2014 Seattle Seahawks: Bittersweet Symphony

[tims4wins]

After ranking first in the NFL with an opponents passer rating of 63.4 last year (fueled by being #1 in YPA at 5.8 and a 16:28 TD:INT ratio), the Hawks have fallen all the way to 28th in opponents passer rating (103.9), including YPA of 7.1 (22% increase) and TD:INT of 12:2.
 
That puts them on "pace" to give up double as many touchdowns through the air while picking off 80% less passes. Not a good formula.
 
I am sure they will get better but those are some scary numbers.
 
For all the flack it is getting, the offense hasn't been a problem. Averaging more yards per play this year (6.2 vs. 5.8), have only turned it over twice (had 17 giveaways all of last year), and are scoring slightly more (26.5 vs. 26.1).

 

[coremiller]

Their raw defensive stats are skewed by having played an extremely difficult schedule.  Four of their six games have been against Denver, Green Bay, Dallas, and San Diego, who rank 1, 2, 3, 5 in offensive DVOA, 1, 4, 6, 2, in passing DVOA, 1, 4, 5, 3, in total offense, and 1, 3, 4, 2 in adjusted net yards/attempt.  By DVOA they've played the hardest set of opposing offenses in the league, and by a pretty big margin.
 
Their next three games are against Carolina, Oakland, and the Giants.  I'll bet their defense "suddenly starts coming together".

 

[tims4wins]

True. They still sit at 7th in defensive DVOA (-8.1%), but are ranked 22nd vs. the pass (13.0%).
 
Last year they were #1 overall with a -25.9%, and #1 against the pass (-34.2%).
 
They may very well "start coming together" vs. the weak part of their schedule, but they are going to have to beat good passing teams to win it all, and I'm not sure they are capable this year.

 

[Silverdude2167]

Barnwell and Mays have pointed to the main issue being SEA's lack of pass rush this year. Even the best secondary will falter if the QB has time.

 

[Devizier]

Do they miss Clemons and Bryant that much? I guess so.

 

[Silverdude2167]

I think Pete Carroll may have lost his locker room. 
 
http://deadspin.com/reports-the-seahawks-are-fed-up-with-marshawn-lynch-1650955505

 

[soxfan121]

I think Pete Carroll may have lost his locker room. 
 
http://deadspin.com/reports-the-seahawks-are-fed-up-with-marshawn-lynch-1650955505

 
That's unpossible. Pete's a player's coach!

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

A win is a win is a win. Now, get home, get healthy and build some momentum off of this sucker.
 
If the Seahawks can win a few games, all this off the field stuff will go away.

 

[DanoooME]

So true.
 
The defense played so much better this time.  The special teams were meh.  And the offense is still clunky.  Short of importing a whole new O-line, I don't know if it's going to get fixed.
 
4-3 and Oakland, NY Giants next two on the docket.

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

So true.
 
The defense played so much better this time.  The special teams were meh.  And the offense is still clunky.  Short of importing a whole new O-line, I don't know if it's going to get fixed.
 
4-3 and Oakland, NY Giants next two on the docket.

 
If Okung and Unger get healthy, it will make a huge difference. At the same time, it's nice to get some of the young guys reps.

 

[DanoooME]

Well, another effort where they escaped by the skin of their teeth, 30-24 at home vs. winless Oakland.  Major issues:
 
1. Offensive Line - This is entirely responsible for holding the offense back.  Injuries are killing this unit, but they aren't performing well even when healthy.  LT Russell Okung missed the Oakland game.  C Max Unger also missed the game, his 4th in a row.  Backup C Stephen Schilling was limited to 18 snaps, so they were down to 3rd stringer Patrick Lewis.  Technically, they were down to a 4th stringer, since preseason #2 C Lemuel Jeanpierre is on IR.  LG James Carpenter sprained an ankle so Garry Gilliam had to fill in for him.  At least the right side of the line (RG J.R. Sweezy and rookie RT Justin Britt) haven't been hurt (yet).  But they haven't played well either.  The pressure on Russell Wilson is choking off the passing game.  They are getting almost nothing downfield.  On passes of 10 or more yards, Wilson went 2-11 for 39 yards.  Those two passes were 20 and 19 yards.  The short passing game was 15-24 for 166 yards, no TD and no INT.  They can still run block (leading the NFL with 5.1 YPC), but teams are going to start stacking the box with 8 and force them to win through the air.  Hopefully the air game will open up soon.
 
