SB Nation - Owen Schmitt

Can Seattle Game Plan Around a Mortal Weakness?

John Morgan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:13:56 -0000

It's easy to beat a ballhawk like Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, if the pass can beat the defender to the spot. Attempt to squeeze in a duck against tight man defense and Cromartie will flash his 4.33 speed, jump the route and pick the pass.

Browse more photos »

Colonel Paul Pasqiuna, medical director of the amputee program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, said the general public suffers from a bias. That bias has slowed research into artificial limbs. People, especially the handed, assume a prosthetic must be lifelike. Pasqiuna said that the most functional, affordable prosthetic hand is the classic "hook" design that uses cables and a harness to control movement. The design is almost a century old. Most amputees are not worried about looks, but functionality. If their prosthesis could function like a hand, it wouldn't matter if it looked like a pineapple.

It forced me to question whether I was unhappy with how Matt Hasselbeck had played because it was ineffective or because it was unaesthetic. The effectiveness can be overstated. When considering the high number of attempts and low quality of defense, it's little wonder Hasslebeck totaled only 43 DYAR. Seattle rallied around Matthew Stafford's interceptions to win. But when it needed offense, the three yard swing pass was the offense it could muster. If not universally effective, the short passing game was relatively effective. It accomplished what Seattle needed then to win the game.

I expected Seattle to use the screen to slow Arizona. The Cardinals stacked eight in the box and dared Seattle to beat their secondary. Instead, Seattle stuck with its basic game plan of rushes and play action. Hasselbeck only targeted his backs twice: once to Justin Forsett for 16 and once incomplete to Owen Schmitt.

The screen is a powerful weapon and I've done nothing but rave about Greg Knapp's implementation of a varied and effective screen attack. Hasselbeck did not complete 17 passes to his backs because of an effective screen game, but an ineffective Lions pass rush. The passes Hasselbeck threw to his backs were not designed but outlet passes. Most were slow developing. Rather than attacking an aggressive defense, they worked because Detroit's defense could not create pressure. Hasselbeck would read his progressions and wait and wait and check down after a back finished his block and pulled out of the pocket. It took ages.

That will not work against the Cardinals. It won't work against most NFL teams. It relies on an offensive line that can block until receivers have run off linebackers and defensive backs. Beyond being difficult, it's low reward and high cost. Hasselbeck took five hits and a sack against the Lions 28^th ranked pass rush. If Seattle attempts the same against a better opponent on the road, holds, hits and sacks will spike, followed by fumbles and injuries.

The Seahawks offense is struggling. It cannot run, it cannot establish the pass off the run. The Arizona Cardinals are not a dominant defense, but they dominated Seattle at home. Arizona has challenged teams to pass against their young, fast and athletic secondary. Quarterbacks that could, like Matt Schaub, Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler, have torched the Cardinals pass defense. Quarterbacks that couldn't, like Shaun Hill, Jake Delhomme and Matt Hasselbeck, have been completely shut down. The "haves" averaged 373 yards of passing offense. The "have nots" have averaged 137. What do the "haves" have that the "have nots" lack? Arm strength.

My prevailing image of Hasselbeck against Arizona is not from this season, but last. Seattle was trailing by six with two minutes to play. Hasselbeck targeted Deion Branch on a crossing pattern and before the ball could reach him, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie overran Branch and intercepted the pass to effectively end the game. Branch had beaten Cromartie out of his break, but the pass never arrived.

Maybe it's overly simplistic to blame that loss on lost arm strength. Hasselbeck has thrown worse. But you beat man coverage by attacking man coverage. A well thrown pass zips to its target and allows time enough for the receiver to reach it, but not the defensive back to react. That isn't a consistent part of Seattle's arsenal anymore. I don't think Hasselbeck can beat a defensive back in close cover. Not reliably. It might not be pretty and it might not work, but slings, swings and screens may be the only offense Seattle can still run.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Wednesday (10/28/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:20:30 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, brought to you today by Miller High Life. Six and counting.

Part of me feels like I need to explain the Red/Gold beer logo streak. I am superstitious as hell when it comes to certain things. WVU football is definitely one of those things. If I let one slide by, we lose. It happened earlier this year and you all know what happened at Auburn. The team is on a 4 game winning streak and if I can get this streak over 10, that will cover the team through the season and past the bowl game. Yeah, I know, it's silly, but I'm funny that way. Where's the fun in being normal? Send in your tips and requests and see you ~~during visiting hours after my medication~~ after the jump....

