SB Nation - Ben Obomanu

The Vikings Red Zone Review, Sponsored by Comcast

Gonzo — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:01:21 -0000

by Carlos Gonzalez - AP

about 1 month ago: Minnesota Vikings receiver Sidney Rice (18) fends of Seattle Seahawks Marcus Trufant to score on a 34-yard touchdown catch and run in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Star Tribune,Carlos Gonzalez)

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Once again, it's time to take a final look back at the Vikings' most recent conquest by reviewing their Red Zone performance. And, as always, the Vikings Red Zone Review is sponsored by the good folks at Comcast, who bring you the NFL Red Zone channel every Sunday afternoon. Whether you're killing time waiting for the Vikings to play a late afternoon game (like we will be this weekend) or unwinding after celebrating another Vikings' victory, the Red Zone Channel can take you around the league for all the best action around the National Football League. It's great for tracking your favorite fantasy players, too. For the best way to see all the action around the NFL every Sunday, there's nothing that beats the NFL Red Zone Channel.

So, how did the Vikings do in the Red Zone against the Seahawks? Well. . .you could say they did alright.

Vikings Red Zone trips - 3
Vikings Red Zone scores - 3 (3 TD)
Red Zone touchdown percentage - 100%

After a. . .yawn. . .terribly exciting first quarter that concluded with no scoring, the Vikings jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in the second on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre to Percy Harvin. The Vikings finally made a visit to the red zone midway through the second quarter. Starting from their own 30, the Vikings put together a drive largely aided by Seattle penalties. The scoring drive was 70 yards, and 35 of it came courtesy of two personal foul penalties and a defensive offsides call. The second personal foul, a tripping penalty on Seattle safety Deon Grant after a 24-yard reception by Sidney Rice, set the Vikings up with first and goal at the Seattle 8-yard line. After one of Favre's three incompletions on the day, he found Visanthe Shiancoe, who had lined up wide left, on a slant into the end zone to put the Vikings up by two touchdowns. That Viking drive moved 70 yards in six plays, taking 2:32 in order to complete.

Minnesota found themselves back in the red zone again almost immediately, as Seattle return man Ben Obomanu fumbled the return on the ensuing kickoff, and after an 11-yard pass to Harvin on third and two, the Vikings were at the Seahawks 15-yard line. Adrian Peterson moved the Vikings down to the 5, and two plays later, Favre found Bernard Berrian for a three yard score, his third different touchdown pass of the day to his third different receiver. It put the Vikings up 21-0 and they were cruising. The drive moved 34 yards in six plays, and took 3:34 off of the clock.

After the teams came out of the locker room at halftime, the Vikings and Seahawks exchanged punts. With the Vikings starting out at their own 11-yard line, the Vikings made their way downfield. Everyone got involved in the act, as Favre found Harvin for a 25-yard strike on 3rd and 9, and that was immediately followed up by a 13-yard sprint to midfield by Adrian Peterson. A mix of the best running back in the NFL and a couple of short passes kept the drive moving, and Favre hit Shiancoe for a 13-yard reception to move the ball into the red zone again. Another pass to Shiancoe moved the ball down to the 7, and from there, Favre avoided the Seattle rush, scrambled to his right, and lofted one high for Sidney Rice, who outjumped all the Seahawk defensive backs and came down with Favre's fourth TD pass of the day, a 7-yarder to make the score 28-0. #4 was nearly perfect on the drive, completing 6-of-7 passes for 67 yards and the scoring pass to Rice. Overall, the drive covered 89 yards in 12 plays, taking 6:37 to accomplish.

That was the last Red Zone trip for the Vikings on the day, as their final touchdown came on a 34-yard pass from Tarvaris Jackson to Sidney Rice.

With their perfect Red Zone performance against the Seahawks, the Vikings have made an even 40 trips into the Red Zone this year. On 22 of those 40 trips, they've come away with touchdowns, a 55% pace. They still have 12 Ryan Longwell field goals (30%), and on six trips they've come away with no points (15%). Defensively, the Seahawks managed to reach the Red Zone twice, and came away with one touchdown and one field goal. That means the Vikings have allowed opposing teams into the Red Zone 25 times, and have allowed 11 touchdowns (44%), surrendered eight field goals (32%), and held their opponents scoreless six times (24%).

