Seahawks vs Chargers Game Time Schedule, Players To Watch
by Danny Kelly on Aug 11, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
in Commentary
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PrintThe Seahawks face off against the Chargers tonight in San Diego, and the long-awaited NFL season will officially be underway. The first preseason game is a glorified scrimmage for each team; a chance to evaluate their young players and start breaking in their systems. It gives the players a chance to hit someone not on their team and start getting used to full contact situations.
The starters will probably only play a series or two and the new free agents will see very few snaps. That means the majority of the game will be involving 2nd and 3rd string guys, and the rookies, undrafted free agents, and journeymen veterans will be fighting for a spot on that ever elusive 53-man roster.
Here's a list of players I'm looking forward to watching, per position:
Quarterback:
I'm honestly a lot more interested in watching Charlie Whitehurst get some snaps than Josh Portis. I think Portis may have some potential down the line but I think Whitehurst offers more competition for Tarvaris Jackson this season. If Jackson struggles or gets hurt, it looks like Whitehurst is the guy so I'll be looking for him to look poised and comfortable in the offense. He likely won't look good with the shortened training camp and timeframe to install the offense, but that is something I'm looking forward to.
Running Back:
My guess is that Beastmode won't get a bulk of the carries today. More likely Leon Washington and Justin Forsett will split more of the carries and I'm particularly excited to see Washington in action. From what I've heard, he's got his speed back and has looked good in camp, so it's going to be fun to see how he's used.
Fullback:
I can't wait to see what Michael Robinson 2.0(+20lbs) looks like clearing the hole. I also will be watching closely for Ryan Travis, hoping he gets some looks.
Wide Receiver:
Easy -- Doug Baldwin and Ricardo Lockette. I'm looking forward to seeing these two guys in game action. They're both bubble UDFAs and both have a real shot to make the 53 man roster. Lockette has elite speed and if he can improve his skills as a receiver he could be a dangerous weapon. Baldwin looks to be a slot guy with a lot of potential. He's wowed people in camp and it will be interesting to see if he can carry that into the preseason.
I'm also looking forward to watching Isaiah Stanback. He's big, physical, and hopefully still fast. The achilles injury is a tough one so I'm going to be looking for signs he still has burst and wiggle. He'll probably play some special teams too so look for that.
Tight Ends:
With Carlson and Miller likely sitting out for the most part, it will be fun to watch Anthony McCoy and Dominique Byrd. Byrd has impressed in camp and by most accounts has played much better than McCoy, and if he can play well in the preseason he'll make it very tough for the Seahawks to cut him.
Offensive Line:
The line is going to be a mess, let's be honest. Very little time to get on the same page and very little experience to boot. I'll be watching second teamers Tyler Polumbus and Mike Gibson the most, but also looking forward to seeing Paul Fanaika and Breno Giacomini in action.
Defensive Line:
This will be an interesting one. I'm not sure who they'll trot out there -- Kentwan Balmer is hurt and Alan Branch will likely not play. Jay Alford, Pep Levingston, James Wilkerson, and Pierre Allen are a few guys I'm looking forward to watching.
Dexter Davis and Jameson Konz at the Leo will be interesting. Watch to see how they play the run.
Linebackers:
KJ Wright in the middle, Malcolm Smith on the weakside, and Michael Morgan at the strongside. These will be the three main players I will be zeroing in on. We've heard some good and bad on them in camp, so a game situation will be a goldmine of information (even though it's only preseason).
I haven't seen or heard much about this Neal Howey character but it will be worth looking for.
Defensive Backs:
This group is going to be interesting. Because they're so young, we may see guys like Mark LeGree, Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Byron Maxwell, and Ron Parker get a good amount of snaps.
I'm particularly interested to see how Browner looks in game-action. I've heard good things about LeGree, Sherman, and Maxwell so that will be fun to watch. Ron Parker is a dark horse guy with a lot of athleticism that I'll be looking for. He'll feature in special teams likely, so pay attention on those snaps.
Here are the details:
Location: San Diego
Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium
Expected Temperature: Mostly cloudy. Lows 58 to 63. Light winds.
TV: ESPN
Time: 5:00PM PST
Radio: 710ESPN (AM Dial) / 97.3 KIRO (FM Dial)
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I'll be watching our safeties Kam and Legree.
Damn this team is young. It’ll be fun watching some of these guys hopefully progress this year.
I don't have a gun, but if I did, I would shoot a baby deer in the mouth and feel nothing. Louis CK
Great read
Danny, you should head over to appfan.com and give the guys a little update on LeGree if you have anything we haven’t heard. I’m an App St. student and a Seahawk fan and we don’t get much Seahawk exposure in NC so I try to keep them updated the best I can on “LeGreedy”
Sweet - I'll check it out
Proactive-like-Nonstop
FIELDGULLS
by Danny Kelly on Aug 11, 2011 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
Easy. Moffitt and Carpenter.