What You May Have Missed:

Bill Stewart: Watch Out For The Bulls - WVMETRONEWS.COM
The weekly presser.

Stew's Views: No Bull, USF Can Compete - BlueGoldNews.com

Coach Bill Stewart - Twitter
"Owen came by my office & we had the best visit. He said to me if he could play 10 more years of football at West Virginia, he would do it." - We'd take him too.

Football: Selected Player Quotes - MSNsportsNET.Com

West Virginia / South Florida Preview - Games FanHouse

College Power Rankings - Andy Staples - SI.com
Mr. Staples has us at 18.

Mark Ingram leads Heisman Watch, but Ndamukong Suh is close - SI.com
The little guy is #5.

Mountaineers in the NFL - WVIllustrated.com

Forde Yard Dash - ESPN

News of Note:

Williams a game-time decision for WVU - ESPN

West Virginia wary of reeling South Florida - PPG

USF has held WVU offense in check - Charleston Gazette

South Florida trip may bring distractions, Stewart fears - Charleston Gazette
Hickman's Notebook

Selvie and Co. will test Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail

WVU must avoid upset Friday night - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

WVU, Stewart hope to confuse USF - Inter-Mountain

Stewart on Bryant Award list - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Time to give coach Stew some credit - Register-Herald
Great article...here's a quote from Mike Tomlin: "I’ll tell you, he is a special man in my life for a lot of reasons," Tomlin said. "He gave me my first job. He showed me how to express the love and enthusiasm I have for the game as a coach. He cares about people. It oozes out of his everyday existence. He is an awesome coach. He is an awesome man. I am extremely happy for him. I am happy for West Virginia. They truly picked the right man for the job."

Preseason Observations - MSNsportsNET.Com
Our Jay Jacobs offers his views.

Basketball notes, football votes and a couple quotes - Charleston Gazette
Vingle's Notebook

Huggins has good problem with two point guards - Times West Virginian

Mountaineers have Big East title hopes - Cumberland Times-News

Recruiting:

WVU No. 1 Choice for New Jersey Standout - EerSports.com
"New Jersey standout Doug Rigg favors West Virginia."

Around the League (and Beyond):

Bulls have some issues to work out - Tampa Tribune

Bloomfield Man Charged With Murder Of UConn Player Jasper Howard - Courant.com

Quick thoughts on Cincinnati, Kragthorpe and the remainder of the '09 season - Card Chronicle
UL fans have all but given up.

Rutgers starting cornerback David Rowe enjoying challenges big and not-so-big - Star Ledger

Blogger debate: Penn State vs. Pitt - ESPN
This is the only Pitt football article I could find today.

BCS one game UC can't win - Cincinnati Enquirer
We're only just past the halfway point, they haven't played the tough part of their schedule yet, they're not getting completely jobbed yet, and they're already crying like they've been shut out of a shot.

Orange addressing technical issues to get Bartholomew snapping issue fixed - syracuse.com

Syracuse Students Officially Out Of Excuses - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
"Syracuse Athletics is offering free tickets to any SU student for the Cincinnati game."

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach hates "fat little girlfriends" - Guyism
The pic (attached to the article) alone makes this one worth the click.

BC's Josh Haden to Transfer, Offer Warning to 18-Year-Olds Everywhere - SB Nation
Who else was expecting an R Kelly type slant to this story after reading the headline?

Marion Berry Hates Syracuse Lacrosse - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Not THIS Marion Berry.

Video of Interest:

This week's Postgame Tailgate.

Today in Schadenfreude:

Educational Gallery of the Week:

Here at the Shotgun/Throwdown, it's our goal to increase your analytical/observational skills.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown hails from Sin City and is a UFC ring girl. Say hello to Arianny Celeste.

via s2.largeimagehost.com

Miller image via brewskeeball.com

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Tuesday (10/20/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:04:03 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, brought to you today by Sam Adams October Fest.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I don't have a lot to bore you with. Though, I do want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Dad! Send in your tips and requests and see you after the jump...

What You May Have Missed:

Stew's Views: Injury Issues - BlueGoldNews.com

Bob Huggins: Mazzulla 100% - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video link inside

Remembering Jasper Howard - MSNsportsNET.Com
Caridi is asking everyone at the game to cheer UConn as they enter the stadium prior to kickoff.

Weekend Wrap-Up - BlueGoldNews.com

NCAA College Football Power Rankings Week 7 - ESPN
We've cracked this list as well.

Marshall Award Winners - MSNsportsNET.Com
The Coaches' awards are announced.

West Virginia Football 2009: Week Seven Awards - Bleacher Report

On The Mark: Week 7 - ESPN
The ignorant slut's weekly rundown.

Video of Interest:

Here's an interview with Kevin Jones, courtesy of our friends at WVIllustrated.

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a Las Vegas native and 100% natural, or so she claims. Meet Natasha Wicks.

via www.grappling-italia.com

Watch Natasha Wicks - RawVegas.tv Girl of the Month on RawVegas.tv

Sam Adams October Fest image via www.bruguru.com

Saturday Sim: Cardinals - Seahawks

Andrew602 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:06:08 -0000

Last week, the Saturday Sim featured a close battle between the Cardinals and Texans, with the Cardinals barely edging out the Texans in the last minutes of the game. That did happen. In fact, the Cardinals and Texans game couldn't have been any closer. This week, the Cardinals simulation has them traveling to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. The game wasn't as close but you'll see why in a moment. It should also be mentioned that the conditions were rainy during the game.

If you aren't familiar with this segment, it should be pretty self explanatory by now. We simulate a game between the Cardinals and their opponent on the Madden video game. The quarters are 8 minutes each and the difficulty is all pro. The penalties are also turned up higher for a realistic feel. Madden's ratings and rosters are accurate, but we in no means believe this will be the actual outcome. It's just for fun.

First Quarter:

- The Cardinals receive the ball, in which Breaston returns it to the 30 yard line. On Warner's second pass, he's pick off by Josh Wilson, giving the Seahawks good field position. However, the Seahawks struggle running the ball early and are forced to settle for a field goal. Seahawks lead 3-0.
- The Cardinals begin their second drive passing the ball. Larry Fitzgerad and Anquan Boldin are at the end of a couple big first downs. Halfway down the field, Warner throws the ball to Dan Kreider, who fumbles trying to gain extra yardage. End of first quarter. Hawks lead 3-0.

Second Quarter:

- The second quarter begins with Matt Hasselbeck throwing a pick to Karlos Dansby. This drive, the Cardinals continue to throw the ball, with their running game being stifled by the Seahawks defense. Already having good field position, Warner completes a big pass to Tim Higtower, who takes the ball to the 16. After a face mask on the Seahawks, Dan Kreider redeems himself and punches the ball into the end zone. Cardinals lead 7-3.

- Feeling the momentum starting to switch, the Seahawks start their next drive airing it out. Hasselbeck completes several big passes to T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but is picked off yet again, by Gerald Hayes. Only trying to take time off the clock, the Cardinals hand off the ball to Hightower, who breaks several tackles to the outside, and takes the ball 75 yards for a Cardinals touchdown! Cardinals lead 14-3.

- On the Seahawks next drive, they are forced to play the hurry up again, with 2 minutes left in the game. While under pressure, Hasselbeck throws a pick again, this time to Karlos Dansby, his second of the half. The Cardinals run the ball but get a three and out, and punt the ball back to the Seahawks. Hasselbeck drives the Seahawks into field goal range with less then a minute left. Olindo Mare kicks a 48 yard field goal as time expires. Cardinals lead 14-6.

Third Quarter:

The third quarter turns into a defensive battle. The Seahawks look good running the ball, but can't convert for a first down. The Cardinals are able to put together a few first downs, but must settle for a field goal attempt that is missed by Neil Rackers. On the next three drives for both teams, they can't convert third downs. Both teams get 3, three and outs each. End of third quarter. Cardinals lead 14-6.

Fourth Quarter:

- The fourth quarter begins with the Seahawks having possesion of the ball. Hasselbeck looks better then he did in the first three quarters. He and Houshmandzadeh are on the same page this drive, completing several big first down passes. They drive to the 5 yard line, where Owen Schmittcatches a five yard touchdown. The Seahawks look to tie the game with a two point conversion. Deion Branch catches it over the middle, tying the game 14-14.

- The Cardinals look focused on their next drive, with Warner looking very accurate. He's using all of this targets, completing passes to Fitzgerald, Boldin, Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban, and Hightower. At their own 45 yard line, Warner throws an outside pass to Boldin, who breaks a tackle and runs for a 55 yard touchdown. Cardinals lead 21-14.

- The Seahawks start their next drive with a balanced attack, both running and passing effectively. Hasselbeck steps back to throw, when he is hit as he passes by Calais Campbell, putting the ball in the air. Chike Okeaforgets the interception. After a few bigs gains by Hightower, Kurt Warner throws a pass to Fitzgerald, who dives into the end zone for a 10 yard score. Cardinals lead 28-14.

- With four minutes remaining, the Seahawks are still attempting to run despite being down by 14. They encounter a 4th and 4, where they decide to punt the ball away. The Cardinals get a three and out, and punt the ball back to the Seahawks. With poor protection on their last drive, the Seahawks run into a fourth down again. This time they go for it, but Hasselbeck is hit while he throws an incomplete pass. With less then two minutes remaining, the Cardinals run out the clock, while the Seahawks don't bother to use any timeouts. End of game. Cardinals win 28-14.

Final Stats

	Cardinals	Seahawks
Total Yards	363	293
Rush	124	47
Pass	239	246
First Downs	13	16
TO	2	4
3rd Down	3-8	3-9
Pen-Yards	3-35	3-21
TOP	18:32	13:28

Quarterback	Comp/Att(%)	Yards	TD	INT
Warner	18/25(72%)	239	2	1
Hasselbeck	24/38(63%)	246	1	4

Running Back	Att	Yards	Avg	TD
Hightower	16	115	7.1	1
Wells	2	10	5.0	0
Jones	17	43	2.5	0
James	1	4	4.0	0

Wide Receivers	Catches	Yards	TD	Avg
Fitzgerald	3	26	1	8.6
Boldin	4	94	1	23.5
Breaston	4	44	0	11.0
Houshmandzadeh	7	68	0	9.7
Burleson	4	40	0	10.0
Branch	4	51	0	12.7

Final Thought -While the overall outcome of this game would be nice, it's not likely. The Seahawks are more accustomed to playing in the rain and it may be the Cardinals that struggle to not turn the ball over. I also don't think that Matt Hasselbeck will throw four picks in this game. It's going to be a competitive game, and the Cardinals will need a successful running game to win. What are your thoughts on the simulation?

Wednesday Notes: Lions Sign Demarcus Faggins, Re-Sign John Standeford

Sean Yuille — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:46:56 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sancya - AP

Detroit Lions wide receiver John Standeford catches a two-point conversion from quarterback Drew Stanton during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Browse more photos »

The reason teams hold mass tryouts every once in a while was exemplified today, as the Lions signed free agent cornerback Demarcus Faggins. The Lions needed to add another corner to the team after Eric King was placed on injured reserve, and Faggins tried out with the team earlier this season. He was obviously at the top of their list of free agent corners, and he is now a member of the team. (John Niyo thinks Kevin Hobbs will become the Lions' nickel corner and Faggins will be inactive on game days for now.)
At the top of the Lions' list of free agent wide receivers must have been John Standeford, as he was re-signed by the team on Tuesday. Standeford was released during the final round of cuts before the season, but he has been brought back to add depth to the wide receiver position. What that means for the health of Calvin Johnson is beyond me, but I'm hoping the Lions just want to have depth going forward so they are never again left with only three healthy receivers during a game like they were last Sunday.
On a more positive note, Sammie Hill must be healthy again based on the fact that the Lions released Chuck Darby to make room on the roster for Standeford. Darby was brought back after Hill got banged up a few weeks ago, but the rookie must be ready to return if the Lions are willing to part with Darby.
The Lions not only signed a couple players on Tuesday, but they also held another tryout. This one only included three players: offensive tackle Levi Jones, center Melvin Fowler, and defensive back Jahi Word-Daniels.
When Ernie Sims returns to full health, he will be one of the Lions' starting linebackers.

(More after the jump)

The Lions have agreed to a deal with 97.1 The Ticket that will keep it as the team's flagship radio station for at least three more years.
Bidding on the Silverdome begins next month, and remember how I joked about how Pride of Detroit should buy it? Well...

"The Silverdome is a marquee property and in good condition, but the city can't run it properly, and it should be turned over to someone who can return it to a vibrant asset," Leeb said. "We're told there has already been considerable interest, but if the high bid is only $1, well, then that's it."
If the auctioneers happen to stumble across this post, I am officially bidding $1 (and whatever else POD readers want to throw in) for the former home of the Lions. The yearly costs of maintaining it would be a pain in the ass, but how sweet would it be to own the Silverdome? I can see it now... "Hi, my name is Sean, I own the Silverdome, err, the Seandome." Talk about a great conversation-starter.
Remember how Tom Lewand said a good way to sell tickets is by winning games? I have an even better strategy: Hope and pray that the Steelers come to Ford Field more often. At least half (probably more) of the fans at Sunday's game were waving terrible towels, and it was probably the most friendly game for an away team in the history of the NFL. I know the Steelers travel well, but as Larry Foote pointed out, quite a few of those fans didn't even come from Pittsburgh.

