TJB Scout: Seattle Seahawks
I sense a disturbance in The Force . . .
Like Darth Vader squaring off against Obi-Wan, the one-time padawan, Brett Favre, will be taking on his master, Mike Holmgren, in an epic final battle that will have galactic playoff implications for one and . . . uh . . .
Well, let’s just say that Mike Holmgren’s final season hasn’t gone exactly to script. But even so, the old master is firing up the Seattle faithful in his final home game at Qwest Field, even being as bold to promise to run . . uh, jog . . . er, walk a victory lap after the game.
But will it turn out to be a walk a shame? Let’ see . . .
Cheerleader check: Expect to see some of the loveliest ladies of the great Northwest, the Sea Gals.
The scene: The game is at Qwest Field in a time zone and at a starting time that has not been favorable to the Jets this year. Currently, the forecast calls for temps in the 30s and a chance of snow. Hmm … sort of reminiscent of a certain frozen tundra, where student and master studied together.
Record: Seattle is 3-11, which believe it or not, is good enough for 3rd in the ugly NFC West.
Streaks: After struggling with the Seahawks back in the day, the Jets now have beaten them eight of the last nine times.
Barometer: Rising. After being battered most of the season, the Seahawks showed some life in beating the Rams last week, and as it is Holmgren’s final home game, expect the crowd and the team to be amped for the game.
Old Friends: Guard Na’Shan Goddard blasts back into the Jets’ space this weekend.
The Big Question: Will the emotion of Holmgren’s farewell be enough to carry the Seahawks to victory this week?
Key injuries: Tackle Walter Jones (knee), quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back, or is that beck?), safety Jordan Babineaux (concussion), linebacker Leroy Hill (neck).
Five things to know about the Seahawk offense:
- Seneca Nation – Seneca Wallace will get the start again this week over the still sore Matt Hasselbeck, and as a mobile and elusive quarterback, may be tough for the Jets to handle. In eight games running coordinator Gil Haskell’s offense this season, Wallace has gone 99 of 174 (56.9% accuracy) for 1,107 yards, 8 TDs and only 1 interception — last week he was 15 of 25 for 226 yards with no TDs or picks. And although he hasn’t turned it over much on interceptions, he has had trouble holding onto the rock, losing three fumbles.
- Ruffling and Shuffling Feathers – Seattle has been decimated by injury along their once-vaunted offensive line, including to All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones, who was placed on IR this week before being announced as the Seahawk’s lone Pro Bowl rep and after knee surgery. Former right tackle Sean Locklear was flipped to the left side, but after he sustained a dislocated toe last week, he will not play on Sunday, forcing undrafted Kyle Williams into his first start. The unit now features a completely different lineup than what it started the season with, and has already given up 35 sacks (including 3 in the win last week).
- Back du Jour – Since the departure of Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks have vacillated on running backs, going back and forth between fumble-prone Julius Jones (156 carries, 692 yards, 2 TDs, 4 fumbles) and the steady-if-unspectacular Maurice Morris (88 carries, 413 yards, 0 Tds). Last week, Morris got the majority of the work, gaining 86 yards on 15 carries. At the goal line, vulture T.J. Duckett swoops in, having scored 7 TDs this year. Overall, the team is ranked 17th in rushing, averaging 111.5 yards/game.
- Branch and the Bunch – Despite yet another season slowed by injuries, wide receiver Deion Branch has emerged in recent weeks, catching 22 passes for 316 yards and a pair of TDs over the last four games. The wide receiver corps are filled out by ageless possession receiver par excellence Bobby Engram (35 receptions, 374 yards, 0 TDs) and the oft-troubled Koren Robinson (25 receptions, 322 yards, 2 TDs). Not surprisingly, Seattle has the 31st-ranked passing attack, averaging 157.1 yards/game.
- Tight End Alert – As the Jets have struggled to cover tight ends, looking for the Seahawks to go to their leading receiver this season, talented rookie John Carlson, who has caught 51 passes for 601 yards and 4 TDs.
Jersey watch (offense): Look for the #89 of tight end Carlson to give the Jets secondary all they can handle.
Five things to know about the Seahawk defense:
- Sleeping in Seattle – (I hate myself for making such a cliched reference. Grr.) Under coordinator John Marshall, the Seattle defense has struggled this season, finding itself ranked near — or at — the bottom of many categories: 21st against the run (119.5 yards/game); 32nd against the pass (260.9 yards/game); 30th in total yards allowed (380.4 yards/game); and 26th in points allowed (25.4 points/game).
