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When: Sun. 10/24 - 4:05 pm
ET
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Satellite Radio
10/24 - 4:05 pm - SIRIUS Ch 123
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Televised: Sun.
10/24 - 4:05 pm
ET (DirecTV Sunday Ticket Channel 713)
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Overview
Last Game
Meet the Seahawks
Cardinals Roster
Cardinals
vs. Seattle Matchups
Overview:
The Seahawks hung on to narrowly beat the Bears last Sunday
and should be feeling pretty good about themselves.
The Cards - coming off an unexpected upset victory over the Saints
- enjoyed their Bye Week. If they can beat Seattle, (with SF 1 &
5 the Cardinals can take a significant step toward controlling
their own destiny in the NFC West.
Late Breaking -
There's a 70% chance of rain (with no dome) raising speculation
that we'll run the ball more. Logically this makes sense, given
the Cardinals' history of playing poorly in bad northeastern
weather (Warner's timing routes tended to be screwed up). But,
with Hall steering the ship, the truth is: "we don't know"
(Incidently, does anyone know if he has big, average or small
hands)?
Day of Game - Inactive for Cards - Breaston,
S. Williams, Skelton, Watson, Abdullah, McBride, Claxton, A Hall, plus Hayes,
Schofield
As of Saturday -
Seahawk Injuries |
Kelly Jennings |
CB |
Hamstring |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Questionable |
Brandon Mebane |
DT |
Calf |
Did Not Participate In Practice |
Questionable |
Dexter Davis |
DE |
Hamstring |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Cardinal Injuries |
Steve Breaston |
WR |
Knee |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Will Davis |
LB |
Groin |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Early Doucet |
WR |
Groin |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Kenny Iwebema |
DE |
Knee |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Reggie Walker |
LB |
Hamstring |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Questionable |
Matt Ware |
S |
Ankle |
Full Participation in Practice |
Probable |
Stephen Williams |
WR |
Back |
Limited Participation in Practice |
Probable |
Last Game:
Seahawks capitalized on poor offensive
line-play by the Bears, an aggressive pass-rushing/turnover-hungry
defense, smart quarterbacking and the resurrection of former WR (&
Pete Carroll protoge) Mike Williams to eke out a 3-point win over
the Minatures of the Midway.
First Quarter
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A 58-yard pass interference on Lewis
helped to set up a 4-play 80-yard scoring drive capped by a
6-yard TD run by Forte. Bears 7 - Seahawks 0.
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Seattle came right back, with four
medium-length pass completions from Hassellbeck to Carlson
(+4), Mike Williams (+16 and +24) and a 22-yard scoring pass
to Butler. Bears 7 - Seahawks 7.
-
Seattle held the Bears to 3 & out on three
successive series. On one series, Cutler was sacked once by
Lewis. Seattle could barely do better during the first two pf
their three offensive possessions, but did manage to move to
the Chicago 8-yard line from the Bear 37 (set up by a 31-yard
Maynard punt) on a couple of completions to Mike Williams and
Deon Butler as the quarter ended.
Second Quarter
-
Two plays later, Forsett ran it in off
right guard for 9 yards and a TD. Seahawks 14 -
Bears 7.
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Chicago managed to move from their own 19
to the Seattle 11, but Curry's sack of Cutler ended the drive,
and Chicago had to settle for a FG. Seahawks 14
- Bears 10.
-
Seattle went 3 & out. Chicago was unable to
move the ball much on their next possession. Seahawks then -
hemmed in at their own 6 - held onto the ball for 11
plays and 5:20 but finally punted from the Chicago 38.
With 3:29 left til halftime, Cutler connected with a 67-yard
pass to Knox, but the Bears could get no closer than the
Seattle 6 and Gould booted a 24-yarder to make it a one-point
game. Seahawks 14 - Bears 13. Starting
from their own 15 with 1:15 left, Seattle ran off 3 straight
running plays to end the first 2 quarters. Halftime Score:
Seahawks 14 - Bears 13.
Third Quarter
-
Seattle received, and Leon Washington
broke off one more of his patented long ones - this one for 42
yards to the Seahawk 45. But Seattle could only move the ball
20 yards and punted, boxing in the Bears at their own 10-yard
line. On the second play from scrimmage, Cutler was sacked (by
) Babineaux for a safety. Seahawks 16 - Bears 13.
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This quarter could be described as a
field-possession "war of attrition" battle. Seahawks went 3 &
out. Another sack of Cutler (this time by
Brock) derailed the next Chicago possession. But a muffed punt
(& recovery) by Tate bottled up the Seahawks at their own
7-yard and they went 3 & out again. The next Bear possession
was a near-replica of the previous one, with a minus-11 yard
sack of Cutler (by Lawyer Milloy) forcing the Bears to
prematurely punt. Seattle took over on their own 8, but
instead of conservatively running it out of there, Hasselbeck
went to the short pass - 6 of 8 plays - before the quarter
ended. Third Quarter Score: Seahawks 16 - Bears 13.
Fourth Quarter
Highlights/Lowlights
-
Seattle sacked Cutler 6 times.
