Love the final score. Love that we have coach MM. I’m just marveling that we have the best defense innovator as our head coach. His Ravens defense was tops. We are tops in much the same way. Not every successful defensive coordinator that gets a head coaching job produces a top defensive unit with their new team. What he did with Baltimore and now us is proof in the pudding of how cutting edge he is as a defensive genius. He is the perfect counter to the offensive gurus of McVey and Shannahan. MM paired with JS is a wonderful collaboration with a very good owner in JA. There is a nice chemistry that permeates everything from the top down. This team has the vibe and intangibles that are so vital to a contender. Really impressive how things have gelled so quickly with a team that reset the coaching staff and systems after a legendary coach for so many years. Heck, the OC was reset this year again.
Speaking of the offense, I’m not gonna be anxious about them. Sure, we’re not blowing teams out like we did last month or so. The NFL has great defensive players no matter who you play. Teams game plan and look for any way to stop an offense. There is so much on film that can be dissected for tendencies and past successes at this late stage of the season. It would be nice to cut down on the turnovers. Sam is our guy for better or worse. He’s not perfect. He’s not Mahomes. But he is far better than most. Mahomes is not even in the game anymore this season as well as his team missing the playoffs. Our team is certainly aware of all the issues and concerns that we all have. More so in fact than anything we think. They have direct control over it all. Fans like me have none which is why I can’t sweat it. Just like the Mariners’ late season run to win their division and go deep in the playoffs, I’m just enjoying and soaking up this really fun ride.
13-3. Think about that. 13-3. Yeah, the defence is ahead of the offence, or at least more predictable, but I'll take 27-10 against a team that beat the Rams. I think the Seahawks have already bulldozed any optimistic expectations for them, so if they beat the 49'ers next week, they will have pancaked the prognosticators......and there is nothing like pancaking prognosticators.
We do have a habit (lately) of sleeping the first half away, before coming to life in the second. A win is a win, so no complaints here.
Mission accomplished. The Hawks have now matched the record of the 2013 team in a 16 game season. Next up is to blast the Niners in their home stadium and wrap up home field advantage.
It might be my imagination but it feels like the teams plays more conservatively against weaker opponents since the bye. It feels like the game plan against those opponents is to run the ball, complete short passes and lean on the defense.
The offense looked out of sync but were able to take advantage of the field positioning gifted to them by the defense. Charbonnet had a great game and found out some tough yards. Barner is tough to bring down as well.... Love that.
This was a nice bounce back game by the defense with contributions by multiple players. DLaw continues to be a game wrecker. It's nice to have Love back and Okada was solid in relief of Colby.
I don't believe I have ever seen a game end the way it did with the Panthers kneeling with over a minute and a half left.
Special shout-out to the Sam Darnold doppelganger in the stands. The entire county saw you today!
The team is close, so very close. The Defense is basically there, just needing more consistent QB pressure. The Offense needs a true second option to JSN, less deflections, and less set-ups to put Darnold into panic and commit a turnover.
Pressure can be done. We still Blitz at well below average and rush 4-or-less above average. The set-ups we can do with some adjustments from KK and a return to more deep shots being taken off play-action, which would also help the deflections as airing the ball up and out gets it clear of the line.
This team really could be Super Bowl ready right now. Today was ugly for long stretches, but ultimately it was completely comfortable. It's the kind of game pretenders wither away in, or scrape by with a field goal, whereas contenders knuckle down do the hard yards and pull away - we're firmly in the contenders category. Time next week to put some hurt on the 49ers and put the NFC on notice, the road to the Superbowl goes through us and we're going to make you f*cking hurt on the way.
Longer term Pressure can be fixed by pursuing Crosby. The #2 issue can resolved via the draft. Touch in a few other smaller moves here and there to keep the momentum building. This is not a one-and-done team, this is close to being a long term challenger. This team is close, so very close.
Pursuing Crosby will be expensive because he's now clearly on the market. It doesn't seem like a john schneider value proposition. I think he'd rather have three players with two thirds of the upside.
