"It helps when you’re 2nd in NY/A on offense, 2nd in NY/A allowed on defense, and 1st in YPC allowed on defense."
Macdonald should send this to Kubiak as a reminder......don't get cute, don't overthink it. If they can't stop the run, don't go away from it, other than to throw in a second and 4 play action play now and then. And if read 1 or read 2 aren't there, check it down and move on. Make the game simple, especially if Sam is going to be managing an injury.
Sam's role in our success is to LEAD, not to carry the team on his back. Seems to me the efficient deployment of the awesome weapons at his disposal is more effective than having to BE the primary weapon...and thus the primary focus of opposing D's? I wouldn't call him just a "game manager"...the dude throws dimes regularly...but he is surrounded ballers who take the heat off his having to carry the team. If Sam goes from "questionable to play" to "out" on Saturday I would still take the Hawks to win. It takes a village to raise a Lombardi right?
Am I being delusional thinking our defense is historical? Is "The Dark Side" better than even the "Legend of Boom"? Does it stack up to the bad news '85 Bears? I believe some skinny dude in a loincloth in a cave in Tibet said "Defenses win championships Grasshopper.". Sure, of course we have the potential to beat ourselves, but can ANYONE, at this point, beat our defense? I think not.
Houston d looked fearsome against Pitt too. And Stroud played worse than even SD in Rams I... 5 fumbles! Is it destiny to torture the nation with a Hawks Texans non scoring defensive death match SB??
The timing right before the injury announcement is perfect.
Seems like SD is fine and will play but he is listed as questionable. But, I could see some people worried about Drew Lock starting, I would not be one of them. And I think this article laid it out pretty simply, I doubt we will ask the QB to do a whole lot. And I am confident that Lock will be able to perform with the tasks that the coaching staff asks of him just like SD will do on Saturday.
SD is better, don't get me wrong. But I don't think the Seahawks team stalls out due to a change from SD to Lock. Too many ways for this team to win and dominate.
The Darnold injury might actually work in our favor. Now Salah has to spend valuable time preparing for Lock even though he probably won't play a snap. And, Lock gets some 1st team reps in practice in case he DOES have to play. Hopefully Sam takes every snap, but at least Lock is more mentally and physically prepared if he does have to come off the bench. Milroe will not see the field unless Lock is injured, I can almost guarantee that.
I think this game should determine the coach of the year award. Vrabel is probably going to win it anyway, just because, but I don't think Shanahan deserves that award unless he can take us down. I don't fully understand the Shanahan overcoming injuries narrative. Surely outperforming preseason expectations is at least as important, and MM looks far more impressive in that regard. It's a silly award anyway, in that it typically goes to whatever team surprised people most. If MM doesn't win it this year, he probably never will because no one will be shocked that the Seahawks are actually good.
Mike has actively limited injuries this year, only bringing back guys when they ar at 100%. Shanahan has Trent Williams, McC and Stout all playing at less-than-optimal levels and that is just currently today. How many got overplayed throughout the year? Just ride these guys until they break should not be a measure used to decide who has excelled.
Could be worse, as Lock shall now get time to gain a Feel working with The Guys. I have long been a believer in Drew. Be certain Milroe is now nothing like we saw in the first few games. If anything, it is time we see our Running Game explode on the field.
Or… the Niners bring a safety into the box and Drew shows why JS talked about his hose. Shaheed goes deep. JSN and Arroyo find the soft spots. Niners revert to two high and Walker and Charbs carve them up. The Niners are spent. The Seahawks have fresh legs. The home team gets an early lead. The defense dominates. Non-Seahawks fans turn off the TV in the third quarter.
Arroyo and Lock at full-on 100%. All our Support Group has played exceptional ball in every game all year. That won't be changing any time soon. In front of Rabid 12s going into a long-awaited Playoff Game, no less. RocknRoll. RollnRock! HooAh! Who among us will be there?
