2008 Seattle Seahawk's Power Defense 

This month’s blog is dedicated to my brother-in-law Jon D. Allison who recently passed away. He was a huge Seahawk fan from way back.  I remember many games yelling at the television with him; rooting on the likes of Jacob Green, Dave Krieg, and Curt Warner.  Some of his favorite players were defensive stars Kenny Easley, Rufus Porter, and Green. Because of his affinity for the defense I am reviewing the 2008 Seahawk defense in his memory.

The 2008 Seahawk’s defense uses the standard 4-3 formation or "Base" formation. There are multiple “Base” packages (4 DL, 3 LB, 4 DB), “Nickel” packages (3-4 DL, 2-3 LB, 5 DBs) and “Short Yardage” packages (4-4-3).  The packages will vary with the personnel used. The standard scenario is to use the “Base” package for first and second downs, then move to the “Nickel” package for passing situations (5 or more yards needed in one down); and of course use the “Short Yardage” package where 2 or less yards are needed.

This is the base 4-3 defense: E=Defense Ends, T=Defensive Tackles, C=Corner Backs, S=strongside LineBacker, M=MiddleLineBacker, W=weakside LineBacker, S=Strongside safety, F=Free Safety

The run defense is predicated on each player filling in their assigned traffic zone. During pass plays quarterback pressure is applied by bull rushing up the center of the offensive line by the left and right defensive tackles; while the left and right defensive ends speed rush around the outside. When extra pressure is needed blitzers can come from any of the linebackers or defensive backs positions in multiple combination's or singularly. One thing clear about the 2008 Seahawk defense is they do not blitz as much as in years past. This is mostly due to a deep rotation at defensive tackle and defensive end. By rotating players in and out they are able to keep fresh and not be gassed by the end of the game.

Starting at defensive tackle there is Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, with Craig Terrill, Howard Green, and the rookie “Red” Bryant rotating in for relief. At defensive end there are the starters Patrick Kerney and rookie Lawrence Jackson with relief from Darryl Tapp and Baraka Atkins. Mebane, Green, and Bryant are also excellent run stuffers.

The linebacking corps is probably the best in the NFL: Julius Peterson, Lofa Tatupa, and Leroy Hill. They are the heart and soul of the defense. The biggest change here from last year is Lofa is wearing a communication device to receive defensive plays, just like the quarterback does on offense.

In the defensive backfield there is Marcus Trufant, and Kelly Jennings at the cornerback positions backed up by Josh Wilson with Brian Russell and Deon Grant in the safety spots. In the “Nickel” packages where the extra defensive back is brought in it is usually Jordan Babineaux.

Most notable for the 2008 Seahawk defense is the return of all eleven starters. This normally would be a huge advantage but probably won’t fully be felt until later in the season due to the team’s slow start. The defense has avoided serious injuries unlike the offense (lost top 6 wide receivers during first 3 weeks).  They have had their issues though at one point three starters were wearing hand casts from injuries. The cast crew: the Pro Bowl trio of defensive end Patrick Kerney (right wrist), Tatupu (right thumb) and cornerback Marcus Trufant (left hand) have been playing with casts. Kelly Jennings also cracked some ribs in the 49er game, but healed fast only to suffer a concussion early in the Giants game.

As the season progresses expect the defense to steadily get better; while making improvements in consistency and an increase in turnovers. Playing on the road is their biggest challenge, they derive a big emotional boost from the 12th man; they will need to dig deeper on the road. This is as talented of a defense that the Hawk’s have had since the 1980’s and there is no reason not to think they can’t help pull the team out of its early hole.  Road woes have to stop though; it's going to be an exciting dog fight for the NFC West crown this year.

Post script: I hope the drum line is not offended I applied their name to the Hawks' Defense it just fits. If the Seahawk defense learns to play on the road then I'll start calling them "Blue Thunder and Green Lightning. "

The LA Steelers?

