August 18 Practice
by Stevo's on Aug 18, 2009 10:43 PM PDT
61 comments
Some observation from the August 18th practice at Husky Stadium
I spent most of the practice watching the defensive lineman and the cornerbacks through binoculars, so I likely missed much of what happened elsewhere on the field.
Josh Wilson practiced with the first team defense, Kelly Jennings with the second unit. Jennings defensed two passes. Generally it looked like most of the second team WRs had a tough time gaining separation from Jennings, who appeared to be working hard to impress.
First team defensive line practiced as Redding-Cole-Mebane-Kerney. But in the 11-on-11 passing drill that closed the practice, the first team defense rush line was Tapp-Redding-Mebane-Kerney. That line looked like it could get after the QB.
Brandon Mebane looks lighter and quicker than last year. He practiced with energy and reminded me of the spinning Tazmanian Devil from those old Bugs Bunny cartoons. When the D lineman were practicing stunts - with the DE crossing over the DT - Nick Reed lined up next to Mebane to rush side-by-side and they looked like two Tazmanian Devils spinning into the backfield.
Red Bryant - as tall as our tallest DEs but as stout as a DT - looks like the closest thing to Marcus Tubbs I've seen in Seahawks blue since Tubbs.
With Julius Jones and T. J. Duckett getting a rest, Justin Forsett and Devin Moore shared all the reps at RB. Forsett looked sharp during a couple of impressive runs and receptions. Moore looked overwhelmed trying to block pass rushers in the pass protection drill.
A place to bury strangers.
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Good stuff...
One question though..
Do you think Kelly Jennings was trying to impress, or he just looks that good against 2nd team guys? I’ve always thought his “jitterbug-stickiness” style of matching up 1 on 1 looks great (particularly against lesser WR’s) but doesn’t translate well on a larger scale.
Not that it matters that much… just curious.
Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!
by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 18, 2009 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
good question
In practice today, he looked like a corner who can get into position and cover anyone. But in games – well, I don’t think any of us want to watch Kelly try to cover starting WRs in games any more.
by Stevo's on Aug 18, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Jennings
was good at sticking with his man (when he’s not falling down), he just can’t stop a guy from catching a ball, even if he’s directly between the WR and QB’s perfect throw?
by LantermanC on Aug 18, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Not the disruptor Josh is, that’s for sure. In fact, Jennings is rarely aware of the ball. If only…
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 19, 2009 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds correct.
When Jennings gave up that long pass to the dude in the preseason game, it looked like classic Jennings: attached to the hip of the receiver and generally in position and strong coverage, just can’t do anything to stop the reception.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Aug 19, 2009 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so agreed
Jennings has shown the ability to break up pass completions. I agree that he doesn’t have much of a nose for the ball when it comes to interceptions, and often he seems to lack ball awareness in jump-ball or 50/50 situations (things that desperately need to be corrected), but there have been several passes I can remember seeing where a well thrown ball got to the receiver who had the only real chance of catching it, yet Jennings prevented the completion.
Jennings iced the Jets game last season on a 4th down almost-completion in exactly this way. The Favre pass hit the receiver (don’t remember who) right in the hands, and he was wrapping the ball up when Jennings reached in and disrupted him, killing the Jets’ come-back opportunity. Jennings also defensed the pass vs. the Cowboys in the Wildcard Playoff game when he stripped Whitten of the ball that ended up in the end zone for a safety and almost a TD. (Granted, he didn’t prevent the completion, but he still gets credit for that play.) I have seen him do that on other occasions, but those are two that everyone should remember.
by BlueTalon on Aug 19, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes but
The goal is to keep the reciever from touching the football. It still counts as a PD but that’s like praising a basketball player for getting repetatively beaten to the whole, only to block the lay-up. At some point the guy needs to defend.
by Jo-Jo on Aug 19, 2009 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, I'm not saying that he can't ever stop a ball or make a big tackle,
it just seems that for a guy who is so remarkably good with sticking to his man (and again, this is discounting the times he fell down early in the season last year), he seems to get a lot of passes thrown at his man go for a completion.
by LantermanC on Aug 19, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think coaches figured out Jennings last year
And taught their QBs to throw the ball even when he had position. That being said big WRs are a terrible matchup for him, like boldin, Fitz etc…but he should be better at covering the Welkers of this world. He’s abysmal in run support. I think he’s best suited to Nickel, or situations where he can’t be isolated against big receivers (like playing the Rams!). SD was a bad matchup game for him, all their WRs are big. I think he’ll be better against the Marshall less Broncos, chiefs and raidahs.
by Hawqz on Aug 19, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A starting CB needs to be able to do that more often than not, though.
With Jennings, not is too frequent.
by jacobstevens on Aug 19, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
But he’s not a starting CB.
