My reaction was and is that the Vikings took a beating. Our whole right side had protection issues in the first half—Lucas and Haynes looked as bad as Bradford. That they didn’t give up any sacks in the second half tells me that Flores had spotted a scheme problem that Kubiak seems to have corrected. (It’s hard to know for sure because Darnold attempted only nine passes in the second half.)
Anyway, I can’t get upset about a game where the other team’s drive chart is:
5 plays,7 yards, punt
4, 21, punt
3, 2, punt
4, 18, punt
4, 9, INT
3, -8, punt
5, 28, fumble
5, 22, INT
2, 4, INT
8, 47, INT
4, -10, downs
2, 13, EOG
I don’t care who played QB—this is impressive.
As Jerry Garcia might put, the game was ragged but right.
The offense was underwhelming, but the game was never really in doubt. I wanted to see more backup players and sooner. No need to risk injury to key players in garbage time.
Always enjoy reading the comments here to start my day. Thanks to all.
It's worth checking out Top Billin's youtube video on the game.....for one specific reason. He shows the play where a Vikings o-lineman cleans up the pile by running his helmet into the face of Jobe, knocking him back several yards. But Brandon Pili saw this, steps towards the Vikings player, and knocks him on his ass with a lovely right hook. I mean, he clubs him down. It was beautiful. Now, I expect a fine to be coming his way, as the NFL generally frowns upon punches being thrown, but I expect Pili will have help with whatever the fine is. It was a cheap, uncalled for shot on his teammate, so I'm sure the team will have his back.
A few folks mentioned the work of the TE's yesterday, and there were some really good running plays yesterday that they did a great job on the outside. Especially Charbs TD run in the fourth quarter, blocking the DB right into the endzone. Really good work.
I think the game was actually a lovely prep game for what lies ahead. We know that teams will try to get the Seahawks off their game by constantly pressuring. So now they have a lot of film to look at to work on solutions. We may look back on this underwhelming offensive performance with gratitude come January.
That was a really good video. I didn't know about that punch until I watched that. Plus he showed a lot of the mistakes the Hawks made. Like when Abe blocked the wrong person and Sam was hit and fumbled. Thanks for pointing out the video.
FYI on my long drive back last night, I listen to the Post Game and then extended post game (97.3 in Seattle. Depending on traffic gets me to around Centralia, just about out station range). The DLaw caused fumble, Coach Mac said it’s probably his favorite play all season. DLaw recognized the play (side note what I was yelling Coach Mac to tell the guys about since the block/release was the Vikes only offensive play). Anyway DLaw recognized and tried to cover but was getting blocked, then knocked down. He gets up, runs down Jones so couldn’t get FD. Then also caused the fumble that are other new fan cast off face, Ty recovered. Smarts and leadership and play making. Thank you Dallas for not keeping DLaw. Also side note. Our awesome DLine is still not at full strength. We need JReed back but we’re not just surviving in his absence, we’re thriving. If JReed can be 100% for the playoffs, I’m Lovin what our DLine can do.
I am looking forward to seeing JReed out there as well. One silver lining is Pili's reps have increased. He was on the field for 32% of the defensive snaps in the Viking's game.
Yes just more added depth. And I really wanted Hankins for run down and we haven’t even had him or needed him. That’s huge. But yes seen Pili improving and he’s taking up blockers. Much better than I’ve seen him in past. Love this defense.
I loved watching Pili immediately punch the idiot who leveled Jobe. Raw chickensht stuff. No hesitation by Pili: Boom, the guy went flying. Throwing a punch gets you ejected, BTW (and as with the other Sanders kid, fired). Nobody saw it, of course. No doubt a busy holiday week at the League's film office, to boot... Gotta love it!
I don’t recall that. Sitting in stadium hard to get it all. When was that? Can go back and watch the replay maybe catch it. But yeah definitely want teammates stepping up.
Maybe you all knew this but I just re-watched the fumble Tank caused. Highlights show where Tank causes the fumble but it's better to watch the whole play develop. In the play he was rushing and the running back checked him into the ground and then caught the swing pass and headed up field. I think Tank was pissed about the check block into the ground as he then jumps up and runs the play down and causes the fumble. I'll bet the running back thought he took Tank out of the play and wasn't expecting getting run down and the ball knocked away.
