One important stat is our giveaway/takeaway ratio, which is now up to -1 for the season, up from -6 only a couple of weeks ago (we were -6 for the season last year). So trending in the right direction despite some generosity on offense from time to time. If we end the season in positive territory, we have a shot at winning the NFC West outright.....tie breakers be damned.
I realize it is fun to compare 'greatest' defenses and ponder where this unit may fit when all is said and done, but I think if we stick to the credo Mike Macdonald teaches his players, it's best to think of it in terms of 'best' 70. This may be the deepest Seahawk teams ever. Look at all the guys who have stepped in and not only held their own but made a difference. If you had told me how many snaps Thomas and Okada would have gotten back in September, I would have thought we would be in deep doggie doo doo. But here we are at 9-3, and we still are #1 in DVOA.
It's nonsense for anyone to say NFL quality QB can't win a Super Bowl. Any decent QB can, and Sam is better than average. Are defenses adjusting to our offense? Yes. Is that a surprise? Not at all. Kubiak needs to adjust back. Teams were overplaying the run early in the season, and Seattle was facing high percentage of stacked boxes as a result. Now they are seeing that change, and teams are selling out to pressure the QB. We need to gash that shit. Atlanta will attempt to mimic what the Vikings did. Everyone will until Kubiak shows that's a bad idea. That's what the NFL is about.
I've been waiting all year for K9 to have one of those games, and this game against Atlanta might be it.
I appreciate what you're saying, but I completely disagree. I say bring on all the SB talk in the world, bring on the highest possible expectations. If week 14 is the last time we get to daydream of the Super Bowl, then so be it; at least we had a week to dream. If the dream lasts a little longer, we'll enjoy it longer.
Yeah, I guess there’s also talking something into existence. It’s great to be positive and dream, but it’s also great to creep up on everyone and surprise them.
I think I’d rather be surprised than get my hopes up and be disappointed in the end though. I don’t know, I’m on the fence. I just know I’m getting nervous (in a good way).
I'm sort of a Dylan fanatic, so it's pretty special to see such a great re-creation of that period of Dylan's life, but as usual, one never really gets to "know" Dylan. But there were some truly interesting scenes that fit what we already knew about him. Imma gone watch it again tonite.
I believe in this version of the Seattle Seahawks, They are one amazingly cohesive unit . They will go to the mat for one of there brothers who may of not had a great game. They will not allow any one to beat them up. Great Coaching, Team comradery , And the Will to Win, are driving this team in my humble opinion. This is one extra ordinary time to be a Seahawk Fan.
Thinking about it afterwards, the Purple People Eaters and the Orange Crush didn’t win a Super Bowl but were considered all time defenses. I guess you do have to be on top for multiple years though.
Someone is making the claim that Darnold can't win a Super Bowl? (Eye roll)
Give me a break.
Well, I guess he can't do it until he does do it? Just like "they" say about every champion before it happens.
Will he do it? I don't know but I hope so ... Can he do it? No question in my mind he can do it.
After Darnold and the passing games blazing start that seemingly was aided by Kubiak's personnel usage and play action (Greg Olson has been talking about this for awhile in general terms). I think it was to be expected to have things cool off as defenses adjust.
However, as things cool off for explosive passes, I think we should rightfully anticipate things warming up for the run game. Which seems to be happening.
Think it is great news. Keep pounding the rock until they loosen up a little and we know SD can sling it deep for the uppercut.
I'd throw Peyton Manning in there as well. He was awful when they won the SuperBowl in 2015. They won with that defense.
Nick Foles I would not put in that bucket. The Eagles won that SB because of Nick Foles, not in spite of him. He led scoring drives against the Patriots almost every time he had the ball. Just a tremendous stretch of play by him.
The Run is designed to open up the Pass, so where was it on Sunday? Was it a lockdown on JSN and Shaheed being too new? Seems the focus on Jax would open up Coop, Barner or White. It was good to see K9 get some last resort focus before tossing out of bounds. Do Teams actually hold back good plays as a surprise boost in the Playoffs? Amid all the play design complexities, do QBs still change plays or simply tweak the edges (and that done rarely)? If Kubiak is a genius, I'm failing to see it. My concern is our Trenchmen will need to start seeing it. Dunno. Maybe they live for the brawls.
