Seahawks vs Panthers open thread & thoughts

December 15th, 2019 | Written by Rob Staton

Here’s an open thread for today’s game, plus some thoughts…

— This should be a relatively straight forward win. The Panthers have fired their coach early rather than allow him to end the season. Kyle Allen has regressed after a bright start. Last week not even Christian McCaffrey could have an impact in a blow-out win for the equally hapless Falcons. Yet the Seahawks are decimated on defense — missing the two pass rushers they placed their faith in this year (Clowney & Ansah), their best cornerback (Griffin) and a useful starting linebacker (Kendricks). There’s a huge responsibility on other defensive players to step up today.

— The offense has to get right. For a while I questioned whether the 49ers were peaking too early. Instead they’ve found a second wind. The Seahawks similarly need to find theirs in the next two games. Russell Wilson has toiled a bit. Tyler Lockett has suffered with injury and illness. They desperately need to show they’re capable of regaining their early season form ahead of a vital rematch against the Niners and the playoffs. That means effective running, explosive plays in the passing game and no more fumbles.

— All week I’ve just assumed the Seahawks would win this game. It’s an ideal time to play Carolina. The loss last week against the Rams should be a kick up the arse. The injuries might be an equaliser but the difference’s between the teams are stark. Seattle has everything to play for, Carolina doesn’t. The Seahawks have an elite franchise quarterback, the Panthers have a backup plunged into action. The Rams loss should re-focus minds while Carolina’s players will be wondering what the future holds with Ron Rivera fired. Yet the Seahawks all too often make games a tight struggle. They need to flex a little bit today, even with all the injuries, and show that they’re ready to get back in contention for the NFC West title.

This is an interesting article by Adam Schefter, discussing how the tight end market will be re-set in the off-season. Several big names will be talking contract in the new year including George Kittle, Austin Hooper, Zach Ertz and Hunter Henry. It’s a situation for Seahawks fans to monitor. The team will add a TE at some point this off-season. They need significant insurance for Will Dissly given he’s suffered two major injuries in consecutive seasons. Apart from that, their depth is practically non-existent. In the past they spent big money on Zach Miller and traded for Jimmy Graham. This is a position they clearly value. Another big addition or trade could be on the cards again. Failing that — as noted previously — keep an eye on Hunter Bryant. He’s inconsistent at times and has had drops but his blocking experience at Washington and X-factor ability as a receiver could provide a more cost-effective solution. They’ll do something at this position in the off-season, guaranteed.

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195 Responses to “Seahawks vs Panthers open thread & thoughts”

  1. Adog says:

    Hawks 31 Panthers 17 this will be a coming out party for Ugo amadi…gets his first pick and forces a fumble on special teams…while doing an adequate job on McCaffrey…

  2. Sea Mode says:

    Woof… Russ got drilled there…

  3. Volume12 says:

    Christopher Carson is a M-A-N

  4. Volume12 says:

    lmao. DOINK

  5. Volume12 says:

    Lockett looks healthy again

  6. Henry Taylor says:

    Aww Fant so close with the toe tap.

  7. Hawks4life says:

    DK went up, what a great 1st quarter of football

  8. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Finally DK high points a catch! And for a TD too!

  9. Sea Mode says:

    DK been reading SDB and high points (and bobbles…) a ball just for Rob.

  10. Kenny Sloth says:

    Watching NFL games has turned into me trying to shoehorn soccer into it. Insufferable

  11. Kenny Sloth says:

    Poona w the Hawk tackle

  12. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Damn Poona!

  13. Hawks4life says:

    Carolina has so much speed with Moore, CMC and Samuel

  14. Rik says:

    It’s odd. I went into this season thinking we had the best set of linebackers in the league, but they look like a sieve today at the second level. Just like last week.

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      Barton has the athletic chops but’s le the experience to diagnose a play and put himself in a position to make the stop. But he’ll get there. Meanwhile KJ (and to a lesser extent Bobby) look slow. Really slow

  15. Rik says:

    They obviously watched the Rams game. Carolina picking up big yards with receiver sweeps.

