3 In, 3 Out: Seahawks Review for Those Who Like Shiny Objects

by @ClintonBon

Welcome my friends, welcome to the machine. As a long time fan-boy (nearly 2 years) of the Sea Hawkers Podcast, it’s my pleasure to be able to contribute to their growing cadre of listeners by offering up a weekly little ditty we call 3 in, 3 out.

What is 3 in, 3 out? Glad you asked. It’s a concise, yet somewhat satisfying recap of 3 things that went well for the Seahawks and 3 things that left us all feeling a little less than fresh. The coverage will go deeper than the average bear – for instance this will be the only mention of Richard Sherman’s all game blanketing of Dez.

Bite-sized tidbits… yes! Slightly askew analysis… likely! Better at life than Skip Bayless… most certainly my friends. So, without further adieu, queue Machinehead from 90’s band Bush in your noggin’ and sing it with us: 3 in, 3 out… 3 in, 3 out …

In – Large holes in left side of the line, several times

Though Lynch carried the ball 21 times v. dem ‘Boys, it felt like he should’ve gotten the rock even more. His last two starts he’s looked quite fresh. In addition to what seem like very fresh Lynch legs, Alvin Bailey’s run blocking on many occasions was really… quite good. There were several occasions where Lynch was through a gaping left side hole and not being touched until linebacker contact 4 to 5 yards down the field. Ummmmm… we do that, we don’t lose

Out – Uggggggh the Red Dead Zone

The O is moving the chains. Most drives feel good. The stats certainly don’t say it but any ‘Hawks fan watching as we do feel that the offense is riiiiiiiight there. But put simply, if we don’t improve our Red Zone offense, we won’t make it back to the Super Bowl. I’d like to say we just need to be less predictable in the Red Zone, but I think Brandan would kindly remind me that “Malcolm Butler made a very good play”. So, I’m taking suggestions here… what can we do about our red zone doldrums?

Listen to Brandan & Adam’s take on our Red Zone woes on the latest Sea Hawkers Podcast

In – Jimmy Graham… yes, our Jimmy Graham

Facts are funny… funny things.

Fact #1 – Jimmy Graham caught just under 37% of Russell’s completions on Sunday

Fact #2 – Jimmy Graham was responsible for just under 36% of Russell’s throwing yards on Sunday

Fact #3 – Luke Willson was open, because the defender was more keyed in on Jimmy Graham (a well designed and nicely executed play I might add!)

Out – Michael Bennett’s Last Chance Power-Drive

Hey, I love me some @mosesbread72… I’ve often stated to fellow 12’s on twitter to exercise fan patience when he lines up offsides multiple times in a half, because you know the guy will deliver a huge play when it matters. I think his 3.5 sacks the week before prove that out and then some.

I’m just saying, in this instance, when he went low on the Cowboys journeyman QB, we likely all felt that it was going to bite us in the arse… and cost us the season. Well, thank the maker for Matt Cassel, eh?

In – Tyler Lockett’s Punt Return that Didn’t Count – But Mattered

Lockett did a Lockett-thingy when he took that late punt return through traffic and up the sideline to the centerpiece Dallas Star. It was called back on a hold by Big Perm, Big Sherm that wouldn’t have affected the play otherwise. So the stats don’t count, but the play mattered… a lot. Lockett’s return game went from off the charts great to average over the last few weeks. We need Lockett to be this dynamic in the second half of the year, and this was a great play in a huge spot. It didn’t count, but it sure does matter.

Out – The NFL’s Inability to Decide What the Frig a Catch Is (or isn’t)!!!

That McFadden catch, and fumble was indeed a catch… and fumble… until it wasn’t. I’m just unsure how that call could possibly have been reversed, but here’s a solution! Any NFL catch/no catch scenario should be sent to NYC for MLB instant replay umpires to review. In baseball if a player catches the ball then muffs the transfer – like a 6-4 put out where the shortstop fumbles the ball trying to complete a double-play – it’s still an out… because… a-hem… he caught the ball!!! NFL, apply the same dang logic would ya? Please!!! Before another playoff game is ruined because you can’t decide what is a catch and what isn’t… Do Better NFL!!!

It’s of course great to hear Ricardo is on the road to recovery. Get well soon Rocket. 4-4 with 8 to go, our division to win! Till next time ye faithful 12’s, we’ll see you in a few weeks. Go ‘Hawks!

The Good The Bad The UGLY!!!

Hello 12s,

Here’s what I saw from this game and honestly I loved it… Till the end obviously so let’s break it down.