There is a new All-22 film posted that elucidates how Flores and company were able to shut down JSN as well as the rest of the passing offense. The film also demonstrated how Flores' scheme was able to apply pressure to Darnold.
My hope is we have a whole run arsenal nobody has seen. Might be why we've seen so little of Bobo and the other guys? What if Haynes proves himself explosive? Rylie Mills rewrites the Rush just when the old guys need it. Coaches can expect teams will have you figgered out by this time of the season, so prepare for it. Set them up for the explosive stuff and take aim at a Super Bowl. Get The Men believing in a 3-Peat and watch them return next year.
I think Sunday was more about the game was over so let’s cruise and win the game and not throw the ball.
I think Vikings had a great plan for the pass game including JSN. I think the offense will use that first half tape to see wheee they can improve.
I don’t know if Kubiak is a genius but I am pretty happy to see the offensive line play this year and I think he (and other coaches) get a chunk of that credit.
I share in the offensive concerns, don’t get me wrong.
But, I would continue to lean into the run. I thought the Rams game we were running it well and should’ve run even more.
Defenses these days, at least the advanced ones, are designed to stop the pass more than the run. So let’s run.
Thnx for the insights, Mike, not to discount the time you took. I can get pissy, which will do no one any good. Feels like Sam has been set up to take the blame for anything not going right. It is said 'Success has many parents, but failure is an orphan'. He'll need to tap his inner Champion, but i need to recognize that is truly a huge ask. Succeeding is damn rare. I'm ready to see him as a bridge QB. What is not in question is the Exceptional dedication all these guys are making. MM is laser-focused on nobody getting to take it easy until after the closing gun is fired. Everyone knows this. They've seen it. Felt it. What's that song? "Don't worry. Be Happy". Ah, Mon. Play it, brudda...
We have to accept the possibility SD is a "bridge" to a really crappy QB. JJ Mc comes to mind. I'm OK with above-average QBs. Matt Hasselbeck took us to a SB, and the loss wasn't his fault.
QBs seemingly always get too much credit and too much blame, from what I can see.
I don’t know if it’s blame but I think he is trying to figure out that level of aggression. I see it as a process to continue to get better and grow with the team.
I don’t think he’s elite (yet) and I don’t think he’s bad. I think he’s a good QB that needs to continue to try and raise his floor (worst games) and work on his issues (balls security). But he’s accurate, throws a great deep ball, and can really throw on the move.
We are paying him the I think 15th most salary and I would say he is outplaying it.
Milroe went through a very tough, very educated filtering process to land a job here. His Dad is a Marine, Mom was Navy. One thing about the Marine Corps, it understand young male human nature from all angles. I can see them raising a very tough, very smart young man. I don't regard what we saw early on the field as important. Instead it did just what was meant: remove all illusions he has some magical ability to overcome the reality of the fierce environment they intend on teaching him to Master. He has all the physical attributes that Wilson had (+being taller 6'2"). A photographic memory would be a plus, but then it is no guarantee you understand what it all is trying to produce. I very much look forward to how he has developed this year. Keeping that info close and quiet is a big plus. And nobody is asking. Masterful... no pressure.
I am also excited for Milroe as a prospect. I have never really understood the difference between him and Anthony Richardson and why AR went 4 overall and Milroe went in the 3rd round.
It sounds like a great risk/reward to try and develop him into an NFL QB.
I would one day like to have a more mobile QB. That is such a big upside when things get tough and/or breakdown
I've been following Gruden's educational shows and his game breakdowns. He agrees a team's identity starts in the Trenches. In hilarious outtakes, he takes young QBs to task and shows how difficult it is for them to master the complexities in calling plays under stress. I imagine new asst. coaches are the same, so 2 years seems minimal.
Well I don’t know how much of a talking point it is right now because the playoffs haven’t started yet but it was a talking point about Darnold on the Vikings last year. Not that anyone takes Stephen A Smith seriously but ESPN allows him to talk about football and “Darnold can’t win big games” is one of his things.
There have been a lot of quarterbacks that could not win the big games until they suddenly did: Jim Plunkett, John Elway, Steve Young, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees...etc, etc.
I take most of the talking heads with a huge helping of salt.