My big fantasy (the one that is printable) is a replay of Bronco's vs Seahawks at the Superbowl! With the best Defense sinnce the Legion, the result might surprise the offense happy odds makers...again. Yes, I know, Denver has a better defense now than then, but if our D and Myers can score 16 pts, between'm, I think we could get'r done.
In the spirit of giving back-ups valuable game reps, I can see Cabeldue getting a few more reps at RG. The dude IS strong. He may be still learning the ropes technique wise but he also may be an upgrade in anchoring against yer basic pocket collapsing Bradford on his butt bull rush. No offense to Tony. He could be an upgrade on the Titans starting O-line...maybe.
I think the holding call on Walker's TD was a real stretch and ticky tacky. Opposing team was doing exactly the same thing throughout the game, with no calls made. Kallerup made a good block to spring Charbs for the TD in this game.
Good Point JRaq. i didn't look it over closely, just remember his name being called for a couple of penalties leading to a loss of big gains. My mistake.
Whether it's Kubiak or someone else. How smart was MM in moving off of Grubb (some reports suggested he wanted to as early as the bye week) and finding Kubiak?
The NFL is ever changing, and likely due to defensive changes, it is now a big advantage to have an under center-based offense that runs the football and takes heat off the O-line. Just look at the top teams in the NFC.
What a call by MM, what a difference a coordinator can make.
I think with the names I listed on the team already, you have 2 guys who are basically Kubiak without the name and 2 guys who for all we know could be future OC superstars. Or they could all 4 be flops. But I don’t see any evidence yet that the Seahawks have any reason to panic without Kubiak, although I agree it’s just easier to not find out next year.
Doesn't have to be Kubiak specifically, but the scheme.
I want to stick with an under center, play-action, run based offense. I do not want to go back to a shotgun-based offense which I see struggle at the NFL level. I think DCs like Mike Mac, and the new wave of defenses, are built to defend the shotgun passing offenses.
I am not worried either because I think MM sees it the same way.
I don't think Macdonald would hire anybody that didn't prioritize under center, play action, and running the ball as much or more than passing. I don't see him going back to shotgun and throw the ball around offense.
John Benton won't be here because he'll do as he's told. He's here because he wants to make something significant from his decades working with big kids shaping them into kickass offensive linemen. Obviously, JS loved what he heard John say about where we are at and where he can take us. Just being interviewed means he likes what he is seeing. He'll not be guessing, he'll know what will be built. Schneider will ask how long it will take and he'll answer. No doubt he didn't get everybody he wanted, so he'll make do with Bradford. And Haynes. Rookies can be quickly disabused of what they "know". Veterans can't. He won't want the constant bitching about "not doing it right". That's the World. It just is. That's what an old guy who knows what he's doing will bring.
And what’s interesting, even with the poor IOL play, although Olu has been good, is that the Barnyard is working. Meaning AB (as someone posted during the game, and I’m paraphrasing, “AB has the body and makeup of a great OG, but lacks in skills”). I really was hopeful for more but frankly considering where we were last year, still huge improvement. Low sack level, until yesterday. And Coach K could’ve fixed that IMHO by doing more of what Vikes offense did. Release the TE after a brief block. Want to see the count of how many plays were where Vikes had no one in the 2-8 yard area.
Just before the regular season started I upped my Seahawk win total from 12 wins to 13 wins, and had them winning the division. I had them splitting with the Rams and the 49ers. During the bye I changed my win total for the Seahawks from 13 to 14 wins, losing only to the Rams in LA. I felt they had as good a chance as any team to go to the Super Bowl and I still do. There have been some disappointing performances by the offense, but I feel they are constantly working on getting better. I think they are the team to beat in the NFC. I can’t wait for the next Rams game!
