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Eric D. Williams took over the Seahawks beat and Seahawks Insider blog in December. Williams has covered the Seahawks, Sonics and high school sports for The News Tribune since joining the paper in 2006. Eric lives in Tacoma with his wife and two children.
Tacoma News Tribune columnist Dave Boling also contributes to the Seahawks Insider blog.
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Thursday, September 18th, 2008
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 05:40:27 pm
All those questions we asked Mike Holmgren about Koren Robinson yesterday? Maybe a waste of time. Robinson did not participate very much in this afternoon's practice, taking part in individual drills, standing on the side holding his helmet during team drills and eventually walking to the locker room to get dressed because of a sore knee. Not that he won't play Sunday -- that hasn't been determined -- but given that he needs all the practice time he can get to get in shape and learn the offense, Thursday's developments were not a good sign.
A good sign, however, is that Sean Locklear was getting a lot of reps at left tackle while Walter Jones sat on the side. Rocky Bernard also sat out for one of the first times, as did Kelly Jennings. All are expected to play on Sunday.
Deon Grant had an unbelievable practice. He had two interceptions, two near interceptions and a batted down pass. He was all over the field, a good sign for a beleaguered secondary.
Defensive coordinator John Marshall after practice said the secondary did not have breakdowns last week as much as it was trying to do too much, players cheating to help out teammates and then getting burned. (One could argue that is a blown assignment, but that is another discussion I guess.) Anyway, Marshall said it is not rocket science. Players need to take care of their own assignments and not try to do too much, covering for teammates.
Lofa Tatupu said they have to focus on getting turnovers. He said they need three turns to win. They got only one against San Francisco and need to do the things that require popping the ball loose more often. Tatupu also said they are not running the same schemes they ran last year, when Seattle was able to get so much pressure in the backfield, so there is not a great deal to take from those games. Lofa also said St. Louis' center is one of the best he faces in the league.
WR Deion Branch is progressing, making some catches today. Previously, he would run routes but not too many balls were thrown his way. He is taking it slowly but coming along step by step.
Brandon Mebane has resumed his barking to form up the huddle in goal line situations.
Brian Russell spent a few minutes taking some snaps and throwing some passes as the team's third QB in case both Hasselbeck and Frye go down.
Incidentally, Russell was elected as the team's interim union rep, at least until a team vote is officially taken, which should be in the next couple of weeks. There is not a league meeting of team reps until next March, so there is not a great deal of pressure right now to name a team rep.
Categories: Notes from practice
• 34 comments
COMMENTS:
Frank, Koren was most likely cut from Green Bay because of this troublesome knee. There are articles about this on-line. Evidently they felt he lost quickness because of it. I would be curious to find out if it's the same knee that's bothering him now(it probably is).
It's likely this will be a lingering problem and the new Robinson era could be over before it even starts.
BUMMER.
It's likely this will be a lingering problem and the new Robinson era could be over before it even starts.
BUMMER.
If our defense is so good, then why do our other defensive players have to cheat up to help other players?
Does that mean those players suck so bad that they need help?
Our defense looks good on paper, so why can't they just worry about their own jobs?
I'm so sick of looking good on paper and sucking on the field!
Does that mean those players suck so bad that they need help?
Our defense looks good on paper, so why can't they just worry about their own jobs?
I'm so sick of looking good on paper and sucking on the field!
Our D, for as good as they SHOULD be, sucks.
One average, overpaid, safety. Doesn't suck, but is way overpaid for his production (Grant).
One below average safety (Russell). Definitely nothing special --- a weak link.
One average to below average CB (Jennings). Definitely not what you hope a #1 draft pick to be but not a total bust either.
One above average, overpaid, CB (Tru). Had his great year in a contract year last season. Never had that many picks before, won't ever again either. Got his payday and now he's content.
One above average OLB (JP) who is not as good at his position as Steve Hutchinson is at his (by the way, that's was Ruskell's make-up for not matching the Hutch offer --- same day effect, paid more for JP than Hutch too). Not as good in coverage as advertised. Not great at the point of attack. A good LB though. But overrated.
One good MLB.
One good OLB (Hill). Great at the point of attack, although I do think he's a bit overrated in coverage. Signing JP was bad for Hill because he wasn't allowed to blitz as much anymore --- which don't necessarily play into his strengths.
One very good RDE. Slow off the snap but one of the better ones in the NFL. Not as good as Fischer at plugging the run, but his pass rush presence definitely helps.
One solid RDT. Rocky.
One great-up-and-coming LDT. Mebane is a total stud!
One good-up-and-coming LDE (LoJack).
Solid D-Line depth (Tapp, Bryant, Green - main 3).
If we're so good, on average, on paper... how in the heck can we suck so bad on game days???
One average, overpaid, safety. Doesn't suck, but is way overpaid for his production (Grant).
One below average safety (Russell). Definitely nothing special --- a weak link.
One average to below average CB (Jennings). Definitely not what you hope a #1 draft pick to be but not a total bust either.
One above average, overpaid, CB (Tru). Had his great year in a contract year last season. Never had that many picks before, won't ever again either. Got his payday and now he's content.
One above average OLB (JP) who is not as good at his position as Steve Hutchinson is at his (by the way, that's was Ruskell's make-up for not matching the Hutch offer --- same day effect, paid more for JP than Hutch too). Not as good in coverage as advertised. Not great at the point of attack. A good LB though. But overrated.
One good MLB.
One good OLB (Hill). Great at the point of attack, although I do think he's a bit overrated in coverage. Signing JP was bad for Hill because he wasn't allowed to blitz as much anymore --- which don't necessarily play into his strengths.
One very good RDE. Slow off the snap but one of the better ones in the NFL. Not as good as Fischer at plugging the run, but his pass rush presence definitely helps.
One solid RDT. Rocky.
One great-up-and-coming LDT. Mebane is a total stud!
One good-up-and-coming LDE (LoJack).
Solid D-Line depth (Tapp, Bryant, Green - main 3).
If we're so good, on average, on paper... how in the heck can we suck so bad on game days???
I'm willing to call JP and Tru "good". I think Jennings will get better.
Otherwise, this is about right. Personally, I think if you have good individual players with good attitudes but the D isn't coming together (and it's a bit early at least for this year to say that for sure), then you have to look to scheme and related coaching (blitz calls, alignments, practice techniques, etc.)
Otherwise, this is about right. Personally, I think if you have good individual players with good attitudes but the D isn't coming together (and it's a bit early at least for this year to say that for sure), then you have to look to scheme and related coaching (blitz calls, alignments, practice techniques, etc.)
hawkdawg, I agree with that point, the schemes that they run seem very basic. You would think that since the team places such a high value on "smart football players" that they could handle running a more complex scheme. I can't remember the last time we even rolled coverage post snap.
Even the coverage we are in doesn't seem to make sense. The long pass to Bruce last week it looked like we were in cover 4 which is an awful D to be when you know the team is going to run vertical, which you knew they were going to take a shot down field at point of the game.
Even the coverage we are in doesn't seem to make sense. The long pass to Bruce last week it looked like we were in cover 4 which is an awful D to be when you know the team is going to run vertical, which you knew they were going to take a shot down field at point of the game.
I think people are jumping off the bandwagon of the hawks having a good defense a little early. They handled Frank Gore and shut him down for the 3rd game in a row. What I saw out there Sunday was flashback to the good ol' Mike Martz & Isaac Bruce Ram days. We got caught with our pants down and I don't think anyone knew whether or not this kid O'Sullivan can play; but against a Mike Martz offense you have to respect and prepare for everything; I think we'll do better next game.
As for the secondary I thought they looked bad both weeks and gave up way too many big plays, but got hosed on some calls. We were good last year and did not give up the big play. We're beefier upfront. We still can't play on the road especially the eastcoast. But we're fast and we're awesome at home; we'll get the ball rolling again.
I also would like to point out bad receivers or not Hasselbeck has looked BAD. Hopefully that changes.
As for the secondary I thought they looked bad both weeks and gave up way too many big plays, but got hosed on some calls. We were good last year and did not give up the big play. We're beefier upfront. We still can't play on the road especially the eastcoast. But we're fast and we're awesome at home; we'll get the ball rolling again.
I also would like to point out bad receivers or not Hasselbeck has looked BAD. Hopefully that changes.
BobbyK - I think you're a little bit too harsh in your evaluations of some of defensive players. Certainly, in my opinion, Peterson & Trufant are much better than 'above aveerage'.... especially if you are already projecting that Mebane will be 'great' on the basis of one good rookie season... I don't quite get your perspective there...
In my opinion, one of the major reasons why this defence is not playing to it's potential is the conservative play-calling of John Marshall. We don't seem to make the most effective use of our excellent linebacking corps - in this league, you need to be innovative to succeed... unfortunately, I don't think we have that from Holmgren, Haskell or Marshall - hence, the reason why teams like the 49ers & Cardinals have significantly closed the gap on us despite the fact that the 'hawks still have much better personnel in many areas [obviously, current receiving injuries notwithstanding].
In my opinion, one of the major reasons why this defence is not playing to it's potential is the conservative play-calling of John Marshall. We don't seem to make the most effective use of our excellent linebacking corps - in this league, you need to be innovative to succeed... unfortunately, I don't think we have that from Holmgren, Haskell or Marshall - hence, the reason why teams like the 49ers & Cardinals have significantly closed the gap on us despite the fact that the 'hawks still have much better personnel in many areas [obviously, current receiving injuries notwithstanding].
we go down this road almost every year, and every year, the same thing popps up...why isn't the D playing up to it's potental? And every year, the answer is the same...Marshall refuses to run anything but a vanilla D on 3rd and long...so we regularly get burned on third and long...year after year...
It is said that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Can we please send Marshall to Western State and get a DC in here who's not afraid to stop the opposing team on third and long?
It is said that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Can we please send Marshall to Western State and get a DC in here who's not afraid to stop the opposing team on third and long?
Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson, and Bryan Russell. Trade themm all now and bring in some play makers. These guys will never be good. Face it!
Plaxico, Boldin, Larry Fitz.,etc are probably laughing knowing little Kelly will be attempting to guard them. Come on, Bryan Johnson owned him. Plaxico should spike the ball of his helmet when he catches a fade route. Get em out!
Plaxico, Boldin, Larry Fitz.,etc are probably laughing knowing little Kelly will be attempting to guard them. Come on, Bryan Johnson owned him. Plaxico should spike the ball of his helmet when he catches a fade route. Get em out!
I don't know if the Cardinals and Niners are closing the gap, or whether we've just regressed to their level--which is actually what the stats show. BobbyK may be a little harsh, but we've got a lot of so called defensive studs making big bucks and not getting the job done. Mebane and Jackson, on the other hand, are striving to make it to that pay level and it shows in their efforts which are clearly better than what we're seeing from the overpaid guys.
Some people get mad at people like nighthawk and the elp-whatever guy... but, seriously, seafanalways has got to be the worst blogger on this site. He's mean, sarcastic, always right, and just a down right jerk. I'm sure he has no friends in real life, so you've actually got to be sorry for the fellow.
"seafanalways has got to be the worst blogger on this site. He's mean, sarcastic, always right, and just a down right jerk."
I haven't noticed seafanalways posts as much as yours.
Do you see your messages as NOT being sarcastic & mean? Are they positive and inspiring?
I see them as aways Bad mouthing players/staff complaining about something.
Maybe those are the only ones that stand out. But of course it seems 98% of all the posts here are negative.
I haven't noticed seafanalways posts as much as yours.
Do you see your messages as NOT being sarcastic & mean? Are they positive and inspiring?
I see them as aways Bad mouthing players/staff complaining about something.
Maybe those are the only ones that stand out. But of course it seems 98% of all the posts here are negative.
Well that didn't take long. Robinson's hurt.
