Podcast: Seahawks so far, Eagles, running backs & no dancing

December 1st, 2017 | Written by Rob Staton

I was invited on to the Field Gulls podcast this week to talk through a few different topics. Why are the Seahawks on a two game losing streak at home? Russell Wilson in December. Running backs in the draft. And most importantly — making sure the Eagles aren’t dancing at Century Link on Sunday.

162 Responses to “Podcast: Seahawks so far, Eagles, running backs & no dancing”

  1. swisshawk says:

    Really looking forward to listen to the podcast 🙂 It’s a shame that you aren’t invited more often.
    Until I find enough time to enjoy it, I have a question for you. In yesterdays piece about RB’s you mentioned Harris and Johnson as 2a/2b. Which do you think is better running out of shotgun?
    The Seahawks seem to like running out of it since 24 retired (my estimation, no hard evidence), so it could be an additional factor to consider (with all RB’s)

  2. Sea Mode says:

    Thank you for the new content, Rob. I must admit it’s not a format that works for me most of the time, but I appreciate the work you put in as always and hope I catch most of the thoughts in written form anyway.

    If I may, just copying this over from the tail end of the last thread so you guys can either temper or join in my optimism. This Sunday will obviously be a huge test that will go far in telling us if we still have what it takes to compete with top playoff teams this year.

    https://www.fieldgulls.com/2017/11/30/16718916/a-much-deeper-look-at-the-seahawks-pass-protection-against-49ers

    This makes me VERY hopeful for our chances even this season. #3 pass protection unit this week, 0 sacks? Clear steps forward both individually and collectively, with hardly any help needed from TE/RB blocking? Heck yeah!

    If Russ figures out that he can start to trust the OL again and step up into an actual pocket, watch out League! Going on a tear down the stretch like he did in 2015 is not at all out of the question. He has already uploaded “MVP Protocol 2.0” anyway this season and arguably has even better weapons to throw to than back then now that PRich and Graham are healthy and have found their groove. And if Carson can make it back for the playoffs…

    • Logan Lynch says:

      This week is going to be a great test. If they can hold up against the PHI DL, they should be able to do the same against JAX or LAR…which happen to be the following two games. What a gauntlet!

      I’m hoping the PHI defense gets a little overaggressive this week and SEA takes advantage of it.

      One thing I really, really want to see solely for the purpose of irony is a Byron Maxwell INT.

  3. Kenny Sloth says:

    Nice World Cup drae. Belgium is my dark horse so watch out.

    • cha says:

      No big time Group of Death, although F looks tough.

      It feels like the “most even” draw I’ve seen in a WC. I can’t wait!

      • Greg Haugsven says:

        Shouldnt have many more groups of death anymore with the 4 pot system they are using.

      • Kenny Sloth says:

        Except Russia’s draw with Uruguay.

        Call it the group of life.

        • cha says:

          I’m not sure what’s better – a free pass into the next round or getting flabby off lame competition and potentially getting blown out in the next round.

    • H says:

      Are Belgium are dark horse at this point? They’ve been the “dark horse” for the last 4 or 5 tournaments. If anything England are a dark horse. As a spurs fan it’ll be a fun game, and nice to have some sport I care about during the long summer.
      Go Hawks!
      God save the Queen!

  4. Volume12 says:

    Gonna be hilarious when Oregon loses Taggart to Florida St. What are they gonna do? Call Chip?

    • Volume12 says:

      Once again, CFB owns. This coaching carousel has been more interesting and dull okf more drama and soap opera antics than anything the NFL has done this year.

    • DC says:

      🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
      It would be soooo great.

    • SeaHusky says:

      Probably promote from within and elevate either Cristobal or Levitt. Either way, that recruiting class is about to evaporate if he leaves. Good for UW if they want to poach some of the better ones.

  5. Volume12 says:

    People think Herm Edwards at Arizona St is gonna help attract recruits because they recognize his face?

    They’d be surprised how many football players actually don’t watch football at all in their spare time. Why would they?

    Secondly, millenials ain’t watching Fox sports or ESPN.