Thanks for the great article and always keeping things in perspective.
One important stat is our giveaway/takeaway ratio, which is now up to -1 for the season, up from -6 only a couple of weeks ago (we were -6 for the season last year). So trending in the right direction despite some generosity on offense from time to time. If we end the season in positive territory, we have a shot at winning the NFC West outright.....tie breakers be damned.
I realize it is fun to compare 'greatest' defenses and ponder where this unit may fit when all is said and done, but I think if we stick to the credo Mike Macdonald teaches his players, it's best to think of it in terms of 'best' 70. This may be the deepest Seahawk teams ever. Look at all the guys who have stepped in and not only held their own but made a difference. If you had told me how many snaps Thomas and Okada would have gotten back in September, I would have thought we would be in deep doggie doo doo. But here we are at 9-3, and we still are #1 in DVOA.
It's nonsense for anyone to say NFL quality QB can't win a Super Bowl. Any decent QB can, and Sam is better than average. Are defenses adjusting to our offense? Yes. Is that a surprise? Not at all. Kubiak needs to adjust back. Teams were overplaying the run early in the season, and Seattle was facing high percentage of stacked boxes as a result. Now they are seeing that change, and teams are selling out to pressure the QB. We need to gash that shit. Atlanta will attempt to mimic what the Vikings did. Everyone will until Kubiak shows that's a bad idea. That's what the NFL is about.
I've been waiting all year for K9 to have one of those games, and this game against Atlanta might be it.
Agree completely with that third paragraph.
Please stop all this SB talk. I don’t want the mozz put on us. There’s still a long way to go. I’m getting more nervous every week. 🫣
I appreciate what you're saying, but I completely disagree. I say bring on all the SB talk in the world, bring on the highest possible expectations. If week 14 is the last time we get to daydream of the Super Bowl, then so be it; at least we had a week to dream. If the dream lasts a little longer, we'll enjoy it longer.
Yeah, I guess there’s also talking something into existence. It’s great to be positive and dream, but it’s also great to creep up on everyone and surprise them.
I think I’d rather be surprised than get my hopes up and be disappointed in the end though. I don’t know, I’m on the fence. I just know I’m getting nervous (in a good way).
💯
I just watched "Bohemian Rapsody" which was awesome, and now I am watching "A Complete Unknown" and it is so good I am in heaven.
Go Hawks!
A Complete Unknown is like reliving the 60s.
I'm sort of a Dylan fanatic, so it's pretty special to see such a great re-creation of that period of Dylan's life, but as usual, one never really gets to "know" Dylan. But there were some truly interesting scenes that fit what we already knew about him. Imma gone watch it again tonite.
I believe in this version of the Seattle Seahawks, They are one amazingly cohesive unit . They will go to the mat for one of there brothers who may of not had a great game. They will not allow any one to beat them up. Great Coaching, Team comradery , And the Will to Win, are driving this team in my humble opinion. This is one extra ordinary time to be a Seahawk Fan.
Since you mentioned Rylie Mills, be sure to expand it to full screen:
https://x.com/Seahawks/status/1916891698061512972
I hope he can make it back to play sometime this year.
Now that's a real sack machine. Hope for the same impact for the Seahawks.
Me too, of course, but I'm still recovering from the Olu-Olu disappointment.
Way to go, Idaho ... Fred, hadn't seen what Mills can do. Thanks.
Thinking about it afterwards, the Purple People Eaters and the Orange Crush didn’t win a Super Bowl but were considered all time defenses. I guess you do have to be on top for multiple years though.
But they had the world famous " Wrong Way Marshall.:
Fearsome Foursome of the Rams never won a championship.
Someone is making the claim that Darnold can't win a Super Bowl? (Eye roll)
Give me a break.
Well, I guess he can't do it until he does do it? Just like "they" say about every champion before it happens.
Will he do it? I don't know but I hope so ... Can he do it? No question in my mind he can do it.
After Darnold and the passing games blazing start that seemingly was aided by Kubiak's personnel usage and play action (Greg Olson has been talking about this for awhile in general terms). I think it was to be expected to have things cool off as defenses adjust.
However, as things cool off for explosive passes, I think we should rightfully anticipate things warming up for the run game. Which seems to be happening.