Here's hoping that the Red Zone success can continue this next week against the Chicago Bears.

Give Ced a Shot

John Morgan — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:18:44 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

Those muscled forearms lead to hideously deformed doll hands. Cedric Peerman has compensated for his deformity with great speed, athleticism and virtue true. He was off the charts in Rob Rang's name-the-saints metric. Peerman may not make it in the NFL, but around his parish, he's invaluable for his ability to get that last Gurken.

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Cedric Peerman fumbled in the first preseason game of his career. It is a wonder he wasn't cut that second. Ced has small hands. Could he wrap his hands around a mayonnaise jar? Maybe, but scouts aren't convinced that skill will translate to ball security. It's a savage, kinky, esoteric world scouts live in. He was productive at Virginia - a good player on a horawful offense. But he wasn't healthy. Peerman was injured enough to scare off scouts and teams and that knocked him way back in the draft. A free agent after being cut by the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, his draft position looks, well, accurate.

I was high on Peerman before the draft. I bristle when scouts project some physical limitation onto a skill. If Peerman had fumbling problems at Virginia, his hands would deserve scrutiny, but Peerman did not have fumbling problems at Virginia. He fumbled at the Senior Bowl and fumbled away a win against Miami last November. That fumble was his first lost fumble of his career. Fumbles happen so infrequently, I sometimes wonder if it's a meaningful stat. The sample size is tiny, tinier even than Peerman's gloves, and the difference between a fumble and a tackle often a matter of fractions of a second. Maybe his Ken-sized mitts keep him from being a pro, but I think a few fumbles only confirmed scouts built-in bias. No one took a ruler to Adrian Peterson's hands when he was dropping balls like an adolescent boy.

Peerman is a change of pace back that could eventually become a feature back. Seattle has that player. His name is Justin Forsett. And unlike Peerman, he has performed at the professional level. Peerman might have better upside, but I won't go to war defending that. What Peerman does have and Seattle is in desperate need of, is the ability to return punts and kicks without endangering a vital position player. Nate Burleson hurt himself returning last season before his knee gave out entirely. Josh Wilson hurt himself returning this season. Seattle could stick with Forsett and Ben Obomanu, but that's a less than tantalizing return duo. Peerman is free. Peerman is disposable. Peerman has upside. Most importantly, Peerman has practice squad eligibility.

Give Ced a shot, Tim Ruskell. He's a deacon, y'know?

Seattle Seahawks Dominate First Half but Fumble Away Lead and Cannot Recover

John Morgan — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:15:12 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

T.J. Houshmandzadeh could not turn his pre-game boasting into production. He was targeted nine times, but received for only 35 yards. His fumble on the second play of the second half led to a Chicago touchdown and the Bears first lead of the game.

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Seneca Wallace rolled out and targeted John Carlson, but John Owens stepped in and received the pass for a first down. With 46 seconds remaining, Seattle was first and ten from the Chicago 37--needing a score. Four plays later, Wallace would throw incomplete to Julius Jones and the Seahawks would turn over the ball on downs, effectively ending the game.

It was a game that started strong for Seattle. Seattle went up 7-0 when Jones took a screen up the right sideline and broke a tackle in the open field to receive for 39 yards and the touchdown. That screen pass made up for a bad hand off and bad decision by Wallace. He pitched it the wrong direction, recovered and then ran the ball out of bounds when a legal throw-away would have saved Seattle from a 14 yard loss.

With the early lead, the Seahawks young defense got after it. Middle pressure by Brandon Mebane and edge pressure by Darryl Tapp forced Jay Cutler into a bad-idea lob that David Hawthorne caught for an interception. Hawhthorne's interception led to an 11 play scoring drive that put Seattle ahead 10-0. Olindo Mare converted from 46.

Field position helped Seattle go ahead 13-0 before an overturned fumble turned momentum in Chicago's favor. Hawthorne forced a fumble that was overruled after a Chicago challenge. Two plays later, the Bears would score. Strong safety Deon Grant got a hit on Cutler, but Cutler had enough to lob a pass for Greg Olsen for the touchdown.