MM gave a very strong defense and endorsement to Bradford in his morning show on Seattle Sports, but I still have this idea that when Sundel returns to the lineup, it could be at RG with Olu remaining at Center. Olu had missed too many snaps with his injury in the preseason to get back in the competition with Sundel. But now he’s had a few weeks to gel with the O-line starters. Even if Sundel would be slightly better than Olu at center, perhaps his quickness and athleticism might be a bigger improvement at RG than replacing Olu. MM actually said at the start of the season, that if Bradford suffered an injury, Sundel would be the replacement for Bradford, and Olu would become center. I think this is a very real possibility. When Sundel returns, our five best O-linemen might not include Bradford.
"MM gave a very strong defense and endorsement to Bradford"
Coach wants to keep Bradford's spirits up. It could be that he sees that over time, Bradford will develop into a good starting Guard. May take years. If'n Anthony Does develop over time, he'll certainly be very loyal to the team 'n gve his all.
Sometimes when a player didn't play well at first 'n is watching, studying, champing at the bit, he will find a way in the future. Here's hoping.
I hazily recall SSJ writing about the development of offensive linemen and their prime beginning during their late 20's and running into their 30's. I have no idea if Bradford can ever be "the guy" but have faith MM, KK and Benton have instincts one way or the other about him. MM said on the show, everybody is competing for a job everyday. He will either continue to be the best option or he will be replaced.
Yes, I know no one is going to be any where near 90% likely to win any playoff game. The best you might hope for is 65-35% likely to win a playoff game. Which is why the last three times the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl, they were the #1 seed. One fewer games to play or get there and a 100% likelihood of making the divisional round. I do think the attitude and desire of the players and the coaches on the Seahawks give them an edge. Compare the drama on the Eagles. I felt it at the first open practice in preseason. We saw it with 100% veteran attendance at OTAs. I’d put money on either or both of DK and Geno would have been missing or a hold in if they hadn’t agreed to an extension. Maybe it was a factor in moving on from them? It may look like the offense is taking a step back recently, but I think they are still getting better. Shaheed will become a bigger contributor, and when Horton comes back, it will be easier for Darnold to find targets and success in the passing game. I know it’s a very positive take. I appreciate your more grounded assessment. I’m old enough to remember the NY Jets and miracle Mets in the late 60s. “You gotta believe!”
Over the last 3 weeks we have played 2 defenses at the extremes of the continuum. The Rams shut down things with a heavy nickel/dime scheme and the Vikings pass rush at the highest rate in the league. It is good we are experiencing these schemes now and learning versus during the heat of a game in the playoffs.
We actually did okay against the Rams except in the 1st quarter. The Rams had 22 minutes of possession for the game, and 11 of that was in the 1st quarter. We destroyed them in the 4th quarter. In their last three drives, they went 3 and out, 3 and out, 18 yard run on 1st down by Nacua, then another 3 and out. Only one 6 yard pass completion on those three drives.
I am with you and believe we’ll be better prepared for the colts, Rams, and the playoffs. Sundell and Horton should be back. I believe Shaheed will be more comfortable as a target for Darnold in a few weeks, the running game is more effective, and I think Sundell will be our RG when he gets back. That should be a big improvement for the run game and pass protection. No one talks about this, but I believe the poor weather had a big impact on the Rams loss in Carolina, the Rams play in a covered stadium. December is not always sunny and pleasant in Seattle. I’m hoping for a little wind and rain. Maybe that weather will bring a few more INTs for Stafford.
Who could imagine wind and rain in Seattle in December? That is the standard. Why it's called the Emerald city and The Great Northwet. Been there, done that. Still it's a beautiful city and an ideal location. With a great sports tradition.
Yards wise, we kicked their tail and made a game of it even with the interceptions. I am sure we will protect the ball better and kick their tail on the scoreboard as well next time.
You might have a point about the dome but like you said in a previous post, no excuses. I want to see the Hawks take out the Rams on a sunny and non-windy day.
We’ve taken care of the INTs since then. Now we have to do a better job of not fumbling. I hear you, and feel we’re very capable of beating the Rams in any weather. But I loved playing football in the rain and snow when I played. It’s how it was meant to be played. Outdoor stadiums become more rare with each new stadium. I feel like they’re sanitizing the game. I rebel!
