College Football Saturday: Open thread

Watching a game? Watching a prospect? Anyone stand out? Or do you just want to talk about the PAC-12?

Whatever you want to discuss, here’s your thread.

And here’s another example for why I think Leonard Fournette will be the #1 pick in 2017…

223 Comments

  1. bigDhawk

    First post! SR RB Jordan Canzeri with an impressive long TD run for the Hawkeyes, running away from the secondary.

    • bigDhawk

      Good day for RBs wearing #33 – first Canzeri, now D’Onta Foreman for UT with a long run.

  2. icb

    Braxton Miller. Good grief. What an athlete. Hes a freak. A dangerous, speedy, atheletic freak. Smartest thing he ever did was bow out of the QB race.

    Toledo/Kent St. About to start. Kareem Hunt, RB Toledo should play after only playing 3/4 of a game so far this season. Still think he might be in the top three RBs to be in the draft next spring. Should be fun to see what he can do coming off a hamstring, and an Excellent Kent St run D.

  3. CHawk Talker Eric

    Repost here where it belongs. Thanks V12 for highlighting this guy early.

    From PFF:

    Jason Spriggs (OT, Indiana) has allowed just one QB pressure in 437 total snaps through five games
    Hometown boy Jason Spriggs is an imposing human being. Standing at 6-7 and weighing 305 pounds, he possesses ideal size for an NFL left tackle. He started as a freshman at Indiana and has been slowly progressing since.

    Last year he was a key cog in an offensive line that cleared defenders for Tevin Coleman (Atlanta Falcons) to rush for a 2,000 yard season. This year, Spriggs is taking his game to the next level. His pass-blocking efficiency is tops in the country at 99.6, and his only pressure came last week against the top defensive team in the country (Ohio State). At this rate, Spriggs will undoubtedly be among the top offensive line prospects in the 2016 NFL draft.

    • Volume12

      Your welcome my man. Have you seen dude’s spring testing numbers?

      He needs more push in the run game, but man what an athlete.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        I think you posted them before. Eye-opening #’s

        • Volume12

          I actually think he’s 6’6, so he tops out at what TC likes height wise for offensive lineman. Says if their taller than that, their backside is too far off the ground limiting their center of gravity and ability to anchor. He said he’s had and there is guys who can do it, but their few and far between.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        I prefer my LT to have superior pass pro. Tougher to teach that.

        • Volume12

          Oh absolutely. I get that. Just pointing out what the area he can improve on. I don’t think Seattle likes prospects that are maxed out. They want to teach and mold. And Spriggs is far from his ceiling, which is a good thing.

  4. CHawk Talker Eric

    Folks, Laquon Treadwell is for real. Channeling some OBJ today:

    https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/CE75141F1E1264698842742661120_4b62188ea86.1.0.14261680049381478491.mp4?versionId=IZmD9PcES5y6It5u1mNJVqkvc2WV5KId

  5. bigDhawk

    I wonder what creative way UT will come up with to blow a 7 point lead in the last two minutes…

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      How did they get ahead in the first place?!?

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Just read UT had 7 sacks through the first 5 games. They have 5 sacks today.

      • bigDhawk

        They played a solid game today,and Zero U didn’t look particularly inspired either. Their DL was outstanding – lots of pressure all game.

  6. bigDhawk

    ohnoes…Nick Chubb with a serious injury.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      That was ugly. UGLY. Let’s hope it’s just a hyperextension.

      • Volume12

        LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin is a stud. Great coverage backer, fluid athlete in space, big time playmaker.

    • Trevor

      That is why all college players who can turn pro should do so the second they have a chance. With the exception of maybes QBs who need some time to develop.

      • bigDhawk

        Especially true of RBs. Absolutely no reason for them to stay a second longer in college if they have even a shred of draftability.

        • matt

          Too bad for Chubb…it doesn’t look good. Georgia reached into the stable and unleashed Sony Michel. He’s been running the ball real hard!

  7. Volume12

    My boy Illinois DT Jihad Ward is exciting. Another guy who could fill that Tony MCD role. He moves so well for his size, and his backstory is very inspiring.

    WR Geonimo Allison is one of the most underrated WRs in the country. Has some Sidney Rice to hs game, leading the big 10 in receiving.

    Oh yeah, did I mention Seattle scouts were at Illinois this summer?

    • bigDhawk

      Ward – 6-6, 295…looks like a Tony McDaniels understudy. Lean and strong. Interesting prospect.

      • Volume12

        Yes sir. One of the most intriguing DTs there is. Rotoworld says he could end up a top 125 prospect if he kills the combine as expected.

  8. Volume12

    I think this edge rusher from Maryland Yannick Ngakoue is top 5 or top 10 in the country in sacks, pressures/hurries, or both. Kind of ‘Seahawky’ and Seattle is scouting this Maryland-Ohio St game IIRC.

    • bigDhawk

      Not calling you out V12, but just in general, after watching the putrid play of our OL filled with guys that ‘fit our scheme’ supposedly, I’m kinda over the whole ‘Seahawky’ thing. I mean, it’s a nice philosophy and structure for finding possible starters late in the draft, but with our premium draft capital I want to start seeing the acquisition of real football talent and real football playing ability. There are a lot of players performing at a high level for other teams we passed on these last few drafts for the likes of Seahawky players like Britt, PRich, and Cmike. Just venting a little.

      • Volume12

        I get it. Totally understand the frustration and venting. It’s just a term used to describe guys who play with energy, passion, play fast, pissed off, energetic, length, speed, etc.

        It’s hard for rookies to make this team as is with the ridiculous talent in the roster. And like I said, I get what your saying, but Seattle sticks to their guns 90% of the time, they know what they want, and it is what it is. Their not quite yet in the position of having to find immediate upgrades all throughout the roster. Key spots yes, but they trust in their coaching and development.

        The O-line is a different matter entirely.

