2008 Season Retrospective: C.J. Wallace

by John Morgan on Jul 19, 2009 2:59 PM PDT

Overview: C.J. Wallace played in twelve games primarily as a special teams gunner. He had 14 special teams tackles. Wallace missed time with hamstring and knee problems.

What went right: Wallace protected his spot on special teams by being an active, form tackler and the team's special teams tackle leader. He is one of the Seahawks few steady special teams players and perhaps the best at preventing long returns.

What went wrong: That steadiness is at expense of athleticism and almost any playmaking ability. Wallace averaged 13.4 yards allowed on his punt return tackles. Seattle as a whole averaged 10.1 yards per opponent punt return -- 20^th in the NFL. He averaged 24.7 yards allowed on his kick return tackles. Seattle as a whole averaged 25.6 yards per opponent kick return -- 31^st in the NFL.

Outlook: Courtney Greene is gunning for Wallace's roster spot. He has better speed, better athleticism and significantly more potential as a safety. Seattle will likely retain seven to eight defensive backs with Marcus Trufant, Ken Lucas, Deon Grant and Josh Wilson roster locks, and Jordan Babineaux and Brian Russell near-sure things. The seventh and eight man could be either a safety or a cornerback, with one each most likely if eight are retained. Many things will play a part in who sticks, including Greene's practice squad eligibility, but no doubt Wallace is playing for his career this August. If Greene proves his mettle this preseason, Seattle will decide in favor of talent, depth and production and cut Wallace and retain Greene.

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Isn't it more likely Jamar Adams takes the spot

As opposed to Greene/Wallace?

by Ezzra on Jul 20, 2009 12:36 AM PDT reply actions

How would that work?

Wallace is a 2-year vets whose abilities and limitations are known. Adams and Greene are both rookies, difference being Greene was drafted and Adams is not. If the FO liked Adams over Greene prior to the draft, they’d have drafted him over Greene.

Not saying that can’t change…

Also, John, how is Brian Russell not a roster lock?

by Thomas Beekers on Jul 20, 2009 6:23 AM PDT up reply actions

I would say no only because

Seattle had versatility in Babineaux, flexibility in signing Adams to the practice squad and it needs its third string safety to contribute on special teams.

by John Morgan on Jul 20, 2009 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Courtney Greene has my vote

After seeing game film footage on him from last year’s college season, I see a lot of things to like about Greene. Rutgers fans have been telling ‘hawks fans that we got a steal in him, and I’m starting to buy into that belief. Until I actually see how Adams has progressed, I’m resting my hopes on Greene to be the guy that supplants Russell.

by Catoblepas on Jul 20, 2009 6:11 AM PDT reply actions

Watch game footage of Jamar Adams at Michigan.

by Built2Spill on Jul 20, 2009 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions

I liked the video of both Greene and Adams,

but fans of a certain college team will usually tell you that the player you’re getting is a steal. They see a highlight play and the potential and think that this guy could be better if he just ‘put it together’ or wasn’t so unlucky. Not that I don’t think Greene is pretty good, but there’s probably a reason or two why he was drafted in the 7th.

by LantermanC on Jul 20, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, like I said...

after being able to see with my own eyes after being told to expect big things out of Greene from Rutgers alumni, I am starting to see what the hype is about. I’m not talking about highlights here either. I’m talking about watching him in action through the course of an entire game. One thing I am not completely sold on with Greene is his range. I don’t think he lacks in that particular department, but I wasn’t able to get a real definite impression about him in that regard. His ball skills as well would remain somewhat of an unknown to me. Based on everything else I’ve seen though, I would feel fairly confident about replacing Brian Russell with someone like Courtney Greene; as long as what I’ve seen from him in college translates over to the pro’s.

by Catoblepas on Jul 20, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

It would be a shame to give Wallace the boot, since he was a Husky,

but I have an irrational love for both Greene and Adams (perhaps because I want one of them to supplant Russell).

by LantermanC on Jul 20, 2009 8:58 AM PDT reply actions

I have a feeling that if Adams goes to PS again

we’re going to lose him.

Stacey Nelson throws flaming screwballs.
It's great to be a Florida Gator!

by Wayward Llama on Jul 20, 2009 1:33 PM PDT reply actions

I don't know,

it’s not like he’s been tearing up on special teams or anything, he seems pretty low-key. I wonder if we can still stuff Logan Payne on the PS though and hopefully have someone take him.

Speaking of the practice squad, anyone know what happened to that guard who was really good pulling during last preseason? Is he still on our practice squad?

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 20, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions