Re: our RG challenges, I interpreted MacDonald's answer as, we don't have anyone (yet) that's better. Anthony is competing to remain the starter, and so far, nobody has convinced them they are better. That, my friends, is disconcerting. However, as non-ideal as AB is at that spot, the offense is still pretty highly functioning. I was a Haynes fan after watching his UConn tape prior to the draft. He can move, run and hit. He just wasn't strong enough in his rookie year. He's had time to fix that. When he's fully healthy, maybe he's the better option, but I'll leave that assessment to Denton and Kubiak. I won't presume to know better than they do.
Don't forget Cabeldue either.
The Falcons lean on their running game to open up their (decidedly average) passing game. They will not get their running game going, so getting those advantages against the Seahawks D will be difficult. They will not get Seattle to stack the box, as they will be able to limit Robinson without having to do so. On offense, we have to stick with the running game for 4 quarters. The Falcons can get after the QB and have 9 interceptions this year. It will be key to stay on schedule. They also have 41 sacks. So, run the ball, quick passing game, run the ball.
Interestingly, despite the Falcons success defending the pass, their top ranked CB is ranked 24th overall (Terrell). PFF rankings of course, so perhaps not particularly indicative. I think they're winning with pressure, not with coverage, so again, a successful running game and play action will be in order. Don't overthink it Kubiak.
I figure that AB is what he is: fine as long as his target is in front of him, mediocre in any situation that call for athleticism. I’m skeptical of playing Sundell at guard for two reasons:
1. The Hawks are 9-3 with Bradford at guard and no one can point to him as the reason for any of the losses. Why disrupt the continuity of what is working a (maybe) marginal improvement?
2. I have no confidence in 300-lb guards, so I doubt that Sundell offers so much as a marginal improvement
Zez…what bugged me and how you go after that defense, and SJ covered Sunday and partially in this article that they likely went into the game to be very conservative on purpose. But basically due to Vikes what Vikes offense did to us, but we didn’t do. Hockenson would block, then release. Dump off. Jones same thing (the DLaw super awesome recovery strip not withstanding). Block. Release. Lastly, quick ins (see a couple Kupp passes). Last one though. Reason being is if you look at Vikes defense. They ran 7, 8, 9 DLine with 2 deep Safeties. The 2-8 yard zone was wide open. But do we want to risk JSN to major crossing hits? My only issue wasn’t more K9/AJ block release type passes. Especially K9 in flat. I love him in the open field.
Was going to come on and speak to ATL and both you and Don partially addressed. First, Cousins may be a laughing stock to many, but he’s still smart. Doesn’t have Staffords arm but he can play. Two biggest things. Running game. This is the best RB we’ve faced all year. Luckily our best defense is run defense. Second, ATL pass rush is decent. I’m actually worried a bit. We’re 0-1 on the road at the moment. I don’t want this to be a trap game. This isn’t a rookie QB to demolish.
If Cousins is fully recovered from his Achilles injury, he is probably more of a concern to me than Penix. He is savvy, gritty and tends to play things safe. So, I don't see a 4 interception day for the Seahawks defense this Sunday.
The Falcons pass defense is pretty good and, unlike the Vikings, they are getting to the QB this year. Their run defense is nothing to write home about but neither is our rush offense.
I do think the Seahawks defense can neutralize the Falcons offense but not to the same degree that we crushed the Vikings offense. Bijan is a tremendous threat both as a weapon in the run and pass game. If Drake London plays, he is a threat as well. I think the Falcons are going to score some points.
I think the Falcons on defense have the components to frustrate our offense. It does look like the Falcons defense has given up quite a few big passing plays over the last half dozen games or so. JSN could potentially have a big day. Opposing running backs have had some good games against the Falcons defense as well.
This looks like a close game to me. I am concerned about turnovers from the Hawks. The Falcons are in the top 3rd for both forced fumbles and defensive interceptions. That could be the difference in this game.
Though I do think we will win this game, I am not nearly as certain as I was in some of our other games. Looks like we both feel the same way, Randall.
I am always nervous when we are favored by a TD when visiting. Gets their back up and growly. A good QB and Coach will play off that. Trying to be creepy nice just makes it worse.
Walker still gets lost at times on what to do. He loves to run outside… so bubble screens to him. Shaun Alexander when he was his best would be bottled up and break one finally. They are the same that way.
This team is run to watch again. 2 great LBs , the OL. Bradford gave up fewer sacks than our LT. How I guy than big cannot run block I have no idea. But he cannot.
If they can keep the Defense off the field like they did last game and they are always fresh They can beat anybody.