    Lastly, and this is shocking. Most recruits don’t care about the results of games. They don’t spend their Saturdays watching it like we do.

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      Kids my age won’t even know the name.

      Its NUTS how few kids watch football.

      I love hearing kids talk about who they model their game after. Those are the kids doing the work off the field to be successful.

      Guarantee ET3 watched NFL in college.

      • DC says:

        Herm’s claim to fame is his rant, “You play to win the game!”

        He’s up there with Dennis Green & Jim Mora.

        • Volume12 says:

          Nah. Denny Green was a damn good coach. I got nothing bad to say about the man who recognized the talents amnd actually had the balls to pull the trigger on the greatest WR of all time aka Randy Moss.

    • cha says:

      Herm hasn’t coached since 2009, and in college since 1989. In 2018, he’ll be 9 years removed from coaching.

      He must have wowed them in his interview.

  6. JimQ says:

    Rob, re: podcast, how do you do it? You always give an answer, but those rambling, 200 word, 5/6 topic questions you are being fed has to give you pause. Overall, I think these podcasts could be shorter and more informative if the questions were more brief & explicit, but maybe that’s just me.

    • mishima says:

      Not just you. I can’t get past K. Arthur’s first question/monologue.

      Rob,

      Still planning on doing your own podcast?

      Please.

  7. Sea Mode says:

    Wow, cool:

    @hawkblogger
    Seahawks OL Pass Blocking Efficiency Rank (per @pff):

    Since Week 1: 24th (75.7)

    Since Week 4: 14th (79.1)

    Since Week 8: 8th (82.3)

    Last Week: 3rd (90.4)

    The improvement is undeniable.

    7:48 PM – Nov 28, 2017

    • SeaHusky says:

      The improvement is definitely noticeable, and it should only get better once Brown and Joeckel are able to get some more reps playing together. Wilson needs to adjust his internal clock now, as it was clear he was scrambling out of the pocket prematurely at times last week. His scrambling definitely saves us from a lot of sacks, but I’d like to see him step up more and remain poised within the pocket when there is one present.

  8. DC says:

    Stanford vs USC coming up…

    Hawks in attendance?

  9. East Side Stevie says:

    I have a question for anyone who has knowledge on the draft:
    If the seahawks pick in the first round is at 24; Lets say that they trade down twice (completely out of the 1st round) what capital can that get them?

    • Sea Mode says:

      Usually a late R3 or early R4, depending on supply and demand of teams willing to trade in any given year.

      The trade chart is just for reference, but usually is a pretty good starting point and ends up pretty close to being followed, though the GM asking for the trade might have to take sleightly less value to top off the deal. The GMs have an updated version they pass around and I believe most use.

      Here’s the classic version, with last year’s draft order slotted in:
      http://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=sea

  10. Greg Haugsven says:

    After watching some Alvin Kamara highlights I get so frustrated because of what Prosise could be if he wasn’t broken all the time.

    • peter says:

      or if they had just drafted a Kamara, one of maybe 6 RB’s to fit their mold in size and explosive traits last draft. Smooth pass catcher and decently patient runner.

  11. drewdawg11 says:

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlWXgb8gW70

    Ronald Jones is growing on me for a potential Seahawks’ feature back. He’s gotten better this season. Homerun bitter but he’s playing physically. Semi-reminiscent of Eric Dickerson with that upright running style. Obviously there’s only one Eric Dickerson.

  12. Trevor says:

    Would love to see the Hawks somehow come out of this draft with Will Gonzalez (LG) and Bryce Love (RB). I think it would completely reverse our Run game from weakness to a strength.

    Gonzalez is a beast and combined with Brown on the left side they would be dominant in the run blocking game. Then combinging Love with Carson I think you have a dynamic 1-2 punch with a big power back in Carson and a true home run hitter in Love.

  13. 503Hawk says:

    UCF v Memphis.
    Will Paul Allen please throw money at Scott Frost for OC and heir apparent for Pete Carroll!!!
    I have seen UCF several times this year and they are so creative / imaginative on O. Really fun to watch.