        • bigDhawk

          It’s just…I’m starting to lose a little faith in the personnel philosophy of this FO. They had a historic three year stretch of drafts from 2010 to 2012 that was – let’s be honest – largely based on PC’s college scouting insight at the time. Now that we are a full graduation cycle removed from PC’s amateur scouting days, the whole “Seahawky’ thing isn’t translating to the pro’s like it did when PC had direct scouting knowledge of incoming players. A guy like Marsh is a prime example – checks all the gritty, SPARQy Seahawk boxes on paper but has been a whole bunch of nothing on the field other than a warm ST body.

          I think JS and his staff are more than capable of finding championship talent apart from PCs past scouting database – Wilson was Schneider’s baby. We just have to make a paradigm shift toward not passing on obvious football talent in lieu of reaching for ‘our type of guys’ that really only worked when they were players that PC had recruited in college.

          • Volume12

            I disagree, but okay. Marsh will be fine. This is his 8th game or so? He’s basically a rookie. Not every draft pick is going to be a starter or stud. You need backups and role players.

            There’s a reason they nailed those drafts from 2010-2012. They had to. They were building a team from the ground up. They don’t have to do that right now. Fill holes, build your depth, get a starter or two every draft, that’s the strategy now. They’ve got their core in place.

            We need what, 2-3 starters on the O-line, a DT, nickel back, and another RB? Can’t get much more complete.

            • bigDhawk

              Win Forever would seem to require that the backups of today should be the core players of tomorrow. I don’t see that in Marsh, or most of the players drafted post-2012. The idea that since we now have our core in place we only need to draft backups not as good as our core is obviously not a sustainable championship formula. The reason we hit on those first three drafts was because – like I alluded to – they were filled with players PC had recruited in college and had intimate knowledge of, especially on defense. Now the players coming in PC no longer knows from direct recruiting and the drop-off in talent behind our core is palpable.

              Anyway, I’m not trying to hijack the thread here. Just saying out loud what maybe some of us have started to wonder in the back of our heads but have been unwilling to admit yet. I’m always happy to be wrong in a way that benefits the Seahawks, though. I hope your take is more accurate than mine.

              • Volume12

                And I think some of the backups will be the core players of tommorow. IMO the reason they brought in Brennan Carroll because of his knowledge of current CFB players. Miami and the state of Florida is a hot bed of talent and a lot of kids have Miami as a finalist recruitment wise.

                Their not just drafting backups. Who are some of these rookies going to beat out? And it’s also hard getting premium prospects when they pick so late in each round.

                • AlaskaHawk

                  I’ll pile on- Seahawks haven’t had a first round pick in three years and have missed on their second round pick twice in those three years. If p Rich keeps gettibg injured it then we will have not drafted or failed at top 6 draft picks. Just think about that awhile when they trade away another first round pick.

                  Also the whole defense to offensive line is obviously not working without half to full year on practice squad. Way too many missed assignments and question marks about whether they will learn the position. It is hardly fair starting them, and the Seahawks offense line shows it.

  9. Volume12

    Navy FB Chris Swainn-6’1, 245 is a beast. Grown a** man. My favorite one in this class. I’ve heard he’s a pretty unique cat.

    • bigDhawk

      Yeah the guy is ballin out. Giving the Golden Domers as much of a game as they would want.

    • bigDhawk

      It’s the day of the FB. SR Andy Janovich with a once-in-a-career epic TD run for the Huskers. I’ve wondered what a Mike Alstott type of player would look like in our offense. This guy intrigues me.

  10. cha

    Not CFB related but newsworthy

    58m58 minutes ago
    Bob Condotta ‏@bcondotta
    Seahawks have placed CB Tharold Simon on injured reserve and promoted RB Rod Smith to the 53-man roster from practice squad.

    • cha

      Adam CaplanVerified account
      ‏@caplannfl
      #49ers announced: Released CB Shareece Wright.

      IIRC he played at USC with PC

      • Volume12

        He did. Excited to see what Rod Smith can do. So different from any back that’s played for the PC/JS regime. I’m kind of hoping they use him as a Marcel Reese type weapon.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Not only that, but he played mostly NB for the Trojans. SEA has an opening at NB…

    • bigDhawk

      That likely means Simon will have the same toe surgery on his other foot he had last year. Sucks for him and us. Excited for Smith. Liked what I saw from him in preseason.

      • Volume12

        It does, but for next year we got Sherm, C-Will, Tye Smith, Mo Seisay getting the red-shirt treatment, and Burley or Lane should be re-signed. And of course they’ll draft a CB like they do every year in the 4th-6th round. So I like the depth for next year, but it doesn’t help this year.

      • cha

        Must be serious since they apparently haven’t used the designation to return but flat out IR.

        Really sad that Lane and Simon have never been really healthy players. Wouldn’t shock me if both were playing elsewhere next year.

        • Volume12

          Yeah, Burley should come cheap and looks to be getting better game by game. Is it just me or is he Xzibit’s doppleganger?

          • cha

            Yo dawg, I heard you like seam routes

            • Volume12

              LOL. I like that.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          I’m sure they would’ve preferred not ending his season. But he probably won’t be good to go until around Week 14, and they needed to add Smith to the 53-man.

          • cha

            I’m guessing it would be later than that, since they could/should be planning on another deep playoff run. Hope it doesn’t bite them, CB injuries really cost the Hawks in the Super Bowl.

            • bigDhawk

              Which is why I think unavoidable surgery probably is the reason behind this. If so, he won’t be available till next season.

  11. bigDhawk

    Baby Freak Kearse having a monster game for Clemson at SS. I like this kid – he’s got a nasty that’s fun to watch.

    • bigDhawk

      d’oh…and then he blows a coverage for a wide open Georgia Tech TD pass.

      • Trevor

        That will happen to some of these young safeties. Like his game, tough kid.

  12. Trevor

    Say what you want about Harbaugh the man can coach. Still cant believe the 49ers let him walk. Great for us however. He will win a national championship at Michigan in the next 5 years.

    • Rob Staton

      Fantastic coach.

  13. Trevor

    Absolutely love watching Striker from OU play! What position does he play at the next level though? Seems to small to play the Edge in the NFL.

    • Volume12

      He’ll be a Deone Bucannon kind of guy. In the box safety, blitzer off the edge, and a coverage ‘backer.

