And can you believe we still own the SB era NFL record for takeaways in a single season with 63 in 1984???? Easley 10 picks 2 for TDs. Just unreal defense. “My man Jacob Green!!!” Manu Bryant Nash Young. Easley was so awesome to watch. Kam and ET in one body.
Kenny Easley was ahead of his time. Just a tough, smart football player that you had to respect, and watch out for. All the best to his family. RIP big guy.
I've come to believe that the PFF system for grading the OL is broken. Perhaps their grading criteria, perhaps their personnel that do the grading, perhaps not controlling for bias. I'm not sure. Looking at the Seahawks this year, PFF gives the following offensive team grades:
The 2025 Seahawks OL is much better at protecting the QB than the 2024 Vikings were, and Darnold is much better at getting the ball out quickly.
At this point last year, Sam Darnold had been sacked 28 times (T21st among 27 QBs with at least 226 dropbacks), with a 22.6% pressure to sack rate (22nd) and 3.1s TTT (24th).
This year, Darnold has been sacked 10 times (T1 among 28 QBs with at least 219 DBs), with a pressure to sack rate of 12.3% (5th) and 2.64s TTT (T6th).
I think better coaching also. People talk about how long the ball is held. He throw the ball when the offense is programed for the throw. Bad offense, ball is held too long. He has been making some quicker throw and some great overall throws, all part of the offense design.
Not sure I agree with *better* coaching. Kevin O'Connell and Wes Phillips are no slouches. TTT is about execution. Given the same QB and excellent receivers on both teams, the biggest difference to me is the OL.
The Rams and Seahawks are like mirror images to each other, from my perspective. Both are well coached teams. Both have explosive elements from the offensive side of the ball. They both utilize heavy offensive sets, run the ball at a high rate and can kill with the long ball. They both are proficient at shutting down the run and exert a lot of pressure on opposing qb's. This might be the best game of the year.
These are my 5 Seahawks key players.
- Sam Darnold: I think turnovers are going to decide this game and we will need him to protect the ball better than previous games.
- Coby Bryant: On the defensive side, I look for Bryant to either punch a ball out or come up with a key interception.
- Earnest Jones: I look for EJ to play a key role in shutting down the Rams run game.
- Nick Emmanwori: I look at NE to also help shut down the run but also to help minimize the damage from the tight ends.
- Ken Walker: I am a Walker fanboy, I admit it, and so he is again a key player for me. I look for Walker to hit his spots on the outside which will help open things up top for Shaheed and JSN.
I'm wondering if Kupp went out and gave the D a taste of what to expect from Puka. Actually run his patterns during practise; when he's chipping and when he's blocking.
I think the Seahawks have the advantage. Our defense sees heavy sets, a zone scheme, and play action every time we practice. Their defense sees the same, but I think we have the stronger group.
Our offense has seen well-ranked defenses this year. Their offense has not faced any team with a defense like ours in 2025. Stafford will make plays, but our defense will force some significant errors.
With Olu on the line, I expect our running game to be a net positive. It’s starting to gel.
Finally, we have the advantage on special teams.
With neutral officiating and a bit of luck, Seahawks win. But, hey, this is the NFL. No guarantees.
This week LA signed a new kicker, previously discussed, and a new long snapper. They sent the previous LS and kicker to the practice squad.
Today they cut the new LS and elevated the previous LS and the kicker to the active roster. They have two kickers on the active roster today. Tomorrow?
Late repost of a late post from yesterday. I wanted to do this earlier but on my phone I can post to the chat but not the comments. BTW, it is not perfect, read the comments.
You gotta see this!
Jon Gruden game preview. Post it to the newsletter Joe.
The Seahawks win this game no matter how well the Rams play otherwise if:
* Jobe and Woolen prevent Davante Adams from dominating in the red zone, and
* Ken Walker can get to the outside
Adams leads the NFL in touchdowns (9). Eight of those came from the red zone and six of *those* were from inside the 5 yard line. Shutting him down in the red zone is critical; keeping the Rams from getting there in the first place would be even better.
The Rams have not allowed a rushing TD this season and have not allowed a run of longer than 13 yards (both as per Mike Dugar). Yet, their corners are vulnerable to the run as well as the pass (as per Nate Atkins, who covers the Rams for The Athletic). If Walker can get to the outside and isolate on these CBs, the LA defense could be looking at a long day.
