Northwest Pro Sports 12
Posts tagged Bobby Wagner
Seahawks 2012 Draft Class, not liked in April
Jan 4th
Talking heads rolled their eyes at the 2012 Seahawks draft class
The 2012 Seattle Seahawks Draft Class produced a 1st-round pick that scouts called a reach for the pick.
Rookie Bruce Irvin, the look says it all. Photo by Brett Bivens
Bruce Irvin may have been a reach in late April, but now that it is early January 2013 he’s far from a reach. Having played in all 16-games for the Seahawks this year Irvin has flown under the radar, but don’t let that effect the way you view him. In those 16-games he’s piled up 8 sacks, which is a team record for a rookie defensive player in the category, and forced one fumble.
I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong, and I was wrong on Draft night in April. When the pick of Irvin flashed my initial reaction was “WHAT?!” I wanted a guy by the name of Chandler Jones. Someone I had watched over the past 3-years in college and knew his potential, but I didn’t factor in the truth and that’s Irvin fits Seattle’s defensive scheme, Jones on the other hand wouldn’t have. I was wrong to have second guessed Pete Carroll and John Schneider and that’s the reason I’m a member of the 12th Man and not the Front Office.
The 2nd-round selection in Bobby Wagner reminded me of another MLB selected by the Seahawks a few years back-Lofa Tatupu a small guy, but has the ability to guide his teammates and contribute to their success. He’s proven his case with 140 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions as well as his name being thrown around as a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Hopefully unlike Tatupu his success in Seattle lasts longer than his six-years with the team in which he appeared in three Pro Bowls-all in his first three-years in the league.
Just like Lofa, Wagner has a young core of Linebackers near him in KJ Wright, Malcolm Smith and Mike Morgan. Tatupu came in with one of Wagner’s teammates in 2005-Leroy Hill.
The Seahawks 3rd-round pick was a Quarterback by the name of Russell Wilson, a QB that scouts called “too small to be able to start in the NFL.”
Wilson can’t hide his 5’11 frame, but he hasn’t let it get to him. To open the season Wilson was named starting QB for the Seahawks over free-agent signee Matt Flynn. Jon Gruden compared him to Drew Brees and stated throughout the pick if he was still a head coach he would have been selected way before his selection in the 3rd-round.
The Jaguars, Bills and Chiefs all passed on Wilson as the Jaguars selected a Punter with their pick in the 3rd-round and since then Wilson has started every game for the Seahawks completing 64% of his passes for 3,118-yards and 26 Touchdowns-tying the NFL Rookie Record for touchdown passes by a quarterback by the name of Peyton Manning. He’s led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record and four game-winning drives (defeated the Chicago Bears in OT). Did I mention he can scramble as well? Wilson rushed for 489-yards and scored on the ground four times for the Seahawks.
His selection in the 3rd-round is the reason he’s being overlooked by some as a Rookie of the Year underdog behind his opponent he’ll take on Sunday in Washington-Robert Griffin III.
Wilson has shown he will be playing for years to come as a starting QB in the NFL and hopefully will be a cornerstone for the Seahawks as they continue their success with such a young team in the NFL.
Robert Turbin was selected in the 4th-round and viewed as a workhorse that down the road should be able to lessen the load on Marshawn Lynch in the backfield and he’s proven just that. In 16-games he rushed for 354-yards averaging 4.4 per carry, while also having 181-yards receiving. He’s shown at times his hands aren’t the best when he’s receiving, but through the season has shown he’s improving in that category and will be a vital part as teams try to wear out Lynch in the playoffs-something easier said than done.
Breno Giocomini teaches rookie JR Sweezy during training camp. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Seahawks final six-picks in rounds 4-7 have all contributed in role situations, but each one has shown he has potential to develop. CB Jeremy Lane (6th-round pick) and OG JR Sweezy (7th-round pick) have each started 3 games apiece and appeared in 13-games with the Seahawks.