  14. Trevor

    The Nick Chubb injury is why every College F-Ball player who has a chance to turn pro should do so the second they have the chance to. The 3 year rule helps only the college F-Ball power schools and the Networks that hold their rights. If a kid is good enough get the NFL as quick as you can to make your $.

    The only exception might be QBs who need actual live game time to develop.

    • cha

      I will be interesting to see if the Fournette situation stirs debate on the 3 year rule. A special player like Fournette could come out “early” and be fine, but would that lead to a lot of players coming out earlier than they really should?

      Also, if there really is traction to the claims that colleges are less about developing players and more about winning, leading to many OLs and QBs not being ready for the pro game, and there is some movement on the 3 year rule, maybe that would start the discussion for an NFL developmental league. Players could come out earlier and get paid to play but also not have the pressure of starting Week 1 in the NFL.

      • bigDhawk

        The idea of an NFL minor league system is long overdue. The NFL needs to scrap the silly idea of a team in London and spend that energy instead on investing in something that will improve the quality of the players entering the league, which will ultimately improve the product as a whole.

        • cha

          There’s lots of ways they could make it work. Have 16 teams, with 2 franchises near each other sharing a team and splitting roster spots evenly. The Raiders and the Seahawks could have a team in Portland, an hour plane ride from each city. Jacksonville and Tampa, Dallas and Houston, KC and STL, etc. They could play games on Wednesday nights, so no overlap with the NFL, HS or college.

        • CharlietheUnicorn

          I agree. They could put teams in some cities around the country (or countries) and continue to grow the game. Have maybe a team of players all from the NFCW or same region. Build up the game in places like Portland, Boise, San Antonio….. or work out a deal with the CFL.. use them as a taxi squad

  15. Volume12

    Wow! Fournette is unbeleivable man. What a special talent. Comes through when his team needs him the most. Not only is he the best player on the field, the most intimidating, a physical specimen, but the homerun speed on top of that? Good lord.

    • bigDhawk

      Hope he doesn’t get ‘Chubbed’. I’ve seen lots of commentary against him sitting out his final year of eligibility, but I don’t see any upside to playing in college one more year before the 2017 draft.

    • Rob Staton

      That’s what makes him special. Has the size of a physical pounder but he’s also a homerun hitter from 80-90 yards. Insane. There is nobody like him.

      • Volume12

        Couldn’t agree more. He continues to ‘wow’ me.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Hey I said wait until Fournette plays a decent defense, and I was right because he gained only 153 yards instead of 253 😉

        Fournette’s a freak force of nature. The LeBron James of CFB.

        I love the color commentary:

        “The only thing that can keep up with Fournette are his shoulder pads.”

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Does this guy have a down side?

          @ProFootballTalk: Great gesture for Leonard Fournette to auction game jersey for S.C. flood relief. Even better if NCAA actually lets him.

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            @NCAA: Leonard Fournette can auction his jersey for SC flood victims.

            Good for you NCAA.

  16. Volume12

    S. Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper is dynamic man. Fantastic player. Just get the ball in dude’s hands.

    What about S.Carolina LT Brandon Shell, nephew of Art Shell? Looks like he could be a really good RT in the NFL.

    • Volume12

      Forgot to mention TE Jerrell Adams. A bigger(height wise), better blocking version of Jermichael Finley perhaps? Some intrguing talent on the offensive side of the ball for S.Carolina. Adams is exciting and has my interest peaked.

      • cover-2

        Adams is TE prospect I like as well. Very good blocker especially considering he is only 230 lbs.

    • Trevor

      Pharoh Cooper is a baller. Too bad he is not on a team that can hi light his skills a little better. Same sort of athlete as the kid out of Ohio St. that moved to WR from QB.

  17. Volume12

    CHAWK and bigD, my boys. Wish ya’ll had PAC12 network. Wazzu OL Joe Dahl is handling DeForest Buckner very well. Dahl is growing on me.

    • bigDhawk

      Wish I could watch it. Confit those Ducks!!

    • cha

      Holy smokes, those Oregon “Lewis & Clark” helmets are ugly. Way too busy.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Friggin’ Directv

      :/

  18. bigDhawk

    Heckuva slugfest between Wisconsin and Nebraska…

    • AlaskaHawk

      Yes that was fun watching. I swear I’ve seen a bunch of field goals doink the upright this year.

  19. AlaskaHawk

    In regards to players leaving college early, maybe the league could limit the number to let’s say 10 players. Make them apply for the draft and the league picks who is early eligible.

    • bigDhawk

      And what’s with the fat kickers all of the sudden? I’ve seen a few team now with decidedly pudgy placekickers.

      • bigDhawk

        Woops, reply fail. This was meant for your reply to my comment just above.

      • cha

        How about Baylor and their 410 lb tight end?

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      I’m sure I’ll get some criticism for having this opinion, but I think an NFL team should be allowed to draft any active player in CFB, even if that player wants/will stay in college until his eligibility is exhausted.

      Drafting gives a team the exclusive rights to contract with a player. What does it matter if a team chooses to spend today’s pick on a future right?

      • AlaskaHawk

        An interesting idea. One issue would be them doing a late round pick on a first round player when he graduates three years later. Not fair to the player. Other hand what if he gets injured in college. I guess they should insure the player.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Well they wouldn’t actually sign him until he “declares,” at which point his contract could be based on a draft grade?

  20. CharlietheUnicorn

    TCU looking like crap.

    Other news, I feel bad for Chubb. I like the kid. Hope he heals up and is good to go sooner than later.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Richt seems to think he won’t need surgery. The early reports were multi-ligament tear, so I hope Richt’s right.

      • CharlietheUnicorn

        That is bad. Last guy with that type of injury, the 49ers took a chance on him. He never played again.

    • bigDhawk

      TCU used to be known for tough defense and no offense just a few seasons ago. Quite a paradigm shift

    • bigDhawk

      Trevon Boykin just rubber stamped his Heisman candidacy.

