O - Line performing drastically better than 2015 group

[Jjones84]

I love the idea of Fant becoming a stud LT...mostly because we need one, but also because it would be a GIANT feather in the cap for PC, JS, Cable and the scouting team. Not only has Fant not played left tackle, he hasn't played football. If they can teach him to be a stud with no game film, they should all get gold jackets. I mean this guy is a huge project; no real game tape to speak of, just a vision of who they need paired with a giant strong-man with great athleticism. I totally hope this fairy tale comes to pass and we all live happily ever after. The End

That defiantly would be an ideal situation. Another good scenario would if ifedi dominates this season, then moves over to rt. Then odhiambo proves to be a great study, and comes in and plays like a stud rg. Then we could have Gilliam and fant, and sowell if it turns out he plays well later in the season, compete for the left tackle spot. But most ideally to me is, we bring in a pro bowl caliber LT out of the free agent pool or trade. The cap will be bumped up a lot next year, and LT might be a good spot to spend some of that money. I like your way of thinking hawk sista, as many in house solutions we can find the better. You don't have to have a bad line in order to save money with that group.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Not that it was much football, but Fant was with the Hilltoppers for a single season as a TE. He appeared in 12 games and caught one pass for 7 yards; also played on special teams. Prior to his 5th year at Western Kentucky, 7th grade was the last time he played football. Regardless, a huge feat for the coaching staff and for Fant if he turns into a starting tackle.

[HumanCockroach]

All I know is, a young inexperienced line is currently performing at twice the level as the one rolled out last season to this point. Whether that be because Cable/Bevell figured out blocking schemes, playcalling or positions doesn't change that. This group performed exceedingly well against multiple all pro/ pro bowl caliber defensive stacked lines, and are still learning and growing.

[PTHawker]

I'm a little bitersweet about our center position, Britt is doing great, but I'd sure like to see what Hunt can do.
Only way right now for Hunt is if Britt is injured, or perhaps a Guard gets injured and Britt has to move over, but even then, they may like him so much at center, they do something else.

I guess these are good issues to have.

[obiken]

I'm a little bitersweet about our center position, Britt is doing great, but I'd sure like to see what Hunt can do.
Only way right now for Hunt is if Britt is injured, or perhaps a Guard gets injured and Britt has to move over, but even then, they may like him so much at center, they do something else.

I guess these are good issues to have.

Yeah I am surprised but he is better at Center than anywhere else.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

I'm sure Hunt will get a chance to compete next offseason. If Britt starts slipping, they'll start giving him a look now, but Britt is handling business, and he has the size, strength and length that Joey doesn't have at this point. 6'6" 315 vs 6'2" 299. Britt won't get man-handled.

[Jjones84]

Britt was the number 1 rated center last week. He allowed 0 pressures. Even thought I think pff is kind of a joke, I still love this ranking, as hypocritical as it is, lol.

[Zorn76]

Regardless of whatever current rating we have, the OL at least is holding together pretty well under the circumstances.
Britt's early returns are promising, and a nice switch from his 1st few seasons here. Sowell likely won't last, and there's some disappointment in Gilliam I think, but the rook Infedi and Glowinski in his 2nd year are looking good.

I believe...we're trending upwards:)

[RiverDog]

Britt was the number 1 rated center last week. He allowed 0 pressures. Even thought I think pff is kind of a joke, I still love this ranking, as hypocritical as it is, lol.

At least for the center position, those ratings are a joke. I'm not slamming Britt as he's been a remarkable improvement...so far..but blocking is just one component of how they played their position. Making the correct line calls and identifying blitzes is a huge factor that can't be quantified. I'd much rather look at how the overall performance of the offense was to evaluate a center, and even that isn't a great yardstick, either.

[NorthHawk]

He's doing something better than last years Center considering the DL's we've been going against early this year.
So far, he's passing the now infamous "eye test", and the line is protecting Wilson much better.
It's a positive sign at the very least.

[HumanCockroach]

Any way you slice it, less than half the pressures, and half the sacks ( especially with a hobbled Wilson) against the quality of players this line has faced in the first four games is drastic improvement.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/statistics/team ... rder/false

[Hawk Sista]

All of this and the fact that offenses come along more slowly than defenses do, typically. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.