2. Special Teams Coverage - They've found ways to fail in this area in every possible way.  Earl Thomas muffing punts at the beginning of the year, fake punts against, fake punt returns against, and now a blocked punt.  They aren't limiting the yardage the way they used to.  Hauschka and Ryan continue to be great.  But are they really missing Heath Farwell (IR) and Chris Maragos (signed with Philly) that much?
 
3. Injuries - The team is not as deep as last year and the injuries have been more numerous.  10 guys on IR (only one, CB Jeremy Lane, designated to return).  Zach Miller has been out, hurting the offense.  But they are getting killed on defense too.  4 starters on defense missed yesterday's game: LBs Malcolm Smith and Bobby Wagner, CB Byron Maxwell, and SS Kam Chancellor.  Also key rotation DT Jordan Hill, and Chancellor's backup SS Jeron Johnson were out yesterday as well.  The depth is really being tested, especially at certain positions (C, SS, LB).
 
They have the Giants at home this coming week and then they begin the Gauntlet of Hell - @KC, Ariz, @SF, @Phi, SF, @Ariz before ending at home against the Rams.  I'm hoping for 10-6 and it will be good enough to make the playoffs at this point.  Guys need to get healthy and quickly.

 

[DanoooME]

Another nail biter for 3 quarters (17-17), but then they pulled away behind the ground game 38-17.  They set a team record with 350 yards rushing.  All of the TDs were scored on the ground by Marshawn Lynch (4 of them) and Russell Wilson.  Both Lynch (140) and Wilson (107) had 100 yards rushing while Chrstine Michael chipped in with 71 yards on just 4 carries.  Robert Turbin also contributed 32 yards on 6 carries.  The downfield passing game was absent again as Wilson was 3-8 for 106 yards and 2 picks on passes of more than 10 yards.  More disturbing was Wilson's decision making and execution as he missed high on a few passes and forced a couple into places he normally doesn't.  The offensive line did a great job once again run blocking but less than stellar at pass blocking.  This is with 2 starters back on the line (Okung and Unger).  I guess I need to start looking at film to see what's going on here.
 
They did also get back starters Jeremy Lane (nickel back) and Byron Maxwell (RCB), but were still missing LBs Malcolm Smith and Bobby Wagner as well as SS Kam Chancellor.  Chancellor's backup Jeron Johnson had a hell of a game in his place, leading the team in tackles and did a solid job in pass coverage.  The defense really stepped up in the 2nd half and shut down the Giants offense.
 
The Hawks also got some lucky bounces with fumbling as they recovered 3 of the 4 fumbles in the game.
 
The Gauntlet of Hell begins this week with a trip to 6-3 Kansas City.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

There have been a lot of injuries, but as an outsider it's hard to look at what's happening in Seattle as an unsurprising example of a cocky team having trouble coping with success.

One more reason to be impressed with the New Englands (and others) of the world for their relative consistency even in the face of constant 12-win seasons.

 

[TimNJsoxfan]

One more reason to be impressed with the New Englands (and others) of the world for their relative consistency even in the face of constant 12-win seasons.

Yeah that and being in a division with the Jets, Dolphins and Bills helps a little too

 

[Silverdude2167]

Yeah that and being in a division with the Jets, Dolphins and Bills helps a little too

Yah the NFC West has a total of 3 more wins this season than the AFC East, so much better.
 
Don't start this again, there is almost not difference in the Pats win percentage between in and out of division games.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

Yeah that and being in a division with the Jets, Dolphins and Bills helps a little too

Yes, a weak division explains a historically good run of excellence. Try again.

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

Dammit.
 
Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo 31m31 minutes ago
More huge NFC West injury news: Source tells @FOXSports1 Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane is done for the year with a torn hamstring. Wow.

 

[DanoooME]

Dammit.
 