      • bigDhawk

        And Doctson with the super clutch 2 point conversion. I don’t care if he does play in a video game spread offense, I really like everything Doctson does. He is just money. Never disappears, always making plays when TCU needs them the most.

        • Volume12

          I like the guy, just not a 1st or 2nd talent for me. And it’s unfortunate, because he could be good here in the PNW, but with a thin WR class this year, he’s going to get over-drafted.

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            I agree with bigD. Doctson is impressive.

            @dpbrugler: #TCU WR Josh Docston’s last four games…
            8-155-2 (tonight)
            7-129-2
            18-267-3
            5-171-2

            @NFLFilmStudy: Doctson is as uncoverable as any receiver in the country. His frame will be a concern for teams, but he has the skillset to be a Sunday WR

            From PFF’s college dream team:

            Josh Doctson, TCU, +12.7 receiving

            Another 129 receiving yards and two touchdowns ensured Doctson’s spot on the team for another week. His +12.7 receiving grade is the best in the country, while he ranks second in both yards (722) and touchdowns (eight).

      • bigDhawk

        Trevon Boykin Josh Doctson just rubber stamped his Heisman candidacy.

        Fixed it.

  21. RealRhino2

    Really like LSU WR Dural. Good size, willing and capable blocker. A few weeks into the year I was telling myself we need to stop drafting receivers and focus on other areas, then I saw Dural’s tape. He looks like everything we wish Kearse would be.

    Enjoyed the dialogue about “Seahawky” guys above. I fall on the pessimist side, myself. The one thing I don’t think we’ve done well is shift our strategy. V12 (I think) says it’s hard for any rookie to displace a starter, we have enough core stars and mostly need to look for backups, etc., and I sort of agree with that, but I think that called for a shift in draft strategy. Starting out, we needed guys at lots of places. So maximizing draft picks is a great strategy. Even if you don’t “hit”, you’ll get upgrades all over the roster. But once you’ve made those upgrades, rather than stockpiling draft picks with the understanding you’ll “waste” some b/c it’ll be hard for rookies to displace vets, we should have consolidated picks by staying put or trading up to target key players who had a better chance of becoming starters.

    Seems we did that a bit this year with Lockett, for example.

    • Volume12

      If it came off as that’s what I said, let me rephrase. I don’t think they need to draft backups. The majority of rookies take 2-3 years before the game slows down for them. Most of these guys will be relegated to backup duty, because of all the starters we have in place. And you need assigment sound, role players. That’s what feeds the ‘compete forever’ mantra. These young dudes are going to be hungry to prove themselves.

      I have a feelng come draft time, there’s going to dissappointment, because Seattle isn’t going to change who they are or the strategy that’s got them to repeat SBs. Freak athletes with unique qualities, and lots of upside.

      IMO we don’t have a lot of needs. Wants, yeah, but that’s different than a need.

      • Volume12

        And by the way. I really like LSU WR Travin Dural myself. Good size and length, but stretches the field as a deep threat. Very good run blocker, charactet through the roof, and plays like he’s got a chip on his shoulder.

  22. Trevor

    Rob

    Love the Founrette info. Too bad we cant sneak him into a jersey for tomorrows game in Cincy.

    One RB whom I absolutely love when I watch him play is Delvin Cook out of FSU. He was amazing as a freshman last year and is even better this year.

    I know he has had some off field issues. But he looks like an absolute stud at RB to me. Runs hard, has break away speed, catches the ball well and seems to even pass block well in a pro type system.

    With Chubbs injury I think Cook looks like the 2nd best RB in college football along with E Elliott. I like Cook better as a pro prospect and he would be a great consolation prize for anyone who needs an RB and misses on Fournette.

    Rob do you have any thoughts on Delvin Cook? Does the off field stuff scare you off him?

  23. Trevor

    In todays NFL it seems like the one thing that gives all offenses trouble is pressure up the middle. Guys like Arron Donald (this years defensive MVP) IMO and Geno Atkins who we see this week are invaluable. That is why Suh got paid.

    I would love to see us go back to using Bennett and Frank Clark more at Tackle for more inside pressure along with Hill. I really think Clark has the strength to play DT and the quickness to be a force once he gets some more moves and better with his hands. Bennett needs to teach the rookie some of his tricks.

    Are there any prospect in the draft this year who really rush the passer and get great inside penetration? In the mold of an Donald? Even if they are a little undersized.

    • Trevor

      The two penetrating DTs who are slightly undersized but quick who I have been focusing on are Malik Collins (Nebraska) and Johnathan Bullard (Fla) who play some DE as well. I like both of them and they seem to have great motors.

      Any thoughts on these guys and what range they might go in?

      • Volume12

        Bullard looks like a top 100 kind of guy. 2nd-3rd round.

        I still really like Illinois DT Jihad Ward. Had something like 11 tackles against a very phyical, tough Iowa squad. He’s long, great get-off, good motor, and is pretty unique. Should fall right into the mid round range.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Bingo on Bullard. He reminds me a bit of Mario Edwards.

    • CharlietheUnicorn

      I want the big DT…. a guy who can swallow-up blockers. Stout vs the rush.

      Josh Augusta, DT, Missouri Height: 6-4. Weight: 300. for example.
      One scout said so far in 2015: He’s been more disruptive and effective than the numbers illustrate.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Penetrating DTs are most effective with good EDGE or LB support, and against pocket passing QBs.

      CIN’s EDGE are okay. Nowhere close to Bennett or Avril. Their LBs aren’t great blitzers. They lack the speed. In fact, while CIN’s D has good up field push, they’re awful side to side. I expect SEA either to double team Atkins or let him penetrate and waste his rush while RW escapes the pocket. Or both.

      • bigDhawk

        We’ll probably just ‘do what we do’ and play right into their hands. Adjusting our approach to take advantage of an opponent’s weakness is never something we’ve done in the PC era.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Not yet, but at least we have the best adjusting QB in the League, and a couple of effective scramble WRs.

  24. CHawk Talker Eric

    Congrats to Wazzu and their fans!! That’s one game I wish I could’ve seen.

