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Stephen Pitell's avatar

I'm not all that worried about JSN getting most of the targets as much as I was disappointed with the number of plays we ran and the time of possession difference. After all, a QB can only target one player per play, and if JSN is open, and Sam sees him open, he's should pass him the ball. Targeting a different player just to balance our attack seems dumb. The play calling is what should give other receivers targets, and if they are open I expect Sam to make the pass. Either they were not open or the plays first read was JSN most of the time.

The play calling was one of our biggest problems. They didn't roll Sam out at all that I remember. They didn't use play action to speak of either. Both of those calls allow for longer developing plays and more reads and easier vision sometimes (with roll outs). Calling plays with empty backfields should be used only when it's obviously a passing down or a passing situation such as the last two minutes of a half.

I am gobsmacked by the play calling. I don't understand the mindset that developed that game plan.

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Mike McD's avatar

The first game changed absolutely nothing in my mind about Kupp. I do think part of the allure to sign him, is his blocking ability. But he is also not a replacement to DK, which is the main point people make when talking about Kupp. He is fine but who is going deep?

I think Darnold (Kubiak) needs to make a concerted effort to get guys involved. The team wants Darnold to be a point guard. Good point guards not only feed their best player (JSN) but they also are very vigilant about making sure all players are engaged in the game. Often times in basketball that means getting the role players involved early before going to the stars late.

I would love to see the first 2 drives hit 4-5 different receivers. I care less about the yardage but more about the message it sends.

Horton, your main deep threat, something that is desperately needed in this offense, needs to be targeted. Zero targets is unacceptable. If I am Kubiak or MM, I am pulling Darnold aside and saying look, you have to throw the ball deep and his name is Horton.

I am looking forward to Sunday. Can't wait to see how things go and hopefully come away with a big win. One win changes a ton from a perception standpoint especially on the road in Pitt.

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Dale's avatar

I don’t think anyone see Kupp as a replacement for DK. Very different receivers, not alike at all.

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Mike McD's avatar

Yeah … I would agree.

And that is one of the major problems with the offseason.

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Dale's avatar

Hopefully not as much of a problem as it presently seems. I’m hoping Horton can still be a surprise packet. We just need to target him to find out.

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Mike McD's avatar

Yes … we need to get other guys involved especially Horton.

Still hopeful also! Division is still wide open imo

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Stephen LeGrand's avatar

He's a PNW native son. I know that means next to nothing in the long run, but It gets him a little grace from this observer. And this 'hidden value' column points out some innate grit that just might come with that.

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Danno's avatar

Our offense comes alive this week. Kupp gets his TD. Hawks win by 2+ TDs.

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Stephen Pitell's avatar

I'm done with making predictions after shaming myself with last weeks predictions. Trying to predict the future seems foolish to me. I would like to see SSJ discontinue encouraging us to make predictions. There are more worthy subjects to fill our time with.

It can be fun at times, I admit, and I make no judgements on anyone having fun.

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Danno's avatar
3hEdited

SSJ makes prediction all the time. He predicted Geno would not be resigned, I disagreed, he was right. He said Fant would be released, I agreed, he was right. He felt MVS was going to make the 53, I disagreed, I finally got one right! I like to hear what he and others have to say about the Seahawks. I like to read their reasons. It helps me refine mine. Just ignore my rose colored glasses outlook and predictions. I’m not sure if this platform lets you block commenters you don’t want to see, but that might also be an option.

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Stephen Pitell's avatar

Come on, Danno, I would never block you, or anyone here. I'm not talking about educated quesses to interesting possibilities based on facts and reasoning, I am talking about predicting who will get so many yards,, and predicting outcomes. I share your optimism and often expect better results than are likely, but as a group exercise or similar I would like to move in a more useful direction.

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K Man's avatar

Spoons' limited availability means that the Stealers keep it close, but the Hawks pull away late for the W.

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Danno's avatar

I still think the offense is going to go off and put points on the board. Big win brewing for the Hawks.

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