There other ways to win, of course, but pull off these two and the game might not be close. Can the Hawks do this? I have my doubts just because the Rams are really good and are playing at home.
I don't think "playing at home" in November in Los Angeles is very much of an advantage. The weather is pleasant, the crowd is passive, and the Ref's are a national crew.
Nothing like a shot of reality...appreciate it. Wish we had super speed at safety like Earl Thomas was bitd. I love CB but he's no ET. I'm surprised about pff ratings on our o line, but then again I'm not surprised by pff rankings. I'm definitely watching the trenches this week, that's a huge part of this one for sure. This is a great test to see where we are and see where the rams are at. I'm stoked but nervous. Let's hurry this up...
But that’s been my point. Since the change last year, Coby has been bringing that downhill speed. Closing speed that no one else, except Spoon who’s not S, has. Coby not ET but he’s reading plays very well. I think he’s one of those 5. And I like SJ with Stafford InT regression to the mean. But let’s not have him extend that 4 TD game streak.
Yeah safety is just in the position of playing a role that gets on a carousel at free agency. Even the Seahawks have benefited from this with Julian Love and Diggs via trade.
Only have 27 more hours to go. I think we have at least a 50% chance of winning. I’m almost at the point of saying win the turnover battle, win was game.
Last year was split 1-1. But that second encounter we played the Lambs, not the Rams. Although the first game was only a one-score affair. I've see a few previews go on about McVay "having the 'Hawks number" - he had Pete's number. In the new Alliteration Era the Rams have nothing over us!
This might as well be the first match-up of the new regime. So much has changed since last year where we were looking for green shoots, and now we're looking how big the tree is. The Rams too have undergone a sizable change in philosophy and personnel. It's a fascinating match-up, the most intriguing of the last two years by far.
One team will come out of the night victorious. One team will become the darling of the media and the NFC favorite (sorry Eagles). But it's not the be-all-end-all for the defeated either. Keep it close, make it a scrap, and learn how to turn it around in the rematch - and quite possibly in the Playoffs. Yes this is a little pre-game "relax, it's fine if we lose" copium but it's no less true. Just the fact the nerves are up for a game against the Rams is big news. Too long since we were here, and it mattered beyond pride. Lets go 'Hawks! FTR! Snap Staffords spine in half (figuratively...) and turn the Rams back into the Lambs.
I unfortunately have to go back every year and recount all the ways that the Rams have ruined a Seahawks season ever since they got Aaron Donald. And now AD isn’t there but the team is still good.
The Rams did a nice job of reloading after AD's departure with Turner, Fiske and now Ford. They might not have the game wrecker Donald was but that unit as a whole is good.
Stafford doesn't scramble or even move all that well, and the best way to get quick pressure is right up the middle. I'm looking for someone in the announcers' booth to ask, "is that Aaron Donald in a Seahawks uniform out there?" A big game for Big Murph and/or Big Cat would be BIG!
Not having JReed going to hurt. But also, up the middle blitz by Knight or Thomas could be just as good. But agree, this is a game for Murphy over a coming out party at Staffords house.
This feels like the game we get punched in the face. My question is how we respond to that -- both in the game, and after (especially if the punch proves a knockout). My other question is how much either coach reveals in this first tilt, since they both should be anticipating two more, of which the last one is winner take all.
In my opinion the only teams LA has punched in the face this year were the weaker teams or a team with an injured starting QB. We could lose but I don't see us getting punched in the face. Then again, you never know, but I think we have been improving. I think the weather will let up and I hope the field isn't too messed up.
Yes. I’m nervous about this game too. Especially with our turnovers (as Danno has mentioned) and our 2nd half ‘performances’. I’ve also noticed a few missed tackles the last couple of weeks.
Hopefully SJ is right and they’ve been preparing all year for this one. They’ll need their A-game. Go Hawks
JReed up front brings the Brute out in the guys. He'll be watching close from the sidelines, adding his influences. I'm cautious on Morris and hopeful on Pili
I feel the Seahawks have at least as good a chance to win this game as the Rams. I have previously predicted this game as a loss, but I feel better about our chances now than a few weeks ago at the bye week. My biggest concern is turnovers. We’ve done that at an alarmingly high rate this year. I think we can turn that around and win the turnover battle tomorrow.
