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Northwest Pro Sports 12
Seahawks Quarterback and Running Back Grades Regular Season Game 2011-6
Oct 26th
Quarterback and Running Back Player Grades
Quarterback
Charlie Whitehurst hit Doug Baldwin during the 2011 preseason. Photo by Brett Bivens
Charlie Whitehurst (F-)
Last week B+ in almost half a game after replacing Tarvaris Jackson (injury)
THE GOOD:
Charlie did a good job handling the high snaps from backup center Lemuel Jeanpierre. He showed and ability to fit the ball into small windows and get it out in a hurry at times.
THE BAD:
Whitehurst did have trouble handling one of the high snaps. He was throwing into a lot of coverage and should have had more interceptions but he was lucky that the Browns secondary cannot catch balls that hit them in their hands. On his final pass of the game he threw a ball (on fourth down) that had 0% chance of being completed. There were no open receivers at the time but he threw it to the worst possible one. The others had a low chance of success but at least there was some chance. He struggled finding the open receiver and on multiple occasions threw the ball to someone who was covered when he had a receiver open. At the goal line he threw the ball out of bounds in the direction of Michael Robinson but he had Cameron Morrah at the 1-yard line with a couple steps on the line backer. That should have been an easy touchdown but Charlie never made an attempt. He had a lot of trouble hanging onto the ball when he was sacked or at one point even when there was no pressure on him and he lost control of the ball while attempting to throw it. He threw an interception on the play after Leon’s SHOULD BE touchdown. They had great field position and the quarterback needs to show poise in that situation not frustration like Whitehurst did. Late in the game he had Sidney Rice wide open and all he needed to do was throw the ball on target but instead threw the ball so that Rice was forced out of bounds. They still got a big completion but that play should have been a touchdown. He started to panic in the pocket towards the end of the game.
Running Backs
1) Leon Washington (A-)
Leon Washington evades tacklers. Photo By Brett Bivens
Laste week he led the backs with an A-
THE GOOD:
First, to get it out of the way, he had a punt return for a touchdown. The block in the back was a bogus call and I am not about to take that return away from Washington because he deserves it. What I will say though is he shouldn’t have been show boating before he got in the end zone and taken that big hit. It kinda reminded me of last year when he was show boating and got tackled just short of the end zone. He needs to stop that. When he got the ball in his hands he did everything in his power to make something happen. He averaged 5.6-yards per carry and was showing his wicked ability to cut and make people miss. At times he just decided to run over a would-be tackler. He showed patience setting up his blocks and vision finding cut back lanes. He also showed the speed needed to get to the edge and that he has an ability to pick up the blitz.
THE BAD:
He only had 7 carries and took a kick off back to the 14-yard line. If you are going to take the ball out of the end zone on a kick off you better get back to the 20 at least.
2) Justin Forsett (B-)
Last week B-
THE GOOD:
He showed his ability to make hard cuts and make people miss. He did a nice job picking up the blitz and giving his quarterback more time to throw.
THE BAD:
He only averaged 2.9-yards per carry and part of the reason was because he was hesitating to hit the hole. On special teams he had a missed block during a kick return.
3) Michael Robinson (D+)
Last week C+
THE GOOD:
On Leon’s punt return for the touchdown he had a nice block that sprung him at the beginning of the return. He had a couple nice run blocks.
THE BAD:
He struggled most of the game. Michael had a missed tackle on punt coverage and one on kick coverage. He missed a block on a kick return but the worst mistake was at the goal line when he lead the running back into the hole and dove on the ground blocking no one. Had he blocked one of the two defenders bearing down on the running back it would have probably been a touchdown.
Seahawks Offensive Line Grades Regular Season Game 2011-6
Oct 26th
Seahawks Player Grades
Offensive Line
They all did a nice job selling the play action.
Russell Okung protects Tarvaris Jackson's blind side against the Falcons pass rush. Photo by Brett Bivens
1) Russell Okung (B-)
Last week B-
THE GOOD:
He played his best game since being injured in the preseason so hopefully it is a sign that his ankle is feeling better. Russell had a few nice blocks both in the running game and in pass protection.
THE BAD:
Okung lost his block on one running play and he had trouble picking up a stunt.
2) Robert Gallery and James Carpenter (C+)
Last week: Robert did not play and James had an F
THE GOOD:
Gallery was solid when he was asked to move around. If he was pulling or being asked to block at the second level he was spot on. At the beginning of the game Carpenter was getting of the snap extremely quickly. He blocked well in the running game including a play where he was blocking two defenders at the same time. He wasn’t able to hold the block long but for a bit he had one blocked with each hand.