Although maybe the trade for Leonard Williams is a blueprint...
I just don't remember there being a feeding frenzy for Wlliams, but I believe Crosby will generate a lot of interest throughout the league.
We are currently unable to consistently impose our will offensively. Until we can do so I won't believe in our ability to win games against strong opponents. Against teams over .500 I believe we have only a coin toss' chance for victory.
Honestly it’s been awhile since Darnold has looked confident. Since the Rams game actually. Think that got into his head and every sign of trouble (inherent in the job) saps his confidence. Agree the OL was pretty weak last two games and that’s part of it, but he needs to be more confident and purposeful.
And I think Coach Mac and KK have decided to take the air out of the ball and let the defense win this thing. Thankfully we’re pounding out 150+ on the ground which is the necessary complement.
But…
Anyone remember the last true “go” route? To anyone?
I found myself watching Bradford more closely. I saw more whiffs than good blocks, but I saw him pancake someone during Charbonnet's 3rd quarter 29-yard run. The funniest thing about it was that he immediately turned and gloated/taunted at the opponent.
If Bradford's opponents did that regularly whenever they made him look stupid, we would be getting the benefit of fifteen yard taunting penalties every game multiple times!
I saw some good, but my goodness, it was bad to watch him closely the whole game. He is really bad.
Funny, I was not paying much attention to Bradford at all watching at the stadium, but I noticed him truck that DT on Charbs 3rd quarter TD run. I also noticed D Lew pop a few for Carolina.
While we absolutely need to upgrade our interior o line in the offseason; I am not convinced AB’s our biggest concern. The Shaheed trade is looking less “luxury” by the week.
I felt honored. I was lucky to be gifted very unusual seats and had to break out my phone for that one. When the action was at that goal line, it was incredible. And most of Seattle’s scoring drives happened to be. I tried to upload a short video of the scoring play but it wouldn’t work in the chat.
If I was GM and someone offered me a ham sandwich for Sam Darnold at half time, I might have been temped. Fortunately, I am not the GM, and SD started looking sort of competent somewhere in the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately, all that time on the field finally lead to a TD for the Panthers. A stain on their record. Things finally bounced our way enough we could relax.
The D was solid, but will appreciate getting Hall back next week.
As I continue to beat the drum, our offensive line is not opening holes, I saw Kupp and other receivers open holes. Charbonet had yards on brute force. I think your article on how Detroit did not spend picks money on line is a cautionary tale for us. Also I don’t believe we draft well for defensive ends. Lawerence has shown this. Maybe two 1’s for Crosby? I thought Malik Willis also looked excellent if we decide Darnold is not the guy, time will tell. My two bits
If Sam ever figures out how not to turn the ball over he will be in contention to win the MVP. I mean Stafford figured it out why can't he? Mean time we are still winning. LFG.
A couple of the sacks he took today it looked like he wanted to throw it and then decided to just take the sack instead of risking a pick, which I take as progress.
We need to remember this is still a ‘new’ team. We are potentially witnessing the beginning of a stellar run. These guys are just getting started. Image what will happen if they can keep them all together for another pre-season with possibly a couple of upgrade additions. The sky’s the limit.
Don't mean to be negative, but we were a "new team" when we boat-raced several teams. I believe that the cheat code we were using during weeks 2-12 has finally been "solved/countered." So, now our offense has regressed to the mean. We're on tape getting shut down, and all defensive coordinators have taken notice.
We need a new wrinkle, or some line of scrimmage dominance, or I fear we'll forever be mired in close games.
I'm proud of this team and hopeful for its continued success, but I don't have any illusions of dominance until I see more physical play at the offensive line of scrimmage and more precise/decisive Quartrback play
Love the final score. Love that we have coach MM. I’m just marveling that we have the best defense innovator as our head coach. His Ravens defense was tops. We are tops in much the same way. Not every successful defensive coordinator that gets a head coaching job produces a top defensive unit with their new team. What he did with Baltimore and now us is proof in the pudding of how cutting edge he is as a defensive genius. He is the perfect counter to the offensive gurus of McVey and Shannahan. MM paired with JS is a wonderful collaboration with a very good owner in JA. There is a nice chemistry that permeates everything from the top down. This team has the vibe and intangibles that are so vital to a contender. Really impressive how things have gelled so quickly with a team that reset the coaching staff and systems after a legendary coach for so many years. Heck, the OC was reset this year again.