  14. Kenny Sloth says:

    Sounders won their 2 leg playoff 5-0 and look like a much better team than last year’s championship squad.

    Toronto FC looks much better, too, but the Seapeat is alive

  15. Kenny Sloth says:

    Man, Baker Mayfield needs to get a grip. Now it’s borderline putting his team at risk.

    Now his coach has to defend him and he looks like a huge jerk every week.

    Ask Kingsbury why Mayfield wasnt gonna get a scholarship at Texas Tech.

  16. Volume12 says:

    What is this UCF/Memphis game? Batsh** insane is about the only way to describe it. Good lord. Never leave CFB.

  17. Pickering says:

    Rob previously mentioned Anthony Miller from Memphis. His line today:
    Rec: 13
    Yards:178
    Avg: 13.7
    TD: 3
    Long: 68

    I’m sure he’ll be long gone by the time the ‘Hawks draft.

  18. Volume12 says:

    So… Jimbo Fisher leaves Florida St (Tallahassee) who’s fan base is obsessed, for Texas A&M (College Station) who’s fan base is bordering on cult like status? Seems reasonable.

    Let’s see what the overrated Jimbo does in the SEC.

  19. Icb12 says:

    Early draft wishlist.

    Double dip on pac12 RB
    Bryce love and Vic Enwere

    Lb
    Jeff Holland auburn- still being underrated.
    Dt
    Harrison Phillips – still being underrated IMO.

    And a big WR. I’m not particular.
    But if I see Tyler lockett the Smurf going for jump balls in the end zone anymore… Ugh.

    • Volume12 says:

      Love me some Auden Tate. IMO, has the most upside of any receiver in this class.

      • DC says:

        Would the Hawks be able to get Tate beyond the 1st round iyo (after a trade back or two)? We’ve been looking for that type since Pete’s arrival.

  20. Volume12 says:

    Love RB Sony Michel.

    Violent, shifty, runs behind his pads probably better than any back in this class, plenty of burst, still has a lot of untapped potential. Not gonna be a home run hitter, but will move the chains consistently. He’s starting RB material.

    Has a whole lot of drive too-
    https://mobile.twitter.com/CBSSports/status/937052160344260608/video/1

  21. Volume12 says:

    Turnover CHAIIINNN! So disgusting. 😉

  22. 503Hawk says:

    So the Final Four will be:
    Clemson
    Oklahoma
    Georgia
    Alabama
    ???

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      If Ohio State wins then let the debate begin. Ohio State probably deserves it but Alabama is probably the better team.

  23. Old but Slow says:

    At this point I will settle for a set of games that showcases the best running backs that we might take. Auburn, Georgia, Alabama, and Penn State (do they qualify?).

  24. Old but Slow says:

    With the game with Philly today, we enter the 4th game under Carroll/Wilson against a team with 10 wins. So far, we are 3-0 against those teams. I like our chances.

  25. Volume12 says:

    Is Ohio St. the new DBU? Lattimore, Roby, Hooker, Conley, Apple, Malcolm Jenkins, Vonn Bell, and now Denzil Ward?

  26. Hawk Eye says:

    We will see how the Hawks play today. I am optimistic they can win. Pete seems t be able to get them up for big games, and they like the underdog mentality. Remember, they were big underdogs against Denver in the Super Bowl. I can remember Pete getting a little irritated by questions before the game about how great Denver was and he said, “remember, they have to play us too”
    But at this point, winning against a good team means everything has to go right, a couple of mistakes and they won’t win.
    Looking at the current team and how JS/PC have operated in the past, I think they go RB and CB with their top 2 choices in the next draft. I doubt they draft another O lineman high. I doubt the keep Joeckel because they are just getting too tight to the cap, but they have 2 1sts, 2 3nds and a 3rd round pick on the line without him, and I think they don’t invest much more high draft capital. I can see them drafting a LB to start preparing for life after KJ and Pete never has enough pass rushers. If PRich leaves, I think they use Darboh, Moore and maybe Procise to replace him. At 6-1 and 220, Procise would be a bigger receiver, although we all know the caveat with him.
    TE is a possibility, but I think they try to keep JG, let Luke go and promote Swoopes. If JG leaves, I think they keep Luke and use TE more for blocking. I think Swoopes is intriguing, but don’t know much about how he is developing.