Sam won't be taking tight-window throws so long as the Int Cloud remains over him. He's finding there is still life after taking a sack. As his guys minimize the tight windows and Shaheed finds the connection with Sam to uncork his distance down field, we may be in for some dazzling performances. Thus far, it's been a long season of learning curves. It is easy to forget this is the first time these guys have played together. They have maintained a discipline of not watching Sports Center broadcasts or reading what sports writers are saying. Among them all, SSJ has maintained a supportive narrative, making points that may help improve performances or bolster morale. I like that. Big Cat Leo just gave the 12s their marching orders at his last Press Podium appearance: Up The Volume as soon as they huddle up. Make it impossible to communicate any plans being made by Stafford. Calling out adjustments at the line doesn't work if you have no idea what he's silently signalling.
Sorry...Devils Advocate and such...these are NFL teams and are capable of putting up points. It's probably not likely, but I wouldn't go as to say it's not possible. We gotta go play good clean ball and be thankful we're not going against their full roster. We've been on s collision course with the rams for most of the season, I would be so disappointed not to play them with the stakes as high as possible. We need to send the message and the NFC Championship is the best place to do it. Begaw!
I can’t see the 49ers offense going toe to toe with our defense. For them to score 3 TDs, they’re going to need three trick/gimmick plays like the razzle dazzle Jennings TD throw against the Eagles, and they’re all going to have to work and not blow up in their face. That’s unlikely, and I’m sure Mm is going to preach discipline to prevent a coverage breakdown and keep that from beating us.
On offense, I expect the run game to continue its success, and I expect Darnold to hit one or two truly explosive pass plays. The SF defense is going to have to stop the run and will sacrifice with a heavy box and single high safety. Shaheed on one side, JSN on the other, one of them or both is going to win and the safety will have to pick one side, Sam just needs 2.7 seconds to make two reads.
I stand by my assessment the Seahawks win by a minimum of 17, as they should have done in week 18. The only way it’s less than 17 is if Lock is the QB in the 4th quarter and the 2nd team defense give up a meaningless late game score.
Even if Lock is the QB for the whole game the 'Hawks are still going t beat the 9ers and, even with the second team in, there won't be any letup. Lock beat the 9ers in 2022, with a different coaching staff, and he may have to do it again if Darnold can't go. Don't sleep on Lock and GO HAWKS.
I fear Lock will be in the game sooner, and not because we're up big. Darnold seems to have suffered an oblique injury. In practice? I don't know anything more than he's suddenly on the injury report and not even probable, but questionable. I feel sure he'll start, but I worry if he can take hits or torque his body to uncork long throws. I hope it's much ado about nothing.
Just watched Sam’s presser. I think he’ll be fine. Thanks for easing my worries, Danno! At least he’s playing against the worst pass rush in the league.
Chuck always possible but as SD said and as SJ pointed out, it’s when he tries to “air yards”. Week 18 he didn’t have to throw deep to get 13 FD plays. Short stuff to JSN, Kupp and AJ who both know how to reach the markers, and Rashid, who just needs a crease to take 5 long. So if the game plan works, lots of Walker/Charbo and short passes, SD should be good.
I guess almost everyone who was listed as probable played. Some teams play games with injuries to make it more difficult to prepare for them by raising questions who is playing. They are vague about what the injury is. A stubbed toe is a foot injury. I think questionable is better than 50/50 and doubtful is less than 50/50 Out, is 100% not playing. The NFL probably tracks status and reality, so a team using doubtful where 80% actually play would probably be called out for abusing the system. But all this is conjecture on my part.
Funny, not surprising, typical NY https://x.com/kylebrandt/status/2011817249003147642?s=46
I'm not sure most people on 2nd and Pike could name the Seahawks' coach.
"It helps when you’re 2nd in NY/A on offense, 2nd in NY/A allowed on defense, and 1st in YPC allowed on defense."
Macdonald should send this to Kubiak as a reminder......don't get cute, don't overthink it. If they can't stop the run, don't go away from it, other than to throw in a second and 4 play action play now and then. And if read 1 or read 2 aren't there, check it down and move on. Make the game simple, especially if Sam is going to be managing an injury.
