SB Nation - Seattle Seahawks

Redskins' Coach Watch: Russ Grimm Might Be Our Guy

KevinE — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:51:07 -0000

The next Redskins head coach? Image via blogs.tampabay.com

In Part One, we reviewed Mike Holmgren's persona as the next Redskins' coach, which left me far from impressed. Continuing through the classified ads, the next stop is Russ Grimm, who currently holds the following titles with the Arizona Cardinals: Assistant Head Coach, Running Game Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach. There is a lot to cover with the former Hog, so if you're at work and feel mother nature calling, print it out and take it to the can with you.

Moving on...I spoke with Charles, the Editor of the SB Nation Arizona Cardinals community, Revenge of the Birds (ROTB), regarding Russ Grimm's coaching and talent evaluation skills. After the jump, I reveal my Russ Grimm conversations with David Elfin of the Washington Times, Rich Tandler of Real Redskins, Mark Newgent of the Examiner, and Ben Folson of the Curly R, all who have a lot of knowledge from Grimm from his playing days with Washington and his coaching days in Washington during the Norv era. We had a nice debate with the outstanding concerns, and Mark adds a fantastic Grimm story from his playing days, but first, my chat with the Cardinals' media:

Hogs Haven: Russ Grimm is a fan favorite in DC being one of the original Hogs. As a coach, he has been a winner everywhere he's been (Steelers and Cards Super Bowl run last year). What stands out to you regarding his play-calling, relationship with players, motivations skills that would make him a good or bad candidate for a head coach? He seems to get overlooked as a head coach every year.

ROTB: It is fairly common knowledge that Grimm is well liked and very respected by his players, especially his offensive lineman. He has the knowledge and experience to back up everything that he's trying to teach his guys. He's never called plays (here or any stop in the past) and he's never been a true coordinator. He shares the co-coordinator title which means that he's involved in the development of a game plan throughout the week but his actual involvement during the game is somewhat of a mystery. As a head coach I would envision him as something in between a "players coach" and a "disciplinarian" and I would guess that he'd prefer somewhat of a run-first offense. Some say he's been passed over as a head coach but he's never been a true coordinator and normally the step before becoming a head coach.

Hogs Haven: Did Russ Grimm contribute at all to the draft class this year [for the Cards]? The Steelers obviously have a lot of success with their picks, although ironically not with their offensive line.

ROTB: As far as his prowess as a talent evaluator, your guess might be as good as mine. The only time I've ever heard or read of him "signing off" or "approving" of a draft pick was when they took Levi Brown in 2007. As the story goes, Grimm worked out Brown individually at Penn State's pro day and came away thinking that Brown was better than Joe Thomas. That evaluation looks awful foolish now but that was the Cardinals story after the draft so take it for what's it worth. Despite the drafting of Levi Brown the Cardinals offensive line has improved quite bit so maybe that's a testament to his ability to develop talent.

Hogs Haven: If you were Dan Snyder, would you have any hesitations making Russ Grimm your head coach?

Continue reading this post »

ROTB: That's a tough question. I honestly like Grimm and I think he could build a tough, run-based team that would turn into a winner. That being said, I wouldn't take him over Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher or Mike Holgrem so I'd consider him a fall back option at best. Just to throw a bit of curve ball at you though, if you're interested in Cowher it might not hurt to bring Grimm in as your offensive coordinator.

I don't think it's a coincidence that Grimm is successful everywhere he goes; however, Mangini and Charlie Weis have struggled once they were given full control. No one expects Russ Grimm to be the All-in-One savior though. Mike Tomlin and Mike Singletary both never had Offensive Coordinator or Defensive Coordinator roles in their careers. Why can't Grimm be in the same position as them where the new Redskins GM (not named Cerrato) works with Grimm to pick a good fit.

I emailed the Redskins elite for their opinions:

Mark Newgent (Examiner): As far as play calling experience goes, Grimm doesn't need to be the play-caller--the Ravens brought in Cam Cameron to call plays for Jim Harbaugh.

