Postgame: Seahawks 31 - Panthers 14

It seems like a waste of a valuable resource to not play Leon Washington more from scrimmage. I understand his value to the team as a return man…but he sure looks a lot faster coming out of the backfield than either Forsett or Lynch.

I loved this guy for so many years, I didn’t want him to just fade away into an average linebacker.

I’m not exactly sure who it was, Brock perhaps, but I caught part of a radio interview. He said that in the first half Carolina was getting Seattle’s d-line with back shoulder blocks. So, when the DTs penetrated Carolina was jumping on the inside shoulder and riding them into the backfield leaving a big cutback lane.

He said that at halftime the defensive line talked technique adjustments.

Looked great. Just hope he can stay healthy.

1. The Hawks have already reached the win total i expected for this entire season.
2. Every team faces injuries, but the good teams have solid talent in the remaining positions and really solid depth. We don’t, and it hurts the team’s play.
3. We’ve had a different o-line in 8 games this year – the most of any nfl team. If you combine that with the injuries (Okung, Unger, Willis) and lack of solid talent & depth, you can see why we’ve had trouble and inconsistency. Everything starts in the trenches.
4. The d-line has suffered enormously with the loss of Red and the injury to Colin Cole and Mebane. We had all three of those players out at one time, if memory serves — that’s 3 of our 4 starting d-linemen out. We’re still down two starters. Not surprisingly we’ve struggled stopping the run since the injuries, which has put more pressure on the LB’s and DB’s
5. Lofa takes on different responsibilities when the starting d-linemen are out. Prior to the injuries, the big guys up front kept the O-linemen off of Lofa giving him more freedom to flow and react with his instincts and intelligence. He’s also playing banged up.
6. Our DB’s have played much worse than i anticipated this year. Does it relate to the injuries on the d-line? How much relates to a merely adequate corner on one side (Jennings) and a well-paid corner on the other who seems to have lost a step (Tru)?
7. We have an extremely talented rookie playing at safety. He will only get better, but he has blown some coverages leaving our corners exposed. I expect great improvement from him next year.
8. Getting Michael Robinson back was hugely important today. He’s so versatile and athletic (the guys a converted college QB playing FULLBACK!!!) and is strong on special teams. His presence also frees up our tight ends to get involved more in the passing game instead of having to take snaps at FB, as Carlson did quite a few times in previous games. Next year i sure hope we have a 2nd FB on the squad.
9. I agree with Mr. Morgan that Hass isn’t going to get any better. But I still think that we need to re-sign him for at least two more years. The team will only improve next year in both experience, talent and depth — especially on the O-Line. With a solid O-line in front of him, Matt still can manage a game and give us the best shot at winning.
10. Whether Whitehurst is still the heir apparent at QB or we draft someone else, they will need time to grow and improve - I still think Matt gives us the best chance to win games both this year and next. He just has to stop trying to carry everything and forcing stuff. When he does that, he makes bad decisions.
11. Yes, it’s obvious that not having BMW in the lineup affects Matt’s confidence. They seem to have clicked (along with Stokely). I actually hope both are with the team next year and my finger’s are crossed that we sign BMW to a long-term deal.
12. Special teams has been a bright spot this year, though I’ve been a little concerned with Mare the second half of this season. I hope it’s just a slight dip and not an indication that his skills are beginning to head downward.
13. Resiliency – last year this team would have quit after the two blow-out losses to NYG and OAK. The fact that they keep fighting speaks to the change in mindset among the players because of the coaching staff -- that’s no small matter. Get enough talent with that mindset, add some luck (i.e avoid key injuries) and in a year or two this team will perennially be a threat to go deep into the playoffs.

No Love? This guy stepped up big time with the absence of Williams and OBO… I want to see more of this guy