Sam's role in our success is to LEAD, not to carry the team on his back. Seems to me the efficient deployment of the awesome weapons at his disposal is more effective than having to BE the primary weapon...and thus the primary focus of opposing D's? I wouldn't call him just a "game manager"...the dude throws dimes regularly...but he is surrounded ballers who take the heat off his having to carry the team. If Sam goes from "questionable to play" to "out" on Saturday I would still take the Hawks to win. It takes a village to raise a Lombardi right?
Am I being delusional thinking our defense is historical? Is "The Dark Side" better than even the "Legend of Boom"? Does it stack up to the bad news '85 Bears? I believe some skinny dude in a loincloth in a cave in Tibet said "Defenses win championships Grasshopper.". Sure, of course we have the potential to beat ourselves, but can ANYONE, at this point, beat our defense? I think not.
Houston d looked fearsome against Pitt too. And Stroud played worse than even SD in Rams I... 5 fumbles! Is it destiny to torture the nation with a Hawks Texans non scoring defensive death match SB??
I think we need a Lombardi trophy to cement "The Dark Side" into Seahawks and NFL lore.
Would that make Mike Macdonald Palpatine/Darth Sidious?
Hope not. Just like The Dark Side of the Moon it's a mystery, 'n a positive one.
Excellent write up today.
The timing right before the injury announcement is perfect.
Seems like SD is fine and will play but he is listed as questionable. But, I could see some people worried about Drew Lock starting, I would not be one of them. And I think this article laid it out pretty simply, I doubt we will ask the QB to do a whole lot. And I am confident that Lock will be able to perform with the tasks that the coaching staff asks of him just like SD will do on Saturday.
SD is better, don't get me wrong. But I don't think the Seahawks team stalls out due to a change from SD to Lock. Too many ways for this team to win and dominate.
Go Hawks,
The Darnold injury might actually work in our favor. Now Salah has to spend valuable time preparing for Lock even though he probably won't play a snap. And, Lock gets some 1st team reps in practice in case he DOES have to play. Hopefully Sam takes every snap, but at least Lock is more mentally and physically prepared if he does have to come off the bench. Milroe will not see the field unless Lock is injured, I can almost guarantee that.
Jalen Milroe for Super Bowl MVP!!!
I think this game should determine the coach of the year award. Vrabel is probably going to win it anyway, just because, but I don't think Shanahan deserves that award unless he can take us down. I don't fully understand the Shanahan overcoming injuries narrative. Surely outperforming preseason expectations is at least as important, and MM looks far more impressive in that regard. It's a silly award anyway, in that it typically goes to whatever team surprised people most. If MM doesn't win it this year, he probably never will because no one will be shocked that the Seahawks are actually good.
And Shanahan overcoming fewer injuries than 11 other teams.
But sometimes a narrative takes over and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.
Mike has actively limited injuries this year, only bringing back guys when they ar at 100%. Shanahan has Trent Williams, McC and Stout all playing at less-than-optimal levels and that is just currently today. How many got overplayed throughout the year? Just ride these guys until they break should not be a measure used to decide who has excelled.
Sam is now listed as questionable with an oblique injury. We might see Drew Lock at QB on Saturday.
Could be worse, as Lock shall now get time to gain a Feel working with The Guys. I have long been a believer in Drew. Be certain Milroe is now nothing like we saw in the first few games. If anything, it is time we see our Running Game explode on the field.
Or… the Niners bring a safety into the box and Drew shows why JS talked about his hose. Shaheed goes deep. JSN and Arroyo find the soft spots. Niners revert to two high and Walker and Charbs carve them up. The Niners are spent. The Seahawks have fresh legs. The home team gets an early lead. The defense dominates. Non-Seahawks fans turn off the TV in the third quarter.
Arroyo and Lock at full-on 100%. All our Support Group has played exceptional ball in every game all year. That won't be changing any time soon. In front of Rabid 12s going into a long-awaited Playoff Game, no less. RocknRoll. RollnRock! HooAh! Who among us will be there?
I don't know what they're doing at practice this week, but they need to tone it down!
I suspect Sam invited it. He has little-to-no muscle memory when it comes to securing the ball against fumbles.
We should keep their offense off the field like we did before. It's more fun watching Purdy sitting on the bench watching the game.