There's another aspect where I believe Grimm would have an enormous effect: discipline. The Redskins--even under Gibbs 2.0--have played really undisciplined football: stupid penalties, to poor tackling etc... Grimm would put an end to all that.

I remember going to training camp up in Carlisle in 1992, Grimm's first year as an assistant to Gibbs. Just prior to practice players were milling around the end zone catting and joking around. Out of nowhere a huge Ford Bronco--not the little one the big curb stomping mini-monster truck-- drives up right into the middle of end zone. Players scatter and stare. Grimm steps out of the driver's seat, pulls a wad of chewing tobacco from his mouth from his mouth chucks it to the ground and says "let's hit it." The players jumped to attention and got to practicing.

That's kind of gravitas Grimm has, and is sorely needed in Ashburn.

David Elfin (WaTimes): While Russ is a legitimate head coaching candidate in the league and a link to Washington's glory days, I would be surprised to see Dan Snyder hire a second straight coach who had never even been a coordinator. The caveat would be if Snyder's millions can lure another big-name coach like Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden or Bill Cowher to the Redskins.

Ben Folsom (The Curly R): So in all this why did Russ Grimm's phone never ring: simple. Dan

Snyder knows Russ Grimm is eventually a loser for him. Russ is a sympathetic character for Redskins fans. No matter what happens, Dan will get the blame for failing and Russ will get credit for winning. Then one day when Dan has to fire Russ, then my friend Dan finds true bottom in the hearts of Redskins fans.

Russ will never coach for this team while Dan owns it, neither will any of Joe Gibbs' proteges, anyone that represents true Redskins football.

Rich Tandler (Real Redskins): While he was a player, he didn't seem to be the type who would become a coach. Primarily, that's because he enjoyed the night life. It wasn't unusual to see Grimm out until all hours around Georgetown, feeling no pain. I know, because I occasionally was in the same bars.

Even when he became a coach, he wasn't seen as a rising star. While some members of Norv's staff went on to become head coaches--Mike Martz, Cam Cameron, Mike Nolan--there never seemed to be any danger of losing Grimm to a promotion elsewhere.

When Norv was fired, there was no discussion of him becoming even the interim coach, much less the head coach. Evidently, he took much better to Cowher than he did to Norval. I have to wonder, though, why Rooney did not hire him when Cowher retired. It was a done deal and he pulled it back at the last minute. Certainly he
hit a home run with Tomlin but, still, I wonder why he didn't pull the trigger on Grimm.

Also, I wonder why Grimm isn't a full-fledged coordinator in his 18th year of coaching. He's had a better shot at it than Zorn in that he's been in the NFL the whole time while Zorn spent time at Utah State and Boise State.

So it seems the only outstanding concern is why did Russ Grimm get over-looked in Pittsburgh, and why did Cowher refer Chan Gailey over Wisenhunt and Grimm? This Steeler's blog listed some likely reasons, but with 3 qualified candidates in Grimm, Wisenhunt and Tomlin, perhaps the Rooney Rule was in full effect? Either way, I really believe Russ should be given a hard look.

Grimm's Coaching Resume:

Washington Redskins (1992-2000)

Tight end coach (from 1992 through 1996, and offensive line coach from 1997 through 2000, during which he was instrumental in the development of tackles Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen)
Pittsburgh Steelers (2000-2006)

Offensive line coach in September 2000. In 2004 he was promoted to Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line.