I have been thinking for a while that our last 3 games will be grinders, because all 3 teams are fighting for playoff spots. Before they beat the Rams, Carolina was already in contention to win their division, and Tampa is sliding. Canales has a year and a half invested in bringing Bryce Young along and the results are starting to show.
I’ll admit to being completely wired to think the 49IRs SUCK, but that young defense is playing great and their offense is always dangerous when Kittle, McCaffrey and Purdy are healthy. The best we have going is their run thru Indy and Chi-town before playing us. Hopefully we can stomp Indy and send them home for a desperate fight with SF to save their season. Could be beat up by the time we see them in the closer, and hopefully we have an easier time in Carolina than I think with the benefit of 10 days rest after the Thu Rams game.
It will be an interesting finish for sure. Let’s clear out IR and get Love, Reed, Horton, Sundell, and Saubert back for the final run, and maybe add Mills to the mix too!
Good catch on the 10 day rest, Bob. MM seems intent on letting his players get back to 100%, knowing they will insist on playing at 70-80%. The end of the season removes that option, so I expect to see them all. I suspect our staff doctors are malleable as to when they give The Nod.
MM just gave his Monday afternoon press conference. I think it was Gregg Bell’s voice asking what’s the plan for Sundell when he comes back from IR and will he be back at center. MM said we’re still working through the line up when he get’s back. Not saying much, but not saying he would be playing center. So maybe my gut feeling that he’s the new RG is going to pan out.
I’ve been wrong quite often. About Milroe specifically, but thanks. I just get the feeling that Bradford and Haynes are not ready to start against defenses like the Vikings and the Rams. I’m not sure Olu is, but I think he’s further along than Bradford and Haynes. That will be a top priority this offseason. I’m thinking round 2 pick is IOL, unless there’s a solid free agent we can snare.
Milroe is a work in progress, all the better for the utter lack of drama. These Coaches know their business. Still being here speaks volumes. He's not being tried out at running back or anywhere on special teams. JS isn't gambling him out on the Waiver Wire. It tells me he's been positioned, performing as expected. I take comfort believing we shall see his skills explode swoon enough.
I haven’t given up on Milroe. I just thought we’d see the package of Milroe plays this year. I trust he’s working really hard behind the scenes on his mental game and mechanics. Hopefully he shows a decent improvement next spring.
Seaside Joe I have no access and no email from SJ again. I renewed 11/27/2025 so what’s up?
My reaction was and is that the Vikings took a beating. Our whole right side had protection issues in the first half—Lucas and Haynes looked as bad as Bradford. That they didn’t give up any sacks in the second half tells me that Flores had spotted a scheme problem that Kubiak seems to have corrected. (It’s hard to know for sure because Darnold attempted only nine passes in the second half.)
Anyway, I can’t get upset about a game where the other team’s drive chart is:
5 plays,7 yards, punt
4, 21, punt
3, 2, punt
4, 18, punt
4, 9, INT
3, -8, punt
5, 28, fumble
5, 22, INT
2, 4, INT
8, 47, INT
4, -10, downs
2, 13, EOG
I don’t care who played QB—this is impressive.
As Jerry Garcia might put, the game was ragged but right.
The offense was underwhelming, but the game was never really in doubt. I wanted to see more backup players and sooner. No need to risk injury to key players in garbage time.
Always enjoy reading the comments here to start my day. Thanks to all.
It's worth checking out Top Billin's youtube video on the game.....for one specific reason. He shows the play where a Vikings o-lineman cleans up the pile by running his helmet into the face of Jobe, knocking him back several yards. But Brandon Pili saw this, steps towards the Vikings player, and knocks him on his ass with a lovely right hook. I mean, he clubs him down. It was beautiful. Now, I expect a fine to be coming his way, as the NFL generally frowns upon punches being thrown, but I expect Pili will have help with whatever the fine is. It was a cheap, uncalled for shot on his teammate, so I'm sure the team will have his back.
A few folks mentioned the work of the TE's yesterday, and there were some really good running plays yesterday that they did a great job on the outside. Especially Charbs TD run in the fourth quarter, blocking the DB right into the endzone. Really good work.
