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Sports

Seahawks Sunday Supper: The Houston Texans

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Texans defensive tackle J.J. Watt

The Seahawks have a much deeper, and, position-by-position, more talented roster than the Houston Texans, whom they travel to face this weekend. But Houston has two exceptional talents — defensive lineman J.J. Watt and wide receiver Andre Johnson — who are capable of dominant performances. Hence, the Seahawks are just 3-point favorites this week. Here are three critical takeaways for the game which I have, for no good reason, adapted from Star Wars quotes.

Save us J.R. Sweezy, you’re our only hope.
A rancor-esque monster wants to ravage the Seahawk backfield on Sunday, and 2nd-year offensive guard J.R. Sweezy is the only one who can stop him. Houston defensive tackle J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in football—big, strong, and explosive (here he is doing a 55-inch box jump). You don’t really “block” J.J. Watt, you just try to stay in his way long enough to give your running back enough time to get the hell away from him, or your quarterback a couple of seconds to throw. Sweezy is the man who will try to do it, with the occasional assist from center Max Unger, who’ll throw a leg or hip into Watt when he can. Sweezy is the smallest right guard who’s been matched up against Watt this year, which may not be a bad thing — Sweezy’s height and agility may give him an advantage over your average guard, who tends to have more of a fire-hydrant body type.

Run…or run not. There is no try.
The Seahawks’ running game has not impressed this year, and now they have to face one of the NFL’s best rushing defenses. Worse yet, they’re down at least one and possibly as many as three starting offensive linemen. But running may be their best shot at popping big plays in this game. The Texans blitz more than any NFL team, (they rushed 6 or more on 17.8% of passing plays last year, the most in the NFL), and play 6 defensive backs more than most (36% of the time last year, 2nd-most in the NFL). Here’s the recipe: If the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell calls the right running play against a blitz, and Marshawn Lynch gets free in the secondary against 180-lb. cornerbacks, hello touchdown!

Escape is not his plan. I must face him alone.
The last time the Seahawks played Houston, the Texans’ WR Andre Johnson had 11 catches for 193 yards and 2 TDs. By yards, it’s the third-best receiving day ever against the Hawks. This was in 2009, before Pete Carroll came to the Seahawks; but, more importantly, before star cornerback Richard Sherman came to the Seahawks. Sherman will likely be be matched against Johnson in what will be one of the most epic man-on-man battles in the NFL this year…assuming Johnson plays. Nursing a sore shin, Johnson hasn’t had a full practice this week and is considered a game-time decision. But, let’s be honest, this is a huge game for the Texans and Johnson is probably going to see the field.

The Seahawks/Houston game is at 10 a.m. It’ll be televised on FOX, the announcers are Chris Myers and Tim Ryan. You can buy that Texans mug for $15 on eBay.

PRO TIP: In his past 5 games (dating back to last year’s playoffs) Matt Schaub has thrown 3 interceptions that have been returned for touchdowns—all on plays where the defender read Schaub’s eyes, jumped a route, and had an easy catch and jaunt to the end zone. Look for opportunistic Seahawks’ defenders to try the same tactic.

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Sports

What You Need to Know: Sports Edition

Richard Sherman celebrates with the SeaGals after his game-clinching interception.

Headline:
The Sounders won, the Huskies won, the Seahawks won BIG TIME.

Executive Summary:
The Sounders’ dominating 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake vaulted them over that team for first place in the MLS Western Conference. Lamar Neagle and Obafemi Martins scored the goals.

The Huskies beat Illinois in Chicago 34-24 for their first win away from Seattle against a non-conference opponent since 2007. The Dawgs were also dominant, and their margin of victory should have been much bigger, but they fumbled twice and committed 12 penalties.

Continuing the dominant theme, the Seahawks’ defense shut San Francisco down completely, keying Seattle’s 29-3 blowout victory over the 49ers. The game was scoreless when lightning caused an hour-long delay; after that the Hawks’ defense set the offense up with terrific field position, and Marshawn Lynch came through with three TDs.

If you want to sound smart around the watercooler:

Say: “Are we watching one of the NFL’s greatest defenses?”

Your background: The San Francisco 49ers possess one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. No one doubts this. Last week against Green Bay, which has one of the NFL’s better defenses, the Niners scored 34 points, gained 494 yards, and star receiver Anquan Boldin had 13 catches. Against the Seahawks on Sunday night? The Niners scored 3 points, gained 207 yards, and star receiver Anquan Boldin (blanketed by Richard Sherman most of the night) had 1 catch. It was simply one of the finest defensive performances in Seahawks’ history.

Say: “The Supporters’ Shield is ours to lose!”

