Author: Rob Staton (Page 237 of 421)

Do the Seahawks need to trade for a left tackle before the deadline?

If they can’t handle the Saints defense, then maybe it’s time to seriously consider it. For now the answer should be ‘no’.

Financially they can’t really afford it without moving money around. It’d also eat up some of their estimated $18m cap room for 2017 — which could be used to reward (rightly so) the likes of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril.

Russell Wilson has been sacked 11 times this season despite being totally immobile. Only four teams have conceded fewer sacks. His two major injuries (ankle, knee) were freak accidents as Wilson scrambled, not as a direct consequence of a big hit in the pocket.

The sack numbers are a major improvement so far considering they gave up an average of 43.6 sacks a season over the last three years. It’s a coincidence that in a year where Wilson is being hit fewer times — he’s getting hurt.

Pass-protection was admittedly poor against Arizona — but the Cardinals are the #4 defense in the league per DVOA and have three fearsome pass rushers in Chandler Jones, Markus Golden and Calais Campbell.

If you’re worried about Wilson’s health, consider the following. Every top quarterback in the league has had a serious injury or missed time.

— Tom Brady missed the entire 2008 season after suffering a serious knee injury in week one

— Peyton Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury

— Aaron Rodgers missed seven games after fracturing his collarbone in 2013 and played with a leg injury during the 2014 playoffs

— Joe Flacco missed six games in 2015 after tearing his ACL

— Philip Rivers played through a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game in 2008

— Tony Romo has missed most of the last two seasons

— Drew Brees tore his planta fascia in 2015

— Ben Roethlisberger has missed 13 games since 2010 and is currently out for Pittsburgh

— Andrew Luck missed nine games last season with various problems including a lacerated kidney

— Matthew Stafford missed 13 games in 2010 with a shoulder injury, requiring an AC joint repair and a clavicle shaving

— Carson Palmer has had two major knee injuries, missing 12 games in 2008 and ten games in 2014

— Jay Cutler is currently out with a hand injury and also missed eleven total games in 2011 and 2013 combined

— Teddy Bridgewater is currently out with a dislocated knee and ligament damage

— Sam Bradford could barely stay on the field during his time with the Rams and suffered a shoulder injury in college

— Matt Ryan missed two games in 2009 when a defensive end rolled onto his leg

It is a minor miracle that Wilson has not missed any time on the field in his five year career. It’s especially miraculous when you consider his playing style.

Now he is fighting through injuries. That’s just the way the NFL works.

You can limit the damage with good pass protection of course — but even the top offensive lines don’t guarantee anything. How has Dallas’ expensive and vaunted O-line helped Tony Romo the past two years? Joe Thomas, the subject of a lot of trade talk recently, plays for the Browns who last week featured their FIFTH quarterback of the season. The other four are injured.

So while Seattle’s O-line must do a better job based on their performance in Arizona — injuries at quarterback are simply part of the game.

Will they make a trade anyway?

This Tweet from Jason Cole will interest those hoping for a deal:

Insider Buzz: SEA, MIN, & IND All Expected To Be Players In NFL Trade Deadline

— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) October 28, 2016

That said, this front office are always ‘players’ when it comes to trades. They’re self-confessed window shoppers.

Whether it was considering a trade for Randy Moss a few years ago, looking at the possibility of acquiring Jared Allen or making a move for Brandon Marshall in 2010. The Seahawks will always be assessing their options.

Sometimes the deal feels right and they pull the trigger. Big moves for Marshawn Lynch, Percy Harvin and Jimmy Graham are examples of that.

But there are probably countless other times where an opportunity was out there and they ended up walking away.

Is there another position, other than left tackle, that they might consider?

If they do make a deal I wonder if it could be for a inside/out pass rusher and not an offensive lineman.

According to Pete Carroll today, Michael Bennett could be set for knee surgery. That would be a huge blow.

Wow. Carroll says possibility of surgery for Bennett on knee. Yikes.

— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) October 28, 2016

They’ve already cut Jordan Hill and Quinton Jefferson is now on I.R. so they’re weakened on the D-line.

Malliciah Goodman was signed to replace Jefferson — but they might make a deal for a more impactful player. That could be especially important if they want to carefully manage Bennett, not just replace Hill/Jefferson.

Who might be available?