    • Volume12

      Great game. Man, Oregn blew 2 ten point leads. ‘Rolls’ Royce Freeman went off today. Looks like Jonathan Stewart 2.0 with more of an edge.

      I’m telling ya, this Joe Dahl kid from Wazzu is the real deal. Nothing he can’t do. Nasty lineman. Boy would he look good at C for us.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Would love to see some draft breakdown on Dahl.

  25. CHawk Talker Eric

    On a slightly different topic, Rod Smith is such a different runner than Lynch/Rawls. I wonder if he’ll get some snaps as a change of pace back?

    IIRC he’s a more elusive runner than Rawls, with better breakaway speed?

    • bigDhawk

      If he’s even active at all, I doubt he sees the field unless we are at negative yards rushing with Rawls and Jackson in the fourth quarter, which is entirely possible given the state of our OL. I too, though, would like to see what he can do.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        I think a lot depends on Jackson. Smith is insurance for him.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        But isn’t Smith a better side to side runner? Can’t he stretch the field sideways better than Rawls?

    • CharlietheUnicorn

      Has Smith been brought onto the 53 man roster yet? I have not seen that move having been made on any reports.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Yes, today. To make room SEA placed Simon on season-ending IR.

        • CharlietheUnicorn

          He will be active then, no reason to bring him up if he isn’t going to play

  26. Volume12

    Really like Cal WR Kenny Lawler. Has 11 inch hands!

    Good run blocker, plays with swag, son of the head coach at Chico community college, makes the most of his opportunities because Goff spreads it around to 5-6 different guys. Has to stop the one handed stuff, but he’s becoming a compete receiver.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Wow those are some serious mitts!

      I would really like to see DBooker in a Seahawks uni.

      • Volume12

        Right? Sorry bigD, hate to use the phrase, how ‘Seahawky’ is he?

    • Matt

      Lawler is a nice looking WR but drops too many passes. First drop in this game got picked the second cost Cal a TD.

      • Volume12

        TBH, it’s the first time I’ve seen him drop anything.

        • Matt

          He dropped a couple versus UDUB too. The only games I’ve watched of Cal this year.

  27. Volume12

    Have I mentioned how much IF love Utah RB Devontae Booker. What a run. Gets skinny through the hole, jump cut, balance down the sideline, makes guys miss, and he’s a leader/team captain. I hope JS fell in love with this cat on his trip to Salt Lake.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Yeah I just said the same thing. Booker impresses just about every time he touches the ball.

      • Volume12

        That C Sioasi Aiono is a nice one. Interesting guy.

        • Volume12

          Dude, I watched that Texas-Oklahoma game on DVR a few hours ago, and that DT from Texas that Dan Kadar mentioned on Rob’s last podcast is a bad boy!

          Texas DT Hassan Ridgeway- 6’4, 307 lbs, just dominated Oklahoma’s O-line. Only a jr, but he’s got some Kevin Williams to his game.

          • bigDhawk

            The whole UT DL had a great game. Was game surfing when it was on live but what I saw they were getting consistent penetration all game.

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            Dominated is a good word. That was a beat down.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Booker is the savviest RB I’ve seen in a while. His vision and body control are outstanding. Perhaps the most NFL-ready RB in this year’s draft.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Okay guys, but no complaining that he always carries the ball with his left hand and that it looks like it could be stripped in the pros.

  28. Volume12

    No f***n way! Miami is beating Florida St? Can we get some of these night games on earlier?

    • bigDhawk

      And how bout that TCU/KState finish?

      Josh Doctson FTW,

      • Volume12

        Yup. That was a crazy one too. Exciting games man. They seem to be getting better by the week. Why I’m obsessed with CFB.

  29. bigDhawk

    So which NFL team is going to win the “Wheels off for Goff” sweepstakes.

    • CharlietheUnicorn

      Bears have inside track, but messed up and won a game

    • Volume12

      You mean ‘take the year off for Goff?’

  30. bigDhawk

    Oof.

    Five picks thrown in the Cal/Utah game with 5 minutes before the half.

    • bigDhawk

      Six.

      • Volume12

        Booker is the ‘real deal Holyfield.’

        Watch Seattle pull of a Bengals type of move and go RB early 2 years in a row. Not saying Booker for sure but someone like him.

        The thing I like is he doesn’t have great size which will cause teams to back off of him. But he fits what Seattle does and is right in their wheelhouse.

        • bigDhawk

          With the QBs stinking up the place in this game he definitely looks like the best player on the field. He is not especially twitchy or trucky, but he makes great decisions running behind a line that run blocks very well. He reminds me a little of Ryan Matthews when he was running rampant at Fresno State.

          • Volume12

            Interesting comp. Matthews is a good back when healthy. He reminds me of a mix between Fred Jackson and Arian Foster in his prime. Maybe a smaller Le’Veon Bell?

            He’d be a great 2nd round pick, which is the sweet spot for RBs this year. Doesn’t have great size or speed, but man this dude just doesn’t quit. Gives it his all on every carry and runs hard.

            • Volume12

              Not trucky, but hard to bring down. Great cut-back ability, can run with his shoulders square to the line as well.

              One thing that isn’t mentioned when discussing RBs is, how do they run with their shoulders parallel to the LOS? It’s an important trait when you consider how strong and powerful NFL D-lines are, and how many run plays get blown up in the backfield or penetration on run plays. Booker excels at both, ecspecially ZB.

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              I see a little Curtis Martin to his game. Maybe some Tony Dorsett too.

              • Volume12

                Dude, I was thinking Curtis Martin, and then was like ‘nah’ no one will believe or see that. Always thinking alike.

                • CHawk Talker Eric

                  It comes with having a great mind 😉

  31. CHawk Talker Eric

    Butler-Bird has some serious wheels.

  32. nichansen01

    I just learned that Tharodl Simins pro cimparison before the 2013 draft was… Cary Williams.

    Found this interesting that two years later Cary is a seahawk and Tharold is on injured reserve for the seahawks.

    • nichansen01

      *Tharold Simons Pro Comparison how was that such as mess…

      • Volume12

        That is interesting. That’s a ‘roster mirror’ for ya, huh?

