Random Thoughts™ on the Falcons game

[kearly]

would like to add the 4th down call to go for it. Still early in the game.
take the points no?

Wasn't Seattle down 20-0? Looked like a shootout. I thought it was the right call. Really, you usually can't go wrong with going for 4th and 1 unless a FG wins you the game.

 

[kearly]

"My only criticism was Seattle not taking an intentional grounding on the final play of the first half."

Isn't there an 10-second runoff if you ground the ball in that situation? That would have ended the half anyway.

There were 17 seconds on the clock when he took that sack.

 

[kearly]

I'll miss me some random thoughts Kearly. Sigh

Quick question for you....... Marshawn will be another year older next year. Any concerns about him deteriorating in the coming years, I know a lot of backs peak, then fall fast. I hope he isnt one of them. Turbin showed some great stuff today though. Was as effective as Beast.

I think he will peak over the next couple seasons unless his back issues become a real problem.

 

[Rflagg]

As always you do a very good job breaking it down.

Kearly, I am of the opinion that in the pass happy nfl of today Irvin will still be worth his first round pick as a guy that does nothing but get sacks what is your feeling about this?

 

[Sac]

I'm Henry Melton

 

[hawksfansinceday1]

Thanks for another excellent write-up Kip. Agree with everything you said. This defensive line still needs work and I agree that Pete/John must sell out to accomplish it. Red is a part-timer and Irvin is a specialist. With Clem highly doubtful for a good portion of next year, a new strategy is in order.

Thought playcalling was marginal at best today. Why not rollout Russ on 3rd and 1 late first half. They were obviously completely focused on Lynch today. And along those lines, I would've liked to see the coaches open it up sooner because of their defensive focus on Marshawn. Next year in a game like this, I believe we'll see that.

Been waiting for Russell Wilson for 37 years. Thank you football Gods.

 

[cdallan]

I'm disappointed but optimistic. We know what we do have - a legit QB. The difference between week 1 and this week is night and day. Look how quickly he recognises blitz and hits tbe hot route. If he's a top 10 QB with his arm, then you add his wheels, there is literally no QB I would swap him for. But I think we know what we don't have as well, basically:-

1 - our DL is probably no better than above average. I don't really believe in big free agents, so I think we just have to throw a few draft picks at it and hope enough stick.

2 - there is no point in being disappointed with Irvin in this game. We knew be was a pass rush specialist who was undersized to play the run. I wouldn't have played him as a starter in our base D today as you are asking him to do something he can't do and losing what he can give you - fresh legs in the rush package.

3 - we probably won't get a grade A 3 tech in the draft. We probably won't get any more than a project DE. You know what we might get. A good WLB. This may help our base D, and if we get a big fast body at WLB this may give us somebody else to rush from the edge on third down.

4 - as somebody else says elsewhere, Kam probably isn't getting a big contract when his rookie contract expires. For one, he's a SS. Second, he's really an in the box safety. He brings great run support to the table, you lose some speed to cover over the top.

5 - it would be great if Carp came back and was a solid LG. Wilson can avoid a lot of pressure, but there is nothing he can do about quick pressure straight up the middle.

 

[CurryStopstheRuns]

If Wilson takes an intentional grounding then they run the time off of the clock to end the half so that wouldn't have worked.

I agree about Red Bryant. If the run defense was the best in the League then I could see them justifying Bryant. The problem is that the run defense has faultered each of the last two seasons for the last 8+ games of the season. The Bryant thing is not working.

If we could snag Johnson from the Bengals at 6'7" 270 lbs and have Red take Branch's two down three technique role then that would make the most sense.

 

[CurryStopstheRuns]

I'm Henry Melton

That guy as well. I would love to sign Johnson and Melton. If I had to choose between the two then I would select Melton.

 

[theENGLISHseahawk]

-You kind of knew 31 seconds was enough time. At least I did. Wasn't actually that heartbreaking. More disappointing than heartbreaking.

This is exactly how I felt. I usually let out a neighbour-waking cheer when we score a big touchdown, but today just kind of smiled. I was saving the big cheer for the end. And next door will unfortunately never get to hear it.

I had no confidence we'd get the stop... felt like we needed a big play first up (eg sack) to really set them back. That Falcons team is made to get yardage like that in a quick situation. It's a shame but I wasn't as gutted as I thought I would be.