    • AlaskaHawk says:

      Tight end wise they also have Varnett – he caught a touchdown last game. Darboh is playing a little but it feels like a redshirt year for him. He looks like he can high point the catch – a much needed skill in Seahawks land.

      The Eagles and Rams are going to be the two big tests at end of season. I’m optimistic but the lack of a running game and stubborn adherence to running have a high probability of contributing to a loss. The usual slow first half offense will be a disaster. The Seahawks need to call plays that are effective from the get go.

      I’m not worried about the defense, even with injuries they have a lot of talent left. Maybe they have gone from #1 defense to #3 or 4? Not much of a slide.

      I was reading that if Seahawks win their chance of making the playoffs increases to over 70%

      Go Hawks!

  27. Volume12 says:

    Strongly dislike the current 4 team playoff gimmick in CFB, but these 2 semi-final matchups are gonna f***ing rule.

    Clemson vs ‘Bama in a rematch, and a Baker Mayfield led Oklahoma vs the 2 headed monster at RB for Georgia. Inject this into my veins now please.

    • AlaskaHawk says:

      I wanted 8 teams from the get go. With first round played out in bowl games. This is imperfect but better than before. Listened to a long dicussion in the tsa line. Over whether Ohio State (?) Should be in top 4. It’s hard to boot Alabama- they probably should start as #1 seed based on historic record. You can bet Saban will light a fire under his players. And no coach leaving distractions this year.

      • Volume12 says:

        I trust the computers more than a bunch of crotchety old ADs. That’s just me though.

        ‘Bama’s brand absolutely played a part in getting them in.

        I was always hoping when they went to the playoff format, that it would be 6 teams. 1 and 2 get byes.

        Not a fan of the semifinals as bowl games either. This year we should’ve got a 🔥 a** traditional BIG10/PAC 12 matchup between Ohio St and USC. Oh well, Ohio St vs UCF or USC in the Fiesta bowl needs to happen.

  28. drewdawg11 says:

    Bama looked more mortal a couple of times this season, but they never look awful. Ohio State has looked really bad more than once. Oklahoma clowned then, Iowa whipped them. They aren’t elite. They are a step below. Talented, but not elite.

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      Wow. You’d think he could pull in half his targets.

    • Ground_Hawk says:

      The dream of Seattle keeping both Graham and PRich just became more uncertain. I could imagine P. Richardson signing for at least $6.5 mil/year, and JFG might realistically ask for $9 mil/year, so there would be $15.5 mil of next year’s $19-$20 mil of available cap space. Maybe we start seeing more of Darboh out there, to get him live action experience, in case PRich moves on?

  29. Volume12 says:

    CFB analyst Jesse Palmer with some incredible insight (on some bullsh**).

    ‘Wins and losses matter more than your resume.’

    But… but wins and losses is literally the resume.

  30. Hawk Eye says:

    Gronk should get suspended for 1 game. Dirty cheap shot on Buffalo CB out of bounds after an int. No reason for it and the guy got hurt. And Amendola with a cheap shot on same play that gets the Bills player with the penalty. Edlman and Amandola both are dirty players. Besides the cheating (and the winning, let’s not kid ourselves) they have unbearable fans and are not a likable team.
    ANYONE but the Pats to win the SB!

    • Pickering says:

      A cheap, vicious shot. He admitted he was wrong, but saying it was ‘football’ weakened the apology. He deserves a minimum one game suspension.

  31. Icb12 says:

    Sigh

    Collins with 15 carries for 75 and 2 TDs.
    Plus a couple catches.

    Tell me why Seahawks cut him instead of Rawls or Lacy?
    He might not be elite, but he could have helped this team.