I totally agree. Fans would tell him he sucks and his professional life is near the end, but what would good coach tell him? Great question. All of this has nothing to do with what the draft team does next April, but it's a good early December question.
Watch the All 22 video on the Vikings shutting down JSN. People talk about the blitz, but watch the LB in coverage as well as the DL players who occupy the OL, but aren’t the attackers.
It seems to me that the LB would drop into the path where JSN was expected to be. The non-attacking defensive linemen would be in line of other route options, ready to jump and bat the pass. That counters the short, inside routes, regardless of what cuts JSN might make. Next, shade the free safety towards JSN to cover the deep routes. JSN can trick the CB out of his socks, but there was help on all three levels. Great job by Flores.
Kubiak needs to counter this with dump offs to RBs and TEs on the perimeter. On one play, the TE and RB both blocked one guy, didn’t offer an outlet, both whiffed, and Darnold was sacked. If either had released and quickly turned his head, it would have been easy yards.
The low risk offense worked well against the Vikings. We need counterpunches against better teams.
I agree. I think they saw exactly how the Vikings defense was playing against Darnold, but rather than respond assertively, they hunkered down and let the defensive unit do the talking. No need to show our competitors our offensive counterattack.
I hope we get in front of the Falcons early too. It’s good to play like it’s a preseason game and keep the other top teams in the dark.
Yay, I get to talk about Anthony Bradford & Christian Haynes again! Always a fun evening.
Haynes - The enigma of the Seahawks. For anyone with knowledge of non-1st Rd Linemen (so a very small few of us weirdos) Haynes came to the 2024 draft as a great day 2 prospect. I'd been hyping him for two years.
Since then, mystery. A day 2 pick not making the Week 1 starting roster in his rookie season, no biggie. What we then had was trying to establish anything under last years Ryan Grubb experiment, which we all know did nothing to help anyone on the offence at any point. This year he's been on IR. All combined with honestly, not much comment from coaches at all in two years. Nothing good, nothing bad. Mystery. An enigma. We have just been waiting to see if that prospective talent is really there.
He's potentially much more of a Kubiak line-man. UConn were more zone scheme and Haynes strength is in his footwork and lateral movement (unlike Bradford, we'll get there). So I've been coming around to, Grubb didn't know what to do with him in 2024, preferring other options for his scheme rather than a rookie that did need work. Then this year injury has delayed his introduction, with I hope a plan to introduce him more going forwards.
I do think he needs more top-half power, his feet and legs are awesome but his hands and arms can be kinda loose. That said he's improved there in his time with the Hawks so i think this strength work has been why he's been behind Bradford on the depth charts. Now out of injury keep an eye on Haynes down the stretch and through the off-season, Kubiak should be licking his lips and I'm pumped to see the best IOL in the FBS in 2022 & 2023 given a genuine shot.
Bradford - I've gone over Bradford a ton in the last two years. Yeah yeah, bad screenshot, you could do that to any player. But with Bradford it happens a lot... Because he's a "front foot" player. One of his primary traits is he plays aggressive and wants to get the jump off the snap, playing north-south. It's awesome when he connects, and if he does he can control any defender in the entire league. The issue, when he misses he misses big. A quick move, a swim, a double-team, and poof he's flailing at air.
It's almost inverse to Haynes, where Anthony has great hands and arm strength but he's a much less mobile and less balanced in the lower half. Last year I talked about Laumea having rotated hips, meaning he'd often end up sideways to the defender, Bradford has locked hips. Great for driving forwards, not good trying to adjust or trying to shift in a zone scheme. All to be said, I think he's improved this aspect this year and is more measured in his jump off the line to try and compensate this problem. Given more time he could control that forward motion even more.
But that's where I look and see Haynes as a better longer term option, always have. Anthony's weakness can be worked on, but it will limit what he excels at. But you know, Day 3 pick, and being an ok enough guard for that is fine. Get Haynes up to speed with consistent game time (which he's not had yet as a Hawk) in Kubiak scheme, his weakness is more manageable and working on it won't detract his strength in the same way.
What we also then get with Cabeldue and Jones is versatility. These both can plug in to multiple positions on the line, which gives huge value to a roster. So if an injury comes up we have capacity to shuffle around and put out a line that's (in theory) much stronger than an other teams second choice line. Which should not be overstated in importance.
God that's too much writing about Guards - again. Don't judge Bradford based on freeze frames. Remember we have not seen anything close to what Haynes should be capable of. Never even look at PFF stats (that's just general advice). Don't undervalue versatility in a back-up lineman. Imagine how good things could be with a second year for Kubiak to assemble his ideal unit, hopefully without injuries.