Under Grimm guidance in 2005, the Super Bowl champion Steelers averaged nearly 140 yards rushing per game during the regular season to rank fifth in the NFL while also grinding out 181 rushing yards in their Super Bowl XL victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

In 2006 Steelers offensive line helped pave the way for running back Willie Parker to gain 1,494 yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries with 4.4 yard avg. and earn his first Pro Bowl selection. Pittsburgh offense finished the 2006 season with the 10th best rushing attack in the NFL, helping to give the Steelers the 7th ranked total offense in the league.
Arizona Cardinals (2007-present)

In 2007, Grimm was hired by the Arizona Cardinals to serve as their assistant head coach/offensive line coach. In Arizona, he serves under head coach Ken Whisenhunt who Grimm worked with under Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh. In his first season in Arizona, his offensive line allowed only 24 sacks, 6th best in the NFL and the fewest given up by the Cardinals since 1978 with 22. Grimm's offensive line also paved the way for running back Edgerrin James to rush for 1,222 yards, the fifth best total in team history. The Cardinals offense finished with the 5th best passing attack in the NFL and threw for a team record 32 touchdowns.

Thanks again to David, Mark, Ben, and Rich for their input. It is much appreciated.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Grimm,

Poll

Are you For or Against Russ Grimm as the next Redskins coach?

Stat of the Day: 100 Receptions

John (obviousman) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:44:39 -0000

I was around, and a San Diego Chargers fan, when LaDainian Tomlinson caught 100 passes in a season. I remember that being one of the most frustrating 4-12 teams in history. Anyways, I got an e-mail last night that I was perusing this morning when I saw this....

Rivers’ top two receiving threats -- TE ANTONIO GATES and WR VINCENT JACKSON -- are tied with 42 receptions apiece and can challenge RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON’s franchise record of 100 receptions in 2003.

What?!? While it's possible that I just forgot this stat, I am fairly certain that I remember his 100-reception season as a record for a running back. I had no idea that no WR in the history of the Chargers has ever caught 100 balls in a season. That's amazing, especially considering how potent the Bolts offense has been over it's history.

More to the point, only 1 of the top 3 Chargers' spots in terms of receptions is held by a WR. Here's the list.

LaDainian Tomlinson, 100 rec (2003)
Tony Martin, 90 rec (1995)
Antonio Gates, 89 rec (2005)

That's unbelievable! Even with Gates and VJ getting the majority of the catches this season, each of them is on pace for only 84 catches by season's end.

By comparison, the Denver Broncos have had 6 WRs with seasons of 100 receptions or more. The New England Patriots have had 3 WRs with 100+ catch seasons in the last decade alone. The Colts have had 5 seasons like that, with 4 coming from Marvin Harrison. Even the Chicago Bears' Marty Booker caught 100 passes in a season once. The youngest team in the league, the Houston Texans, already have 2 seasons of 100+ receptions from a WR.

This begs the question.....which teams in the NFL have never had a 100+ reception season from a WR? It has to be rare, right? Maybe not as rare as you'd think. Here's a list of them.

NightLink II: Looking at Thursday

Dane Noble — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:20:52 -0000

Just some quick notes to throw out your way this evening... all (except one) centered around the game Thursday.

Mike Singletary says that the Bears will always be a team he loves, and talks about the emotions of playing us.

TE Vernon Davis says that the SF offense will destroy the Bears defense up front.

And Brad Biggs tweets that former Bear WR Mike Hass was cut from the Seahawks.

And just a side note, Al Afalava did not practice today... we may very well see Craig Steltz this Thursday.

Guaranteed Victory? Why the F**k not?

Johnny Peel (DKSB) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:50:04 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Seattle Seahawks' Nate Burleson has the 10th most receptions in the NFL after 8 games.

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"So, we're going on the road to play a football game. We're gonna win.

"I don't care what you say. People can print it in the paper, they can send it to the teams we're playing. But they know just like we know, we're going to win the game."

-Nate Burleson

With apologies to TJH, that's Seattle's best WR talking, and it's hard to see the downside of Nasty Nate putting himself out there like this. Conventional wisdom in cases such as this usually consists of shaking heads and clucking tongues, worried about giving the opposition "bulletin board" material. Burleson even prefaced his remarks by saying that he didn't want to create the mythical "BBM," but he just plowed ahead anyway. I say huzzah! What is the worst that can happen here?