I think the game was actually a lovely prep game for what lies ahead. We know that teams will try to get the Seahawks off their game by constantly pressuring. So now they have a lot of film to look at to work on solutions. We may look back on this underwhelming offensive performance with gratitude come January.
That was a really good video. I didn't know about that punch until I watched that. Plus he showed a lot of the mistakes the Hawks made. Like when Abe blocked the wrong person and Sam was hit and fumbled. Thanks for pointing out the video.
FYI on my long drive back last night, I listen to the Post Game and then extended post game (97.3 in Seattle. Depending on traffic gets me to around Centralia, just about out station range). The DLaw caused fumble, Coach Mac said it’s probably his favorite play all season. DLaw recognized the play (side note what I was yelling Coach Mac to tell the guys about since the block/release was the Vikes only offensive play). Anyway DLaw recognized and tried to cover but was getting blocked, then knocked down. He gets up, runs down Jones so couldn’t get FD. Then also caused the fumble that are other new fan cast off face, Ty recovered. Smarts and leadership and play making. Thank you Dallas for not keeping DLaw. Also side note. Our awesome DLine is still not at full strength. We need JReed back but we’re not just surviving in his absence, we’re thriving. If JReed can be 100% for the playoffs, I’m Lovin what our DLine can do.
I am looking forward to seeing JReed out there as well. One silver lining is Pili's reps have increased. He was on the field for 32% of the defensive snaps in the Viking's game.
Huge addition. Huge.
Yes just more added depth. And I really wanted Hankins for run down and we haven’t even had him or needed him. That’s huge. But yes seen Pili improving and he’s taking up blockers. Much better than I’ve seen him in past. Love this defense.
I loved watching Pili immediately punch the idiot who leveled Jobe. Raw chickensht stuff. No hesitation by Pili: Boom, the guy went flying. Throwing a punch gets you ejected, BTW (and as with the other Sanders kid, fired). Nobody saw it, of course. No doubt a busy holiday week at the League's film office, to boot... Gotta love it!
I don’t recall that. Sitting in stadium hard to get it all. When was that? Can go back and watch the replay maybe catch it. But yeah definitely want teammates stepping up.
Maybe you all knew this but I just re-watched the fumble Tank caused. Highlights show where Tank causes the fumble but it's better to watch the whole play develop. In the play he was rushing and the running back checked him into the ground and then caught the swing pass and headed up field. I think Tank was pissed about the check block into the ground as he then jumps up and runs the play down and causes the fumble. I'll bet the running back thought he took Tank out of the play and wasn't expecting getting run down and the ball knocked away.
Here is the play:
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4wagnviqszco5yy37lzgggl3/post/3m6uytgt34c2n?ref_src=embed&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.fieldgulls.com%252Fseattle-seahawks-game-analysis%252F156264%252Fseahawks-vs-vikings-sam-darnold-outsources-his-revenge-game
Ooooo. Looks like 33's day was over, to boot. Beware, the long arm of DLaw!
Thanks Fred, for sharing that link. I watched it about 8 times and now I[ll go to bedd and dream about how great it was.
Double rec 4 Both of You.
My big fantasy (the one that is printable) is a replay of Bronco's vs Seahawks at the Superbowl! With the best Defense sinnce the Legion, the result might surprise the offense happy odds makers...again. Yes, I know, Denver has a better defense now than then, but if our D and Myers can score 16 pts, between'm, I think we could get'r done.
" ... and Olu Oluwatimi (who is shockingly 10th in Pro Bowl votes at center)"
His parents named him well.
By the time writers 'n players get to 10th, the most interesting names deserve 'n get credit.
Good point!
In the spirit of giving back-ups valuable game reps, I can see Cabeldue getting a few more reps at RG. The dude IS strong. He may be still learning the ropes technique wise but he also may be an upgrade in anchoring against yer basic pocket collapsing Bradford on his butt bull rush. No offense to Tony. He could be an upgrade on the Titans starting O-line...maybe.
