I can only imagine how the fan base would react if the prior QB had this game. This game was significantly worse than any game the previous QB had. And you know what? I love it. Support the QB. I think the coaches, the fans, the front office, the Middle Linebacker have all taken a step forward. Don't undermine the QB, give the guy some grace and hopefully he can help lead to the championship. Nothing about yesterday's game changed my opinion about SD. He can win a Super Bowl(s).
Mike Mac talked about doing a better job in year 2 supporting his guys (presumably after losing Geno). He has walked the walk. From the first practice response to Salk to after a horrible game. He is sticking by his QB. Last year he didn't realize this until half way through the season when there was a markedly different response to all the QB questions. But that was too late. This time? It is right from the start.
The Seahawks head coach and GM were caught blindsided last year around the negativity towards the QB. That QB ended up not responding to a contract offer which led the GM looking like his first born son didn't want to follow in his footsteps. The head coach, saying things like I need to do better understanding my players.
Mission accomplished to me. Support the QB.
However, be realistic. Sam Darnold is pretty much exactly what people thought he was coming into this year. He is great at certain things and struggles at others.
Kubiak has done an incredible job for most of the year highlighting his strengths and minimizing his weaknesses. That is, play action pass and deep shots is what SD does best. Where he struggles? Straight drop back game. The numbers are what they are. Take out the play action early down passing and Darnold is bottom half even with good protection and the best WR.
So two things I would do moving forward:
- Keep working on SDs weaknesses. Just because this is who is he right now and the last year. He can get better. Keep trying. Maybe dumb it down a little and tell him more body shots. More dump offs. Then take a couple shots here and there
- Kubiak needs to figure out what to do in these games. Advanced teams know the Hawks want to play action deep. I would've ran the ball even more in this game. I would've told Darnold more checkdowns. Keep taking body shots. These guys are way smarter than me ... So hopefully Kubiak has some stuff up his sleave. But lets not forget, Darek Carr started last year the same as Sam Darnold started this year ... Lets hope that Kubiak can also take a step forward as the going may get tougher.
Overall, I love the response and support for the QB. He is a good player but he is not a great player (yet). So keep supporting, keep working with him, keep trying to maximize strengths and minimize weakness while also working on the weaknesses.
I am more encouraged by the response than anything. This is by far the best shot Darnold has had in his career. Last year the Vikings and their fans turned on him any chance they got, similar to our previous QB. Now? Darnold is getting a huge platform of support.
I hate the loss, especially to the Rams, but I am glad in a way this game happened and the response. Huge opportunity to grow and get ready for the playoffs.
Sure, but Sam Darnold can learn and get better. I don't think SD is done growing. And I don't think Kubiak is done tinkering the offense to fit his QB.
Before the game, I felt that special teams would be an advantage for us. It’s ironic that the final drive was preceded by the greatest punt I have ever seen. That makes the drive as long as possible, leading to the most difficult field goal attempt available. Any further, and the call is for a Hail Mary.
This is a resilient team. They will support Sam and direct their anger elsewhere. The Titans are going to get the shinola beat out of them. Expect personal fouls.
Sounds like encouraging news re. Zabel. Wishing him quick recovery.
My only criticism of MM is his lack of willingness to be bold. I’ve now seen too many times where he could have ‘gone for it’ but didn’t. Time to at least have a crack. Especially, as you mentioned, at the goal line at the end of half. Also, the Barnburner Butt Blast has been working more times than not.
What a difference a year makes.
I can only imagine how the fan base would react if the prior QB had this game. This game was significantly worse than any game the previous QB had. And you know what? I love it. Support the QB. I think the coaches, the fans, the front office, the Middle Linebacker have all taken a step forward. Don't undermine the QB, give the guy some grace and hopefully he can help lead to the championship. Nothing about yesterday's game changed my opinion about SD. He can win a Super Bowl(s).
Mike Mac talked about doing a better job in year 2 supporting his guys (presumably after losing Geno). He has walked the walk. From the first practice response to Salk to after a horrible game. He is sticking by his QB. Last year he didn't realize this until half way through the season when there was a markedly different response to all the QB questions. But that was too late. This time? It is right from the start.
The Seahawks head coach and GM were caught blindsided last year around the negativity towards the QB. That QB ended up not responding to a contract offer which led the GM looking like his first born son didn't want to follow in his footsteps. The head coach, saying things like I need to do better understanding my players.
Mission accomplished to me. Support the QB.
However, be realistic. Sam Darnold is pretty much exactly what people thought he was coming into this year. He is great at certain things and struggles at others.
Kubiak has done an incredible job for most of the year highlighting his strengths and minimizing his weaknesses. That is, play action pass and deep shots is what SD does best. Where he struggles? Straight drop back game. The numbers are what they are. Take out the play action early down passing and Darnold is bottom half even with good protection and the best WR.
So two things I would do moving forward:
- Keep working on SDs weaknesses. Just because this is who is he right now and the last year. He can get better. Keep trying. Maybe dumb it down a little and tell him more body shots. More dump offs. Then take a couple shots here and there
- Kubiak needs to figure out what to do in these games. Advanced teams know the Hawks want to play action deep. I would've ran the ball even more in this game. I would've told Darnold more checkdowns. Keep taking body shots. These guys are way smarter than me ... So hopefully Kubiak has some stuff up his sleave. But lets not forget, Darek Carr started last year the same as Sam Darnold started this year ... Lets hope that Kubiak can also take a step forward as the going may get tougher.
Overall, I love the response and support for the QB. He is a good player but he is not a great player (yet). So keep supporting, keep working with him, keep trying to maximize strengths and minimize weakness while also working on the weaknesses.
I am more encouraged by the response than anything. This is by far the best shot Darnold has had in his career. Last year the Vikings and their fans turned on him any chance they got, similar to our previous QB. Now? Darnold is getting a huge platform of support.
I hate the loss, especially to the Rams, but I am glad in a way this game happened and the response. Huge opportunity to grow and get ready for the playoffs.
More excited than ever.
Go Hawks.
"Man at this point I feel too sorry for Darnold to even point out that Geno would've been the better option for these types of games.
Darnold is great when the play action works all game and the reads are easy. Not going to happen against real defenses.
Not a coincidence his worst games come against the teams who know the Shanahan offense better than anyone (49ers, Texans, Rams)." - Timo Riske
Source: https://x.com/PFF_Moo/status/1990201318196277444?s=20
Sure, but Sam Darnold can learn and get better. I don't think SD is done growing. And I don't think Kubiak is done tinkering the offense to fit his QB.
Before the game, I felt that special teams would be an advantage for us. It’s ironic that the final drive was preceded by the greatest punt I have ever seen. That makes the drive as long as possible, leading to the most difficult field goal attempt available. Any further, and the call is for a Hail Mary.
This is a resilient team. They will support Sam and direct their anger elsewhere. The Titans are going to get the shinola beat out of them. Expect personal fouls.
Not sure I give Top Billin’ more credence than Greg Olsen. Olsen’s literally run thousands of routes in the NFL.
Sounds like encouraging news re. Zabel. Wishing him quick recovery.
My only criticism of MM is his lack of willingness to be bold. I’ve now seen too many times where he could have ‘gone for it’ but didn’t. Time to at least have a crack. Especially, as you mentioned, at the goal line at the end of half. Also, the Barnburner Butt Blast has been working more times than not.
Pray for Grey. Need him back by the rematch!