 

[Hawkscanner]

Thanks for the write-ups you've done all season long on these post game thoughts (in this case we should definitely say Post Mortem thoughts). If you don't mind me chiming in, I'll comment on a few things and then I've got a few random thoughts of my own ...

1) Well, the Magic Carpet Ride is finally over ... and to be honest, I do have a lot of the same feelings right now as I did back in 1995 when the Mariners went down to the Indians in the ALCS. Like a lot of you, my emotions are pretty raw right now. When the comeback was happening, there was a piece of me that honestly believed that the Seahawks were going to get it done. Unfortunately, when I realized that there 31 seconds left my heart sank, as in my heart of hearts I knew that it just wasn't going to be today.

2) Completely agreed Kip -- Russell Wilson was awesome today. Eerily, I don't know why, but I'm drawing parallels in my mind right now to Wisconsin's Rose Bowl 35-28 Loss to Oregon. Hmm. That said, I completely agree that this is the beginning of a new era in Seahawks football ... and that that future is very bright. When it's all said and done for Wilson, I fully believe he will have guided the Seahawks to and won at least 1 Super Bowl (if not a few).

3) Regarding the game today, it just goes to show you that you CANNOT allow yourself to get down by THAT many points AND turn the ball over on the road. Just cannot do that and expect to win at home. Home field advantage is everything. If this game had been played at Century Link ... I fully believe we would be heading to Candlestick next week.

4) Have to agree with you that Sweezy's inexperience was a factor in this game. I know that Pete Carroll and Tom Cable say that he is the most athletic lineman they have and that they like his makeup ... but didn't we hear those same kinds of comments about James Carpenter? You just cannot have that kind of inexperience out there in a playoff game.

5) A big reason that we lost this football game was Seattle's inability to get Marshawn Lynch and the running game going. If you can't get that going ... and don't keep Matt Ryan and those receivers off the field ... you're going to lose. We lost the Time of Possession Battle in this one -- a big No No on the road.

6) Chris Clemons's absence loomed very large in this game. Without the ability to get consistent pressure with just the Front 4, that meant we had to blitz more. Against a team like this that has so many weapons, that's the death knell. Also, it was quite shocking to see a back like Michael Turner (who has really beat no one this year) to have the kind of game he had. To me, that is also directly related to Clemons being out. I have to agree with your point completely that Bruce Irvin (to me) seems like more of a situational pass rusher -- that's his upside. Now that's fine, but you've got to resign yourself to the fact that that's what he is ... and plan accordingly. Irvin just isn't all that good against the run ... and man, did it showin this game.

7) Like you guys, the whole Time Out thing sticks in my craw (which I know it shouldn't ... but it did) since their kicker MISSED IT the first time. UGH! If we only hadn't called TO ... he'd have shanked it and the game would be over. Irrational thought for sure of mine ... but it's just one of a dozen or more "what if's" in this game.

Flipping the page and breaking out the shopping list for the offseason, the needs on this team (from what I can see) are:

1) Defensive End/Line (Pass Rusher/Run Stuffer Combo ideally)
2) A young LB to succeed Leroy Hill (sorry man, but it's time) -- can we clone Aldon Smith or Novorro Bowman?
3) Another CB to help compete with Jeremy Lane for the Nickel spot and a guy who could start if need be.
4) Another WR with speed who can really stretch the field and put pressure on defenses.
5) Offensive Line depth (maybe some more of those later round nuggets with starting potential).

To me, the first 2 things are priorities 1A and 1B. Absolutely, positively have GOT to find a way to improve the pass rush and improve against the run. If that means in doing so that Red Bryant moves in to more of a rotational role than he's been in -- I'm fine with that. We saw the benefit of what you can do if you can generate pressure with just the Front 4 in the last Rams game. I'm looking for absolute stud DE and/or LB's who can really "tilt the room" in this upcoming draft. On the flip side, that Front 4 of the Rams really highlighted to me the real need to improve the Offensive Line. The Rams aren't going anywhere, as they have the youngest corps in the game and under Jeff Fisher are only going to get better.