- Turnovers Not the Story – Like many teams with a losing record, the Seattle defense has had a problem taking the ball away from opponents. They have only 6 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries for a total of 14, among the lowest in the NFL. Cornerback Josh Wilson and safety Deon Grant lead the team with 2 picks apiece.
- The Western Front – Defensive end Patrick Kerney was put in IR after Week 8, and the defensive line, although decent, hasn’t quite been the same same. The unit is anchored by defensive tackles Rocky Bernard, who can still get to the quarterback (4 sacks), and Brandon Mebane, who has collected 5 sacks and forced a pair of fumbles. The ends are Darryl Tapp (38 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) and rookie Lawrence Jackson (17 tackles, 2 sacks).
- Just Julian and Friends – Outside linebacker Julian Peterson continues his solid play, notching 79 tackles and leading the team in sacks with 5. Middle linebacker standout Lofa Tatupu has done the most tackling for Seattle by taking down opponents 85 times. Their partner on the other outside is the emerging Leroy Hill, who has been tagged by a shoulder stinger and is questionable to play; he has 85 tackles and a sack. Veteran D.D. Lewis will most likely start in Hill’s place.
- Secondary Issues – As mentioned, the Seahawks have struggled against the pass, partially due to injuries and other issues in the secondary, coached by head-coach-in-waiting Jim Mora. Cornerback Marcus Trufant is having a down year with only one interception after snagging 7 last year, while second-year man Josh Wilson has missed time due to a concussion. Free safety Brian Russell has underperformed while strong safety Jordan Babineaux was concussed last week, although is expected to play against the Jets. Former No. 1 pick cornerback Kelly Jennings was benched earlier in the season but has played better of late.
Jersey watch (defense): The #51 of Tatupu can do the voodoo that you don’t want him to do.
Three things about the Seahawks special teams:
- O Mare! – Olindo Mare has been great this season, hitting 22 of 24 attempts (91.7% accuracy), including the game-winner last week, a 27-yarder as time expired. He has done very well kicking off, averaging 66.5 yards/kickoff with 20 touchbacks.
- Ryan Reigns – Punter Jon Ryan has been solid this season, averaging 46.3 yards/punt with a net of 37.9 yards, dropping 19 inside the 20 with 7 fair catches. He has had one punt blocked.
- Average Averages – Despite the presence of coordinator Bruce DeHaven, the return teams have been nothing special. Josh Wilson returns kicks, averaging 25.2 yards/return, while Justin Forsett returns punts, averaging 10.3 yards/return. Neither has a TD this season.
What to expect from the broadcast booth: The game is on FOX featuring the team of Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker, who makes almost no effort to hide his disdain for his former rival back from his days with the Bills. Like most of the other media, expect them to be rooting for the “better” story — a Seattle win in Holmgren’s final game.
Spotlight matchup: Kyle Williams vs. Calvin Pace. Protecting the blind side of Wallace includes containing Pace, who had a pair of sacks last week against Buffalo.
The pressure is on: The Seattle secondary. Brett Favre has been underwhelming the past three weeks, so Jim Mora’s crew is going to have make sure Favre doesn’t regain his midseason form if the Seahawks want to win, which you assume they do.
Expect the unexpected from: Maurice Morris. The once seemingly invulnerable Jets rush defense has been abused the past few weeks — no doubt the Seahawks have noticed and will look to establish the running game (probably their best feature) to control the clock and the Jets. That means lots of Morris.
Bottom line: The Jets have struggled on the West Coast and against seemingly lesser competition, so this may be a chance for the master to best the student one final time.
22 Responses to TJB Scout: Seattle Seahawks
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dcpackerfan says:
I do worry about this game since it will be so emotional for Holmgren. The first time that Holmgren came back to GB, Favre played terribly since he was trying to impress his former mentor. That was a long time ago. The last two games against the Seahawks, Brett played great including the magical game last year in the snow. Holmgren is like a father figure for Favre, but he wants to win this game desparately. I am so tired of the media that builds teams up, only to knock them down excessively when they stumble. I sure hope that the Jets win. If you want to see how Favre is missed, read some of the GB blogs.
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ridinmywave says:
i just look forward to brett just taking everything in stride and and let the playcalling see itself through. For the rest of the season, like they should have been doing earlier….we need to ride thomas’ and leons’ legs to victory…not favre’s arm. establish the run and stop the tom foolery, and alot of you wonder why we cant get the long pass game in check. i really look forward to a win….a BIG one at that…these last two should be statement games….jets shouldnt be inching into the damn playoffs. we should be kicking the damn door down, as if somebody was trying to take our spot, i kno play speaks the loudest but we need to see and hear that these guys want it badder than anybody else, that they are ready for war! maybe its just me, but i dont feel that from them right now, maybe the press needs to give thomas jones a little more interviews and attention, lol. as a fan, all i can ask is that these guys show that aside from entertainment and getting checks that they show a love and emotion for the game, as if they put their life on the line when they step out there, and i think that it should translate well out on the playing field.
