Takeaways: Seahawks Clobber the Jaguars

By Jackson Safon

The 20.5 points that the Seahawks were favored by was one of the biggest point spreads in NFL history, and the Hawks covered with ease. The final score was 45-17 and this game was in hand from the get-go. The Hawks dominance showed early as they went into the locker room at halftime with a 34-0 lead. The performance was dominant in all phases of the game, which allowed Tarvaris Jackson, Christine Michael, and the rest of the reserves to get in the game and show what they could do. Not surprisingly, they played outstanding and Jackson showed that he is better than any of the Jaguars quarterbacks. However, even in a dominant win, there are always things both positive and negative to take away.

1. In Russ We Trust
It took two games, but the passing attack is back. Russell Wilson was in sync early and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell opened up the offense much more in this game. Wilson was spreading it around to all of his receivers, and the passing game was as dynamic as it has ever been, leading to four touchdowns from Wilson (and one more from Tarvaris Jackson later in the game). Furthermore, Wilson averaged 9.6 yards per attempt, which is a very good number. For a team that doesn’t look to throw the ball 50 times a game, efficiency in the passing game is very important, and the yards per attempt stat is an excellent measure of the way Russell Wilson is playing. Besides an interception that was dropped by a receiver, Wilson looked fantastic.

Sidney Rice caught two of Russell Wilson's four touchdown passes on the day.

AP Photo -Stephen Brashear

2. The Defense is Freakishly Good

I wrote about the defense last week, but it cannot be said enough times: the Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL and it isn’t close. Their defense could shape up to being one of the best of all time. And this is just the first week with Chris Clemons and Brandon Browner. With pass rushing specialist Bruce Irvin coming back in week five, quarterbacks better be on the lookout. I understand that the Hawks played the Jaguars this week, so defensive dominance was to be expected, but that doesn’t make this defense any less unstoppable. Seven different players had a tackle for loss, and Michael Bennett and Clint McDonald combined for three sacks. The Hawks defense is elite in every phase and shouldn’t be beat by anyone.

 

Clinton McDonald recorded 1.5 sacks on the day for the Seahawks defense.

Steven Bisig - USA Today Sports

 

3. The Seahawks Have Incredible Depth

The Seahawks are arguably the deepest team on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Tarvaris Jackson came in to replace Russell Wilson and promptly went 7/8 for 129 yards and a score. Christine Michael is electric in the backfield and will be the successor to Marshawn Lynch in a few years. Every member of the defense played well. There are more than a few teams that Tarvaris Jackson could start for right now. The depth on both sides of the ball could prove crucial later in the season as injuries for all teams begin to pile up.

 

Marshawn Lynch didn't have a huge day on the ground for the Seahawks, but the team didn't need an amazing game from him as they faced the lowly Jaguars.

Seahawks.com

 

4. Third Down Efficiency Needs to Improve

The Hawks were a mere 4/10 on third downs, which against an elite defense would be acceptable, but the Jaguars are average at best. For the season, the Hawks need to be around 50% and above on third downs, so 40% against a relatively weak defense is something to think about. No need for concern or panic, but this is just something to keep an eye on moving forward as the matchups for the Hawks become tougher with the Texans and Colts coming up.

 

5. The Seahawks are the Best Team in the NFC

And it isn’t close. Not only have the Seahawks dominated so far this season, but most other potential contenders have faltered. The Falcons, Packers, and 49ers all lost Sunday. The Bears and Saints are both undefeated, but it’s hard to say they could even come close to the Hawks after the dominance showed through three weeks. The Hawks still need to play with the proverbial chip on their shoulder, however, as the most wins the Hawks have ever had in a season where they started 3-0 was 10. If the Hawks can continue to play at the level they are capable of, anything short of a Super Bowl berth would be a disappointment.

 

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Seattle Seahawks Training Camp 2013

by Jackson Safon

One year ago. Just one short year ago our training camp storylines were completely different. It was Flynnsanity. Few truly thought Russell Wilson could break out in the way he did and not only take Flynn’s job, but take it and run. There were questions about Lynch’s health. Now it’s questions about Percy Harvin’s health. We were wondering if a rookie from Utah State could truly be the answer at middle linebacker. We thought this Richard Sherman guy could be a solid little player, and now he is going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated. A lot has changed in a year.