Mike Garafolo ‏@MikeGarafolo 31m31 minutes ago
More huge NFC West injury news: Source tells @FOXSports1 Seahawks DT Brandon Mebane is done for the year with a torn hamstring. Wow.

 
Sumbitch.  That hurts the run D big time.

 

[rodderick]

Yeah that and being in a division with the Jets, Dolphins and Bills helps a little too

 
People on this board have shown about 500 times how the Patriots winning% inside and outside the division is about the same, why is this shit still regurgitated? 

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

Tight end Zach Miller, who has been out since Week 3, was also put on the IR today.
 
Not sure what to expect in the coming weeks with this team suffering so many injuries, but Chancellor and Malcolm Smith are supposed to be back this week. And Bobby Wagner next week, so perhaps the defense can ramp back up to near previous levels of awesomeness.
 
Also, Kevin Williams will replace Mebane. Hopefully he finds a fountain of youth and becomes the Vikings version of himself, but I doubt it.

 

[LondonSox]

The schedule from here. Oh my.
I was thinking that the Niners were nearly done, until they pulled out the Saints game, and it was just whether the Cards could hold on without Palmer from the Seahawks but yikes from here
 
http://www.seahawks.com/schedule/season-schedule.html
 
I mean
@ chiefs
Cards
@ niners
@ Eagles
Niners
@ cards
Rams
 
The only non payoff contender is a team that beat them already. Wow. Given the injuries ouchy

 

[DanoooME]

C Max Unger now out "3 to 4 weeks" with a high ankle sprain according to Pete.  Just as the line was getting its shit together, this happens.  Tenatively, Patrick Lewis becomes the starter, but on Field Gulls they said Lemuel Jeanpierre was given an injury settlement a few weeks ago and he may be eligible to be re-signed, so he may end up back in the starting spot he had at times last year due to Unger injuries.

 

[DanoooME]

Damn good effort by the defense this week, as they beat the team with the NFL's best record, the Arizona Cardinals 19-3.  Per an article in Field Gulls, they held the Cardinals to 5 plays or less in 8 of 10 drives.  The special teams also came through with a punt block and a couple of decent punt returns by Bryan Walters.  The offense is still a mess; they gave up 7 sacks and Russell Wilson had to scramble for his life quite a few more times than that.  But if the defense can keep playing like that, they can carry this team like it did a lot of last year.
 
Evidently there was a players meeting earlier in the week where the team got a lot of things out in the open and they started to come together better.  Let's hope that momentum keeps going.
 
The next opponent in the Gauntlet of Hell: in Santa Clara to face the hated 49ers on Thanksgiving.  They seem to have become the Seahawks' doppleganger: defense is getting healthy and playing much better, special teams have been okay, offense is struggling mightily, particularly the offensive line.  After the Niners, they travel to Philly to face the 8-3 Eagles, host the Niners in the CLink, and go to Arizona for a rematch with the Cardinals.  Then they host the pesky Rams at home in the season finale.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I haven't watched a lot of Seahawks games, but Jesus does this sound like a team just teetering on the edge in the locker room.
 

 
 
"There was something that was missing," Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin said. "There was a subtle difference there and I feel like today we kind of found it. We talked about it throughout the week. Like I said, just trusting each other, respecting each other and going out there and playing for each other. I definitely felt it today."

"Hard talks. Arguments. Like a family, and just like a family we came together," Seattle safety Earl Thomas said.

"It's a special win because we did it together," Thomas said. "For the first time this year, I think we played for pure reasons, for no motives attached. That's what you love about this team: We can put our egos aside and we can admit when we're wrong. Guys stayed true."

"Any way you look at it, it's a big opportunity for us in the division and a really nice performance," Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. "I loved the way the guys rallied to play together."

 
It's great that "they came together like a family", but what happens in the locker room if they had lost this game? Usually locker room dynamics are overblown, but there is clearly some rifts on the team, and winning a mid-season game doesn't fix those problems. I'm interested to see how they deal with adversity going forward, because I don't think this is the last we hear about a broken locker room out of Seattle.