  16. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Dafuq was that play?

  17. Volume12 says:

    What a f***ing catch! My god

  18. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    There we go! Flash! Ah ah!

  19. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Wilson is the best deep ball thrower in the game. And it’s not even close

  20. Volume12 says:

    Ifedi looking rough so far.

  21. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Saved by the flag

    • Volume12 says:

      Flag on Ifedi, gets walked back into Russ’s lap on that fumble, no movement the next snap where they lose yards on a Carson carry. Was not a pretty drice for him at all

  22. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    All Lockett does is…

  23. Kenny Sloth says:

    Carolina’s gameplan is clear today, stretch our LB horizontally with the end arounds and feed CMC.

    A better team would beat us all day long because of our personnel. The rams did.

    • Volume12 says:

      They need someone to set the edge on those end arounds and jet sweeps. Is Collier really that far behind?

      • Kenny Sloth says:

        I really think we just need more DBs on the field

        Is Marquise Blair really that far behind

        • Sea Mode says:

          Get BBK in there for some more sideline to sideline speed?

          • Kenny Sloth says:

            I suppose? It’s not like our LBs are slow but it’s about spacing and mismatches. Either a coverage guy to let McDougald get in the box or a dude w some sand that isnt a liability.

            I get you want to use your talent at LB, but what is it doing for us

        • Volume12 says:

          I dont know how that helps when you know as well as I that you stop those designed runs up front first and foremost.

          TBF, the guy who only started 1 season (Collier) was always gonna have a steep learning curve.

  24. Volume12 says:

    Rasheeem!!

  25. SoCal12 says:

    This is exactly the kind of pick up game we needed for the offense. Needed this pick me up after last weeks awkward mis-step.

  26. Hawks4life says:

    Green has really stepped up this year. We can only hope for the same from LJ next year

  27. Volume12 says:

    Urban Meyer gonna end up in DC w/ Haskins and McLaurin?

  28. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Russell needs to keep it one of these times. C’mon man

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      I really wish we still used him on designed runs more

    • SoCal12 says:

      Part of me really misses scrambling Russ. The other part is glad he’s really more of passer these days cause everytime he gets tackled I pray to every god known and unknown to man that my boy is okay.

  29. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Looked like Ifedi got away with an early jump off the snap. Not his best outing so far today

  30. Pran says:

    Wagner is JAG. They just can’t put a body on Mcaffery…shame

  31. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Is that Amadi in at nickel?

  32. Pran says:

    Russ is maddening at times and result is a fumble

  33. Coleslaw says:

    The dude totally touched prosises foot

  34. Kenny Sloth says:

    That one’s for you, Rob

  35. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    What a huge mistake. It’ll be a big deal if we can hold them to a FG before the half. CAR get the ball to start the 3rd quarter

  36. Volume12 says:

    Ground can’t cause a fumble or did the NFL change that rule too?

  37. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Why do some defenders go to the ground on an open field tackle? Horrible form

  38. Volume12 says:

    BWaGz iS TrAsH!

    That aged poorly

  39. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Great play by Wagz!

  40. Sea Mode says:

    BWagz!

  41. Kenny Sloth says:

    Dime look 👌

  42. Volume12 says:

    Can we please shore up the pass pro this off-season? 🙏

  43. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Fluker is a one dimensional OG. Good in the run game but bloody awful in pass pro

  44. Paul Cook says:

    Only a couple of nitpick criticisms in the first half:

    –McCaffrey should be shadowed better coming out of the backfield (he’s about the only thing they have that can beat us)

    –Pass protection a little weak

    –RW holding onto the ball a little too long at times

    Just don’t play dumb and let us end our road record at 7-1.