THE BAD:
Unfortunately when Robert was asked to line up and block the guy in front of him he struggled a lot of the time. As stated above James was getting off the snap well but then he started jumping before the snap and got called for two false starts on the same drive. He missed a cut block but reached out and grabbed the foot of the defender and tackled him. That play was not called but it easily could have been. James gave up a sack when he was beat by a double move on the inside.
4) John Moffitt (C)
Last week B-
5) Lemuel Jeanpierre (F)
Last week (playing in place of Robert Gallery) C+
THE GOOD:
Jeanpierre had a pancake block on a run at the goal line, too bad no one else blocked on that play.
THE BAD:
Four snaps were too high and he is lucky that Charlie Whitehurst was able to keep them from being disasters. He had trouble sealing runnings games and blocking in the running game when asked to block 1:1 at times.
Seahawks Player Grades Regular Season 2011-5
Oct 21st
Seahawks Player Grades from the Giants game.
First of all let me apologize for not getting the grades done like usually. I have been very sick and unable to sit at the computer to type them out.
I was able to do all the game notes and I have all the information I would normally put out but I think in the interest of getting the grades out I will post the actual grade for every player and if I get a request about why a players grade is what it is I will add to this post.
Thank you all for your patience.
The last grade I gave out was the quarterbacks so I will start here with the running backs
Running Back
1) Leon Washington (A-)
Last week he led the running backs with a B+
2) Marshawn Lynch (B+)
Last week C+
3) Justin Forsett (B-)
Last week B
4) Michael Robinson (C+)
Last week C-
THE GOOD:
He did a very nice job on special teams while blocking on punt returns and getting downfield in a hurry on a kick return and getting in on a tackle inside the Giants 15-yard line.
THE BAD:
He ran into the back of his own player and fumbled the ball near the giants goal line. Darrell Bevell should have never handed him the ball three straight times but it is his job to hold onto the ball every time his number is called.
Wide Receiver
1) Doug Baldwin (A+)
Last week he led the receivers with an A-
2) Ben Obomanu (B+)
Last week B
3) Sidney Rice and Golden Tate (B)
Last week Sidney had a C+ and Golden did not receive a grade.
Tight End
1) Zach Miller (C+)
Last week B
His grade was extremely limited this week because he was injured on the Seahawks seventh offensive play.
2) Anthony McCoy (F+)
Last week C+
Defensive Line
1) Brandon Mebane and Chris Clemons (A+)
Last week: Brandon had a B+ and Chris had a B-
3) Alan Branch (A)
Last week he led the unit with an A
4) Red Bryant (A-)
Last week C
5) Raheem Brock and Clinton McDonald (B-)
Last week; Raheem B+ and Clinton an A-
7) Anthony Hargrove (C+)
Last week he was last of the defensive line with a C-
8) Al Woods and Jameson Konz (C)
This was the first week either player was graded.
Linebacker
1) KJ Wright (B+)
KJ Wright has almost perfect coverage on Tony Gonzalez. Photo by Brett Bivens
Last week C+
2) Leroy Hill and David Vobora (C+)
Last week: Leroy C+ and David was signed on October 4th.
4) David Hawthorne (C)
Last week D+
5) Aaron Curry (D-)
Last week he led the linebackers with a B-
Defensive Back
Cornerback
1) Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman (B+)
Last week: Brandon C and Richard led the corners with a C+
3) Walter Thurmond (B)
Last week he was not graded
4) Kennard Cox (B-)
Last week D-
Safety
1) Kam Chancellor (A+)
Last week Atari Bigby started in his place due to injury
2) Earl Thomas (B+)
Last week C+
3) Jeron Johnson (B-)
Last week he led all safeties with a B-
4) Atari Bigby (C-)
Last week D+
Seahawks Quarterback Grades Regular Season Game 2011-5
Oct 14th
Seahawks Quarterback Player Grades
1) Charlie Whitehurst (B+)
Charlie Whitehurst during the 2011 Pre-Season at home against the Vikings
This was his first action this year.
THE GOOD:
Charlie had several really well placed passes. One was the quick slant to Sidney Rice and another one was the touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin. He did a good job avoiding sacks either by using his legs to buy time or throwing the ball away. His decision making was quick which allowed him to plant his back foot and throw the ball.
THE BAD:
On one play he didn’t recognize a blitz and took a big hit from his blind side. One of the passes where he threw the ball away he had locked onto a receiver and didn’t go through his progressions. If he had he gone through them he would have seen that Anthony McCoy was open underneath.