The Bears might be willing to move Wille Young as they begin a long rebuild. He already has six sacks this season. Chicago is 1-6 and Young is 31.

There’s been some media talk about the Jets potentially moving Sheldon Richardson. The move might be too pricey unless they just want rid.

Connor Barwin is 30 and doesn’t really fit Philly’s defense. He has two sacks this season. He would be a nice fit at the LEO for Seattle, adding to their rotation.

There are likely some lesser names too that could come in and contribute. The Bennett situation — and the seriousness of his knee problem — could force the Seahawks to be active.

Before I get into the notes, don’t forget to check out this weeks podcast. We get deep into the Seahawks/Arizona tie, discuss PFF’s ‘grading system’, talk about some of the draft topics from the weekend and a lot more.

Alabama set to dominate the 2017 draft

It’s possible that Alabama could have four players drafted in the top 10-12 picks.

With every passing week it’s clear that Tim Williams is a fantastic EDGE rusher with everything a modern day NFL team looks for. He can use his hands to fight to the QB, he’s a capable bull rusher when he wants to mix things up — but it’s his speed and explosion from the snap that could easily make him a top-five pick. He is vastly, vastly underrated with 6.5 sacks in his last six games. He’s second only to Myles Garrett at his position.

Jonathan Allen has been compared to Ndamukong Suh this week and while I’m not a big fan of the comparison — he’s impacting college games in a similar way. His flying sack against Texas A&M is one of the best you’ll ever see. Not only that, he controlled the LOS throughout and even ran in a fumble recovery for his second touchdown of the season. He’s more of an inside-out DE than a pure DT like Suh — but he could be destined to go in a similar range to Leonard Williams in 2015.

Reuben Foster is a phenomenal linebacker. His performance against Texas A&M had to be seen to be believed. His ability to knife through a gap, sift through traffic and explode to the ball carrier will have teams racing to the podium next year. His ability to play stout against the run, impact the game in the backfield with TFL’s, go sideline-to-sideline and do a decent job in coverage practically makes him the complete defender. It is hard to imagine he won’t be off the board very quickly — possibly in the top-10. He’s the best overall linebacker prospect we’ve seen in college since Kuechly.

Marlon Humphrey had an incredible interception against A&M showing off his athleticism and playmaking qualities. He has it all — size, physicality, tackling form in the open-field, recovery speed, instinct, intensity. If you had to draw up the ideal modern day cornerback it’s Humphrey. In a loaded class for DB’s he is going to go very early. The only thing that could hold him back is a decent but not great forty yard dash — but foolish teams will let a 4.50 (if he runs that) dissuade them from drafting this guy.

On top of these four, Ryan Anderson just consistently turns up every week with a big performance. He lacks the length and twitchy traits of the names above but he’s just a really good football player and constantly around the ball. So often he’s right with Allen or Williams as they finish a play — or Anderson’s initial rush or ability to set the edge forces a RB or QB into the path of the bigger name for the stat. He looks like a classic AFC North type and would fit perfectly in Baltimore or Pittsburgh. I’m not sure he’d be athletic enough for Seattle — but we’ll find out at the combine.

Also consider that tight end O.J. Howard is likely to be a first round pick and Cam Robinson could get in the first frame by default based on the dearth of alternatives at left tackle (even though his pass pro and technique has been really poor at times this year & there are major character issues that need investigating).

If Ohio State dominated the early rounds of the 2016 draft — it’s going to be a whole load of ‘Bama in 2017.

Why the Seahawks might not trade for an offensive tackle

Quietly, we’ve entered a time where defensive football is king.

The current top four teams in the NFL per DVOA are:

1. Philadelphia (4-2)
2. Seattle (4-1-1)
3. Denver (5-2)
4. Minnesota (5-1)

Now let’s look where each team is ranked on offense and defense:

Defense

#1 Philadelphia
#3 Seattle
#5 Denver
#2 Minnesota

(Arizona, who just held the Seahawks to six points, has the #4 defense)

Offense

#24 Philadelphia
#20 Seattle
#17 Denver
#23 Minnesota

Each of these four teams are winning games and playing well enough to be ranked as the best per Football Outsiders because of their defense.

Last year the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl carrying a soon-to-be-retired Peyton Manning who could barely throw. Their running offense ranked #17 during the regular season. Their two starting offensive tackles in the Super Bowl were Ryan Harris and Michael Schofield. They had a fantastic defense.

