The Hawks Nest: Getting Offensive with Shaun and the Crew
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by SSreporters
It's been known that Shaun Alexander has not had a string of great running games since his MVP season. Most people say it's the loss of Steve Hutchinson (who is doing very well with Minnesota, it only he could win some games), others say it's the Madden Curse. I'm here to try and solve what the heck is wrong with Shaun, and what is wrong with that offensive line.
2006
Starting offensive line for the regular season:
Walter Jones (16 games started), Floyd Womack (9 games started), Chris Spencer (13 games started), Chris Gray (15 games started), Robbie Tobeck (8 games started), Sean Locklear (10 games started),
In the 2006 season, months after their surprising Super Bowl run, the Hawks lost Steve Hutchinson to the Vikings. During the regular season, Floyd Womack, Robbie Tobeck (since retired) and Sean Locklear were lost for several games due to injury. There was no rhythm in the offensive line by any means, which was why Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace were constantly hassled. They had Rob Sims and Chris Spencer starting some games, with Sims being a rookie and Spencer a 2nd year man at that time. Shaun was not getting anything at the start of the season, scoring just two touchdowns in his first 3 games. Hasselbeck was sacked or under pressure constantly.
Shaun Alexander was injured with a broken foot, and was out for several weeks. When he came back, he ran for 37 yards on 17 carries in their 20-14 loss at San Francisco. Everyone thought he was back after running right over the Packers defense with 201 yards on 40 carries in their 34-24 win against the Pack on a snowy, Seattle night. Then he dropped off after the games against the Broncos and the Cardinals. He finished strong in games against San Diego and Tampa Bay. However, the offensive line still wasn't gelling.
So inconsistency at the end of the season by both Shaun and the o-line. The playoffs weren't much better, until Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck finally had enough time to take the Chicago Bears to overtime.
Season's over, and everyone's injuries can heal. Robbie Tobeck retires, making Chris Spencer the starting center, and now a new offensive line is unveiled.
2007
Offensive line for start of regular season
Walter Jones, Chris Spencer, Chris Gray, Sean Locklear, Rob Sims
This seemed to be a nice combination for Seattle. The first game against Tampa Bay, Hasselbeck was sacked just twice, and Shaun Alexander ran for 105 yards and a TD in their 20-6 win. Game 2 was a loss, but Hasselbeck was sacked just once, and Alexander ran for 70 yards on 18 carries and scored on a 16 yard touchdown. So far so good for the offensive big men.
Game 3 was a home match against the Bengals, in which they won 24-21. Hasselbeck was sacked one time, which was unfortunately a safety for Cincy. Shaun Alexander was slow all day, but that was virtually the start of his string of games wearing that cast. He ran for 100 yards, but 2 runs were for a combined 49 yards, and Alexander realistically had 51 yards on the other 19 carries.
San Francisco got an ass kicking that day, but they held cast wearing Alexander to just 78 yards on 25 carries, but Hasselbeck was still only sacked twice, making it just 6 sacks on the star QB in 4 games.
Notice something else, this line was still healthy, no injuries at all.
Then came the Steelers and the Saints.
Hasselbeck was hassled, sacked 3 times (although one was a slip), still, he was under pressure quite a bit, and Shaun Alexander, still wearing the cast, had run for just 25 yards on 11 carries. The Saints game wasn't much better, with Hass getting sacked 4 times, and Alexander gaining just 35 yards. A major drop off for the guys who had protected and blocked very well early in the season.
St. Louis got Hasselbeck for a sack once, but Alexander still only had 47 yards on 19 carries.
Do you notice the pattern here? Hasselbeck is getting the protection, but Alexander isn't getting the run blocking. Or is he?
If you've seen Alexander run, you'll notice he's continuously tripping, and no longer running with power. Maybe Shaun's problems have less to do with the offensive line, and more to do with his injuries.
Best Big Man: Walter Jones, you can't be this good for so long. What an amazing lineman.
What is your opinion? What has happened to Shaun Alexander? What do you think about this offensive line?