My only point previously was that he has demonstrated the ability to defense passes, particularly well thrown passes that were difficult to defend, whereas much of the commentary here seems to argue he does not have that ability.
by BlueTalon on Aug 19, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK.
Yeah, the commentary has fixated on that attribute that is more applicable to Trufant. It’s there, with Jennings, too, though, but lesser. It’s that and consistency, with him. He’s not bad in coverage. But he allows a lot anyway. He seems close, but doesn’t defeat passes, so it seems like he’s not making a play. I dunno what really is holding him back, but it’s shown to be a significant problem. I’d love for him to bounce back, but with Travis Fisher signed, he, he may not make the team this year, and I would have a hard time saying that it’s not the right move, if it comes to that.
by jacobstevens on Aug 19, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"But he’s not a starting CB."
He’s a first round pick, I would hope he would at least be more than 4th on the depth chart by now if not a starter.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Aug 19, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One would hope
But Ken Lucas, selected in the second round, is a much better corner. Housh, selected in the 7th, turned out to be one of the best players of the 2001 draft, and Nick Reed may indeed end up being much better then Lawrence Jackson.
The way it goes sometimes. Drafting only gets you the rights to a player, whom you think has the best chance to succeed, but once the draft is over all bets are off. It’s kind of weird to me that after years have passed we still tend to define players by their draft pick, when in reality it means only that their college resume gave them a better start at a job. All that matters now is how well they do their job.
by B.B.Finnegan on Aug 19, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why it's incredibly frustrating when someone who was projected to do well in the pros, is really, really bad.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Aug 19, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching Anthony Simmons and/or Lamar King play used to frustrate the hell out of me
by B.B.Finnegan on Aug 19, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really liked Simmons.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 20, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't heard Kenny Lucas' name much
anything on him?
by Seahawka 12th on Aug 19, 2009 6:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was at Husky Stadium too
and my most notable observation is that both Forsett and Moore were getting “blow’d up” (thank you Emmitt Smith) in pass protection drills. Like, it was baaad.
On the bright side, though, our D-line looked incredible. There were several if-this-weren’t-training-camp-and-you-were-wearing-a-different-uniform surefire sacks.
by PRIDEin253 on Aug 19, 2009 7:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Forsett fared very poorly in the blitz pickup drill
Like … very, VERY poorly.
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't mean to make excuses for them
But Forsett weighs 194, Moore weighs 191. Surely they’re bound to be blown up in pass protection against 250lb linebackers?
Comparing them to Darren Sproles, how often do you see him in pass protection holding his own?
by rex92 on Aug 19, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only little guy I know of that can do it and do it well is...
Maurice Jones-Drew.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 19, 2009 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I needed a reason to re-visit this:
http://www.sportslush.com/media/809/MJD_BLOWS_UP_Merriman/
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 19, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MJD is short but not little.
He has nearly thirty pounds on Sproles.
I think 5’7", 207 is a damn good build for a running back. Imagine getting leverage on that.
by John Morgan on Aug 19, 2009 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be honest
I’ve never really watched MJD throughout several games in pass protection, so I can’t say whether or not he’s any good at it.
Seems to me that if you have small guys that talented, the last thing you want to do is put them in pass protection.
by rex92 on Aug 20, 2009 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bowling-ball. I love that guy.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 20, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Generally it looked like most of the second team WRs had a tough time gaining separation from Jennings"
Kelly’s problem isn’t playing tight to the WR. It’s that he has no idea how to stop the WR from catching the ball. He gets out-muscled and out-played and seems to lose any advantage once the ball is in the air.
by ninjasocks on Aug 19, 2009 10:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe weak vs. the edge rush or maybe delays, ...but BRUTAL vs. the QB
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 19, 2009 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, yeah.
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An observation: Butler struggled
He doesn’t seem to have much of a problem catching the ball when he’s got some separation.
But when pressured, I didn’t see him make one catch (I saw him fail to catch 4-5). He’s not terribly physical (probably due in part to his slight frame / small size), so he’s unable to get in position to make a catch even against the likes of Hobbs/Jennings.
My limited football knowledge and observations of him came to the conclusion that it’s unlikely he improves his ‘physical game’ to the point that he’ll be able to consistently make catches under pressure against starting cornerbacks.
I think he’ll become a successful WR if he improves his route running and his “moves” so he’s able to gain and keep separation from the defense.
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 10:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I disagree Butler isn't physical
I think, as far as the opinion’s of scouts go, that is a knee jerk reaction to his size. He’s actually quite strong and feisty and more than capably broke free and knocked away Antonio Cromartie when Cromartie attempted to press him on Saturday. Steve Gregory blew him up, because…well I’ll get to that in a second.
by John Morgan on Aug 19, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Limited experience is the key here, John!
