Seahawks win; Williams must find the end zone

After the Seattle Seahawks win over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday afternoon, head coach Pete Carroll remarked that Sunday was “a really good day for us in a lot of ways.” Indeed, Carroll is correct. With the win, the Seahawks reclaimed NFC West supremacy in convincing fashion, doubling-up on the Cardinals, 36-18. Matt Hasselbeck, back after missing last week’s shellacking at the hands of the New York Giants due to a concussion, engineered an offensive attack that accumulated nearly 500 yards of total offense. The Seahawks dominated all facets of the game and now, at 5-4, hold a legitimate shot at earning a spot in the postseason.

Wide receiver Mike Williams continued to dominate, catching eleven passes for 145 yards. Across the NFL, Williams resurgence is being heralded as the comeback story of the year. After his eleven catch performance Sunday, Williams has 46 catches on the season, seven for 20 or more yards. And he’s making catches in a variety of ways: down the sideline, over the middle, in front of press coverage, and over-top of smaller defensive backs. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 230 pounds, Williams has the prototypical size, hands, and physical ability to dominate like many of his counterparts – Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald, Baltimore’s Anquan Boldin, and New York’s Hakeem Nicks. However, unlike all these similarly sized and talented wide receivers, Williams is not producing in perhaps that most important aspect of the game: the end zone.

Williams has only one touchdown catch. Compare that to his counterparts: Fitzgerald has four touchdown catches, Boldin has six, and Nicks is leading the NFL with nine. And it’s not as though Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Nicks are simply catching more balls than Williams. In fact, only Fitzgerald has more catches than Williams at this point (he has 49).

It’s problematic when a team’s leading receiver, who absolutely has the ability to dominate offensively, like Williams, is not scoring touchdowns.

Considering Williams total catch numbers, it is mind-boggling that he has only found the end zone once – a touchdown catch in the first-half of their first win over the Cardinals. Why can’t he find the end zone?

The answer lies in the Seahawks inability to convert in the red zone. Olindo Mare, the Seahawks field goal kicker, kicked five field goals Sunday. He converted from 41, 34, 19, 23, and 19. He also missed a 29-yarder late in the game.

On the season, Mare has attempted field goals of 29 yards or less eleven times, converting nine of those tries. In other words, the Seahawks are relying on their field goal kicker to convert points in the red zone rather than their most dominate receiver.

Failing to connect with Williams in the red zone is, perhaps, the Seahawks most glaring offensive weakness at this point in the season. Williams is catching balls all over the field, in many different ways. There’s no good reason why he isn’t catching more balls on his way to the end zone.

‘Tweet’ thoughts –
Does Brian Billick even watch the game?

Forget Defensive Rookie of the Year: Earl Thomas is a Pro Bowler.

Matt Hasselbeck looks TERRIBLE; where’s Touchdown Jesus?

Greg Tolar sucks.

First Half: Hawks v. Chargers (UPDATE)

The Seattle Seahawks lead 10-0 at the half at Qwest Field over the San Diego Chargers. Tight End John Carlson caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck with :53 seconds remaining in the first half after kicked Olindo Mare put the Hawks up 3-0 hit a 23-yarder at the 11.28 mark of the second quarter.

Truthfully though, the Hawks 10-0 lead at the half is not the real story of the game. The real story is missed opportunities.

The Chargers turned the ball over three times, handing the Hawks very good field position on two of those fumbles. Unfortunately, the Hawks did not convert.

On the subsequent return following Carlson’s TD catch, Cam Chancellor forced a fumble and the Hawks took over on the Charger’s 25-yard line. Incredibly, the half ended with no point scored, as Hasselbeck inexplicably sneaked a third-down play from the two into a pile and then failed to get off the field – along with Center Chris Spencer – before Olindo Mare could kick a chip shot field goal.

On the bright side for the Hawks, their defense is playing phenomenally. Chris Clemmons had a first-half sack, Brandon Mebane had a sack of his own, and Red Bryant has two fumble recoveries.

Cornerback Kelly Jennings has two passes-defensed, both against Chargers number-one receiver Malcolm Floyd.

A 10-0 lead at the half for the Hawks should be a 24-0 lead. If the offense continues to make miscues and fail to capitalize on opportunities, an increasingly weary defense could easily buckle against Chargers quarterback Phil Rivers and the explosive San Diego offense.

UPDATE: Leon Washington with a 101-yard kick-off return for a touchdown to start the second half.

Pete Carroll era begins with a division win

The Pete Carroll era began Sunday afternoon at Qwest Field with a Week One victory over talented division rival, the San Francisco 49ers.

After a painfully slow start to the game for the Seattle Seahawks, including a Matt Hasselbeck interception on the first play from scrimmage, miscues and blown opportunities by the 49ers opened the door to a 31-6 season-opening victory and an early jump in the NFC West battle for supremacy.

Hasselbeck scored on a one yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter, capping a 64-yard drive and putting an end to the early frustrations of an inept offense. Olindo Mara’s PAT gave the ‘Hawks the lead 7-6, a lead they never relinquished.

