Northwest Pro Sports 12
Posts tagged Pete Carroll
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
There is no clear choice for NFL Rookie of the Year
Dec 27th
The three amigo’s
The saying, “Good things come in three’s” couldn’t be more right when it comes to the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the 2012 NFL Season.
Russell Wilson lined the Seahawks up in the Victory Formation vs the Patriots
The overall NFL fan base expected Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck and Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III to both contend for the award. Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson wasn’t even supposed to be a starter, let alone the third head of the three-headed sea monster of Rookie QBs taking over the NFL.
Wilson, a third-round draft selection by the Seahawks wasn’t expected to even be the teams opening day starter when the season kicked off, but a strong pre-season made it hard for Head Coach Pete Carroll not to start him. Wilson has rewarded Carroll for his decision and has put himself in consideration for the Rookie of the Year award.
Through 15-games it’s evident each quarterback brings different talents to the game, Luck is the more typical quarterback that’ll rack up the passing yards, while RGIII is the more mobile quarterback that uses his athleticism skills the main component of his success. Wilson on the other hand seems to have a mixture of skills making him a threat. He can scramble out of the pocket and run for days, allowing his receivers to get open or space for him to take off. He’s also shown he can pass the ball down field and be accurate with it.
One thing the three of them all have in common is the ability to win, if the season were to end today all three rookie quarterbacks would have led their teams to the playoffs. Wilson and RGIII still could possibly win their divisions as well after Week 17 comes to an end.
Wilson’s ability to give his team a chance to win is one thing that none of the other’s can say. Of Wilson’s five losses all of them have been of 7-points or less, meaning Seattle was in it until the end. Of Luck’s five losses, only one was of less than 7-points, RGIII on the other hand has been consistent with only one loss of more than 7-points.
Wilson has led his Seahawks to three victories in which less than 2-minutes were left in play. He beat the Green Bay Packers on Monday night on a Hail Mary pass to Golden Tate as time expired, beat the New England Patriots on a touchdown pass to Sidney Rice with 1:18 left to play and defeated the Chicago Bears on the road with a touchdown pass to Rice in Overtime.
More than anything though is that Wilson is 1-touchdown away from tying future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning rookie record for the most touchdown passes. The record is 26, Russell enters Sunday’s game with 25 going up against the St. Louis Rams.
These three rookie quarterbacks have shown they have the potential of Making the 2012 NFL Draft class elite. It might not be comparable to the 1983 of John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino (all first-round selections) when all of their careers come to an end, but it might be one of the best trio of quarterbacks taken in a draft in a long time. Even though all three weren’t selected in the first-round they’re proving the sky’s the limit for them.
Wilson’s commitment, leadership and improvement has been shown from Day 1, he arrives at the training complex on Tuesday’s, a given off day to players, at 8 a.m. sharp allowing him to dissect film and prepare for the next opponent. He also requires all rookies to be there with him.
NFL voters have no clear cut selection for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, had the three of them all been members of different classes they would all be able to showcase a trophy in their house.
I guess the saying all good things come in three’s is a true thing. It’s just unfortunate awards don’t come in trio’s.
By Zack Bellerdine
Seahawks photo blog week 10
Nov 12th
Seahawks beat Jets 28-7
Rex Ryan and Pete Carroll laughing about Tim Tebow’s throwing motion before the game Sunday. Photo by Brett Bivens
The “Thank you Veterans” signs are taped to the back of the seats before the 12th man fills the stadium. Photo by Brett Bivens
Thank you Veterans, with the fans preforming the stunt. Photo by Brett Bivens
I was pretty hard on Mike Morgan last week after several mistakes. On this fourth down play Mike stopped Shonn Green behind the line of scrimmage. Photo by Brett Bivens
Tim Tebow telling Rex Ryan, “I could have done that” as they watch Richard Sherman run past them after intercepting a Mark Sanchez pass. Photo by Brett Bivens
You don’t tackle Marshawn Lynch, you just brace for impact and hope he falls down. Photo by Brett Bivens
After Russell Wilson was done showing Mark Sanchez how to pass, he decided teach Tim Tebow how to run. Always leading by example. Photo by Brett Bivens
Earl Thomas laid a shoulder into Jeremy Kerley’s gut. Photo by Brett Bivens
Tim Tebow didn’t have a lot of room to run on Sunday, then again, neither did Shonn Green. Photo by Brett Bivens
Richard Sherman didn’t even strip the ball, Mark Sanchez just said, “If you want it take it, just stop hitting me and picking off my passes!” Photo by Brett Bivens
