Seahawks offensive line grades

This is part 5 of the Seahawks player grades against the Broncos. The quarterback, running back, linebacker and defensive line grades have already been posted.

Max Unger #60

Last week: A-

Max Unger continues to prove why he got his new contract during the offseason.  Last week he was the best offensive lineman on the Seahawks, and he backed that up by doing it again.

the good:

• Ability to consistently get to the second level, and deliver solid blocks.
• Ability to seal the running lanes up the middle and give the running back a large hole to run through.

the bad:

• Max was pushed into the face of Matt Flynn and gave up a sack.

the grade: A+

Breno Giacomini #68

Last week: C-

After struggling a bit last week Breno Giacomini responded in week 2 of the preseason.  His aggression is a positive, but he needs to learn how to turn it off before he makes stupid mistakes.  That said, a stupid penalty couldn’t take away from the outstanding job Breno was doing out there on Saturday.

the good:

• 3 pancake blocks in pass protection.
• 1 pancake while run blocking.
• Push in the running game, including on a 4th and 1 play.
• Cut block, took out 2 defenders and created a big hole for the running back.

the bad:

• Missed a cut block attempt while pass blocking.
• Fell while trying to run block.
• Got pushed back into Matt Flynn, while in pass protection.
• He got baited into his 2nd unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in 2 weeks, when he head-butted a Broncos player.
• Holding penalty.

the grade: A

JR Sweezy #64

Last week: C+

I didn’t think JR Sweezy could impress me more than he had last week, but thats exactly what he did.  When the Seahawks drafted him and switched him to the offensive side of the ball I expected him to compete for a practice squad position. Now, he is definitely competing for a roster spot.

the good:

• Strength to push defensive tackles out of the lanes, and open big holes to run through.
• Aggressiveness, always plays through the whistle and looks for someone to hit.
• Solid pass protection.

the bad:

• Struggled getting to the 2nd level to make blocks.
• Struggled to get outside and set up block on screen pass.

the grade: B+

Paul McQuistan #67

Last week: b+

Paul McQuistan has really improved his pass blocking ability this season.  Every snap Paul was in pass protection he was solid.  McQuistan struggled a couple times while run blocking.

the grade: B+

Russell Okung #76

Last week: b-

Russell Okung has had a career marred by injury.  Every game he makes it through without being carted off I feel is a success.

the good:

• Pass protection, at times he is a complete wall at left tackle.
• Pancake while run blocking.

the bad:

• Russell missed a couple run blocks.
• Missed 2 pass blocks, one he was forced to hold to save Matt Flynn, and the other led to a quarterback pressure.
• Should have been called for a false start, but the officials missed it.

the grade: b+

Rishaw Johnson #63

last week: B

For the second week in a row, Rishaw Johnson looked good when he had a chance to play.  I hope that he gets an opportunity to play against better competition in the game against Kansas City this week.  If not, I think the Seahawks might try to sneak him onto the practice squad.

the good:

• Good job holding the pocket.
• Getting push in the running game.

the bad:

• Rishaw plays near the end of games which means he’s playing against end of the roster type players at best.

the grade: b

Allen Barbre #78

last week: B-

Though Allen Barbre was not quite as good this week as he was last, he still had a very solid game.

the good:

• Threw defender to the ground like a rag doll.
• Ran defender out of the play on a running play.
• Solid pass protection when left on an island
• Cleaned the linebacker out of the hole on Russell Wilson’s quarterback sneak.  (That was the key block that allowed the Seahawks to move the chains.)

the bad:

• Pushed into the backfield on a running play.
• Missed a run block.
• Allowed a sack.

the grade: C+

Edawn Coughman #70

Edawn Coughman may wear Michael Sinclair’s old number, but he sure isn’t doing it justice.

the good:

• He isn’t expected to make the roster.

the bad:

• Lost a run block.

the grade: c-

Lemuel Jeanpierre #61

last week: A-

I don’t have to pick a player who disappointed me the most along the offensive line.  Then again, Lemuel Jeanpierre didn’t have to go out and play like an undrafted rookie free agent.

the good:

• Held the pocket strong.

the bad:

• Knocked to the ground at the second level while run blocking.
• Slow getting to the second level while run blocking.
• Completely missed a run block.

the grade: D+

Alex Barron #73

Last week: D+

Pete Carroll, John Schneider and Tom Cable have got to be extremely disappointed in the job Alex Barron has done since joining the Seahawks.

the good:

• He can’t be the worst on the line, as long as Duce Lutui is lined up next to him.
• Monday is a cutdown day so, he might not be around by the end of that day.

the bad:

• His play on the field.

the grade: D-

Duce Lutui #72

last week: D-

Is there something to be said for consistency?

the good:

• He plays nasty football.

the bad:

• He plays nasty bad football.

the grade: d-