I really like Coby Bryant. I think he plays like a Seahawk. He’s very physical and was a forced fumble machine earlier in his career. I’d like to see him remain a Seahawk. I know there was an attempt to sign him earlier in camp, according to Brady Henderson, but he wanted more than JS had to offer and is betting on himself. His value to other teams is probably higher than it is to the Seahawks. They already have Love and Emmanwori under contract next year, and Okada will cost less to sign back to the team. (I think) Nevertheless, I still dream he will take a team friendly deal and stay.
Instead of picking 5 players this week, I have a few landmarks that I think are important to meet for the Hawks to win. 1) win the turnover battle. I know we’ve won games even though we turned it over 2, 3 and even 4 times. But the teams we beat were not complete teams like the Rams. It’s time to step up, protect the ball and not leave the defense in several short field situations with this Rams offense. 2) build on the running success of last week. I don’t think we need 200 yards again, although that would be nice. How about 125+? A viable run game will help relieve the pressure of the pass rush. I also think the Rams and Shula will not go heavy box as much as we’ve seen this season. Betting on their D-line to stop the run. K9 might get stuffed, but without a stacked box, he might also break a few for nice gains. 3) pressure Stafford. I know Stafford gets rid of the ball very quickly and that makes pressure more difficult to bring, but I’m betting MM will find a way to bring it. It sure would be nice to double Stafford’s season total of 2 INTs so far.
If I was going to pick a player to have a standout game, it would be JSN. I know he will be the focal point of the Rams defense, but if my memory serves me correctly, the fist game against the Rams last year was a huge game for JSN. Thankfully DK was out and the opportunity was there for JSN and he had a big game. I think it was for over 150 yards, AND he had two big plays canceled by penalties that would have had him well over 200 yards on the day. The Rams corners are not of a caliber to handle JSN. I think he will come through big, despite getting double teamed, especially if the Hawk’s running game clicks early.
Thank you for finally agreeing with me on Bryant… :-). (Note I was calling out how well he was doing middle of last year before anyone else. Advantage of going to home games and watching players and not just the ball). Issue though is none of the Safeties mentioned are Free, deep field, Safeties. Love can do it but I don’t think he has game speed of Coby. Said it last year. He’s not ET, basically no one out there is, but the middle 4-5, can do what they do because of a player like ET/Coby. When one guy can defend the whole back 3rd and come up fast to make run stops etc, it makes your defense better. ET was incredible at it. Note he was one S that didn’t leave, he was retained, as Kam was, until injury. When 10 can defend short/middle, you’re likely to have a good defense.
Agree. Issue that some see is “Safety” as if interchangeable. They are not. Sure if you play 2 high safety, but if you play single high, like LOB days, then like a QB or P, FS is a unique position. ET could never play like Kam. Kam could never do what ET did. Bryant has that single high skill. Love is only guy I see that could but he doesn’t have Bryant’s speed. Why during off season I said he was the first of the guys to sign when SJ offered up his list. A true FS isn’t easily replaced. Man I hope we have a great defense tomorrow
I say keep them all, especially if they get to and through the Super Bowl. Maybe we see JS show us another talent by doing so? Let age and injury dictate changes. Being a hot contender should carry a huge value, not to mention the Pure Joy of belonging somewhere.
There’s a chance that the Hawks keep Coby. They are in a favorable salary cap situation, and it doesn’t make much sense to move on from all of Coby and Jobe and Woolen. I figure that Schneider makes a strong effort to keep at least one of them.
Jobe is almost a lock to stay. He is going to be a much better value than what Woolen will cost to keep, and they have Spoon up for extension next year. I have no doubt they want to keep Coby, as evidenced by their attempt to extend him in the preseason. The trouble with signing him now is Okada can be had for less and he’s looked good. That will give them three playable safeties next year without Bryant. Bryant is playing well enough to warrant an extension, but as a 4th safety under contract, the Hawks don’t appear ready to meet what he feel he’s worth and will probably get in the free agent market. He would have to accept less to stay with the Hawks. I can’t blame him for getting all he can, and I can’t blame the Hawks for spending the money elsewhere rather than on a 4th safety capable of starting when they can only get 3 on the field. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him on the team next year. And maybe it will happen.
Re Spoon, a CB who is better against the run than the pass is not a slam dunk for an extension. Of all the defensive backs, he might be the easiest to move on from.