Niners quarterback Alex Smith began the game hitting a slew of receivers, including tight ends Vernon Davis and Delaney Walker, running back Frank Gore, and receiver Michael Crabtree. However, it was the 49ers inability to finish in the red zone that led to opening the door to the ‘Hawks. Smith threw a fade route to an open Josh Morgan in the end zone in the first quarter that was ruled a touchdown on the field. After subsequent review – prompted by Carroll’s red flag – the touchdown was overruled and the Niners settled for a Joe Nedney field goal. Later, after driving 84 yards, Smith missed his intended target badly on fourth down from the six yard line, keeping Seattle well within striking distance.

Following Hasselbeck’s one-yard touchdown scamper, a Jordan Babineaux interception set up a 13-yard touchdown pass from Hasselbeck to Deon Butler. Mare’s extra point made the score 14-6, a score that held until early in the third quarter when Seattle’s Marcus Trufant intercepted Smith again and finished the play with a 32 yard return for a touchdown.

Seattle’s next drive saw Hasselbeck hit Deion Branch for a 3 yard touchdown. Mare’s extra point made the score 28-6 and the Niners never threatened down the stretch.

Hasselbeck finished his day 17 of 23 for 170 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Smith finished 26 of 45 for 225 yards with two interceptions. He was under consistent pressure from Seattle’s Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, and Aaron Curry. Smith, in his sixth season, is the quarterback of a Niners team touted widely as the most likely winner of the NFC West this season.

Carroll, coaching in his first NFL game since being fired by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in 2000, was his usually effervescent self on the sideline. At one point, so exuberant over Trufant’s interception and return touchdown, Carroll had to be constrained by an official in an attempt to calm him down and return to the sideline.

Seattle receiver Mike Williams, playing under his collegiate coach and mentor at the University of Southern California, Carroll, continued his inspiring comeback to the NFL by catching three passes from Hasselbeck, including a 35 yard reception that set up Hasselbeck’s touchdown scamper. The 35 yarder was Williams first catch in an NFL regular season game since 2007.

‘Tweet’ thoughts – Tyler Polumbus played admirably at left tackle in place of the injured Russell Okung…Hasselbeck is completely healthy after injuring his back and ribs in consecutive seasons…Hasselbeck turns 35 later this month…Rookie Safety Earl Thomas, once again, looked like a future star in his first regular season NFL game, including knifing in for a tackle on a stretch play in the first half…for complete game stats, check out nfl.com, here.

Four Seahawks Questions

After an incredible off-season, the Seattle Seahawks begin the season at home on Sunday against NFC West rival (and Division favorite) the San Francisco 49ers. The flurry of transactions this off-season appear done, so it is appropriate to ask a few questions heading into week one.

Will Matt Hasselbeck be protected?

This question could also be ‘Will the offensive line perform?’
Hasselbeck will turn 35 later this month. It’s no secret his pro-bowl years are behind him. In 2005 – the 13-3, Super Bowl appearance season – Hasselbeck played as well as any quarterback in the NFL. He played the season with Hall-of-Fame tackle Walter Jones and perennial Pro-Bowler Steve Hutchison protecting his backside. This season? Russell Okung is the heir apparent to Jones but he’s injured and won’t begin the season on the field. His preseason replacement, Mansfield Wrotto, is no longer with the team. At present, it looks like Tyler Polumbus will start at left tackle. If he goes down, Chester Pitts will step in. After that, only God knows. Alex Gibbs, a respected, veteran offensive line coach abruptly quit (Retired? Fired?) this week and now the ‘Hawks offensive front is being led by a guy Pete Carroll took from the UFL. To be sure, none of this is good news. The offensive line is a giant question mark heading into the regular season. That is not good news for an aging quarterback who has struggled to stay on the field recently or for a backfield in transition.

If Hasselbeck is protected this season, however, he will be the undisputed ‘king of quarterbacks’ in the NFC West (more on that later).

What about the running game?

Justin Forsett will start. Leon Washington will get touches. So will Julius Jones. Splitting carries in an NFL backfield is paying dividends for some franchises (Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in Carolina) but what about touches spread between three? And let’s not forget all three are, essentially, NFL castoffs. Forsett couldn’t hang in Indianapolis and barely made it in Seattle. Jones was jettisoned from Dallas due to the emergence of Marion Barber and promise of Felix Jones and Washington was expendable to the Jets. Of course, Washington is an explosive runner and appears ready to handle a workload out of the backfield in addition to returning kickoffs. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. Also, don’t be surprised to see Jones talking loudly to reporters if he doesn’t get the same opportunities as Forsett and Washington early in the season; something to look forward to there.

Regardless of how touches are dispersed out of the backfield, will any lanes be available? There’s no continuity up front, as mentioned above. Shaun Alexander was a successful back in Seattle because he ran behind an offensive line with almost unprecedented continuity and tremendous talent. He didn’t win NFL MVP because of his outstanding elusiveness or penchant for big plays; he won because his legs stayed fresh and his body stayed strong running wild and free.

