Post Mortem: Hawks v Cards

[Donn Beach]

Uchenna Nwosu could be available soon, that be something. Been thinking, we could be seeing the defense developing an identity. That's something they couldn't seem to manage the last years of Pete, was thinking that listening to Witherspoon. They have key players now at various positions on the defense, it's getting a personality.

[D-train]

Uchenna Nwosu could be available soon, that be something. Been thinking, we could be seeing the defense developing an identity. That's something they couldn't seem to manage the last years of Pete, was thinking that listening to Witherspoon. They have key players now at various positions on the defense, it's getting a personality.

They had an identity before. They identified as a bunch of pussies that couldn't stop the run to save their life and play ten yards off the line of scrimmage on 3rd and 5.

[Donn Beach]

See where a couple weeks ago they decided to practice harder, thought it seemed kind of phoney at the time but maybe it's working

"When I got here, the way the guys practiced was at an elite level, just watching Ahtyba Rubin, K.J. Wright, Kam (Chancellor), Richard Sherman, the whole crew; the way they practiced is the way they attack the day," Reed said. "Every day they were competing, the receivers and defensive backs were always chomping at each other. It was always so physical, especially for them to be defensive backs and receivers, and down in the front, it was a doghouse. So, like I was explaining to J. Love (Julian Love), I kind of had to up my game, and practice was harder than the game. I think that's the approach I was explaining to J. Love that we had to take that approach as a team, and we have to start implementing those things in our practice."

[Pharmabro]

According to these analytics the Seahawks have had the worst O line play in thd league so far this season and it isn't really that close.

https://nfllines.com/nfl-2024-week-12-c ... -rankings/

From what I saw they were 31st in blocking win rate and there were a bunch of clubs with-in 1 or 2 % of the Hawks 57% but the best in the league had a 70% win rate.

They suck, but just in the tier at the bottom. They are not like T-mobile as a completely different letter grade tier vs the 2nd worst hitter's park.

They were ranked 32 X2, 31st, and 27th across the 4 grades.

That was a huge article. I see one of there was a stretch where they started off in the low 20's and then just slowly went to last over the course of several weeks.

[auroraave]

It should be noted that, despite the offensive shortcomings in this game, they also managed to make a handful of clutch plays at key times. If they could clean up the bumbling and if Geno will make better decisions about when to run, they could be a handful. There is talent on this team. They just play offense far too often with zero rhythm. The lumbering approach - just barf. I'll never understand the refusal to go up tempo and stress defenses.

Hey we went a whole game without snapping the ball over Geno's head or through his hands so that's a start. lol

Ha! Baby steps! Geno made up for that by throwing at least three three passes that were batted down - also infuriating. Just utterly wasted plays in a tight game. Between that and the yards he left on the field by not running - he left at least a half dozen plays on the field that we needed. Converting those and this game is not that close - and it shouldn't have been. Self inflicted wounds. Seattle ran 61 plays, there were at least three plays Geno should have run, and three batted passes - that's 10% of your entire offensive output given away - not to mention the stunning interception. The margin of error in this league is too thin to be making those kinds of mistakes. Adding in two crushing personal foul calls - it really is a wonder they won this game - and the only reason they did is the defense.

[Donn Beach]

Bucky Brooks NFL.com article breaking down the NFC west. This from before the Arizona game. The thing holding the Seahawks back is their defense, what a difference a game makes

Biggest reason the Seahawks WILL win the division: Ryan Grubb has the offensive firepower to knock off any opponent on the schedule. The first-year coordinator's offense is loaded with perimeter playmakers and dynamic runners who can score from anywhere on the field on creative plays designed to keep defenders guessing. Geno Smith is the perfect point guard to do the job as a pinpoint passer with superb distribution skills. If the Pro Bowler continues to excel as an efficient passer in an offense that creates and exploits one-on-one matchups on the perimeter, the Seahawks can use the aerial attack to balance out a ground-and-pound run game that enables them to control the clock. With an offense that can play keep-away or engage in shootouts, the Seahawks are a tough matchup for opponents lacking elite defensive personnel.



Biggest reason the Seahawks WON'T win the division: The defense could prevent this team from realizing its potential. With a leaky run defense (138.6 rush yards per game, ranking 27th) standing out as a major concern, the Seahawks cannot control the game or force opponents into one-dimensional game plans that enable them to create turnovers or splash plays in crucial moments. Though the defense has forced three-and-outs on 27.6 percent of drives -- the third-highest in the league, per NFL Research -- the lackluster rush D has enabled opponents to control the ball for 32:06 minutes of action. Considering how extended possessions expose Seattle's defensive flaws while keeping Geno and Co. on the sidelines, the defense MUST improve for the 12s to celebrate a division title in January.

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfc-west-race- ... -on-eagles

[Sibelius Hindemith]

Doesn't even mention the O line.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

According to these analytics the Seahawks have had the worst O line play in thd league so far this season and it isn't really that close.

https://nfllines.com/nfl-2024-week-12-c ... -rankings/

From what I saw they were 31st in blocking win rate and there were a bunch of clubs with-in 1 or 2 % of the Hawks 57% but the best in the league had a 70% win rate.

They suck, but just in the tier at the bottom. They are not like T-mobile as a completely different letter grade tier vs the 2nd worst hitter's park.

They were ranked 32 X2, 31st, and 27th across the 4 grades.

That was a huge article. I see one of there was a stretch where they started off in the low 20's and then just slowly went to last over the course of several weeks.

Thanks for reading it. Did you find their analysis to be convincing? I haven't read most of it yet, but just looking at the table i was impressed by their effort. It isn't easy finding any in-depth stuff with regard to O line play without having to pay a subscription fee.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

BTW, anyone that thought the return of Abe Lucas was going to give the offense a lift might be interested to know PFF thought he played horribly vs the Cards. His season.grade dropped from 76.8 to 60.7.

[auroraave]

BTW, anyone that thought the return of Abe Lucas was going to give the offense a lift might be interested to know PFF thought he played horribly vs the Cards. His season.grade dropped from 76.8 to 60.7.

Have you considered the dude was out for a year? He's in a new system? There may be a fraction of a learning curve and reacclimation? The ragging on the oline is just too much - I saw plays where geno had hours in the pocket. Scheme change, roster turnover, injuries, center retiring, there are a lot of factors besides 'they suck'. I don't buy they are that bad - factor in everything above and the play calling not playing to their strengths - they may not be elite but they all need to play together for a while for continuity and play calling needs to come into play. Very few teams have elite olines.

This defense has not gotten Nwosu back yet - he may be their best player. Their ascent will create more opps for the offense - it'll come together. This is the half of the year where we should be expecting the fruits of the coaching and schemes. They are close. This game wasn't that close - except for Geno's six plays given away including that turnover - despite "the world's worst oline" according to PFF. Can't have 'elite players' at every position - it's impossible. Frustrating? Yup. But you work around your weaknesses. I don't think Grubb is showing all he has in the book just yet.