Think it is great news. Keep pounding the rock until they loosen up a little and we know SD can sling it deep for the uppercut.
Look at Darnold's "failure " games, porous o-line, 10 sacks...
ANY Qb would have failed....
Exactly … and I would say a bunch of other average-ish QBs too.
Exhibit A: Trent Dilfer, Super Bowl champion
I'd throw Peyton Manning in there as well. He was awful when they won the SuperBowl in 2015. They won with that defense.
Nick Foles I would not put in that bucket. The Eagles won that SB because of Nick Foles, not in spite of him. He led scoring drives against the Patriots almost every time he had the ball. Just a tremendous stretch of play by him.
Brad Johnson.
I would also put Flacco, Eli Manning, and Hurts at least in the bucket of good QBs that won the SB but not great QBs.
Many of these QBs are also not thought of too highly until after they win the SB. Then the narrative changes.
The Run is designed to open up the Pass, so where was it on Sunday? Was it a lockdown on JSN and Shaheed being too new? Seems the focus on Jax would open up Coop, Barner or White. It was good to see K9 get some last resort focus before tossing out of bounds. Do Teams actually hold back good plays as a surprise boost in the Playoffs? Amid all the play design complexities, do QBs still change plays or simply tweak the edges (and that done rarely)? If Kubiak is a genius, I'm failing to see it. My concern is our Trenchmen will need to start seeing it. Dunno. Maybe they live for the brawls.
There is a new All-22 film posted that elucidates how Flores and company were able to shut down JSN as well as the rest of the passing offense. The film also demonstrated how Flores' scheme was able to apply pressure to Darnold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6GC3XQCwL8
My hope is we have a whole run arsenal nobody has seen. Might be why we've seen so little of Bobo and the other guys? What if Haynes proves himself explosive? Rylie Mills rewrites the Rush just when the old guys need it. Coaches can expect teams will have you figgered out by this time of the season, so prepare for it. Set them up for the explosive stuff and take aim at a Super Bowl. Get The Men believing in a 3-Peat and watch them return next year.
Thanks for posting … can’t wait to check this out
That’s a lot of questions!
I think Sunday was more about the game was over so let’s cruise and win the game and not throw the ball.
I think Vikings had a great plan for the pass game including JSN. I think the offense will use that first half tape to see wheee they can improve.
I don’t know if Kubiak is a genius but I am pretty happy to see the offensive line play this year and I think he (and other coaches) get a chunk of that credit.
I share in the offensive concerns, don’t get me wrong.
But, I would continue to lean into the run. I thought the Rams game we were running it well and should’ve run even more.
Defenses these days, at least the advanced ones, are designed to stop the pass more than the run. So let’s run.
We sound have run on 3/4 ints. It was 1st and 10 twice and 3rd and 3 and 3rd and 7. If we run on the first downs we might win the game.
Thnx for the insights, Mike, not to discount the time you took. I can get pissy, which will do no one any good. Feels like Sam has been set up to take the blame for anything not going right. It is said 'Success has many parents, but failure is an orphan'. He'll need to tap his inner Champion, but i need to recognize that is truly a huge ask. Succeeding is damn rare. I'm ready to see him as a bridge QB. What is not in question is the Exceptional dedication all these guys are making. MM is laser-focused on nobody getting to take it easy until after the closing gun is fired. Everyone knows this. They've seen it. Felt it. What's that song? "Don't worry. Be Happy". Ah, Mon. Play it, brudda...
JJ sez: "I'm ready to see him as a bridge QB."
We have to accept the possibility SD is a "bridge" to a really crappy QB. JJ Mc comes to mind. I'm OK with above-average QBs. Matt Hasselbeck took us to a SB, and the loss wasn't his fault.
RefRoughin' can be a problem.
QBs seemingly always get too much credit and too much blame, from what I can see.
I don’t know if it’s blame but I think he is trying to figure out that level of aggression. I see it as a process to continue to get better and grow with the team.
I don’t think he’s elite (yet) and I don’t think he’s bad. I think he’s a good QB that needs to continue to try and raise his floor (worst games) and work on his issues (balls security). But he’s accurate, throws a great deep ball, and can really throw on the move.