While we sit and ponder why NFL ratings are falling and why quarterbacks are injured or playing badly — let’s just consider this possibility.

Defense is key right now.

It’s not an unrealistic expectation that the Seahawks will improve on offense sufficiently to field an average or slightly above average unit by the seasons end. Clearly injuries have had an impact on their current ranking (Wilson, Rawls, Lockett etc).

Ultimately though, Wilson will never be as ineffective as Manning a year ago. The running game will surely improve from it’s current 31st placed ranking in the NFL. If they can get close to #17 even like Denver — with the way this defense is playing, they’ll have a great shot at a deep playoff run.

After all, which team do you fear in the NFC right now?

And here’s the interesting part — Seattle’s O-line is actually ranked #13 for pass protection. Only four teams have given up fewer sacks so far.

This is all with a much less mobile quarterback and no running game to speak of — having played some of the NFL’s best pass rushers — Suh, Wake, Donald, Quinn, Wilkerson, Jones, Campbell.

Yes it was ugly at times vs Arizona — but Chandler Jones and Markus Golden are exceptionally good players, supported by Calais Campbell working inside. There’s no reason to expect the same kind of problems against New Orleans this week — or in some of Seattle’s other games down the line.

I can’t sit here and suggest the Seahawks wouldn’t be a lot better with Joe Thomas or Joe Staley (although both teams’ Head Coaches insist neither is available). They would be better, providing both 32-year-olds stay healthy in Seattle’s ultra-physical offense.

But the Seahawks have to consider whether such a move is necessary when they might believe, not unfairly, that they’re doing well anyway. They’re 4-1-1, in control of the NFC West, well placed in the NFC and the numbers per F.O. are saying their pass pro is above average so far based on six games played.

Can they manage a situation like this? Yes, absolutely. They had to in 2013 when Paul McQuistan started eight games at left tackle. Russell Wilson was more mobile that year — but was he the surgically accurate passer we see operating in the pocket today? Did he have Jimmy Graham or Tyler Lockett? Or this version of Doug Baldwin? You can make arguments both ways.

Plus by taking on another veteran contract you are facing two possibilities:

— The need to go to one of your top veterans and ask them to adjust their contract, which may or may not go down well

— The need to absorb a big salary in 2017 and 2018, using cap funds that could be saved to reward deserving core players like Michael Bennett

These are things that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Seattle has just about recovered from all of the murmurings of Marshawn Lynch being unsettled and Kam Chanellor’s hold out. Do you want to risk rocking the boat again?

This may read like I’m staunchly against any kind of trade. I am not. I am indifferent to the idea and wanted to provide a different side of the debate that hasn’t really been made. If it happens it will be exciting to see a top left tackle on the field. If it doesn’t happen — I fully expect the Seahawks to manage the situation perfectly well.

#SEAvsAZ is the lowest scoring overtime tie in NFL history

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) October 24, 2016

Well, have you ever seen anything like that?

On the one hand it’s a good result for Seattle because:

a.) Arizona had the ball at the one yard line and missed a chip shot field goal.

b.) David Johnson probably scored a touchdown just before it. The ball looked like it crossed the plane on replay but Bruce Arians had his offense rush to the line before a replay official could call in to take a look at it.

On the other hand, Steven/Stephen Hauschka had a chance to steal a win and take a commanding lead in the NFC West with his own chip shot and did his best impression of Blair Walsh.

And thus, the game gets the scoreline it deserves. 6-6. A tie.

Isn’t this a weird feeling? Denied the euphoria of the game-winning kick, it’s instead replaced with disappointment, relief and maybe a tiny pinch of happiness.

After all, Seattle is still in control of the NFC West and maybe the NFC. Minnesota (5-1) didn’t look quite as formidable in their loss to Philly, the Falcons have slumped to 4-3 and Dallas play in a NFC East that generally eats itself alive.

I’m not quite sure why Seattle didn’t run the clock down to about two seconds, call a time-out and kick as overtime expired. Hauschka almost appeared a little rushed in the end and the miss gave Arizona a chance to throw two more passes (including a hail mary).

Onto the defense. What a performance.

On a night where the offense had nine straight punts to start and needed a blocked punt to help end the run — this was an all-time great performance from an all-time great defense.