(Babineaux 1½, Brock 1, Curry 1, Lewis 1, Milloy 1, Clemons
0½.
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Run/Pass Ratio was 31 Runs/40 Passes
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Bear pass rushers (& that includes
Peppers) never laid a hand on Hasselbeck
-
Seattle was penalized 5 times.
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Seattle won the time-of-possession battle
34:23 to 25:37.
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No turnovers or take-aways by either team.
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Newly acquired RB Marshawn Lynch had 17
carries (vs. 10 for Forsett). Each RB had one TD.
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Mike Williams was, by far, Seattle's
leading receiver with 10 catches for 123 yards. Butler caught
4 passes for 47 yards & a TD. Carlson caught 2. Lynch and
Stokely caught 3.
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Team defense - Thomas, Thurmond and
Trufant led the team in tackles with 4 apiece. A bunch of
other guys had 3.
Meet the Seahawks
No question - these are no longer your
father's (nor for that matter, Mike Holmgren's) Seahawks, but a
team that's transitioning quickly into "Pete Carroll's team."
Quarterbacks
08
Hasselbeck, Matt
QB 6-4 225 35 12 Boston College
06 Whitehurst, Charlie
QB 6-5 225 28 5 Clemson
You never know what you're going to get from Hasselbeck from game
to game, because of his injury history. But when he's healthy, you
know you'll have to defend against a very bright, well-grounded,
resourceful, quick-drop QB who spreads the ball around to a lot
guys and is surprisingly mobile. If the Seahawks hadn't snapped up
Whitehurst from SD, it's quite likely he'd be a Cardinal (& Max
Hall quite possibly would still be holding a clipboard).
Running Backs
20 Forsett, Justin
RB 5-8 198 24 3 California
24 Lynch, Marshawn
RB 5-11 215 24 4 California 33
Washington, Leon RB 5-8 203 28 5 Florida State
26 Robinson, Michael
RB 6-1 223 27 5 Penn State
It looks as though the newly acquiredLynch will receive the lion's
share of carries from here on out.
Compare this group of RB's to what Seattle was going with prior to
the Carroll regime, and you'll get a pretty good idea of what had
to have been at the tippy-top of Pete's "To-Do" list. All three of
their top 3 guys must be considered more edge/cutback/home-run and
less smashmouth in their running styles. Their biggest RB is
former QB Robinson (who filled more of a slash role in the SF
attack)
Wide Receivers
11 Butler, Deon
WR 5-10 182 24 2 Penn State
15
Stokley, Brandon WR 6-0 192 34 12 Southwestern La.
17 Williams, Mike WR 6-5 235 26 4 USC
87 Obomanu, Benjamin
WR 6-1 204 26 5 Auburn
81 Tate, Golden
WR 5-10 202 22 R Notre Dame
Interesting group (Deep enough, evidentally, to enable Carroll to
trade away Deon Branch). Carroll has given former Trojan Williams
a new lease on life and Mike has delivered. Both Williams and Tate were at or near
the top of the BRS receiver rankings prior to their drafts.
Stokely was Peyton Manning's go-to possession receiver "back in
the day" (It's hard to believe he's going into his 12th year).
Wasn't Butler originally a highly-regarded CB when he came out out
of Penn State?
Tight Ends
89
Carlson, John TE 6-5 251 26 3 Notre Dame
86 Baker, Chris
TE 6-3 261 30 9 Michigan State
88
Morrah, Cameron TE 6-3 251 23 2 California
85 McCoy, Anthony
TE 6-5 259 22 R USC
Carlson is emerging as one of the best receiving TE's in the
league - he's second to Williams on the team in catches. We were impressed by Morrah prior to the draft a couple of
years ago. McCoy is said to be one of those USC guys Carroll knows
more than a little about.
Offensive Line
76 Okung, Russell T 6-5 310 23 R
Oklahoma State
78
Polumbus, Tyler T 6-8 300 25 3 Colorado
50
Hamilton, Ben LG 6-5 290 33 10 Minnesota
69
Pitts, Chester T 6-4 308 31 9 San Diego State
64
Gibson, Mike G 6-3 298 24 3 California
67
Barbre, Allen T/G 6-4 300 26 4 Missouri Southern
65
Spencer, Chris C 6-3 309 28 6 Mississippi
77
Andrews, Stacy RG 6-7 340 29 7 Mississippi
75
Locklear, Sean
RT 6-4 310 29 7 North Carolina State
68
Giacomini, Breno T 6-7 318 25 3 Louisville
Okung was a top draft pick and, for a rookie, gets to start
(at a position carrying a huge responsibility). Former guard
Locklear holds down the right bookend spot. Andrews and
Spencer were hightly regarded when they were drafted. Pitts
returns from injury. These are the guys who determine how well
guys like Forsett, Lynch and Washington can run and whether or
not Hasselbeck remains upright. (So far they're doing pretty
well - surrendering 9 sacks in 5 games).
