Game #10 – the Force Awakens?
by @ClintonBon
3 In, 3 Out is a concise, yet somewhat satisfying recap of 3 things that went well for the Seahawks and 3 things that ummmm… didn’t. The coverage will go deeper than the average bear – for instance this will be the only mention of Thomas Rawls running rampant for 209 magnificent yards. Well done Rook!
In – Cliff Avril is Having an All-Pro Year
Man oh man, Avril is a one-man wrecking crew this year. After posting only 2 sacks through the first 6 games of the season, @CliffAvril has turned it up, and turned it on. His 2 sacks Sunday were also timely with his first sack coming in the opening series and setting a nasty tone right out of the gate. In our previous 3 In, 3 Out, I suggested the nickname Godzilla… so I’ll just leave this here for you to enjoy:
Out – The 49ers Pre-Halftime Drive
First, we don’t let Hau$chka attempt a 56 yarder. OK… I think I get why. Then Jon Ryan executes a beautiful punt to pin the hapless 49ers to their 8-yard line… THEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN we allow a 92-yard drive just before the half, giving both the 49ers hope and all 12s just enough reason to worry heading into the half.
Apparently, we have forgotten how to cover TEs. But the 49ers have Gronk sooooo… oh, sorry, it was Vernon Da… oh… wait, hold on. Vance ‘Friggin’ McDonald !!!!!!!!! Let’s move on.
In – Not His Feet, His Hands
We stated in the opening that we wouldn’t again mention Thomas Rawls' amazing running day… and we shan’t! What impressed me the most, wasn’t his running – that was great, we all like it, love it, want some more of it – it was his hands. Three Receptions, 46 yards and hands smoother than Billy D. Williams holding a Colt 45!
Proof you say??? Watch this nifty grab and then watch him barrel over 49ers. Me likey what me seeing.
Who does Rawls remind you of? My vote, a young Matt Forte. If he’s close to that Green Wave’r, than we’ve got ourselves one heck of a back. Rawls seems to catch the ball at near top speed, meaning he’s able to accelerate really quickly after the catch, which increases his YAC and well… who doesn’t enjoy an increased YAC?
Sidenote: Get well fast Beastmode!
Out – The Second Half Opening Drive Dud-Muffin
Admit it, the start of the second half had us all thinking… Ohhhhh no, not again. With how the first-half ended, to then come out and sputter as if it were the beginning of the Cardinals game… well, it just felt icky.
Thankfully this feeling didn’t last too long this time. Will we be so fortunate against markedly better opponents down the stretch?
In – That Killer 4th Quarter Drive to Seal the Game
The 4th quarter drive to put a game out of reach. It’s one of the most enjoyable series of events to watch in all of sports and unfortunately for us 12s, we haven’t really experienced it this year. This week’s game sealing drive against our once proud rivals had it all.
Angry Doug with a big catch… check! A huge 3rd and long conversion to Jimmy… check! Rawls refusing to be denied paydirt… check! 3 plays of 20 yards or more, 6 on the board (let’s not talk about extra points today!) and with 12:32 to go in the affair, the game was put away.
Heck, even a bubble screen worked in this drive… just don’t tell Adam.
Out – Cary Williams
Literally. Will he earn his way back onto the field? Tough to say. What we do know is that with Jeremy Lane rejoining the LOB, we just got stronger for our stretch run. Cary, keep your head up and make some big plays for us when you get your next chance.
I feel as Seahawks fans we owe an honorable mention “In’ to one Matthew Hasselbeck. Delivering the Falcons a huge loss was big for your old team. Thanks Matt!
1, 2, 3… What’s Next!?
The fun part about this year is that every game is essentially a must-win… so here we go again! Big Ben, Antonio, Heath ‘the Heath’ Miller, DeAngelo and more come rolling into town with the Bengals just about in their sites.
What will I be looking for? Gut pressure from Mebane, Rubin, and Hill. We will need up the middle pocket collapsing to win this game. We know Bennett and Avril are going to get their chances off the edge, if a non-mobile Big Ben can’t routinely step up into safety, we win.
Have an “In’ you want to predict for the upcoming match v. the Steelers? Drop us a comment or send Brandan and Adam a tweet @SeaHawkersPod.
Till next time ye faithful 12’s… Go ‘Hawks!