Tuesday’s story (July 29th) on Yahoo sports about Jerry Jones (Dallas Cowboys owner) dismissing the relocation of the Pittsburgh Steelers to Los Angeles appears to be smoke and mirrors. Anonymous insiders say Edward Roski Jr secretly met with Investor Stanley Druckenmiller just this past weekend in Las Vegas to discuss terms for the team’s relocation to Los Angeles.

On July 7th, 2008, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the current Steelers ownership group announced plans to sell controlling interest of the team to comply with NFL ownership regulations. Four of the five Rooney brothers that own the Steelers have decided to sell their interests in the team to further pursue their interests in the race tracks they own in New York and Florida. Because these race tracks and gambling interests have violated league rules since 2006, the league is forcing the sale.

On July 11th, 2008, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller was in negotiations for purchasing the team shares belonging to the Rooney brothers. Coach Tomlin was quoted as saying,” the situation could become a distraction for the team.”

In April of this year developer Edward Roski announced plans to build a NFL stadium 20 miles outside Los Angeles. Roski, part owner of the LA Lakers and Kings has already completed environmental impact studies with construction likely to begin as soon as the fall of 2008. Unique in stadium financing is the $800 million dollar facility will be totally privately financed requiring no public money. The Los Angeles Stadium will have a seating capacity of 75,000 people and feature all the modern amenities that current NFL stadiums contain.

Other teams mentioned in the media that could potentially relocate to LA Stadium include: the ST Louis Rams, the San Francisco 49ers, the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the San Diego Chargers. At this time though it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers have the jump on all other teams in negotiations. The question I ask of the readers today is: if this relocation comes to fruition should the Los Angeles Steelers still be called the Steelers? If not, what new name would you suggest?

The challenger the “Kid”: Brandon Coutu

Last player drafted by Seahawks in the 7th round, 2008. Fourth kicker drafted in club history (Don Bitterlich, 1976; John Kasay, 1991; Josh Brown, 2003). Second kicker selected out of Georgia (John Kasay, 1991).

In 43 games at Georgia he scored 262 points, sixth-best total in school history. Successful on 51-of-64 field goals (79.7 percent) and all 109 extra-point tries and was good on 5-of-11 field-goal attempts from 50 yards or longer. Kicked off 221 times for a 60.68-yard distance average, as 47 of those kicks resulted in touchbacks and 167 others were returned for an 18.7-yard average.

Coutu’s senior year he had a relatively injury-free 2007 campaign, picking up All-SEC honorable mention, but re-injured his hamstring in the season finale vs. Georgia Tech. He hit on 16-of-21 field goals and 44 conversions for 92 points. Only one of his 67 kickoffs resulted in a touchback, as he had an average distance of 59.0 yards, resulting in 61 of his kicks being returned for a 19.9-yard average.

As a junior he played in just five games during 2006 before sitting out the rest of the season with a torn right hamstring. He finished the year with 47 points on 10-of-11 field goals and 17-of-17 PATs. He kicked off 15 times for a 64.2-yard distance average and six touchbacks, as the opposition averaged 20.2 yards on nine returns.

During his sophomore year he was selected All-Southeastern Conference first-team by the league's coaches. His 114 points scored rank fifth on the school's single-season record list, as he made 23-of-29 field goals and all 45 extra point tries. Fifty-four of his 7 kickoffs (61.6-yard distance average) were returned for an 18.4-yard average, as 22 of those attempts were ruled touchbacks.

As a freshman he mostly handled kickoff chores in 2004, with 62 attempts for a 60.5-yard distance average, as 43 were returned for 737 yards (17.1 avg), making 2-of-3 field goals and all three PATs for 9 points.

The Veteran the “Old Man”: Olindo Mare

Mare signed with Seattle as a free agent on March 27, 2008, originally signed by the N.Y. Giants as an un-drafted rookie free agent on May 2, 1996. Picked up by Miami the following season and kicked for the Dolphins for 10 seasons. He was traded to the New Orleans Saints on April 3, 2007, for a sixth round draft choice.

1996: Spent the season on the Giant’s practice squad.

1997: Played in 16 games and led Miami with 117 points. He was 28 of 36 on field goals and made all 33 PATs. Punted five times for a 47.0-yard average with a long of 53, with two downed inside the five.