Yeah it is easy for me to forget about Cabeldue. He could at least be in the running next season.
... a different player not mentioned often is Nick Kallerup.
Seems like that's 2 games in a row that Kallerup's penalty negated a big play.
I think the holding call on Walker's TD was a real stretch and ticky tacky. Opposing team was doing exactly the same thing throughout the game, with no calls made. Kallerup made a good block to spring Charbs for the TD in this game.
Good Point JRaq. i didn't look it over closely, just remember his name being called for a couple of penalties leading to a loss of big gains. My mistake.
Thanks.
On the Kubiak question:
It would be a huge loss if he left, if we didn't hire a new OC that is in the same scheme as Kubiak.
There is a big divide in the NFL right now between under center, run based offenses compared to shotgun-based offenses.
Here is the link I found that shows the under-center plays:
https://x.com/priceacarter/status/1995525989846155611?s=20
1) Rams
2) Bears
3) Niners
4) Lions
5) Seahawks
6) Bills
...
27) Saints
28) Eagles
29) Chiefs
30) Bengals
31) Falcons
32) Commandos
Whether it's Kubiak or someone else. How smart was MM in moving off of Grubb (some reports suggested he wanted to as early as the bye week) and finding Kubiak?
The NFL is ever changing, and likely due to defensive changes, it is now a big advantage to have an under center-based offense that runs the football and takes heat off the O-line. Just look at the top teams in the NFC.
What a call by MM, what a difference a coordinator can make.
I think with the names I listed on the team already, you have 2 guys who are basically Kubiak without the name and 2 guys who for all we know could be future OC superstars. Or they could all 4 be flops. But I don’t see any evidence yet that the Seahawks have any reason to panic without Kubiak, although I agree it’s just easier to not find out next year.
I bet if we win the SB our OC and DC are gone. If we don't go too far in the playoffs they are still here next year.
I think we agree.
Doesn't have to be Kubiak specifically, but the scheme.
I want to stick with an under center, play-action, run based offense. I do not want to go back to a shotgun-based offense which I see struggle at the NFL level. I think DCs like Mike Mac, and the new wave of defenses, are built to defend the shotgun passing offenses.
I am not worried either because I think MM sees it the same way.
I don't think Macdonald would hire anybody that didn't prioritize under center, play action, and running the ball as much or more than passing. I don't see him going back to shotgun and throw the ball around offense.
I am so with you here. Please no more run and shoot and air it out offenses. I much prefer the balanced physical offense we have now.
Here is what NE OC Josh McDaniels said:
https://x.com/ezlazar/status/1991666537498095669?s=20
That's great, Thanks, Mike McD.
The Seahawks offense has not looked good for 3 weeks. Is this a play calling problem or have they put reins on Donald ?
Good questions. Sometimes teams also just have month long funks and then go crazy in the playoffs.
🙏
Legion of Them. I can get behind that.
This defense is fuckin THEMothee Chalamet
John Benton won't be here because he'll do as he's told. He's here because he wants to make something significant from his decades working with big kids shaping them into kickass offensive linemen. Obviously, JS loved what he heard John say about where we are at and where he can take us. Just being interviewed means he likes what he is seeing. He'll not be guessing, he'll know what will be built. Schneider will ask how long it will take and he'll answer. No doubt he didn't get everybody he wanted, so he'll make do with Bradford. And Haynes. Rookies can be quickly disabused of what they "know". Veterans can't. He won't want the constant bitching about "not doing it right". That's the World. It just is. That's what an old guy who knows what he's doing will bring.
And what’s interesting, even with the poor IOL play, although Olu has been good, is that the Barnyard is working. Meaning AB (as someone posted during the game, and I’m paraphrasing, “AB has the body and makeup of a great OG, but lacks in skills”). I really was hopeful for more but frankly considering where we were last year, still huge improvement. Low sack level, until yesterday. And Coach K could’ve fixed that IMHO by doing more of what Vikes offense did. Release the TE after a brief block. Want to see the count of how many plays were where Vikes had no one in the 2-8 yard area.
I think AB has the body, makeup and skills for the tush push. Big bodied guy exploding straight ahead.
