Quick Cap: Seattle 23 San Francisco 3

by John Morgan on Sep 30, 2007 5:05 PM PDT in Game Recap Comment 38 comments

The 2007 Seattle Seahawks are a defense first team. As such, I'm going to concentrate on the achievements of our defense and not the continued suckiness of, well, you-know-who.

How complete was today's defensive domination by the Seahawks? Here are the basic stats: Seattle allowed just 1.9 yards per pass attempt, that's startling by itself. They sacked the Niners 6 times for negative 53 yards. They forced 5 fumbles. Marcus Trufant recorded two picks. Kelly Jennings quietly shut down his entire side of the field. That, by itself, is an amazing defensive performance.

But if you watched it, you knew Seattle's D was even better than that. The Hawks front seven looked like LSU clobbering Louisiana Tech. They were so frequently in the Niners backfield that Moose and Goose were tongue-tied scolding the offensive line. Every tackle was jarring. Seahawks were flying to the ball, on the ground and in the air. By midway through the third quarter, Seattle was so squarely on top, so commanding, you could almost see a manifest smirk, something less respectful than a swagger, in their play.

Matt Hasselbeck had an iffy showing. His numbers are strong, but he was given a lot of time and made a number of spotty decisions and errant passes. That's okay bald fella, it's hard to pass when you have virtually no rushing attack. Deion Branch was made for the Walsh offense. The way he slips through zones and rips off yards after catch--Branch is the best receiver I've yet seen in Holmgren's Seahawks system. The Hawks line looks stout. Beck had almost zero pressure, and his numbers reflect the kind of time he was given. The two sacks he did fall victim to were classic coverage sacks. Two third and six plays where the Niners dropped seven with little fear of a run or a pass to Shaun Alexander.

Seattle has allowed just 13.3 points per contest against a suddenly very respectable looking schedule. The Bucs are 3-1, and look to have few competitors in the NFC South. Arizona just toppled Pittsburgh, a team that was soaring on a 79.9% cumulative DVOA. Cincinnati's big loss to the Dawgs doesn't look too shabby after Cleveland toppled Baltimore. Seattle has the balance between offense, defense and special teams of a Super Bowl contender. That is, except for the run game.

Alexander has steadily become the Seahawks' Rex Grossman: an albatross at a key position who doesn't seem concerned about his play and is nearly impossible to replace while Seattle is winning. Maurice Morris, on three carries to end the game, facing a Niners defense that knew every play was going to be a run, looked better than I can remember Alexander looking all season. He didn't have huge holes, but what he had he took. He broke arm tackles. Leonard Weaver has established himself in the passing game. It's time Holmgren starts using his talent and stops deferring to Alexander and his mighty contract/ego.

I talked about today's game giving the Hawks season definition and it clearly did. This was a great win. A wire to wire blowout, partially hidden by the score. Seattle has emerged as a contender, but, quietly, so have the Cards. A great defense needs a strong running game to salt away easy victories like today. Seattle is an old team in many key positions, it simply can't squander the kind of talent and strength of schedule they have this season. The Hawks aren't just playing for the division, in the bigger picture they're playing for a bye, for home field throughout. That means every game counts. Gift fumbles, blown blocks and four rushing first downs are the real estate of losers. It's time we kick that shit to the curb.

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espnews

Just saw the reel of the Seahawks/49ers game.

Analyst Shaun King said, "[the Seahawks] lack a dominating defense." If he would have prefaced this by saying the Seahawks were at least great defensively in this game, I could understand it. He also said the 49ers had opportunities to make plays. If you look back at it, the 49ers were really never in this game.

Hell, Shaun King probably didn't see a minute of the game.

Sports and Bremertonians. Because we can.

by wackomann on Sep 30, 2007 5:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I'm fairly sure every national news outlet..

hasn't updated their Seahawks info in five years.

"Let's see, Seahawks, hmmm...they're a good offense right? Wait, six sacks, man, the Niners must suck. Only explanation."

by John Morgan on Sep 30, 2007 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

what opportunities did the niners have??

seriously, I think they had 3 good pass plays all day, and there was pressure on Dilfer on those.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Sep 30, 2007 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

laundry

Yeah, I think the 49ers were flagged for holding on just about every play of decent yardage they made.