It’s all going to come down to the right mix of players, who they feel they can find to replace the players they lose, and how much the player is looking to get paid. E Jones was a no brainer steal at under $10 million. Bryant obviously wanted more than they wanted to pay. Cross wanted more than they were willing to pay. It’s quite possible Spoon will go beyond that number as well. If I had my choice of Cross or Spoon, I would spend it on Cross. JSN is 23, so he has years of his prime left. I’d also take him over Spoon. But what does JSN want? There might be a number he wants where he doesn’t get signed. We will know in March what Darnold will cost us in 2027 when he’s up for an extension. If we go deep into the playoffs and he performs like a top 5 QB, they will have to consider that when extending players beyond 2028.
I think they would like to keep Bryant, but not at the number he wants. They have too much talent at safety to pay him top dollar. Woolen has never played with the physicality of Jobe, and I think Woolen will cost a lot more to keep than Jobe. Also Pritchett has improved, and that makes it somewhat easier to let Woolen go. Everyone talks about how much money they have to spend, but they have Cross, JSN and Spoon extension eligible next year, AND Darnold after next year. He’s going to look for 40-45 million for sure. He’ll only be 29 and looks like a real top 5 QB and a perfect fit for KK.
Without question, I think they would like to keep Bryant as well. They offered an extension after all. The question will be, does the value of his asking price balance against his production and can the cost be balanced against the financial costs you mentioned previously?
It would be great if something could be worked out.
Yeah, it’s all about getting the best bang for your Cap dollars. Some real key guys coming up for extensions this off season, and then the following offseason it will be Sam Darnold’s turn. We’ll know by then if he’s the guy or not. This three year contract was a a trial run. He’ll be 29 in a year and a half, and there a very decent chance he’s playing like a top 5 QB in the league.
Good analysis! If the Rams go with four up front, I like Chard between the Tackles and K9 on the edges. I too expect a big game from JSN...who doesn't right? With JSN being a double team magnet, I can see opportunities for a big day for Cooper, and/or (surprise!) Shahid (time to release the downfield Kraken!).
Methinks John Benton had one directive this year: have our Boyz ready by week 11. Tomorrow we pull out all the stops, play guys we haven't seen much and watch plays we only hoped for. Our gimmick plays have been a Joke, maybe intentionally so. Nobody will be looking there. Bobo's claim to fame is he goes after everything sent his way and completes the assignment. Bobo-play lurks everywhere. Put LA on their heels then unlock a second half the Rams believe they own. Highway robbery. There is so much to be said tomorrow: to the NFL, to the National Media and to the Minnesota Vikings. We've only begun to Root.
Olu was one of the highest graded run blockers last week. And after Sundell injury, when AZ knew we would be running, our run game did what we’ve been hoping for all year. Now with Rams not sure the game plan, maybe this benefits us.
My thoughts turn to John Benton and the long time he has had with Olu. Now he is back, healthier than ever. My bet is he's been ready for a fair amount of time, using it to build strength. Solid process. Fair. Everybody understands and has bought into it. Minimal drama. It'll be a huge factor in keeping The Team together.
And with Olu a Rimington winner, we know he’s got the smarts and skills. I didn’t think of what having Benton could have been adding to Olu. Nice add. Thanks.
Sorry I won’t be able to dedicate a post to Kenny Easley today. RIP.
May Mr. Kenny Easley Rest Well. Blessings for His Family & His Intentions.
And can you believe we still own the SB era NFL record for takeaways in a single season with 63 in 1984???? Easley 10 picks 2 for TDs. Just unreal defense. “My man Jacob Green!!!” Manu Bryant Nash Young. Easley was so awesome to watch. Kam and ET in one body.
RIP Kenny Easley. He was one of the great ones.
Kenny Easley was ahead of his time. Just a tough, smart football player that you had to respect, and watch out for. All the best to his family. RIP big guy.
That hurts.
I've come to believe that the PFF system for grading the OL is broken. Perhaps their grading criteria, perhaps their personnel that do the grading, perhaps not controlling for bias. I'm not sure. Looking at the Seahawks this year, PFF gives the following offensive team grades:
OVER - 92.9
OFF - 88.0
PASS - 91.6
PBLK - 62.1
RECV - 90.5
RUN - 86.2
RBLK - 64.6
Something seems broken here.
The 2025 Seahawks OL is much better at protecting the QB than the 2024 Vikings were, and Darnold is much better at getting the ball out quickly.
At this point last year, Sam Darnold had been sacked 28 times (T21st among 27 QBs with at least 226 dropbacks), with a 22.6% pressure to sack rate (22nd) and 3.1s TTT (24th).
