Training Camp 2010: Weaknesses

Written by Chris Sullivan

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 19:30

Ladies and gentlemen, you can almost smell training camp... We talked strengths yesterday, time for the position groups that have gotten weaker this offseason.

Defensive Ends - Well, uh, if you aren't aware that this is a weakness you've had your head in a cave since late 2007. Still, the D-Line was arguably the worst unit on the Seahawks last year (maybe a hair better than offensive line), and that starts with the ends. How did the Seahawks improve? They traded away their best lineman in Darryl Tapp and watched former standout Patrick Kerney retire. Lawrence Jackson, a former first round pick, has apparently been demoted (via mini-camps, we'll see if it sticks) in favor of Red "The Behemoth" Bryant who has never played DE in his professional or college career. The Elephant position is just a huge unknown at this point, and we can't really rely on Chris Clemons to be "the answer," can we?
Running Back - Did the Seahawks get worse here? I don't know that the answer is clearly "yes," but then, it's also clearly a huge question mark and cause for concern. Julius Jones is a below average back (or, has been thus far). Justin Forsett could be something special but the concerns about his size and durability are legitimate. Leon Washington could be fun to watch and good for a spark in the run game and special teams, but he is recovering from a serious leg injury. Lendale White should have helped, could have helped, would have helped but... he wasn't willing to fall in line and he was cut. Quinton Ganther is an unknown, he's big and strong but not much of a threat really, though he could make the team as a fullback. Not an exciting group and looks to, again, be one of the least talented RB corps in the NFL. We'll see what Gibbs can do, though.
Defensive Tackle - I love Mebane and you know that. Still, that only gets you so far, and honestly he needs to bring up the rest of the line rather than rely on them to allow him to be affective. Colin Cole was okay last year, and Kevin Vickerson is getting some good press, but this is a huge question mark, especially if the DE spot remains questionable.

Wide receivers remain in the middle for me. Not a strength, not a weakness. A lot of question marks, but a lot of known quantities too.

Comments (13) Add Comment

Our Defense
written by JapanHawk, July 28, 2010

Call me crazy, but our defense was not bad last year. Our offense was horrid and resulted in our defense being overworked because they were on the field for too long.

For the most part, we were very good against the run (with the exception of Gore ripping 2 long ones in 1 game after Lofa went down in game 2 against SF - if I remember correctly) Although Hawthorne put together a pretty good year, our defense looked a little lost without Tatupu.

Tatupu is back and we have an improved secondary (Trufant and Earl) to force some turnovers.

In my opinion everything comes down to one thing... our OL gelling together. If our OL is doing it's job this will open up the run game. if the run game is opened up we can control the clock and keep our defense off the field. If our defense is off the field they will be rested and will play better.

Okung really needs to get signed so he can get to camp and get as much preparation as he can before the season starts in 7 weeks.

Agreed, but...
written by Jim Mora, July 29, 2010

Fullback is another concern. Scmitt has not developed into what his potential was coming out of college. Seahawks need to get better in the run game and focus on that postion next year along with the d-line. Quarterback is deep next year, but there is no way we are getting Locker unless we trade up or have the worst record in the league. They should be active in free agency, but no overhauling w/huge contracts & stock up on draft picks if possible. Also, Tim Ruskell should be hired to take Todd's job and hire me back as the secondary coach again!

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written by bleedshawkblue, July 29, 2010

Better is what I'm looking for at this point.

Over the last couple years, I saw countless plays where the opposing QB was able to step up into a nice comfortable pocket and avoid the rush, so, hopefully, with a combo of a speedy Leo off the edge (isn't that what DeMarcus Ware does so effectively in Dallas?) and Mebane + Vickerson in the middle, or Jackson as a DT on passing downs, there's at least a shot at harassing the QB into letting that talented back 7 do their thing.

As for RBs, a better line and O. Schmitt developed into a pro caliber blocking FB will allow for a respectable showing, which will open up the passing to all those jump-ballers and YAC guys.

KoolAid springs eternal.

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written by MontanaMike, July 29, 2010

We did pretty good against the run but crappy against the pass. We didn't have any pressure on the qb, DE is our biggest need. Carroll said after the draft that he wished he could have gotten one. Where we were picking in the later rounds there was none left. I hope the leo works out.

Farmer Paul
written by MontanaMike, July 29, 2010

I'm sorry, i didn't see your response yesterday.
I would love to meet up and buy beer and talk hawks!

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written by JuiceMcGoose, July 29, 2010

I don't question Schmitt's heart or physical ability. Maybe with the new coaches he will get a better idea on where he is needed in plays. Fullback is not an easy position to learn.

A healthy Leon Washington and rotating 3 running backs could allow each back to perform closer to their optimum ability. Unless other teams decide to run their offence Colts style it could be quite effective.

Rotating RBs...
written by Hawksince77, July 29, 2010

Here's an idea I had that I have never seen done, yet might make sense for the Seahawks this year.

Forsett and Washington (assuming he is healthy and effective) are the 2 best RBs on the team, and they are similar in terms of size and limitations that come with it (although Washington is faster, Forsett tougher, etc. etc. - I don't want to start a controversy over their differences).

Anyway, lets say one week Forsett is the featured back, with Jones/Gather/whoever coming in to rest him during the game, while Washington sits on the bench (someone else is returning kicks/punts).

The following week, Washington is the featured back, while Forsett gets to rest. That way, every week, Seattle has a dynamic RB with 2 weeks rest coming into the game.

Just an idea.

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written by timisfly, July 29, 2010

Bill you are a iffy reporter,you leave just enough rope not to hang yourself,well i'm glad you are not playing because with your iffy attitude,(and not just you it's alot of so called seahawks fans don't show confidence in their team)I feel that the seahawks will play on emotions this year we have a lot to prove after winning 4 divisonal championship and getting screwed in the big dance,we are going to prove to all you seahawks doubters and fair weather fans that we have emotions,and can compete with the best the nfl has to offer.We got a coach that knows how to win and a pretty good coaching staff if the players buy -in there is no reason for us not to be that surprise team this season,but it would not be a surprise to me.Barring major injuries we are poised to shock the world!!!!!!!!!!!!.

-2

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written by timisfly, July 29, 2010

oh yeah another thing we have had some bad breaks in the last few years like 08 when all our recievers got hurt in a span of 2 games and a couple i haven't heard of again,we was on our way to a special season.Holmgren left.Morra dummied up and didn't put any good players on the field he had them all on the bench (big dummy) Comn man the seahawks are contenders and when they end up 11-5 you owe me lunch young man

-1

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written by timisfly, July 29, 2010

i think juilius jone will be more productive in this offensive set,and chris clem can be a beast coming off that corner ,maybe you need to watch some film of him,,,,i already know he's a beast.

Chester Pitts
written by TxHawkfan, July 29, 2010

Sando just reported that Seattle signed Pitts! Could be great for depth, hopefully his knee is good.

Pitts
written by halkboy15, July 29, 2010

Chester pitts a hawk (:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012480835_apfbnseahawkspitts1stldwritethru.html?syndication=rss

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written by 12th Man in AZ, July 29, 2010

Love the Pitts signing as many of you probably have figured out with my posts all off season on adding this savvy vet with first-hand knowledge of Alex Gibbs and the true ZBS scheme! Even if Pitts doesn't start, and heck even if he doesn't play much, he is another sideline general and practice/film study mentor to the younger players like Unger, Spencer, Gibson, Wrotto, etc. Very nice news on the eve of camp.