Author: Rob Staton (Page 313 of 423)

Beast Mode.

This was by far Seattle’s most complete performance of the season.

Offense, defense, special teams. It was hard to find any fault today. It was all positive.

Even if Atlanta played up to the soft reputation they’ve inherited over the years, there was plenty working against the Seahawks.

At half time both Curt Menefee and Jimmy Johnson referred to the Falcons as the injured team. Johnson even called Seattle “healthy”.

Red Bryant. Max Unger. Sidney Rice. Russell Okung. Breno Giacomini. Percy Harvin. All missing starters for the Seahawks.

During the game they also lost Brandon Browner (groin) and Tony McDaniel (hamstring).

How many teams in the NFL could survive that many absent starters and win as comfortably as Seattle did today?

It was yet another 10am start. They were facing an opponent who knew defeat today and they were done. The refs made a number of questionable calls (the Michael Bennett sack/roughing call was painful to observe).

The Falcons still have Matt Ryan — the main reason they’ve won a lot of games in the Mike Smith era.

Despite all of that, 33-10 flatters the Falcons. And I mean that with the greatest respect — I have a lot of time for the Atlanta fans who were classy last year after the playoff game. But they’ll probably admit this had a similar feel to the huge blowouts Seattle earned at the end of last season.

After the game all I could think about was free agency. This could be a difficult off-season financially.

Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas will get new deals, that much is a given.

But they have to — HAVE TO — find a way to keep Michael Bennett and Golden Tate.

They are just as much of a priority.

Bennett should’ve had two sacks today, the refs put paid to that. He came into the game ranked as the #4 edge rusher in the NFL according to Greg Bedard.

He has been a genuine sensation for the Seahawks this year, the definitive unsung hero.

He might be the most underrated player in the NFL.

While many have flocked to crown Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman as the teams defensive MVP, for me it’s Bennett. He has been the missing piece of the puzzle. The glue that brings all the pieces together and completes the defense.

How long has this team longed for a guy who can rush inside? Bennett doesn’t just do that, he lines up off the edge too. Today he started instead of Red Bryant at the five technique and the run defense improved.

Keeping Michael Bennett is more important than keeping Bryant and Brandon Mebane on the roster. I would rather go into the draft and free agency feeling like I had to replace those two instead of having to replace the new star of Seattle’s defense.

I haven’t studied the financial ramifications (I will) but I believe they can save around $5m in cap just by cutting Mebane.

I would give that $5m to Bennett right off the bat. And then some.

Likewise, if you have to cut currently-injured Sidney Rice to keep Tate I think it’s a tough decision you just have to make. He might not put up huge numbers every week, but he’s become an integral part of this team.

You can’t teach that one-handed touchdown grab today. But it’s not just that — for two years now this team has been able to rely on Tate to make crucial plays at key times. Players like that don’t come around too often. Finding his replacement would become an immediate priority and dare I say — a near impossible task even with guys like Odell Beckham Jr available.

They could back-load contracts. Percy Harvin’s cap hit in 2013 is just $4.9m but escalates to $13.4m next year. Whatever way they do it, they have to be creative to keep this duo in Seattle despite the need to re-sign Sherman and Thomas (plus Russell Wilson a year later).

Darrell Bevell receives plenty of criticism when things go wrong, so it’s only fair he gets some praise today. That was a perfect gameplan. He dialled up the flea flicker at the right time, he brought balance to the offense. And he did what the fans have been calling for — ran Marshawn Lynch in the redzone.

Russell Wilson was again close to flawless and showed just how dangerous he can be with time to throw.

Russell Okung, Breno Giacomini and Max Unger could return next week, but the patchwork offensive line had a terrific game. To a man they all played well — and it was good to see Alvin Bailey get further time on the field.

Jermaine Kearse is a legit NFL receiver and should become an even greater part of the game plan going forward.

Christine Michael got some carries and showed there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be more involved.

Defensively, it was great to see defensive tackle Mike Brooks have an impact after being activated last night. He was unlucky to get cut after a productive pre-season and looked the part today.

Anyone else wonder what annoyed Cliff Avril to the point he had to be pulled away from one of the coaches on the sideline?

The run defense was much improved. Matt Ryan was pressured enough. It would be nice to see a counter to the QB-running-up-the-middle conversion we’ve seen the last two weeks. Ryan and Mike Glennon aren’t exactly Colin Kaepernick, after all.

The linebackers needed to step up after a sloppy game in the first half last week. Mission accomplished.

