The power of believing and hanging tough!!!

Thank you #12s! You were on fire today!!

— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) September 11, 2016

Where do you start?

I suppose it has to be the game winning drive, manufactured miraculously against the odds. Russell Wilson’s injured ankle basically shut down the offense. And without an experienced game-manager backup he was forced to stay in the game.

A 75-yard scoring drive in the final four minutes was improbable. Yet there was Wilson, virtually on one leg, leading the team down the field. Two converted fourth downs. One perfect fade for the touchdown.

A franchise quarterback performance.

Yet the game MVP goes to someone else. Cassius Marsh had three incredible plays on special teams including a (now crucial) blocked field goal. His sack/fumble at the end all but capped the win.

This had a bit of the 2013 Rams game about it. On that occasion the Seahawks couldn’t block a tackle dummy, couldn’t move the ball on offense and needed a dramatic stop as time expired to win the game.

The scenario’s are different here — but the inability to move the ball and the desperation late win against an underdog opponent are similar.

That game ended up being an anomaly. The hope has to be that this is the same. An off day due to Wilson’s injury and some ring-rust.

Yet there are legitimate concerns over the following:

— Seattle’s O-line struggled in pass pro, in particular Bradley Sowell who picked up multiple holding penalties. He did have a key run block on the 4th and inches play during the final drive.

— How serious is Wilson’s ankle injury? If you take away his mobility, it harms the offense to a great extent. He appeared to be moving more freely during the game winning drive. More on this in a moment.

— Why did the Seahawks throw the ball 26 times in the first half versus 11 runs? Are they needing to set up the run these days? Was it just a one-off game plan to try and set up the deep ball and test a rookie cornerback and Byron Maxwell?

— What on earth was Earl Thomas doing today?

— Too many bad long snaps. Again.

— What happened on the blown coverage that led to Kenny Still’s big drop and Arian Foster’s easy 50-yard catch-and-run?

The most important factor is Wilson. If he’s healthy that will do for now. It looked like a serious ankle sprain. The type that might not force him to miss any time but it could:

a.) easily be injured again in another game considering how often Wilson is hit

b.) linger enough to prevent him ever playing at his absolute best in 2016

Do they need to bring in an experienced backup this week just in case? Someone who can get them in and out of plays, handle the huddle and lead a conservative offense?

For now let’s enjoy the relief of a win and a 1-0 start.

I’m working at the Gennady Golovkin vs Kell Brook fight in London today so won’t be able to watch any college football until Monday (wedding anniversary tomorrow). Expect some thoughts in the week (plus instant reaction to the Seahawks/Dolphins game on Sunday).

In the meantime here’s an open thread for today’s games. Tell us which game you’re watching and which draft prospects stood out.

.@RapSheet tells @IanFurnessSea @JasonPuckett20 that the #Seahawks leaning toward Joey Hunt at center and Justin Britt at right guard.

— Sports Radio KJR (@SportsRadioKJR) September 9, 2016

Maybe J’Marcus Webb shouldn’t have referred to Germain Ifedi’s injury as “dreamland”? Per Ian Rapoport, they might prefer to start a rookie instead on Sunday.

Having spent the summer preparing one of the more explosive interior offensive lines in the NFL (evidence here) — the Seahawks look set to blow everything up before week one.

Germain Ifedi’s twisted ankle sprain could keep him out for a few weeks (although he was only listed as ‘questionable’ for Sunday’s game, not ‘out’ or ‘doubtful’). Initially it looked like a straight swap. Webb plays right guard, Justin Britt and Mark Glowinski stay where they are. Webb played right guard for Oakland. Britt was excelling at center.

For whatever reason, Rapoport is suggesting they’re not entirely comfortable with that scenario. So let’s look at the pro’s and con’s of what might happen instead:

PRO #1 — Joey Hunt knows the center position
The Seahawks have tried converted defensive linemen, tackles and guards at center. Hunt at least knows the position. He’s already beaten Patrick Lewis for the backup job in pre-season. He might not be the massive, explosive force Britt was going to be — but as a stopgap he might be able to hold the fort.

PRO #2 — Justin Britt isn’t just succeeding because he’s a center
I can’t remember if it was Tom Cable or Pete Carroll but one of them recently suggested Britt was influenced too much by J.R. Sweezy. Britt liked Sweezy’s playing style — aggressive and a little reckless. It worked for Sweezy but Britt needed more technical refinement and control to succeed. It appears to be one of the reasons he has performed so well this summer. That shouldn’t change if he moves back to right guard.