  32. vrtkolman says:

    Marcus Peters just flat out quit on his team. He wasn’t even ejected, he just walked off the field and into the locker room after chucking an official’s flag into the stands. What kind of a bitch move is that? There were rumors that he punched one if his coaches at UW, which is why he was kicked off the team. He is a major headcase.

  33. Volume12 says:

    Some real fun matchups this bowl season:

    Stanford vs TCU
    OK St vs VA-Tech
    Wisconsin vs Miami (talk about 2 polar opposites)
    BC vs Iowa (hell yeah! That game better be like 10-9 in the snow)
    Ohio St vs USC (should be the Rose bowl)
    Udub vs Penn St. (Vita Vea against Saquan Barkley)
    Auburn vs UCF

  34. vrtkolman says:

    Kamara is a monster, did you see him take that monster hit from Shaq, recover, and then slide in on 4th and goal?

    • vrtkolman says:

      He looks small and lanky on the field, but he’s got some Lynch in him where he can absorb and bounce of hits.

  35. DC says:

    Cardinals need to win today! Help us out.

  36. DC says:

    Will Willie Taggart make the move already?!? Get out of the devil’s lair. FSU get your s**t together and make it happen!

  37. Kenny Sloth says:

    I haven’t been so excited for a match in a while.

    Since GB week 1 at least

  38. Ishmael says:

    Very decent first drive. Wilson running, some quick passes too. Hate the draw on 3rd and 10 though.

  39. Ishmael says:

    Making Wentz earn it early. Couple of marginal hits. Don’t mind it tbh.

  40. Hawktalkse#1 says:

    They are coming out with a fire tonight.

    If I didn’t know better, I’d say they really want to win this game. 🙂

  41. Hawktalkse#1 says:

    Holy cow. Yeah, let’s trade JG. He’ll old and unproductive.

  42. Hawk Eye says:

    10-0 start.
    someone pinch me, am I dreaming?

  43. Ishmael says:

    Jimmy Graham – loves a touchdown.

    This has been an excellent first quarter. Backs to the wall and the boys are showing up. Not perfect, but better than they’ve looked for a while.

  44. Trevor says:

    That was by far our best 1Q of the year!

    Kind of feels like the NE last year when everyone was expecting the Hawks to get blown out and they flipped the switch. Hope they can keep it up.

  45. Kenny Sloth says:

    …. This game you guys….

    The chess match of it in this second quarter.

    This game is for sure my aesthetic.

    Im just so happy we’re ahead…

  46. Kenny Sloth says:

    Also welcome back ByMax

  47. mishima says:

    Need to revise (read: eat crow) my opinion of Graham. Had no idea his red zone catch rate (14 / 18!) was so high. Dude is being targeted more, but he’s catching almost everything, lately.

    I was wrong: The Wilson / Graham connection is on like Donkey Kong.

  48. Del Tre says:

    Go hawks! Also just gonna leave this here
    Saquan Barkley 199 for 1134 and a 5.6 yard average with 16 rush TDs 47 caatches for 594 at 12.6! And 3tds
    Myles Gaskin: 208 for 1282 for a 6.2 average with 19 rushing TDs 18 catches for 228 at 19YPC!! with 3 tds

    Barkley wasn’t exactly lighting it up against good competition, he had a fantastic game against Michigain but fell below 3ypc 3 yimes this year. Doesn’t scream to me that he’s anyone worth trading up for.

  49. John_s says:

    Incredibly impressed by McDougald. He has been the player of the game on defense so far IMO

    • Trevor says:

      Agreed! His pass coverage had bee great and an upgrade over Kam to be honest. He is not as good in run support but he has been very very solid.

      Maxwell has been great as well IMO.

  50. Kenny Sloth says:

    Gorgeous play design by Bevell on that inside screen to Mike Davis

  51. Hawk Eye says:

    the rumors of the Hawks demise may have been greatly exaggerated….

    playing a great game, need to finish, don’t allow Wentz to pull off any “Russell plays”

  52. Hawk Eye says:

    opps

  53. Trevor says:

    Would love to see the Hawks be able to run the ball in 4th and close this thjng out.

