Northwest Pro Sports 12
Posts tagged Bruce Irvin
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
Five Seahawks who impressed against the Packers Monday
Sep 27th
A wild finish
Seattle Seahawks 14, Green Bay 12
When: 5:30 PST, Monday, September 24, 2012
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
Bad calls all the way around.
As I am writing this the news is breaking that the NFL and NFLRA (Referee Association) have reached an agreement. The real refs will be back for tonight’s game in Baltimore.
This will end all of the complaining about bad calls right? Fat chance, but I am very happy they have reached an agreement and we can now move on.
It looks like the referees, which is a part-time profession, will receive $173,000 dollars per season, according to Pete Prisco’s twitter account.
Here then are my Five Seahawks who impressed against the Packers Monday night.
Jon Ryan #9
When the lights were on, and the Seattle Seahawks needed it the most, Jon Ryan delivered a couple booming kicks, including a 73-yard punt that was muffed.
That punt was the longest in the league this year.
Of course, it is still well shy of the NFL record 98-yard punt by Steve O’Neal back in 1969. Ryan is currently ranked 7th in the league for punts downed inside the 20-yard line, and 4th in the league for average return against.
Both of those stats are attributed to Jon and an outstanding punt coverage team.
Speaking of joint effort, the punt unit has the second best net punt average in the NFL.
Ryan is currently ranked 7th in the league for punts downed inside the 20-yard line
Bruce Irvin #51
Seahawks photo blog: Packers at Seahawks
Sep 26th
A great defensive battle tarnished
John Schneider pre-game. Remember, you can like us too, on Facebook. Photo by Brett Bivens
Russell Wilson signed a mini-helmet before the game. Photo by Brett Bivens
The 12th Man was rocking CenturyLink Fieldon Monday Night Football. Photo by Brett Bivens
- This may have been the last game James Carpenter spends watching from the sidelines. He could replace Paul McQuistan this week t left guard. Photo by Brett Bivens
These guys stole the show during Monday Night Football. One thing everyone can agree on, we need the regular officials back soon. Photo by Brett Bivens
Charly Martin fully extends to make this reception. Photo by Brett Bivens
Marshawn Lynch had 98-yards rushing on Monday. Lynch also had this 1-yard reception. Photo by Brett Bivens
Bruce Irvin may have had three sacks Monday, instead of two. If Bryan Bulaga had not been holding him on this play. The Packers may be crying foul now, but I didn’t see any of them gripe about all the holding their offensive line got away with, especially during the second half. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate scored two touchdowns Monday. There was no doubt about this one. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons had 4 sacks in the first half of Monday Night’s game. This is the first one. Photo by Brett Bivens
Chris Clemons’ second sack of the first half. Photo by Brett Bivens
Chris Clemons’ third sack of the first half. Photo by Brett Bivens
Chris Clemons’ fourth sack of the first half. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Seahawks defense played an outstanding game. In this picture Richard Sherman is about to hit Packers’ receiver James Jones as the ball arrives. Photo by Brett Bivens
At least the refs got this call right, after a replay. Greg Jennings’ toe is clearly out of bounds long before he attempts to reach the ball across the goal line. Photo by Brett Bivens
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: Defensive line
Aug 23rd
Seahawks player grades
This is the 4th part of the Seahawks player grades from the Broncos game. Already posted are; Quarterback, running back and linebacker.
In order to keep this post manageable I am going to be very brief in the descriptions. If you would like me to elaborate on any player in particular let me know and I will happily add that.
Defensive Line
Brandon Mabane #92
Last week Brandon received a B
Brandon Mebane is a solid player and he drew several double teams against the Broncos. He was strong in the running game as usual and he was also able to create some pressure on the quarterback. Mabane does need to work on his backside contain.
the grade: A
Photo By Brett Bivens
Pep Levingston #93
Last week he received a C
Pep Levingston is a very athletic guy and it is not surprising that he is able to get pressure on the quarterback, or his ability to pursue plays from the backside. What surprises me is his ability to hold the point of attack and the strength he shows when he throws guards to the ground to get run penetration.
the grade: A-
Red Bryant #79
Last week Big Red Bryant received a C+
We all know how solid Red Bryant is in the running game, but in years past he has been a liability in the passing game. This year he is paying more attention to the quarterback throwing the ball and working to get his hands up to deflect it. Against the Broncos he was able to tip a pass at the line that KJ Wright intercepted. Conditioning may be a question, he looks a little more chubby than he has in years past and he seemed to take a couple plays off.