This year, Darnold has been sacked 10 times (T1 among 28 QBs with at least 219 DBs), with a pressure to sack rate of 12.3% (5th) and 2.64s TTT (T6th).
I think better coaching also. People talk about how long the ball is held. He throw the ball when the offense is programed for the throw. Bad offense, ball is held too long. He has been making some quicker throw and some great overall throws, all part of the offense design.
Not sure I agree with *better* coaching. Kevin O'Connell and Wes Phillips are no slouches. TTT is about execution. Given the same QB and excellent receivers on both teams, the biggest difference to me is the OL.
Leonard Williams, Murphy II, Okada, and JSN/Sam D.
The Rams and Seahawks are like mirror images to each other, from my perspective. Both are well coached teams. Both have explosive elements from the offensive side of the ball. They both utilize heavy offensive sets, run the ball at a high rate and can kill with the long ball. They both are proficient at shutting down the run and exert a lot of pressure on opposing qb's. This might be the best game of the year.
These are my 5 Seahawks key players.
- Sam Darnold: I think turnovers are going to decide this game and we will need him to protect the ball better than previous games.
- Coby Bryant: On the defensive side, I look for Bryant to either punch a ball out or come up with a key interception.
- Earnest Jones: I look for EJ to play a key role in shutting down the Rams run game.
- Nick Emmanwori: I look at NE to also help shut down the run but also to help minimize the damage from the tight ends.
- Ken Walker: I am a Walker fanboy, I admit it, and so he is again a key player for me. I look for Walker to hit his spots on the outside which will help open things up top for Shaheed and JSN.
Go Hawks!
I'm wondering if Kupp went out and gave the D a taste of what to expect from Puka. Actually run his patterns during practise; when he's chipping and when he's blocking.
I have no doubt Kupp has shared intel about the Rams. I also believe his insights in the game will be valuable as well.
Sam confuses leader-lingo with Leadership. Hey, whatever he is doing pays big bucks.
I think the Seahawks have the advantage. Our defense sees heavy sets, a zone scheme, and play action every time we practice. Their defense sees the same, but I think we have the stronger group.
Our offense has seen well-ranked defenses this year. Their offense has not faced any team with a defense like ours in 2025. Stafford will make plays, but our defense will force some significant errors.
With Olu on the line, I expect our running game to be a net positive. It’s starting to gel.
Finally, we have the advantage on special teams.
With neutral officiating and a bit of luck, Seahawks win. But, hey, this is the NFL. No guarantees.
Correct me if I am wrong on any of this Joe.
This week LA signed a new kicker, previously discussed, and a new long snapper. They sent the previous LS and kicker to the practice squad.
Today they cut the new LS and elevated the previous LS and the kicker to the active roster. They have two kickers on the active roster today. Tomorrow?
This is like the special teams soap opera.
Last week they signed the big guy.
You are correct.
Saw your earlier post so wasn’t sure if you actually saw all the notes or not. Good your back in.
Late repost of a late post from yesterday. I wanted to do this earlier but on my phone I can post to the chat but not the comments. BTW, it is not perfect, read the comments.
You gotta see this!
Jon Gruden game preview. Post it to the newsletter Joe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPyZNeeBmrE
Whoa, Non-Stop !
Love JG... This was a great watch.
The Seahawks win this game no matter how well the Rams play otherwise if:
* Jobe and Woolen prevent Davante Adams from dominating in the red zone, and
* Ken Walker can get to the outside
Adams leads the NFL in touchdowns (9). Eight of those came from the red zone and six of *those* were from inside the 5 yard line. Shutting him down in the red zone is critical; keeping the Rams from getting there in the first place would be even better.
The Rams have not allowed a rushing TD this season and have not allowed a run of longer than 13 yards (both as per Mike Dugar). Yet, their corners are vulnerable to the run as well as the pass (as per Nate Atkins, who covers the Rams for The Athletic). If Walker can get to the outside and isolate on these CBs, the LA defense could be looking at a long day.
There other ways to win, of course, but pull off these two and the game might not be close. Can the Hawks do this? I have my doubts just because the Rams are really good and are playing at home.
Good details.
Yeah true, need to shut down Adams in the Rz but without giving up the inside to Kyren.
The tantalizing thing about Williams (to Seahawks fans) is those ten fumbles in his last 36 games.
I don't think "playing at home" in November in Los Angeles is very much of an advantage. The weather is pleasant, the crowd is passive, and the Ref's are a national crew.