    • GoHawksDani says:

      I just can’t comprehend why are they not throw 2-3 guys on CMC, 2 on Moore and just blitz the sh..t out of the Panthers QB? The dude can’t handle pressure (as most young QBs), and they only have 2 really legit weapon.
      Put Barton, McDougald/Lano and Bobby/KJ on CMC (not exactly man, but more like a spy), glue Flowers with safety help on DJ, and send Shaq/Bobby/King/Amadi on a blit

  45. Pran says:

    LB corps has become a weak point rather than a strength… they are picking on them all day

    • Kelly Orr says:

      No speed or explosion there. K.J. is a 5.0 40 guy if that. Bobby just looks like he’s lost two steps this year. I just don’t see the explosiveness out of Bobby anymore.

  46. Henry Taylor says:

    Did Diggs get hurt?

  47. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Nice FG 😒

  48. Paul Cook says:

    I do NOT want this to be another heart-attack game. Put this team away.

  49. Pran says:

    This offense can’t shut the game.. shit. At least a blown out here and there can get rookies and young guys game time…

    • GoHawksDani says:

      It’s on the coaches and the culture. No-balls Pete and Schotty are too risk-averse to slam the door onto the opponent’s face. Pete had the strength to close games with BAMF, baller, chip-on-their shoulder guys.
      Russ, Bobby, Lockett, KJ, Reed, McDougald…these guys don’t want to massacre the opponent, kill, stomp them into the ground, make them cry. They just wanna win. Which is a bit weak attitude imo.
      If you’re up 20 points and only 2 minutes til the end the opponent cannot win. If you’re only up by 2-3 points, it’s still a game. It’s a mistake

  50. Hawks4life says:

    For those hoping for a blow out….. when does that happen with this team. Let’s just get the W and get out with no big injuries

    • Pran says:

      When you play so close and tough instead of blow outs especially when you can.. chances of injuries are more.

      • Hawks4life says:

        We’ve seen this team play close almost the entire PC era so I think we know by now how we win games. Whether we like it or not this is the reality we live in with this franchise.

    • Paul Cook says:

      You can’t let teams keep hanging around. We’ve dodged too many bullets playing this way.

      Thanks heavens for that INT. Now get that TD and make it a three score game.

  51. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    There we go. Big turnover

  52. Volume12 says:

    KJ coming up big when they needed it the most

  53. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    WTF is that?!?!!

  54. Paul Cook says:

    Why in the hell do you do a trick play when you’re winning the game against a weaker team? Good Lord! This team just doesn’t know how to put a team away.

  55. icb12 says:

    Have one of the best QBs in the league.

    Why on Earth is Josh Gordon throwing the ball.
    Good grief.

  56. Kenny Sloth says:

    Silly

  57. Volume12 says:

    KJ again!

  58. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Ha ha 2 INTs for KJ!

  59. Hawks4life says:

    These LBs are really struggling to make plays for us aren’t they…. pound that rock.

  60. Pran says:

    Lack of TE and RB depth (Procise back to bubble wrap) catching up on Hawks..

  61. Paul Cook says:

    An EFFING FG! Is that all after two INT’s? Ridiculous.

  62. Hawks4life says:

    That’s not a TD wtf are they so happy about…

  63. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Aaarrrrgggghhhhh! Amadi

  64. Volume12 says:

    Adog called it!

  65. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    No catch no TD. Helluva play by CMC

  66. Paul Cook says:

    This reminds me of the Philly game. This tram is practically begging us to mercy kill them.

  67. Volume12 says:

    Finish this off with Christopher

  68. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    A long scoring drive here will put this game out of reach for the Panthers

  69. SoCal12 says:

    Despite the non-pick 6, that’s still promising from Amadi. I have high hopes for him at slot/nickel.

  70. Paul Cook says:

    Now this one you kick.

  71. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Lockett couldn’t have leaned forward a little more?

  72. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Bad challenge. Should have just kicked the FG

  73. Hawks4life says:

    CC is a man amongst boys….. when he doesn’t fumble lol

  74. Volume12 says:

    What a god damn power move

  75. Paul Cook says:

    Took too long for my tastes to finish off this hapless opponent. But we finally did. Back home for at least three weeks now.