Your background: In European soccer, the league champion is usually the team that finishes with the best record; there’s no playoffs. In most American sports, the team that finishes with the best record gets diddley-squat (see the 2001 Mariners). This used to be the case in the MLS, but some fans came up with the idea of recognizing team with the best record with the “Supporters’ Shield.” The winner gets a trophy and an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions’ League. With Friday’s win, the Sounders have 49 points (you get three for a win, one for a draw), one better than New York and Real Salt Lake.

Say: “Price and Sankey looked amazing, but what’s wrong with ASJ?”

Your background: Quarterback Price, running back Sankey, and tight end Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (a.k.a. “ASJ”) are the three most talented offensive players the Huskies have. On Saturday against Illinois, Price threw for 342 yards, completing 80% of his passes. Sankey ran for a career-high 208 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. But ASJ, playing his first game of the season after serving a one-game suspension to atone for a drunk-driving charge, looked out of it. He’s considered the best NFL prospect of the 3, but won’t be for long if he plays like he did Saturday—committing 3 penalties, whiffing on blocks, gaining only 7 receiving yards, and appearing out of breath.

Next week: Huskies vs. Idaho State, Saturday, noon; Sounders @ L.A. Galaxy, Saturday, 7:30 pm; Seahawks vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1:25 pm.

News, Sports

NFL Draft Recap: Seahawks Get Bigger, Smarter

John Moffitt
"An intelligent player"

Pundit grades for the NFL draft are out, and the national football media has about as much love for the Seahawks draft picks as the official Libyan media has for NATO.

What say you, Clifton Brown of The Sporting News? D! ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr? D+! FOX Sports’ Adam Caplan? D!

Seahawks drafters Pete Carroll and John Schneider get low marks for failing to pick a quarterback and for the crime of “reaching,” draft parlance for picking a player who most teams thought would go later in the draft.

Yet, in the rainy sky of morning, it’s plain that the Seahawks followed a clear strategy: Get bigger, and get smarter. Let’s chat about it, shall we? We’ll start with size.

Take cornerback, where the Seahawks’ primary starters were both 5-foot-11. The Hawks took Stanford’s Richard Sherman, who’s 6-foot-3, and 6-foot-1, 210-pound Byron Maxwell of Clemson.

Or wide receiver, where the Seahawks made their biggest “reach” of the draft, taking Georgia’s Kris Durham. Durham wasn’t among the 329 draft-eligible players invited to the NFL’s Scouting Combine–but he is 6-foot-5, a head taller than most of Seahawks receivers.

The Seahawks’ top two picks, offensive linemen James Carpenter and John Moffitt, aren’t necessarily larger than their roster counterparts, but they represent a dedication to building the team around the largest position group.

And these dudes are sharp! Moffitt touted himself on a conference call with reporters as “an intelligent player.” Sherman lasted six years at Stanford, so you know he’s smart. Durham was First-Team Academic All-American and won UGA’s Scholar-Athlete award. ESPN’s scouting report lauded Wright as a “well spoken and valued representative for the program.”

Ironically, the Hawks draft smart guys and get near-failing grades. What’s going on here is that the graders were looking for a research paper and the Seahawks turned in a first-person narrative. They didn’t draft based on the pure numbers, they drafted based on their own biases, their belief that bigger and smarter will help win games. For the sake of all throw-able objects in the vicinity of my television, let’s hope they’re right.

News, Sports

Seahawks Pick OT James Carpenter and More in NFL Draft

Wooo! New Seahawks! By taking offensive linemen with his first two picks, Pete Carroll is clearly trying to get on new O-line coach Tom Cable’s good side. (Smart move, given Cable’s history of punching fellow coaches.) It was Alabama OT James Carpenter with pick one, Wisconsin G John Moffitt with pick two. Says Cable: “I told John (Schneider) a week ago, if your wildest dreams, if you could pick two guys to get in the draft it would be these two.”

On Saturday, the focus has turned to defense–and more specifically, the defensive backfield–as the Hawks have taken three defensive backs. The final tally: 9 picks–3 offense, 6 defense.

James CarpenterJames Carpenter, OT, Alabama (1st rd., 25th overall)

Where he fits:
Carpenter played left tackle at Alabama, and could also play guard. Probably, the Seahawks expect him to win the starting RT job, with incumbent Sean Locklear unlikely to be re-signed.

What he’s done:
After playing two seasons in junior college, Carpenter started all 27 games of his career for Alabama. He was second-team All-SEC his junior year, first-team All-SEC as a senior. ‘Bama RB Mark Ingram won the 2009 Heisman running behind Carpenter.