[Vegaseahawk]

The Oline has been a definite pleasant surprise the past 2 weeks.To date there've been 9 sacks through 4 games. RW is getting rid of the ball quicker, & the Jimmy Graham connection is in full on mode. Darrell Bevel has opened the vertical playbook. These factors are also contributing to the Seahawks success, but this is RW working his craft. His passes have been laser sharp.

[Hawktawk]

Britt seems more physical than i remember many Hawks centers being. One seal block vs the Jets he basically pancaked an interior defender with an open handed punch in the chest with both hand. He looks real good.

[Jjones84]

Pete sure seems to have quantified it. He highlighted specifically his helping wilson in all of the calls as one of his biggest contributions to the line. I can't find the exact article I read, but he talks about it in depth on either one of the morning shows or one of his media obligations. Here is an article that quotes the one I am referring to.
http://sea.247sports.com/Bolt/Seahawks- ... r-48049486

This is a good article. It details justin Britt's standing as best center week 4, and exactly how he feels about pff.

[Distant Relative]

I'd like to simply state: Some people are never happy no matter how good their team is doing. Seems to be a constant with a certain poster.

I just don't get it.

HC, great point on the O line improvement, I agree. This team is only going to get better moving forward.

Go Hawks!

[Jjones84]

I'd like to simply state: Some people are never happy no matter how good their team is doing. Seems to be a constant with a certain poster.

I just don't get it.

HC, great point on the O line improvement, I agree. This team is only going to get better moving forward.

Go Hawks!

It makes seriously wonder if they are actually a fan, or if they are just hoping it goes bad so they can be like, "see, I told you. I was the one who told you they were going to flop." While I can understand being frustrated as a fan at times, but to read some people's posts, you would think we have the Browns roster or something.

This line not only has potential for this year, but years to come. No longer relying on third string d line converts to be starting linemen. I say sit back and enjoy thsee awesome years as a Hawk fan. I, like some of the "older?", for lack of better wording, fans remember what truly bad seahawk teams look like. We were crapped on for years as a fanbase, those days are in the rearview.

[c_hawkbob]

I'd like to simply state: Some people are never happy no matter how good their team is doing. Seems to be a constant with a certain poster.

I just don't get it.

It makes seriously wonder if they are actually a fan, or if they are just hoping it goes bad so they can be like, "see, I told you. I was the one who told you they were going to flop." While I can understand being frustrated as a fan at times, but to read some people's posts, you would think we have the Browns roster or something.

May well be true of most perpetual naysayers but in this case not so much. I'm pretty sure who DR is referring to (though there are actually two that the following applies to): I've been on this forum (including it's direct predecessor) for 16 years and these two guys have been here nearly as long and both know a great deal about football have been as loyal through the bad years as the good. There may be a little of the "I told you so" component but neither trumpet their being correct when they have the opportunity to nearly as much as a couple others here that see through blue and green rose colored glasses do when they are right. Take my word for it our legacy wet blankets are absolutely true fans.

This line not only has potential for this year, but years to come. No longer relying on third string d line converts to be starting linemen. I say sit back and enjoy thsee awesome years as a Hawk fan. I, like some of the "older?", for lack of better wording, fans remember what truly bad seahawk teams look like. We were crapped on for years as a fanbase, those days are in the rearview.

I agree, this is a good looking young lineup, especially on the interior. I just hope we hold on to at least a couple of them beyond their rookie contracts!

[HumanCockroach]

May well be true of most perpetual naysayers but in this case not so much. I'm pretty sure who DR is referring to (though there are actually two that the following applies to): I've been on this forum (including it's direct predecessor) for 16 years and these two guys have been here nearly as long and both know a great deal about football have been as loyal through the bad years as the good. There may be a little of the "I told you so" component but neither trumpet their being correct when they have the opportunity to nearly as much as a couple others here that see through blue and green rose colored glasses do when they are right. Take my word for it our legacy wet blankets are absolutely true fans

I agree with this 100% even though I'm not entirely sure if there's a shot in there about me. ( kind of guessing it is since RD said this thread was a rose colored glasses homer thread).

Regardless, Bob's right, RD and Obi are true blue fans, even if they can't enjoy the success as much as lament the "failings". Some people just feel more comfortable in that aspect.

[obiken]

I agree with this 100% even though I'm not entirely sure if there's a shot in there about me. ( kind of guessing it is since RD said this thread was a rose colored glasses homer thread).
Regardless, Bob's right, RD and Obi are true blue fans, even if they can't enjoy the success as much as lament the "failings". Some people just feel more comfortable in that aspect.

