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Seattle Seahawks Dominate First Half but Fumble Away Lead and Cannot Recover

T.J. Houshmandzadeh could not turn his pre-game boasting into production. He was targeted nine times, but received for only 35 yards. His fumble on the second play of the second half led to a Chicago touchdown and the Bears first lead of the game.

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

T.J. Houshmandzadeh could not turn his pre-game boasting into production. He was targeted nine times, but received for only 35 yards. His fumble on the second play of the second half led to a Chicago touchdown and the Bears first lead of the game.

Seneca Wallace rolled out and targeted John Carlson, but John Owens stepped in and received the pass for a first down. With 46 seconds remaining, Seattle was first and ten from the Chicago 37--needing a score. Four plays later, Wallace would throw incomplete to Julius Jones and the Seahawks would turn over the ball on downs, effectively ending the game.

It was a game that started strong for Seattle. Seattle went up 7-0 when Jones took a screen up the right sideline and broke a tackle in the open field to receive for 39 yards and the touchdown. That screen pass made up for a bad hand off and bad decision by Wallace. He pitched it the wrong direction, recovered and then ran the ball out of bounds when a legal throw-away would have saved Seattle from a 14 yard loss.

With the early lead, the Seahawks young defense got after it. Middle pressure by Brandon Mebane and edge pressure by Darryl Tapp forced Jay Cutler into a bad-idea lob that David Hawthorne caught for an interception. Hawhthorne's interception led to an 11 play scoring drive that put Seattle ahead 10-0. Olindo Mare converted from 46.

Field position helped Seattle go ahead 13-0 before an overturned fumble turned momentum in Chicago's favor. Hawthorne forced a fumble that was overruled after a Chicago challenge. Two plays later, the Bears would score. Strong safety Deon Grant got a hit on Cutler, but Cutler had enough to lob a pass for Greg Olsen for the touchdown.

Seattle's offense sputtered. Olindo Mare missed his next field goal attempt, and a good return by Ben Obomanu was wasted.

The Seahawks started the second half with a brief drive that ended suddenly with a sloppy fumble by T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The Bears took that field position and drove a short length. Johnny Knox ran a crossing route, caught Cutler's pass and put a move on Aaron Curry to get a step towards the end zone. There he squeezed past Kelly Jennings and wrapped the ball around the pylon to put Chicago ahead. Jim Mora challenged it, but the calling on the field stood.

Seattle built its next drive from 30 yards of facemask penalties, but Mare again hooked the field goal left and left points on the field.

The Seahawks forced a quick three and out, but a misjudged punt by Justin Forsett was declared a "fair catch" only for the ball to soar over Forsett and be downed at the Seattle six. On the first play of the drive, Chicago flushed Wallace from the pocket and he scrambled into his end zone before throwing an interception to Lance Briggs.

The Bears took that field position and scored a field goal, putting themselves up 17-13.

Midway through the fourth and with the Bears up 17-16, Curry put the defense on his shoulders and turned the odds in Seattle's favor. Curry shot into the backfield and tackled Matt Forte for a loss of two and then on the subsequent down, Gus Bradley worked a blitz to get Curry outside and around left end. He forced an uncalled hold, and stripped Cutler from behind. Seattle recovered.

After a short drive, Mare hit one from 46 to give Seattle its final lead of the day.

The following possession ended with Devin Hester maneuvering between a colliding Grant and nickel corner Travis Fisher to score a 36 yard touchdown. That pass proved decisive, as Seattle fell 25-19.

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It's hurts the most losing

a winnable game.

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Sep 28, 2009 8:26 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It does, but I am not too broken up

it hurts our playoff chances, and everything, but I was actually pleased with the performance overall, considering the missing pieces. The zone pass blocking has really come together. Sure hope Rob Sims is OK. We may come to end the season looking like a strong team that misses out on the playoffs. That would be tough, but I’m looking for strengths to build on for the future.

I fully expect to lose the next game, but we’ve got an outside shot. The Colts haven’t looked great this year, including last night, and when not great they can still totally dissect you, like last night. Too much to hope for Freeney’s leg to slow him down.

by jacobstevens on Sep 28, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Freeny is having an MRI today

And Bob Sanders is out.

If we can clamp down on D, we just might be able to steal the game

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on Sep 28, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also

Lucas Oil Stadium isn’t the loudest place on earth.

Mike Wahle(OG), Walter Jones(LT), Chris Spencer(C), Marcus Trufant(CB), Deion Branch(WR), Sean Locklear(OT), Brandon Mebane(DT), Leroy Hill(LB), Lofa Tatupu(LB), Josh Wilson(CB), Justin Griffith(FB), Matt Hasselbeck (QB)

by ninjasocks on Sep 28, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm flying up there from San Diego

for the game…I’ll choose to ignore the Hawks record in games I attend and remain confident!

by maimster on Sep 28, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Problems mostly fixable...

The O-Line has done an admirable job with spit and kleenex. They should get a bit better with Walt and Spencer back.

The LBs made up for their suckfest of last week. A very good sign.

The D-Line has been the strongest part of the team.

Julius Jones may not light the world on fire, but he plays hard, can catch, can block, and for a team that inexplicably has not picked an RB on the first day in 5 years at the one position where pure youth and athleticism has the highest return, I’ll take it.

Seneca? Well, we almost won the game with Seneca.

My biggest concern is the DBs. Almost no support in the run game, and they are below average in coverage. People have been critical of L. Jackson, C. Spencer, A. Curry, but the Seahawks worst 1st round pick was Jennings. He simply can’t disengage from a WR block to save his life. I mean, lots of CBs look like that against Hines Ward, but he made Earl Bennett look like Walter Jones.

Still, I was pretty confounded by the 4th down defense, where Redding was “covering” Olsen. That was perhaps the worst scheme I’ve ever seen. Seriously. Against a slow TE in the other teams side of the field, sure – I see how mixing it up like that might be worth the occasional gamble. But that play would not work in a million tries. Even if Redding doesn’t slip, he’s not going to be near Olsen.

Also disgusted with the feebleness with which the Hawks coverage let themselves get picked. Have they never seen that play, ever?

by PerryCollective on Sep 28, 2009 9:32 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What are you starting journalism school?

Random “inverted pyramid” reference now this piece of crap game “story”

by C-addleCHox on Sep 28, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This is a blog, not a place where Associated Press clippings are regurgitated.

If the content here bothers your delicate sensibilities, might I suggest you go read the Associated Press?

by BrianL on Sep 28, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I pieced this together late at night

It’s not very good, but I’ve lost all stomach for people who comment very occasionally and only to talk crap. The internet has been for hater culture what a rotting elephant is for maggots.

by John Morgan on Sep 28, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dang dude

Was it really necessary to be so dickish? Wow.

by kearly on Sep 28, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

New Trainers

Is it just me or our guys pulling hammy’s and groing’s at an alarming rate. I can understand ankle sprains and broken bones but muscle pulls should not be a team epidemic. Lucas going out right before the TD to Hester just made me realize we have a team on the bench with preventable injuries if we do a little stretching pre-game or during the week (joking a little with pre-game stretching). But seriously are you guys not alarmed by this. Lofa, Hill, Branch, Lucas, Frye….Just a thought guys.

That being said, we have no chance against the Colts. Our beat Secondary is not match for Peyton. Just hoping for an entertaining game.

by Mr. Blache III on Sep 28, 2009 10:37 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The problem is more complex than stretching or not stretching.

These are athletes pushing their bodies to the natural limits and any sort of muscular imbalance is exposed. Furthermore, training to prevent certain kinds of injuries (strengthening the joints in the legs, in particular), can open up other parts of the body to injury.

by dlinsley on Sep 28, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In my experience with sports and soft tissue injuries...

Putting yourself and your body into situations where something’s going to be twisted wrong, stretched too far or otherwise tweaked is more a matter of trying too hard or being unsound with body placement. Example: Jumping in the air can be done in a planned manner or a reckless launching, and coming down as planned is safer on your body than coming down unplanned. I see this consistent injury problem not as a function of the trainers sucking but as a function of the players being less athletic than their intentions. I’ve started to wonder if this isnt a natural result of the ‘undersized-high-motor-overachiever’ mold a lot of our players seem to come out of.
As an adult, I’ve only ever been injured with sports endeavors when I was flailing away trying to be better than I am, irregardless of preparation.

by Strictnine on Sep 28, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Best explanation I've seen for the rash of injuries

I’ve been wondering the same thing. Thanks for confirming that I’m not the only one!

Even extremely athletic players will overreach when the team is struggling. When the plays aren’t working, or the defense can’t seem to stop their opponents, coaches (and fans) exhort the players to dig down, try harder, and give it 110% effort.

The other half of the explanation, of course, is aging veterans trying to do the things they used to be able to do when they were younger.

It’s a kind of death spiral, and the only way to break it is to start winning.

by Mr Fish on Sep 28, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see any connection between Seattle's athleticism and its injuries

Some of its most athletic players like Marcus Trufant, Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Josh Wilson and Chris Spencer have also been their most injured. Injury prediction is mostly junk science. We know an injured player is likely to get injured again and that’s about it. This wave of injuries is a product of previously-injured players on the roster and bad luck.

by John Morgan on Sep 28, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

strictnine's point wasn't about athleticism

It was about trying too hard. Even the most athletic players can do that.

But yeah, some of it is just bad luck.

by Mr Fish on Sep 28, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"a function of the players being less athletic than their intentions"
I see this consistent injury problem not as a function of the trainers sucking but as a function of the players being less athletic than their intentions. I’ve started to wonder if this isnt a natural result of the ‘undersized-high-motor-overachiever’ mold a lot of our players seem to come out of.

by John Morgan on Sep 28, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its just me speculating...

That irregardless of athleticism, players trying 105% instead of 100% will get injured more, and I wonder if we arent seeing more ‘try’ related injuries because our players are high intentions guys. Anyone who follows racing will see that drivers who try too hard spin out more and hit the wall. Same sort of thing.
I think it showed last season with receivers.

 Injuries happen, but god doesnt hate the Seahawks and its not that the trainers suck. I’m starting to think we’re seeing a culture of players playing ‘too hard’. Its not correct to say ‘reckless’ but ‘high motor’ does mean brain making the body go to its very limits, right? Our defensive backs picking each other is an excellent example. No one is coached to take a fellow defender out, thats trying ‘too hard’.
Owens grabbing Carlson’s pass yesterday, no injury, but thats a good example of someone trying their damndest to make something happen.
Wallace always seems to have some nagging running-around related injury, never has broken ribs or a bad back, its always something that on the surface looks like he’s trying very hard and tweaking something. (You see it in his decision making too)
Look at Payton Manning. He just gets the shit done, never looks like he’s busting his ass to make a miracle happen.

by Strictnine on Sep 28, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember Dr. Z saying something along these lines

his favorite guys, the linemen, over the years gave their views to him, that bad teams get hurt more because they’re trying harder to pick up the slack.

On the other hand, I also remember reading one of the Charger linemen saying essentially the opposite, when asked during LT’s MVP year breaking Alexander’s still fresh TD record. I think it was Hardwick, saying when you know that the last little bit of effort, the last millisecond of blocking, might be what springs LT, when you know that you have a guy behind you with the potential to do enormous damage, it makes you lay it out for him a little bit more, a little bit longer.

But, knowing this is unquantifiable, I think there’s something to it. Bad teams, injured teams, trying harder, cognizant of the slack there is to pick up, and thus becoming more vulnerable.

by jacobstevens on Sep 28, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just in my anecdotal experience from playing football

I noticed that people who played the hardest often stayed the healthiest. On the offensive line (I was a lineman), if you play hard that usually means you are winning your battles and “taking it to” the other side instead of them taking it to you. That said, I personally believe injuries are mostly luck, and my personal experience is hardly scientific or credible.

What you said about people outplaying their athletic abilities makes sense, it was something I was wondering about myself in recent weeks. Although it makes you wonder why the Steve Vallos’, Brian Russell’s, Colin Cole’s, Craig Terrill’s and Willie Bloomquist’s of the world can defy odds and stay healthy.

by kearly on Sep 28, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nate Obomanu?

Now he’d be a helluva return man.

by MontanaHawk05 on Sep 28, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Seahawks

I belileve that had Hasslebroke played yesterday, they would have gotten whipped even worse. Only Seneca’s mobility saved him from certain doom on several plays.

by mrcoffee1969 on Sep 28, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Seneca cost us though

It seemed that quite a few times he rolled out he either didn’t throw it away, threw an almost interception, or made a poor throw. He made a few good ones but I think Hasselbeck either throws it away or takes the sack. I think the yards lost might have been equal.

by Hancock.Brett on Sep 28, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His mobility kept him upright and the play going but

his decision making once he was mobile was very sketchy. Passes thrown over heads, running out of bounds for a 3 yard loss instead of chucking it away…

by Strictnine on Sep 28, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hasselbeck goes through his reads

Much, much quicker. Not saying that’s always better – the ability to scramble like Seneca is of course very valuable. But Matt has shown the ability to:

1) Read the blitz and hit hot routes
2) Audible to a run or blitz-aware play
3) Get rid of the ball

Not always of course – he could/would have taken more sacks. But I have to say, I was pretty frustrated to see Seneca avoid 6 guys, move out of the pocket, and throw an off-target pass 6 yards downfield that had an equal chance of:

1) Getting the reception
2) Risk a tip/pick
3) Set the receiver up for no YAC and a big hit/possible fumble.

Can’t believe they didn’t take a shot downfield the entire last drive. I’d like to say I have another 3 item list in me, but I’m (thankfully) done.

by PerryCollective on Sep 28, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

unknowable.

Hass certainly would’ve taken quite a few sacks. But I believe he would’ve made up for it by connecting on a few more throws that Seneca missed (I’m thinking specifically about hitting Carlson in the seam that last drive – that’s a throw Matt’s money on). And one point, I would’ve said no way does Hass throw up that duck pick, but after seeing him last year, I’m not so sure about that.

There’s also the issue of how Knapp would’ve called the game with Hass in there. I still get the feeling that whenever Wallace is on the field, they’re working with about half the playbook

"I'm tired of chasing after my dreams. I'll just find out where they're going, and catch up later." - Hedberg

by jteckmann on Sep 28, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His excessive movement within and out of the pocket

also enables the pass rush who can see him while the tackles guess at his location.

by jacobstevens on Sep 28, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How so?

I’m not denying it, just curious.

I was pretty pissed at Seneca yesterday. The guy keeps making the same dumb mistakes, in particular, not running when he SHOULD and not throwing the ball away when he SHOULD. But I thought he did a pretty good job getting away from pressure and completing some passes to guys that probably wouldn’t have been open if the defense wasn’t freaking out about Seneca getting free.

I don’t know if Hass would have done better. I certainly admit that there were at least three short/medium throws that Seneca lobbed too much that Hass might very well have hit for long YAC touchdowns.

by djafrot on Sep 28, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He drops too far

misses open receivers, misses outlet passes, misses hot reads or fails to call them and scrambles at the slightest pressure. The best way to beat the blitz is to punish the blitz.

by John Morgan on Sep 28, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Knapp didn't give him any hot reads

just a bunch of routes that take 4 seconds to develop, cuz he knew Seneca would only start to read the defense, on the run, at that point.

by jacobstevens on Sep 28, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree!

It does seem like he is often on the move when Hass would fire the ball just in time.
If for whatever reason Hass is out and the season is a loss, I want to see Teel. A lot of Teel. I dont want another season of watching Seneca run around, unless its Hass tossing him the ball first.

by Strictnine on Sep 28, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only if Teel is ready

Seneca’s been around for a long time, and has had substantial starting time for a backup, but he could still fix and rise above his drawbacks.

by jacobstevens on Sep 28, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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