I was hoping you’d write about this bc it’s so unbelievable — literally the entire starting front 4 are out. Could argue Murphy isn’t a starter but I’m not sure he isn’t already better than Hankins and Reed who would be the “starters”.
And these are the Lions, one of the best OL’s in the NFL. Great for us Ragnow is also out bc he’s the brains of the outfit but they’re down one of 5 and we’re down 4 of 4 plus prob Baker
Against one of the best running teams in the league, having recently given up 185 w Mafe Williams and Murphy playing.
Gotta say I’m impressed with your optimism. Hankins and Reed already got more snaps than their usual last week and are going to get more this week.
Afraid there isn’t enough magic in MacDonald’s hat for this one.
So we’d better score 40. Can be done too esp with a turnover or two if we can get a quick lead and get them into the passing game
Different positions. Except on pass plays Murphy isn’t a Nose Tackle. I want him playing but I’m not in agreement that he “starts” over those 2. But he’s a defacto starter in that you really need 4 DLine with 3 man fronts to stay “fresh”.
Sounded like Grubb has Huge Hankins doing what he enjoys doing best. Maybe that is classic "stuffing" the middle? I find it utterly unexpected that MM decided to test our Bench against the biggest threat we have yet faced, as others would certainly be giving Leo Williams playing time. No bigger vote-of-confidence could be awarded to guys pawing at the dirt to show what they can do, too. My already high respect just zoomed more. Let starters rest and get back to 100% in this most difficult stretch of our schedule.
This is a learning curve game. If you rewatched last week you'll see a bunch of bad blocks on offense as well as a lot of missed tackles on D. Yes, they snuffed the life out of Miami, but it wasn't just a sloppy game for both teams. There were a lot of missed opportunities on both sides of the ball for Seattle. Especially to run block and stop quick hitches and underneath stuff on D. You can expect Detroit to see the latter and try to execute that, as well as run right at the defense.
What might be interesting against Detroit, even if it's a losing battle as you'd guess even if you had your starting defensive line, is whether Seattle plays UP to its competition vs. down to them.
Seattle under Carroll had a habit of doing both...until the last two years, when there was no second gear to his teams, at least not for a full game. It's early for McD, but you want to see growth, and in this game it would be great to see the offense play cleaner and to really execute. That's hard when you have one guy on offense who just can't seem to get out of his own way and is always false starting or holding, but you can hope.
I don't see how Seattle wins this. I don't think the Lions are actually as good this year as last year, in part because nobody is going to underestimate them, but they have serious speed and talent on offense and unlike Seattle, they've invested in their offensive line. They're going to try to mow down Seattle's banged up line, and they should. It could be a really long night, but again, it would be great to see growth. Also: not adding to the injury total, since they have to come back and play a more rested Giants team by far on a short week. Which, thanks NFL. That's crap. At least schedule a team that played on Sunday, not THURSDAY. I don't think the Giants are great, but if you're coming in wounded like Seattle, that's bad.
I'm seeing us focused on winning the Division and at least tie for win/loss. Going against Frisco at 4-1 with healthy Starters and an experienced Bench? Earn a Bye and home field advantage in the Playoffs. Playing the Long Game.
I feel like I should be more worried about this game than I am. Probably because the Hawks recent history with the Lions is so good.
Defense missing the starting D line? I think our offense can make up the difference in this game. The coaching staff has done a good job of making in game adjustments so far…better than in previous seasons.
As long as the team gets better and doesn’t fall flat, I’m good with whatever happens on Monday.
Being in a rock fight without some of your best rock throwers is definitely not ideal. Frankly if the D is playing at the level of the first three games vs the Lions, just give MM Coach of the Year right now.
Complementary football: the other way of constraining the Lions run game is to get out to a lead early and keep scoring. If there was ever a game where 4 quarters of “Good Geno” is necessary for victory this would be the one. No mistakes from Geno and there might be a chance.
Vision board is for tomorrow but I am not optimistic about this one given the DL issues.
I'm going to have to disagree with the assessment to go away from JSN. Both Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin lit the Lions up from the slot position in their games with both going over 100 yards and a TD.
Wondering about Hawks ball control via a run game as a contributing strategy, utilizing K9 and Charbs, to keep Lions’ DL at bay. Add in a shorter pass scheme, and maybe that all minimizes Hawk DL minutes. And if Hawks end up 3-1 worse things have happened.
Hankins came up big in the last game, and Mike Morris always impresses me. With Reed, I think they can hold their own in the middle. Hall will need to play almost every play. But we are undermanned, no doubt. We have a built in excuse to lose, but let's overcome this obstacle and make it three years in a row we beat the Lions. More like kittens.
Seattle could activate either of the DT's mentioned from the practice squad, but I expect that's it's a 'break glass' circumstance if they get on the field. It's usually a process to get them game ready after signing them, so I don't think we'll see Gotel or anyone else from the PS in the game without further injuries. Reed, Hank, and Mo can handle things, with Adams taking a few snaps when necessary. Looking forward to seeing Mo Mo play more. He had a good game last week. I wouldn't slide Jones inside. He had his best game last week off of the edge, so I wouldn't be messing with him.
It will be really important for the D to get 3rd down stops in the first half. If their snap count gets up there early because of 2 or 3 long drives, that's when things could get weird in the 2nd half.
Glad to see Seattle is playing the long game with these injuries, and I love how nonchalant MacDonald is about having other guys step in. Confidents man, confidents. Love it.
D-Hall will hopefully introduce himself early to Geoff. This would have been a perfect game for Williams and Murphy, as Geoff plays poorly with inside pressure. We'll have to figure out other ways to get him uncomfortable. An early body slam wouldn't hurt.
Yeah, Goff doesn't do well when rattled. I read we may see the Lions left guard go to center and a rookie playing LG. Cool. Ears back. Teeth bared. Or talons. Whatever... I have all faith our Bench will be fierce. Looks like Branch is out. Make Hutchinson cover passes.
I don't know about sliding Jones back inside. Yes, he's played it before at close to 290 and wasn't all that successful; hence the move. After losing 15-20lbs in the offseason, I don't see him being able to casually stroll back into DT territory. They might rush him inside off of stunts/etc., but don't see them wasting to many snaps on anything DT-esque.
On a side note, Brian Mone is out there too. He played decent snaps before getting injured. He must not be back to full health if he's not even in the conversation. Shame.
Will be tough with all the missing players, but all they can do is march out who is available. Hopefully this is all the injury bug they will have this year and they get through it positively! GO HAWKS!!!
Hmmm. A bit concerning. Hopefully those playing step it up and play like they’ve got something to prove.
I was hoping you’d write about this bc it’s so unbelievable — literally the entire starting front 4 are out. Could argue Murphy isn’t a starter but I’m not sure he isn’t already better than Hankins and Reed who would be the “starters”.
And these are the Lions, one of the best OL’s in the NFL. Great for us Ragnow is also out bc he’s the brains of the outfit but they’re down one of 5 and we’re down 4 of 4 plus prob Baker
Against one of the best running teams in the league, having recently given up 185 w Mafe Williams and Murphy playing.
Gotta say I’m impressed with your optimism. Hankins and Reed already got more snaps than their usual last week and are going to get more this week.
Afraid there isn’t enough magic in MacDonald’s hat for this one.
So we’d better score 40. Can be done too esp with a turnover or two if we can get a quick lead and get them into the passing game
Great point. Our offence has to be exceptional this week.
With Raginow, they've been a top 5 team. Without him a bottom 3rd.
Different positions. Except on pass plays Murphy isn’t a Nose Tackle. I want him playing but I’m not in agreement that he “starts” over those 2. But he’s a defacto starter in that you really need 4 DLine with 3 man fronts to stay “fresh”.
Sounded like Grubb has Huge Hankins doing what he enjoys doing best. Maybe that is classic "stuffing" the middle? I find it utterly unexpected that MM decided to test our Bench against the biggest threat we have yet faced, as others would certainly be giving Leo Williams playing time. No bigger vote-of-confidence could be awarded to guys pawing at the dirt to show what they can do, too. My already high respect just zoomed more. Let starters rest and get back to 100% in this most difficult stretch of our schedule.
Remember the day that Seaside Joe woke up and thought, “I wonder what I’m going to do today?”
Me neither.
Also, Hankins is the most important player on the team this week. I’m serious.
Yeah he’s gonna have to step up again!
His press appearance gave me the impression he's made the determination that this is his Super Bowl Team.
This is a learning curve game. If you rewatched last week you'll see a bunch of bad blocks on offense as well as a lot of missed tackles on D. Yes, they snuffed the life out of Miami, but it wasn't just a sloppy game for both teams. There were a lot of missed opportunities on both sides of the ball for Seattle. Especially to run block and stop quick hitches and underneath stuff on D. You can expect Detroit to see the latter and try to execute that, as well as run right at the defense.
What might be interesting against Detroit, even if it's a losing battle as you'd guess even if you had your starting defensive line, is whether Seattle plays UP to its competition vs. down to them.
Seattle under Carroll had a habit of doing both...until the last two years, when there was no second gear to his teams, at least not for a full game. It's early for McD, but you want to see growth, and in this game it would be great to see the offense play cleaner and to really execute. That's hard when you have one guy on offense who just can't seem to get out of his own way and is always false starting or holding, but you can hope.
I don't see how Seattle wins this. I don't think the Lions are actually as good this year as last year, in part because nobody is going to underestimate them, but they have serious speed and talent on offense and unlike Seattle, they've invested in their offensive line. They're going to try to mow down Seattle's banged up line, and they should. It could be a really long night, but again, it would be great to see growth. Also: not adding to the injury total, since they have to come back and play a more rested Giants team by far on a short week. Which, thanks NFL. That's crap. At least schedule a team that played on Sunday, not THURSDAY. I don't think the Giants are great, but if you're coming in wounded like Seattle, that's bad.
I'm seeing us focused on winning the Division and at least tie for win/loss. Going against Frisco at 4-1 with healthy Starters and an experienced Bench? Earn a Bye and home field advantage in the Playoffs. Playing the Long Game.
Gruden Loves Football Seahawks-Lions
https://youtu.be/iQ_Nyxyi8Mc?si=jiWh17Wr44NpJLTP
I cannot see Gruden without seeing Chucky….
https://youtu.be/YEBU6m7toSg?si=JDZ5hkAUnxuf1yoL
I feel like I should be more worried about this game than I am. Probably because the Hawks recent history with the Lions is so good.
Defense missing the starting D line? I think our offense can make up the difference in this game. The coaching staff has done a good job of making in game adjustments so far…better than in previous seasons.
As long as the team gets better and doesn’t fall flat, I’m good with whatever happens on Monday.
Hawk blogger has an interesting take on the DL issues, saying that is not where the game will be decided.
Being in a rock fight without some of your best rock throwers is definitely not ideal. Frankly if the D is playing at the level of the first three games vs the Lions, just give MM Coach of the Year right now.
Complementary football: the other way of constraining the Lions run game is to get out to a lead early and keep scoring. If there was ever a game where 4 quarters of “Good Geno” is necessary for victory this would be the one. No mistakes from Geno and there might be a chance.
Vision board is for tomorrow but I am not optimistic about this one given the DL issues.
I'm going to have to disagree with the assessment to go away from JSN. Both Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin lit the Lions up from the slot position in their games with both going over 100 yards and a TD.
Wondering about Hawks ball control via a run game as a contributing strategy, utilizing K9 and Charbs, to keep Lions’ DL at bay. Add in a shorter pass scheme, and maybe that all minimizes Hawk DL minutes. And if Hawks end up 3-1 worse things have happened.
Hankins came up big in the last game, and Mike Morris always impresses me. With Reed, I think they can hold their own in the middle. Hall will need to play almost every play. But we are undermanned, no doubt. We have a built in excuse to lose, but let's overcome this obstacle and make it three years in a row we beat the Lions. More like kittens.
Gotta hope for a Mike Morris breakout game. He is capable.
Seattle could activate either of the DT's mentioned from the practice squad, but I expect that's it's a 'break glass' circumstance if they get on the field. It's usually a process to get them game ready after signing them, so I don't think we'll see Gotel or anyone else from the PS in the game without further injuries. Reed, Hank, and Mo can handle things, with Adams taking a few snaps when necessary. Looking forward to seeing Mo Mo play more. He had a good game last week. I wouldn't slide Jones inside. He had his best game last week off of the edge, so I wouldn't be messing with him.
It will be really important for the D to get 3rd down stops in the first half. If their snap count gets up there early because of 2 or 3 long drives, that's when things could get weird in the 2nd half.
Glad to see Seattle is playing the long game with these injuries, and I love how nonchalant MacDonald is about having other guys step in. Confidents man, confidents. Love it.
D-Hall will hopefully introduce himself early to Geoff. This would have been a perfect game for Williams and Murphy, as Geoff plays poorly with inside pressure. We'll have to figure out other ways to get him uncomfortable. An early body slam wouldn't hurt.
Yeah, Goff doesn't do well when rattled. I read we may see the Lions left guard go to center and a rookie playing LG. Cool. Ears back. Teeth bared. Or talons. Whatever... I have all faith our Bench will be fierce. Looks like Branch is out. Make Hutchinson cover passes.
Branch out is big. He’s good in the slot.
Suspect we'll see them in the Conference Title Game. Then it gets truly important.
I don't know about sliding Jones back inside. Yes, he's played it before at close to 290 and wasn't all that successful; hence the move. After losing 15-20lbs in the offseason, I don't see him being able to casually stroll back into DT territory. They might rush him inside off of stunts/etc., but don't see them wasting to many snaps on anything DT-esque.
On a side note, Brian Mone is out there too. He played decent snaps before getting injured. He must not be back to full health if he's not even in the conversation. Shame.
Go Hawks!
Agree. Grubb will have him playing to his strengths. Maybe unseen/new stunts? Spoon has said we have yet to open the Playbook.
Grubb? Grubb is Offensive Coordinator, and doesn't really have a say as to what Jones (a defensive player) does.
My goodness…Vikings up 28-0 over Green Bay. love should have taken another week off 😂.
Chicago leading the Rams… so far. Loving it.
Minny’s D looks like th Seahawks D.
Will be tough with all the missing players, but all they can do is march out who is available. Hopefully this is all the injury bug they will have this year and they get through it positively! GO HAWKS!!!