Thanks man! I think we have a good team, I just have to caution myself and others, that we have the easiest part of our schedule behind us. We are not going to be facing way better Qb's: Palmer, will be better, Rogers, Brady, Ryan, Brees, and to a lesser extent than last year, Newton.

[HumanCockroach]

Not sure what better QBs have to do with Seattle's offensive line play, but alright. I'm not in the least concerned about other teams offenses, when was the last time you saw this defense run over?

[Zorn76]

We have an Excellent shot at 12 wins with this team.
And that may be enough this year to get HFA, you never know.

[jshawaii22]

but alright. I'm not in the least concerned about other teams offenses, when was the last time you saw this defense run over?

First 1/2 against Carolina last year in the playoffs. The team was run off the field.

I like to blame the weather in Carolina, coming just after the Minnesota Death Freeze, It had to make it damn hard to play again in back-to-back games... and we almost came back.

[HumanCockroach]

I think you're using some selective memory there. Offensive turnovers provided directly 17 Carolina points, which I believe means Seattle's defense surrendered 14 ( the opening TD the result of two players falling on the lone long offensive play Carolina created on the opening drive.).

http://www.espn.com/nfl/matchup?gameId=400820435

http://www.espn.com/nfl/matchup?gameId=400820435

[Jjones84]

I wasn't sure who he was talking about, I was more talking in general. So I must apologize, wasn't calling anyone in particular out. Just adding to it, showing my frustration with a lot of fans I encounter in forums, and in real life.

[Hawktawk]

[

First 1/2 against Carolina last year in the playoffs. The team was run off the field.

I like to blame the weather in Carolina, coming just after the Minnesota Death Freeze, It had to make it damn hard to play again in back-to-back games... and we almost came back.

The condition of the field was awful. Carolina was ready for it and seattle wasn't. Then the turnovers and poor personnel decisions by PC.

The Atlanta playoff in 2012 was similar. The Hawks got lit up then climbed back from the bottom and should have won. Russ broke the rookie playoff passing yardage mark set by sammy baugh by 50 yards, throwing for 377 yards.

It isn't any one thing. This is a damn good team and they like to win and not lose.

[monkey]

We have an Excellent shot at 12 wins with this team.
And that may be enough this year to get HFA, you never know.

13 wins! What are you talking about?!?

[HumanCockroach]

Yep. 13-3 was my original prediction, and I see zero reason to back off that prediction now ( that said with Minnesota's cupcake schedule, I'm not sure that gives Seattle HFA).

[Jjones84]

I may just be being a skeptic, but I don't think the Vikings offense is the real deal. The texans are a dumpster fire without watt. I think the Vikings o was averaging less than 300 yds a game until now. Not that the team isn't for real, but I bet they will lose a few, giving us a chance. I like 13 and 3 too. I think we win one of the Packers and pats game. My bet is green bay, we should have won at Lambeau last year. I'm also not too worried about the falcons. If denver had an offense yesterday, their d wouldn't have been on the field for seven minute plus drives. They got worn out and abused. They made the worst d line in the game look all pro. But, I am a homer, and this whole post could be wishful thinking.

[politicalfootball]

I may just be being a skeptic, but I don't think the Vikings offense is the real deal. The texans are a dumpster fire without watt. I think the Vikings o was averaging less than 300 yds a game until now. Not that the team isn't for real, but I bet they will lose a few, giving us a chance. I like 13 and 3 too. I think we win one of the Packers and pats game. My bet is green bay, we should have won at Lambeau last year. I'm also not too worried about the falcons. If denver had an offense yesterday, their d wouldn't have been on the field for seven minute plus drives. They got worn out and abused. They made the worst d line in the game look all pro. But, I am a homer, and this whole post could be wishful thinking.

I think we have gotten a little off topic. I want to talk about the O-line. We have drafted real great talent on our oline and we have room left for a FA or two. We need time to work together as a unit and run plays and improve in quickness and good blocking ....ect. Cable is great and needs this group to be dependable and not get injured and to stay in the lineup we need the same players playing together as a group. When the group plays together and gels we get a unit that is much better then the individual parts of that unit.

I feel that the oline has been the weakest unit of our team and I belive we have addressed it with a good draft and some FA too. It remains to be seen weather we have solved the problem or not. I am going to wait a few games before shouting out the need for any big change along the oline this year.

[RiverDog]

What a bunch of horse crap! This offensive line sucks! If they weren't making like a bull fighter and allowing free shots at Russell, they were cancelling out our only decent plays with their holding penalties. I thought Bradley Sowell was bad, but after he went out and they brought in Fant, holy chit, he doesn't even make a good speed bump.

We have the worst two bookends on our offensive line that I've ever seen since I started watching Seahawk football 40 years ago.

[HumanCockroach]

LOL.... That didn't take long... 3 excellent games destroyed in a single game against a blitz heavy team who happens to be number 4 in the league...

Did they play well? Absolutely not.

Are they worse than last year's squad? Absolutely not ( much less within the last 40 years. Holy exaggeration Batman)...

Whatever, Seattle gave up 1 sack, 8 pressures, last year's squad against this SAME team gave up MORE sacks and MORE pressures in the WIN, much less the loss, WITH a fully mobile QB and no Chandler Jones and an OC willing to run the ball to create some time for him..... It isn't super difficult to figure out... But by all means vent..

[RiverDog]

Excuses, excuses.

And I don't give a rip if they're better than last year's line or not. This one sucks. The interior line is so-so and are serviceable, but Gilliam and Sowell/Fant are without a doubt our two worst bookends in Seahawk history. If Sowell misses much time at all, we're screwed. Fant is absolutely horrible. I shudder to think what will happen if he is called upon to protect Russell's blind side if Sowell can't go.

[HumanCockroach]

And yet after Sowell went out, less pressures, no sacks and triple the amount of production by the offense...

Your claim was the worst line in 40 years... Now you want to claim worst tackles? OK.

You want to vent, go right ahead, I really am not offended by it. The proof is in the pudding do to speak, Seattle has allowed less pressures, and less sacks than recent lines. Just the way it is... Have you forgotten so much history? How about 10 sacks against KC ( wonder what the reaction was after that game? Probably not much as they won)or the Seahawks record number of sacks in 92'?

This line played poorly tonight, no doubt about it, exaggeration to claim them the "worst" Hawks line in history.

[NorthHawk]

The OL is much better on the interior, but the edges are the weak spot. It might mean if we can find a good T on either side we might have to pay the price in the future.
I was disappointed in how ineffective the run game was. The Cards Defense is pretty good, but we didn't really dominate up front at any time last night.

One thing that does concern me is if this will take some of the energy out of the Defense for next week. A late game and a long road trip with an early start means a full day of rest lost this week. Not only that, but the mental side might not be as sharp as last night. Games like last night can take a lot out of a team and most of the rest of the season is no cakewalk, either with the Eagles and Bills playing a lot better. This is going to be a real grind for us.

[Hawktawk]

Go get Joe Thomas. Its time.

[NorthHawk]

Go get Joe Thomas. Its time.

Do we have the Cap space? The Browns apparently want at least a 2nd round pick for him and I'm not sure it's the best move considering his age.
I hear that Staley is also up for grabs, but he's expensive, too.

[Hawktawk]

Thomas would cost a second. What's a super bowl vs getting your franchise QB completely knocked off the field worth?
The thing that has changed is Russells mobility. That Hawks have been able to do it on the cheap for 4 years because of his magical escapes. As I recall the AZ games have been some of his more dynamic scrambling games. Now its come home to roost. Russ is playing hurt and getting run down from the backside. Our tackles were holding and still couldn't stop guys.

Pull the trigger and lets win a couple more rings right now.

[NorthHawk]

There's something to be said for that, but would he last a full year in with what our Offense demands (physically) from our OL? I'm not sure he could survive the grind at his age and it might also mean we would have trouble re-signing some of our veterans like Kam or Mike B at the end of the year.
It's something to consider, but you have to think about everything within the context of the entire team.

[Hawktawk]

Russ has proven to be devastating in a clean pocket. It is obvious he is hurt worse than he lets on and will not have the escapability for some time if at all this year.
Run the ball, junk the read option for now, and let Russ beat teams off play action. To ask Russ to play the same game with these injuries is Holmgren esque. You play the hand you are dealt.
Bevell needs to extricate his head from his nether region and figure this out.

Either Thomas or Staley but its time to pull the plug on amateur hour at the tackle position or eventually no Wilson and no playoffs.
Russ has bailed this line out for years and they need to start returning the favor.