 

[LondonSox]

Both SF and Seattle seem like on the verge of disaster and have managed to walk the tightrope. One of those two is missing the playoffs, and it's not impossible for both to miss. Whoever does might ahve a fun off season. My money is on a huge change in SF, and Seattle losing some more "problem" locker room players etc.

 

[dcdrew10]

I'm pretty much the opposite of a Sherman fan, but this goes a long way:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLbv4_TpsL8
 
Anyone who takes a big steaming dump on the NFL for it's hypocrisy gets a gold star for the day from me.

 

[Tony C]

C Max Unger now out "3 to 4 weeks" with a high ankle sprain according to Pete.  Just as the line was getting its shit together, this happens.  Tenatively, Patrick Lewis becomes the starter, but on Field Gulls they said Lemuel Jeanpierre was given an injury settlement a few weeks ago and he may be eligible to be re-signed, so he may end up back in the starting spot he had at times last year due to Unger injuries.

 
Yep, Jeanpierre was back. Unger getting back should really help once that happens.
 
The flip of Colin K. getting too much credit is Russell Wilson not getting enough, in my opinion. Even with Brady or Manning, we see that they rise/fall by virtue of having a solid OL -- Wilson has done so much with crappy line protection and mediocre receivers, it's rather remarkable. (And compare that to his "rival" Kaepernick, who has profited from a much stronger supporting cast -- he's done much less with much more than Wilson has. Though, before I go on a pity party for Wilson, having M. Lynch is a pretty big security blanket, too.

 

[DanoooME]

For once I like the Atlanta Falcons.  Thanks to their win over Arizona today, the Seahawks have their destiny in their hands.  If they win out (yes, a BIG if), they win the division no matter what else happens.
 
The Gauntlet of Hell continues: @ Philly, SF, @Arizona, StL.
 
None of them are easy, but it looks a whole lot better with winning the road SF game, and Arizona starting to fall apart.  This week is the huge game.  And I get to watch it at my uncle's house full of Eagles fans.

 

[LondonSox]

My preview for Football Central for Eagles Seahawks
 
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/2014/12/05/eagles-seahawks-preview-battle-birds/
 

 
Both the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles are coming off big road wins over division rivals on Thanksgiving, and are in the heart of their respective stretch runs. Following this game, the Seahawks face another battle with San Francisco, a road trip to NFC West-leading Arizona, and then a home date with the frisky Rams. The Eagles also have a re-match with Dallas at home before finishing on the road with the Washington Football Club and the New York Giants, a pair of struggling NFC East foes.
With playoff seeding (and berths) still on the line, this is an important game for each side. Seattle is fighting for the division but risks falling out of the playoffs entirely with a poor finish. An Eagles win here keeps them in a strong position for a first-round bye.
Delving into the performances of these two teams, one interesting theme comes through: Their respective strengths match up with one another, and so do their weaknesses.

 

[DanoooME]

Totally dominant effort today, shutting down the Eagles offense to the tune of 139 total yards.  One Thirty Nine.  By a team that averaged 416 per game coming in.
 
The defense is getting back to last year's level.  A bit more pass rush and look out.
 
The offense did a solid job of controlling the ball and keeping Philly's offense off the field.
 
The Gauntlet of Hell continues next week at home against the archrival Niners, who did us a solid by dropping a game today to the Raiders.

 

[Tony C]

I know they got a bunch of guys back from injury, but at the same time they lost Mebane and yet they are still so dominant. That was a very convincing win.

 

[Devizier]

All I want on the NFC side is a Green Bay - Seattle matchup.

 

[wibi]

Couple of amazing stats from the defense
 

Opposing QB stats vs ‪#‎Seahawks‬ since CB Byron Maxwell returned healthy in Week 10: 59.2% completions, 5.61 YPA, 3 TDs, 5 INTs.
Opposing RB stats vs #Seahawks since MLB Bobby Wagner returned healthy in Week 12: 138 yards on 52 carries (2.65 YPC) & 0 TDs.

 

[wibi]

Youth team in Maryland is using these as their new uniforms
 

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

Fuck, I'm blind now thanks.