They’re large investments that received a lot of backlash from the mainstream media. I’d like to see flashes from them to start proving their doubters wrong. I’m also eager to see Okung play a bit now that he’s had several months to rest his ankles (not to mention to see if he stays healthy. It was preseason last year, remember, that he suffered his first ankle injury.)
Should Robert Gallery get out there, it will be fun to see him as well. The line is going to be fun in general. Thought I wouldn't expect too much.
Proactive-like-Nonstop
FIELDGULLS
by Danny Kelly on Aug 11, 2011 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Though*
Proactive-like-Nonstop
FIELDGULLS
by Danny Kelly on Aug 11, 2011 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Moffitt and Carpenter are rookies have only had a couple of weeks to practice
I think its wise to keep our expectations for them grounded.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 11, 2011 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Haha grounded
I mean, uh, yes. Both seem to have gone through camp with some question marks, so expecting them to asplode on the scene is a stretch
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not expecting them to "asplode",
I just want them to show glimpses that they can hold their own against some real NFL talent.
by Coach Owens on Aug 11, 2011 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
ASPLOSION
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You can do whatever you want
but expecting highlights from OL, especially rookie OL, in their first NFL game probably isn’t wise.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 11, 2011 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
He never said he was expecting highlights....?
by Woodinville_12thMan on Aug 11, 2011 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I'm confused then
What is a “glimpses that they can hold their own against some real NFL talent”?
Is it 30 competent plays among 60 snaps? Is it one pancake block? What kind of performance are we looking for? What kind of performance would make him a goat?
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 11, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
He probably will be interested to see how they do, hopeful they'll look good
while keeping things in perspective & considering all context.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Aug 11, 2011 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, I want them to look good.
A lot of draft “analysts” believed (and still believe) that Carpenter wouldn’t be able to stick at one of the tackle spots and thought that he’d have to move inside in the NFL. There were also quite a few of them that didn’t believe that Moffitt was good enough to be a full time starter in the NFL.
I guess we'll find out whether they were worth the investment or not.
Tonight.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 11, 2011 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know where you're getting this from.
I just want a bit of good play in their first pro game, that’s all.
What are you Tom Leykis?
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Aug 11, 2011 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
God. Is that cheesedick still on the air?
I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction Rice/ Is also great/ And would suffice.
Ah but how many of you know the origins of the word "asplode"? That's the true question.
"It was a dream come true to be the quarterback in Seattle; Bigger and better than anything I could have dreamed of." -Matthew Hasselbeck
Homestar Runner, I think?
Never liked those flash cartoons.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow, he absolutely destroys Matt!!
And yes, Tobeck still calls it the worst moment of his career, even worse than suffering two Super Bowl defeats. “When you’re trying to push every last bit of your ability out of your body, stuff’s gonna happen,” he says. “It’s not a badge of honor. In football, you’re just expected to go beyond your limits. I was lying on the ground, thinking, What do I do now? Then I was like, ‘Heck, it’s only Hasselbeck—I’ll stay in the game.’ ”
HAHAHAHA
I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction Rice/ Is also great/ And would suffice.
Best Part of that Article
Is them telling Matt to stop licking his HANDS…..
Win Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion
What if they ass-plode?
Ass-plode: when a big athlete just looks fat and slow. In a sentence: I thought Leonard Davis moving from tackle to guard would be a good move, but instead he ass-ploded.
by Harvey Manfrengenson on Aug 11, 2011 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I dont know if you've heard yet but
“football is back”
by RawkEmHawkEmBirdbots on Aug 11, 2011 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm ready now.
Needs 3 hour pregame like the super bowl.
70% of space is covered by dark matter, the rest by ET.
He needs to paint his arms silver.
Be like Jax.
70% of space is covered by dark matter, the rest by ET.
by hazbro24 on Aug 11, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tekken!
Earl Thomas + Mark Legree = Earl Gree. A new flavor of safety coming to you on Sunday's this Fall. They're gonna wake you up!
Oh, I'd also like to see what happens with Curry.
He’s definitely shown flashes in the last two seasons so I want to see if he can finally put it all together.
But can't really watch a safety because they're off screen
I’m actually going to watch Okung in particular. Can’t wait to see what he can do while healthy. And on D- KJ Wright and all Leo candidates
Apparently Pete Carroll doesn’t like how Charlie Whitehurst holds a clipboard
by hawksfan1401 on Aug 11, 2011 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
My First Post
I finally did it! Long time reader, first time posting a comment. I figured today is as good of a day as any! I’m very excited to get involved with the discussions and talk about the Seahawks. Living in Orlando, FL does not give me very many opportunities for that. With that said…
Will definitely be trying to watch Brandon Browner and Golden Tate. Curious if Tate will be playing the slot, and more importantly where Obomanu fits in.