Seattle’s running game heading into week one is a giant question mark and the outlook is not promising.

Will the defense consistently get to the quarterback?

The Seahawks finished last season with a paltry 28 sacks. Not surprisingly, the defense also finished 30th against the pass. In other words, the pressure up front must materialize for any hope of defensive success. Thankfully for Seahawks fans, there are plenty of reasons for optimism.

Red Bryant had a fantastic camp and is thriving. Brandon Mebane looks immovable. Colin Cole looks rejuvenated. The addition of Chris Clemmons on the edge looks like a coup. Lofa Tatupu is healthy. Aaron Curry is a beast.

Beyond the initial size, strength, and talent up front, however, the defensive line is thin. Also, Leroy Hill will miss the opener and is dealing with a serious off-the field issue (although, reworking his contract should prove as a great motivator). Finally, although Curry is a beast and has physical tools reminiscent of (pre-steroids) Shawne Merriman, he still makes a lot of mistakes. Dumb mistakes, too. The hope is he’ll grow as a professional this year and fit well into the new scheme.

What about the secondary?

Josh Wilson is gone and now there is no doubt that Kelly Jennings will hold down the corner opposite Marcus Trufant. Jennings is small and open to exploitation opposite Trufant – who looks like a pro bowler again. In his defense, however, Jennings is clearly making it his mission to make plays on the ball and he seems committed to tackling and supporting on the run. He must be ready to make plays, too, because as the season progresses Trufant will see fewer and fewer balls come to his side.

The biggest addition to the secondary, obviously, is first-round pick Earl Thomas. He is a ball hawk, creates turnovers, and is more than willing to lay the wood. Before the draft, there was plenty of discussion surrounding Pete Carroll looking to draft his former player, Taylor Mays, to improve Seattle’s secondary. He didn’t draft Mays though because Thomas is better in coverage; a fact that can easily be overlooked in a hard-hitting safety like Thomas. Lawyer Milloy, a savvy veteran, will provide plenty of leadership from the other safety spot. Cutting and subsequently resigning Jordan Babineaux was a money-saving move but odd nonetheless. He’s not good in coverage and simply lacks some physical tools but the ‘Big Play Babs’ moniker may carry him through his Seattle career.

The secondary will be better than last year – provided Seattle gets consistent pressure up front. Also, rather than facing Kurt Warner twice this season, Seattle will face the Derek Anderson-led Arizona Cardinals. That fact alone will help out the secondary. In that same vein, Alex Smith (49ers) has been maddeningly inconsistent in his career and Sam Bradford (Rams) is a rookie; a much-heralded rookie, but a rookie nonetheless. Seattle will face Anderson, Smith, and Bradford six times this year – unquestionable good news for the secondary.

Seahawks lose ‘must win’ game to Cardinals

The Seattle Seahahawks made it much harder on the Arizona Cardinals then they did in week six when they lost by 24 points. Nonetheless, Seattle came up short and suffered their sixth loss of the season, 31 -20.

Early in the 4th quarter with the Seattle Seahawks driving, they were forced to settle for a field goal after three attempts from the one yard line. The Arizona Cardinals responded with an 80 yard drive capped by a Beanie Wells touchdown run to take their first lead of the game.

On their third down play from the one on that pivotal drive, the Seahawks elected to throw a fade to wide receiver Nate Burleson. Burleson, who did not catch a pass in the game, could not come down with the ball opening the door for Kurt Warner and an explosive Cardinals offense. The Cardinals took advantage of the opportunity.

After Wells touchdown run, the Seahawks were stymied near midfield and punted. The Cardinals responded with an 85 yard drive, ending with quarterback Kurt Warner hitting Larry Fitzgerald for a touchdown leading to the final outcome.

The loss means the Seahawks are now three games behind the NFC West division leaders. For all intents and purposes, the Seahawks hopes for post season play evaporated with the loss.

The game started well for the Seahawks, forcing three-and-outs and holding Warner in check while taking a 14-0 lead. At halftime the Seahawks held a 17-10 advantage. However, the Seahawks managed only three second half points and watched the Cardinals finish the game with 14 unanswered points.

For the game, Wells had 85 yards rushing to go along with two touchdowns. For the Seahawks, Justin Forsett, taking over for an injured Julius Jones, rushed 16 times for 113 yards.

After the Fitzgerald touchdown, the Seahawks tried desperately to get back in the game down the stretch. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hit wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh down the middle getting the Seahawks into the red zone. Unfortunately for Seattle, Hasselbeck’s shuffle pass intended for Forsett was intercepted by Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson and the game ended with the Cardinals taking a knee.

With the loss, the Seahawks fell to 3-6 on the season, while the Cardinals improved to 6-3 and took a commanding lead in the NFC West.

Game notes: Warner’s touchdown pass to Fitzgerald was the 200th touchdown pass of his career…Warner finished the game with 29 completions for 340 yards and two touchdowns…Seahawks tight end John Carlson caught his first touchdown since week one against the St. Louis Rams…Seahawks wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh caught nine balls for 165 yards…Julius Jones left the game in the first half with a chest injury.