"I'm a little disappointed," Foote said. "On my way home on the freeway, I seen a lot of Michigan plates with a lot of Terrible Towels in the car. The people who live here and are Steeler fans, shame on you guys. You will be on our bandwagon sooner than later."

Foote smiled as he spoke. He expects the Lions to turn themselves around and win over those fans.

"These Detroiters that love Pittsburgh, they're going to have Honolulu blue on," Foote said. "People like to support a winner. I understand that. But I wanted to run some cars off the road yesterday."
He couldn't have summed up my feelings on this any better.
Quite a few players were fined because of plays that happened in the Bears-Lions game earlier this month, including Adewale Ogunleye, who got docked $7,500 for the sack that injured Matthew Stafford.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is going to pay for two new police dogs for the city of Detroit.
Dre' Bly is not very intelligent.
I knew Owen Schmitt was crazy, but I didn't know he was quite this crazy.
How's this for a stat: All of the Redskins' first six games will end up being played against winless teams. Here's an even better stat: Not counting the Giants (the Redskins' Week 1 opponent), Washington's opponents have a combined record of 2-22, and both of those wins came against the 'Skins.

Owen Schmitt the Fullback

John Morgan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:20:45 -0000

Between bursts of self-assault, Owen Schmitt occasionally plays fullback. Not that I don't find a man hitting himself in the head entertaining, but I thought we could take a break from analyzing the patterns of his blood spatters to watch him play football. Watching athletes play sports is an increasingly novel concept. I am awaiting the day ESPN does to its sports coverage what MTV has done with music videos.

Schmitt was named starter before the season, but lost that spot after week four of the preseason. I don't know that Justin Griffith actually outplayed Schmitt, but Seattle's then struggling running game picked up with Griffith playing fullback.

Schmitt has great potential as a fullback. He is a powerful blocker that savors contact. He is also rather new to the position after playing HB in Rich Rodriguez's spread-option offense. Griffith on the other hand, is to Greg Knapp's offense as Steve Buschemi was to 90s era Coen Brothers movies.

Schmitt played nine snaps in the first quarter. I picked the first quarter to watch him because the game was undecided and the Jaguars couldn't load up against the run. He worked nearly as much as a blocker and receiver.

His play was solid. He had one very good lead block, on the second play of Seattle's second drive, in which he moved into the hole, moved out Jaguars inside linebacker Russell Allen and doing so screened another Jaguar out of the play. Jones was slowed by end Derrick Harvey, but Allen was awarded the tackle. The attribution of a tackle seems almost arbitrary.

Schmitt didn't have any highlight worthy blocks, but his ability to square and power into his defender is impressive. He made an audible "pop" on his first block of the game, again against Allen.

Schmitt and Julius Jones have developed some chemistry, or so it looked. Schmitt ran in front and Jones followed and the two seemed to see the same hole on all but one run play. Schmitt turned a right-angle left just behind the offensive line and continued off-tackle, but Jones cut in and was tackled by the left defensive end. Ray Willis had attempted a cut block, but the Harvey anticipated it and stayed in play.

For one snap, Schmitt was again an HB. John Carlson was at left HB and Schmitt at right HB and the two ran symmetrical patterns. Both were to chip the outside linebacker and then release into a quick out into the flat. Schmitt chipped his man, but Carlson whiffed and Clint Ingram damn near killed Hasselbeck before he could shotput it away.

Schmitt's route running looks crisp, if elementary and he looks surprisingly swift as a receiver. He was the primary target on a godawful FB screen pass, but blanketed and skipped in favor of a wide open Nate Burleson. Schmitt did his part attracting coverage and keeping pressure off Hasselbeck.

I am not so sure if Schmitt is a work in progress or the best fullback on Seattle's roster. Griffith can't stay healthy, and he has yet to revive that magical ability to improve Seattle's run game that got him the job. If Schmitt had been Knapp's Mifune and not Griffith, and Schmitt the one that took the field against the Raider scrubs, would he be starting ahead of Griffith? I think so.

Seattle has shown a willingness to let its talent learn on the job. I have yet to see what Griffin can do that prevents Schmitt from starting. He might not know the offense as well, but that'll come, and his talent and potential as a lead blocker trump Griffith's. He wants it so bad. C'mon Knapp, lets Schmitt spill someone else's blood.

Fifty One-liners about the Second Quarter

John Morgan — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:14:35 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

Jay Cutler musters a "yeah" before calming himself with a two-hour sad nap.