Love it KH. I’ve been saying similar, but with less detail and Coach speak (a little kids Coach but more a football officials “eye” as that was more my background). Why for example the Barnyard is working well. AB just drive forward power. I totally agree with you. He is a battering ram. And if the defender side steps, he’s then left flailing. I think you can “hear” that when Coach Mac talks about him. And likely one reason he’s still the starters. Side question. Do same write up about Sundell if you wouldn’t mind.
Thanks KH, always good to see your OL analysis, gives me confidence and helps me get over what my lyin’ eyes are telling me. Saw video analysis of the play that led to the freeze frame of Sam on the ground - didn’t really look like AB’s fault. Charb couldn’t handle the rusher who made the tackle, not sure there was a way for AB to help much more. Thoughts?
I rewatched that play after the famous photo of Darnold on his belly holding his hands up like “wtf, dude?” which showed Bradford’s jersey facing his qb. I also assumed it was on AB. Easy to look at that photo or a “worst of” reel of lowlights and assume it’s “close curtains, end of discussion.” He’s out there for a reason. Nobody healthy is better right now. The upcoming draft is said to be terrible, and super shallow on o line. I trust it will be remedied one way or the other next year but it sure would be nice to do so now. This team is close to being the best in the NFL right now. We’re 5 deep at safety and only have 4 starting caliber linemen.
I think the photo is mis-representing the situation. I remember watching the play live and Darnold was looking at the official nearby looking for a flag.
Regarding the draft. Mocks showing a lot of OLine in first round. But at top of draft. Frankly I wonder if JS and team drafted last year in prep for this year. Ducks have up to 5 players in first 2 rounds. A couple Oline. Ohio St also. After around mid first round there were like maybe 1 more in a couple drafts for remaining first and second. Did JS and team see that, upped last years picks, got our man Grey and then used those other picks then in preparation for 2026 weakness. JS always good with going against the grain.
Well, of course, there is, but you and I will never be privileged to that information. And that's OK because we wouldn't know what to do with the info if we had it. Even the dumbest coach on a bad team knows more about this stuff than any of us.
Re: our RG challenges, I interpreted MacDonald's answer as, we don't have anyone (yet) that's better. Anthony is competing to remain the starter, and so far, nobody has convinced them they are better. That, my friends, is disconcerting. However, as non-ideal as AB is at that spot, the offense is still pretty highly functioning. I was a Haynes fan after watching his UConn tape prior to the draft. He can move, run and hit. He just wasn't strong enough in his rookie year. He's had time to fix that. When he's fully healthy, maybe he's the better option, but I'll leave that assessment to Denton and Kubiak. I won't presume to know better than they do.
Don't forget Cabeldue either.
The Falcons lean on their running game to open up their (decidedly average) passing game. They will not get their running game going, so getting those advantages against the Seahawks D will be difficult. They will not get Seattle to stack the box, as they will be able to limit Robinson without having to do so. On offense, we have to stick with the running game for 4 quarters. The Falcons can get after the QB and have 9 interceptions this year. It will be key to stay on schedule. They also have 41 sacks. So, run the ball, quick passing game, run the ball.
Interestingly, despite the Falcons success defending the pass, their top ranked CB is ranked 24th overall (Terrell). PFF rankings of course, so perhaps not particularly indicative. I think they're winning with pressure, not with coverage, so again, a successful running game and play action will be in order. Don't overthink it Kubiak.
I figure that AB is what he is: fine as long as his target is in front of him, mediocre in any situation that call for athleticism. I’m skeptical of playing Sundell at guard for two reasons:
1. The Hawks are 9-3 with Bradford at guard and no one can point to him as the reason for any of the losses. Why disrupt the continuity of what is working a (maybe) marginal improvement?
2. I have no confidence in 300-lb guards, so I doubt that Sundell offers so much as a marginal improvement
Zez…what bugged me and how you go after that defense, and SJ covered Sunday and partially in this article that they likely went into the game to be very conservative on purpose. But basically due to Vikes what Vikes offense did to us, but we didn’t do. Hockenson would block, then release. Dump off. Jones same thing (the DLaw super awesome recovery strip not withstanding). Block. Release. Lastly, quick ins (see a couple Kupp passes). Last one though. Reason being is if you look at Vikes defense. They ran 7, 8, 9 DLine with 2 deep Safeties. The 2-8 yard zone was wide open. But do we want to risk JSN to major crossing hits? My only issue wasn’t more K9/AJ block release type passes. Especially K9 in flat. I love him in the open field.