2) Tarvaris Jackson (C+)
Last week A-
THE GOOD:
He did a good job leading his receivers to give them a chance to catch the ball in stride. Tarvaris had a few passes where he didn’t have much of a window and had excellent ball placement. Jackson was doing a pretty good job going through his progressions and had a touchdown pass.
THE BAD:
Two straight passes he threw into double coverage the second of which Zach Miller got hurt from a hit to his head. New York Giants Safety Kenny Phillis was fined $20,000 for the hit on Miller. He floated a ball and made a poor decision on another to throw a ball to the outside that had little chance of going well. That ball was intercepted.
Seahawks Offensive Line Grades Regular Season Game 2011-5
Oct 13th
Seahawks Offensive Line Player Grades
1) Paul McQuinstan (B+)
Paul McQuinstan blocks on a screen pass against Atlanta 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
He went from worst last week to first this week.
THE GOOD:
He was solid in the running game except for one play. Paul showed strength pushing a defender down the line and opening a big running lane. He got good push at the goal line on Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown. He had a pancake and was able to seal running lanes. He showed athleticism by getting to the second level to block in the running game. McQuinstan did a good job in pass pro as well including working with Okung while defenders were stunting.
THE BAD:
He got called for holding, missed a cut block and was unable to hold one run block that caused a takle for no gain.
2) Russell Okung and John Moffitt (B-)
Last week: Russell C- and John led the unit with an A-
THE GOOD:
Russell did a nice job early in the game clearing a passing lane on a short pass. He had some plays where he really held strong in pass pro and did a good job working with McQuinstan against stunting defenders. For the most part Okung was strong while blocking in the running game. On Marshawn Lynch’s touchdown run from the 1-yard line he got good push driving the defender into the end zone. He had a pancake and did a nice job sealing some running lanes. He showed toughness trying to play through cramping but eventually had to be pulled from the game. John did a good job working with James Carpenter as a unit. On the quarterback sneak he was able to get good push that gave Tarvaris plenty of room to get over the first down line. He showed the extreme power he posses when he pushed his defender into the line and collapse the whole line. Later in the game he had a nice cut block.
THE BAD:
Okung reached for Osi Umenyiora instead of keeping his feet under him. On that play Osi easily beat Russell and stripped the ball away from Lynch from behind. He was beat for two sacks and got the quarterback hit a couple more times. On one play John was working with Carpenter and they could not move the defender out of the running lane and on one play he got pushed into the backfield while run blocking. Moffitt gave up a sack and got beat to the inside by on a passing play. After that play he came off the field and went back into the locker room to get IV fluids.
4) Lemuel Jeanpierre (C+)
Last week he did not receive a grade
THE GOOD:
He showed awareness on a passing play when James Carpenter was getting beat on the outside. He ran around Carpenter and laid out the pass rusher knocking him to the ground. Lemuel showed some power when he pushed a defender 5-yards down the field during a running play. He had a nice block on the Safety Kick return that helped spring Leon Washington to a decent return.
THE BAD:
On a passing play he got bull rushed and pushed back into the quarterback and on a running play he was not able to seal a running lane against a linebacker.
5) Max Unger (D)
Last week B
He had a vey inconsistent game.
THE GOOD:
At times he did a very good job getting to the second level to block in the running game. He was able to seal running lanes and open holes. At times he was solid in the passing game including a play where he had a nice cut block on a wide receiver screen.
THE BAD:
As a center his first job is to snap the ball and get it to his quarterback. Three times while in the shotgun he had snaps that were off target. A couple times he couldn’t get blocks at the second level, one of which he couldn’t get off his initial block (I would assume there was a hold but you couldn’t see it from the camera angle). He missed a cut block on a quarterback scramble that led to Jackson getting tackled. Max had some trouble keeping the running lanes open long enough for the running back to get through them and he had a false start.
James Carpenter struggles to block Darnell Dockett of the Cardinals. Photo by Brett Bivens
6) James Carpenter (F)
Last week B+
THE GOOD:
He worked well with John Moffitt. He was able to seal the edge on Marshawn’s 47-yard run and had good push on a 3rd and 1. At times he held up in the passing game.
THE BAD:
At times James had trouble sealing the running lane. He missed a couple of cut blocks, one of which led to pressure on the quarterback. He was beat inside and outside in pass pro giving up 2 sacks, getting the quarterback hit once and pressured three more times. He picked up a false start penalty.