If people get mad it's because I'm not a blind homer. Most people posting here are homers, they only got on the bandwagon the Super Bowl year, and some are traumatized by the Behring years that they'll except a middling level as success, so they'll overlook the total whiffs that the GM has made on draft picks and FA signings (and non-signings) that he's made that have hurt the team. They'll overlook poor play, poor schemes and poor decisions by players and coaches and the front office (or rather the GM). They're drinking the Kool Aid and singing "don't worry--be happy" and always have some excuse why the team under achieves, no matter how much of a reach it is. Cheerleading is not analysis, Remember when Whitsett was here, the power plays and infighting and turf battles? Well it's back. If the Rams win this game, I'll be waiting to hear how the chant of "just wait until Engram and Branch are back" gets repeated through the bye, as if that will right the ship by itself and allow this team that couldn't be SF and St. Louis at home to go on the road and beat the Giants and Bucs and beat the Packers here. They could quite probably be 0-6, if they lose to the Rams, before they go to SF looking for that "elusive first win". And the Eagles are here the week after that.
I know it's only two games so far, but this defense is 27th against the pass and 30th in scoring defense. They're 14th in run defense, so if they bottle up Jackson we can still expect the long ball to be thrown against them because they have yet to show they can stop it. They're tied with Miami and Denver for the most passing plays allowed of 20+ yards with 9.
If people get mad it's because I'm not a blind homer. Most people posting here are homers, they only got on the bandwagon the Super Bowl year, and some are traumatized by the Behring years that they'll except a middling level as success, so they'll overlook the total whiffs that the GM has made on draft picks and FA signings (and non-signings) that he's made that have hurt the team. They'll overlook poor play, poor schemes and poor decisions by players and coaches and the front office (or rather the GM). They're drinking the Kool Aid and singing "don't worry--be happy" and always have some excuse why the team under achieves, no matter how much of a reach it is. Cheerleading is not analysis, Remember when Whitsett was here, the power plays and infighting and turf battles? Well it's back. If the Rams win this game, I'll be waiting to hear how the chant of "just wait until Engram and Branch are back" gets repeated through the bye, as if that will right the ship by itself and allow this team that couldn't be SF and St. Louis at home to go on the road and beat the Giants and Bucs and beat the Packers here. They could quite probably be 0-6, if they lose to the Rams, before they go to SF looking for that "elusive first win". And the Eagles are here the week after that.
I know it's only two games so far, but this defense is 27th against the pass and 30th in scoring defense. They're 14th in run defense, so if they bottle up Jackson we can still expect the long ball to be thrown against them because they have yet to show they can stop it. They're tied with Miami and Denver for the most passing plays allowed of 20+ yards with 9.
nighthawk,
I am not a blind homer either. But in your complete hatred of all things Ruskell you want to label this team as Mediocre when they have the best win/loss record in the NFC over the last 5 years. That makes for a heck of alot of other NFC teams that are mediocre by your standards.
And like it or not, but the Seahawks have had the best run of success in the Ruskell years than any other time in team history. You can say that Ruskell is just lucky to be here during that time and others will argue it is because of Ruskell. That is a matter for debate.
The teams success over the past 5 years is not a matter of debate. The evidence is there.
I am not a blind homer either. But in your complete hatred of all things Ruskell you want to label this team as Mediocre when they have the best win/loss record in the NFC over the last 5 years. That makes for a heck of alot of other NFC teams that are mediocre by your standards.
And like it or not, but the Seahawks have had the best run of success in the Ruskell years than any other time in team history. You can say that Ruskell is just lucky to be here during that time and others will argue it is because of Ruskell. That is a matter for debate.
The teams success over the past 5 years is not a matter of debate. The evidence is there.
The defense blitzed alot more last year and showed different looks on second and third downs and this year. Marshall has simplified the defense which is odd because we returned all of the starters. Doesnt Mora take some of the blame for the secondary woes? Thats his specialty and he is the future head coach. It seems like the defense is trying to put all the pressure on the opposing quarterback on third down by letting the front four loose and dropping seven which is different than last year.
Lofa even said they're running a different scheme compared to last year. That seems odd since it worked well last year. If it aint broke why fix it. Its broke right now so maybe Marshall and Mora should go back to what works.
We will be alright though and if not then there's always next season.
Lofa even said they're running a different scheme compared to last year. That seems odd since it worked well last year. If it aint broke why fix it. Its broke right now so maybe Marshall and Mora should go back to what works.
We will be alright though and if not then there's always next season.
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