Browse more photos »

50. Seattle's offensive line struggled against a still good Bears defensive line.

49. No one struggled more than Ray Willis.

48. Willis spent much of the quarter crouching, watching his man chase Seneca Wallace.

47. Robert Mathis says "hello".

46. Seattle's two-minute drill to end the half was miserably executed.

45. It's a testament to how self-defeating the two-minute defense is that Olindo Mare got a shot.

44. Greg Knapp spaces his running back at half, full and right of center.

43. Seattle's situational pass rush line is very effective.

42. Aaron Curry blew two tackles in two plays.

41. As best as I could tell, Seneca Wallace was not using hot routes.

40. The Bears relied heavily on the blitz to protect their secondary.

39. Their secondary sucks.

38. Deion Branch was playing the Deon Butler role.

37. That role: Run deep and never get targeted.

36. Kelly Jennings hesitated to tackle Earl Bennett on a wide receiver screen.

35. That hesitation allowed Chris Williams to pull out and block Jennings.

34. The reception went for 23 yards.

33. Deon Grant fell midway through a Greg Olsen route and left him wide open, but Jordan Babineaux stopped him at the reception point with a solid open field tackle.

32. Brandon Mebane was doubled off the line but Colin Cole held his ground and tackled Matt Forte after one yard on second and two.

31. Will Herring looped around two lead blockers to get a glancing blow low on Forte.

30. It worked and Seattle's backup backers dropped Forte for a loss of two.

29. Staying uncharacteristic, Herring blew coverage on the next play.

28. He dropped and that allowed Forte to come free underneath.

27. Gang tackling forced a drive-ending fumble.

26. !

25. Cory Redding dropped into cover on a sublimely hidden strong safety blitz by Deon Grant.

24. Grant wrapped around end untouched and hit Jay Cutler as he was throwing.

23. The ball floated into the hands of the big man and Redding took a knee in the end zone to give Seattle the ball at the twenty.

22. The officials reviewed Redding's cover and ruled he actually fell attempting to jam Olsen...

21. that Olsen caught an easy touchdown pass...

20. and that Ichiro is an illegal and should be promptly deported.

19. Wallace started the two-minute drill by throwing into double cover.

18. That double cover disintegrated when two Bears smashed into each other, hurting one.

17. A stupid decision turned wonderful--T.J. Houshmandzadeh streaking uncovered with one man to beat--is undone by an overthrow...

16. Proving two mistakes beat one.

15. Dick Stockton credited Lance Briggs with the pressure.

14. The Bears rushed three, none of whom was Briggs.

13. Wallace was not under pressure.

12. John Carlson dropped a pass.

11. Chris Spencer blew a block on a sloppy screen pass attempt.

10. King creative set his tight ends wide in a four wide receiver-tight formation.

9. The wide receivers were aligned like tight ends.

8. The tight ends were supposed to block in and then run laterally into the flats.

7. Neither tight end managed to block anyone.

6. Wallace didn't look towards either in the flat.

5. The pass was tipped by Anthony Adams and fell incomplete.

4. Seattle blitzed four times.

3. Owen Schmitt dropped a pass.

2. Dick Stockton thought it was John Carlson.

1. Upon further review, all white people look alike.

Seattle Seahawks First Quarter Notes: Rushing and Receiving

John Morgan — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:19 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Get well soon, Matt Hasselbeck. Greg Knapp has designed a creative offense and the Seahawks have great weapons. This is your best chance to shine since 2005.

Browse more photos »

Rushing and Receiving:

The modified-option pass that Seneca Wallace threw to lead blocker Owen Schmitt was a great play design in a quarter of great play designs.

3-4- (2:31) (Shotgun) 15-S.Wallace pass short right to 81-N.Burleson pushed ob at CHI 34 for 16 yards (24-A.Afalava).

Seattle set in trips right with Burleson on the inside angle. John Carlson and Deion Branch pulled forward and Burleson ran open into the right flat. The play functioned like a crossing pattern, getting Burleson open in the flat, but did not take nearly as long to develop.

After T.J. Houshmandzadeh dropped the aforementioned pass, a Bear linebacker collided with him and it looked like jammed his wrist. He shook it off, but went to the sideline and into the tunnel at the end of the first quarter.

Burleson missed his hole on a toss sweep to the right. He should have run between his blockers and instead cut to the sideline and outside Houshmandzadeh. Housh wasn't sustaining his block and that might have influenced Burleson's decision.

