Northwest Pro Sports 12
Posts tagged Robert Turbin
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.
Seahawks player grades vs Broncos: Running back
Aug 23rd
Seattle Seahawks player grades
Before I get into the individual players in this group, I would just like to say how fantastic the group was as an entire unit. I cannot remember having a position group where every player evaluated had a grade above a C before today.
Earlier this week I posted quarterback and linebacker grades.
Halfback
Robert Turbin #22
Last week Robert was solid, but did not stand out and received a C for the week
the good:
One of the biggest holes on the team was at backup running back. When the Seahawks drafted Robert Turbin they hoped he could carry his running tough style from college over to the NFL. If he could run like he did in college at the NFL level the Seahawks would have a guy playing behind Marshawn Lynch who could run like Marshawn Lynch.
Don’t get me wrong, his running style isn’t identical to Marshawn’s, but it is very similar. Robert Turbin is a tough runner and he is learning how to stick his cleat in the ground, make one cut and go. Of course he breaks a lot of tackles, but he also has a nice lateral jump cut that allows him to avoid tacklers.
the bad:
Like many rookies Robert Turbin has a lack of awareness that, at times, creates a liability on offense. No one expects him to be perfect. If he was he wouldn’t have made it out of the first round.
the grade: A-
Kregg Lumpkin #20
Last week Kregg Lumpkin led all running backs with an A-
the good:
On the Seahawks first touchdown of the game Kregg Lumpking did a nice job getting to the outside by using his free hand to avoid the only defender he had to beat. Kregg also showcased a nice little cut to avoid tacklers, as well as a little power. In the beginning of the game he had a nice cut block to clear a passing lane.
the bad:
For the most part Lumpkin struggled in pass protection. He was beat a couple times that force Russell Wilson to scramble to avoid a sack.
the grade: A-
Marshawn Lynch #24
Last week Marshawn did not play
the good:
I don’t really think I need to say anything other than, Marshawn looked like Marshawn out there. When he had the ball in his hands he did what he does.
the bad:
Marshawn Lynch was beat by a blitzer early in the game, but was smart enough to hold the defender and take the penalty rather than allowing his quarterback to take a big hit.
the grade: B
Tyrell Sutton #30
Last week Tyrell Sutton received a C-
the good:
Last week it looked like Tyrell Sutton was going to fade into obscurity, and allow Kregg Lumpkin to take the Seahawks 4th running back position. This week he looked much sharper. In particular the play that he made when he caught the screen pass for a touchdown, that play was all about individual effort. In order to score the touchdown Tyrell had to break 3 tackles. It reminded me of a play Leonard Weaver made back in the days when he was trying to earn a roster spot.
the bad:
Sutton needs to work on his pass blocking ability, specifically holding his blocks longer.
the grade: B
Leon Washington #33
Last week Leon received a B
the good:
Leon Washington did not see much playing time in the game but, in limited action, he was able to make a few plays that stood out. On one play he did a really good job picking up a blitzer and gave his quarterback the time to throw the ball. One thing that Leon does as well as anyone on the Seahawks roster is set up his blockers. He has the patience to give them time to get into position before he makes his move.
the bad:
The return game is really the time for Leon to shine, and in Denver Leon Washington made a stupid mistake. There is no reason to call for a fair catch around the 45 yard line and then let the ball hit the ground. Nine times out of ten that is going to put your offense much deeper in their own territory.
the grade: B-
Fullback
Via Taua #40
Last week Via struggled early the game, but came on strong and received a B-. This week Via Taua played the entire game with Michael Robinson sidelined.
the good:
Via shows the ability to make some pretty big blocks look easy.
the bad:
He reminds me a little of the player Michael Robinson was a couple years ago. What I mean is, at times he goes for the big hit on the defender but doesn’t stick his block. In the NFL defenders are very good at absorbing those hits and then making a play. Via Taua will need to make the same adjustments Robinson did if he ever wants to be a solid NFL fullback.
Seahawks player grades vs Titans: Running backs
Aug 16th
Seahawks running back line grades
This is part three of the Seahawks player grades from the Titans game. Previously I posted quarterbacks and defensive lineman.
Running back
Kregg Lumpkin fighting off a would be tackler. Photo by Brett Bivens
Kregg Lumpkin #20
THe Good:
Kregg Lumpkin may have been the best player the Seahawks had on the field Saturday. He was doing everything and making the most of his reps. After the Seahawks drafted Robert Turbin his chances of making the final roster were reduced significantly. Showing he can contribute as a blocker, a pass catcher and a runner against the Titans is a step in the right direction if he is going to make this squad.
The Bad:
Roster numbers might force the Seahawks to cut him.
THe Grade: A-
Leon Washington #33
The Good:
Leon Washington was doing a nice job gaining yards after initial contact against the Titans. He was able to break some tackles and when he wan’t doing that he was reading his blockers and finding open holes.
The bad:
The most a running back can ever ask for is to be put in a position where he only has one man to beat, on Saturday Leon was in that situation with a linebacker and was unable to win the battle.
The Grade: B
Robert Turbin #22
Robert Turbin earned a C against the Titans. I don’t get into players who grade at average but you can see what I had to say about his performance during the game here if you are interested.