Lane has piled up 15 tackles and Sweezy has shown he has done a nice job of transitioning from defensive line in college to the offensive line in the pro’s.
Jaye Howard watching Clinton McDonald during drills at training camp. Photo by Brett Bivens
DT Jaye Howard (4th-round pick) has appeared in two-games for the Seahawks-not accumulating any stats.
LB Korey Toomer (5th-round pick) is currently on the Practice Squad/Injury designation and hasn’t played a game for the Seahawks.
SS Winston Guy (6th-round pick) appeared in two-games for the Seahawks and recently just got activated after being suspended four-games for violating the NFL Substance Policy.
DE Greg Scruggs (7th-round pick) has played in 11-games for the Seahawks piling up 6 total tackles-5 of them himself as well as 2 sacks and a pass deflection for the Seahawks. He’s shown he can get involved in a core that already consists of Chris Clemons, Red Bryant and Irvin.
After the NFL Draft the Seahawks were awarded many negative reviews, some even called them the loser of the Draft, but as the Seahawks suit up Sunday in Washington it’s easy to argue that they’re far from the losers of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Very few teams have their top picks contribute right off the bat let alone throughout their career, but the Seahawks have found players that fill roles and blossom off of them. To have only 1 player not appear in a single game for the team that drafted them their rookie year is something you don’t see often and if you do it’s unusual to see a successful team.
That’s not the case with the Seahawks and if these players keep progressing as they have through their rookie year who knows where they will end up once their careers dwindle down. For the Seahawks however they’ve proven to have been more successful than a majority of the teams in the 2012 Draft and each one of their selections has shown they will contribute.
They’ve also shown that I shouldn’t question Carroll and Schneider’s decisions in the future as well as the rest of the world.
Written by Zach Bellerdine
Seahawks photo blog: 49ers get humiliated
Dec 28th
49ers at Seahawks photo blog
All I wanted for Christmas was a Seahawks victory, what I got was a 49ers butt whoopin’!
Zach Miller could be preparing for life after football. Seen here practicing his tight rope walking. Could he be a long lost cousin of the “Flying Wallendas?”
This was one of Colin Kaepernick’s better moments in Seattle. He looked dazed, sick and confused the entire game.
Chris Clemons chases down Colin Kaepernick from behind.
Marshawn Lynch was about to score a touchdown, Sidney Rice had the best seat in the house.
Steven Hauschka made sure he punished the 49ers when he had the chance.
Kam Chancellor forced a Frank Gore fumble, somehow the Seahawks didn’t come up with the ball.
Part I of Vernon Davis’ great catch against the Seahawks. These photos are very fuzzy but I think it is clear enough to show he made an outstanding play.
Part II of Vernon Davis’ great catch against the Seahawks.
Richard Sherman with a pass deflection against the 49ers
Patrick Willis intercepted a Russell Wilson pass that bounced off of Robert Turbin’s hands.
Bobby Wagner breaks up a pass intended for Michael Crabtree.
Russell Wilson breaks a Patrick Willis tackle.
It is no wonder Sidney Rice almost threw an interception on this play. His toes are pointed almost directly at me, not even close to his intended target.
Leon Washington was not the shortest person on the field Sunday.
Jermaine Kearse drags his right foot in bounds to make a big 3rd down reception late in the game.
Zach Miller snaps his head around to find the defender after making a reception.
Robert Turbin extends to make a great late game catch against the 49ers Sunday.
Richard Sherman steps in front of a 4th quarter pass for his 7th interception of the season.
2012 moments in time: Seattle Seahawks second quarter report card
Nov 3rd
Grades Are In
The Seattle Seahawks went 2-2 during the first quarter of the season. As I expected, they split the games in the second quarter of the season as well.
After the first half of the season, the 4-4 Seahawks are tied for 7th place in the NFC and are 3rd place in the NFC West.
Here is how they got there:
At Carolina
Seattle won 16-12
Despite having seven penalties and three turnovers, the Seahawks pulled off their first win on the road of the 2012 season.