If we beef things up a bit this offseason (which I know John Schneider is going to do) ... the prospects look bright for next season, given that Russell Wilson and the offense will have an entire training camp together from Day 1 (instead of having to do this 3 QB rotation and figure out who's going to win the job). If we don't blow winable games by playing stupid ... there's no reason that this team can't be 12-4 ... or 13-3 next season and get Home Field Advantage in the playoffs. If I had to bet the farm, I'd bank on that happening next season. Now we got to sit back and watch the Falcons get smoked by the 49ers next week. Can't wait for the offseason and for the roster tweaking to begin.

 

[mrblitz]

it's seems like bryant has been hurt for many weeks.

if he comes back fresh to training camp, maybe they could move him back inside? when he was young, it seemed like he got penetration but tended to overpursue. he's probably learned the 'contain' part of the game, but can he still knife through the line of scrimmage out of the tackle position like he did when he was a rookie?

 

[hawksfansinceday1]

Thanks for the write-ups you've done all season long on these post game thoughts (in this case we should definitely say Post Mortem thoughts). If you don't mind me chiming in, I'll comment on a few things and then I've got a few random thoughts of my own ...

1) Well, the Magic Carpet Ride is finally over ... and to be honest, I do have a lot of the same feelings right now as I did back in 1995 when the Mariners went down to the Indians in the ALCS. Like a lot of you, my emotions are pretty raw right now. When the comeback was happening, there was a piece of me that honestly believed that the Seahawks were going to get it done. Unfortunately, when I realized that there 31 seconds left my heart sank, as in my heart of hearts I knew that it just wasn't going to be today.

2) Completely agreed Kip -- Russell Wilson was awesome today. Eerily, I don't know why, but I'm drawing parallels in my mind right now to Wisconsin's Rose Bowl 35-28 Loss to Oregon. Hmm. That said, I completely agree that this is the beginning of a new era in Seahawks football ... and that that future is very bright. When it's all said and done for Wilson, I fully believe he will have guided the Seahawks to and won at least 1 Super Bowl (if not a few).

3) Regarding the game today, it just goes to show you that you CANNOT allow yourself to get down by THAT many points AND turn the ball over on the road. Just cannot do that and expect to win at home. Home field advantage is everything. If this game had been played at Century Link ... I fully believe we would be heading to Candlestick next week.

4) Have to agree with you that Sweezy's inexperience was a factor in this game. I know that Pete Carroll and Tom Cable say that he is the most athletic lineman they have and that they like his makeup ... but didn't we hear those same kinds of comments about James Carpenter? You just cannot have that kind of inexperience out there in a playoff game.

5) A big reason that we lost this football game was Seattle's inability to get Marshawn Lynch and the running game going. If you can't get that going ... and don't keep Matt Ryan and those receivers off the field ... you're going to lose. We lost the Time of Possession Battle in this one -- a big No No on the road.

6) Chris Clemons's absence loomed very large in this game. Without the ability to get consistent pressure with just the Front 4, that meant we had to blitz more. Against a team like this that has so many weapons, that's the death knell. Also, it was quite shocking to see a back like Michael Turner (who has really beat no one this year) to have the kind of game he had. To me, that is also directly related to Clemons being out. I have to agree with your point completely that Bruce Irvin (to me) seems like more of a situational pass rusher -- that's his upside. Now that's fine, but you've got to resign yourself to the fact that that's what he is ... and plan accordingly. Irvin just isn't all that good against the run ... and man, did it showin this game.

7) Like you guys, the whole Time Out thing sticks in my craw (which I know it shouldn't ... but it did) since their kicker MISSED IT the first time. UGH! If we only hadn't called TO ... he'd have shanked it and the game would be over. Irrational thought for sure of mine ... but it's just one of a dozen or more "what if's" in this game.

Flipping the page and breaking out the shopping list for the offseason, the needs on this team (from what I can see) are:

1) Defensive End/Line (Pass Rusher/Run Stuffer Combo ideally)
2) A young LB to succeed Leroy Hill (sorry man, but it's time) -- can we clone Aldon Smith or Novorro Bowman?
3) Another CB to help compete with Jeremy Lane for the Nickel spot and a guy who could start if need be.
4) Another WR with speed who can really stretch the field and put pressure on defenses.
5) Offensive Line depth (maybe some more of those later round nuggets with starting potential).