Julius Jones and Owen Schmitt showed good chemistry and the two teamed for a productive first quarter run game.

The Seahawks Short Drive Long

John Morgan — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:23:17 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Losing Sean Locklear limited the Seahawks screen game.

Browse more photos »

It takes time to adapt to a new coaching staff. How much time and how much the team is affected depends on the degree of change. Mike Tomlin took over for Bill Cowher, but left Cowher's structure intact. He is a defense-first head coach that defers to mastermind defensive coordinator, Dick Lebeau. Jim Mora has not dismantled Mike Holmgren's foundation. His time with the team and the foresight of Tim Ruskell has smoothed the transition, but this is still a team in transition. It has grasped new concepts, but also played sloppy football.

The Seahawks first scoring drive was sloppy football. Knowing how sloppy the team played, you can see how talented it is, too.

Seattle attempted a screen pass on the right to start the drive. Sean Locklear had subbed out. Brandon Frye had subbed in. Injuries can force a change in scheme, too. The play was a mess from the snap.
Seattle attempted to spread the 49ers wide. It was a highly unbalanced formation. Three wide receivers and Justin Forsett were positioned right and only Nate Burleson was on the left. But instead of accounting for the receivers and thinning their defense, the 49ers overloaded the left and blitzed through Seattle's screen.
It's a gambit for sure. If Seattle can set and get its blockers out, the 49ers overpursue and potentially allow a long gain. If the blitz arrives too quick and disrupts the timing, the line can't pull and the running back is targeted before the play has materialized. That is what happened. Vallos couldn't get ahead of Julius Jones, Aubrayo Franklin trailed him to the action and Manny Lawson shot from the second level to clobber the exposed back. Jones was dropped for a loss of five.
On the next play, Seattle play-faked and John Carlson found a favorable matchup against Lawson. Execution had failed them and pure talent put them right back in it. Carlson received for 17.
False start, Carlson. Backed up again.
Seattle can't slow backside pursuit or create rushing lanes, Jones is dragged down after a gain of one. Carlson is thrown to the turf by Parys Haralson.
Seattle sets with four wide receivers. The 49ers blitz. Jones jumps into the pass rush lane and pops Patrick Willis. Matt Hasselbeck targets T.J. Houshmandzadeh sticking a post route and separating from outside linebacker Marque Harris. The reception achieves 13. Two execution failures are dug out by a talent mismatch.
It's now third and one. Seattle shows a rare look, splitting two wide, tight end, running back, but with Owen Schmitt playing half back. He motions left from right tackle to behind the right "A" gap. Takeo Spikes does the Ted linebacker thing and powers into the pile. Schmitt does the Schmitt-faced thing and hits him in the hole. Schmitt helps push the pile forward and Jones coverts the first.
Houshmanzadeh runs a deep curl into a soft spot in the zone and Hasselbeck hits him for 21. The pass is out of a play fake. Hasselbeck hits Housh and is hit by Harris a split second afterward. Carlson, struggling throughout this drive, functions as a pick, never slowing Harrison but instead putting a body between Harrison and Ray Willis. Harrison comes clean around the edge, unblocked.
Jones motions out wide and Hasselbeck hands it to fullback Justin Griffith for one yard. No one was fooled, Knapp.
The next play was almost something special. I was critical of San Francisco signing Justin Smith, but he has been very productive. He gets a hand on Jones that stops him from breaking a long gain.
Seattle resorts to a stock formation: A wide receiver on each side, Carlson right and the back in "I" formation. The Niners set in a 3-4. Off the snap, Steve Vallos and Max Unger power Aubrayo Franklin out of middle and deep into the second level. This was a matchup they were regularly winning. Griffith hits the hole, cuts right and runs through Patrick Willis. Both end on the turf. Jones is about to hit the hole. The outside linebackers are attacking the edges and functionally out of the play. Ted linebacker Spikes is screened out by Vallos and Unger's dominant double team. Willis is about to get knocked on his ass. The secondary is playing pass. Rob Sims has engaged and stopped Smith, but he battles on just outside the hole. Jones explodes through the hole, but before he can fully exit, Smith gets a hold of his jersey. Jones spins through the tackle but can't keep his feet under him and spins to the ground. Nate Clements is the first to touch and is credited with the tackle. Inches, man. Smith doesn't get a hand on him, Jones is free to the third level.
The drive ends with an incomplete pass to Houshmandzadeh. It's a good play call, Brian Billick be damned. Seattle gets the matchup they want, Housh single covered by Shawntae Spencer, and Hasselbeck lobs it expecting Housh to win the jump ball. Housh never gets position and the pass falls incomplete. Shawntae Spencer is not a very good cornerback. I like a little boldness, if it's smart. Not only was a pass to a single covered Houshmandzadeh smart, it was more likely to be successful than a two yard conversion.