The Seahawks were all quiet as mimes before the last dust-up with the Cards, and that ended up a 27-3 Ed Norton-on-Jared-Leto-in-Fight-Club beatdown. If Burleson's remarks geek up Arizona and they lay another pounding on the Hawks? Meh. That's what 95% of the football-attentive public expects anyway. We'll be sad, but I'm guessing most of you reading this expect to turn your attention to the 2010 draft next Monday.

But what if this gets even just Nate himself to raise his game? What if he takes a punt all the way back for six? Or goes 7 for 120 with 2 TDs? Or gets off to a hot start and opens things up for Housh, Branch, and Carlson? Even if it's just taking attention off TJH and putting it on himself, that would be a net positive as far as I'm concerned.

If the Seahawks actually win after Burleson's guarantee, this game will be the stuff of franchise legend. When #81 gave the Blue Man Group a spark, which grew into a 2nd-half playoff push (which we've seen before in 1979, 1990 and 1995) and maybe even another NFC West title.

So Matt Hasselbeck? Brag about how you're gonna torch their secondary for 300+ yards. Marcus Trufant? Tell Larry Fitzgerald that he looks like Zoidberg when he dangles his gloves from his facemask. Aaron Curry? Tell Beanie Wells that he's gonna be made the game's prison punk rookie this Sunday.... and so on.

Couldn't hurt.

More over at my home blog, Dave Krieg's Strike Beard

Why Check Down? Because It Works.

John Morgan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:54:01 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Part of Matt Hasselbeck playing caretaker is Seattle's new defensive identity. Lawrence Jackson has developed into an above average pass rusher. Seattle has an above average pass rusher at almost ever position on its defense. Hasselbeck has come full circle. He is now the Seahawks Trent Dilfer. But who then is the Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck?

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Simple explanations are best and the simple explanation for Matt Hasselbeck's check down-fever was that Detroit was rushing the passer and dropping into medium and deep cover. The Lions were protecting an early 17 point lead. Their plan to attack the line and drop into deep cover is a typical response to an early lead. So Hasselbeck and Greg Knapp attacked them where they were exposed: between the linebackers and safeties.

He threw to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Kevin Hobbs put a hat on the ball and forced a fumble. Max Unger was running towards the play and recovered. Unger was beat on his pass block and thus in excellent position to recover. It was a classic Big Play Babs maneuver.

In all, Seattle ran four play-action passes in seven pass plays. They all fit a single idea: draw the linebackers and wait for space between the linebackers and safeties. It worked. It also opened the run for the first time. Seattle ran play action four times, but ran only twice.

Justin Forsett attacked the middle on a simple run up the gut. Chris Spencer turned his man and from there it was Force against the second level. He ran for fourteen. It was the single longest play of the drive.

Julius Jones cashed in on an inside draw. Max Unger was run through and Jones had to bull and spin through a tackle in his own backfield. Specner and Rob Sims had fought back the defensive right and Jones cut left and into space for the touchdown.

A team uses the plays that work. I am sure the Seahawks will feature a similar playbook versus the attacking Arizona Cardinals. I did not consider Hasselbeck's showing a failure. It worked. However, in the big picture, this is the latest game in which Matt Hasselbeck seems unwilling to pass against modestly tight coverage. That coverage gets tighter this Sunday. Will Seattle design enough check downs to stay astride an explosive Cardinals offense?

A Bad Time for an Otherwise Good Decision

John Morgan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:09 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Runs by Julius Jones have been worth 0 DYAR. Passes targeting Julius Jones have been worth 48 DYAR. This isn't Shaun Alexander's run game, but it does resemble 2007.

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Four down football is coming. Its path to Seattle was retarded last Sunday. Jim Mora chose to go for it on fourth and one from the Seattle 38 because of frustration and desperation. The decision did not swing the game. Probability was already decidedly in Detroit's favor. But even most proponents of going for it on fourth would have been wary of going for it on one's own 38.