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

It's like Oregon got a hold of the Seahawks' jerseys. Awful.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

Great ESPN investigative/biographical piece on former GM Scot McCloughan, and the kind of personal demons that front-office personnel battle.

 

[DanoooME]

And a big win against the hated Niners 17-7.  Lots of injuries in this game, particularly from the Niners side.  It was a hard hitting game.  And yes, that was the worst roughing the QB call in the history of the game.
 
Seahawks now set up for winning the division and possibly the #1 seed.  They win their last two games @ Arizona and home vs. St. Louis, they win the division.  As long as they don't tie the Cowboys alone, they would get the #1 seed in that scenario.  Any scenario involving 3 teams tied at 12-4, the Seahawks win the tiebreakers.
 
Since the Eagles managed to completely shit the bed at home tonight (continuing the Seahawk hangover - Seattle opponents have lost their next game 8 straight times), now I would like to see Indy step up and beat the Cowboys next week, since I have no faith in the Deadskins providing any help.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 10s10 seconds ago
#Seahawks have signed pass-rusher Cliff Avril to a 4-year extension worth $28.5M with $16M guaranteed, source says.
 

 

[DanoooME]

And that a day after signing LB K.J. Wright to a 4 year extension of his own worth $27 million, although there's no breakdown of his deal yet.

 

[wibi]

Both are great value deals on players who are key to this defense

 

[Phil Plantier]

Great ESPN investigative/biographical piece on former GM Scot McCloughan, and the kind of personal demons that front-office personnel battle.

 
Really disturbing. Harder to read about someone mid-fall than someone who has already hit bottom.

 

[wibi]

Too pumped and jacked to write about tonight's game but somebody on Reddit was nice enough to put together a Seahawks playoff seeding chart
 

 

[ThePrideofShiner]

The only thing I took from that graphic is: Win and you have home field advantage until the Super Bowl.
 
After the performance by the offense against one of the best defenses in the league tonight, I'm feeling much better than I was earlier this season.
 
Seahawks are definitely clicking right now.

 

[ivanvamp]

I would love to see an NFC Championship game of Seattle-GB, Seattle-Dallas, or Dallas-GB, with both teams (whoever is the matchup) playing at a high level.

 

[crystalline]

Here's Lynch's big run:

http://gfycat.com/CourageousDangerousBagworm

23 adds 40 yards to the run with his blocking. Watch him- he levels two guys, adding to Lynch's stiffarm, then sprints downfield again to lay a block near the end zone. Pretty cool stuff.

 

[DanoooME]

Last 5 games in the Gauntlet of Hell (2 vs. Arizona, 2 vs SF, 1 @ Phi)
 
Outscored opponents 114-33 (6.6 PPGA)
Gave up 968 yards in offense (193.6 YPGA)
 
I wonder when the last time was when a team allowed less than 1,000 yards in a 5-game stretch.  It's has to be the 70s or earlier.

 

[ivanvamp]

Seattle at Lambeau for the NFC championship would have been interesting. Alas, it looks like GB would have to travel to Seattle again, and that probably won't end well for the Packers.

I think the road looks pretty good for Seattle to make it back to the Super Bowl, given that I think they'll have HFA, and Dallas and GB likely will have to play each other in the divisional round, meaning the Seahawks don't have to play them both.

 

[jsinger121]

Last 5 games in the Gauntlet of Hell (2 vs. Arizona, 2 vs SF, 1 @ Phi)
 
Outscored opponents 114-33 (6.6 PPGA)
Gave up 968 yards in offense (193.6 YPGA)
 
I wonder when the last time was when a team allowed less than 1,000 yards in a 5-game stretch.  It's has to be the 70s or earlier.

 
Arizona and San Francisco have bottom 10 offenses. Outside of good defenses they really are gauntlet teams. San Fran is a shell of themselves and everyone knows Arizona is 1 and done. 

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

everyone knows Arizona is 1 and done. 

 
There was plenty of talk on the broadcast last night that Stanton would be ready by next week, or certainly for the playoffs.  An ACL sprain and grade II MCL sprain doesn't sound like reason for optimism (the article did say "two to four weeks"), but if true, I think they'd be favored vs Atlanta, and would at least have a shot in the divisional round.