GOOD

Run Offense looks much better, The defense had the Bengals O-line on their toes in a big way at first. Rawls (169 YDS 7.3 yard average 1 TD.) has some speed that really helps us where

Lynch struggles with on the outside runs it seems like which helps the O-line look better.

(Not bashing Lynch just making an observation.)side note with Rawls, he still needs improvement with his vision at times he seemed indecisive on which gap to punch through.  Defense played tough for 2 of the quarters I mean just wow I the look on Daltons face at times made me really feel like the Legion of Boom was putting on a Clinic for the Bengals this week.

The Bad

Defense All together held one of the most explosive teams to 109 yards rushing and got to Dalton 4 times and a INT, But passing suffered Not only did Carey William’s draw some big penalties with covering the WRs that played very physical AJ GREEN all but murdered him at times. Kam Chancellor looked like a guy that never went to training camp at times shrugging his shoulders & looking for guidance from Thomas as he let Tyler Eifert cruise on past him for points on the board. 112 yards total in penalties, Michael Bennett losing self-control again by roughing up Dalton after the play Yeah this was rough towards the end.

The Ugly (What happened to the OFFENSE BEV?)

Third Down Efficiency was just 5/13, 15 completions for 23 attempts and Possession was 30:35. The offense was just nonexistent in the 4th quarter and in OT we had to punt twice. 17 unanswered points in the fourth I think our defense just flat out got tired and it showed especially when Dalton snuck in for the TD. That’s not how we play at all. Pass protection was just mediocre at times and Gilliam got man handled…A LOT! They need to get Graham involved more into a passing TE role! He’s not a blocker we’ve seen this all week go back watch the tape look at his attempts to block its really sad to say but it’s true.

But do not fret my fellow 12s in my opinion we are making great adjustments from week 1 in comparison to now, I would say we can afford one more loss before Pete Carrol and company have to really be worried because let’s just face it we’ve been here before and came back strong but the NFC West has the Rams and the Cardinals playing TOUGH so the pace needs to quicken before we play either team next, Lockett has shown he can ball when given the opportunity so let’s give him so more shots.. and Rawls can BRAWL with lynch absent. I see momentum but we need to finish in the 4th and convert those third downs not to mention better communication…Kam, so do better man.

Logan York

Will Kam’s Return Breathe New Life Into 0-2 Seahawks?

Kam Chancellor high fives teammates after coming out of the tunnel at CenturyLlink.

Kam Chancellor runs on the field before the offense is introduced on game day at CenturyLink. Photo by Brandan Schulze

If you heard a collective sigh of relief rush through the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday morning, rest assured it had nothing to do with the President of China’s motorcade heading North. As quickly as a Starbucks can misspell your name, news spread that Seattle’s beloved safety, Kam Chancellor, had ended his contract holdout and returned to the team. Chancellor’s return ended nearly two months of a negotiation stalemate with Seattle and came at a time when, for the first time since 2011, the Seahawks started their season with a disappointing record of 0-2.

Seattle fans knew that the Seahawks were slated to start the 2015 season with a tough two-game road trip. Games against the Rams and Packers, especially on their home turf, have historically been tough for the green and blue from the NW. But after big contracts (Russell Wilson), big acquisitions (Jimmy Graham) and a team that has been to the Super Bowl the last two years, a record of 0-2 seemed to startle many of the 12s. The disappointing start came with cries of questionable play calling, underutilization of Graham’s talents, and talk of a team that seemed out of sync.

And so, it seems, Chancellor’s return could not have come at a better time. Notably a leader both on and off the field, Kam’s teammates seemed to embrace his return with open arms. Missing in Chancellor’s absence was the tough mental and physical play he brings to every game. In week one, replacement Dion Bailey slipped while covering Rams tight end Lance Kendricks, allowing them to tie up the game on a last minute TD. The Seahawks eventually lost to St. Louis in overtime. And while no one player should be blamed for the Seahawks loss, the unfortunate slip only seemed to highlight Kam’s absence.

But now that the three-time Pro Bowler and noted team leader returns to the field, can Seattle reverse the tide? For the next few games, at least, it seems the odds are stacked in their favor. The schedule will soften drastically over the coming weeks, including back to back home games against the struggling Bears and Lions. Additionally, two of the next three road games are against the ever-imploding San Francisco 49ers and a Romo-less Cowboys team in Dallas.

And while both sides are keeping mum about the details of Chancellor’s return, Kam said he will deal with business at the end of the season.  As he stated to the press on Wednesday, it was simply “time to come back”.

As a Seattle fan, I couldn’t agree more.