The weather won't be so pleasant if the heavy rains continue through tomorrow.
Oooo. Good catch.
Isn't SOFI covered?
Probably 🤣🤣
Plus how many of our players live in so cal...
Fan flights go both ways... Cheap, to boot.
There are built-in advantages to playing at home, though: No travel, sleep in your own bed, keep to your routine—that sort of thing.
Nothing like a shot of reality...appreciate it. Wish we had super speed at safety like Earl Thomas was bitd. I love CB but he's no ET. I'm surprised about pff ratings on our o line, but then again I'm not surprised by pff rankings. I'm definitely watching the trenches this week, that's a huge part of this one for sure. This is a great test to see where we are and see where the rams are at. I'm stoked but nervous. Let's hurry this up...
But that’s been my point. Since the change last year, Coby has been bringing that downhill speed. Closing speed that no one else, except Spoon who’s not S, has. Coby not ET but he’s reading plays very well. I think he’s one of those 5. And I like SJ with Stafford InT regression to the mean. But let’s not have him extend that 4 TD game streak.
He does read plays very well. It's a big reason I want him around. You can never have too many smart players.
Yeah safety is just in the position of playing a role that gets on a carousel at free agency. Even the Seahawks have benefited from this with Julian Love and Diggs via trade.
Only have 27 more hours to go. I think we have at least a 50% chance of winning. I’m almost at the point of saying win the turnover battle, win was game.
Last year was split 1-1. But that second encounter we played the Lambs, not the Rams. Although the first game was only a one-score affair. I've see a few previews go on about McVay "having the 'Hawks number" - he had Pete's number. In the new Alliteration Era the Rams have nothing over us!
This might as well be the first match-up of the new regime. So much has changed since last year where we were looking for green shoots, and now we're looking how big the tree is. The Rams too have undergone a sizable change in philosophy and personnel. It's a fascinating match-up, the most intriguing of the last two years by far.
One team will come out of the night victorious. One team will become the darling of the media and the NFC favorite (sorry Eagles). But it's not the be-all-end-all for the defeated either. Keep it close, make it a scrap, and learn how to turn it around in the rematch - and quite possibly in the Playoffs. Yes this is a little pre-game "relax, it's fine if we lose" copium but it's no less true. Just the fact the nerves are up for a game against the Rams is big news. Too long since we were here, and it mattered beyond pride. Lets go 'Hawks! FTR! Snap Staffords spine in half (figuratively...) and turn the Rams back into the Lambs.
I unfortunately have to go back every year and recount all the ways that the Rams have ruined a Seahawks season ever since they got Aaron Donald. And now AD isn’t there but the team is still good.
The Rams did a nice job of reloading after AD's departure with Turner, Fiske and now Ford. They might not have the game wrecker Donald was but that unit as a whole is good.
Stafford doesn't scramble or even move all that well, and the best way to get quick pressure is right up the middle. I'm looking for someone in the announcers' booth to ask, "is that Aaron Donald in a Seahawks uniform out there?" A big game for Big Murph and/or Big Cat would be BIG!
Not having JReed going to hurt. But also, up the middle blitz by Knight or Thomas could be just as good. But agree, this is a game for Murphy over a coming out party at Staffords house.
He looked ok on some rollouts I saw.
Yes!
This feels like the game we get punched in the face. My question is how we respond to that -- both in the game, and after (especially if the punch proves a knockout). My other question is how much either coach reveals in this first tilt, since they both should be anticipating two more, of which the last one is winner take all.
In my opinion the only teams LA has punched in the face this year were the weaker teams or a team with an injured starting QB. We could lose but I don't see us getting punched in the face. Then again, you never know, but I think we have been improving. I think the weather will let up and I hope the field isn't too messed up.
I think they play indoors?
You are more right than me. Not totally indoors, hybrid covered mostly.
Yeah, they can cover the field to keep it dry. The wind can get in somehow, but I don’t think it has a big affect on the game
Yes. I’m nervous about this game too. Especially with our turnovers (as Danno has mentioned) and our 2nd half ‘performances’. I’ve also noticed a few missed tackles the last couple of weeks.
Hopefully SJ is right and they’ve been preparing all year for this one. They’ll need their A-game. Go Hawks
JReed up front brings the Brute out in the guys. He'll be watching close from the sidelines, adding his influences. I'm cautious on Morris and hopeful on Pili
But he’s out. You just named the player that makes this game potentially bad end result. No JReed is massive loss.