        • CharlietheUnicorn

          With the way Cary Williams has been stepping up his play, why take a copy, when you can have the real deal.

  33. Volume12

    This has me cracking up! PC/JS never leave a stone unturned man. Seattle scout, yes one, was at the Richmond vs Elon game. Said to e checking out Richmond. The only guy I know of is Richmond WR Reggie Diggs-6’4, 213 lbs.

  34. Volume12

    Is Udub CB Kevin King a jr.? Someone said his SPARQ numbers were crazy good and that he was the MVP of the Oakland regional Nike summitt in HS,

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Pretty sure he’s a junior.

      • David M2

        CHawk,

        Just in case you missed it this was my reply to you from Rob’s “Two New Prospects” post

        CHawk,

        Seattle had the 32nd pick in that draft. They had given up their 3rd rounder in the Harvin deal the year before, so they were seeking draft capital wanting to replenish from their personnel losses following the Super Bowl . When it was their turn they traded down to #40 which was about where Bitonio was projected to go. Soon after, Cleveland who held the #35 pick selected Bitonio.

        I think the Hawks were targeting him in this range, but Cleveland got our guy. At that point they traded down to #45 and selected Richardson and then Britt with #64 after 5 other OL had gone off the board in the 2nd round. Of the picks that followed Britt in the 3rd round, who are starting for the teams that drafted them are #76 Travis Swanson, C Detroit Lions, #89 Chris Watt, C, SD Chargers, #66 Morgan Moses, T, Washington Redskins, #81 Gabe Jackson, G, Oakland Raiders, #70 Marcus Martin, C, SF 49ers, #92 Trai Turner, G, Carolina Panthers, and #93 Brandon Linder, G, Jacksonville Jaguars.

        The Hawks were looking to replace the RT position and the only real candidate out of all these players was Morgan Moses who was widely viewed as a developmental project. His rookie season he only went on to start one game.

        Moses had Britt beat in regards to measureables, but recorded the slowest 10 yd split of all linemen at the combine and also had a paltry 21″ vert. His 40 was 0.2 seconds slower than Britt’s and he only tested slightly faster in the 3 cone.

        The Seahawks like to draft athletes, and in this case they most likely saw Britt as the superior athlete with a bigger upside and more unique athletic traits.

        Zach Whitman over at Fieldgulls tweeted this after his selection:

        @zjwhitman

        Justin Britt — elite SPARQ tackle with 33-1/2″ arms.

        6:33 PM – 9 May 2014

        and this article: (Click to read)

        by Tad Hensinger over at Legion Of 12 points out how John Schneider applies extra emphasis to an OL’s 10 yd split. Justin Britt had a 1.75 split vs. Moses’s 1.94.

        There were 4 OL selected the 4th round. #111Russel Bodine and #105 Bryan Stork who both play C. They were both rookie starters for their teams. Stork is currently on IR as is #140 Cameron Flemming who was selected as a G and the only other player selected in round 4 was #137 Dakota Dozier a developmental prospect from a small school who had similar measureables to Britt, but an inferior SPARQ rating.

        The Hawks went on to draft Garrett Scott in the 6th who was a SPARQ monster, but unfortunately health issues have kept him away from the game.

        The other picks for the Hawks coming from their trades in the draft were #108 Cassius Marsh, #123 Kevin Norwood, and #227 Kiero Small. Marsh was needed for DL rotational depth, Small was picked up before he could make to the PS and Norwood didn’t pan out, but has survived on the Carolina roster.

        All in all, the Seahawks go after superior athletes, it’s what they do and determines how they compose their draft board.

        At the time they were probably not thinking about replacing Max Unger, but injury issues may have played into their willingness to let him go. They gambled at the time thinking Bitonio would still be there at #40 the teams selecting before them weren’t projected to select OL talent in that range. I think Cleveland was projected to select a receiver in that range looking for a replacement for Josh Gordon in a draft that was riddled with WR talent.

        Not selecting Bitonio was a huge miss and considering his 1.68 10 yd split and his superior SPARQ rating. Hindsight being 20/20 it’s surprising they didn’t have him ranked as a first round talent.

        • CharlietheUnicorn

          Wasn’t Bitonio picked before they had a shot at him? They most likely had a few guys high on their board, but they were selected prior to their first pick this offseason.

          I noticed Marcus Martin was available around one of their picks. He has not panned out for the 49ers so far….

          If the 2 picks had worked out, you would have a WR/PR/KR and OT…. which would be more valuable to the team overall than 1 player with the 32nd pick. They also saved some cabbage.

          • David M2

            They could have picked him with the #32 pick, but traded down to #40 from that point, once he was off the board, they traded down to #45 and selected Richardson. Basically they netted Richardson and Marsh instead of having just Bitonio if they had selected Bitionio with #32

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Thanks David. I appreciate the research and I can see why SEA went the way they did. But in the context of that previous discussion, Rob expressed his opinion that SEA would be better served in improving the OL by signing veteran players instead of drafting rookies. My counterpoint was that SEA could’ve taken Bitonio at 32 instead of trading down for PRich. They also could’ve taken Mewhort instead of PRich/Britt. Either would’ve been better at this point.

          All of this is hindsight and therefore 20/20.

          • David M2

            I really wish Seattle had selected Bitonio or Mewhort I completely agree either would have been better at this point. I think they were probably hoping Bitonio would get to #40, and they were also hoping Mewhort would get to #64, but unfortunately he didn’t.

            I’ll admit, my heart sunk a little when they missed Bitonio, but more or less I was just analyzing how Seattle values talent, and given their options at the time they took the athlete that tested better between the two project players (Moses/Britt).

            Maybe we should steal another RT from the Packers practice squad?

      • Volume12

        Nice. I have to believe he’s on Seattle’s radar with his size, length, rumored athleticism, play on the field, and the fact Seattle is always scouting Udub or JS hanging around. Very excited to learn that. Thought he was just a SO.

  35. Volume12

    Wow! Michigan vs ‘Sparty’ next Saturday night on national tv? That’s gonna be a good one.