the grade: B+
Clinton McDonald #69
Last weeks Clinton received a C
Denver’s offense showed Clinton McDonald a lot of respect on Saturday. They spent a lot of his snaps double teaming him, yet he was still able to get some run penetration. I dinged him a bit on his grade because he definitely took one play off, he didn’t even pretend to defend on the play. He should have been rushing the passer but just engaged the blocker and stood around.
the grade: B
Dexter Davis (Waived/Injured)
Unfortunately for Dexter Davis, he injured his hip during the game against the Broncos and the Seahawks parted ways with him earlier in the week. I believe he was a long shot to make this years team had he stayed healthy.
the grade: B-
Greg Scruggs #98
Last week Greg really impressed me and received a B-
This week he was even more impressive making plays. Greg Scruggs has shown an ability to effect the passing game by collapsing the pocket while lining up at the defensive tackle position. Whether he was lined up inside at tackle or outside at defensive end he was able to create pressure, recording a sack while at DE. The one thing that is annoying me about his play is that far too often he is the last player off the snap.
the grade: b-
Bruce Irvin and Chris Clemons before the Titans game. Photo By Brett Bivens
Bruce Irvin #51
Last week Bruce received a C+
This week I notice some signs of improvement in his pass rush. There were two plays that really stood out to me. When Bruce Irvin threw the tackle to the ground and when he pushed a tackle into Peyton Manning’s face. That said, Bruce is still struggling in his pass rush, partially because he is getting a slow jump off that snap. I would expect that to correct itself as he becomes more comfortable in the defense. Players always play faster when they stop thinking so much and start playing. Bruce was a liability in the running game, especially when they run at him but that is to be expected from a guy his size.
the grade: C+
Alan Branch #99
Allen Branch was able to create a lot of pressure from the inside, on one play the Broncos triple teamed him, yet he still able to get pressure on the quarterback. When the offense ran the ball at him he was unable to hold the point of attack. Allen was pancaked on a pass rush attempt.
the grade: C+
Pierre Allen
Photo By Brett Bivens
Last week Pierre struggled and receive a unit low D-
This week Pierre Allen played a lot better than he did last week. He was able to get some pressure in the running game as well as the passing game. Allen’s biggest play of the night was when he was able to get to the running back behind the line and bring him down. The worst play was when he was run out of the play 1:1 by a right guard.
the grade: C+
Jaye Howard #94
Last week Jaye Howard looked really good and received a B-
This week was a bit of a rough week for Jaye. He was able to get a quarterback pressure and a tackle for a loss. Other than those two plays Howard struggled to stay under control.
the grade: C-
Chris Clemons #91
Last week he received a C-
For the second straight week Chris Clemons under performed. Chris is losing 1:1 battles for the most part. I need to see a more consistent pass rush than Chris has been giving. Hopefully the money has not gone to his head, but if he doesn’t turn it around soon I’m going to start becoming concerned that is what has happened.
the grade: D
Seahawks player grades vs Titans: Defensive line
Aug 15th
Seahawks defensive line grades
This is part two of the Seahawks player grades from the Titans game. If you missed the quarterbacks they can be found here.
Jason Jones tackle Chris Johnson for a loss. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jason Jones #90
The Good:
As advertised, Jason Jones was able to create pressure from the inside on Saturday. Jason showed off a wicked swim move that forced the Titans to double team him. I was surprised by his ability to get off blocks in the running game. He uses his strong hands to grab blockers and throw them off balance. Early in the game Jason locked up with a guard and pulled the guard towards him and off balance allowing Jones to run Chris Johnson down from behind and pick up a tackle for a loss.
The Bad:
On one play Jones was pushed 5 yards down the field and out of a running play completely. Jason needs to do a better job of holding his ground.
The Grade: B+
Brandon Mebane #92
Honestly Brandon Mebane looked really good out there on Saturday, if he had played more snaps I would have been more apt to give him a higher grade. While he was in the Titans were double teaming him to keep him from disrupting the plays and he was still able to pursue them from behind as he shed blockers. Brandon looks like he’s in mid season form already, though his conditioning isn’t there yet.
The Grade: B
Greg Scruggs #98
The Good:
Greg Scruggs played the running game extremely well using his long arms to keep the blocker from setting solid blocks and then shedding the blockers. This is the technique he used to make a stop at the opponents 1 yards line as well as record a tackle for a loss.
The Bad:
I am not sure what was going on but on one snap him and Pep Levingston were talking while the ball was snapped and everyone began the play while those two just stood in their stance oblivious.