The Seahawks were favorites at home. The defense was not struggling - it had been burdened with two short fields in three drives. Seattle was down fourteen, but it was early in the first and Detroit's offense had shown no signs of being able to run away with the game. Seattle was creating pressure. On the preceding drive, the defense had quickly forced third and ten but was scored on when Bryant Johnson disguised a push-off within a one-handed catch. It was not an egregious no call, but nor was it call to panic.

Seattle had run twice and twice Julius Jones ran into his blockers attempting to find a hole. The interior offensive line was not creating push and, for whatever reason, the Lions linebackers where charging the line. They did not expect Seattle to pass. Matt Hasselbeck finally did pass, but it was a short pass to Justin Forsett and Forsett did the man's working, breaking two tackles to put Seattle within one.

On fourth and one, the Seahawks piled their linemen up and motioned their third tight end in to play fullback. The Lions were standing atop each other to attack the middle. Jones received the snap and ran into a wave of bodies. He wasn't even close.

The Lions dinked and dunked their way into, out of and back into field goal range. Before the failed first down attempt, Seattle had but an 11% chance of winning. After the field goal, Seattle had an 11% of winning. The field goal had done little but cash in the field position Seattle had ceded after failing to convert. It underscores just how aggressive coaches should be on fourth down that even a poor decision, poorly planned and poorly executed, didn't bury a team already down 14 in the first. But it was a bad decision and the execution made it worse. Sometimes a coach needs to step back, not consider the game in a global sense, but as it's unfolding, the individual matchups won and lost, punt the damn ball and allow the defense a chance to rally.

The Cowboys Win the Second Quarter

Rafael Vela — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:24 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Kevin Ogletree is the latest find from The Playmaker Maker, Ray Sherman. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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We're at halftime of the '09 season and the Cowboys enter the intermission on the high, winning their fourth straight game, rising to 6-2 overall.

The jump was no fluke, as these tables demonstrate:

Offense

Games 1-4	Games 5-8
24 points per game	30 ppg.
401 yards per game	408 yards per game
164 rush ypg.	115 rush ypg.
237 passing ypg.	294 passing ypg.
6 turnovers	5 turnovers

Defense

Games 1-4	Games 5-8
19.5 ppg.	18.5 ppg.
371 ypg.	302 ypg.
115 rush ypg.	91 rush ypg.
256 pass ypg.	211 pass ypg.
6 sacks	15 sacks
4 turnovers	7 turnovers

Steady improvement across the board. The offense was producing yards in bunches and has continued, though the mix has shifted from the run to the pass. You can see the Miles Austin effect in the passing yards per game, which have jumped almost 60 yards per contest since Austin became a starter.

The defense has been much tougher to run against and to pass against, though the turnarounds on that side of the ball came much earlier. No team has run effectively against the Dallas front since the season opener in Tampa. The low point for the pass defense came the following week when Eli Manning ripped them apart. The secondary has steadily improved since then.

The weakness has been inability to close out games, though they made the necessary stops against the Eagles Sunday night. The Chiefs drove for a late, tying touchdown, and the Falcons and Seahawks each put garbage-time TDs on the board. If this unit wants to improve in the third quarter, the 60 minute men we just saw will have to replace the 55 minute men on a more consistent basis.

What a Difference Some Health Makes

One year ago, the Cowboys were coming off another tough, 4-point win and were at a very respectable 5-3. That's the only real similarity between the '08 bunch and this one.

On last year's offense, Kyle Kosier, Felix Jones and Sam Hurd were already gone for the year. Tony Romo was rehabbing his broken pinkie for the second of four weeks. Flozell Adams was playing with one good arm and one good hand. Miles Austin was rehabbing a bum knee for the second time since Oxnard; new Cowboy Roy Williams was learning the playbook and how to fit in with that Terrell Owens fellow. His QB was Brad Johnson.