Yes, but the MOST fun?
Let's hope for another cut to John Lynch losing his shit in their box!!
Here's a nice 3 second repeatable clip from twitterX. You're welcome.
https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2007649537285116378
Sam won't be taking tight-window throws so long as the Int Cloud remains over him. He's finding there is still life after taking a sack. As his guys minimize the tight windows and Shaheed finds the connection with Sam to uncork his distance down field, we may be in for some dazzling performances. Thus far, it's been a long season of learning curves. It is easy to forget this is the first time these guys have played together. They have maintained a discipline of not watching Sports Center broadcasts or reading what sports writers are saying. Among them all, SSJ has maintained a supportive narrative, making points that may help improve performances or bolster morale. I like that. Big Cat Leo just gave the 12s their marching orders at his last Press Podium appearance: Up The Volume as soon as they huddle up. Make it impossible to communicate any plans being made by Stafford. Calling out adjustments at the line doesn't work if you have no idea what he's silently signalling.
Sorry...Devils Advocate and such...these are NFL teams and are capable of putting up points. It's probably not likely, but I wouldn't go as to say it's not possible. We gotta go play good clean ball and be thankful we're not going against their full roster. We've been on s collision course with the rams for most of the season, I would be so disappointed not to play them with the stakes as high as possible. We need to send the message and the NFC Championship is the best place to do it. Begaw!
Exactly. Line 'em up and lets go play.
"And that’s okay. It’s good, actually!" ... Like this, 'n it brings a smile.
I can’t see the 49ers offense going toe to toe with our defense. For them to score 3 TDs, they’re going to need three trick/gimmick plays like the razzle dazzle Jennings TD throw against the Eagles, and they’re all going to have to work and not blow up in their face. That’s unlikely, and I’m sure Mm is going to preach discipline to prevent a coverage breakdown and keep that from beating us.
On offense, I expect the run game to continue its success, and I expect Darnold to hit one or two truly explosive pass plays. The SF defense is going to have to stop the run and will sacrifice with a heavy box and single high safety. Shaheed on one side, JSN on the other, one of them or both is going to win and the safety will have to pick one side, Sam just needs 2.7 seconds to make two reads.
I stand by my assessment the Seahawks win by a minimum of 17, as they should have done in week 18. The only way it’s less than 17 is if Lock is the QB in the 4th quarter and the 2nd team defense give up a meaningless late game score.
Even if Lock is the QB for the whole game the 'Hawks are still going t beat the 9ers and, even with the second team in, there won't be any letup. Lock beat the 9ers in 2022, with a different coaching staff, and he may have to do it again if Darnold can't go. Don't sleep on Lock and GO HAWKS.
I fear Lock will be in the game sooner, and not because we're up big. Darnold seems to have suffered an oblique injury. In practice? I don't know anything more than he's suddenly on the injury report and not even probable, but questionable. I feel sure he'll start, but I worry if he can take hits or torque his body to uncork long throws. I hope it's much ado about nothing.
Just watched Sam’s presser. I think he’ll be fine. Thanks for easing my worries, Danno! At least he’s playing against the worst pass rush in the league.
Chuck always possible but as SD said and as SJ pointed out, it’s when he tries to “air yards”. Week 18 he didn’t have to throw deep to get 13 FD plays. Short stuff to JSN, Kupp and AJ who both know how to reach the markers, and Rashid, who just needs a crease to take 5 long. So if the game plan works, lots of Walker/Charbo and short passes, SD should be good.
Darnold himself said he expects to play. No sense in worrying about it. Lock can get the job done, as long as he doesn’t turn it over more than once.
Also, I was unaware that "probable" is no longer an injury designation.
I guess almost everyone who was listed as probable played. Some teams play games with injuries to make it more difficult to prepare for them by raising questions who is playing. They are vague about what the injury is. A stubbed toe is a foot injury. I think questionable is better than 50/50 and doubtful is less than 50/50 Out, is 100% not playing. The NFL probably tracks status and reality, so a team using doubtful where 80% actually play would probably be called out for abusing the system. But all this is conjecture on my part.