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Around SBN: Post-UNC Thoughts

The Late Emergence of Julius Jones

Alex Barron has made a habit of watching on while his skill position players get hit, but he had no trouble containing Patrick Kerney. It was the rest of the Rams expensive offensive line that Seattle's front four excelled against.

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

Alex Barron has made a habit of watching on while his skill position players get hit, but he had no trouble containing Patrick Kerney. It was the rest of the Rams expensive offensive line that Seattle's front four excelled against.

Quick notes from the remains of the third quarter:

Seattle was getting pressure from its front four. We don't know if the Rams have a good offensive line, but the team has invested huge resources into it. Guard Jacob Bell and center Jason Brown were signed to big money free agent contracts. Bell's contract is similar to Leroy Hill's, but without the opt-out clause. Brown is worth potentially $1.5 million more over one fewer season. Alex Barron and Jason Smith were both top twenty overall picks. Though Barron has become a bit of a joke, he shut down Patrick Kerney.

Most of Seattle's pressure came from the interior. Colin Cole was able to stymie Brown and Brandon Mebane and Craig Terrill created pressure in spurts. The single most impressive play by the front four was executed by Lawrence Jackson. Jackson, Seattle's strongside end in training, ran around the Rams' $62 million dollar tackle.  It was an effortless edge rush with all the desired components: burst off the snap, straightline speed and the ability to turn the corner without slowing or sagging deep. It was the kind of edge rush that leaves the tackle trailing, falling and the quarterback downed, protecting the ball. Jackson was showing better timing off the snap at the end of last season. It's part of the package that makes him such an exciting mix of tools. He did not show a pass rush move, though, and that's the next step for Lawrence.

Justin Forsett nearly knelt before making an explosive cut through the hole and for the first on Seattle's 99 yard drive.

That drive was capped by the back-to-back big plays by John Carlson. Carlson flashed wide open and showed his field speed receiving for 38. For the final fifteen, he rapped both arms around the ball in classic Pop Warner fashion and switched to choppy, quick steps.

The next play was all busted coverage and Carlson. The busted coverage doesn't need elaboration. It happens. Carlson reigned in a terrible pass from Matt Hasselbeck. It fluttered and still somehow flew behind Carlson, but Carlson caught and redirected. Kid is some kind of athlete. So graceful. He smoothly spun into a turn upfield and turned on the jets for the score.

The final note before I get back to watching my Huskies hold their own against Pete Carroll's demoted NFL squad regards Julius Jones' touchdown rush. Credit goes to Jones who turned a pretty typical stretch right into a 62 yard touchdown. Justin Griffith hit the hole but struggled to clear trash from the rush lane. Clifton Ryan was bullying Steve Vallos and the initial hole was all but closed when Jones arrived. Jones faced his left shoulder and got skinny, juking through the hole. He landed, exploded into his second gear and turned a couple modest lead blocks into a break away into the third level. Once upon a time, Jones had a third gear to rival almost anyone in the NFL, but enough is left that he's still a breakout threat. If he can consistently transition a field move into a second gear burst, he could regain his big play potential.

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Huskies win!! Huskies win!!

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

by Fearless Frog on Sep 19, 2009 4:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes please.

To hell with Jevan Snead.

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

by Fearless Frog on Sep 19, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hear people complaining about the Seahawks rushing against the Rams

Julius was 3.0 yds/carry if you take away that 62-yd run. I don’t buy the complaints about this though, but rather think that demonstrates the value of sticking with the running game until it succeeds. In terms of yds/carry, this was not unlike some of Sean Alexander’s games. He would often break one or two big runs amidst a lot of failed attempts. Popping that big one is very demoralizing to the opposing defense, and it affects the the game planning for the next opponent too. The 49ers and Bears will need to respect Julius now. I am so glad Julius popped that one on opening day. it was a huge play.

"Football players are temperamental. That's 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental." - Doug Plank

by Stevo's on Sep 19, 2009 5:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'd like to see anyone's YPC if you take away their one big run.

And that 3.0 YPC is pretty decent considering how far into the backfield some of our offensive line were being blown.

by djafrot on Sep 19, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Steven Jackson is a much better back than Julius Jones

If you take away SJax’s 22 yard run with 4 minutes left go (when the Hawks were up 28-0 and playing the pass), he had 45 yards on 15 carries. We shut down SJax and we did it by only putting 8 men in the box on 4 running plays.

by ninjasocks on Sep 19, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't stat well

but one of the huge differences I see in our running game is that last years 1-4 yard losses are turning into 0-1 yd gains and last years 1-3yd gains are turning into 2-6 yard gains. This is going to add up over the season.

by timlin45 on Sep 20, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I watched that play a few times

Vallos does not get good push, but he does carry the nose tackle down the line, and ends up pancaking him. While Vallos loses his fair share of battles, I’ve been impressed with his speed and ability to get to the second level. That said, it would be nice if he would finish a few more of those second level blocks.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Sep 20, 2009 9:24 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

maybe the most interesting position battle to come?

Will Vallos hold his 1st-team C position when Spencer is healthy? Will Unger get pushed from his RG position by Locklear or Willis and end up challenging Vallos at C? Who would have thought we could end up with more than enough good centers?

"Football players are temperamental. That's 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental." - Doug Plank

by Stevo's on Sep 20, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Typos

Carlson wrapped both arms around the ball in classic Pop Warner fashion, and then reined in a terrible pass from Matt Hasselbeck.

by thebyron on Sep 21, 2009 11:29 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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