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GreenGoo says:
It’s so sad to see the end coming so fast. Our season will likely be over Sunday just as 60 minutes comes on. NFL Primetime will be dissecting the Jets turn for the worse. Newspapers will say “Sleepless in Seattle” on Monday and water cooler chats will start with “I cant believe the Jets lost”.
fin
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ramble914 says:
This should be a good tune-up for the Miamai game. This game should not be close. 27-14.
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IRA says:
Kerry must be cover Carlson all day. Take him out of the game and the Seahaks will not beable to move the ball.
Jets 30 – Seahawks 17 -
jetsfan says:
its fans like you greengoo who make it suck to be a jets fan…. have some f-ing hope…. why dont you just hop on the titan banwagon or something
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greg says:
Eh – I ignore fans like GreenGo because they are the first ones to get excited about winning too. They just have an esteem issue about being the I-told-you-so’s and the first ones to face ‘reality’ — and when they are wrong they truly believe they fooled fate.
Anyway, as far as the earlier post about Holmgren really wanting this game — do you think he will coach desperately because it’s his final game? What will he be doing differently, as a coach on the sidelines, to have his team play better? Here’s what I do know. Eric Mangini really wants this game because if the Jets lose he could lose his job. Holmgren doesn’t want his job anymore. It’s a different kind of “really want” and while Holmgren can take chances to get his W, more often than not taking chances turns out negative for a bad team playing an angry team.
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You know, I hear a lot of people saying Mangini’s job is on the line, but after posting winning seasons 2 out of 3 tries, I find it hard to believe Woody would throw away everything they’ve built and fire a coach with a winning record to just appease the fans. He should look at the Giants and Coughlin, who were in a similar position just a year ago (he was winning games, just couldn’t get them over the top) — their loyalty and patience paid off.
Not saying Mangini is going to win it all this year, just saying I think bowing to the media (who are always looking to stir it up) and the fans (who are as fickle as the winds of the Meadowlands) every time they carp is the sure way to build a loser.
Just my thoughts.
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jon says:
game is on cbs…. road team always has the game on their channel
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Bent says: Please win this one. I couldn’t bear a final game where a loss gives Miami the division and a win gives it to New England. That would be a worse sophie’s choice that last year’s superbowl.
Clowney or Brad Smith? Maybe both? The special teams did suffer without Bradtwan, but Clowney showed he can be a threat too.
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steviek says:
Matchups, talent-wise this should be a W, west coast flight or not.
I’m on board for playing close to the vest, wearing them down, time of possession, methodical type of thing.
Often see from bad teams is if they jump out or the game is real close late, they start feeling it. If they fall behind it’s just put in another bad week category. -
I’m thinking greengoo is actually a Dolphin fan, his name is not exactaly flattering to the Jets and he signed it as “fin”.
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Joe B. says:
Seattle’s defense is terrible. Even if they manage to score a little bit (don’t think it’ll happen, this defense is too proud), I can’t see them stopping both Favre and TJ.
Jets 27-17.
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R in CT,
My sentiments exactaly. I’m not saying were perfect, but we also should not be talking about firing Mangini. Sutton on the other hand, I wouldn’t mind seeing go. I think the team is heading in the right direction with Mangini at the helm.
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Not to mention Leon.
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TOON2388 says:
Mangini is staying. Schott is staying. I would not mind seeing Sutton go.
I was there for the debacle in San Diego earlier this year. Let’s see if my “hey let’s spend Christmas @ your brother’s house” comment to my wife was something I will look back on with a smile.
I am sitting in the pyramid shaped end zone – not that high up.
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johnl says:
if baltimore loses saturday the jets only have to beat the the dolphins the last game….we have the tie breaker with baltimore on strenth of scheduale
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johnl -
Wrote this in the other thread, but it’s the same thing if New England loses to Arizona.
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Jets 67 seahawks 3
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BigKatFan says:
Sutton had better as *&$# bring a blitz with a defensive back on the edge every down. Seneca Wallace can outrun ALL lineman and linebackers. Suggested DBs include Rhodes, Elam, Lowery, Revis, Law, Poteat, D.Coleman, Carroll, Reed, E.Smith, Barret, Ihedigbo; and if they all fail to get pressure: The Chansi Stuckey.
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Holmgren just gave out his last peice of candy says:
we got this baby