Sports and Bremertonians. Because we can.

by wackomann on Sep 30, 2007 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Line Play

Let the classic overemphasis of skill positions begin. Bottom line. Seattle dominated the line on both sides. Constant pressure on Dilfer/Smith by the Hawks D-line and tons of time for Beck from the O-line. Thats how you win.

Week by week the team is coming together and it seems that the running game is the missing link right now. Four different ball carriers this week and if we would have used Mack strong that would have been five. I think that giving Momo and Shaun 15 carries a piece would benefit us a lot. While I think this would make Momo a lot better I fear it may make Shaun play even worse. Shaun seems to be asleep the first ten carries..

by michaelfox99 on Sep 30, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mo was getting some carries late

I think Holmgren realizes Shaun isn't doing well. It's not gonna happen overnight but I think by week 8,9 and 10 the carries will start to be split.

I also wonder if they stayed away from mo-mo since he's been hurt, don't wanna throw him right in the fire.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Sep 30, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm actually really curious to see

I really want to see what pearlman can do. I know he doesn't have much of an established track record, but everything I've read on him seems to indicate that he is somebody worth seeing what he can do in a larger role.

by gumbostu on Sep 30, 2007 6:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

he got hurt today, looked kinda serious

But I agree, I actually want to see what Alvin can do.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Sep 30, 2007 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

but I think that blocked punt we gave up was because Babs had to fill in for Alvin in that play and didn't what the hell he was supposed to do

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

scratch that

Alvin was in on that play

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 1, 2007 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

John, I gotta give ya some props

great call on the blowout. I thought we had a good chance to win, but I did not think we'd blow SF out. Very solid prediction!

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Sep 30, 2007 6:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent post...really appreciate you're skill

as a writer. I couldn't watch the game, but was able to listen. Seems the score should have been much greater, but the field goals instead of TD's in the red zone prohibited a real blowout. We need to score touchdowns...in bunches and this Offense can do it except for the one who will go un named holds us back.

Dallas is good. At this point, if we were to play they would beat us. It's imperative we start really scoring. As good as this defense is, Dallas will hang points on us and we have to be able match them offensively when that game comes.

Less 37

by Harrison on Sep 30, 2007 7:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dallas hasn't played anybody

The collective records of the teams they've played currently is 2-13 (2-14 or 3-13 depending on the giants game)

The Rams, Dolphins, Giants have absolutely no defense what so ever. The Bears played them tough and lost 3 pro bowl caliber players in the process.

If Dallas puts up the same showing against NE then I will start talking about them being the big dog of the NFC but until they play somebody there just as good as us and not any better.

PS So far Johns NFC North perdictions are looking spot on

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey John

When you chart this game can you post the stats on how many times each player was in the backfield?

Although Alexander had 25 carries I'm pretty sure were getting closer to the split were looking for at RB

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 7:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Alexander

I think we should assume that Holmgren uses Alexander to the extent he believes will maximize Seattle's chances of winning.

It is easy to see how badly Alexander is playing. Holmgren and his staff must see this as well. But they are also aware of the shortcomings of the other options: Momo's been hurt; Weaver fumbles and seems to have otherwise earned the ire of Holmgren; and Strong is too old and not suited to take on significantly more carries.

In short, I'm not sure we can assume that Holmgren is sticking with Alexander due to loyalty or the PR issues associated with curtailing the former MVP's playing time.

What we know is that Alexander has been playing poorly. Hopefully, Holmgren will have both the wisdom and the available personnel to improve the running game.

Having said that, I did like the way Momo ran today in his limited appearance. I think his return to health, coupled with Leonard Weaver's improving play, will lead to fewer carries for Alexander.

by jeager on Sep 30, 2007 8:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Weaver

Weaver made some nice solid steps this afternoon, primarily as a receiver. That was good to see.

--Shrug

by Shrug on Sep 30, 2007 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I try to prescribe to that theory.

Give coaches, management the benefit of the doubt. Accept I just don't and can't know everything they know.