It’ll be interesting to see who they start with Browner likely to miss a few weeks. Considering Browner is a pending free agent who will be tough to keep, this could be an early audition for his replacement. I’d like to see Byron Maxwell get a shot, but Jeremy Lane got the nod last year ahead of him. Walter Thurmond has acted mostly in the slot it seems, but could move outside.

Next week will be another test of the run defense against Adrian Peterson. Nobody is going to take Minnesota lightly after last weeks contest against Tampa Bay. But the Seahawks have a superb opportunity to go 10-1 ahead of titanic games against New Orleans and San Francisco.

Elsewhere, the Rams’ 38-8 demolition of Indianapolis showed just how good that win in St. Louis was a couple of weeks ago. The Seahawks would be 10-0 if it wasn’t for Andrew Luck.

And the 49ers’ lousy performance and losing at home to Carolina gives Seattle a 2.5 game lead in the NFC West. San Francisco goes to New Orleans next week.

We might see a lot more of this tomorrow...

Despite sitting nicely atop the NFC with an 8-1 record, the Seahawks don’t necessarily feel like a team of destiny.

Not recently, anyway.

I’m not sure how many Super Bowl champions have looked the part in early November. This time last year the Baltimore Ravens were 7-2, but were two weeks removed from a crushing 43-13 beat-down in Houston.

They got hot at the right time — aka the post season. And then they became a team of destiny. The pieces fell into place and story lines emerged. Ray Lewis’ final dance, Joe Flacco’s ever growing contract demands.

The Seahawks could just as easily catch fire, especially if they secure home field advantage in the playoffs. Teams who don’t face many obstacles during the season usually drown in their own self satisfaction by January.

Those that are challenged usually see the benefit down the road.

Yet the Seahawks still face what seems like a particularly crucial week — starting in Atlanta tomorrow.

What actually looked like a very easy part of the schedule has turned into a war of attrition.

The game in St. Louis against Kellen Clemens and a home meeting against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers was supposed to be a cake walk. It was the opposite. No cake. Just mountains and rain.

This ‘easy’ run was supposed to continue into the Falcons game and move into the pre-bye encounter with Minnesota.

10-1. Bring on the Saints and Niners.

Not so fast.

The horrible struggles that emerged in the last two games were a warning shot. Not a catastrophe or even a reality check like some have suggested. Just a little nudge.

If Seattle can keep rolling with the punches and get into their bye at 10-1, they’ll be well positioned to go for home field advantage and the NFC West title. They won’t necessarily have to rely on winning in San Francisco.

Atlanta hasn’t run the ball well this year. In fact, they rank #32. Yet St. Louis and Tampa Bay haven’t run the ball all that well either. The Rams and Buccs got a huge statistical boost against the Seahawks but are still only 23rd and 18th respectively when it comes to running the ball.

If the Falcons are looking for a kick start, this could be it.

The run defense needs to improve. Losing Red Bryant to a concussion won’t help matters — but it could be argued the main problem lies beyond the defensive line. The linebackers just haven’t done a good enough job filling the gaps. The defensive ends — undersized as they are — are never going to be great edge setters.

I genuinely wonder if we’ll see a more orthodox four man front on Sunday, with Michael Bennett playing mostly end. Pete Carroll suggested they’d worked on a formation to cover Bryant’s absence. Maybe the most creative defensive line in the NFL will go back to basics?

They need to do something, because while Atlanta has struggled to run this year — they ran all over the Hawks in the playoffs. With Michael Turner at running back. The same Michael Turner who is now out of the league. They managed 167 total yards.

Things don’t get any easier next week with Adrian Peterson in town — and he gashed the Seahawks last year for a half before Minnesota bizarrely took the ball out of his hands.

It’s only two weeks removed that Seattle were shutting down the run in Arizona superbly. More of that and you have a great chance to win the next two.

One other issue they face this weekend (not so much against the Vikings) is a good quarterback. However well Clemens and Mike Glennon played, they couldn’t finish the job. Matt Ryan will not go cold. He won’t need four downs to get into the end zone from a yard out. And he can be incredibly clinical.

It’s a little bizarre how badly Atlanta has folded this year, but most of their problems are on defense. They still have their franchise quarterback.

If there’s a week to bring the pressure and really bring it, this is it. Ryan cannot be allowed to pick apart this defense like he did at times last season. Of course, he’s also one of the more generous quarterbacks out there and can be good for at least one head scratching pick. He had three last week.

There’s no doubt this team will be far better after the bye. Russell Okung and Breno Giacomini will return. Hopefully Percy Harvin will be back too — and boy does that offense need a playmaker at receiver.

Right now they need to try and limp home, battered and bruised but still winning.