Speaking of the offense, I’m not gonna be anxious about them. Sure, we’re not blowing teams out like we did last month or so. The NFL has great defensive players no matter who you play. Teams game plan and look for any way to stop an offense. There is so much on film that can be dissected for tendencies and past successes at this late stage of the season. It would be nice to cut down on the turnovers. Sam is our guy for better or worse. He’s not perfect. He’s not Mahomes. But he is far better than most. Mahomes is not even in the game anymore this season as well as his team missing the playoffs. Our team is certainly aware of all the issues and concerns that we all have. More so in fact than anything we think. They have direct control over it all. Fans like me have none which is why I can’t sweat it. Just like the Mariners’ late season run to win their division and go deep in the playoffs, I’m just enjoying and soaking up this really fun ride.
13-3. Think about that. 13-3. Yeah, the defence is ahead of the offence, or at least more predictable, but I'll take 27-10 against a team that beat the Rams. I think the Seahawks have already bulldozed any optimistic expectations for them, so if they beat the 49'ers next week, they will have pancaked the prognosticators......and there is nothing like pancaking prognosticators.
We do have a habit (lately) of sleeping the first half away, before coming to life in the second. A win is a win, so no complaints here.
I truly thought they'd go 15-2 this season.
Mission accomplished. The Hawks have now matched the record of the 2013 team in a 16 game season. Next up is to blast the Niners in their home stadium and wrap up home field advantage.
It might be my imagination but it feels like the teams plays more conservatively against weaker opponents since the bye. It feels like the game plan against those opponents is to run the ball, complete short passes and lean on the defense.
The offense looked out of sync but were able to take advantage of the field positioning gifted to them by the defense. Charbonnet had a great game and found out some tough yards. Barner is tough to bring down as well.... Love that.
This was a nice bounce back game by the defense with contributions by multiple players. DLaw continues to be a game wrecker. It's nice to have Love back and Okada was solid in relief of Colby.
I don't believe I have ever seen a game end the way it did with the Panthers kneeling with over a minute and a half left.
Special shout-out to the Sam Darnold doppelganger in the stands. The entire county saw you today!
The team is close, so very close. The Defense is basically there, just needing more consistent QB pressure. The Offense needs a true second option to JSN, less deflections, and less set-ups to put Darnold into panic and commit a turnover.
Pressure can be done. We still Blitz at well below average and rush 4-or-less above average. The set-ups we can do with some adjustments from KK and a return to more deep shots being taken off play-action, which would also help the deflections as airing the ball up and out gets it clear of the line.
This team really could be Super Bowl ready right now. Today was ugly for long stretches, but ultimately it was completely comfortable. It's the kind of game pretenders wither away in, or scrape by with a field goal, whereas contenders knuckle down do the hard yards and pull away - we're firmly in the contenders category. Time next week to put some hurt on the 49ers and put the NFC on notice, the road to the Superbowl goes through us and we're going to make you f*cking hurt on the way.
Longer term Pressure can be fixed by pursuing Crosby. The #2 issue can resolved via the draft. Touch in a few other smaller moves here and there to keep the momentum building. This is not a one-and-done team, this is close to being a long term challenger. This team is close, so very close.
I thought the pressure was good today, particularly in that Carolina has a decent offensive line.
Pursuing Crosby will be expensive because he's now clearly on the market. It doesn't seem like a john schneider value proposition. I think he'd rather have three players with two thirds of the upside.
Although maybe the trade for Leonard Williams is a blueprint...
I just don't remember there being a feeding frenzy for Wlliams, but I believe Crosby will generate a lot of interest throughout the league.