    That 3rd down conversion by Wentz to Agholor was sick and hurt.

  54. Trevor says:

    Wagner is just a flat out beast!

  55. Trevor says:

    Wow two long 3rd down conversions with ridicuosly good passes. That really sucked

  56. Kenny Sloth says:

    So well called

  57. House says:

    That pitch play was just FILTHY… Russ is out there playing LIGHTS OUT!

  58. Trevor says:

    With Aaron Rodgers hurt the two most elusive QBs in the game are playing tonight. Wow there have been some crazy plays.

  59. Del Tre says:

    So resign McDougold at 8-10 mil a year? He is a member of the LOB after tonight, for sure. Despite Maxwells ugly play (i think there might have been a bit of grabbing, maybe the wr got away with something) it honestly seems like the D is playing better without Chancellor. McDougold is better in coverage, and the D line is stepping up against the run, feels a lot like the 2014 run. Go hawks

    • House says:

      Only way McDougald gets signed anywhere near there is if Kam retires, which is unlikely.

      I envision McDougald leaving for a big pay day somewhere, unless he just LOVES his role and playing for Seattle. I can’t see him turning down that much $$$

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      No thanks on $8-10 million. He ain’t playing that good.

      • John_s says:

        12 tackles, played the run well and locked up the TE. He played an excellent game minus the penalty on the slide.

  60. Trevor says:

    Justin Coleman has been such a great pickup IMO he has been the best slot CB the Hawks have had in the PC era. He does not get much press but I think he has been so solid and consistent.

    He and Mcdougald were great gets by JS to give us the depth we lacked in previous years and I hope they can lock up both guys going forward.

  61. Greg Haugsven says:

    Just don’t let Maxwell f#%k this up.

  62. drewdawg11 says:

    Anyone crying for Joeckel to be retained, he’s been absolutely destroyed all night. He’s trash. No thank you. I’m ready to draft Will Hernandez.

  63. Greg Haugsven says:

    What a bad throw that is, had guys open shorter

  64. GoHawks5151 says:

    Maxwell!!!!!! Poetic Justice if I even seen it!!!!!

  65. Trevor says:

    Does Wags ever miss a tackle. I don’t think so, it is pretty incredible really.

  66. House says:

    Another plus with tonight’s game… Collinsworth has to eat a big sh*t sandwich and has to talk about the Seahawks in a positive light. That dude rags on us any chance he gets. I swear his wife/daughter fell in love with a Hawk and ruined his life.

  67. Trevor says:

    Something about the Hawks in December and Prime Time games. They were almost a lock tonight if you believe in trends.

    When you see them play like this those two losses which should have been wins hurt even more. This team can still beat anyone on a given night. This has to be huge for thier confidence.

    • AlaskaHawk says:

      The loss I hated the most was against the Washington Redskins. Someone should have put a boot to their butts afterwards.

  68. Trevor says:

    If Carson can come back healthy then he, Davis and Mckissic might not be too bad.

  69. Greg Haugsven says:

    Good win, I thought the Eagles played and coached scared. Hopefully not next week when they get the Rams.

  70. Hawk Eye says:

    great game, now we’re on to Jacksonville.
    Cannot ruin the capital gained tonight, hope Philly bounces back next week

  71. Kenny Sloth says:

    This is definitely not prime time for Rob.

  72. Forrest says:

    What a game. Jags, Rams and Cowboys look a little less scary now. Also, is 12-4 possible?

  73. Alex6674 says:

    I don’t predict many games….but proud to say I called this one right performance wise and that we got the win!

    Now the thing is we all got our tails back up and are excited for the rest of the season………BUT REMEMBER……..the chances of us going back to the penalty ridden, sloppy execuution team of but a couple of weeks ago is still very high next week! So let’s all keep it level headed and before we annoint Mike Davis as the new C

    • Alex6674 says:

      urt Warner, and the O line the re-incarnation of the famous Redskins Hogs, let’s get our collective realistic heads on for the next game!

      That said….I’m so pumped for next week!

      Prediction……I think we will win by 6.