On defense, safety Roy Williams had just been placed on I.R. Adam Jones was suspended. Terence Newman was rehabbing from hernia surgery and Anthony Henry was on his 19th nervous groin strain. Zach Thomas was playing one inside linebacker spot and looking like a human pinball at 227 lbs.

The injuries this year have been far less severe and of much shorter duration. Marion Barber and Felix Jones have missed games but are back in the lineup. Roy Williams rib injury proved the happy accident that forced Austin into the starting lineup. On defense, Gerald Sensabaugh missed some time with a broken thumb, but has played remarkably well since returning with that thumb in a splint.

There's only one games worth of difference between last year's Cowboys and this year's bunch, but it seems like so much more.

Mid-Season Game Balls

I'm going to crib Aaron's idea and note the coaches who have distinguished themselves thus far this year:

Todd Grantham -- It's not Jay Ratliff and a bunch of guys anymore. Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are pushing their men backwards and resetting the line of scrimmage on wide runs. Stephen Bowen has stepped up his pass rush, as has Jason Hatcher. Junior Siavii was a big question mark but he's giving Dallas the active dozen or so snaps they need to rest Ratliff.

Reggie Herring -- Anthony Spencer is still looking for sacks but he's extremely active against the run, covers well, and is doing a fair Carl Banks impersonation in his second year as a starter. Herring has gotten Victor Butler to perform. He has three sacks in very limited time and could match Greg Ellis' '08 sack totals with a modest uptick in production.

Dave Campo -- His guys looked great in the Alamodome, then all stumbled against the Bucs and Giants in weeks one and two. Nobody is ripping him now. Mike Jenkins was the first to snap out of the post-Giants funk and has three interceptions at right corner. He looks like an emerging star. Terence Newman has a newfound desire to hit people and is no longer giving up the deep throws we saw the first month. Orlando Scandrick found his game last weekend and had another good game this week. The Seahawks and Eagles each completed a seam on him but Scandrick had skin-tight coverage on both plays. This is the guy we saw last year.

First Half Assistant Coach of the Year

Ray Sherman -- The Cowboys keep giving this guy low picks and undrafted free agents and Sherman never complains. He just develops his kids and they're making him look great right now. Austin has made plays for a full month now and his bomb against a tough Eagles secondary suggests he's won't disappear. Kevin Ogletree showed an Austin-esque ability to rack up YACs against Philly. Look at his two flanker screens from yesterday and you see a guy who attacks corners and safeties like a halfback. He's got some power and can slither and spin. Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd pick their spots, but at least one of them makes a big play each week.

Sherman has three UFAs, a 7th rounder and a 1st rounder in his arsenal. They're all producing. A nod of recognition and gratitude goes Ray Sherman's way. If Michael Irvin was The Playmaker, Sherman could be called The Playmaker Maker.

Special Mention to the Front Office

The Cowboys didn't spend much in the offseason, but their investments have paid huge dividends. Bart Scott and Ray Lewis were the big ticket ILB free agents. Dallas was linked to Lewis for a while, but what Cowboys fan wouldn't want Keith Brooking right now? The Ravens wish they had his contract, instead of Lewis' long-term monstrosity.

The Cowboys passed over big-name, greybeard safeties Brian Dawkins and Darren Sharper and brought in Gerald Sensabaugh. Dawkins and Sharper have given their new teams huge boosts,but it will be interesting to see if they can maintain their level of play for 16 games. Sensabaugh has filled the need at strong safety, combining solid coverage with aggressive run support.

Dallas' biggest move involved scaring the Jets off Miles Austin. New York had an offer sheet prepared but didn't follow through after the Cowboys made it clear that they would match any offer. Think the Jets would prefer Austin today, or Braylon Edwards?

The team paid small money and has seen big results from Austin, Brooking and Sensabaugh. Their plan to eliminate the malcontents and the stupid has done nothing but good thus far. A tip of the cap to Tom Ciskowski, Stephen Jones and that Jerry Jones guy.

Now, get back to work!

Steelers at Broncos Open Thread

John Morgan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:29:56 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Kyle Orton squirms beneath the savage hand of inevitability.