Was going to come on and speak to ATL and both you and Don partially addressed. First, Cousins may be a laughing stock to many, but he’s still smart. Doesn’t have Staffords arm but he can play. Two biggest things. Running game. This is the best RB we’ve faced all year. Luckily our best defense is run defense. Second, ATL pass rush is decent. I’m actually worried a bit. We’re 0-1 on the road at the moment. I don’t want this to be a trap game. This isn’t a rookie QB to demolish.
If Cousins is fully recovered from his Achilles injury, he is probably more of a concern to me than Penix. He is savvy, gritty and tends to play things safe. So, I don't see a 4 interception day for the Seahawks defense this Sunday.
The Falcons pass defense is pretty good and, unlike the Vikings, they are getting to the QB this year. Their run defense is nothing to write home about but neither is our rush offense.
I do think the Seahawks defense can neutralize the Falcons offense but not to the same degree that we crushed the Vikings offense. Bijan is a tremendous threat both as a weapon in the run and pass game. If Drake London plays, he is a threat as well. I think the Falcons are going to score some points.
I think the Falcons on defense have the components to frustrate our offense. It does look like the Falcons defense has given up quite a few big passing plays over the last half dozen games or so. JSN could potentially have a big day. Opposing running backs have had some good games against the Falcons defense as well.
This looks like a close game to me. I am concerned about turnovers from the Hawks. The Falcons are in the top 3rd for both forced fumbles and defensive interceptions. That could be the difference in this game.
Though I do think we will win this game, I am not nearly as certain as I was in some of our other games. Looks like we both feel the same way, Randall.
hah, hah. KenJoe : "Many of you would be able to answer that question better than me."
Quite a bit different than some other sites (other members here have written about)
< WHAT?! You Don't Agree With Me?! YOU'RE BANNED! >
... we be fortunate here.
I read that in a British accent
I am always nervous when we are favored by a TD when visiting. Gets their back up and growly. A good QB and Coach will play off that. Trying to be creepy nice just makes it worse.
I’m concerned about this game too.
Walker still gets lost at times on what to do. He loves to run outside… so bubble screens to him. Shaun Alexander when he was his best would be bottled up and break one finally. They are the same that way.
This team is run to watch again. 2 great LBs , the OL. Bradford gave up fewer sacks than our LT. How I guy than big cannot run block I have no idea. But he cannot.
If they can keep the Defense off the field like they did last game and they are always fresh They can beat anybody.
I would like to know what John Benton says to him afterwards.
I totally agree. Fans would tell him he sucks and his professional life is near the end, but what would good coach tell him? Great question. All of this has nothing to do with what the draft team does next April, but it's a good early December question.
That would be an interesting conversation
Watch the All 22 video on the Vikings shutting down JSN. People talk about the blitz, but watch the LB in coverage as well as the DL players who occupy the OL, but aren’t the attackers.
It seems to me that the LB would drop into the path where JSN was expected to be. The non-attacking defensive linemen would be in line of other route options, ready to jump and bat the pass. That counters the short, inside routes, regardless of what cuts JSN might make. Next, shade the free safety towards JSN to cover the deep routes. JSN can trick the CB out of his socks, but there was help on all three levels. Great job by Flores.
Kubiak needs to counter this with dump offs to RBs and TEs on the perimeter. On one play, the TE and RB both blocked one guy, didn’t offer an outlet, both whiffed, and Darnold was sacked. If either had released and quickly turned his head, it would have been easy yards.
The low risk offense worked well against the Vikings. We need counterpunches against better teams.
Just posted similar. Well said. I blame Coach K more but do think SJ is correct they planned for a very conservative game.
I agree. I think they saw exactly how the Vikings defense was playing against Darnold, but rather than respond assertively, they hunkered down and let the defensive unit do the talking. No need to show our competitors our offensive counterattack.
I hope we get in front of the Falcons early too. It’s good to play like it’s a preseason game and keep the other top teams in the dark.
Yay, I get to talk about Anthony Bradford & Christian Haynes again! Always a fun evening.
Haynes - The enigma of the Seahawks. For anyone with knowledge of non-1st Rd Linemen (so a very small few of us weirdos) Haynes came to the 2024 draft as a great day 2 prospect. I'd been hyping him for two years.
Since then, mystery. A day 2 pick not making the Week 1 starting roster in his rookie season, no biggie. What we then had was trying to establish anything under last years Ryan Grubb experiment, which we all know did nothing to help anyone on the offence at any point. This year he's been on IR. All combined with honestly, not much comment from coaches at all in two years. Nothing good, nothing bad. Mystery. An enigma. We have just been waiting to see if that prospective talent is really there.