We are currently unable to consistently impose our will offensively. Until we can do so I won't believe in our ability to win games against strong opponents. Against teams over .500 I believe we have only a coin toss' chance for victory.
Honestly it’s been awhile since Darnold has looked confident. Since the Rams game actually. Think that got into his head and every sign of trouble (inherent in the job) saps his confidence. Agree the OL was pretty weak last two games and that’s part of it, but he needs to be more confident and purposeful.
And I think Coach Mac and KK have decided to take the air out of the ball and let the defense win this thing. Thankfully we’re pounding out 150+ on the ground which is the necessary complement.
But…
Anyone remember the last true “go” route? To anyone?
The deep ball has disappeared.
I found myself watching Bradford more closely. I saw more whiffs than good blocks, but I saw him pancake someone during Charbonnet's 3rd quarter 29-yard run. The funniest thing about it was that he immediately turned and gloated/taunted at the opponent.
If Bradford's opponents did that regularly whenever they made him look stupid, we would be getting the benefit of fifteen yard taunting penalties every game multiple times!
I saw some good, but my goodness, it was bad to watch him closely the whole game. He is really bad.
Funny, I was not paying much attention to Bradford at all watching at the stadium, but I noticed him truck that DT on Charbs 3rd quarter TD run. I also noticed D Lew pop a few for Carolina.
While we absolutely need to upgrade our interior o line in the offseason; I am not convinced AB’s our biggest concern. The Shaheed trade is looking less “luxury” by the week.
I really wish Horton was available the 2nd part of the season. It looked like he was starting to show prior to his injury.
I’m worried Horton is going to be injury prone like so many very talented prospects but I hope I’m off.
Yeah, this is my worry as well. He looks to have all the tools to me otherwise.
Hey Chuck, I hope SJ asked permission to use your insider photography. He might owe you a beer for that one 😁.
I felt honored. I was lucky to be gifted very unusual seats and had to break out my phone for that one. When the action was at that goal line, it was incredible. And most of Seattle’s scoring drives happened to be. I tried to upload a short video of the scoring play but it wouldn’t work in the chat.
Love it. Yes, it was a shame the video didn’t work.
I’d still take that beer though.
If I was GM and someone offered me a ham sandwich for Sam Darnold at half time, I might have been temped. Fortunately, I am not the GM, and SD started looking sort of competent somewhere in the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately, all that time on the field finally lead to a TD for the Panthers. A stain on their record. Things finally bounced our way enough we could relax.
The D was solid, but will appreciate getting Hall back next week.
As I continue to beat the drum, our offensive line is not opening holes, I saw Kupp and other receivers open holes. Charbonet had yards on brute force. I think your article on how Detroit did not spend picks money on line is a cautionary tale for us. Also I don’t believe we draft well for defensive ends. Lawerence has shown this. Maybe two 1’s for Crosby? I thought Malik Willis also looked excellent if we decide Darnold is not the guy, time will tell. My two bits
If Sam ever figures out how not to turn the ball over he will be in contention to win the MVP. I mean Stafford figured it out why can't he? Mean time we are still winning. LFG.
Go HAWKS!!!
A couple of the sacks he took today it looked like he wanted to throw it and then decided to just take the sack instead of risking a pick, which I take as progress.
We need to remember this is still a ‘new’ team. We are potentially witnessing the beginning of a stellar run. These guys are just getting started. Image what will happen if they can keep them all together for another pre-season with possibly a couple of upgrade additions. The sky’s the limit.
Don't mean to be negative, but we were a "new team" when we boat-raced several teams. I believe that the cheat code we were using during weeks 2-12 has finally been "solved/countered." So, now our offense has regressed to the mean. We're on tape getting shut down, and all defensive coordinators have taken notice.
We need a new wrinkle, or some line of scrimmage dominance, or I fear we'll forever be mired in close games.
I'm proud of this team and hopeful for its continued success, but I don't have any illusions of dominance until I see more physical play at the offensive line of scrimmage and more precise/decisive Quartrback play
I agree. As is my point. They’re still learning and will improve.
Yes Sir!! I completely agree.