We are paying him the I think 15th most salary and I would say he is outplaying it.
Onward 👍🏼
Milroe went through a very tough, very educated filtering process to land a job here. His Dad is a Marine, Mom was Navy. One thing about the Marine Corps, it understand young male human nature from all angles. I can see them raising a very tough, very smart young man. I don't regard what we saw early on the field as important. Instead it did just what was meant: remove all illusions he has some magical ability to overcome the reality of the fierce environment they intend on teaching him to Master. He has all the physical attributes that Wilson had (+being taller 6'2"). A photographic memory would be a plus, but then it is no guarantee you understand what it all is trying to produce. I very much look forward to how he has developed this year. Keeping that info close and quiet is a big plus. And nobody is asking. Masterful... no pressure.
Sorry, Millroe is the nex JJ Mc Carthy.
Good info.
I am also excited for Milroe as a prospect. I have never really understood the difference between him and Anthony Richardson and why AR went 4 overall and Milroe went in the 3rd round.
It sounds like a great risk/reward to try and develop him into an NFL QB.
I would one day like to have a more mobile QB. That is such a big upside when things get tough and/or breakdown
I can’t remember if it was Kenneth or a writer on Field Gulls, and haven’t seen it mentioned in awhile, but someone was big on these two points:
1. How long it takes an OC’s system to be established - and it’s usually year 2 at the earliest (if I remember correctly)
2. O-Line continuity from year to year, not in-season. And the best O-lines are the ones that have the least change YoY
Both of these would indicate our team is ahead of the curve.
I've been following Gruden's educational shows and his game breakdowns. He agrees a team's identity starts in the Trenches. In hilarious outtakes, he takes young QBs to task and shows how difficult it is for them to master the complexities in calling plays under stress. I imagine new asst. coaches are the same, so 2 years seems minimal.
I’ll never forget the bemused look on Eric Dickerson’s face when Stephen said he was crazy for picking the Seahawks over the Broncos.
Yep. He's a screamer.
He’s a comedy act
Well I don’t know how much of a talking point it is right now because the playoffs haven’t started yet but it was a talking point about Darnold on the Vikings last year. Not that anyone takes Stephen A Smith seriously but ESPN allows him to talk about football and “Darnold can’t win big games” is one of his things.
There have been a lot of quarterbacks that could not win the big games until they suddenly did: Jim Plunkett, John Elway, Steve Young, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees...etc, etc.
I take most of the talking heads with a huge helping of salt.
Thanks for the great article and always keeping things in perspective.
Does anyone listen to Stephen A Smith, come on now he a fool.
I just wish he would stop yelling everything he says....
The most impressive is front pressure from the defensive line with 4. That allows for more DBs than receivers. Love it.
“They line up, they get f—d up”. There gotta be t-shirts.
Loved that line.
We do have some tremendous bargains on this team.
Jones as you mention
Demarcus Lawrence is a flat-out steal at $7.7m
Darnold with a $13m cap number (!)
Cross + Lucas = $11m
Spoon + Tariq + Jobe = $16m
Love + Okada + Cobe + D'Anthony = $12m
Thomas + Knight = $2.2m
Walker + Charbs + Ouzts = $5.4m
Barner + Arroyo + Russell = $3.8m
Damn
JS loves a bargain. You can almost tell which decisions were PC based on the value of the deal.
Add to that the contract lengths and our window for a SB seems like it is at least 2 years and likely 3 years if we draft decently.
It's almost like the LOB days all over again.
The way Leo is playing, he is a big bargain also.
Dang, the Hawks organization are Thieves.
May JS keep his skills fine tuned!!!
Love that they are.
Haven’t read yet. But apparently one of the great NFL pundits posited before the game about Vikes setting Rookie passing records.
After watching the game, I think Brosmer might set more than a few rookie records if he isn't replaced by someone who is at least semi-competent.
But not necessarily the one the old coach was saying. lol. That’s good.
Steve Mariucci predicted that Brosmer would pass for nearly 500 yards. It’s hard to tell how serious he was.
That, my friends, is a whole lot of CROW for Mariucci to eat. Perhaps Pat Macafee (sp) will feed it to him on hiss show.
Love the “hiss” show!
lol. Yep. I couldn’t believe when I saw that.