  36. Mark

    regarding that 87 yard TD run, what the hell was with those DBs? The guy was literally inches from Fournette’s tail, you would think he could have at least attempted to grab his legs for the tackle. Pretty lame defensive effort there in my opinion. Looked like they almost let him win.

  37. CHawk Talker Eric

    That was the finest Seahawks opening drive I’ve seen in the RW era.

    Britt showed up to play today. What difference from last week!

  38. Forrest

    Let’s go offense…keep this up and they’ll stay in this game. Defense has to tighten up a little though.

  39. AlaskaHawk

    Game Day and after the first series by booth teams:
    Defense not getting enough pressure on Dalton, he picked the secondary apart. Need a better pass rush.

    Seahawks offense finally started with some fire in their belly. Maybe being behind a td motivated them. Running game looks good with Rawls and Smith carrying. Rawls had a 23 yard carry through a hole created by Britt! Pass protection held up and Wilson finished the drive with a long td pass to Kearse. So far the offense looks much better. I’m really interested in seeing how the Rawls and Smith tandem work out. I know it is sacralige to talk about life without Lynch, but I love seeing rookies develop.

  40. Rik

    Is Cincinatti’s offensive line this good? We are getting no pressure on Dalton at all. Time to blitz?

  41. CHawk Talker Eric

    That personal foul was worth it to watch Bennett beat up on Dalton.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Ok maybe not. That was huge.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Yes that was a 50 yard swing in yardage. I can totally see why Bennett threw Dalton to the ground, I think I’ll was the second push with his hands while Dalton was on the ground that drew the flag. RW did a good job moving Seahawks down the field with only a minute left in the half.

  42. Forrest

    EARL THOMAS IS A SEXY BEAST!!! And now it begins…

  43. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    He’ll yeah Earl Thomas first interception for the defense this year and perfect timing. Bennett’s penalty on Dalton was plain stupid of him. GOooo Hawks!

  44. AlaskaHawk

    At the half: after the first series the Seahawks offense started reverting to their old form. Some good plays, lots of missed blocks. RW made a rookie mistake letting the clock run down. Bengals defense is playing wide enough to stop rollouts. After Earl Campbell interception, RW has a great last drive with passes to Baldwin and Graham ending with a field goal. Well done!

    Meanwhile the defense was looking worse and worse. They harried Dalton and even got one sack, but he was also picking the secondary apart with his passes. Bennett committed several penalties that hurt including an off sides in a hard count and roughing up Andy Dalton while he was on the ground. Sherman got called on a very light holding call. It looked like they were going to give up a touchdown to the driving Bengals when Campbell makes the first interception of the season. Totally shifting the game momentum. Unfortunately his run back to bengals 35 is called back to our 15 because of Bennett pounding on Dalton during the interception. So defense toughened up at the end.

    Should be a good second half. It is 10-7 Seahawks.

    • AlaskaHawk

      Ps R Lockette made a great tackle on special teams during a punt. Rawls had over 50 yards in first half. RW throwing well.

      • Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

        Yes I saw that to Alaskahawk great tackle by Lockette!

  45. Forrest

    Well that sucked…

  46. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    Yes that interception sucked like a leech! Speaking of leaches Mike Leach and Washington st. Beat Oregon in double overtime yesterday, Damn good game

  47. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    Well that was beast mode like. I’m liking me some Thomas Rawls!!!

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Good stuff!!

  48. Forrest

    Ohhhhh Rawls for the TD!!! 17-7, let’s go!!!

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Little Beastmode!

      • Forrest

        Yeah!!!

        • AlaskaHawk

          I like his high school knickname “the Train”

  49. CHawk Talker Eric

    The center of the OL is playing out of their minds. If Britt played like this every game he’d be a pro bowler. He is annihilating at the point of attack.

  50. CHawk Talker Eric

    REIGN DOWN!!!!!!

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      This D has shut down CIN’s running game. Just taken it away. To the house.

  51. AlaskaHawk

    Whoo hoo, Bennett strips the running back and Wagner runs it in for a TD. That’s what I’m talking about!

  52. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    Fumble recovery for a TD! Bennett just made up for that dumb penalty. Ah yeah this is going good boys.

  53. Forrest

    HYPE HYPE HYPE!!! Dominate these suckers!!! Seahawks SHOWED UP today!!! Woo!!!

  54. CHawk Talker Eric

    Hey Dalton, what’s your QBR today?

  55. AlaskaHawk

    I wish we could start with better field position then the 2 yard line. Seahawks have had a lot of poor starting spots for their drives. It makes the scoring even more impressive.

  56. CHawk Talker Eric

    Andy?? Oh, Aaandy???

    Mosesbread is having an all pro day.

  57. Rik

    Holy smokes, once we started bringing pressure Dalton just shut down. He’s jumpy now, won’t let it fly downfield. Our run defense is like a brick wall today!

  58. Forrest

    And we all thought this would be a tough game…

  59. AlaskaHawk

    I hope this game will convince people that Rawls is the real deal. He is just a good utility running back, and he would be a starter on any team. He has 153 yards in three quarters, and a lot of those yards were running in traffic, and taking hits.

  60. Forrest

    Okay, the offense has to capitalize on this drive, no more punts!

  61. CHawk Talker Eric

    Big test here for SEA. Can they close this out? It’ll take some first downs, which haven’t been that hard to get today.

  62. CHawk Talker Eric

    Interesting that both CIN TDs came off of Kam’s blown coverage,

    • AlaskaHawk

      Middle of the zone has seen a lot of completed passes.

  63. CHawk Talker Eric

    Wet blanket time.

    • AlaskaHawk

      More like leaky bucket defense.

  64. AlaskaHawk

    Okay 24-21 with 3:38 left. The offense needs to run out the clock. Come on!

  65. Forrest

    Please, no more heart attack endings, just end it…

  66. AlaskaHawk

    Hmm I don’t know what that Seahawks play was but it failed miserably. Looks like it will be on the defense to hold the lead, still over two minutes left.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      It’s the 2nd time RW audibled into a play action QB draw. Don’t know if he intended to run from the get-go, and I don’t understand why he would attack the toughest part of CIN’s defense.