This year the plot is very different, but much more exciting because of the success achieved by the Hawks last year. There are always story lines everywhere, but I will give a few of my favorites on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Offense:

1. Percy Harvin-This story line became much more interesting today in wake of the news that Harvin has a potentially torn labrum and could require surgery. However the injury plays out I still think this is one of the most interesting and exciting story lines of this upcoming season. Let’s set aside the injury for a moment. Whenever Harvin comes back to the team it is going to be fascinating how they integrate him into the lineup. In the second half of the season last year the Hawks offense turned it up and was one of the top units in the entire league. So how are they going to add in one of the most dynamic players in the NFL? Last year they were a run first team, with Marshawn Lynch being the NFL’s third leading rusher behind Adrian Peterson and Alfred Morris. With the addition of Harvin and the progression of Wilson lead to a change in offensive identity? Do the Hawks play a lot more three or four wide receiver sets? Does Percy Harvin get a lot of time in the backfield? So many questions that I have about the offense this year and I am so excited to see how it plays out.

www.seattleseahawks.com

Percy Harvin will have to undergo surgery on his torn labrum. He will be out 3-4 months.

2. Running Backs-This is an interesting one because we have so much talent at this position. Lynch is obviously a beast. Everyone knows that. But we also have Robert Turbin who will be looking to improve off of a very solid rookie campaign, and recent draftee Christine Michael who I think is every bit the part of a beastly NFL running back. I personally think Christine Michael could be the incumbent to Lynch when his contract is up in a few years. But that is thinking too far ahead. The important thing is right now, and I wonder how the Hawks will get enough touches for all three of these guys. Lynch obviously needs his touches, Turbin showed he can be very explosive, and I believe Michael is going to be an absolute stud. Running backs coach Sherman Smith has raved about Robert Turbin in previous interviews and has said that he is the backup to Lynch, which begs the question is Christine Michael going to get any real playing time at all? With Percy Harvin’s versatility and the potential shift in the offense, I am interested to see how the running back situation gets sorted out.

www.seattleseahawks.com

Christine Michael could challenge Robert Turbin for the back-up running back position.

Defense:

1. Bruce Irvin-This guy has showed so much potential at times, then at others (such as a crucial playoff game against the Falcons) he just disappears. He still had a fantastic rookie season with eight sacks, and I expect him to become not only a more accomplished pass rusher but a better run defender as well this season. Now that would be a story line as it is, but that’s not to mention the four game suspension Irvin has to serve because of violating the league’s drug policy. Losing him for the first four games, plus having Chris Clemons already out for a good while because of his injury, the front seven will have to play a bit shorthanded to start the year. I look to see how the rest of the guys respond, but also how well Irvin plays coming off his suspension.

2. Front Seven Versatility-This sort of ties in with the last part about Bruce Irvin, but I personally think it deserves a segment to itself. With the defensive line and linebackers shorthanded to start the year this won’t play nearly as large, but once Irvin and Clemons return to the team, the Hawks will almost have too many pass rushers. The question is what to do with them all. Once the team is fully healthy we will have Bruce Irvin, Chris Clemons, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Red Bryant, and Brandon Mebane. This doesn't even take into account guys like Greg Scruggs, or rookies Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams. Obviously this is too many guys for four spots on the defensive line which is actually a good problem to have. I believe Avril will move to the “Leo” linebacker spot which is essentially a pass-rushing guy who doesn't rush the passer all the time. He played this position in college as well, so I don’t think the transition will be too difficult. Even if that is how it plays out, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will have an absurd amount of versatility with this group and I cannot wait to see what he does with them. But just imagine being a quarterback on third and long with Irvin, Clemons, Bennett, and Avril all coming to get you. It gives me Goosebumps just thinking about it.

Obviously there are more story lines and position battles, many of which relate to the rookies. A couple of rookie names I believe can make an impact in this season are Christine Michael (RB), Jesse Williams (DT), Jordan Hill (DL), and Luke Willson (TE) among others. Stay tuned for more information on training camp, but just think about how close we are to the season actually starting. Go Hawks.

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