kmedic
New member
I'm not worried at all about our defense, I really don't think SF will score more than 20 points. The critical question then is can the Hawks score more than 20 points on SF?
My opinion is that the key to this will be the play of the offensive line. Of course, having Harvin is also a key, but I'm not counting on him playing. In the last 2 meetings at home against SF, particularly the first one, the offensive line play was outstanding. Both Marshawn and Turbin racked up good yardage and RW had ample time to throw. I feel like at least some of the reason why he has been struggling of late is the pass protection. While it's been ok, it could be better. I've been watching guys like Brady, Newton, and even Kaepernick this weekend sit back in the pocket forever surveying the field. I don't feel like I've been seeing that kind of protection with us.
A lot of success earlier in the season with the offense was because Wilson, even when flushed from the pocket, was able to extend the play by scrambling and keeping the deep routes alive for explosive plays. The league has learned to scheme and contain Russell now much better from doing just that. This puts more pressure on the offensive line to hold the pocket for Russell to make his reads and it hasn't been working well the past month.
I also think it's absolutely critical that the offensive line have a clean game. There are way too many holding penalties on both runs and passes. I know Okung is not completely healthy with his turf toe but he in particular needs to cut down on the holding penalties. Maybe we need to chip more on Aldon Smith to help him out but do whatever it takes. Go Hawks.
My opinion is that the key to this will be the play of the offensive line. Of course, having Harvin is also a key, but I'm not counting on him playing. In the last 2 meetings at home against SF, particularly the first one, the offensive line play was outstanding. Both Marshawn and Turbin racked up good yardage and RW had ample time to throw. I feel like at least some of the reason why he has been struggling of late is the pass protection. While it's been ok, it could be better. I've been watching guys like Brady, Newton, and even Kaepernick this weekend sit back in the pocket forever surveying the field. I don't feel like I've been seeing that kind of protection with us.
A lot of success earlier in the season with the offense was because Wilson, even when flushed from the pocket, was able to extend the play by scrambling and keeping the deep routes alive for explosive plays. The league has learned to scheme and contain Russell now much better from doing just that. This puts more pressure on the offensive line to hold the pocket for Russell to make his reads and it hasn't been working well the past month.
I also think it's absolutely critical that the offensive line have a clean game. There are way too many holding penalties on both runs and passes. I know Okung is not completely healthy with his turf toe but he in particular needs to cut down on the holding penalties. Maybe we need to chip more on Aldon Smith to help him out but do whatever it takes. Go Hawks.