1998: Played in 16 games and both playoff contests. He converted on 33 of his 34 PATs and 22 of his 27 field goals. Had a stretch of seven games where he connected on 14 straight field goals.

1999: He had the top season for a kicker in Miami history. Converted 39 of 46 field goal attempts (84.8 percent), with a long of 54, and scored 144 points. His 39 field goals and 84.8 percent accuracy mark were team records at the time, and field goal total was an NFL single-season record and 20 of 84 kickoffs were touchbacks, second in NFL. Mare made the Pro-bowl.

2000: Converted 28 of 31 field goals and 33 of 34 PATs for 117 points. Point total ranked fourth in AFC and ninth in NFL. Conversion rate of 90.3 was fifth in NFL. Connected on first 11 field goals, and following first misfire, made next 16.

2001: Played in 16 games and hit 19 of 21 field goals and 39 of 40 PATs for 96 points. Conversion rate of .905 was best in the NFL and marked a new Dolphins record. Of 73 kickoffs, 12 went for touchbacks, tied for second-highest total in the NFL. Mare converted each of his first 13 attempts of season.

2002: Played in 16 games and made 24 of 31 field goals and 42 of 43 PATs for 114 points, ranking sixth in AFC. This was the fourth time in six NFL seasons that he surpassed 100 points. Of 84 kickoffs, 12 went for touchbacks, ranking fourth in NFL. At Denver (10/13) drilled a 53-yard field goal with six seconds remaining for the win. The kick followed a 55-yard FG by Denver K Jason Elam with 45 seconds left, the first time in NFL history that a kicker from each team had a field goal of 50 yards or more with less than a minute to play.

2003: Played in all 16 games and was 22 of 29 FGs and 33 of 34 PATs for 99 points, ranking sixth in AFC. Of his 74 kickoffs, 24 went for touchbacks, best in NFL and highest total by a kicker since advent of the K-Ball in 1999. Hit a career-high four field goals of 50 yards or longer.

2004: Played in 11 games and led team with 54 points on 12 of 16 FGs and 18 PATs. Olindo sat out the New England game with a calf injury, snapping a string of 116 consecutive games played.

2005: Played in 16 games, led Miami with 108 points, made 25 of 30 field goals and all 33 PATs. Of his 71 kickoffs, 16 were touchbacks, ranking third in NFL. Drilled 200th career field goal with a 53-yarder at Tampa Bay (10/16).

2006: Led the Dolphins in scoring with 100 points, going 26 of 36 on field goals and making all 22 extra points. He finished season by making his final nine field goal attempts, and had 24 touchbacks on kickoffs, leading the NFL. Kicked a 22-yard field goal vs. Kansas City (11/12) put him over 1,000 career points, one of 39 players in NFL history to reach the milestone.

2007: Mare played in 13 games for the Saints, connecting on 10 of 17 field goals in an injury riddled season, placed on injured reserve (hip) on December 12.

Well, there you have it the “kid” versus the “old man”, a classic confrontation sure to give Seahawk fans plenty to squawk about this pre-season. Let the kicking begin!

He guns down the field blowing by the LB snags Matt Hasselbeck's pass, does a juke move on the CB, then stiff arms the Safety as he scampers into the End Zone. Ahhh yes, one of Seattle's young guns.

Setting the stage: in 2007 the Seahawks traded away their leading receiver Darrell Jackson to San Francisco, next in 2008 they let DJ Hackett leave via free agency to Carolina. What happened in 2007-2008 to make these two solid wide outs expendable?>
The answer is fourfold: Logan Payne, Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu, and Jordan Kent. Obomanu was drafted in 2006, Taylor and Kent were drafted in 2007, and Payne was signed as an un-drafted free agent in 2007. They are Seattle’s new young guns and a perfect fit for Holmgren’s West Coast Offense.