No More Curry For The Seahawks
Oct 12th
Seahawks Trade Linebacker Aaron Curry
Aaron Curry standing around the sidelines after being demoted. Photo By Brett Bivens
If you are one of those people who thought the Seahawks should lose last years game at home against the Rams to get a better draft pick this is one example of why you are wrong.
It started April 25, 2009, when Linebacker Aaron Curry was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 4th overall pick in the draft.
Curry was considered the “can’t miss” prospect in the draft. He was the most “NFL ready” player and more than a few thought he was the “best player” in the draft, not just at his position but player period.
It’s not every day that the team with the 4th overall pick has a chance to draft the “best player” so it was very exciting when Seattle came on the clock and he was still available.
After being drafted by the Seahawks he was an instant hit with fans and media a like. He came in a soft spoken, mild mannered young man who seemed very grateful for his opportunity to be a Seattle Seahawk.
Fast forward to October 12, 2011, and you see a player who many, including myself, are very happy to see leave.
Maybe Curry can find that player he was supposed to be now that he is an Oakland Raider. Maybe he will regain his focus and his passion for the game in the Black Hole. It was clear that it wasn’t going to happen here.
Many people are calling him one of the biggest bust in franchise history but when I looked at some of the other draft busts the Seahawks have had I can’t put Curry in the same category as them for the simple fact that the Seahawks were able to get another team to trade for him.
The Seahawks appear to be getting two conditional draft picks; one late round pick this year and a mid-round pick next.
Seahawks Defensive Back Grades Regular Season Game 2011-4
Oct 8th
Seahawks Defensive Back grades from the Falcons game
Cornerback
1) Richard Sherman (C+)
Last week he did not receive a grade.
THE GOOD:
He had a big block on Leon Washington’s big punt return and had a solo tackle.
THE BAD:
He isn’t getting any playing time on defense.
2) Brandon Browner (C)
Brandon Browner levels Julio Jones 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
Last week C-
Yes, there were times when he had trouble in coverage deep but he played the underneath routes pretty well especially the wide receiver screens. On that long pass to Julio Jones to start the third quarter he couldn’t have had much better coverage but a perfectly thrown ball and a great play by a wide receiver will beat great coverage any time.
3) Marcus Trufant (D)
Last week B+
THE GOOD:
A couple times he had really good coverage and had a pass defensed.
THE BAD:
He played too soft in coverage especially on 3rd and 1-yard and when he had safety help over the top. On one play he completely blew his coverage and to top it off he had a missed tackle.
4) Kennard Cox (D-)
Last week C-
THE GOOD:
Hopefully with the additions made this week he will either “shape up or ship out”.
THE BAD:
He missed his block on two different kick returns both led to a tackle and on Washington’s big punt return he missed a block that ended up being the reason Leon was tackled short of the end zone.
Safety
Jeron Johnson pushes Julio Jones out of bounds 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
1) Jeron Johnson (B-)
Last week he did not receive a grade.
THE GOOD:
Jeron had a big tackle that upended the kick returner after Sidney Rice’s touchdown. He showed he understands angles by the way he used the sideline as an extra tackler when there was no one around to help. On Leon’s punt big punt return he had a big block to help spring him.
THE BAD:
Johnson doesn’t see a whole lot of time on the field to show what he has but he takes advantage of the time he gets.
2) Earl Thomas (C+)
Last week B-
THE GOOD:
Earl had four tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage and was causing havoc in the running game all day with the way he was crashing in on the run.
THE BAD:
Thomas gave up on a Michael Turner run early in the game. In the NFL (especially when facing a back like turner) the play isn’t over till the whistle. He was a little late in his coverage at times and had a couple missed tackles.
3) Atari Bigby (D+)
Last week C
THE GOOD:
Atari was able to get a little pressure on Matt Ryan and also had a pass defensed. He did a good job keeping contain and forcing the running back inside.
THE BAD:
Bigby struggled a little in coverage like most of the secondary. He was late in his run recognition at times and had a couple missed tackles.
Seahawks Linebacker Grades Regular Season Game 2011-4
Oct 8th
Seahawks Linebacker grades from the Falcons game
1) Aaron Curry (B-)
Aaron Curry tackles Michael Turner 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
Last week C
THE GOOD:
He did a nice job avoiding a cut block and fighting off blockers to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. I was impressed on one play when he didn’t over pursue (like he normally does) and he set the edge forcing the runner back inside to help. He didn’t make the tackle but in my book it was his best play of the game.
THE BAD:
He still isn’t dropping deep enough to keep opposing quarterbacks from dropping hitting receivers underneath the secondary.