My Week 1 breakdown vs. Rams

Battle of the defenses that is all I have to say. Don’t get me wrong I love my hawks but that o-line just doesn’t look that great.
Giving Nick Foles is an upgrade to an extent for the Rams but I think he was more of a product of Chip Kelly’s system. Both teams do have a little flux at the O-line but the Rams haven’t had a top 15 rushing game since 2001 and they haven’t figured out what to do with their 2013 8th overall draft pick Tavon Austin.

I believe the Rams offense will struggle just a tad with Seattle’s front looking stronger than ever I expect Jordan Hill and Frank Clark to make some plays this game. If Seattle can survive with some Wilson broken play drills (which will happen) Jimmy Graham with that speed freak Tyler making some offensive magic happen I think we can survive this tough away game.

Statements that need to be made this game:

  1. We can WIN without Kam Chancellor making his horrible “Agent” that much more nervous during the holdout.
  2. Yes our O-line can hold the line against a tough front 7.
  3. Our kick return game is not just a pre-season hype train.

My gut says Seattle takes this win but it will not be pretty whoever takes the lead by 14 points in the 1st half will for sure be the victor and will set the pace so with that said lets GO HAWKS!!!

Logan in Spokane

What to Wear This Seahawks Season

Cover Pic

By Jenny Goos

Ahhh….the lazy days of summer are winding down and the NFL season is so close you can almost feel it in the air. Now that we’ve gotten all the details on Russell’s new contract, held our breath over Kam’s holdout (don’t worry, it won’t last much longer), and read WAY TOO MUCH about Ciara’s celibacy, there is one more thing left to worry about before the Seahawks first kickoff. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO WEAR THIS YEAR?!!!!

While we all can (and do) walk into the local team shop and pick up the latest jersey that costs 25X more than it does to make, it is always the more interesting and fun outfits that stand out at the games. For me, people-watching is one of the best parts of attending Seahawks games in person. If you want to hear some good stories, just find someone interesting and ask them the infamous question, “WHAT are you wearing”?

caboMy interest began a couple years ago while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. After watching one of the beach vendors have a slow day selling name bracelets for $4 each, I mentioned to him that the resort behind me had close to 40 guests from Western Washington. I suggested if he made bracelets that said “Seahawks”, his sales should increase exponentially. After showing him the proper color combination, Garcia went home that night and got to work. I’m happy to report that he showed up at the beach the next morning with 100 Seahawks bracelets, and promptly sold every single one. I still wear mine to every game I attend.

My good friend Lisa has a similar story she shared with me recently. After buying one of her beautifully beaded Seahawks necklaces, I asked how she made them. Here is the incredible story behind her beaded jewelry:

“I have a childhood friend who is an inmate at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, WA. The inmates are allowed to do crafts, especially if it’s associated with their religion or culture. My friend, Tom, is in the dog training program with some Native American inmates who have befriended him. This friendship allows him to attend the annual pow-wow held at the prison and I have been invited as a guest for the past two years. As a Native American myself, I’ve witnessed how this cultural experience within the prison walls is a great outlet for the Native men and I wanted to find a way to support them while they were incarcerated. Many of the guys are very talented with beads so I asked how I could help them out; I buy beads and have them shipped to the prison and the guys use their creative talents to create awesome Seahawks jewelry for me. I sell the jewelry to my friends and use the money to buy more beads. It’s a win-win, these guys know how much everyone loves their creations and buying beads for them allows them to continue to work on their craft and be creative while supporting the Seahawks! The majority of the inmates are from Washington State and are Seahawk fans, they get together and watch the games, it’s one brief outlet for them, to escape their reality while they’re cheering on the Hawks! When I visit the prison, I usually wear some type of Seahawk clothing and always a piece of their jewelry. It always puts a smile on their faces and I get “Go Hawks” as I walk past the guys. Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, home of the 12th Inmate!! LOL!” – Lisa B.

And my last, but definitely not least, favorite new piece of clothing is something I keep close at heart (literally). You see, there is a company making what every fan wants (and needs) for those cold winter games – a battery pack heated vest. These vests are a well kept secret with NFL teams, as they have been ordering them for some time. For fans, the heated vest is perfect for those cold games, and its super thin fits under anything. Just slip your favorite jersey over the top, turn on your four setting battery, and enjoy the game in warmth! The vest lasts 1 ½ hours on high, and sells for around $120. While these vests may soon be selling at Costco and Amazon, if like me, you can’t wait that long, you can order one through hnchavis@gmail.com.

For a few more “fun” items to wear to your next game, here are some more of my favorite items and websites:

www.huckleberryink.com

www.huckleberryink.com

Other sites:

  • Hope’s Scrubs and Gifts
  • Noble Beads for Hawks
  • Jewelry by Terri Thompson
  • Jamberry Seahawks Nail Covers