The defense dominated the air as well as the ground. Carolina was only able to manage 190 yards of total offense. The only touchdown the Panthers scored was an interception off a Russell Wilson poorly thrown ball.
Canada Day
Seattle played an impressive game against the New England Patriots in the second quarter of the season. Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images
Seattle beat the Patriots 24-23, at CenturyLink Field.
Russell Wilson had the best game of his young career at home versus one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. It couldn’t have come at a better time, because Marshawn Lynch had his least productive game since last October.
Jon Ryan became the first punter to average 60 yards per punt, with a minimum of 4 attempts, since 1946. Jon, a native to Canada, picked the perfect day to accomplish the feat.
Defensively, the Seahawks did what they needed to do to win. Bobby Wagner had the best game of his career and both Earl Thomas and Richard Shermanintercepted Tom Brady passes. Of course, they came after Earl had already dropped two interceptions earlier in the game.
The game will most notably be remembered for the photo that Richard Sherman tweeted after the game. In case you didn’t see it, the photo was of him and Tom Brady, after the game, with the caption “U Mad Bro?”.
Richard took the photo down after persuasion from Seahawks media relations.
At San Francisco
Seattle lost 6-13.
Seahawks MMQB: Decepticons win this battle 28-24 over Autobots
Oct 29th
“Autobots, roll out”
Boxscore | Play-by-Play | Q’s Post Game Recap
That was the message that Peter Cullen (the voice of Optimus Prime from the “Transformers” movies) left onRichard Sherman‘s voice mail, according to the Fox game broadcast of the Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions. Peter learned that Richard changed his name on twitter to “Optimus Prime” in response to Lions’ receiver Calvin Johnson’s nickname “Megatron”.
Of course the media jumped all over Sherman’s name change, and it made for great bulletin board material for in Lions’ locker-room. I had to jump on it because I grew up watching the cartoon. Between “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” I was a very happy kid on Saturday mornings.
For the fun of it I decided to match a few players to characters from the movie:
Autobots – Seahawks |
Decepticons – Lions |
| Optimus Prime – Richard Sherman | Megatron - Calvin Johnson |
| Jazz – Earl Thomas | Starscream - Titus Young |
| Ironhide – Brandon Browner | Frenzy - Matthew Stafford |
| Bumblebee – Kam Chancellor | Bonecrusher - Brandon Pettigrew |
Optimus Prime and the Autobots were able to contain Megatron as expected. Unfortunately, Frenzy was able to find Starscream and Bonecrusher whom were open all day, and the Decepticons stole the show.
Okay, I got the little boy out of me, now I am ready to get down to the nitty gritty.
Every loss is tough to handle, yet I actually feel pretty good about this one. The offense really stepped up and played well Sunday morning, in Detroit. Russell Wilson and company did more then enough to win the away game, if the defense had shown up to play.
Jazz and the Autobots are nothing like the 2000 Ravens quite yet.
It is difficult, yet in defeat we cannot lose sight of how big of a step forward the offense took.
I am left with a feeling of hope. Despite all the talk about how good theSeahawks defense is, they are not elite, they have not arrived.
They are nothing like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, which is a prime example of what an elite defense looks like. What they are, is a very good, very young, up and coming defense who’s window is a season or two away from opening.
They are loaded with talent but lacking in experience.
Watching the offense Sunday, particularly Russell Wilson, I am left with a feeling of optimism that by the time the defense is ready to become elite, the offense will be good enough to make the Seahawks serious Super Bowl contenders.
Time of Possession
The Seattle Seahawks are built to control the time of possession. On Sunday they couldn’t even keep it close. During the first half, the Lions held the ball for five more minutes then the Seahawks.
Five Seahawks who impressed against the Patriots on Sunday
Oct 16th
Seattle made the plays that mattered
Seattle Seahawks 24, New England Patriots 23
When: 1:05 PM PST, Sunday, November 14, 2012
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
After the Seahawks imploded in the second quarter, and stumbled their way through the 3rd quarter, they found themselves down by 13 points with less than 10 minutes to play.