Seattle's offense sputtered. Olindo Mare missed his next field goal attempt, and a good return by Ben Obomanu was wasted.

The Seahawks started the second half with a brief drive that ended suddenly with a sloppy fumble by T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The Bears took that field position and drove a short length. Johnny Knox ran a crossing route, caught Cutler's pass and put a move on Aaron Curry to get a step towards the end zone. There he squeezed past Kelly Jennings and wrapped the ball around the pylon to put Chicago ahead. Jim Mora challenged it, but the calling on the field stood.

Seattle built its next drive from 30 yards of facemask penalties, but Mare again hooked the field goal left and left points on the field.

The Seahawks forced a quick three and out, but a misjudged punt by Justin Forsett was declared a "fair catch" only for the ball to soar over Forsett and be downed at the Seattle six. On the first play of the drive, Chicago flushed Wallace from the pocket and he scrambled into his end zone before throwing an interception to Lance Briggs.

The Bears took that field position and scored a field goal, putting themselves up 17-13.

Midway through the fourth and with the Bears up 17-16, Curry put the defense on his shoulders and turned the odds in Seattle's favor. Curry shot into the backfield and tackled Matt Forte for a loss of two and then on the subsequent down, Gus Bradley worked a blitz to get Curry outside and around left end. He forced an uncalled hold, and stripped Cutler from behind. Seattle recovered.

After a short drive, Mare hit one from 46 to give Seattle its final lead of the day.

The following possession ended with Devin Hester maneuvering between a colliding Grant and nickel corner Travis Fisher to score a 36 yard touchdown. That pass proved decisive, as Seattle fell 25-19.

Ben Obomanu Returns 45 Yards to Set Up 43 Yard Olindo Mare Attempt...Miss

John Morgan — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:39:26 -0000

Ben Obomanu used a cutback lane to return the ball 45 yards to the Seattle 45. A short drive followed, but Seattle was not able to capitalize on the field position. Olindo Mare attempted from 43 yards, but hooked it left. The Bears took over the ball and ran out the clock.

Controversial Penalty in Seahawks Favor

John Morgan — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:52:23 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

The Terrible Lime is heating up at Qwest.

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Seahawks start their drive at the Bears 47 after holding and ineligible receiver down field penalties. The hold was on Lance Laury, but the punt was badly shanked, in no small part because of Ben Obomanu's edge pressure.

The Ten Seasons of the 2009 Seattle Seahawks

John Morgan — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:15:48 -0000

More photos » by Reed Hoffmann - AP

Matt Hasselbeck, his health and his ability to defy age-related decline, will determine how good the 2009 Seahawks can be.

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I hate long goodbyes. Better to offer the offseason a hand and then walk away. The season starts tomorrow. As a fan, you work so hard and care so much, but have no control over how the team plays. This season could be epic. It could be The Season. The Season. It could be just another season. It could be the second straight season the Seahawks fall apart. On the eve of the regular season, and with too much to say, here is ten season projections, from miserable to awesome.

Seattle Seahawks 3-13

While Matt Hasselbeck is healthy today, any number of things could end that in a flash. He misses most of the season. Seneca Wallace regresses. The line is further thinned by injuries and caves. The running game exhibits its star power. One or more wide receivers is injured.

The special teams is miserable.

The pass rush is insufficient and the secondary collapses. Colin Cole is pushed around and opponents begin breaking long runs. Tackles are a mirage. Brandon Mebane doesn't develop. Curry plays like a rookie. Patrick Kerney plays like a 32 year old.

The Broncos make a surprise playoff run.

Seattle Seahawks 4-12

Matt Hasselbeck is injured and ineffective. He misses significant time. Seneca Wallace plays to form. The line is a mix of injured and plain ineffective. The running game is insufficient and teams key on the pass. The wide receivers suffer nagging and debilitating injuries.

The special teams sucks.

The pass rush is sporadic and the secondary unreliable. Colin Cole is pushed around and opponents begin breaking long runs. Tackles are one part impressive, three parts unreliable. Brandon Mebane is stout against the run but does not develop as a pass rusher. Blitz attempts expose the secondary and Seattle allows long touchdown passes.

The Broncos are respectable.