I think bloggers often get discounted because some favor a lot of ideas that look inarguable on paper but are bollocks in reality. But here's the thing, we know Morris can carry the load because he did it last season. So you can check that off the list. We know that he's been more valuable than Alexander per play every year they've played together except 2005. We know that he's in his prime and that Alexander is well past his. We know the curse of 370.

We know just how much Alexander cares about his stats. Rightfully so if you think about it from his perspective. With an MVP, a Super Bowl appearance and two to three more years getting the bulk of the carries he's a borderline HOFer. If he starts splitting carries now, he has basically no chance.

We also know that coaches throughout the NFL make incorrect personnel decisions every year.

I'm willing to say that I don't know every reason that Alexander continues to get the vast majority of the carries, but I can say with some confidence that the Seattle Seahawks would be a better team if Morris got more.

by John Morgan on Sep 30, 2007 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boarderline? Really?

I'd say even he started splitting carriers he is almost a lock because of the MVP award. Even if he started spliting he would be in the top 10 in most categories by the time he was done.

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's already in the top ten for rushing TDs.

So that's a big boost, but he's not going to sniff the top ten in rushing yards unless he seriously reverses the current trend in his production. He's also likely to end up behind four of his contemporaries: Ahman Green, LT2, Edgerrin James and Fred Taylor. Alexander is not in the top 50 for total yards from scrimmage. He can only really claim one year of being the best rusher in the league, that's something voters count. His career is going to end looking a lot like Cory Dillon's. The PFHOF is very exclusive, and only the very best running backs from the modern era have made it in.

He has an outside shot, but it's borderline right now. He's declining quickly and he's suffered the sting of injury, so he's got to be kind of insecure about his chances. I think he's aware of this stuff.

by John Morgan on Sep 30, 2007 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can claim 2 years

Curtis Martins 1 yard in the in 04 rushing title race shouldn't count against him. Maybe its all the talk that Terrell Davis should be in the hall even though he only played 4 seasons. I just think the PFHOF has changed its view on current day RB because there shelf life is next to nothing

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 1, 2007 6:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morris

I think we're in agreement with regard to the basic facts: SA is sucking, Momo when healthy can carry the load. My only point was that it may not be fair at this point, given the other options at running back, to accuse Holmgren of sticking with SA out of loyalty or pure folly. He just got Momo back. If the running game still stinks in three weeks and Momo's still only getting 5 carries, then I'll drive six hours to Kirkland and personally ask Holmgren via megaphone to give the ball to Morris.

Actually, I won't do that, but I'll want to.

by jeager on Oct 1, 2007 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holy Shit

Mcnabb has been sacked 12 times!@#!$$@#

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 8:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Uminororya..however you spell it has 6!!

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Sep 30, 2007 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alvin

Any word on that injury. He was carted off the field...

jeager I somewhat disagree with your assessment. Momo's reps will go up as his health improves. Weaver somehow got a bad rep based on a handful of preseason carries while we heard quite a few good things from mini-camps and training camp. He is also not taking carries from Shaun as much as he is eating into the couple of Mack Strong carries per game. Pearman is a tempting option but he's pretty unproven and is now dealing with some sort of injury.

The one guy we all know can carry the football is Seneca. The idea of him carrying 3-4 times a game is an interesting proposition. Defenses would have to worry about him throwing too... he can also catch...

Anyone remember Marquise Weeks:
preseason att/yds/td
week 1. 5/37/1

3/11/0
4/25/0
11/31/0

Nothing spectacular but I remember just plain being impressed with this kids speed and attack...

If Pearman is indeed out maybe he'll get activated.

by michaelfox99 on Sep 30, 2007 9:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Weeks would be like Alexander but worse.

Very boom and bust. Ten times as likely to get stuffed as break a long one.

by John Morgan on Sep 30, 2007 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holmgren said that Pearman

injury was pretty serious

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 30, 2007 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree. I saw athleticism in Weeks that I just

don't see in SA.

Less 37

by Harrison on Sep 30, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't mistake athleticism

for speed.

Besides, any athletic advantage Weeks has over Alexander doesn't make up for the vision and experience he doesn't yet have. I'm not an Alexander fan, but its pretty obvious to me that he is better than Weeks.