From that moment on, both sides of the ball made every play they had to.
Sure, Tom Brady and the Patriots racked up 475-yards in total offense. But, when it mattered the most, theSeattle Seahawks defense held the Patriots two yards short.
Russell Wilson #3
I have to throw out his line for everyone. Partially because it seems like people like to talk about his stats, and partly because I love numbers.
16/27 for 293-yards, 3 touchdown and no interceptions. Plus, 5 rushes for 17-yards. It all adds up to a 133.7 Rating and a QBR of 91.4. If you felt like you have read that before, I stole it from my MMQB piece last night.
In case you didn’t read that piece, let me point out that the last time a Seattle Seahawks quarterback had that much of an impact (QBR) in a game was week three of the 2008 season.
Sidney Rice made several nice plays throughout the game. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
We were able to see Russell Wilson air the ball out quite a bit on Sunday. I have to be honest, I am extremely impressed with the way he throws a deep ball. The last time I saw someone throw a ball like that, for the Seahawks, was before Matt Hasselbeck.
From here on out, defenses will have to game plan against big passing plays. That should limit the amount of defenders opposing teams are willing to stack in the box.
Which should really help the running game, not that it isn’t pretty good already.
Sidney Rice #18
Sidney Rice made several nice plays throughout the game. He also messed a few up, we will skip over those for the purpose of this piece. After it was all said and done, two plays put Rice on my list. More. . .
Seahawks photo blog: Reunited and it felt so good
Sep 1st
Seahawks 21, Raiders 3
CenturyLink Field
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Braylon Edwards talk to a fen before the game. Photo by Brett Bivens
John Moffitt is faster with his new porn-stache, even his hair is having trouble keeping up. Photo by Brett Bivens
There is no place I would rather be on game day. The City of Seattle is a stunning sight. Photo by Brett Bivens
For some, Thursday night was the end of a dream. For others, it is just the beginning. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jeron Johnson and Chris Clemons team up to make a stop. Photo by Brett Bivens
Bobby Wagner drags down the ball carrier. Photo by Brett Bivens
JR Sweezy is making the transition from DT to G look easy. Photo by Brett Bivens
Vai Taua delivers a blow to a defender. Photo by Brett Bivens
Rishaw Johnson leads the way. Photo by Brett Bivens
Josh Portis breaks out a little stiff arm action, must have learned that from Marshawn Lynch. Photo by Brett Bivens
Bruce Irvin sacks the quarterback and earns the 12th man a free hamburger. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jaye Howard earned the 12th man free pancakes and a hair cut with this safety. Photo by Brett Bivens
Greg Knapp was sure his offense was prepared for the Seahawks defense. I guess that is about as prepared as one could expect a Knapp offense to be. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks news update:
Kellen Winslow has been released after refusing to take a pay cut.
Seahawks player grades vs Broncos: Linebackers
Aug 20th
Seahawks linebacker player grades
KJ Wright #50
In much the same way I praised Earl Thomas last week, I see a football player who has grown mentally when I look at KJ Wright. KJ is avoiding blocks by being one step ahead of the blocker, and using technique. It looks to me like his coverage skills are much better than they were a season ago, he is putting himself in position to make plays. When Red Bryant tipped a Peyton Manning pass at the line, Wright was there to catch the ball and returned it 29 yards.
the grade: A-
On a sad note Tuskeegee Airman/12th man George Hickman passed away today. Last year he raised the 12th man flag. Photo By Brett Bivens
Leroy Hill #56
the good:
Leroy Hill played the run very well on Saturday. When the Broncos were running at him, he was able to shed blockers and when they ran away he pursued the play from the backside. Hill showed great awareness when he noticed that Jeron Johnson had stripped the ball out of the running backs arms and it was on the ground. A Broncos player was actually in better position to recover the ball, but was oblivious to the fumble.