He's potentially much more of a Kubiak line-man. UConn were more zone scheme and Haynes strength is in his footwork and lateral movement (unlike Bradford, we'll get there). So I've been coming around to, Grubb didn't know what to do with him in 2024, preferring other options for his scheme rather than a rookie that did need work. Then this year injury has delayed his introduction, with I hope a plan to introduce him more going forwards.
I do think he needs more top-half power, his feet and legs are awesome but his hands and arms can be kinda loose. That said he's improved there in his time with the Hawks so i think this strength work has been why he's been behind Bradford on the depth charts. Now out of injury keep an eye on Haynes down the stretch and through the off-season, Kubiak should be licking his lips and I'm pumped to see the best IOL in the FBS in 2022 & 2023 given a genuine shot.
Bradford - I've gone over Bradford a ton in the last two years. Yeah yeah, bad screenshot, you could do that to any player. But with Bradford it happens a lot... Because he's a "front foot" player. One of his primary traits is he plays aggressive and wants to get the jump off the snap, playing north-south. It's awesome when he connects, and if he does he can control any defender in the entire league. The issue, when he misses he misses big. A quick move, a swim, a double-team, and poof he's flailing at air.
It's almost inverse to Haynes, where Anthony has great hands and arm strength but he's a much less mobile and less balanced in the lower half. Last year I talked about Laumea having rotated hips, meaning he'd often end up sideways to the defender, Bradford has locked hips. Great for driving forwards, not good trying to adjust or trying to shift in a zone scheme. All to be said, I think he's improved this aspect this year and is more measured in his jump off the line to try and compensate this problem. Given more time he could control that forward motion even more.
But that's where I look and see Haynes as a better longer term option, always have. Anthony's weakness can be worked on, but it will limit what he excels at. But you know, Day 3 pick, and being an ok enough guard for that is fine. Get Haynes up to speed with consistent game time (which he's not had yet as a Hawk) in Kubiak scheme, his weakness is more manageable and working on it won't detract his strength in the same way.
What we also then get with Cabeldue and Jones is versatility. These both can plug in to multiple positions on the line, which gives huge value to a roster. So if an injury comes up we have capacity to shuffle around and put out a line that's (in theory) much stronger than an other teams second choice line. Which should not be overstated in importance.
God that's too much writing about Guards - again. Don't judge Bradford based on freeze frames. Remember we have not seen anything close to what Haynes should be capable of. Never even look at PFF stats (that's just general advice). Don't undervalue versatility in a back-up lineman. Imagine how good things could be with a second year for Kubiak to assemble his ideal unit, hopefully without injuries.
Love it KH. I’ve been saying similar, but with less detail and Coach speak (a little kids Coach but more a football officials “eye” as that was more my background). Why for example the Barnyard is working well. AB just drive forward power. I totally agree with you. He is a battering ram. And if the defender side steps, he’s then left flailing. I think you can “hear” that when Coach Mac talks about him. And likely one reason he’s still the starters. Side question. Do same write up about Sundell if you wouldn’t mind.
Thanks KH, always good to see your OL analysis, gives me confidence and helps me get over what my lyin’ eyes are telling me. Saw video analysis of the play that led to the freeze frame of Sam on the ground - didn’t really look like AB’s fault. Charb couldn’t handle the rusher who made the tackle, not sure there was a way for AB to help much more. Thoughts?
I rewatched that play after the famous photo of Darnold on his belly holding his hands up like “wtf, dude?” which showed Bradford’s jersey facing his qb. I also assumed it was on AB. Easy to look at that photo or a “worst of” reel of lowlights and assume it’s “close curtains, end of discussion.” He’s out there for a reason. Nobody healthy is better right now. The upcoming draft is said to be terrible, and super shallow on o line. I trust it will be remedied one way or the other next year but it sure would be nice to do so now. This team is close to being the best in the NFL right now. We’re 5 deep at safety and only have 4 starting caliber linemen.
I think the photo is mis-representing the situation. I remember watching the play live and Darnold was looking at the official nearby looking for a flag.
Regarding the draft. Mocks showing a lot of OLine in first round. But at top of draft. Frankly I wonder if JS and team drafted last year in prep for this year. Ducks have up to 5 players in first 2 rounds. A couple Oline. Ohio St also. After around mid first round there were like maybe 1 more in a couple drafts for remaining first and second. Did JS and team see that, upped last years picks, got our man Grey and then used those other picks then in preparation for 2026 weakness. JS always good with going against the grain.
Any insight from how the Panthers beat the Rams? Anything the Seahawks might be able to use to improve their odds in the second bout?
Well, of course, there is, but you and I will never be privileged to that information. And that's OK because we wouldn't know what to do with the info if we had it. Even the dumbest coach on a bad team knows more about this stuff than any of us.
Another Stafford pick-six would help