This is the game the Seahawks should be preparing for all year. Hopefully not a punch but I know what you mean.
I feel the Seahawks have at least as good a chance to win this game as the Rams. I have previously predicted this game as a loss, but I feel better about our chances now than a few weeks ago at the bye week. My biggest concern is turnovers. We’ve done that at an alarmingly high rate this year. I think we can turn that around and win the turnover battle tomorrow.
I really like Coby Bryant. I think he plays like a Seahawk. He’s very physical and was a forced fumble machine earlier in his career. I’d like to see him remain a Seahawk. I know there was an attempt to sign him earlier in camp, according to Brady Henderson, but he wanted more than JS had to offer and is betting on himself. His value to other teams is probably higher than it is to the Seahawks. They already have Love and Emmanwori under contract next year, and Okada will cost less to sign back to the team. (I think) Nevertheless, I still dream he will take a team friendly deal and stay.
Instead of picking 5 players this week, I have a few landmarks that I think are important to meet for the Hawks to win. 1) win the turnover battle. I know we’ve won games even though we turned it over 2, 3 and even 4 times. But the teams we beat were not complete teams like the Rams. It’s time to step up, protect the ball and not leave the defense in several short field situations with this Rams offense. 2) build on the running success of last week. I don’t think we need 200 yards again, although that would be nice. How about 125+? A viable run game will help relieve the pressure of the pass rush. I also think the Rams and Shula will not go heavy box as much as we’ve seen this season. Betting on their D-line to stop the run. K9 might get stuffed, but without a stacked box, he might also break a few for nice gains. 3) pressure Stafford. I know Stafford gets rid of the ball very quickly and that makes pressure more difficult to bring, but I’m betting MM will find a way to bring it. It sure would be nice to double Stafford’s season total of 2 INTs so far.
If I was going to pick a player to have a standout game, it would be JSN. I know he will be the focal point of the Rams defense, but if my memory serves me correctly, the fist game against the Rams last year was a huge game for JSN. Thankfully DK was out and the opportunity was there for JSN and he had a big game. I think it was for over 150 yards, AND he had two big plays canceled by penalties that would have had him well over 200 yards on the day. The Rams corners are not of a caliber to handle JSN. I think he will come through big, despite getting double teamed, especially if the Hawk’s running game clicks early.
Thank you for finally agreeing with me on Bryant… :-). (Note I was calling out how well he was doing middle of last year before anyone else. Advantage of going to home games and watching players and not just the ball). Issue though is none of the Safeties mentioned are Free, deep field, Safeties. Love can do it but I don’t think he has game speed of Coby. Said it last year. He’s not ET, basically no one out there is, but the middle 4-5, can do what they do because of a player like ET/Coby. When one guy can defend the whole back 3rd and come up fast to make run stops etc, it makes your defense better. ET was incredible at it. Note he was one S that didn’t leave, he was retained, as Kam was, until injury. When 10 can defend short/middle, you’re likely to have a good defense.
In an ideal world, we bring back all 4 safeties, and extend Cross, JSN and Spoon.
Agree. Issue that some see is “Safety” as if interchangeable. They are not. Sure if you play 2 high safety, but if you play single high, like LOB days, then like a QB or P, FS is a unique position. ET could never play like Kam. Kam could never do what ET did. Bryant has that single high skill. Love is only guy I see that could but he doesn’t have Bryant’s speed. Why during off season I said he was the first of the guys to sign when SJ offered up his list. A true FS isn’t easily replaced. Man I hope we have a great defense tomorrow
I say keep them all, especially if they get to and through the Super Bowl. Maybe we see JS show us another talent by doing so? Let age and injury dictate changes. Being a hot contender should carry a huge value, not to mention the Pure Joy of belonging somewhere.
I’m for keeping Bryant. He plays like a Seahawk. He wants to excel in this system. I hope they come to a meeting of the minds on money,
There’s a chance that the Hawks keep Coby. They are in a favorable salary cap situation, and it doesn’t make much sense to move on from all of Coby and Jobe and Woolen. I figure that Schneider makes a strong effort to keep at least one of them.