Welcome!
I wouldn’t be surprised if a fairly (relatively) large percentage of FG readers are Seahawks fans living outside of Washington. Would be cool to see the breakdown if Danny/Thomas/Benne/etc have access to those analytics.
The map we made back in May:
Apparently Pete Carroll doesn’t like how Charlie Whitehurst holds a clipboard
by hawksfan1401 on Aug 11, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Welcome, mate!
"It was a dream come true to be the quarterback in Seattle; Bigger and better than anything I could have dreamed of." -Matthew Hasselbeck
Definitely looking forward to seeing this young defense.
We’ve got some really young, fast, instinctual players that are going to need to have great feet under them to help us have a good year. I want to see INTERCEPTIONS.
How many interceptions do you think our defense will get tonight?
I’m thinking a boisterous 4! (watching for Legree and Malcolm Smith)
by RawkEmHawkEmBirdbots on Aug 11, 2011 11:24 AM PDT reply actions
I'd settle for an effusive three.
I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction Rice/ Is also great/ And would suffice.
by shams on Aug 11, 2011 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
FOOTBALL!!!!!!!
I went whale watching the other day. I think. There were a lot of people in that lake.
Really excited to see Sherman get some playing time
I feel that he was an excellent value pick, and has flown under the radar a bit since being drafted.
Backup LBs
will be interesting to watch. I have to think we will look for a vet LB in final cuts or before since we have ZERO experienced depth unless you count McCoy who is a ST bubble guy. LBs are the crazy guys who are in the middle of things all game long and they get banged up. I wonder how long Lofa will stay available? Just maybe he changes his mind and signs a 1 year deal with us…
Respect goes a long way....
Pinkard as Babs, although that will be difficult to keep tabs on.
Tate. Baldwin. I think Dexter Davis will flash this preseason.
by Woodinville_12thMan on Aug 11, 2011 12:34 PM PDT reply actions
Are we going to do a Pick Your Hawk post or whatever?!??
"It was a dream come true to be the quarterback in Seattle; Bigger and better than anything I could have dreamed of." -Matthew Hasselbeck
Defense defense defense
Especially to see how Thurmond performs
Pretty sure I'm the only Seahawks fan on the East Coast
What about Durham?
I wanna see what he can do
by Savage Seahawk fan on Aug 11, 2011 1:34 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Won't play tonight
sore hamstring
Apparently Pete Carroll doesn’t like how Charlie Whitehurst holds a clipboard
by hawksfan1401 on Aug 11, 2011 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't have cable.
Also I just dislike ESPN in general.
by the other side on Aug 11, 2011 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Will the 1st team O-line play
more snaps then usual to give them a chance to work together in a (sort-of) game situation?
He'll stick.
T-Jax is hardly a sure thing and has a history of missing games due to injury.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
All that means is that we need a third QB on the roster, not that it needs to be Charlie.
It’s not like he knows the offense or anything.
I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction Rice/ Is also great/ And would suffice.
agree,
and it’s also been said that j.p (josh portis) is out performing him. (take it with a grain of salt considering it’s w/ and against 3rd stringers)
No better backups out there, and he fits the mold for our system just as well as T-Jax does
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions
That is a defensible position
But not one our FO seems to be taking, considering they did not bring him in. If they were going to cut Whitehurst, they probably would’ve, unless he shows nothing in the pre-season, and considering he looked decent last pre-season, I see no reason to believe he will.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
i think
they consider it if portic out performs him. As a backup, whitehurst is fine. But if he’s making as much money as he is now, he’s not economically feasable as a third
We're not strapped for cash, we barely have a single starter's money tied up in our entire QB group
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
still, why waste the cash when he's a third
when we could get a cheaper QB that was a beast in college.
side note: Beast Quake was just on ESPN… instant wood
Whitehurst being pushed to third by an UDFA is also a very unlikely scenario
This is all fairly baseless speculation
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
everything is baseless at this point
it the preseason. I’m just speculating on a scenario that could happen.
"Just as well"? Really?
Doesn’t seem nearly as mobile to me but I’ll defer to you.
I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction Rice/ Is also great/ And would suffice.
He is as mobile
He just doesn’t scramble as much, as he has better pocket presence.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 11, 2011 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmmm
Christopher Smith
Ryan Mathews will play for the Chargers. SEA scratches of note: Sidney Rice, Chris Clemons, Mike Williams, Walter Thurmond.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
hmm, so our top wide outs wont be there
that’s depressing considering i wanted to see what jackson could do with them. Thurmond out better meant browner is #1. Clemmons out was expected
No Rice?
Darn…I was looking forward to seeing him for a couple of drives.
by SeahawksPhan on Aug 11, 2011 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
w00t!
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
Golden Tate with the start
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
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