They’re just my observations from one practice. I didn’t see him make one catch when pressured.
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing that stood out to me about that hit,
was how he still made an attempt to snare the ball, while lying on his back, after getting smoked.
I'm gonna go calm submissive on your ass.
by Dukeshire on Aug 19, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is a good point
I think it showed amazing concentration, considering he had been spun 180.
by Hawqz on Aug 19, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did notice on his college clips that he caught a lot of balls while falling down
I couldn’t tell if that was because of the throws or an inability to make effective enough adjustments with his feet to make the catches and stay up. But I remember commenting to my buddy as we watched … “Does this kid ever catch deep balls on the run?” This could be a bad habit that needs to be broken for him to progress.
by Jo-Jo on Aug 19, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Red Bryant
Red Bryant – as tall as our tallest DEs but as stout as a DT – looks like the closest thing to Marcus Tubbs I’ve seen in Seahawks blue since Tubbs.
This can be either a good thing or a bad thing. Tubbs was a monster when healthy. When healthy…
by BlueTalon on Aug 19, 2009 11:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is true
this preseason it looks like it’s not manifesting as a significant issue, but he’s so tall that it’s potentially a leverage disadvantage for a tackle.
by jacobstevens on Aug 19, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
John,
Have you ever applied for a job in FO of our beloved organization? I have a difficult time imagining whoever they got understand the game and the situation of the Hawks much better than you. Although I’d be sad if you could no longer afford the time for all of us.
by Hawkhammer19 on Aug 19, 2009 12:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't give him any ideas!!! :P
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
John is ours and no one can take him from us! >(
Glenn Beck likes argument, but has a deap-seated hatred for logic.
by Cheddar28 on Aug 19, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're included in the "us" of course.
Glenn Beck likes argument, but has a deap-seated hatred for logic.
by Cheddar28 on Aug 19, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's nice of you to say
But I am just a student of the game attempting to learn it to its fullest. If I have a skill, it’s my ability to explain what I learn to others. I am sure the Seahawks have much smarter and more educated football minds than me working for them.
by John Morgan on Aug 19, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh.
This comment makes me want to take a bath.
S
M
A
R
M
Y
by John Morgan on Aug 19, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry if that was the effect.
I was actual curious for more personal reasons. I’m only 21, entering my senior year of college, and will graduate with a degree in Environmental Planning. This degree was the tightest fit to my strengths I could find at WWU. But I can feel that I’m not truly passionate about it.
I LOVE football and have “wasted” many many hours trying to understand the game and my beloved team to the fullest. Your blog is one of the only places I can find knowledge I didn’t already have. My mind naturally takes an FO oriented approach to the team and I’ve yet to meet someone who has a stronger grasp of the long term situation of the team than me.
I’ve come to realize that I’m still young enough to make a change and a job in the FO of an NFL team would be a dream come true. I’m confident I have the mental tools and the drive to achieve it if I commit. I was simply looking for a perspective from someone who posseses significantly more comprehension than the average fan. I feel foolish trying to explain this but I figure that people in an NFL FO have to come from somewhere.
by Hawkhammer19 on Aug 19, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My own comment made me want to take a bath, not yours.
by John Morgan on Aug 19, 2009 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't that bad...
One of my favorite quotes was by Golda Meir, Isreali Prime Minister. She said, “Don’t be humble, you’re not that great.”
Your words were true, your explanation excellent. Great doers are not always great teachers, and vice versa. The ability to communicate your thoughts is what make you an excellent writer on our Seahawks, and I enjoy reading your thoughts even when I disagree with them…
Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!
by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 21, 2009 3:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only if you looked like this when you commented.
It's Great to be a Florida Gator!
by Wayward Llama on Aug 19, 2009 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Win.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Aug 19, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should learn to give yourself some credit from time to time :P
The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.
by Nick Andron on Aug 19, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would agree
But the presence of Brian Russell begs to differ
by rex92 on Aug 19, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Secrets to working for a professioal sports franchise:
1) Be an ex-professional athlete (or just college athlete I suppose).
2) Work at a paper/blog/lesser sports organization for several years making poor pay (or no pay at all) until someone recognizes your talent and gives you at a chance at their franchise.
3) Make friends with a really rich guy, convince him to buy a team and then convince him to give you a job.
by LantermanC on Aug 19, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
4) Sell hot dogs at Qwest, gotta start somewhere right?
by Seahawka 12th on Aug 20, 2009 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
5) Suck a really mean Di@%... oh.
probably not a good example. lol.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer
by Misfit74 on Aug 20, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a more complete write-up of the August 18th practice
See Claire Farnsworth’s Blog at http://blog.seahawks.com/2009/08/18/camp-mora-day-19-p-m-report/#more-344
by Stevo's on Aug 19, 2009 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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