Seattle Seahawks 5-11

Matt Hasselbeck is injured and ineffective. He plays through injury but is very limited. Seneca Wallace plays to form. The line is mildly effective at full strength, but injuries disrupt continuity and leave the line weakened and disorganized. The running game creates bad down and distance and forces three and outs. The wide receivers and John Carlson play up to the level of their quarterback.

The special teams is a weakness, but forgettable.

The Seahawks depend on four man rushes and are picked apart underneath. Seattle can't stop third down, and eventually allow big plays. Colin Cole buys time in the middle but does not clog. Seattle mixes in dominant run defense with bad tackles, interspersing stops for loss with long gains allowed. Brandon Mebane excels against bad guards, but is shut down by better offensive lines. The starting defensive ends are injured, thrusting role players into regular action. Teams attack the edges and the Seahawks consistently let close games become lopsided in the second half.

The Broncos are okay.

Seattle Seahawks 6-10

Matt Hasselbeck is ineffective. He starts all season, but proves he is at his end. The line is weak, and brings out the worst in Hasselbeck and the run game. Edgerrin James and Julius Jones mix runs of four yards with runs of two yards. The wide receivers play well, but Hasselbeck double clutches them into doom.

The special teams is a weakness, but forgettable.

The defense smothers weaker teams, but can't win close games. The defense is good, but exposed against stronger offenses. Turnovers are infrequent, bunching in big wins, but disappearing against better opponents. The run defense is able, but not dominating. The pass defense is mediocre and suffers spurts of complete ineffectiveness. Marcus Trufant never fully recovers, and Seattle is forced into a zones-only scheme that allows big yards and long drives. Sacks are interspersed with long conversions.

A frustrating team that looks like it's improving, but needs an offensive overhaul.

The Broncos are below average.

Seattle Seahawks 7-9

Matt Hasselbeck is effective, but sometimes injured. He starts most of the season and has some good games. The line is weak, but only occasionally dismantled. It buys Hasselbeck time, but blows assignments and allows ugly and untimely sacks. The running game is mediocre, but relied on to a fault. Edgerrin James, Julius Jones and Justin Forsett amass big total yards, but poor yards per attempt. The wide receivers are deep and strong and match well against most opponents.

The special teams is forgettable.

The defense smothers weaker teams, and occasionally stars. It mixes dominant, high turnover games with sloppy, high yardage and points allowed games. It looks good against good teams and good against bad teams, but is liable to collapse against good or bad alike. The secondary is disorganized and touchdowns appear out of successful looking defensive stands. The pass rush is sporadic and significantly better at home. The run defense is very good, but too often it forces good passing teams to abandon the run and prey on the Seahawks secondary. Marcus Trufant returns but isn't a difference maker.

The Seahawks are a reasonably balanced team that doesn't get breaks, and doesn't contend.

The Broncos are bad.

Seattle Seahawks 8-8

Matt Hasselbeck is effective, but sometimes injured. He starts most of the season and has some excellent games. The line is below average, but usually steady enough. It creates time and stops free blitzers. The running game is quietly effective. The rotation plays Seattle's back to their strengths, and each looks average at what they do. The wide receivers are deep and strong and blow out weak secondaries.

The return game is good, but the punt coverage is sloppy and sometimes painful. Olindo Mare hits a cold streak.

The defense smothers average and weak teams and keeps Seattle in every contest. It mixes dominant, high turnover games with decent, high yardage, moderate points allowed games. It gets blown out at least once. Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane make a pseudo-Williams Wall West and shut down runs up the middle. Poor health from the ends thrust role players into regular play, and they get pass rush, but turn the outside run defense into a high-risk crapshoot. The secondary allows yards, but forces turnovers and tightens in short yardage.

The team is average at pass defense, very good at run defense, below average on special teams, average rushing the ball and average passing the ball.

The Broncos lose to the Raiders.

Seattle Seahawks 9-7

Matt Hasselbeck is effective and mostly healthy. He starts 14+, but begins showing signs of age. Seneca Wallace is steady when he starts. The line is average to good pass blocking, but doesn't show mastery of run blocking until late in the season. The backs take what's given to them and nothing more. All three are quietly effective receivers, but don't total many yards. John Carlson emerges and teams struggles to stop Seattle's steady ability to convert first downs. The offensive is effectively station-to-station, but creates few big plays.

The return game is strong, the coverage units forgettable and Olindo Mare matches his career field goal percentage.

The defense is sporadically dominant. It humiliates better opponents, but keeps weak opponents in the game. The run defense is top ten, and opponents struggle to control the clock. The pass rush is present and picks are interspersed through the linebackers and secondary. Aaron Curry and Leroy Hill become upper-tier pass rushing linebackers, and the two create matchup problems for opponents. The secondary allows yards, but bends more than breaks.

The team is average defending the pass, good at defending the run, good at passing and average running the ball.

The Broncos lose to the Raiders, twice.

Seattle Seahawks 10-6

Matt Hasselbeck is effective and healthy. He begins showing signs of age, but also proves he will age gracefully. Chris Spencer returns and starts most of the season at center. The line steps up its pass blocking and Hasselbeck spreads the ball. The zone blocking rushing scheme is intermittent, but effective enough, often enough to be promising. The backs take what's given, and Julius Jones breaks out against weaker opponents. When Deion Branch is healthy, teams are overmatched against three wide receiver sets, and an efficiently station-to-station offensive explodes against weaker opponents.

The return game is strong to excellent. Jon Ryan punts well. Olindo Mare buries them at their twenty and is an average field goal kicker.

The defense is never bad. It holds its own against strong offenses and attacks and dismantles weak opponents. Its young core holds up its aging veterans. Lofa Tatupu regains forms and again is a run-stopping, pass defending and occasional blitzing force at middle linebacker. Aaron Curry and Leroy Hill attack the outside run game, wrack up sacks and take away the screen game. Patrick Kerney and Cory Redding become a balanced, steady and sometimes dominating presence on the ends. The depth is involved and Seattle gets contributions from Michael Bennett and Nick Reed. Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane turn into a somewhat-lopsided Williams Wall West, with Mebane breaking into the top ten of defensive tackles and Cole realizing a late peak to become steady and stout. The secondary allows yards, but forces turnovers and field goals.

A good pass offense, average rush offense, good pass defense and dominant run defense exploits a weak schedule into a playoff bid.

The Broncos get blown out by the Raiders.

Seattle Seahawks 11-5

Matt Hasselbeck is effective and healthy. He begins showing signs of age, but also proves he will age gracefully. Walter Jones and Chris Spencer return and start for most of the season. Max Unger develops quickly and the team is deep and talented at offensive line. The run game takes what is given and a little more, and weak run defenses crumble against high rush attempts. John Carlson develops into a matchup nightmare and teams scramble to defend him and Seattle's deep stable of wide receivers. The offense is station-to-station but almost unstoppably so. Not every drive scores, but few result in three and out. Deon Butler develops into a legitimate deep threat and has a few breakout games.

A healthy wide receiver corps allows Nate Burleson to return and he combined with Josh Wilson gives Seattle a top five kick and punt return team. Seattle's deep and young defense flashes its potential on return teams and what could be weakness turns into a strength. Olindo Mare buries opponents at their twenty and Jon Ryan defies odds and turns into a coffin corner undertaker.

Patrick Kerney bucks age and is reborn in a regular rotation. He nears or exceeds double digit sacks. Cory Redding becomes a force at left defensive end, making a handful of hustle sacks and shutting down rushes to the outside. Brandon Mebane makes the leap and opponents are forced to assign him extra blockers. Colin Cole thrives against single blocks and drives back guards and centers, making a few hustle sacks and disrupting multiple run plays. The linebackers are exceptional. Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry each notch five or more sacks, are seemingly everywhere, blow up screens, and turn outside runs into an impossibility. Curry and Lofa Tatupu are standout pass defenders and the underneath becomes a low-upside, high risk danger zone for opposing offenses. Tatupu slams interior rushes and thrives in Seattle's read-blitz defense. He gets sacks by picking his spots and clubbing down backs. Ken Lucas returns to form and Josh Wilson develops. Neither is great in coverage, but both can work a zone, limit yards after catch, tackle in the open field and grab interceptions. Deon Grant plays at exactly the level he's played his entire career. Jordan Babineaux proves potent by alternative, showing Seahawks fans the impact and usefulness of a league average safety.

A good pass offense, a good rush offense, a very good pass defense and a dominant rush defense.

Broncos are blown out by the Raiders, twice.

Seattle Seahawks 12-4 or Better

Matt Hasselbeck is effective and healthy. He defies age and joins the older but elite quarterbacks. Walter Jones and Chris Spencer return in week two, work into form and dominate after the bye. The offensive line is a happy surprise, and if rarely flashy, incredibly-steady pass blocking and able to cut and stretch opponents into dust. Julius Jones enjoys a late-career peak and becomes more and more a feature back as the season progresses. He executes as a rusher and turns tight-spot receptions into first downs and long gains. Deion Branch is healthy, Nate Burleson develops, John Carlson breaks out, Deon Butler flashes legitimate talent and T.J. Houshmandzadeh holds his ability. Seattle is five deep at wide receiver, Ben Obomanu is ignored by opponents and thus D.J.-Hackett valuable per target. The passing offense is top five.

Aaron Curry is a monster. He nears double digit sacks, smothers rushers behind the line and proves to be a Lance Briggs-like pass defender. Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu show steady gains on their 2007 season and each make the Pro Bowl. Ken Lucas returns to form and Josh Wilson develops. Neither is great in coverage, but both can work a zone, limit yards after catch, tackle in the open field and grab interceptions. Marcus Trufant returns and Seattle has the best nickel defense in the NFL. Third downs become an exciting time for fans, as the mix of creative play calling, bad opponent down and distance, good pass rush and an exceptional nickel secondary combine to make Seattle one of the best third down defenses in the NFL.

A great pass offense, very good rush offense, dominant pass defense and dominant rush defense combine with an excellent special teams to make Seattle a Super Bowl contender.

Broncos fans envy Raiders fans. Kyle Orton craters. The locker room abandons Josh McDaniels. The defense, a minor strength to start the season, is first hit by injuries and then quits on the team. Losses pile up and the only story is: Will Denver become the second team in as many years to go winless? It will.

Poll

Seattle Will Finish 2009:

3-13

5 votes

4-12

0 votes

5-11

6 votes

6-10

13 votes

7-9

34 votes

8-8

82 votes

9-7

292 votes

10-6

429 votes

11-5

137 votes

12-4 or Better

111 votes

1109 votes | Poll has closed

Seattle Seahawks Announce 53 Man Roster, Marcus Trufant to PUP List

John Morgan — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:18:30 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

Goodbye and good luck.

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Seattle has announced its 53-man roster. That roster does not include Marcus Trufant, who will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. That's bad news, but hopefully the right decision. Seattle rushed Deion Branch last season and effectively lost his roster spot.

The roster reflects a major youth movement with some fringe guys unseating former regulars. Could this be reflective of changing opinions on replacement value? A movement towards freeing cap space next year?

Courtesy Danny O'neil:


		Offense

Quarterback		Running backs		Fullback
Matt Hasselbeck	Seneca Wallace	Julius Jones	Edgerrin James	Justin Griffith
Mike Teel		Justin Forsett		Owen Schmitt
Offensive line		Wide receivers		Tight end
Sean Locklear	Walter Jones	Deion Branch	Nate Burleson	John Carlson
Max Unger	Rob Sims	T.J. Houshmandzadeh	Deon Butler	John Owens
Steve Vallos	Chris Spencer	Ben Obomanu		Cameron Morrah
Ray Willis	Mansfield Wrotto
Kyle Williams

		Defense

Defensive ends		Defensive tackles		Cornerbacks
Patrick Kerney	Cory Redding	Brandon Mebane	Colin Cole	Ken Lucas
Darryl Tapp	Lawrence Jackson	Red Bryant	Craig Terrill	Josh Wilson
Nick Reed	Derek Walker	Michael Bennett		Kelly Jennings
				Travis Fisher (!)

Linebackers		Safeties		Specialists
Lofa Tatupu	Aaron Curry	Deon Grant	Jordan Babineaux	Olindo Mare
Leroy Hill	Lance Laury	Lawyer Milloy	C.J. Walllace	Jon Ryan
Will Herring	David Hawthorne			Kevin Houser

CUTS: S Jamar Adams, DE Baraka Atkins, K Brandon Coutu, G Brian De La Puente, CB Marquis Floyd, T Na'Shan Goddard, S Courtney Greene, WR Mike Hass, CB Kevin Hobbs, FB David Kirtman, RB Devin Moore, CB Nate Ness, TE Joe Newton, WR Logan Payne, LB Dave Philistin, T Andre Ramsey, T William Robinson, QB Jeff Rowe, WR Courtney Taylor.

10 Quick Opinions:

Walter Jones is on the roster: This speaks for itself. Get well Franchise.
Seattle is super thin at Corner and Safety: This could foreshadow further moves.
Courtney Taylor Cut: It came down to the fourth preseason game and Ben Obomanu put the decision to rest.
Seattle deep at linebacker but no D.D. Lewis: I've never been a huge fan of Lewis. He is credited for being able to play any linebacker position, but he doesn't seem to play any of them well.
Special Teams: The lack of depth at wide receiver and safety means Seattle could struggle on cover units.
No Jordan Kent: Kent wasn't placed on IR. He was waived with a settlement. I think that ends his playing career. Other teams might ask, but will Kent answer?
Cameron Morrah: I didn't see much from Morrah, so Seattle must be convinced he is too good to cut. Interesting talent Seattle will let mature, but if a starting tight end goes down, I don't think Morrah is ready to contribute.
Derek Walker: Great size and showed up in the preseason. Walker could be the dark horse replacement for Cory Redding. Get your head up, today you are an NFL player.
Lots of depth on Offensive Line: With this many question marks and injuries, can you blame the Seahawks?
This is not over: One deadline met, but days to complete this roster. I doubt it will like it does today next Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks Sack Oakland Raiders 31-21 to Sweep Preseason

John Morgan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:01:02 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Ben Obomanu ruled Qwest.

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Winners, Losers and Projecting
the Final 53 Man Roster

Winners

Dan Quinn: A great position coach finds hidden talent. It's perhaps the single greatest impact a position coach can have. In one draft, Quinn has found, coached up and scheme matched Nick Reed, Michael Bennett and Derek Walker. Quinn deserves some credit for Cory Redding too. Classes like this put position coaches in line for defensive coordinator positions--and head coaching positions.

Losers

Secondary: The front seven looked terrific throughout the game, but the secondary was sloppy, slow and not opportunistic. Seattle might lean on Jordan Babineaux to play two positions and keep seven defensive backs.

Courtney Taylor: Not sure he's cut, but it's very possible. I'd love to credit him for his sweet RAC on the Morrah moving pick, but we can't be sure he would have been open if not for the penalty. If he is cut, I expect him to make another team. Some receivers coach will see his athleticism and desire and give the kid a call.

Curt Menefee: It takes a special kind of genius to make sideline interviews more awkward and irritating, but Curt Menefee is that genius. Instead of sticking to pleasantries and platitudes, Menefee put on his reporter cap and got controversial. Asking Deon Butler about the poor quarterback play at Penn State or Darryl Tapp about how he feels about not starting does not inspire honest, insightful answers. It causes an athlete to bristle and be more guarded.

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Deon Butler

Ben Obomanu

Tight End

John Carlson

John Owens

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Tackle

Michael Bennett

Defensive End

Patrick Kerney

Cory Redding

Lawrence Jackson

Darryl Tapp

Nick Reed

Baraka Atkins

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Corners

Kelly Jennings

Ken Lucas

Josh Wilson

(Free Agent or Trade)

Safety

Brian Russell

Deon Grant

Jordan Babineaux

C.J. Wallace

Specialist

Olindo Mare

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

PUP: Marcus Trufant

IR: Jordan Kent..Cory Withrow

Practice Squad

Derek Walker

(Acquired)

Winners, Losers and Projecting Seattle's 53 Man Roster

John Morgan — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:35:12 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Ben Obomanu ruled Qwest.

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Winners

Losers

Seattle Seahawks 53 Man Roster

Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck

Seneca Wallace

Mike Teel

Running Back

Julius Jones

Edgerrin James

Justin Forsett

Fullback

Justin Griffith

Owen Schmitt

Wide Receiver

Deon Butler

Tight End

John Carlson

John Owens

Joe Newton

Offensive Line

Kyle Williams

Defensive Tackle

Michael Bennett

Defensive End

Patrick Kerney

Cory Redding

Lawrence Jackson

Darryl Tapp

Nick Reed

Baraka Atkins

Linebackers

Leroy Hill

Corners

Kelly Jennings

Ken Lucas

Josh Wilson

(Free Agent or Trade)

Safety

Brian Russell

Deon Grant

Jordan Babineaux

C.J. Wallace

Specialist

Olindo Mare

Jon Ryan

Kevin Houser

PUP: Marcus Trufant

IR: Jordan Kent..Cory Withrow

Practice Squad

Derek Walker

(Acquired)

Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor Battle for Seattle Seahawks Fifth Wide Receiver Position

John Morgan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:07:33 -0000

by Elaine Thompson - AP

Seattle's three starting receivers, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, started their careers as backups, but all three played their way into starting their first season. Housh took the longest to develop, not becoming a prime receiver until his fourth season. With Branch and Houshmandzadeh over 30 and Burleson 28, Seattle hopes one of Courtney Taylor (above) or Ben Obomanu establish themselves this season as potential starters for next season.

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Seattle could keep Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor, but I think it's possible one is cut. John Carlson can play wide receiver on four and five wide receiver sets. He's a better pure receiver than Obomanu or Taylor are or are ever likely to be. Carlson creates matchup problems with smaller defensive backs and can be motioned tight to counter blitzes. So though I projected both to make the final 53, that was in some part recognition that the fifth wide receiver battle is not yet won.

There's not a sure leader, though I think Taylor has an edge. He has been more active with the first team and has the only reception from Matt Hasselbeck. There's also a sense that Taylor has a greater organizational standing than Obomanu. When it became clear last year that Seattle would not start the season with Deion Branch or Bobby Engram, weeks before Obomanu broke his collar bone, Taylor was tapped to start at split end. He failed, of course.

Obomanu hasn't had a regular season reception since 2007. Both players become restricted free agents after this season, so future and upside are considerations. The two were teammates at Auburn. Obomanu was the better red zone receiver, but Taylor was the Tigers' number one receiver. He was the number one receiver for Auburn's 13-0, 2004 team*. A team that included Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Marcus McNeill, Jay Ratliff, Carlos Rogers, Will Herring, King Dunlap, Quentin Groves, Ben Grubbs, Kevin Hobbs, Anthony Mix, Pat Sims and Evander Holyfield's son, Evander Holyfield.

Taylor was the better prospect. Obomanu was a situational receiver. He had nine fewer receptions and only 46 more yards than Ronnie Brown, but he led the team in touchdown receptions: seven. Taylor had six.

Obomanu has the two's only professional touchdown reception. If Seattle needed a designated deep threat or red zone threat, Obomanu would be the favorite. But Deon Butler is the better deep receiver, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Carlson are better red zone receivers. Seattle's fifth receiver needs to be, simply, as good as possible. That favors Taylor.

Nothing is decided though. There's a sudden-death feel to Thursday. Both receivers have positives and negatives. Taylor is most recently healthy, but Obomanu's injury was fluky and he owns better overall health. Obomanu has been with the team longer, but Taylor is better integrated into the offense. Obomanu has more experience as a returner, but Taylor is the better gunner. Taylor is better insurance for Deion Branch, but Obomanu is better insurance for Nate Burleson.

Both should get plenty of looks on Thursday and both could be working out the kinks or playing for their job. Taylor has developed better chemistry with Seneca Wallace and Matt Hasselbeck, but Obomanu has developed better chemistry with Mike Teel. Wallace is down with a groin injury and, having not practiced, may not play this Thursday. Hasselbeck won't fill that space. He could see a series or two, or not play at all. Teel could start, but even if he doesn't, I expect him to play 3+ quarters and pass the ball 20+ times. That favors Obomanu. It all factors, because the body of evidence does not strongly favor either. One breakout showing against Oakland could be enough to secure either the fifth wide receiver spot.

*Tim Ruskell likes winners.

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