the bad:
For the most part Leroy struggled in coverage. There were two plays in particular that caught my eye. The first one, Leroy was giving a running back 4 yards in man coverage. In the NFL that is wide open, against Peyton Manning you might as well be in a different city. The second play, Hill had his back towards the line of scrimmage. He was chasing a tight end down the field trying to mirror him. Leroy’s coverage was decent. The problem is in the NFL if defenders aren’t paying any attention to the quarterback he will sling the ball in to his receiver no matter how tight the coverage. By the time the defender realizes the quarterback has thrown the ball it is in the hands of the intended target.
the grade: b+
Korey Toomer #59
Korey Toomer showed awareness on the first Jon Ryan punt that was blocked. Toomer noticed the block, and fell on the ball to keep Denver from picking it up and scoring a touchdown. Korey was also doing a good job shedding blockers, and was able to pick up a quarterback hit for the second week in a row.
the grade: b
Bobby Wagner #54 and Barrett Ruud #57 both receiver C grades.
Barrett Ruud was traded to the New Orleans Saints today for a conditional pick, based upon him making the team.
Allen Bradford #44
Allen Bradford played pretty solid in the game, but he did have a missed tackle. Just like last week, the missed tackle continue to be a problem around the league.
the grade: C-
Seahawks news
Dexter Davis waived/injured today by the Seattle Seahawks. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks trade of Barrett Rudd
Defensive end Dexter Davis was waived/injured today.
Seahawks re-signed cornerback Donny Lisowski to fill his roster spot.
Seahawks player grades vs Titans: Linebacker
Aug 16th
Seahawks linebacker player grades
This is part 4 of the player grades against the Titans. Previous posts include quarterback, running back and defensive line.
Heath Farwell #55
Heath Farwell punched the ball free in the 4th quarter. Photo by Brett Bivens
I did not expect Heath Farwell to be the top preforming linebacker on Saturday but that’s exactly what he was. He may not have gotten very many snaps but I feel he did enough to earn more against Denver this week. When there are two defenders in on a tackle one of them should be going for the ball and that is what he did against the Titans. A perfect punch was delivered to the ball causing it to pop out and then he recovered in. A few plays later he nearly had a diving interception but was unable to come up with a rather difficult catch.
THe grade: A-
Leroy Hill #56
Leroy Hill gets some pressure on Matt Hasselbeck. Photo by Brett Bivens
THe good:
When Leroy Hill was assignment correct in his coverage he was solid and did not give up any completions. One of his biggest attributes is his ability to rush the passer from the linebacker position and he was able to get some while blitzing. Leroy did a nice just keeping contain against the run showing that he has matured as a player.
THe bad:
At times he can be fooled by a decoy in his line of sight as became evident when he got caught peeking in at the running back in the flat and lost a feel for where the tight end was in his zone and gave up a completion.
the grade: B
Bobby Wagner drags Chris Johnson down from behind. Photo by Brett bivens
Bobby Wagner #54
The good:
When the Seahawks used their 2nd round pick on Bobby Wagner I had one concern, his coverage ability. On Saturday he was solid in that department. Bobby showed how fast he can get into the flat and cover a running back as well as the ability to run stride for stride with tight ends. Awareness is an important attribute of any middle linebacker and he showed an ability to read what the offense was doing before it happened, especially against the screen.
the bad:
Rookies make mistakes and Wagner is no different. I have been talking about how solid he is against the run and how that will cut down the big runs against the Seahawks defense. What does he go out on CenturyLink Field and do on Saturday? Loses gap integrity and the Titans gash the Seahawks for a big run. My biggest pet peeve of any linebacker is hesitation in blitzing. Once you decide you’re going after the quarterback you need to do it full out or you are basically just taking yourself out of the play. I saw hesitation from Bobby Wagner but I’m hoping that’s him being a rookie. I absolutely cannot stand missed tackles and he managed one of those as well.
the grade: B
Malcolm Smith #53
Malcolm Smith has come a long way since last year. Getting pressure on the quarterback, covering the tight end, and reading the screen play were a few things that stood out to me as improvements over this time last year. He was extremely solid while in the game against the Titans.
THe Grade: B
Mike Morgan #48
The Good:
Mike showed a lot on one play. The Titans ran a reverse, never being fooled by it he was able to keep backside contain. Not only was he able to keep contain but just about everyone else fell for it and he was left on an island with the receiver. He had perfect technique and won the battle picking up a tackle for a loss. Mike Morgan also showed an ability to create pressure while blitzing.
The Bad:
Morgan did lose backside contain on a play that was designed to go away from him but the running back cut back towards him.
Grade B-
KJ Wright #50
the grade: C
Korey Toomer hits the quarterback late in the 4th quarter. Photo by Brett Bivens
Korey Toomer #59
The Good:
Korey Toomer did a solid job avoiding and shedding blockers and was able to get a quarterback hit during the game.
the bad:
Toomer needs to learn to play more assignment correct and avoid over pursuing plays. He struggled in coverage and had a couple missed tackles during the game.
The grade: C-
Kyle Knox #43
Kyle knox tracks down ball carrier from behind. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Good:
Something about this kid impresses me. As I was breaking down his plays I couldn’t figure it out but there is something about him that leaves me impressed.
the bad:
Kyle Knox needs to work on his tackling technique in the worst way. Three times he should have had tackles but either could not wrap them up or had improper technique and never touched the ball carrier. He was out of possession on the punt that was returned against the Seahawks for a touchdown.
Seahawks photo blog: Return of the quarterbacks
Aug 12th
Titans at Seahawks photo blog
The 12th Man was on hand to welcome back Matt Hasselbeck. Photo by Brett Bivens
Matt of the past and Matt of the present have a conversation. My guess is they were talking about how much better they like living in Seattle than they did Green Bay. Photo by Brett Bivens
Richard Sherman and Terrell Owens go head to head during pre-game. Photo by Brett Bivens
Golden Tate checking out Terrell Owens? Was he smuggling maple bars on the field? Photo by Brett Bivens
Terrell Owens takes a moment to sign some autographs for fans before leaving the field after warming up. Photo by Brett Bivens
Richard Sherman was ready to go during pre-game introductions. Photo by Brett Bivens
Matt Hasselbeck’s first snap as a Titan at CenturyLink field. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jason Jones drags Chris Johnson down behind the line of scrimmage. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Matt Flynn era has begun. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks rookie Bobby Wagner drags down Chris Johnson behind the line of scrimmage. Photo by Brett Bivens
- Breno Giacomini takes on the Titans defense by himself. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jake Locker can’t believe he’s watching Chris Johnson drop a perfectly placed ball. Johnson blamed the ball and asked for more money after the game. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks 1st round pick Bruce Irvin trying to get to former University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker. Unfortunately he was unsuccessful. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson avoids pressure and delivers a strike to his intended target. The kid looked pretty good Saturday. Photo by Brett Bivens
These guys were busy Saturday with the Seahawks scoring 27 points against the Titans. Photo by Brett bivens
Braylon Edwards makes a man miss to pick of some YAC yards. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks rookie tight end Sean McGrath making the most of his opportunities on Saturday versus Titans. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks 7th round pick Greg Scruggs and Pierre Allen converge to sack Titans quarterback Rusty Smith. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks defense converging to keep the Titans from running out of their own endzone. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks rookie linebacker Kyle Knox makes a nice tackle on Titans rookie DJ Wood. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks 5th round pick Korey Toomer picks up a quarterback hit. Photo by Brett Bivens
- Seahawks linebackers Heath Farwell and Kyle Knox converge to strip the ball for a fourth quarter turnover. Photo by Brett Bivens
Charly Martin blocked Titans rookie Coty Sensabaugh for ten yards leading the way for Russell Wilson’s touchdown run that put the nail in the coffin in the Seahawks 27-17 win over the Titans in the preseason opener. Photo by Brett Bivens