Max Unger’s absence will mean we get to see the same line that was abused by Houston in week four. Once again, only one of Seattle’s five offensive line starters will feature in his intended position (J.R. Sweezy).

The Falcons have the 21st best rush defense and the 21st best pass defense. They only have 18 sacks for the year.

Even with another patchwork line, there’s nothing to fear there. But can they get the job done?

More than anything it’d be nice to see a completely boring victory.

Every win apart from the walkover against Jacksonville has had it’s moments. Some games have been more stressful than others. The Arizona win is a great example of what was actually a pretty emphatic victory, but they still managed to turn a 14-0-with-the-ball waltz into a 17-13 battle to start the second half.

If it has to be stressful on Sunday, so be it.

If it can be dull, dull dull and 20-3 Seattle instead, I think we’d all appreciate the break.

But this is a big two weeks. The Seahawks are hurting and might just run out of luck after testing it several times in the last two weeks. If they are flying back from Seattle a home game away from 10-1 and then the bye — maybe this is a team of destiny after all?

I like Martin more than a lot of people. For me he’s as good as the big name tackles that are being projected as early picks next year.

He’s a great technician and while he’s not overly physical, he’s got good footwork and hand use. I like the way he recovers if he initially loses a step. And he’s a player to keep an eye on if we’re talking about tackles who might be available in the late first round.

Let me know what you think.

Cameron Fleming (RT, Stanford) — good size (6-6, 318lbs) but plays on the right side for a reason. He’s never been truly convincing. Never fully delivered on his promise and dominated. He’s strong, he’s flashed at times. But there’s been very little consistency. Some have suggested he could move inside to guard. At least he has the physical tools. Too many Stanford linemen are technically brilliant and well coached, but they struggle to adjust to the next level. Fleming has a shot based on his size. Even so, he’ll need to improve his footwork and prove he’s quick enough to deal with speed. Tonight will be a good test.

Trent Murphy (DE, Stanford) — huge defender from a family of giants. He’s in the 6-6/6-7 range with plenty of power and aggression. He’s not a great athlete. When I’ve watched him this year he’s looked more of an effort guy than a pure difference maker. He does have 9.5 sacks though. Again, he’s another player who can make a point against Oregon’s bevy of athletes. He’s used as an outside rush linebacker at Stanford but likely has a future as a 4-3 end.

Ed Reynolds (S, Stanford) — a playmaker in the secondary, Reynolds so far hasn’t managed to repeat his 2012 production. Not an Earl Thomas-type player by any means. He lacks great speed and won’t fly around the field. He is a very intelligent player who always seems to be in the right position on the field. There’s every chance he’ll go in the first three rounds of the draft.

Wade Keliikipi (DT, Oregon) — decent inside rusher. Stood out against Washington with 1.5 sacks although he has missed some time this year. I’ve been waiting to see more of this guy and tonight will be a good challenge against Stanford’s line.

Taylor Hart (DE, Oregon) — a tall, long defensive lineman, the type Seattle has looked for in recent years. He’s 6-6 and 295lbs. Hart has three sacks this year and a couple of pass deflections. Not likely to be an early pick but if the Seahawks are looking for depth on the defensive line Hart could get a look.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon) — one of the more high profile corners eligible for 2014. Doesn’t have the kind of size Seattle looks for (5-10, 190lbs). Does play above his size and when I’ve watched him this year he’s mainly lined up in the slot. He seemed to do a good job there, especially when he had to get off a block to make a play against the run. As with many of these defensive backs, a lot will be determined in the off-season. I don’t see Ekpre-Olomu as a high pick and he might not even crack the first round. But he’s one to monitor.

Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon) — I almost didn’t include Mariota, just because it’s too obvious. His performance against Washington was sensational. He’s yet to throw an interception this year and he has complete control of the Ducks offense. I have some reservations on how he’ll translate to the next level. He’s going to need a coach who won’t try and force him into an orthodox offense. There’s a lot of Kaepernick about his game but he lacks the same arm strength. Could easily end up as the #1 pick next year, certainly expected to go top-5. He has more upside than Teddy Bridgewater, even if Bridgewater is the more orthodox player. But he’s not on the same level of someone like RGIII. Still think he’ll be even better for another year in college.

Texas defensive tackle Chris Whaley caught my eye last year. He didn’t declare as a junior, but he’ll be part of the 2014 draft. And he’s one to monitor.

He’s 6-3 and 295lbs. Whaley only has a couple of sacks this season, but he also has two touchdowns — one on an interception versus Oklahoma, another following a fumble recovery against Kansas.