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Kyle Orton is in the midst of a career season. Many predicted Orton would improve behind a better line and in a more modern system, but few thought he would improve so much. So maybe he hasn't.

Football fans know of Derek Anderson and Rex Grossman. Both quarterbacks experienced amazing career seasons that were not preceded by success and that were not followed by success.

Grossman was the most likely success of the three. He was drafted in the first round, had a 61% completion percentage in college (a 54.6% completion percentage in 2006) and that one tool that can make any quarterback great for a snap: an awesome deep pass.

Anderson was the surest to fail. He was a tools prospect that played poorly in college. He had a better completion percentage in 2007 than any of his four years at Oregon State. His rise coincided with major additions to the offensive line and run game. Anderson could not beat out Charlie Frye in the preseason, but was so entrusted to retain his ability that Cleveland guaranteed him $14.5 million over three seasons and $24 million overall.

Orton isn't too far from his norms. His completion percentage today is higher than he ever finished at Purdue and will likely drop. The system Josh McDaniels has implemented inflates completion percentage. In that light, Orton's spike is not unsustainable. His interception rate is. Orton has one interception in 231 attempts. Before Grossman and Anderson failed, they sagged in the second half. Grossman was eaten alive by sacks and fumbles. Anderson's yards disappeared when teams dropped into deep cover. He lacked the accuracy to succeed underneath. Orton will get his by way of interceptions.

Tonight marks the midway point for Orton. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seahawks fans have been horrified to see Neckbeard turn a corner and seemingly become a franchise quarterback for the Broncos. Maybe he has, but I doubt it. You don't root for the Sarlacc Pit and I won't root for the Steelers tonight. Maybe it's in bad spirit, but I do root for truth to pop the bubble of sudden, undeserving stars. It's in that spirit that I do not root against the Broncos or for the Steelers, but only for the inevitable. May truth find Orton tonight. May it find him three or four times.

From Zero to Seven

John Morgan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:27:29 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Jordan Babineaux sacked Matthew Stafford to force third and 20. Seattle's slack zones allowed Stafford to connect with Brandon Pettigrew for 18 on the next play. Detroit easily converted the fourth and two.

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Seattle allowed Brandon Pettigrew to receive for 18 before Detroit converted the fourth two different ways. By the official scorer's spot, Kevin Smith ran for three to convert fourth and two. The play was ruled dead because the Seahawks had too many men on the field.

I say Seattle allowed Pettigrew to receive for 18 because that is how the zone was constructed. Jordan Babineaux had perfectly timed a delayed blitz and broke down to sack Matthew Stafford for ten. Seattle then went soft. It dropped a loose zone and rushed four. Seahawks defended the first down marker and opened the underneath. Aaron Curry seemingly knocked Pettigrew another three yards over the marker and for the first.

The ball was marked at the Seattle 29. The Lions raced to the line of scrimmage and snapped before Seattle could set, simultaneously converting the first on the ground and forcing the penalty to convert the first. I guess Seattle couldn't fathom a team going for it on fourth and two.

Jason Hanson missed the field goal attempt, but a play later, Detriot would have the ball again.

Seattle had given itself a big thumbs up to the eye socket. Brandon Mebane had blown up their first run attempt in the backfield. Curry had hit Stafford twice and Babineaux had sacked him for a loss of ten. It had forced three third and longs and allowed two conversions - the unconverted third picked up on fourth down. It attacked and retreated for 14 plays, 16 unofficial, and was spared by dumb luck.

In the jubilant arms of fortune, it threw the ball right back to Detroit.

Matt Hasselbeck passed into triple cover or, more accurately, at single cover. He threw it to Louis Delmas and broke to tackle Delmas before he could score. Hasselbeck didn't see Delmas but Delmas saw him. Looking down T.J. Houshmandzadeh and patting the ball once before firing.

Craig Terrill fired into the right tackle and Cory Redding came untouched from left end on a five man line. Redding hit Smith in the backfield and forced a fumble, but the play was ruled dead. Pettigrew had committed a false start. Pettigrew ran between Seattle's zone and Stafford hit him as he turned in a play that looked indefensible. Stafford's pass was too fast and Pettigrew too large for Seattle's zones to factor.

Seattle had played well but was down seven. It could have been down 10. The Seahawks were executing. Why then were they reeling? Hasselbeck bears the brunt: He made an indefensible pass. But that touchdown reception - rookie to rookie - that looked unstoppable -- what explains that? The 18 yard reception that preceded it, that didn't contest the pass and set up a makeable fourth, what explains that? If zones can make routine plays look unstoppable, maybe it is the defensive game plan that is truly indefensible.

Introduction to the Last Weekend of the Regular Season

John Morgan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:15:43 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Seattle spotted Detroit 17 points in the first quarter. Matthew Stafford spotted Seattle 300 yards to build its comeback from.

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I will take on a little more breakneck, a little less detail-rich rundown of last Sunday's game. My goal is to be done by tomorrow.

Seattle flies to Arizona Bay this weekend to fight for its last gasping chance at the playoffs. Arizona is 5-3 and owns the tiebreaker against Seattle. If Seattle wins, it is a game behind and will have neutralized the Cardinals tiebreaker. If Seattle loses, it will be all but out of the race.

The 2006 Seahawks scrabbled their way into the playoffs. The 2009 Seahawks are a better team. The 2009 Arizona Cardinals are probably better than both. The 2006 Seahawks lost twice to the Alex Smith-led San Francisco 49ers. The 2009 Seahawks lost to the Shaun Hill-led 49ers, but could beat the Alex Smith-led 2009 49ers at home. The 2009 Arizona Cardinals were not able to. The 2009 Seahawks need only be better for a day to crawl back into this.

And around. Seattle may not be better than Arizona, but short of total mismatches like yesterday's, early breaks can decide a game between close-matched opponents. Seattle has snuck into the playoffs before and could do so this season. Arizona like Seattle is dependent on the health of their aged quarterback. The Cardinals are a Kurt Warner injury from probable collapse. Maybe Matt Leinart steps up, but we'll cross that bridge when he puts down the beer bong.

Seattle did not win convincingly against Detroit. It profited from an exceptionally bad showing from Matthew Stafford. As I mentioned in my post game, Stafford's picks alone account for at least 225 yard and as much 300. Interceptions are, in classic coach speak, mistakes. An interception reflects a mistake by the offense more so than it reflects an achievement by the defense.

That was obvious for anyone who watched yesterday's game. Stafford threw jump balls, and often threw jump balls that descended closer to a defender than a receiver. Seattle caught them. It pressured Stafford and forced poor down and distance, but of the many things Stafford could have done, he often chose the worst possible.

So Seattle roared back against a team it is categorically better than. But it won. And it is categorically better than the Detroit Lions. That, however hollow feeling at the time, is a hopeful reminder. Seattle is on the low end of average. The Arizona Cardinals are on the high end of average. Seattle might have a one in three chance of beating Arizona on the road.

Maybe the breaks fall Seattle's way this time. If Arizona spots Seattle 17 in the first like Seattle spotted Detroit, Seattle's young defense could swarm and attack and maybe even run away with it. It's the unit that will carry Seattle these final eight weeks. It's the unit that is young, growing into its own, that shows flashes that it could sustain once the talent and coaching coalesce.

The 2006 Seahawks were hanging on to the inexorable. The 2009 Seahawks are building off the eventual. The 2006 Seahawks were sad and fading. We didn't realize it then but most realize it now. Maybe we don't yet realize how good the 2009 Seahawks are becoming. Maybe it will be 2012 before we do. This weekend they fight for the relevance of 2009. The Seahawks are old but they are healthy. The Seahawks are young but they are desperate. Let's go kick the Cards in the mouth.