Tyrell Sutton running so fast he’s the only thing in focus. Photo By Brett Bivens
Tyrell Sutton #30
If the Seahawks keep 4 half backs on their roster (which I think they will) Tyrell Sutton is in a direct battle with Kregg Lumpkin for a roster spot. In a game where Kregg Lumpkin was near perfect,t against better competition, the only thing Tyrell Sutton did to leave an impact was get his feet out from under him and slip after making a catch. He definitely has some major ground to make up now.
fullback
Via Taua #40
Via Taua make a catch against the Titans. Photo by Brett Bivens
The Good:
After Via Taua settled down he showed that he has a lot of ability as both a blocker and a pass catcher. If he plays like he did later in the game during the rest of the preseason he could be in a battle with Kregg Lumpkin for a roster spot and force Pete Carroll and John Schneider to choose between having 4 halfbacks and 1 fullback or have 3 halfbacks and 2 fullbacks. It’s a very good problem to have and I would give the inside track to keeping an extra halfback.
THe Bad:
When he first came into the game he struggled mightily. Via Taua missed a couple block early, one leading to a tackle for a loss and another one where he passed a free tackler and went up to block someone on the next level. Sometimes as a blocker you need to improvise because blocking someone at the next level doesn’t mean anything if the back can’t get past the first one. All he needed to do was chip the defender and the back would have been able to get to the second level.
The Grade: B-
Michael Robinson #26
Michael Robinson joins KJ Wright and Jason Jones as team captains for Saturdays Titans game. Photo by Brett Bivens
The GOOd:
Wow has he grown since this time last year. I would have to say he is the most improved player on a team full of players who have made major strides. This time last year I was worried that the Seahawks would struggle at the fullback position and need to limp through the year until they could add an adequate player to the position during the offseason. All he did was prove he could learn the position and become one of the best at it (proven by his Pro Bowl appearance). He has really shown an ability to seal running lanes and hold his block long enough for the running back to get through. Robinson become a hard nose blocker at the fullback position and I’m very glad he’s back.
THe bad:
I think he lost concentration a couple times and got beat on his blocks. The defenders didn’t seem to beat him as much as he seemed to beat himself. The dog days of camp might be getting to him.
The Grade: C+
Next up will be the linebackers. I should have them up in a before 7:00 local time and then have the offensive line up later tonight.
Seahawks player grades vs Titans: Quarterback
Aug 15th
Seahawks quarterback grades
Russell Wilson #3
The Good:
Russell Wilson showed an ability to read/feel pressure and avoid it while continuing to look down the field for someone to throw to. He has enough confidence in his receiver to throw the ball 45 yards in the air and allow them to make a play (Touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards). Russell showed a lot of poise for a rookie and the play that impressed me the most was when he rolled out to avoid pressure but when he saw that no one open he threw the ball out of bounds to avoid a sack or an interception. I was also impressed when he rolled right (again avoiding pressure) and hit Charly Martin over the middle.
Running the ball is a large part of what the Seahawks do on offense and Wilson excelled in that category. He did a nice job on draw plays continuing to sell the draw after he has handed the ball off. When Russell Wilson has the ball in his hands he runs like a running back and does a nice job directing his blockers as well as reading their blocks, yet he is smart enough to slide to avoid big hits.
The Bad:
Wilson appears to struggle to hit his running backs in the flat a little bit. He had one pass tipped that was intended for Kregg Lumpkin because he didn’t get enough air under the ball and another pass where he threw it behind his target instead of leading him. That is all a little nit picky for a 3rd round rookie quarterback but the only major, and I do mean major, mistake was his interception. Russell had made his decision where he was going with the ball before the snap ever took place. The linebacker was with his tight end up the seam step for step yet he threw the ball straight to the defender in the end zone. Giving away points is not acceptable and I’m sure he has been shown his mistake, lets see if he makes it again or learns from it.
The Grade: B
Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson warm up shortly before the game. Photo by Brett Bivens
Matt Flynn #15
The Good:
Matt Flynn showed outstanding accuracy in the first half of Saturdays win over the Titans. Other than the pass to Robert Turbin in the middle of the field all of his passes were on target. He is in a different offense in Seattle than he was Green Bay (they are similar however) but showed he has a pretty good handle on where his outlets are if he needs to dump the ball off to avoid pressure. Matt is quick to find his receivers and make the decision to throw the ball to them or not, much quicker than Tarvaris Jackson (not that it’s saying much). I was impressed watching him go through his progressions like an NFL starting quarterback should.
The Bad:
Flynn is inconsistent with his play action fakes, at times he really sells it and other times it’s easy to tell what he’s doing before the fake ever happens, like on his interception. On that play there was a mix up and the fake was to one side while Robert Turbin was on the other but regardless of that the attempt was not fooling anyone because it was a lazy attempt and it very easy to read that it was a play action pass which allowed the linebacker to drop back into coverage and pick off the pass. I’m not sure what happened on the fumbled shotgun snap but it looked to me like Matt Flynn was not ready for it. The rest of the team looked ready but not him on that play, luckily he was able to recover the ball. He needs to learn that when he’s rolling out away from pressure and no one is open downfield he can throw the ball away and avoid taking a sack or throwing into coverage.