Chris

by CKremer on Oct 1, 2007 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but Shaun's not fast. Don't know for sure if

Weeks is faster, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Less 37

by Harrison on Oct 1, 2007 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weeks will probably be activated

I have a feeling that Pearman will be out for the season, tough blow..especially for special teams.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Oct 1, 2007 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everybody get off Shaun's back!!!!!

Actually... I think he really is starting to suck. Yesterday he looked every bit as washed up as you all have been saying he was. I am heartbroken because I really wanted to get on here today and talk some serious mess to all his doubters.

Which reminds me... I'd like to change my vote on last weeks poll question.

Having said that.... Momo isn't the answer. I hope I'm wrong about that too.

by The Manchild on Oct 1, 2007 6:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to the club.

Less 37

by Harrison on Oct 1, 2007 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another random note from yesterdays game

But have you guys noticed that the Bengals and the 49ers were returning punts from the 5 yard line? Christian mentioned to me that heard Marvin Lewis say that they are doing this because Placks has gotten so good at getting that ball to kick back up that teams know that the ball isn't going in the endzone.

God I love having good special teams

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 1, 2007 7:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Quick n dirty

Through the 3rd quarter Alexander was in on %65 of offensive plays. It will probably be closer to %60 by the end of the game just because of garbage carries for Mo Mo.

I'd like to see that number closer to %50

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 1, 2007 7:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

On a related note

Shaun may become the greatest decoy of all time, since he can't catch any first down play hes in on the Defense loads up the box figuring that we are going to run it.

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Oct 1, 2007 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Momo

I guess its pretty clear Momo is the answer considering pearman is probably done. It was mentioned and I agree, we know he can carry the load.

We don't have any reason to believe that the hawks have veteran obsession like the Mariner's management.

The Seahawks have not been afraid of playing less experienced guys: look at Sims, Spencer, Plackemeir, Jennings, Trufant, etc.

It is unfortunate that Shaun will get payed more and more to do less and less, but it is what it is.

Momo may not be the greatest back in the game but he is an improvement over Shaun in just about every regard. We al know Mo is faster than shaun but I wonder which is more powerful. Shaun is widel considered a good goalline back but I haven't seen him pushing the pile too much this year...

I would probably like to see Momo take the bulk of the carries and let Shaun have the garbage ones.

The biggest problem is the Seattle fans. Too many people are still irrationally attracted to Shaun. I am confident that as Momo gets healthier they will increase his reps, or get another back soon.

They will probably wait a few weeks to see if Shaun turns it up (most likely to appease fans) but I can't see how he could possibly do that.

by michaelfox99 on Oct 1, 2007 10:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Speed, Carries, Veteran Fetish

Whether Alexander is faster than Morris or not, he is the better big play back. Going back to my Maurice Morris Retro (If you're new to the site and have some time you might want to peruse my season reviews, I had more time than and I think they are some of my best work) I mentioned this:

Alexander is a better big play back. Excluding 2006 where he was presumably injured all season, Alexander averages a run of 20 or more yards for every 30.12 carries. Morris, 47.43.

So while Morris would likely win the footrace, Alexander's vision makes him the better big play threat. At least he was...

This shouldn't be black and white. Nearly every other successful franchise in football splits carries. Getting Morris and Alexander 10 carries apiece wouldn't be a great feat, nor unprecedented.

Finally, the only thing I have to chime in on about the Hawks possible veteran fetish is Floyd Womack. It took injury to remove Womack from left guard and another injury to get Rob Sims to start. Where would this team be if Rob Sims wasn't starting? Football coaches in general are less inclined to make stupid personnel choices, because unlike their baseball counterparts (who are largely figureheads), coaches spend all week trying to make their teams better. That doesn't mean they can't be misguided, though.

by John Morgan on Oct 1, 2007 10:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mo(mo)tivation

The most frustrating thing for me about Alexander is that it often seems to come down to motivation for him.

When he wants to (usually within the red zone) he can be the bruising power back who hits the hole hard and makes decisive cuts. We all know the 'other' Alexander as well.

Maybe the public or private hint that Morris will get more touches if Alexander does not shape it up will light a fire under him and we will all be winners.

Here is to hoping....

by brokejumper on Oct 1, 2007 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs