Predicting the Seahawks Feature Back
by John Morgan on Jul 16, 2010 6:54 AM PDT
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PrintWhen Seattle traded for LenDale White, the initial reaction, or so much as I could tell, was that White would likely land the starting gig and be spelled by Justin Forsett and Leon Washington. It wasn't a solution I favored, but it fits the general order of things. White has the size. White has the draft pedigree. White once ran for a thousand yards and that matters in ways it really shouldn't.
Well, luckily enough, White worked his way off the Seahawks roster and has now talked his way out of the league. Jot it down: when someone tells you they lost 30 pounds by abstaining from tequila, that person is either an spectacular alcoholic or a liar, likely both, and certainly too dumb to not admit they were previously drinking lethal amounts of Patron.
Dropping White created an opportunity, both for a smart play, riding Forsett and Washington while spelling the two with Julius Jones and Quinton Ganther, or a predictable play, reinstating Jones as the feature back. It also bolstered rumors that Seattle is interested in Marshawn Lynch. White, Jones, Ganther, Lynch, the combined interest seemingly implies that Seattle is not satisfied with its mighty-mite duo.
While I think it's better to attempt something special at the risk of failure than to attempt something mediocre while risking less, I do understand Pete Carroll's predicament. Leon Washington is fresh off a season-ending injury, and that proves in all its agonizing spectacle that Washington can be gone in an instant. Forsett only shouldered 20 plus carries once last season, against the Rams, and that left him "questionable" for the next contest with a quadriceps injury. He wasn't himself again for three weeks. Whether it has anything to do with his size, Forsett is a punishing rusher and force is distributed evenly between punished and punisher.
Seattle will run a committee, for sure, but I suspect just as surely, one back will rise above the rest. Jones is the complete back and the one proven capable of taking the toll. I already presented my plan and it calls on Jones mostly in mop-up situations. I somehow doubt the likelihood of such an arrangement, but what do you think?
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I voted for Forsett, but I'm hoping for Washington.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
I worry about Forsett's health
But I think his bruising style complements Washington’s style well. I also wonder if complementary styles even means anything on the football field or if it’s just some abstract beautiful concept that appeals to people.
Interesting. I never presumed White would be the feature back.
My impression was that he would be situational (short yardage, goal line, etc…) with an occasional spot start as injuries dictated.
I voted for Forsett as well. In addition to the fact he is more than capable of being a feature back, Washington has never averaged more than 9 carries a game for a season and with what I expect his role in the return game and 3rd down to be, I don’t see him having more rushing attempts than Forsett.
I also expect Jones’ role to be reduced to situational and relief, for the most part. Essentially swapping roles with Forse, from last year.
I'm gonna go calm submissive on your ass.
I voted Jones.
But hoping Forsett. Just because our luck is of such quality that Forse and Wash will both lose time to injury.
Though they sink through the Sea, they shall rise again...Death shall have no dominion...
Mop up duty for Jones.
I really hope this proves to be true. I was already down on Jones, but the series of retrospectives reminded me just how unimpressed I am with him. I’m sure I read more than a couple of times that a Lineman’s or TE’s block sprung Jones to the outside, or opened up a hole for Jones, but he just couldn’t grab the necessary gear to complete the play successfully. Let him take the pounding in mop up duty and try to keep Forsett & Washington fresh & healthy for the more meaningful carries.
Mish-Mash
The Hawks have a little bit of everything, but nothing spectacular like a Curt or Shaun from years past. I’m not 100% sold that Forsett can be an everydown back, but he’s the best of the group if he can stay healthy and fresh (based on last years limited production between the three). I would expect Forsett, Jones, Washington (when he is at or near 100%) and someone else (like Ganther) to mix up the carries this season. No one on the Hawks is “great” so the team needs to stick with the “best player” as the starter this year, and mix in the other guys when needed. Then they can work on the RB situation in next years draft and/or free agency if this group of guys looks to be only be so-so in the Hawks new scheme.
I was a little shocked the Hawks took a pass on Unga (after checking him out), but I guess they don’t see him as a good change of pace to the other guys they have on the roster. It just goes to show you never know what is going on behind closed doors.
Forsett is going to have a SharkStab season. Mark it down.
by jacobstevens on Jul 16, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
As much as I’d love for it to be Forsett, if he could do it this season I think he’d just be shortening his career. I voted Washington. I think Jones will finish the season on the IR.
You think Washington will lead the Seahawks in rushing attempts?
He has 72, 76 and 71 over the last three seasons.
by John Morgan on Jul 16, 2010 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I would also add that not even Leon Washington sees himself as a #1 RB.
I was listening to him on a radio invterview (Brock and Salk I think), and while I can’t remember the exact quote, he was very upfront in saying that he’s not a #1 RB, and can best help a team by getting about 20 touches a game via a combination of runs, catches and returns. And I agree with him 100%.
by Mind of no mind on Jul 16, 2010 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
The heart says one thing the head says another.
I voted with my heart and voted J-Force. but I think Jones is probably better suited to handle the bumps, bruises, and battering a NFL RB takes over a season. Would love to see Justin Forset prove me wrong on that, i think he is a more dynamic runner.
Beer, its not just for breakfast anymore.
I think your result is correct, but not your reasoning
I don’t think JJ is better suited, but I have a sinking feeling he will get lots of carries. It must be a practice thing or expierence, but coaches just end up convinced that they should ride him.
I hope they don’t. I hope force is the guy.
Are you my Ex???
LOL I tend to wonder/worry that its the coaches flawed reasoning as well.
Beer, its not just for breakfast anymore.
"Gutsy" is certainly one way to put it.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
I was thinking the better descriptor for such a vote would be "stupid" =P
But that’s kinda harsh.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
So how many of us have to believe you before the anti-group think becomes the new groupthink?
by B.B.Finnegan on Jul 16, 2010 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
But you won't remember the old group think
So maybe the new group think is really the old mind crime. You wouldn’t know.
I think it'll be Force...
What I hope happens is that we throw a lot of screens :)
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
I think it'll be
other: Nick Reed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDUh9yboqI
Your culture is primitive; yet so funky!
Nick Reed doesn't carry the rock. He carries the team. On his back.
The coaches actually gave him a look at RB once, but he almost accidentally ripped Matt’s arms off grabbing the handoff, and they quickly bailed on the idea.
I love Washington
He’s got great speed, and that is what makes him a back who if used sparingly can create big plays. His skill set is geared towards certain downs, the tandem of him and Jones in NY was great because they each played their role. With Jones and Forsett being the main backs, I see Washington still having a good season.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
I think it'll be
a true committee approach. Hot hand gets the rock.
When Josh Barnett pisses in a cup, magic comes out.
"what the f**k is the internet?"
Pain don't hurt...
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