2019-20 NFL Season Thread

[South Pender]

An inauspicious start for the Seahawks today. Sure, they won by one point, but they definitely didn't deserve the win. The Bengals had 452 yards of offense to only 268 for the Seahawks. I thought they played poorly on both sides of the ball. Their perennial problem--O-line play--was in full view in the game. Once again, RT Germain Ifedi was terrible (as he has been consistently in the past), getting beaten by faster D-linemen and at least once (I think) by a safety. The Seahawks' vaunted ground game was held to 72 yards, and their two starting RBs both averaged around 3 yards a carry. This just isn't going to cut it. And, as usual, Russell Wilson didn't have enough time, although his escapability remains amazing. It's true that they didn't really have their full complement of receivers today, but only two receivers (other than tight ends) caught passes--newcomer D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

On defense, the 'Hawks were just awful. Andy Dalton (definitely not one of the premier QBs in the NFL) threw for 418 yards and 2 TDs. The D-line was unable to provide consistent pressure on Dalton, and the Seahawks' secondary looked very beatable. These are the very areas that the team was supposed to address in the off-season. Perhaps the pass rush will improve when Ziggy Ansah suits up (and Jadeveon Clowney has more time to get acclimated to the team) , but it wasn't good enough today. The secondary is pretty much unchanged from last season. The two corners didn't look sharp today, and there's a big weakness at free safety, with Tedric Thompson going most of the way today. The 'Hawks are really missing the kind of play they got from Earl Thomas at FS.

It's true that the first game of the season in the NFL is often not typical of how a team finishes up, and we have to hope that Pete Carroll and his two coordinators can diagnose the weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments--or it's going to be a long season for the 12s.

[Gridiron Ernie]

Yes, the Seattle receiver corps looked somewhat thin, though young draft-pick Metcalf got my interest, and RB Carson's determined running was impressive on a number of carries. Agreed, the Seahawk defense looked suspect giving up that many passing yards to Dalton and the Bengals who were pretty one-dimensional without a run game. I did like the play of some of the Seattle big boys on the defensive line, #99 (Jefferson I think, and others) swatting down passes. Speaking of... I'm not convinced that was a Dalton fumble at the end, as to me it appeared his arm was clearly moving forward and he propelled the ball forward quite a number of yards which I thought indicated control. But what do I know!

On another note: Congrats to Ty Long on a nice first game with the LA Chargers, notching a 40 yard FG, going 3/3 on extra points, and contributing a punting average of 49 yards on two punts. Good for him. While he was with us he learned how to do the full range of kicking duties, as he came in as a specialist. But yes, he was only taking on all duties due to his team-mate's injury (as noted in another thread).

[Gridiron Ernie]

I was remiss in not congratulating Mr. Cameron Wake on joining the 100 Sack Club today. He had an auspicious regular season debut with the Tennessee Titans who signed him in free agency this past off-season. He enjoyed 2.5 sacks today, one of which planted Baker Mayfield for a safety. Cam is not far off from 40 years of age so I've found myself daydreaming he's perhaps fathered a kid who may now be approaching playing age and wants to follow in his father's footsteps -- i.e. via the BC Lions. heh heh. This Lions' season I've been doing a lot of daydreaming. It helps cancel out the team's current nightmare for me.

[South Pender]

Tough break (no pun intended) for Nick Foles, who went down with a broken clavicle in the Jags loss to the Chiefs. This will put him out for two months; we may see him mid-November, by which time the Jags will probably be at the bottom of the AFC South. This is really unfortunate for Foles, who has been a very effective QB in his career and most recently in his two years backing up Carson Wentz in Philly (and being named Super Bowl 52 MVP) and has appeared to be a really classy and decent guy. His four-year $88 million contract (with $50 guaranteed) undoubtedly softens the blow some, but it's still a sad development.

[KnowItAll]

My wife picked Tyreek Hill in her pool draft. Then he goes and injures his shoulder and will miss who knows how many weeks.

I am not a KC fan, but sucks for my wife.

[Ballistic Bob]

That baseball diamond added to the NFLs superiorority to the CFL BB

[South Pender]

My wife picked Tyreek Hill in her pool draft. Then he goes and injures his shoulder and will miss who knows how many weeks.

I am not a KC fan, but sucks for my wife.

4-6 weeks.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2 ... 4-6-weeks/

[Ballistic Bob]

The Pittsburg loss was a flattering score. Two fumbles in the red zone will do that.BB

[South Pender]

Seahawks win in a tough environment beating the Steelers 28-26 and going to 2-0. Heinz Field is a hard place for visitors to get a victory. Losing Ben Roethlisberger near the end of the first half was a blow for the Steelers, but sophomore backup Mason Rudolph (playing in his first NFL game, I believe) came in and did a good job in relief, going 12/19 and two TDs.

The 'Hawks dominated the game statistically, but two fumbles by bell cow Chris Carson led to two easy Steelers TDs. The Seahawks racked up 451 yards of total offense against just 268 for the Steelers. Other than his two fumbles (which will definitely get Pete Carroll's attention), Carson had a relatively decent game going for 60 yards on 15 carries. No. 2 RB Rashaad Penny had a better day rushing for 62 yards on 10 carries. Second-year man Penny is someone to watch in the Seahawks offense. He's big (around 230 lbs.) and very fast (clocking a 4.46 40 at the combine), with a tremendous burst when he hits holes. In total, the Seahawks had 151 yards on the ground. Russell Wilson was, once again, outstanding, going 29 of 35 (83%) for 300 yards.

It's beginning to look as if rookie high draft pick D.K. Metcalf may be the real deal. His game today certainly wasn't purrfect, but he appears to have what it takes to take the top off a defense. At 6-4, 230 lbs. and with 4.33 speed, he is shaping up into a nightmare for opposing corners and safeties. No. 1 receiver, Tyler Lockett had a big game today, catching 10 passes, and 2nd-year tight end Will Dissly came through in spades with 5 catches, two for TDs. Dissly, it will be recalled, is just back from a very serious patellar tendon tear and surgery last season. So he's not really all the way back yet.

The 'Hawks had several key players out for today--Ziggy Ansah, their highly-touted rush end, Poona Ford, a solid defensive tackle, and David Moore a WR they were counting on going into this season. It appears that there's a good chance that both Ansah and Moore will make it back for the Saints next Sunday. When they get Ford back and Jarran Reed back from his 6-game suspension, their D-line will be one of the better ones in the NFL. This coupled with probably the best linebacking crew in the NFL (Wagner, Wright, and Kendricks) will give the 'Hawks a tremendous front seven for later in the season.

So lots to be excited about, but some tough games ahead.

[South Pender]

Two top QBs out after Week 2:

Ben Roethlisberger is apparently out for the season after suffering an elbow injury that will require surgery. It didn't come on a hit, but rather after making a pretty routine pass in the Steelers-Seahawks game. After making the throw, Roethlisberger was shown in pain grasping his elbow. So kind of a fluke injury.

And Drew Brees whacked the thumb on his throwing hand when, after delivering a pass, he slammed his hand down on Aaron Donald and tore a ligament in his thumb. He will evidently need surgery and is projected to be out 6-8 weeks.

So crippling blows to two teams hoping to go far in 2019. It likely means that the Steelers are done with respect to making the playoffs, and, if Brees isn't back until the last 6 games of the season, Nawlins chances don't look good either. This coming after the Jaguars lost Nick Foles last week. In the Sunday nighter, it looked as if Carson Wentz got pretty beat-up too--taking a major shot to the ribs. Maybe these guys deserve the big bucks after all!

[KnowItAll]

gee, does anyone think Seattle has a chance tomorrow.

I mean, I don't know but this Bridgewater guy might complete a few passes

[South Pender]

That was a particularly ugly loss by the Seahawks against the Saints yesterday--not as close as the score would suggest. Despite out-gaining the Saints by almost a 2 to 1 ratio (515 total yards to 265), and Russell Wilson throwing for 406 yards (32/50, 2 TDs no Ints.), the 'Hawks managed to give the game away. A crucial fumble, special-teams lapse, and some very bad coaching decisions--particularly on 4th down--sank the Seahawks.

With Ziggy Ansah in opposite Jadeveon Clowney for the first time, a potent Seahawks pass rush was expected, but never materialized. Teddy Bridgewater seemed completely at-home replacing Drew Brees, and tailback Alvin Kamara looked great gashing the 'Hawks.

This was a bad home loss, and the Seahawks will need to really tighten things up soon if they hope to make the playoffs.

[Robbie]

Tight End and Luke Willson will rejoin the Seahawks.

Commentators would often say: Wilson to Willson

But I'm not sure if adding a good offensive player to the team would help too much if the rather weak defense is still a huge problem.

[South Pender]

Tight End and Luke Willson will rejoin the Seahawks.

Commentators would often say: Wilson to Willson

But I'm not sure if adding a good offensive player to the team would help too much if the rather weak defense is still a huge problem.

I agree about the need for defensive help, Robbie--particularly at FS where they are really weak. Re Luke Willson, the Seahawks traded TE Nick Vannett (a fairly mediocre pass-catcher) to the Steelers a couple of days ago (for a 5th round 2020 pick), and I think bringing Willson back is to improve the receiving corps. Willson is a pretty good pass-catching TE who can get separation. He showed surprising speed at the Combine in 2013, running a 4.5 40--unusual for a big man (6-5, 251 lbs.) With Willson back in the fold and 2nd-year TE Will Dissly showing great pass-catching ability, the 'Hawks are loaded at that position with respect to the passing game. The thinking may have been that they are still thin at the receiver position (WR and slot) at this point, with only Tyler Lockett and rookie D.K. Metcalf showing much so far in addition to Dissly, so that adding a pass-catching TE made sense. WR David Moore is now back, though, and he provides a little more depth at that position.

But to your point, I keep looking for the Seahawks to announce a trade for a serviceable free safety. Or they could bring on a decent strong safety and move Bradley McDougald to FS, where he is decent, although not great. At the moment, they have been weak on the back end, and their pass-rushers have so far been unable to provide anywhere near enough pressure to make life easier for the corners and safeties.

[Robbie]

Good to see the Seahawks with a rebound win with some good running plays, especially from Chris Carson with his many second efforts to fight for first downs. Nice to see a couple of Wilson to Willson plays, although the Q13 Fox commentator did not use that term.

Good discipline by the Seahawks in the first half with no penalties which allowed the team to build a 20-3 team by halftime. Jadeveon Clowney's interception set the tone of the game as the defence are attempting to improve themselves, though it looks like it's still nowhere close to another Legion of Boom.