LaRon Landry lowered his head as he prepared for the impact with Marshawn Lynch. Lynch took the opportunity to practice his hurdling. Photo by Brett Bivens
Rex Ryan doen’t look very happy to watch his Jets lose in the rain. Notice that there are no players around him. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks photo blog 11/4/2012
Nov 5th
Seahawks beat Vikings 30-20
Brandon Browner saves a touchdown. Photo by Anthony May
Matt Kalil rips Brandon Mebane’s helmet off, clearing the way for Adrian Peterson to score a touchdown. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jermaine Kearse catches his first pass in the NFL. Photo by Brett Bivens
Doug Baldwin drops another ball. This one came the play after Jermaine Kearse dropped a would-be first down. Photo by Brett Bivens
Losing KJ Wright, pictured walking to the locker room after his injury, for almost the entire game was a big blow to the Seahawks defense. Photo by Brett Bivens
Jared Allen and the Vikings defense couldn’t hold the Seahawks offense back on Sunday. Photo by Brett Bivens
Marshawn Lynch went “Beastmode” for 124-yards Sunday. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Seahawks scored 30 points Sunday, the most this season. Photo by Brett Bivens
Golden Tate leaps toward the end-zone. Photo By Anthony May
Golden Tate scores the touchdown! Photo by Brett Bivens
Greg Scruggs sacks Christian Ponder. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Seahawks defense gave up 197 first-half rushing yards. Photo by Brett Bivens
Pete Carroll challenged the spot on this Adrian Peterson reception. The play was upheld, first down Minnesota. Photo by Brett Bivens
This play didn’t count, but it was fun to watch Red Bryant throw Adrian Peterson to the ground like a rag doll. Photo by Brett Bivens
Brandon Mebane tackles Christian Ponder as he scrambles for a couple yards. Photo by Brett Bivens
Leroy Hill sacks Christian Ponder. Photo by Brett Bivens
Seahawks MMQB (Friday edition): Mental mistakes seal the Hawks fate 13-6
Oct 19th
Dropped passes and missed opportunities
Boxscore | Play-by-Play | Q’s Post Game Recap
When the Seattle Seahawks 2012 schedule was released I knew that going down to San Francisco on such a short week was going to be a tall order. To make maters worse, it was the 49ers third straight home game.
Both teams only had 4 days to prepare for the big divisional matchup. The Seattle Seahawks were coming off a big home win against the Patriots, one of the best teams in the AFC.
In contrast, the San Francisco 49ers were coming off an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants in San Francisco.
The funny thing about winning and losing, it is a lot easier to focus on the next weeks game after a loss than it is after an emotional win.
The difference was evident on the field Thursday.
Defense
When you look at the stats from the game, it looks like the Seahawks defense had another great game. Unfortunately, stats do not tell the entire picture.
Both teams only had 4 days to prepare
During the first half of the game defense played fine.
Then, at halftime, the 49ers made an adjustment.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman realized that the Seahawks were vulnerable in the middle of the defense and once the 49ers started attacking it, there was nothing the Seahawks defense could do to stop the onslaught.
(Insert any trap play you like)
In the second half, San Francisco had 4 drives (excluding the final 2 plays from victory formation).
Those four drives went as follows:
- 85-yards and a touchdown.
- 68-yards, but Brandon Browner intercepted in the end zone on an ill advised pass from Alex Smith that was intended for Randy Moss. Moss had been wide open while he was in the middle of the field. His drag route, in the back of the end zone, was outside of the hash marks by the time Smith released the ball and Browner was able to step in front of the ball.
- 3 runs up the middle that totaled 40-yards. After a 49er tripping penalty More. . .
Seahawks MMQB: QB battle, & monumental memories as Hawks win 24-23
Oct 15th
One is “too short”, one came up short
Boxscore | Play-by-Play | NWSB Editor Q’s Recap
Just as the Grinch’s heart grew “three sizes that day!”, Russell Wilson must have grown three inches in his play.
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.
You may already know, but in case you don’t, QBR is a rating system that is scored from 0-100, based on how the quarterback’s play increased his teams chances of winning.
The last time a Seattle Seahawks quarterback had that much of an impact in a game was week three of the 2008 season.
I cannot remember the last time I watched a game and thought: “Wow, that Seahawks quarterback just won the game for us.” On Sunday, Russell Wilson did just that.
On His Back!
He put the offense on his back in a game where star running back Marshawn Lynch ran for just 41 yards. Down by 13 points in the fourth quarter, Russell lead the Seahawks to 2 touchdown drives.
One was a touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards, and the other was a pass to Sidney Rice.
Wilson’s other touchdown was a great pass, followed by a great catch by Doug Baldwin, who had 2 receptions for 74 yards on that scoring drive.
Welcome back Doug! Baldwin, had 2 receptions for 74 yards and a HUGE TD!
