Why it won’t be the end of the world even if Seattle loses this week

A quick look back at 2014 should be reassuring (it’s not often we say that as Seahawks fans).

The Super Bowl was contested between New England and Seattle. The Patriots started the season 2-2 and in week four they were trounced by the Chiefs 41-14. After the game there was talk about the end of Tom Brady’s career and whether Jimmy Garoppolo should start. Bill Belichick coined his ‘on to Cincinnati’ catchphrase.

The hammering in Kansas City acted as a turning point. New England beat the Bengals 43-17 the following week to launch a seven game winning streak. They finished the year 12-4 and won a Championship.

Before that game in Kansas City, the Patriots lost handsomely to the Dolphins in week one (33-20) and slipped by the 3-13 Oakland Raiders (16-9) at home.

Brady had four touchdowns and two picks after four weeks, leading to the ill-judged ‘quarterback controversy’ talk.

BREAKING: TOM BRADY IS RETIRING pic.twitter.com/1h77cwwxyz — SportsNation (@SportsNation) September 30, 2014

I am baffled by how a Tom Brady offense – no matter O line and average-receiver issues – can no longer get the ball in the end zone. — Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 30, 2014

Also in 2014, the Seahawks had a mixed start. A comprehensive week one win against Green Bay preceded a comprehensive week two loss against San Diego. They beat the Broncos but nearly blew it at the end. Seattle sauntered past Washington on Monday Night Football before losing badly to the Cowboys (I was there, it was horrible) and the 6-10 Rams.

3-3 after six weeks only told some of the story.

This run included the Percy Harvin fall out and trade, a lot of talk and rumour about Marshawn Lynch threatening not to board the bus to St. Louis and a report from Mike Freeman where he declared:

“My feeling on this — and it’s backed up by several interviews with Seahawks players — is that some of the black players think (Russell) Wilson isn’t black enough.”

It was borderline chaotic.

By the time they lost to Kansas City to drop to 6-4, things felt pretty bleak. Suddenly, something changed. The old Seahawks returned. Physicality, explosive plays, great defense. A six game winning streak to steal the NFC West and #1 seed away from Arizona. Another Super Bowl. Nearly another Super Bowl Championship.

Both teams faced adversity early in the season.

In comparison, the Houston Texans got off to a good start. In week five they were an overtime possession away against Dallas from going 4-1. They ended the season 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

Arizona had a 9-1 start to the season before losing four of their last six. They surrendered the #1 seed, the NFC West and were dumped out of the playoffs against 7-8-1 Carolina in the wildcard round.

Sadly none of this guarantees the Seahawks and Patriots will go on an imminent tear and meet in a glorious Super Bowl rematch at the end of the season. It does offer some perspective though on the disappointing starts both teams have endured.

And even if Seattle drops to 2-3 this week, falling 2.5 games behind the Rams in the division, there’s plenty of time left for a fight back.

The offense has to take the rhythm it found late in the Indianapolis win and run with it. Everything fit together late in that game. The offense was moving the ball and scoring points with explosive plays. The defense had a lead to defend and the opponent had to force the issue.

I watched Los Angeles’ week two loss to Washington and there are flaws to exploit. LA’s defense is not playing well, even with Aaron Donald’s return. The run defense is struggling mightily.

Look at how they rank compared to the rest of the league:

31st in points allowed (32 ppg)

31st in yds allowed (415.3 ypg)

31st in rushing yds allowed (177 ypg)

23rd in passing yds allowed (238 ypg) — Hawk Blogger (@hawkblogger) October 2, 2017

Alternatively in that Washington game, the Rams offense benefitted from some huge whiffs, such as a blown coverage on the tight end who ran nearly the length of the field to set up a touchdown.

Taking Jared Goff out of his comfort zone is vital. If he has to play from behind and attack Seattle’s defense, advantage Seahawks. Todd Gurley is going to get his yards/plays. He’s too good. If they have to play from behind, however, they might not be able to lean on the running game.

If the Seahawks lose and drop to 2-3, a fortnight of hand-wringing and debate will likely ensue. Remember, though, that the Seahawks still have six home games to come and an appealing schedule after the bye.

This is a big game on Sunday but it won’t decide Seattle’s season.

Thoughts on Luke Falk vs USC

It was particularly interesting to hear Pete Carroll reference how often they’ve watched Washington State recently. He made a similar comment last season before the Apple Cup, stating they’ve watched Wazzu a ton. It’d be interesting to know why. Is it a player or players? Is it to study offensive schemes and see how they can incorporate some spread concepts?

After all, Mike Leach has been able to consistently produce big time offensive production without big time recruits. He nearly took Texas Tech to a National Championship and he’s turned around Washington State’s fortunes. There might be something they can use.

I remember the last time I really watched Luke Falk was against Colorado last season. His passes fluttered, he lacked the big physical tools and despite a decent stat line, it was a disappointing game overall for Wazzu. I can’t remember if this was around the time that he was injured or playing hurt — that might’ve had an impact.

Against USC I thought he looked a lot better. You see the usual barrel load of passes into the flat and bubble screens. These extreme spread offenses that rely on a high number of players, widening the field and tempo are often difficult to judge. It was encouraging to see Falk throwing with accuracy and zip over the middle and down the seam. On one play he stood tall in the pocket, knew he was going to take a monster hit and still delivered an accurate pass over the middle for a third down conversion.

His arm strength looks better than I recall. He was able to throw downfield, including a nice 61-yard completion on a blown coverage.

On a scramble to the right hand side, under pressure, Falk delivered a brilliant pass to the back corner of the end zone. The receiver dropped it under no pressure and it should’ve been a touchdown. You clearly see Falk scanning the field, correctly feeling the pressure and extending the play. His throw, made just as he was about to be sacked, is inch perfect.

His interception was just a good play by the defender, batting down one of his passes at the LOS and having the athleticism (even as a defensive end) to catch the ball and turn it into a pick.

There are things to like. You see evidence of him going through progressions. You see accuracy and the occasional flash of mobility. He is elevating his team and winning big games.

Overall this was an impressive showing. I can see why there’s a feeling Falk is destined for the NFL and on this evidence he deserves a shot at the next level. He seems to have a balanced character and you can imagine him leading a team. His college résumé is impressive.

He’ll get a chance. It might not be as an especially high pick but Kirk Cousins was a fourth rounder, Russell Wilson a third rounder. That might be his range too. The Seahawks haven’t had a solid backup quarterback option since Tarvaris Jackson left. Investing in a player like Falk could be a possibility if he lasts into range.

You can now support Seahawks Draft Blog via Patreon by clicking the tab below.

Become a Patron!