Raw stats:
6-4, 321 lbs. 5.28 40-time. 23 reps at 225 lbs. in bench press.

Pick talk:
The Seahawks last picked an offensive tackle last year, when they took Russell Okung with the 6th overall pick. Carpenter is the fourth offensive tackle taken in the 2011 draft, behind Tyron Smith of USC, Nate Solder of Colorado, and Anthony Castonzo of Boston College.

What they’re saying:
“I don’t see it at this point.” — Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
“His initials are J.C. and he’s a f***ing Carpenter!” — My friend Ivan
“Don’t be surprised if Carpenter is a quality NFL starter.” — Lindy’s Sports
“The Seahawks would like to see him step in at RT to give them bookend edge protectors for the next 10 years.” — ESPN.com
“The line just got a LOT better and that’s something we all have wanted.” — Danny Kelly, Field Gulls
“I had him graded as an early- to late-second round pick.” Mike Mayock, NFL Network
“I was so shocked. I thought I was going to go in the second, but somebody had faith in me.” — James Carpenter
“(Carpenter is) tough, nasty, aggressive and solid.” — Seahawks GM John Schneider
“This guy is a road-grader. He wants to bury you.” — Seahawks coach Pete Carroll

(The Seahawks traded their 57th, 157th, and 209th overall picks to Detroit for the Lions’ 75th, 107th, 154th and 205th overall picks.)

John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin (3rd rd., 75th overall)

Where he fits:
The Seahawks will hope Moffitt can solidify one of the guard spots, or, possibly, play center. Each was a revolving door last season due to injury and poor performance. Moffitt also started 15 games at center in his college career.

What he’s done:
First-team All-American last season, twice first-team All-Big-10. Started six games as a redshirt freshman. Wisconsin was 12th-best rushing team in nation last year.

Raw stats:
6-4, 319 lbs., 5.51 40-yard dash. Ran the fastest 20-yard shuttle run of any OG at combine (4.53). 23 reps at 225 lbs. on bench.

Pick talk:
Seahawks last took an OG in 4th round of 2007 draft, Mansfield Wrotto. Moffitt is the fifth guard taken in the 2011 draft. First time since 1989 draft Seahawks have taken offensive linemen with first two picks (Andy Heck, Joe Tofflemire).

What they’re saying:
“He’s not overly athletic, but he’s nasty, he’s tough.” — Mike Mayock, NFL Network
“Elite run blocker…fair in pass protection.” — Lindy’s Sports
“Minor concern about reputation for entertaining media with sound bites.” — Scouts Inc.
“His technique is suspect at times in pass pro; more often than not, he stays in front long enough for the quarterback to get the ball out.” — ESPN
“Can play either guard spot and then he also has played center in a very good league in the Big Ten” — Tom Cable
“I think I bring a lot of physicality to the line, and I’m an intelligent player as well.” — John Moffitt
“Everything about him exudes what we want to be about on our offensive line.” — Pete Carroll

K.J. WrightK.J. Wright, LB, Mississippi St. (4th rd., 99th overall)

Where he fits:
Wright provides depth at a thin linebacker spot, as top two backups Will Herring and Matt McCoy are free agents. Will also play special teams.

What he’s done:
Played 47 games in four-year MSU career. Has 98 tackles, 3 sacks, and 9 pass breakups in coverage. Top hoops player in high school.

Raw stats:
6-3, 246 lbs. 4.75 40-time. 20 reps at 225 lbs. on bench.

Pick talk:
Last LB picked by Seahawks was Dexter Davis in 2010. Seahawks haven’t waited so long to pick a defensive player since 1995.

What they’re saying:
“Plays faster than his 40 time. Could provide some pass rush.” — Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN
“Athletic, durable, productive, and a leader on the field.” — Lindy’s Sports
“Possesses the athleticism to hold up in underneath zone coverage.” — Scouts Inc.
“He is a strong and reliable tackler but lacks instincts.” — ESPN

Kris DurhamKris Durham, WR, Georgia (4th rd., 107th overall)

Where he fits:
At 6-5, gives the Seahawks another big receiver, something they don’t have other than Mike Williams. Will compete for playing time at wide receiver with likely starter Ben Obomanu, disappointing Golden Tate, and Deon Butler, who’s recovering from a badly broken leg.

What he’s done:
Played 47 games, started 15 in four-year Georgia career. Had 32 catches and 3 TDs as a senior, including a 100-yard game vs. #12 Arkansas. Garnered several academic honors. Was a sprinter in high school.

Raw stats:
6-5, 214 lbs., 4.46 40-yard dash.