The Grade: B-
Jaye Howard #94
The Good:
The Seahawks 5th round looked pretty good on Saturday. On the third down play that was stopped at the Titans 1 yard line it was a combination tackle between Greg Scruggs and Jaye Howard as both players fought off blockers to make the big play. Jaye showed some ability to create pressure from the interior of the line as well as the power to collapse the pocket.
The Bad:
Jaye Howard lost his balance and was pancaked.
The Grade: B-
Red Bryant #79
Red Bryant is introduced to the 12th man for the first time in the new Nike uniforms. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Good:
Who would have thought that Red Bryant’s biggest contribution on Saturday would be against the pass? Yet it was. Red tipped an early screen pass causing it to fall short of the intended target and later dropped back into coverage while staying with the tight end step for step in the flat. The run game is Red’s forte and he was able to stretch the game outside keeping the running back from cutting upfield.
The Bad:
Red Bryant was unable to get any kind of a pass rush which isn’t odd for him but what was odd was watching him get blown up and pushed out of a running lane by a full back.
The Grade: C+
Bruce Irvin trying to rush Jake Locker. Photo by Brett bivens
Bruce Irvin #51
The Good:
When it comes to evading blockers Bruce Irvin does it well. Bruce showed he has an ability to stunt inside and find a gap to get a clean run at the quarterback as well as the ability to set up blocker and then change directions. In the running game he can fit through small lanes and he was able to record a tackle for a loss.
The Bad:
Once a tackle gets his hands on Bruce he’s done. The Seahawks coaching staff is going to have to work with him on that if he’s going to be successful at this level.
The Grade: C+
Several Players received a C and just like last year I am not going to break C’s down unless there is a specific player someone wants broken down.
Chris Clemons getting some pressure on Matt Hasselbeck during an interception. Photo by Brett Bivens
Chris Clemons #91
THE GOOD:
Chris Clemons made a nice swim move inside on the first defensive snap getting in the face of Matt Hasselbeck right as he released the ball.
The Bad:
After that play Clemons was unable to do anything positive. Chris lost outside contain on one play and was being consumed by the tackle while trying to rush the passer.
THE GRADE: C-
Dexter Davis #58
Dexter Davis getting a little pressure a little too late on Jake locker. Photo by Brett Bivens
The GOOD:
Dexter Davis needs to get pressure from the edge if he wants to stay a member of Seahawks. He was able to get minimal pressure in both the running and passing game on Saturday.
THe Bad:
He struggled mightily in special teams coverage and an end of the roster player like him will have to contribute on special teams if he is going to suit up. Dexter Davis struggled even more than Bruce Irvin did when blockers were able to get their hands on him and he was fooled by misdirection plays.
Pierre Allen #95
The Good:
Pierre Allen was able to get some push at the point of attack.
The Bad:
Having a hand in 2 touchdowns scored against your team is not a way to make a positive impression but that is exactly what Allen did on Saturday. Pierre was pushed out of the way by the left tackle, opening a huge hole, on a rushing touchdown and he was out of position on the punt return for a touchdown.
THE GRADE: D-
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
Photo blog: Seahawks training camp 7/31/12
Aug 1st
Seahawks Training Camp
I got Brandon Mebane to sign the game worn jersey I bought at the pro-shop last year.
Bruce Irvin signs autographs for fans after tuesdays practice,
Jason Jones posses for a picture as he runs back to the practice field after using the restroom.
Tom Cable coaches Breno Giacomini and Alex Barron during tuesdays practice.
Breno Giacomini teaches 7th round pick JR Sweezy some tricks to the trade as JR tries to switch from DT in college to OG in the NFL.
Bruce Irvin has such a quick first step but he really surprised me with his power on Tuesday. Duce Lutui in the foreground is looking pretty lean, well as lean as a Duce can look.
Matt McCoy (knee) takes a break from watching practice to take a drink.
Russell Wilson drops back to pass.
Offensive line/assistant head coach Tom Cable runs the offense through drills on Tuesday.
Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud (knee/shoulder) watches his teammates practice on tuesday.
Red Bryant and defensive line coach Todd Wash show offseason acquisition Jason Jones how to go through a drill.
Marshawn Lynch explains the power of the rainbow to Brandon Mebane during Tuesdays practice.
Seahawks Defensive Line Coach Todd Wash runs his group through drills on Tuesday.
Ricardo Lockette takes a breather during Tuesdays Practice
Seahawks Defensive Lineman Chris Clemons and Clinton McDonald wait for their turn during position drills on Tuesday