Cliff Avril’s sacks. Deshawn Shead’s coverage. The impact of the linebackers. Earl Thomas. They were just the highlights — truly this was a cumulative performance to banish the memory of last weeks nightmare third quarter against Atlanta.

To put in this level of performance with almost no rest for the best part of four hours isn’t just admirable — it’s miraculous. And for that reason they deserved to avoid being on the losing team.

The offense on the other hand was uglier than a bears backside until overtime.

Even a couple of decent drives would’ve been enough — but they had no answer in a performance reminiscent of the 2013 Rams game. The O-line couldn’t handle two excellent edge rushers (Quinn/Long — Golden/Jones) and a dominating interior presence (Donald — Campbell). For Paul McQuistan and Michael Bowie, see Bradley Sowell and Garry Gilliam.

Sadly there was no Golden Tate taunting his way to a big game-winning touchdown.

The good news is an offensive clunker like this hasn’t usually lingered into multiple weeks. After that Rams game in 2013 Seattle scored 27, 33, 41 and 34 in the following four weeks.

The offensive line will get a lot of focus, in particular the two tackle slots. Bradley Sowell left the game with a MCL injury and ended the night in tears. Sowell has thrown himself into being a Seahawk and it was a moment of raw emotion from a guy that hasn’t done too badly overall — he just ran into a buzzsaw tonight.

There will be clamour in Seattle all week for the Seahawks to trade for Joe Thomas before the deadline. PFT reported earlier that he could be available for a second round pick.

The Thomas topic probably warrants a post of its own but really it comes down to this:

— How prepared are you to spend a second rounder on a soon-to-be 32-year-old ahead of what looks like an absolutely loaded draft?

–As good as Thomas is, can he pick up the offense quickly mid-season? This offense isn’t like anything they’ve run in Cleveland, ever.

— As he nears the twilight of his career, how many years can he play in Seattle’s ultra-physical offense that has led to injuries aplenty on the O-line?

— How much faith do they have in George Fant? He struggled a bit today but they’ve talked very positively about his development so far.

— They will have cap room in 2017 but there’s hardly any remaining in 2016. This wouldn’t just take a lot of manoeuvring it might prevent you from rewarding the likes of Michael Bennett or Kam Chancellor next year.

I think the discussion — and boy is it coming, on social media and talk radio — might be a bit of a red herring. They would have to be so creative with the cap space and could risk more dysfunction with their existing stars who are looking to get a pay rise next year. Do they want that?

For what it’s worth, the 49ers are reportedly also willing to deal Joe Staley. Unfortunately his salary is similar to Thomas’ in 2016 and the 49ers want a first rounder. He is also 32.

Let me know who you’re watching today. I’m on Alabama vs Texas A&M where Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Marlon Humphrey, Reuben Foster and this man are having another big day:

Better get a third blocker to try to slow down Jonathan Allen. #RollTide https://t.co/2s5tBMk9Id

— Rob Rang (@RobRang) October 22, 2016

— Alabama’s Tim Williams had another big day vs Tennessee and is being seriously underrated in the media. He looks every bit a top-ten pick. I’m working my way through the TV tape now and in the first quarter already he has a sack and a half. On the full sack he fakes to the outside before darting into the B gap and exploding to the QB. His body control, change of direction and quickness are top-tier. On the second play he uses one arm to control the right tackle and walk him into the QB. The interior collapses thanks to a pressure by Jonathan Allen and both players hit the quarterback at the same time. If Myles Garrett is the top edge rusher eligible for the 2017 draft, Tim Williams is probably #2.

— I spent the last few days focusing on Dawuane Smoot (EDGE, Illinois). He’s had an underwhelming year statistically but it’s a red herring. Smoot is pretty much the complete package. He has the speed to win off the edge, a terrific first step and get-off, the power to win when engaging and great hands. There are no obvious issues vs the run despite his lighter frame (6-3, 255lbs) and he does a good job controlling the edge. When he has a lane to the QB he explodes like he’s shot out of a cannon — he is going to run a fantastic 10-yard split at the combine. He gives you energy and intensity and his best football is ahead of him. While Derek Barnett has the playmaking stats in a big conference — Smoot has the better physical profile and arguably a much higher ceiling. Based on potential he could be #3 EDGE behind Garrett and Williams.

— Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State) continues to make plays. He has 8.5 sacks in six proper games (let’s not count minimal snaps vs Charleston Southern, a game where he still forced a fumble). It’s slightly frustrating that he lurches between major impact plays with great technique, grit and finishing ability and passive ineffectiveness. He took over the week one victory against Ole Miss in the second half, won FSU the Miami game with a blocked extra point and did as much as anyone to lead the Seminoles to a win over Wake Forest. His hand-use and ability to shed blocks, at his best, is unmatched in college football. Yet he also goes for long stretches in games where he doesn’t really feature and you barely notice he’s on the field. If he could be more consistent and play with a relentless motor he could be a really high pick. Only Ejuan Price has more sacks in the country.

— Georgia are a strange team to watch this year. Starting a freshman QB will do that to you but they also flit between effective and hopeless. For that reason it’s difficult to judge running back Nick Chubb. Teams are keying in on the running game and daring the young QB to beat them. The result is a game like Saturday vs Vanderbilt — Chubb had 40 yards on 16 carries for a 2.5 YPC. For the season he only has two catches so he’s a non-factor in the passing game. He’s had good days (222 yards vs North Carolina, 121 vs South Carolina) but Missouri, Ole Miss and now Vandy kept him in check. It’d be easy (and somewhat lazy) to just say he isn’t the same player after the knee injury. I’m not sure that’s the case. Georgia are transitioning with a new coach and setup this year. They have the freshman at quarterback. NFL teams will test Chubb’s knee but he’s out there competing. Frank Gore ended up being a third round steal after he had a bad knee injury in college. Chubb isn’t just a similar player — he could end up being a similar success story drafted in a similar range.

— I watched Clemson struggle to beat NC State on Saturday and it was another underwhelming display by DeShaun Watson. I’m surprised he hasn’t been able to reach his 2015 level yet. He is such a talented, creative player. That said, Deshone Kizer had an absolute stinker at the weekend in another Notre Dame loss (this time to a Stanford team missing Christian McCaffrey). He threw two picks, managed only 154 passing yards and ended up being spelled by Malik Zaire again. One of the picks was a horrendous mind-blowing bad decision thrown into a crowd of defenders. Kizer is physically very talented and he has an A+ character. He isn’t playing very good football though at the moment. It’s hard to imagine him going first overall playing this way with so few starts under his belt in college. The hype might be a little too rich.

— Another week, another big day for Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss). This is is 2016 stat-line so far:

vs Florida State — 121 yards, one TD
vs Alabama — 138 yards, one TD
vs Georgia — 95 yards, one TD
vs Memphis — 82 yards, one TD
vs Arkansas — 111 yards, one TD

In these five games he’s averaging 109.4 YPG and 15.6 YPC.

Engram is an explosive X-factor weapon with fantastic football character, superb hands, a great vertical jump and the ability to dominate at multiple positions. He could be the perfect modern day target on the right offense.

Well, they’ve done it again.

2012
Green Bay ‘Fail Mary’ game 14-12
New England home game 24-23
Chicago road game 23-17 (OT)

2013
Houston road game 23-20 (OT)
St. Louis road game 14-9
Tampa Bay home game 27-24 (OT)
San Francisco playoff game 23-17

2014
Green Bay playoff game 28-22 (OT)

2015
Minnesota playoff game 10-9

2016
Miami home game 12-10

Games that lurched between agony and ecstasy, best described as:

No No No No NO NO NO NO YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

There could’ve been more. The Panthers comeback last season. That Super Bowl. The Falcons playoff game in 2012.

This was one of the strangest games in the Pete Carroll ‘it’s how you finish’ era of nerve-wracking, hair-pulling, nail-biting silliness.

It’s not often since 2010 that the Seahawks have been outplayed via half-time adjustments. That is what emphatically happened today.

The first half was a coast. A 17-3 lead, only 86-yards conceded on offense and the Falcons defense had little answer for Russell Wilson and Jimmy Graham. Matt Ryan was constantly under duress and he was hit several times. A sack fumble led to the opening score.

Then the second half. Ryan started to take deep drops giving himself time to throw. Atlanta’s offense turned into Oklahoma State’s. A deep drop and allowing the pocket to set back opens up a lot of space underneath and doubles the field. If your receivers can get open (they have Julio Jones) you have a chance to make considerable gains.