  76. Aaron says:

    Christopher Mother Frickin Carson!!!

  77. Volume12 says:

    Oh no. No, no, no

  78. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    No no no no

  79. Sea Mode says:

    please just be a scare. good to see him walk off

  80. SoCal12 says:

    Thankfully he’s walking, but I’m still worried about Bobby man. He’s already looking his age this season. Dont need these dents to build up.

  81. Hawks4life says:

    With Griffin being out I’m surprised Carolina hasn’t tried to exploit that more. Prayers up for Bobby thankfully it’s an ankle and not his knee

  82. Volume12 says:

    McCaffrey is so, so good. What a weapon.

  83. Volume12 says:

    IDK about that call on 3rd & 5. Not feeling it.

  84. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    SEA defense is way too soft to close out this game

  85. Volume12 says:

    Boy. This D not only misses Clowney, but Shaq too.

  86. Volume12 says:

    Weak a** call

  87. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    JFC

  88. Paul Cook says:

    How do you get a holding penalty on a one yard run? Egads.

  89. Volume12 says:

    Lockett is shmoney

  90. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    That’s the game

  91. Paul Cook says:

    Carson MVP today. Absolute beast.

  92. Sea Mode says:

    game

  93. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    11-3 over all. 7-1 on the road. Controlling their own destiny in the conference. Damn

  94. cha says:

    EAT IT REFS WITH YOUR DUMB FLAGS AND PANTHERS WITH YOUR DUMB STUPID RUDY COMEBACKS.

  95. Nick says:

    Seattle recorded 3 qb hits. Gotta address pass rush.

  96. Paul Cook says:

    Now can comfortably sit back and watch the Rams and Cowboys, etc…

  97. GoHawksDani says:

    1, Wow Carson played a great game
    2, Russ probably lost the MVP chance, but today he played like one
    3, So many injuries…it’s crazy. Hope most of the guys can come back at least for the niners game
    4, Lockett is a golden god
    5, Wanna see MORE Gordon, Homer. Gordon almost catched everything. I know, he got here mid-season, but he’s talented, and runs crisp routes, has good hands. Why not target him at least 3-4 times in a game? And Prosise sucks. Homer had a good fake run, awesome ST guy, looks like McAffrey 😀 Not a CC2, but he could be a Sproles-McAffrey type of quick back who can get skinny, and also used in screen situations
    6, Green is not a game wrecker, but he seems like have some good value as a rotational DE
    7, Really mad-sad about the injuries, but to be positive, I was pumped to see some Amadi, Barton, BBK, Blair, Homer, Collier snaps. These guys need gametime experience. I hope everyone will get better soon, but I’m a bit intrigued about Amadi, Barton, Blair and Homer. I think with more experience, these guys can be a vital part of the roster.
    8, I’m a bit humbled regarding KJ. I throw some shade on him…and while yep…he’s old af, and have some bad missed tackles, he played great today. The 2 INTs was cool, but the tackle against McAffrey was even better.
    9, With that said…I think Barton (and Amadi) just need to take a medium step to be amazing playmakers. With them reading offenses a bit better, reacting a bit faster, they might be a turnover machine in the future
    10, A win is a win, but this sucked a bit by the team not able to close the game at around 30-10 or 30-17. And the injuries piled up crazy on the D#. Yeah, and I was not a fan of Pete’s risk-averse game-call, or constantly dialing up deep shots (maybe that’s on Schotty and Russ too). I know…Russ had a nice stat sheet and Carson had too, but without forcing deep throws it might have been even prettier for both. Or at least would’ve made their life easier.

    If I were the Hawks FO, I’d probably sit every starter who has a decent backup and has some injury issue vs the Cards. We need to get as close to healthy against the 49ers as we can

  98. Rob Staton says:

    Thanks for nothing Atlanta.