CON #1 — What does it say about J’Marcus Webb?
He can’t win the right tackle job. He didn’t even appear to seriously compete at left tackle. And now with Germain Ifedi likely out, he might not even be trusted at right guard. This is quickly looking like the 2016 version of Cary Williams.

CON #2 — Loss of size and explosion
Britt is 6-6 and 325lbs. Next to Glowinski and Ifedi that was an intimidating and explosive trio. Joey Hunt was listed at 6-0 and 295lbs before the draft. He might’ve added weight — but it’s hard to add much more to a 6-0 frame. Seattle’s run game looked great in pre-season when the interior line was bossing defenders at the LOS. Hunt is more of a technician.

CON #3 — Oh, they’re playing Ndamukong Suh
This was always going to be a major test for Seattle’s new O-line. The feeling was if the interior holds up it won’t matter too much if the tackles Sowell and Gilliam struggle against Cameron Wake and Mario Williams. Can Hunt slow down Suh? Remember rookie J.R. Sweezy facing a baptism of fire against Darnell Dockett on debut? Hunt isn’t learning how to play offense like Sweezy — but could it be a similar rough start? How will he deal with knowing every time he snaps the ball — he’s battling Suh? Mentally can he deal with that, as well as physically?

The Seahawks’ roster is largely signed up for the long haul so they can pick and choose their target needs moving forward. This one injury proves, again, how light they are on the O-line. One injury to the right guard is leading to a major overhaul — with doubts already lingering at tackle.

It wouldn’t be a big shock if the Seahawks ‘do a Dallas’ and focus on the O-line for a series of drafts. Especially if they want to focus on protecting Russell Wilson and need better blocking in the post-Marshawn Lynch era.

With that in mind — here are some players to watch this weekend in college football:

Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
The most impressive O-line performer on opening weekend, Feeney is powerful, adept at pulling, blocking at the second level and being physical at the POA. For more on Feeney click here. Indiana face Ball State on Saturday.

Adam Bisnowaty (T, Pittsburgh) & Dorian Johnson (G, Pittsburgh)
Both players looked strong teaming up vs Villanova at LT/LG and they have a much tougher match-up vs Penn State this weekend. Both are very physical but are also deceptively athletic. Pittsburgh dominated in the trenches last week and will likely continue to run to the left side this weekend.

David Sharpe (T, Florida)
In what looks like a generally weak tackle class in 2017, Florida’s LT has a chance to really boost his stock this year. The right side of the Gator’s line is a bit of a mess, which could make it hard to judge Sharpe if opponents focus on the right tackle (possibly true freshman Jawaan Taylor). Florida faces Kentucky on Saturday in one of the few intriguing games in an otherwise mediocre week two. Keep an eye on Kentucky’s Denzil Ware.

To suggest the Seahawks are snakebitten when it comes to first picks in the draft would be underselling the situation.

They’ve had miserable luck every year bar one since Pete Carroll and John Schneider arrived in Seattle:

2010 — Russell Okung
Missed six games in his rookie season with high-ankle sprains on both ankles

2011 — James Carpenter
Started nine games in his rookie season before suffering an ACL injury

2013 — Percy Harvin
Had a slight labrum tear in his hip while training during the offseason, missed most of his first season in Seattle

2014 — Paul Richardson
Tore his ACL vs the Panthers (playoffs) in his rookie season

2015 — Jimmy Graham
Tore his right patellar tendon last November

2016 — Germain Ifedi
Suffered a high ankle sprain days before the season opener vs Miami

Since 2010, only Bruce Irvin has avoided a serious injury in his rookie year after becoming Seattle’s first pick in the draft (via trade or selection). Earl Thomas was their second pick in 2010. Everyone else, without fail, has suffered.

It’s a major blow that Ifedi is the latest victim. Seattle’s interior O-line was flirting with becoming a major team strength in 2016. That could still happen (especially if this latest injury isn’t too serious) — but Ifedi’s combination of size and explosion won’t be easy to replace.

The loss of one guard is unlikely to hijack the start of the season. Even if the O-line struggles, they’re capable of winning anyway. Remember the Rams game in 2013? With Paul McQuistan at left tackle and rookie Michael Bowie at right tackle? The Seahawks won that one despite an absolute thrashing in the trenches.

Losing Ifedi won’t create a similar problem. But they can ill afford any more losses on the O-line.