It wasn’t just the scheme. Ryan was right on it making several key completions. A number of receivers made crucial low grabs right off the turf. Atlanta bossed Seattle’s defense and made them play to their tune.

The 98.5 yard drive to make it 24-17 was a ‘wow’ moment.

The entire second half was a bit of a mess. The defense gave up three consecutive scoring drives without laying a finger on the offense. The Seahawks couldn’t muster a drive to land a counter-punch.

Giving up 21 points to start a half is unheard of in the Carroll era. They blew leads in the fourth quarter in 2015 but never have they played so poorly to begin a second half.

The communication on defense — usually such a strong point — was so lacking in that third quarter. Richard Sherman’s sideline rant was uncomfortable viewing.

The response came in the fourth quarter but even then it was messy. Two long offensive drives and a defensive stop thanks to a big sack from Cassius Marsh offered momentum. And just as the game was turning — the kicking game collapsed.

A bad snap led to a missed chip shot field goal. A blocked extra point after a late touchdown meant instead of a three-point lead the Seahawks trailed by one with just under five minutes to play.

They had an opportunity to make amends after Earl Thomas’ interception and thankfully Steven Hauschka made the game-winning kick (you probably watched it through your fingers or from behind the couch).

It took a favourable no-call on Richard Sherman covering Julio Jones to end the contest as Atlanta tried to get a winning kick themselves. The Falcons were strangely aggressive on that final drive. It would’ve paid off with a flag. Yet considering they’d moved the ball with ease in the second half — two deep shots was an odd tactic on 3rd & 4th and 10.

By the end the feeling was more relief than joy. Waiting for the flag, seeing it wasn’t there, watching Dan Quinn go wild, wondering whether they could take a knee or if they had to keep going.

This is a win that might feel better in the morning.

Either way don’t underestimate it. It’s a win against a tough NFC opponent and genuine contenders for a #1 or #2 seed in the NFC. They get to play six games in the NFC South. They’ll be up there in December.

The Seahawks stay in touch with Dallas and Minnesota. A Rams loss in Detroit means they’re down to 3-3. Arizona is still at 2-3 and the Niners are competing with Cleveland for the #1 pick.

The Packers losing was a nice bonus and they looked poor at home. They’re down to 3-2. Seattle was so close to joining them.

Here are some other quick notes:

— Jimmy Graham is a genuine contender for comeback player of the year. He is a vital part of the team.

— Christine Michael had good and bad moments. He scored two touchdowns and had a couple of really hard runs up the middle. He’s a useful player. There were frustrating moments though — including a missed opportunity to get a first down when he dipped out of bounds two yards short and failed to lunge and get a first down on 3rd and 1 in the third quarter (Seattle punted, leading to the 98.5 yard Atlanta scoring drive). He shouldn’t be criticised because he’s performing well and had two scores. It’d be nice to see him take over a game though and have the kind of big performance his talent suggests he’s capable of. At the moment would a healthy Thomas Rawls come back and start? Probably.

— Russell Wilson, despite two-weeks off, clearly still isn’t 100%. That wasn’t a surprise. The question is will he ever be even 85-90% this season?

— The pass rush was really good in the first half when Atlanta used an orthodox offensive plan. Cliff Avril had two big sacks, Jarran Reed got one too. Cassius Marsh had a crucial sack in the second half (one of the plays of the game). Marsh is quietly having a really strong year and he deserves praise for the way he played today with Frank Clark out and Michael Bennett injured in the second half. He stepped up.

— Earl Thomas gets the game ball on defense. He hit harder than he has in about two years and had the crucial interception in the fourth quarter. This was the elite, best safety in the game version.

— Alex Collins scored his first pro-touchdown but also made a hugely significant catch on third down before Hauschka’s game winner. Wilson was in trouble and scrambling to his right. He threw to Collins and it was an awkward one to grab — but he made it and held onto the ball for a big first down.

— It was uncomfortable watching Richard Sherman’s reaction on the sidelines after Atlanta’s first score. Yes it was a blown coverage and a bad defensive call. Sherman was brought to the sideline to cover the big TE Levine Toilolo. It left Julio Jones in the slot being covered by Kelcie McCray. Jones ran right by McCray and Thomas couldn’t get across quickly enough to get near him. A blown coverage but really — a bad play call from the off. It appeared to hamper Sherman for the rest of the game, impact the defense and he had one of his poorer outings.