Seattle Seahawks Score with Eight Plays, Fourteen Players and a Plan

John Morgan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:14:34 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

It takes a team to score a touchdown.

Browse more photos »

Seattle started its drive with an overthrown pass. Matt Hasselbeck didn't intend to overthrow T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but within the framework of this drive, that play was essential even if unsuccessful. Greg Knapp had established the slot as a threat with the first play of the game. He had given the defense an unusual look by splitting the tight ends wide, and slotting the wide receivers on the inside. Had it succeeded, Houshmandzadeh could have curled his route back towards tight end John Owens and had a lead blocker to run after the catch.

Knapp then followed with a play action look that put John Carlson one-on-one against a linebacker. This time, the speed was on the outside and power on the inside. The play action featured first Owen Schmitt and then T.J. Duckett working as a sixth blocker. That would become a pattern, as would attacking the strong side.

On the next play, the receivers are stacked left and to the weak side. The run targets the strong side. Rob Sims and Sean Locklear miss their blocks, and Duckett doesn't get far enough fast enough, but the play ends in positive yardage and keeps the playbook open.

The Seahawks are now second and eight. They have dinked and dunked, but nothing seems remarkable about this drive as yet. Seattle again attacks the inside through the slot receiver and again doing so gets a favorable matchup. Andra Davis knows better than to get cute covering Houshmandzadeh, so he stays overtop and awaits the pass before closing. Housh is tough and he rarely drops passes. He takes the impact and receives for six. The inside is being exploited, Houshmandzadeh is becoming a primary target and Denver must adjust or be picked apart.

Seattle again breaks three wide, but Denver matches a safety against Houshmandzadeh instead of a linebacker. It's a subtle shift to protect a weakness. Deon Butler shifts inside, overloading the right interior and after a hop-hop the Seahawks are off. The beauty of this play is not just its boldness, but that Houshmandzadeh is not the only open receiver, only the best receiver open. Carlson gets open on the right. Butler drags into the left flat and is open. The Broncos are blitzing five, but the lineman that escapes is a sluggish nose tackle. Housh beats the safety and is free over the middle. Hasselbeck finds Housh for 13 and the first. Seattle has a drive going. Denver has a matchup problem.

Seattle runs an end around pass that doesn't work, but is built to empower end-around motion on handoffs. Marty Mornhinweg and the Eagles run it and I'm excited to see Seattle doing likewise. Eventually, the end-around motion must sell for the play to work, but if Seattle can buy even a split second of pause with misdirection, than that's an advantage it should take.

Seattle runs another stretch right that this time opens a hole on the left. Duckett gets a good release to the hole, but an arm tackle slows him and a missed block ends the run. This run is about keeping the run alive. Ideally, it breaks and Seattle has a new set of downs. If it falters a bit, Duckett picks up positive yardage and keeps Seattle out of a passing down. Third and six is pass-first, but with Seattle edging towards field goal range, Knapp known to attempt fourth downs and the inside passing attack alive, the run is possible and the run is still dangerous.

The drive doesn't end that way. The Seahawks break shotgun, but Schmitt and Justin Forsett are in. That allows a screen, a draw or a sweep right. On their right, the Seahawks stack Houshmanzadeh in the slot and Branch wide. Denver adjusts its safeties to compensate. The Broncos are in a 3-3 nickel. After the snap, we see the payoff. The backs are prepared to provide max protect. The Broncos don't blitz but rush four. The backs then release into opposing in patterns. Schmitt and Forsett are outlet receivers, and Denver is sitting on them like they are Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton. Each inside linebacker is assigned one, and neither inside linebacker impacts the play.

The action is first on the right and then, victoriously, on the left. Denver plays it wrong. Denver stacks right. Branch attacks deep and Houshmandzadeh attacks the intermediate middle. But the play is on the left. Seattle sends Butler streaking at and past Andre Goodman. Goodman has been around the league, has some ball skills but gets beat deep. Butler beats Goodman deep. With attention focused right, free safety Renaldo Hill can't hope to recover. Butler has a step and is clear to the end zone. Now the pass. Hasselbeck times it well and drops it just over Butler's shoulder. He makes a Jerry Rice reception and records his first professional touchdown. He doesn't score the touchdown though, that took eight plays, fourteen players and a plan.