2) KJ Wright and Leroy Hill (C+)
Last week: KJ C+ and Leroy A-
THE GOOD:
KJ did a nice job setting up outside forcing the play back inside where he had help. Both players were able to fight of blockers and make plays. Leroy was able to get pressure on the quarterback.
THE BAD:
Wright had a missed tackle on a touchdown run. Hill hesitated on a 3rd and short when he was in position which resulted in a first down. On one play he stumbled in coverage allowing for and easy completion.
4) Malcolm Smith (C-)
Last week C-
THE GOOD:
He is a rookie and has plenty time to learn from his mistakes.
THE BAD:
On punt coverage he had a chance to make a play but he lowered his shoulder and hit the guy without wrapping up and the guy bounced off and kept going.
David Hawthorne makes a tackle against the Falcons 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
5) David Hawthorne (D+)
Last week B
THE GOOD:
David did a good job reading the run and hit the quarterback.
THE BAD:
He missed four tackles including one that led to a touchdown. Hawthorne struggled in coverage.
Seahawks Defensive Line Grades Regular Season Game 2011-4
Oct 7th
Seahawks Defensive Line grades from the Falcons game.
1) Alan Branch (A)
Alan Branch hits Matt Ryan in end zone 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
Last week B+
THE GOOD:
Alan spent most of the game in the backfield, although he only recorded one tackle for a loss he disrupted 5 more runs and put pressure on the quarterback 3 times. He showed a little speed in pursuit making a tackle for no gain.
THE BAD:
A lot of fans wont notice how good he is playing because he isn’t putting up big numbers.
2) Clinton McDonald (A-)
Last week he brought up the rear for the unit with a C+
THE GOOD:
Clinton was able to get penetration in the running game a few times including in goal line situations. He was fighting off blocks to make tackles for little to no gain including a play when he was cut down and made the tackle from his knees. He showed his strength fighting off two blockers and still being able to stay in the running lane.
THE BAD:
McDonald had a missed tackle in the game.
3) Brandon Mebane and Raheem Brock (B+)
Last week: Brandon A- and Raheem B-
THE GOOD:
In the beginning of the game he was getting a good jump off the ball. I think he may have figured out a “tell” during film study. He consistently draws double teams and is able to fight them off. He made tackles near the line of scrimmage and moved down the line well to close running lanes. Raheem pressured the quarterback a few times and recorded a quarterback hit. He showed his pursuit ability making a couple tackles including a shoe string tackle on Matt Ryan. He recorded a tackle for a loss.
THE BAD:
Brock was late getting off the ball on 3rd and short he over ran a stunt and left the middle of the line wide open for Ryan to make a big run.
5) Chris Clemons (B-)
Last week he led the group with an A.
THE GOOD:
He was getting a really good jump off the ball and that helped him get into the backfield a few times. He recorded a quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss on a play that he pursued from the backside.
THE BAD:
Chris was fooled by miss direction on Michael Turner’s touchdown run causing him to lose outside contain. Later in the game he was fooled by play action.
6) Red Bryant (C)
Last week A-
Red made some plays but he was very inconsistent and he wore down during the long drives.
Anthony Hargrove makes a tackle against the Falcons 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens
7) Anthony Hargrove (C-)
Last week B-
THE GOOD:
Anthony showed his athleticism when he jumped over a backside cut block to maintain his pursuit.
THE BAD:
He fell down attempting to spin around the offensive lineman.
A Moment They Will Never Forget
Oct 6th
Let’s help a Couple 12′s
Mike Broderick and his son Shawn are trying to win the “Ultimate Displaced Fan”. I had a chance to talk to his son about the contest and find out how we could help a couple fellow 12th men out.
Shawn how did you become a Seahawks fan?
“My dad and I are just die hard fans living in South Dakota. My mom and my dad lived there before I was born, but then he got a good job here in South Dakota and that’s where I’ve grown up. He’s always watched the Seahawks games somehow down here and I eventually started watching them with him and really started to like them just as much as him, if not more.”
What is your favorite Seahawks memorabilia?
“We have a huge card collection of our favorite Seahawks, they mostly consist of Deon Butler, Aaron Curry, and Earl Thomas.”
This contest is for the “Ultimate Displaced Fan” what is the prize for winning?
“Whoever wins voting this month gets to go onto the finals (not sure when that voting is), and the winner of the final month gets two tickets to the Super Bowl this year.”
How can people help you win?
“It’d be insane if we ended up winning, please put a huge thanks out there from my dad and I for whoever votes for us. Keep in mind you can vote every day if you’d like. Thanks!!!”
And there you have it! I know this isn’t a typical post but its a nice opportunity to help a 12.
