20 times in a game like this was a little peculiar against such a poorly performing opponent.

Even so, this is the Rams — the opponent that regularly devours Seattle’s offense. And while it’d be tempting to over-analyse and pontificate about the struggles running the ball — this should be a day to celebrate the Seahawks defense instead.

Five turnovers, limiting Todd Gurley to just 43 yards on 14 carries and some huge game-changing plays is the story of the game.

Earl Thomas’ incredible forced fumble in the first quarter took seven points off the board. It’s the second time he’s done it against the Rams — and confirms again why he is one of the true defensive greats of his generation.

Frank Clark dominated his side of the line versus the run throughout. The Rams, time and time again, ran to his side on first down only to be met with a negative consequence. On one play he rode Andrew Whitworth into the backfield before dumping Todd Gurley. Clark also had the vital sack/fumble and ended with two TFL’s (it felt like more). He is truly developing into a big time playmaker.

Sheldon Richardson joins Naz Jones in collecting a big-man interception. He might not be having the kind of impact everyone hoped for as a pass rusher — but his work against the run and his two big plays today (the pick and the fumble recovery) meant he had a significant impact on a game for the first time in Seattle.

He wasn’t the only defensive tackle having a big day. Jarran Reed is really emerging into a terrific player. Did you see him bench press an interior lineman into Jared Goff on the Thomas interception?

After a couple years where the turnover numbers for this defense regressed, this has been a really promising start to the 2017 season.

There were a few sloppy moments along the way — Tavon Austin’s sauntering touchdown, the third and long problems continue and Los Angeles nearly stole a win with a relatively easy last gasp drive.

Overall though the defense dealt a reality check to the Rams and asserted their authority on the division. The team with the hyper-productive offense, the magical young Head Coach, the dynamic running back and the developing young quarterback had a 10-point day.

That’s not to dismiss Los Angeles completely as an overrated upstart. They have talent and will surely only get better with time.

Yet Goff looked a lot like the player we saw last year as a rookie. Despite facing very little pressure he was often jumpy and inaccurate. The Earl Thomas interception followed several other throws that could’ve been picked.

He wasn’t facing the 49ers, Colts or Cowboys defense today.

This was a big stage for Goff and LA’s offense. A chance to make a statement that the hype was justified.

Seattle’s defense ended up making the statement. They’re still here, they’re still the team to beat in the NFC West and they’re starting to look dangerous again.

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