Plus he has a talent for barking out cadences in ways that got the defense to jump. Once the nerves calm down, this play will be solid.
The only stat that should matter is the W. That is all the Hawks need to make 2025 epic...
Just before the regular season started I upped my Seahawk win total from 12 wins to 13 wins, and had them winning the division. I had them splitting with the Rams and the 49ers. During the bye I changed my win total for the Seahawks from 13 to 14 wins, losing only to the Rams in LA. I felt they had as good a chance as any team to go to the Super Bowl and I still do. There have been some disappointing performances by the offense, but I feel they are constantly working on getting better. I think they are the team to beat in the NFC. I can’t wait for the next Rams game!
MM gave a very strong defense and endorsement to Bradford in his morning show on Seattle Sports, but I still have this idea that when Sundel returns to the lineup, it could be at RG with Olu remaining at Center. Olu had missed too many snaps with his injury in the preseason to get back in the competition with Sundel. But now he’s had a few weeks to gel with the O-line starters. Even if Sundel would be slightly better than Olu at center, perhaps his quickness and athleticism might be a bigger improvement at RG than replacing Olu. MM actually said at the start of the season, that if Bradford suffered an injury, Sundel would be the replacement for Bradford, and Olu would become center. I think this is a very real possibility. When Sundel returns, our five best O-linemen might not include Bradford.
"MM gave a very strong defense and endorsement to Bradford"
Coach wants to keep Bradford's spirits up. It could be that he sees that over time, Bradford will develop into a good starting Guard. May take years. If'n Anthony Does develop over time, he'll certainly be very loyal to the team 'n gve his all.
Sometimes when a player didn't play well at first 'n is watching, studying, champing at the bit, he will find a way in the future. Here's hoping.
I hazily recall SSJ writing about the development of offensive linemen and their prime beginning during their late 20's and running into their 30's. I have no idea if Bradford can ever be "the guy" but have faith MM, KK and Benton have instincts one way or the other about him. MM said on the show, everybody is competing for a job everyday. He will either continue to be the best option or he will be replaced.
Playoffs are gonna be dogfight after dogfight. Everyone who makes it in the NFC is gonna be a challenge.
BTW, the Lumen home field is back! That #1 seed means we won’t play away until the Super Bowl if we make the payoff as a 1 seed.
Yes, I know no one is going to be any where near 90% likely to win any playoff game. The best you might hope for is 65-35% likely to win a playoff game. Which is why the last three times the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl, they were the #1 seed. One fewer games to play or get there and a 100% likelihood of making the divisional round. I do think the attitude and desire of the players and the coaches on the Seahawks give them an edge. Compare the drama on the Eagles. I felt it at the first open practice in preseason. We saw it with 100% veteran attendance at OTAs. I’d put money on either or both of DK and Geno would have been missing or a hold in if they hadn’t agreed to an extension. Maybe it was a factor in moving on from them? It may look like the offense is taking a step back recently, but I think they are still getting better. Shaheed will become a bigger contributor, and when Horton comes back, it will be easier for Darnold to find targets and success in the passing game. I know it’s a very positive take. I appreciate your more grounded assessment. I’m old enough to remember the NY Jets and miracle Mets in the late 60s. “You gotta believe!”
Over the last 3 weeks we have played 2 defenses at the extremes of the continuum. The Rams shut down things with a heavy nickel/dime scheme and the Vikings pass rush at the highest rate in the league. It is good we are experiencing these schemes now and learning versus during the heat of a game in the playoffs.
We actually did okay against the Rams except in the 1st quarter. The Rams had 22 minutes of possession for the game, and 11 of that was in the 1st quarter. We destroyed them in the 4th quarter. In their last three drives, they went 3 and out, 3 and out, 18 yard run on 1st down by Nacua, then another 3 and out. Only one 6 yard pass completion on those three drives.