  67. Forrest

    This went from all but won to OT…at least we receive it…

  68. Forrest

    The Hawks have a really bad habit of letting the opponent back in the game…Please, Russell, just march it down the field and win it…

  69. Ed

    Please fire Bevell. Been saying for years, the passing tree and innovation stinks. Please fire Bevell

    • AlaskaHawk

      I think there is plenty of blame to go around. Defense couldn’t stop four drives. Offense couldn’t do much more then 10 yards per possession. An epic collapse.

      • Ehurd1021

        Hard to stop a drive when you are defending a short field for 5 straight possessions. The play calling was horrible for the entire second half after the Bengals made adjustments. Bevell deserves to be fired after this game…. but he wont.

        • Jarhead

          The worst part is- you will have all the apologists coming out of the wood work saying how it was this or it was that. I stead of asking “Why are we the only NFL offense that can’t seem to throw a 7-10 pass with any kind of consistency?” This loss stings only a little less than the Super Bowl. We had a team that we should have beaten soundly, had them right on the ropes and we let them off the hook. Something has to change. I thought the OLine did pretty okay. Most of the pressures I hang on Wilson, it is like he just doesn’t know what he wants to do back there

    • CharlietheUnicorn

      The blame goes on…. coverage of the TE in the redzone. The last play was an outstanding effort by the TE however, to set-up the FG try for Bengals.

    • KD

      I’m tired of Bevell too, but who do you replace him with?

      • Ed

        I really don’t care, it can’t look any worse. The defense scored and Rawls made an amazing play. Otherwise, the offense was horrible. This is like watching the Husky defense under Holt. Eventually he got fired and the defense became the strong point of the program.

      • Ehurd1021

        Why do I need to answer this question? What I do know is that Bevell isn’t getting the job done and this has been apparent for two in a half seasons now. There are plenty of qualified OC that could come here and work with this talent and put a successful offense together. His play calling has been bland, and its cost us games.

  70. Jarhead

    So who can we blame now? Is it still not Bevell? Is it Carroll? Because blowing a 17 point lead to a team we were destroying on the road is dusgusting. This is the lowest point I have had as a Seahawks fan since Mike Holmgren was the coach and we had a backfield with Hasselbeck and Alexander. So what is the problem? Because I don’t think you can fix this. Also, Kam Chancellor single handedly handed this game to the Bengals. They weren’t a better team. Not by a long shot. But his two blown coverages gave them 14 points. I thought he was the brains of this defense. I know now that I won’t be able to even go near espn.com or nfl.com for like 3 weeks. Because the trolls have already started coming out of the wood work and quite frankly I don’t blame them. This is a sickening feeling, Seahawks fans…

    • AlaskaHawk

      I thought most of the blame is on the players. However I wouldn’t mind if they fired Bevell and Cable in the off season because there pass schemes aren’t good enough. Anyway, Seahawks played well for a couple quarters, but faded down the stretch again and on both defense and offense.

  71. KD

    I don’t have the words. If you’re just going to let Cincinnati back in the game like that then you deserve to lose. Horrendous.

  72. Ehurd1021

    The defense played great in the first half. The pass interference call on Cary late in the 4th was one of the worse calls I have seen in awhile.

    We lost this game for two reasons. Bennett personal foul (for about 55+ yards) hurt this team. He doesn’t commit that idiotic foul we have the ball inside the Bengals 30 with about a minute+ and timeouts before halftime (we get ball after half) …. instead we have to go 70 yards for a field goal. Completely unnecessary foul that killed a possible touchdown drive.

    Russell Wilson and Bevell are hurting this football team. I don’t care WHO takes blame for this loss – looking at you PC. Between the two of them they are calling plays with no identity and the hurry up is not working. The hurry up resulted in a pick to Graham and taking Rawls off the field after he started off fast late in the game.

  73. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    Oh well at least my heart isn’t racing anymore. It can’t reign all the time. Next game Go Hawks

  74. Barry

    Fournette reminds me of a bigger Marcus Allen or a faster Chris Warren.

  75. Forrest

    Yes…let the hate flow through you…

    The fact of the matter is Cincinnati played one hell of a game. First half they looked toasted, but they played way better in the 4th and OT. They finished the game, the Hawks didn’t. Everyone is screaming for Bevell’s head, and while I don’t defend his play calling, this looks is more on the shoulders of the defense than the offense’s (typical) ineptness to stay consistent. The int was a forced throw to Graham…isn’t that what everyone was clamoring for? Still, the defense are the one’s who put them in a position to win, and promptly collapsed. In edition to all this Cincinnati was playing win. They might not be the most talented team but they are hungry right now. Either way I think this game was a pretty good game all things considered, and the Hawks should win the rest of their games before the bye week.

  76. Thy Hawk which is most Screeching

    Another thing to consider is that we’re so accustomed to winning games that we have become spoiled and our expectations are way to unrealistic. We lost to a team that is good and now 5-0. This game reminds me of the Chargers game last year where Antonio Gates had 3tds. Sometimes that’s just the way the ball bounces. 13-3 doesn’t sound bad to me. Smiley face

    • Ehurd1021

      We were winning this game on the road 24-7. We could have been up 27-7 if not for penalties. We also won the turnover battle on the road. We shouldn’t have lost this game and we shouldn’t have collapsed the way we did coming down the stretch. I don’t really see how its fans being “spoiled” or having unrealistic expectations to win games you dominated for 3 quarters and you are winning by a 3 possession lead.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s not the loss per se that is disappointing. It’s the blowing of a 17 point lead in the 4th quarter. I think many fans probably expected to lose today. But it’s not unrealistic to expect to win at 24-7 in the fourth.

      • Ehurd1021

        Which is my point. I can see this point being made if fans were complaining about score in a game we won…SMH

  77. nichansen01

    Where do you guys see Shawn Oakman going? Would he be avaliable in the mid to late second or mid to late thirs? I hear that his play has been disapointing this year. Would Seattle be interested if he is avliable in the second?

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