To me, the first 2 things are priorities 1A and 1B. Absolutely, positively have GOT to find a way to improve the pass rush and improve against the run. If that means in doing so that Red Bryant moves in to more of a rotational role than he's been in -- I'm fine with that. We saw the benefit of what you can do if you can generate pressure with just the Front 4 in the last Rams game. I'm looking for absolute stud DE and/or LB's who can really "tilt the room" in this upcoming draft. On the flip side, that Front 4 of the Rams really highlighted to me the real need to improve the Offensive Line. The Rams aren't going anywhere, as they have the youngest corps in the game and under Jeff Fisher are only going to get better.

If we beef things up a bit this offseason (which I know John Schneider is going to do) ... the prospects look bright for next season, given that Russell Wilson and the offense will have an entire training camp together from Day 1 (instead of having to do this 3 QB rotation and figure out who's going to win the job). If we don't blow winable games by playing stupid ... there's no reason that this team can't be 12-4 ... or 13-3 next season and get Home Field Advantage in the playoffs. If I had to bet the farm, I'd bank on that happening next season. Now we got to sit back and watch the Falcons get smoked by the 49ers next week. Can't wait for the offseason and for the roster tweaking to begin.

Like Kip, your posts are excellent my friend. Great points one and all. Salute to the both of you and all the other very, very smart people that post on this site who know the game quite well.

 

[madbohem]

-I don't care what Pete said to reporters, Bruce Irvin is hardly the "ideal" LEO. I like Irvin, but the team needs to be honest about his capabilities. Irvin is not built physically to defend against the run, and he doesn't have much talent for stopping the run either. You've probably heard the expression "selling out" to rush the passer? Well today, Irvin was selling out to stop the run, which he didn't really stop all that much. He was very slow off the snap, often ran straight into blockers playing almost a 2-gap type role, and provided what I would call "negative value" for most of this game. In Irvin's previous job, he didn't have to worry about the run and that allowed him to sell out against the pass. The only way that Irvin will have a worthwhile NFL career is if he can sell out as a pass rusher, and barring a revelatory transformation that just isn't happening in a 3 down role for him.

I agree to the extent of this on this year only. I don't doubt Pete knows Irvin and what coaching and study can do to a player from one year to the next. I think that Irvin is going to have the chance to grow and hope that is what happens.

Our defense is going to get more then some TLC this off season. I am stoked.

 

[themunn]

If Wilson takes an intentional grounding then they run the time off of the clock to end the half so that wouldn't have worked.

I agree about Red Bryant. If the run defense was the best in the League then I could see them justifying Bryant. The problem is that the run defense has faultered each of the last two seasons for the last 8+ games of the season. The Bryant thing is not working.

If we could snag Johnson from the Bengals at 6'7" 270 lbs and have Red take Branch's two down three technique role then that would make the most sense.

Yeah but there were more than 10 seconds on the clock when he took the sack


Also, RE: Bruce Irvin
We knew he was going to be raw from the very start, I think he has an ideal skill-set for the Leo position, but not the NFL know-how yet. I don't expect it'll come next year either, but hopefully by year 3, in a Golden Tate style "it took a while but I've finally arrived" way. I hope Wilson's work ethic catches on with him, I know Wilson did a lot of additional practice with all of the rookies - when given the day off he told them all they didn't have the day off and made them go practice with him. I expect that next year he won't do that, but he WILL work with the new class of rookies and do the exact same with them, and hope that the now 1+ year experienced guys will continue to work hard without him telling them to

 

[HawkHack]

What's all this talk about erotic defense?

 

[mrblitz]

also, if you leave red at the end position, could scruggs take over if red isn't good to go?

it seems like red's foot was a big issue this year. when he's healthy, his position is effective, at least against the run.

 

[themunn]

What's all this talk about erotic defense?

Brandon Browner and Kam Chancellor give me a hard on pretty much every week

 

[mrblitz]

on defense, i'd say keep loading up on safeties. find an earl clone so you can play a cover-2 look.

could you imagine a 2-deep with 2 earls?

 

[drdiags]

Our defense is not as physical as the talking heads make them out to be. Run defense has been trending down since mid-season. Pass rush and better DL/LB play will help going forward. I still cannot complain. This team has a chance to re-load and make another run at it with confidence that they belong and can play with the big boys.