First off, they all have height (all over 6’) making them large targets for Hasselbeck. Secondly, they all have size (all are over 200lbs) making them durable and hard to bring down after the catch. Thirdly, they all are excellent blockers. Finally, they all have exceptional hands, which is critical in Coach Mike’s system. (Jackson and Hackett were both part of the 2004 Seahawk receiving corp that continually dropped 3rd down passes killing drives. Ouch!)

Due to Deion Branch’s absence with an injury until September (possibly mid-season) an opening at the wide-out position is setting up a training camp shootout between these young guns. It started heating up during mini-camp when Bobby Engram sat out in a contract protest giving the youngsters more opportunities. With Nate Burleson and Engram entrenched as the #1 and #2 receivers, expect the bullets to be flying all through training camp as the young guns elevate their game a notch or two for the third wide-out spot. Even the coaches have no idea which one will win out in the end. It all adds up to an exciting pre-season for Seahawk fans.

Below are a few college highlights of these stars in waiting:

Logan Payne

At 6-2, he has been described as a taller Steve Largent. His senior year at the University of Minnesota he led the team in catches, yards, and touchdowns.

Courtney Taylor

At 6-1, he set school records at Auburn for receptions and is fourth all time in receiving yards.

Ben Obomanu

At 6-0, he is second all-time at Auburn in touchdowns, and led the team in receptions and touchdowns his senior year.

The Prototypical West Coast Offense Running Back

There has been a great deal of debate about whether or not Seattle improved its running game with the free agent acquisitions of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett. The doubters contend they are has-been running backs and that they should be considered backups. Their supporters contend they were not getting a fair shake with their previous teams and their numbers prove they can still get the job done. The doubters miss the biggest difference; the offensive systems in which they played.

 Neither Dallas (where Jones came from), or Detroit (where Duckett came from) run a West Coast Offense (WCO).  Why should that matter? What is the WCO? The WCO simplified is 60% pass/40% run: spreading the defense over a much bigger area of the field, both horizontally and vertically; creating mismatches in the speed, size, or number of receivers defenders try to cover. While potentially throwing on any down and any distance to avoid tendencies that defenses could key on; simultaneously maintaining possession through the air instead of solely on the ground.

Well in the WCO to catch passes and block are valued equally with a running back’s ability to run the ball. These abilities haven’t been combined in a Seattle tail back since Ricky Watters. In the recent past with Shaun Alexander at tail back Holmgren used a balanced attack with 50% run/50% pass. Alexander was a power runner who was a terrible blocker and poor receiver. He just didn’t fit the WCO. Mo Morris did a better job in all these areas last year while filling in for Shaun Alexander; but without a backup to spell him he wore down as the game and season progressed. Last year proved Morris just doesn’t have the size (he is 20 lbs lighter than Jones and 40 lbs lighter than Duckett) to be an every down back for more than a game or two.

 Now with the additions of Jones and Duckett the Seahawks have three tail backs that can pass block for Hasselbeck, or slide into the flat and catch the short dump off pass. Rotating these three backs will keep them fresh all season, and most importantly they’ll be able to run whatever play coach Holmgren calls.

 What is a prototypical WCO running back? This is a back that might break 1,000 yds rushing if he was the feature back; but would also be one of the teams leading receivers. In fact, he could even lead in both categories as Roger Craig did in 1985 (1050 yds rushing & 1016 yds receiving).  They have to be able to pick up any blitz with a good solid block, otherwise the QB can be blindsided.  Sure hands and the ability to run after the catch are essential. They frequently turn a short pass reception into a big gain. Stamina is very important especially if the team only has one feature back. Over the course of the season they typically would have more pass receptions than rushing attempts. All of these qualities with even stronger blocking ability are also required of the fullback. John L. Williams comes to mind here. TJ Duckett is a possibility to move to fullback as has been suggested by coach Holmgren.

In conclusion, is Seattle’s run game improved? Probably, my previous blog explained zone blocking and how it will also help the run game. Even more importantly for the first time in years (except for a part of last season when Morris filled-in) Holmgren will have all the tools to properly run his much loved WCO. This year the advantages of running a true WCO will make Holmgren’s play calling less predictable and harder to defend.