If we’re looking for difference making athletes with size and length — and the Seahawks nearly always are — Whaley should be on our radar. He’s a former high school running back (see: Henry Melton — also a former Longhorn) who had 6,174 career prep rushing yards and 79 touchdowns.

In fact he was recruited to play the position before a switch to defensive end and then eventually tackle.

As Carter Strickland notes, the NFL has been forecast for Whaley for some time:

“Chris Whaley will end up being in the NFL, I think.”

(Mack) Brown did not utter those words about any other player in 2011. He made passing mention to Kenny Vaccaro’s NFL decision, as well as a few other comments on players. But never did he so firmly comment on the player’s future potential beyond Texas.

He reminds me a lot of Lamarr Houston, yet another former Texas prospect who ended up with the Raiders. Houston was one of my favourite players in the 2010 draft — an athlete with size who was versatile enough to play in several positions on the D-line.

In a year without a lot of top end defensive tackle talent, Whaley could go earlier than people currently expect. Right now he deserves a very solid second or third round grade, with the potential to go earlier.

Meanwhile another defensive tackle has made it clear he intends to declare for 2014.

South Carolina’s Kelcy Quarles has seven sacks so far this year — and has no doubt benefited from the presence of Jadeveon Clowney. Tony Pauline is a big fan, but I’ve not had a chance to really study him so far.

His production is clearly impressive. It’ll be interesting to see if the tape matches up.

This image is fun. The game... not so much

The Seahawks are 8-1. The Seahawks have never been 8-1 before.

A lot of people are going to hammer this team over the next 24 hours. I understand that. There are definitely legit concerns following the Rams and Buccs games.

Tampa Bay ran all over Seattle’s defense, the second game in a row that has happened. They were nearly unstoppable in the first half. And the three turnovers were guilt edged.

But here’s the convenient truth. They still won.

The second half was completely one-sided despite all the stress. The defense stepped up, the offense moved the ball.

By overtime I had no doubt the Seahawks would win. And clearly the deficit that lingered until the final two minutes made for uncomfortable viewing.

But never before has this team evaporated a 21-point deficit. And they did that today. That should be celebrated.

I’d argue two key drives ruined the first half for Seattle and stopped this being the blow out most people expected.

Russell Wilson’s red zone interception was part inaccurate throw and a heck of a lot of bad pass protection. He had to adjust his throwing angle due to the pressure and side armed it behind the intended target. It took points off the board and killed a productive first drive.

Then on Tampa Bay’s first scoring possession, a very dubious pass interference call wiped out a perfectly good interception by Earl Thomas. Not only was it textbook coverage, it led to a significant points swing.

Throw in Jermaine Kearse’s fumble and a once-a-season jump-ball touchdown and the scoreline looked pretty horrific before half time. In reality, it was pretty freaky and a little bit fortunate.

The Seahawks did what they had to do in the second half. And they won.

The only sour point was Wilson’s second pick. Surely that was an audible by the quarterback? Surely after last week Darrell Bevell didn’t call a pass on the three with the crowd begging for Marshawn Lynch? We wait for answers.

There are plenty of things to work on this week and Seattle desperately needs its injured guys back. Yet when they were needed, the healthy playmakers made the big plays to win a tough football game.

And that is why they lead the NFC at 8-1.

Now where’s the headache tablets?

***One final note ***

I received the following comment today on the blog from a reader called Michael:

“Where is the Saturday or sunday “Things I’m Watching For” column from this blog? No college players no hawk names or numberz no real discussions on game day or before. Why? There is only instant reactions? Thats not much coverage this year with all the tape thats out there with the new 22 film. Love this site but…. Disappointing.”

I thought I better remind people who missed it at the time. My wife gave birth recently and any parent will tell you how life changing (and time consuming) that is. I write this blog in my free time and at the moment, it’s at a premium. I’m still watching player tape regularly, just while cradling a baby. I’m still making notes with my free arm. And I intend to make use of that work in the lead up to the 2014 draft.

But I will warn you that right now I write when I can. My priority has to be wife/son, work and then the blog. And I apologise because that’s not what this place has been about. I ask for time. We’ll get back on it.

A few people have commented on Allen Robinson — a junior receiver at Penn State. This year he already has 878 yards and six touchdowns. Last week he had a big day against Ohio State (see above) albeit in garbage time.

He’s eligible to declare for 2014. He’s listed at 6-3 and 210lbs. Check out the tape and let me know what you think.

It’s slightly unusual that for a taller receiver (even though he’s pretty skinny in the frame) he’s more of a YAC than jump ball specialist. No doubt he’s an athlete, but is he going to be able to compete with physical cornerbacks in the NFL? And is he enough of an athlete to compensate if not?