DeMarcus Walker (DL, Florida State)
Walker had 4.5 sacks against Ole Miss. Unbelievably, that only tells half of the story. Just watch…

Look at the hand use to disengage here (he’s #44) and then explode. His closing burst after shedding the block is incredible:

Textbook club/swim move following a great get off. The perfect blend of technique and athleticism:

The video above shows him working the A gap, now look at him attack the B gap lining up at DE vs the tackle. Same result — but this time he gets the strip sack and turnover:

The violent hands, the ideal technique, the ability to explode, the relentless nature. DeMarcus Walker is a senior prospect we need to get to know.

He had 10.5 sacks last year and is listed at 6-4 and 280lbs by ESPN. Scouts Inc listed him at 6-2 and 266lbs over the Summer so this is a point of contention. Rivals has him down at 6-4 and 280lbs on their recruiting page so that might actually be true. Walker is a former 4-star recruit and has been a team captain since 2015.

The Seahawks seem to like these DE/DT types who can play inside and out. Walker’s superb start against Ole Miss means he has to be on our radar going forward.

Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
I didn’t think anyone would be more impressive than Dan Feeney on opening weekend — then DeMarcus Walker showed up. Feeney is Indiana’s right guard and had a really impressive outing against Florida International:

He pulls with ease, locates who he needs to block at the second level and executes. At the LOS when he needs to turn a defender to create a lane he can do it. He’s incredibly patient in pass-pro and doesn’t get flustered when a defense throws in a stunt or an exotic look.

Combo blocking is a big deal and I’m convinced it’s one of the reasons why Jack Conklin went #8 overall. I’m not sure I’ve seen a combo blocker at guard as good as Feeney in the last 3-4 years.

He’s also plenty powerful and can handle a bull rush. He’s a grinder with the mobility to attack the second level and dominate in the run game. If you’re looking for a plug-in-and-play guard this is your guy. His ability to go in the first round might depend on his athletic testing — but in terms of talent he should be right up there if he avoids injury.

If you missed this weeks podcast, check it out here.

— LSU were bad against Wisconsin. They can’t develop a quarterback in that system. Even when they had Zach Mettenberger throwing to Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry the offense stuttered and stalled. They need their defensive talent to make plays and that’s what cornerback Tre’Davious White did today with a 21-yard pick-six with LSU trailing 13-0:

LSU on the board against Wisconsin after pick 6 from Tre'Davious White. If offense can't score, the defense will! pic.twitter.com/q8KqT38wnx

— Ben Bolton (@BoltonSports) September 3, 2016

White could’ve been a first round pick this year and should be in 2017. He’s also a good return man and will wow teams with his character. LSU still lost today, because of the QB situation. Leonard Fournette did his best behind a bad O-line but left the game hurt late on. It didn’t appear serious. LSU has wasted its three years with Fournette and he’ll likely end his college career without a Heisman, despite being the best player in CFB for such a long time.

— I remember quarterback Patrick Towles flashing for Kentucky during Bud Dupree’s senior year. He’s now a graduate transfer at Boston College and is quite underrated. He’s big, toolsy and mobile. He had a couple of mistakes against Georgia Tech today and he needs to limit the turnovers this year. He won’t be a high pick. However, a team with a good QB coach could turn him into a solid pro. In a year without many intriguing quarterback prospects, Towles is one to monitor.

— I was never a big fan of Texas A&M’s Ricky Seals-Jones and a bad 2015 season wasn’t a major shock. He was being tipped as an early round pick but had little choice but to return this year after a poor season. Against UCLA he looked a lot better — hinting that the light has finally switched on. He looked smooth, didn’t have any bad drops and he’s using his big frame properly to shield DB’s and gain position. His ceiling is probably more of a round 2-3 type prospect but this was a positive start for Seals-Jones. He almost made a spectacular grab to set up a possible game winning field goal with three seconds remaining. Only a great defensive play denied RSJ as he extended and high-pointed a deep throw. He has the frame teams love (6-5, 235lbs).