Jobe is almost a lock to stay. He is going to be a much better value than what Woolen will cost to keep, and they have Spoon up for extension next year. I have no doubt they want to keep Coby, as evidenced by their attempt to extend him in the preseason. The trouble with signing him now is Okada can be had for less and he’s looked good. That will give them three playable safeties next year without Bryant. Bryant is playing well enough to warrant an extension, but as a 4th safety under contract, the Hawks don’t appear ready to meet what he feel he’s worth and will probably get in the free agent market. He would have to accept less to stay with the Hawks. I can’t blame him for getting all he can, and I can’t blame the Hawks for spending the money elsewhere rather than on a 4th safety capable of starting when they can only get 3 on the field. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him on the team next year. And maybe it will happen.
Re Spoon, a CB who is better against the run than the pass is not a slam dunk for an extension. Of all the defensive backs, he might be the easiest to move on from.
It’s all going to come down to the right mix of players, who they feel they can find to replace the players they lose, and how much the player is looking to get paid. E Jones was a no brainer steal at under $10 million. Bryant obviously wanted more than they wanted to pay. Cross wanted more than they were willing to pay. It’s quite possible Spoon will go beyond that number as well. If I had my choice of Cross or Spoon, I would spend it on Cross. JSN is 23, so he has years of his prime left. I’d also take him over Spoon. But what does JSN want? There might be a number he wants where he doesn’t get signed. We will know in March what Darnold will cost us in 2027 when he’s up for an extension. If we go deep into the playoffs and he performs like a top 5 QB, they will have to consider that when extending players beyond 2028.
Watching Mahomes navigate thru to the SB with lesser WRs said much about the position's importance to overall outcomes.
This is how I see it as well. Jobe seems to fit MM's scheme better and Okada's strong play has likely made Bryant expendable for next year.
I think they would like to keep Bryant, but not at the number he wants. They have too much talent at safety to pay him top dollar. Woolen has never played with the physicality of Jobe, and I think Woolen will cost a lot more to keep than Jobe. Also Pritchett has improved, and that makes it somewhat easier to let Woolen go. Everyone talks about how much money they have to spend, but they have Cross, JSN and Spoon extension eligible next year, AND Darnold after next year. He’s going to look for 40-45 million for sure. He’ll only be 29 and looks like a real top 5 QB and a perfect fit for KK.
Without question, I think they would like to keep Bryant as well. They offered an extension after all. The question will be, does the value of his asking price balance against his production and can the cost be balanced against the financial costs you mentioned previously?
It would be great if something could be worked out.
Yeah, it’s all about getting the best bang for your Cap dollars. Some real key guys coming up for extensions this off season, and then the following offseason it will be Sam Darnold’s turn. We’ll know by then if he’s the guy or not. This three year contract was a a trial run. He’ll be 29 in a year and a half, and there a very decent chance he’s playing like a top 5 QB in the league.
Good analysis! If the Rams go with four up front, I like Chard between the Tackles and K9 on the edges. I too expect a big game from JSN...who doesn't right? With JSN being a double team magnet, I can see opportunities for a big day for Cooper, and/or (surprise!) Shahid (time to release the downfield Kraken!).
Let’s Gooooo!
Good landmarks!
Methinks John Benton had one directive this year: have our Boyz ready by week 11. Tomorrow we pull out all the stops, play guys we haven't seen much and watch plays we only hoped for. Our gimmick plays have been a Joke, maybe intentionally so. Nobody will be looking there. Bobo's claim to fame is he goes after everything sent his way and completes the assignment. Bobo-play lurks everywhere. Put LA on their heels then unlock a second half the Rams believe they own. Highway robbery. There is so much to be said tomorrow: to the NFL, to the National Media and to the Minnesota Vikings. We've only begun to Root.
Yeah would be a hell of a week for the OL to stand out.
I am expecting Seattle to use a lot of bubble screens and forcing the run as always. The rams Defense is good.
My concern is center and we have an injured guard and we are thin there
I agree about Bryant. I could conceivably see him staying. It depends on the injury to love. He has been out a long time and he’s not all that young.
Olu was one of the highest graded run blockers last week. And after Sundell injury, when AZ knew we would be running, our run game did what we’ve been hoping for all year. Now with Rams not sure the game plan, maybe this benefits us.
My thoughts turn to John Benton and the long time he has had with Olu. Now he is back, healthier than ever. My bet is he's been ready for a fair amount of time, using it to build strength. Solid process. Fair. Everybody understands and has bought into it. Minimal drama. It'll be a huge factor in keeping The Team together.
And with Olu a Rimington winner, we know he’s got the smarts and skills. I didn’t think of what having Benton could have been adding to Olu. Nice add. Thanks.
I like that idea of screens, let’s see what happens.