I am with you and believe we’ll be better prepared for the colts, Rams, and the playoffs. Sundell and Horton should be back. I believe Shaheed will be more comfortable as a target for Darnold in a few weeks, the running game is more effective, and I think Sundell will be our RG when he gets back. That should be a big improvement for the run game and pass protection. No one talks about this, but I believe the poor weather had a big impact on the Rams loss in Carolina, the Rams play in a covered stadium. December is not always sunny and pleasant in Seattle. I’m hoping for a little wind and rain. Maybe that weather will bring a few more INTs for Stafford.
Who could imagine wind and rain in Seattle in December? That is the standard. Why it's called the Emerald city and The Great Northwet. Been there, done that. Still it's a beautiful city and an ideal location. With a great sports tradition.
Husky Stadium in December…I shiver even thinking about! One game, the four goal post pennants were each flying in a different direction.
Yards wise, we kicked their tail and made a game of it even with the interceptions. I am sure we will protect the ball better and kick their tail on the scoreboard as well next time.
You might have a point about the dome but like you said in a previous post, no excuses. I want to see the Hawks take out the Rams on a sunny and non-windy day.
We’ve taken care of the INTs since then. Now we have to do a better job of not fumbling. I hear you, and feel we’re very capable of beating the Rams in any weather. But I loved playing football in the rain and snow when I played. It’s how it was meant to be played. Outdoor stadiums become more rare with each new stadium. I feel like they’re sanitizing the game. I rebel!
I have been thinking for a while that our last 3 games will be grinders, because all 3 teams are fighting for playoff spots. Before they beat the Rams, Carolina was already in contention to win their division, and Tampa is sliding. Canales has a year and a half invested in bringing Bryce Young along and the results are starting to show.
I’ll admit to being completely wired to think the 49IRs SUCK, but that young defense is playing great and their offense is always dangerous when Kittle, McCaffrey and Purdy are healthy. The best we have going is their run thru Indy and Chi-town before playing us. Hopefully we can stomp Indy and send them home for a desperate fight with SF to save their season. Could be beat up by the time we see them in the closer, and hopefully we have an easier time in Carolina than I think with the benefit of 10 days rest after the Thu Rams game.
It will be an interesting finish for sure. Let’s clear out IR and get Love, Reed, Horton, Sundell, and Saubert back for the final run, and maybe add Mills to the mix too!
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Good catch on the 10 day rest, Bob. MM seems intent on letting his players get back to 100%, knowing they will insist on playing at 70-80%. The end of the season removes that option, so I expect to see them all. I suspect our staff doctors are malleable as to when they give The Nod.
You might say “The Nod” was what Vikes’ docs gave McCarthy yesterday. Hopefully he enjoyed the rest.
I can vouch for this comment.
I read many of your preseason comments, and you made incredible predictions. Many of which, seems like all, have come to fruition.
Well done.
MM just gave his Monday afternoon press conference. I think it was Gregg Bell’s voice asking what’s the plan for Sundell when he comes back from IR and will he be back at center. MM said we’re still working through the line up when he get’s back. Not saying much, but not saying he would be playing center. So maybe my gut feeling that he’s the new RG is going to pan out.
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I'll ditto that, Mike.
I’ve been wrong quite often. About Milroe specifically, but thanks. I just get the feeling that Bradford and Haynes are not ready to start against defenses like the Vikings and the Rams. I’m not sure Olu is, but I think he’s further along than Bradford and Haynes. That will be a top priority this offseason. I’m thinking round 2 pick is IOL, unless there’s a solid free agent we can snare.
Yeah, I was hoping we would go after Joe Thuney last offseason who has worked out quite well for the Bears.
But we went after Fries and thankfully that didn't work.
But I think in general John Schneider has turned the corner from guards are over drafted and overpaid.
Milroe is a work in progress, all the better for the utter lack of drama. These Coaches know their business. Still being here speaks volumes. He's not being tried out at running back or anywhere on special teams. JS isn't gambling him out on the Waiver Wire. It tells me he's been positioned, performing as expected. I take comfort believing we shall see his skills explode swoon enough.
I haven’t given up on Milroe. I just thought we’d see the package of Milroe plays this year. I trust he’s working really hard behind the scenes on his mental game and mechanics. Hopefully he shows a decent improvement next spring.
HooAh!