— Myles Garrett is one of four prospects destined to go very early next year (with Leonard Fournette, DeShaun Watson and Jonathan Allen). Garrett could’ve played in the NFL as a freshman. He’s a special talent — a thoroughly modern EDGE rusher. Here’s his first sack of the 2016 season vs UCLA today. Notice the power and ability to drive the left tackle off the LOS. He’s not just a speed rusher:

Myles Garrett is just an absolute MONSTER. https://t.co/wH5H7Xs555

— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 3, 2016

— Georgia running back Nick Chubb suffered a horrendous injury last year and it’s pretty astonishing he took the field today against North Carolina. On one play in the first quarter he exploded through a hole at the LOS and dragged two defenders for extra yardage at the second level. It took a facemask penalty to bring him down. He finished the drive with a two-yard score, ploughing up the middle. His cuts were good, he drilled a couple of defenders at the POA. He finished the game with a 55-yard touchdown run, sprinting away from the defense. He finished with 222 yards and a couple of scores. Chubb might have lost a step but he’s very much back. His stock will be impacted by medical checks next year.

— North Carolina RB T.J. Logan is an explosive athlete. He had a huge 95-yard kick return TD to begin the second half vs Georgia and quickly followed it up with a 35-yard rushing score where he tiptoed down the sideline and leapt into the corner of the end zone. One player to track going forward.

— Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham is a really fun player to watch. Unfortunately with the way the NFL is going, it’s impossible to judge a linebacker until we see his combine/pro-day workout. The position is judged on speed. It’ll be the same for Florida’s brilliant Jarrad Davis. Still, Cunningham’s instincts and closing burst look good:

NEW at @draftbreakdown: LB Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt) vs South Carolina (2016) https://t.co/06EcIvHADa pic.twitter.com/XJrPsKZ0LY

— former vikings fan (@biffmila) September 3, 2016

— I’ve only watched half of the USC-Alabama game and will finish it on Sunday. Marlon Humphrey is big, physical at cornerback and capable of going very early. He’s fluid in coverage despite his size/physicality. The 2017 class of CB’s could be superb. Jonathan Allen had a couple of sacks in the first half and is destined to go early. Tim Williams is an impact EDGE player and had several splash plays. This ‘Bama defense is loaded again.

I’m going to do a list in the week of players who could be first round picks — plus a few thoughts on some underrated/overrated prospects.

I will post notes here later, but for now feel free to use this as an open thread.

— Troymaine Pope and Alex Collins both played well. The problem is, it’s unlikely you can keep both. Do they really need to stash another young RB? Would it be the end of the world if either moved to be a backup for a different team? Are they more likely to stash Pope or Collins ahead of George Fant or a defensive back? Unlikely. Pope has the speed and quickness, Collins ran the ball well and had a nice blitz pickup for Jake Heaps. Both scored. This one is really close.

— Keenan Lambert flew around the field. He was constantly involved on special teams and was always around the ball on defense. It might be unlikely he makes the final cut but this was a really nice performance by #38 and he was one of Seattle’s best against Oakland. He couldn’t do any more to make this team. Can he edge ahead of someone like Steven Terrell or Tyvis Powell?

— Trevone Boykin is not going to be the backup QB on this evidence. “He had some problems tonight” — Pete Carroll’s review of the situation. Carroll admitted Boykin couldn’t get the players lined up properly and “wasn’t as sharp as he’s been”. He had to deal with a poor display from the second string O-line and had a handful of nice scrambles to extend plays. Yet he also made poor decisions when he did have time. On back-to-back throws in the fourth quarter he should’ve been picked off and the botched snap turnover was surprising given Joey Hunt and Boykin played together at TCU. He also had the intentional grounding safety. The protection was very poor but did he see the pressure? Did he make the right choice to try and extend the play or should he look for the hot route? Seattle’s best plays on offense came in the run game. They have to think about a veteran backup who can simply get them in and out of plays and make good decisions.

— Quinton Jefferson belongs in the league. He looked terrific. Justin Hamilton also performed well.

— The starting O-line might be solid but the backups were a mess in pass pro. Rees Odhiambo in particular just looked out of sorts and gave up one really ugly interior rush. Hunt had the bad snap and Fant had a rougher time dealing with a decent Oakland defense.

— The less said about Kevin Pierre-Louis’ tackling the better. Did Kache Palacio beat him out tonight? Palacio had the FF/recovery and impacted the game.

— Frank Clark and Cassius Marsh were both very active. Both need to finish though. They splash plenty of times and impact plays — but always seem a split second short of the big play.

— The second string run-D was very impressive. They barely gave up any ground. Seattle’s depth on defense is excellent again.

— Nobody really separated in the WR battle on a night where the passing game struggled. That’s good news for Tanner McEvoy, who didn’t feature due to a groin issue.