The Hawks Nest: Holmgren, Pack Your Bags NOW!!!!!
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by SSreporters
Helluva birthday gift huh? I watch the Seahawks revert to 2004, lose a 15 point lead to the Browns. Then I also watch the Colts blow a 10 point lead to the Pats. Let's stick with the Seahawks/Browns. So let's assign the blame shall we?
As you know, from my last THN article, you'll see some Seahawks keys to the game. Let's review what they did.
When the Seahawks Have to Pass : In all likelihood, Matt Hasselbeck will have his starting receivers in Deion Branch and DJ Hackett back after their recent injuries. Look for the Hawks to utilize that 4 receiver set, with Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, and either DJ Hackett or Ben Obomanu. Hasselbeck has thrown 11 TD's with just 6 interceptions (2 of them were dropped passes) so far. Also, notice the Hawks are using the fullback or halfback screen pass more often, and get this, it's actually working!!!! Maybe that's how Shaun Alexander can get yards. Another key is Leonard Weaver, who is also dangerous on the screens.
Result: No Deion Branch, but Bobby Engram had 14 catches for 139 yards and a TD. Burleson and Hackett also kicked ass and had a combined 10 catches (4 for Nate, 6 for DJ), 117 yards, and a Hackett TD. Overall, an excellent throwing day for Hasselbeck.
When the Seahawks Have to Run : The good news, the Browns defense sucks to 238 levels, the bad news, Shaun Alexander still can't run. Not a problem when you can use Maurice Morris, the speedster, and Leonard Weaver, the power runner for Seattle. The one problem for Seattle, is their constant retarded 4th and 1 stretch play. Coach Walrus must start using Matt for QB sneaks, it can't kill him. It's 36 inches!
Result: Alexander was hurt, which was a good thing. He ran for 32 yards on 14 carries, while Mo Morris had 55 yards on 9 carries. Weaver ran for 1 yard on 1 carry. Walrus, get this, went for the retarded stretch play on 4th and 1, and, get this, they DIDN'T FRICKIN MAKE IT!!!!! That's why they lost the game. I give up with this man, he needs to be fired end of the season.
Key offensive player : Matt Hasselbeck. If he can't go, the offense is crapola.
Result: Hass, 30-47, 318 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT, 0 sacks. Looks like he's good.
Overall Grade: B-.
Defense time now:
Stop the friggin 3rd and 78 plays. Jim Mora and defensive coordinator John Marshall must be out of this world if you either play your safeties 20 yards down the field, when you know there are some tackling problems, or continue to get caught by draw plays to the running back. That's the biggest flaw in their defense, and it virtually cost them the last 2 losses.
Result: They did not stop the friggin 3rd down plays in the 2nd half. The Browns did nothing running wise (other than the 4 TD's by Jamal Lewis).
Contain Derek Anderson. He's big, he's strong, and he's mobile. Last time a QB faced Seattle who had all 3 attributes, they messed up and lost 21-0 to the Steelers. Anderson seems to have months to throw back there, and the Hawks are one of the top sack leaders in the league this year. Expect Julian Peterson to make a large impact on that offensive line.
Result: Zero sacks, but plenty of pressure, which Anderson dealt with very well.
Stop the run. They haven't won a single game in which one running back had for at least 90 yards. If they take out the run, then the DB's can concentrate on coverage, instead of stopping RB's from going 60 yards.
Result: 64 yards total by the Browns.
Contain the receivers. They've done a very good job with that so far, but Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Jurevicious (former Seahawk may I add), are top guns.
Result: I don't need stats to tell you the secondary played like a dollop of horse crap.
Key defensive players : Julian Peterson and Marcus Trufant. Both men have had great seasons, and they need to continue their performance.
Result: No impact whatsoever.
Overall Grade: D+
Special Teams Player : Kick the ball to Nate, he will score from 98.
Result: Did you SEE that punt return?
Assigning the blame:
- Mike Holmgren. What the hell is wrong with this dude? 4th and 1, YOU RUN WITH THE SKINNIEST GUY IN THE BACKFIELD??!!!!!! Either run with Weaver, sneak with Hasselbeck, play action fake, bootleg with Hass. I've had enough of trusting you RB's to get 1 yard.
- Mike Holmgren. Running a draw play with Morris with no timeouts at the end of the game was nice, but it made no sense with 10 seconds left. Poor clock management killed us again.
- Mike Holmgren. Just for existing.
- Defense. They were just worn down in the 2nd half, it's tough to blame them, but they gave up 33 points right?
Player of the game (Seattle): Matt Hasselbeck hands down.
Player of the game (Cleveland): Kellen Winslow. 11 catches for 129 yards is a nice flashback from his dad's playing days.
If you even remotely paid attention to the game, what are your thoughts?