Pick talk:
Seahawks have taken a receiver three consecutive years: Golden Tate in 2010 (2nd rd, 60th overall) and Deon Butler in 2009 (3rd rd., 91st overall).

What they’re saying:
“Possesses an excellent combination of size and top-end speed for the position.” — Scouts, Inc.
“Developed into a dependable possession receiver” — NFLDraftScout.com
“He is another big, possession-type guy who should help them on third down and in the red zone.” — ESPN

Richard ShermanRichard Sherman, CB, Stanford (5th rd., 154th overall)

Where he fits:
Has what no other Seahawks cornerback does: Height. Sherman will play in nickel and dime packages and help out on special teams.

What he’s done:
Stanford’s leading receiver his freshman and sophomore years, Sherman converted to cornerback after suffering a knee injury his junior season. Granted a medical redshirt, he played two seasons at corner and was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention last year.

Raw stats:
6-3, 195 lbs., 4.54 40-yard dash. 38-inch vertical leap at combine, one of the best among CBs.

Pick talk:
The Seahawks also took a Pac-10 cornerback in last year’s draft, Oregon’s Walter Thurmond.

What they’re saying:
“Best fit at the next level as a press corner where he can use his length and above-average balance to his advantage.” — Scouts Inc.
“Sherman brings above-average size, range and ball skills as a CB.” — ESPN

Mark LegreeMark LeGree, S, Appalachian St. (5th rd., 156th overall)

Where he fits:
Provides depth at defensive back, especially needed if Lawyer Milloy retires. Will also play on special teams.

What he’s done:
LeGree was a three-time FCS All-American, and ended his four-year college career as the active D1 leader in interceptions with 22.

Raw stats:
5-11, 210 lbs., 4.49 40-yard dash. 21 reps at 225 lbs. at combine, one of the best among safeties. But his 31-inch vertical was among the worst.

Pick talk:
The Seahawks took two safeties in last year’s draft: Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.

What they’re saying:
“Reads quarterback’s eyes and flashes above-average route recognition.” — Scouts Inc.
“He has above-average movement skills and excellent top-end speed” — ESPN

Byron MaxwellByron Maxwell, CB, Clemson (6th rd., 173rd overall)

Where he fits:
A special teams whiz in college, he also started at corner his senior season. At 6-1, Maxwell is bigger than anyone who played CB for the Seahawks last year.

What he’s done:
Known for hard hits on special teams and as a DB, he forced six fumbles in a 53-game Clemson career. Was ranked #2 CB in nation coming out of high school, but tore ACL his senior year.

Raw stats:
6-1, 210 lbs. 4.43 40-yard-dash, 24 reps at 225 lbs. on bench at combine (top among CBs was 26 reps).

Pick talk:
Makes the third defensive back the Seahawks have taken in this draft, and the sixth in the Carroll era.

What they’re saying:
“Possesses above-average overall measureables and top-end speed for the position.” — Scouts Inc.
“An instinctive, tough CB.” — ESPN.com

Pep LevingstonLazarius “Pep” Levingston, DT, LSU (7th rd., 205th overall)

Where he fits:
A big body who could provide depth on the defensive line in running situations.

What he’s done:
Played 48 games, starting 22 in four-year LSU career. Had 70 career tackles, 3 sacks. Played defensive end his first three season before moving to DT as a senior. Part of one of the nation’s top rushing defenses.

Raw stats:
6-4, 280 lbs. 4.86 40-yard dash. 31-inch vertical leap. 20 reps at 225 on bench at LSU pro day.

Pick talk:
First DT taken by Seahawks since 2008 (Red Bryant). Eight of last ten Seahawks’ 7th rounders have appeared in at least one game with team.

What they’re saying:
“A one-gap wave reserve who flashes good strength, but is extremely limited as an athlete.” — ESPN

Malcolm SmithMalcolm Smith, LB, USC (7th rd., 242nd overall)

Where he fits:
Linebacker depth and special teams.

What he’s done:
A two-year starter at weak side linebacker at USC. Smith was the Trojans’ second-leading tackler in 2010 and had eight tackles for loss. Was rated #4 WLB in nation out of high school (and was recruited by Pete Carroll, obviously). Note: Malcolm’s brother Steve is the Steve Smith who’s a WR for the Giants.

Raw stats:
6-1, 227 lbs. 4.48 40-yard-dash. 28 reps at 225 lbs. on bench. 38-inch vertical leap at USC pro day.

Pick talk:
Second linebacker taken by Seahawks in this draft. Last time they took two linebackers in a draft, it was 2005: They took four, two of whom were Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill. That worked out okay.

What they’re saying:
“He is undersized and will have problem taking on blocks, however he is a good overall athlete.” — ESPN