Sidney Rice should be remembered fondly for this catch

Sidney Rice is done for the year, but will he back next season?

I have a lot of time for Rice. Statistically you can argue he wasn’t worth the 5-year $41m contract he signed two years ago.

In reality, he might be worth every penny.

A few weeks ago I went back and watched Seattle’s game at San Francisco from 2010. It was Pete Carroll’s first year in charge, and Mike Singletary’s last.

It ended 40-21 to the 49ers. And the Seahawks were awful.

Looking at the roster, it was no surprise. The 2010 ‘Hawks are a million miles away from the current edition. If you need a pick-me-up after Monday night, I’d recommend going back and looking at some of those 2010 games. It’ll make you feel better about the rapid progress this franchise has made under Carroll.

Sidney Rice was part of the quick turnaround. A big part.

There was no doubt they needed a kick start. An injection of talent. The kind of proven talent that only free agency can provide.

Rice and Zach Miller were crucial additions. They immediately brought credibility to an offense that had previously relied on Deon Butler, Brandon Stokley and Ruvell Martin.

They were statement additions. The league took notice. Seattle means business.

And while they might never repay the financial investment via yardage and touchdowns, they certainly paved the way for the transition from rebuilding also-rans to genuine challengers.

Even statistically you can make a case for saying Rice has been somewhat successful. The injuries clearly hampered his 2011 and 2013 seasons. Yet when he was relatively healthy in 2012, he led the team for receiving yards and touchdowns.

748 yards and seven scores might not compare to Calvin Johnson’s statistics, but Seattle aren’t the Detroit Lions. They were fielding a rookie quarterback. They ranked #27 in the NFL for passing yards per game and #32 for pass attempts.

The Seahawks have never really used a traditional #1 target in the Carroll era. They’ve spread the ball around, whether it’s Matt Hasselbeck, Tarvaris Jackson or Russell Wilson under center. It’s a run first team, determined to feed Marshawn Lynch ahead of the receivers.

This isn’t the environment for elite wide out production. Rice’s numbers last year, when you think about it, are pretty good.

If this is his last season in Seattle, he should be remembered fondly as a competitive player who epitomised the blossoming attitude of this team. I’ll remember him as the guy who made several incredible sideline grabs to extend drives. I’ll remember that touchdown against New England — a signature play from last season.

And I’ll remember the way the younger players looked up to him, saw him as one of the leaders of the group. He helped create what we see today.

His cap hit in 2014 is $9.7m. The Seahawks can save $7.3m by cutting him.

They’re going to need to make some cuts. It’s unavoidable. He wouldn’t be the only one. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas are getting paid in the off-season. Michael Bennett should be paid too. I suspect they’d like to make a push to keep Golden Tate.

Rice’s injury record makes him almost impossible to retain at $9.7m. Could they re-do his deal? Possibly.

If he’s going to be cut anyway, he might be willing to restructure his contract to essentially make it a one-year chancer. The Seahawks could easily back-load the new deals for Sherman and Thomas. That would allow them to keep Rice on a decent one-year contract. He would then be a free agent going into 2015, with the incentive of a big year in 2014 leading to a nice offer elsewhere.

That could still be a challenge if they intend to keep Tate around (and/or Bennett). And let’s not forget they went big on Percy Harvin. If they intend to make Harvin the focal point of the passing game, it makes little sense to pay the supporting cast big bucks.

That’s a debate for the future. Right now the Seahawks will miss Sidney Rice, especially with Harvin out indefinitely and seemingly still a few weeks away from contention.

This team avoided injuries for virtually the entire 2012 season. This year, the injury-bug is back with a vengeance.

Draft options

If the Seahawks want to go receiver early this year, there are some options. Odell Beckham (WR, LSU) is a vastly underrated talent. His partner in crime Jarvis Landry likewise should be moving up boards. Mike Evans is having a big year at Texas A&M while Jordan Matthews continues to do his thing at Vanderbilt. There’s depth across the board.

Two other players who started the year as potential top-15 picks could also be set for a fall. Marqise Lee has struggled with form and injury — the mess at USC has also contributed. He lacks prototypical size and could drop as a consequence. Sammy Watkins at Clemson has been called out by one of his coaches and remains a bit of an enigma. If he drops, you still have to consider him. The talent is too high. He is a true game changer and with the right guidance could blossom into an elite NFL receiver.

It’s set to be a strong year for offensive tackles, but it’s not a bad year for receivers either. Seattle will have some options.