The New England Patriots got the ball back with 1:14 to go in the 4th quarter. They had already squandered all of their time outs. Tom Brady threw a pass out of bounds, got sacked by Jason Jones, and skipped a pass to Aaron Hernandez which brought up a 4th down withe 17-yards to go from their own 13 yard line.
After a quick pass to Wes Welker, Bobby Wagnerdrilled Welker at the 29 yard-line, 2 yards short of the first down.
Bring on the Victory Formation!
Of course, the Patriots had several chances to put the Seahawks away long before that final drive.
At the end of the first half, Russell Wilson fumbled the ball near mid-field and the Patriots recovered it. With 1 second left in the half, Tom Brady threw the ball out of the back of the end zone. More. . .
What to watch for? Seahawks second 4 game stretch of the season
Oct 6th
Five things to watch
Before the season started, I would have been more than happy with a 2-2 record. Of course, I would have assumed the Seattle Seahawks beat the Cardinals and the Rams. Instead, Seattle lost those both of those games, but they did defeat the Cowboys and the Packers, at home.
No matter how you slice it, the Seahawks have a record of .500, and last place in the NFC West.
Who would have thought the division, who had a 7-9 Seahawks team win it two years before, would become the best division in football.
Quarterback
So much has been made of the performance of Russell Wilsonthis week. Yes, he is the starting quarterback, there is a certain amount of pressure that comes with the position.
Personally, I think the 12th man has been a little hard on the young man. I am not going to waste everyone’s time by stating the reasons why I believe that in this piece, but if you haven’t seen my opinion, or would like a refresher, click the link to the “Player Spotlight” piece I wrote on Wilson this week.
With all that said, or not said, I do want to see some improvement from him during the next four games.
Pete Carroll is a very tough man to get a good read on.
Far too often, Russell Wilson is missing wide open receivers. As most of you probably know, I was a proponent of letting him sit on the bench, behind Matt Flynn, for a year so that he could learn the pro game.
If he doesn’t start making more correct reads, I think that is exactly where he will end up.
Pete Carroll is a very tough man to get a good read on. On a personal level, I like the guy, but I would never play poker with him.
Honestly, I think Pete is putting himself in position to switch quarterbacks at any time.
It will be interesting to see if Wilson will be able to move the offense well enough to remain the teams starter, or if Pete will decide that it is time to try to “Win with Flynn”.
Offensive Line
Seahawks MMQB: Rough start in Arizona, Seattle lose 20-16
Sep 10th
My Take
I don’t think many of us, if any, expected the game we saw on Sunday. Other than the Seattle Seahawks forcing a fumble, and the subsequent recovery, the Cardinals owned the Seahawks during the first half.
The rough start in the game led to a rough start for the season as the Seahawks fell to the Cardinals 16-20.
For the second straight regular season game, I am heartbroken by the hands of the Cardinals.
Lets dive right in to the Seahawks MMQB.
Play Calling
It’s easy to look at the play calling and blame Darrell Bevell, however, I have to shift it to Pete Carroll. Carroll chose to start a rookie 3rd round draft pick, on the road game, in a hostel environment, against a team that gets after opposing quarterbacks.
Pete gave Darrell no choice but to formulate a game plan that would help shelter Russell Wilson from his inexperience.
I would say Bevell’s biggest mistake was keeping Russell Wilson in the pocket near the goal line. I feel like the Cardinals defense had been set up perfectly, during the course of the game, for a roll out to open up a receiver.
Russell Wilson had a very successful game in my opinion. If you look at his numbers, 18/34, 53% completion rate, 153 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, they are very similar to that of Tarvaris Jackson’s two games against the Cardinals last season.
Seahawks Week 1 update: 2012 rookies being thrown into the fire…
Sep 6th
Coach likes rookies
“This is a fantastic and improved football team; the impact of the head coach is obvious” - Pete Carroll
We often hear Pete Carroll talk about playing his best players, yet there are always whispers questioning wether he believes in his “always compete” mantra or if he is just blowing smoke. Sunday, in Arizona, Pete Carroll will be starting up to 4 rookies for the Seattle Seahawks, in some of the most important positions on the field.
Three will start for sure.
Chances are, if you are reading this, you have heard the term “It’s a quarterback driven league.” During the offseason the Seattle Seahawks signed top free agent quarterback Matt Flynnin an effort to improve the position.
Pete Carroll named Wilson his starting QB after Wilson’s FINE preseason.
Wisdom?
Conventional wisdom led many, including myself, to assume Matt would be the starting quarterback for the 2012 season. More…
Seahawks player grades vs Broncos: Offensive line
Aug 23rd
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.