1
Defensive Line
91 Clemons, Chris LDE 6-3 254 28 7
Georgia
98
Brock, Raheem DE 6-4 274 32 9 Temple
58
Davis, Dexter DE 6-1 244 23 R Arizona State
92
Mebane, Brandon LDT 6-1 311 25 4
California
94
Siavii, Junior DT 6-5 315 31 5 Oregon
90 Cole, Colin RDT 6-2 328 30 8 Iowa
95
Balmer, Kentwan DE 6-5 315 23 3 North Carolina
93
Terrill, Craig DT 6-2 296 30 7 Purdue
79
Bryant, Red RDE 6-4 323 26 3
Texas A&M
97
Wilson, E.J. DE 6-2 289 22 R North Carolina
Seahawks employ a 4-man front, but ,man the right side with
Bryant - at 323 lbs more in line with those big 3-4 type DE's.
As pass rushers, Clemons and Brock can bring it. Mebane,
Siavi, Balmer and Bryant (if he rotates inside) bring
toughness. Clemons and Brock lead the team in sacks with 4½
and 3 respectively.
Linebacker
57 Hawthorne, David
OLB1 6-0 246 25 3 Texas Christian
54 Herring, Will
LB 6-3 241 27 4 Auburn
51
Tatupu, Lofa
MLB 6-0 250 27 6 USC
59
Curry, Aaron OLB2 6-2 255 24 2 Wake Forest
52
McCoy, Matt OLB 6-0 232 27 6 San Diego State
Their front-line LB's (Hawthorne, Taputo
and Curry) are world class but - with just 5 guys on this
unit, they're just one or two injuries away from disaster.
Tatupo is 3rd on the team in tackles. Curry is an emerging
superstar.
Secondary
23 Trufant, Marcus LCB 5-11 197 29 8
Washington State
28
Thurmond, Walter DB 5-11 190 23 R Oregon 21
Jennings, Kelly CB 5-11 180 27 5
Miami
34
Lewis, Roy CB 5-10 190 25 3 Washington
30
Ness, Nate DB 6-1 190 24 1 Arizona
39
Cox, Kennard DB 6-0 191 25 1 Pittsburgh 36
Milloy, Lawyer SS 6-0 211 36 15
Washington 31
Chancellor, Kam DB 6-3 232 22 R Virginia Tech
29 Thomas, Earl FS 5-10 202 21 R
Texas 27
Babineaux, Jordan FS 6-0 210 28 7 Southern Arkansas
Seattle is solid at the corners (with Trufant and Jennings),
have a 15-year veteran (Milloy) paired with a playmaking
rookie (Thomas) at the safeties. Rookie phenom Thomas leads
the team in picks with 3. Lewis and Babineaux (who
picked up 1 and 1½ sacks respectively vs. Bears) provide
solid depth. Rookie, Chancellor has LB size.
Special Teams
10 Mare, Olindo K 5-11 192 37 15
Syracuse 49 Gresham, Clint LS 6-3 240 24 R
Texas Christian
09 Ryan, Jon P 6-0 217 28 5 Regina
81 Tate, Golden PR/WR 5-10 202 22 R
Notre Dame 33 Washington, Leon RB 5-8 203 28 5
Florida State
Mare is a dependible veteran. We're not sure how Ryan stacks up
against other punters in the league, but it could be argued
that his position-punting (vs. Maynard's) in the Chicago game
may have been a key factor in determining its outcome.
Washington is the most dangerous kick returner in pro
football. We had Tate rated near the top of the BRS WR draft
rankings. Seahawk coverage teams are as iffy as their return
teams are good.
Coaching Staff
Pete Carroll
Head Coach
Jeremy Bates
Offensive
Coordinator
Casey Bradley
Defensive Coordinator
Brian Schneider
Special Teams Coordinator
Carroll is the darling of the media, as he
runs up and down the sideline, patting players on the tush and
shouting words of encouragement. He certainly has USC creds to
go with an earlier stretch of coaching in the pros. The MO
Carroll exhibited in the Chicago game seems to highly
respect (a) field position, (b) special teams and (c)
take-aways. We're impressed with the production he's been able
to get out of Mike Williams (i.e. great at USC under Carroll;
awful in his early years as a pro; lighting things up once
reunited with his old college coach).
Seattle Stats
Green
means good stats/Red
means bad stats/Black means average stats.
|
Seahawks |
Opponents |
TOTAL FIRST DOWNS |
79 |
98 |
FIRST DOWNS
(Rushing-passing-by penalty) |
23 - 52 - 4 |
20 - 73 - 5 |
THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS |
29/68 |
28/77 |
FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS |
1/4 |
3/7 |
TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS |
1462 |
1806 |
OFFENSE
(Plays-Average Yards) |
295 - 5.0 |
350 - 5.2 |
TOTAL RUSHING YARDS |
429 |
352 |
RUSHING (Plays-Average Yards) |
119 - 3.6 |
120 - 2.9 |
TOTAL PASSING YARDS |
1033 |
1454 |
PASSING (Comp-Att-Int-Avg) |
103 - 167 - 6 - 6.5 |
120 - 213 - 5 - 7.4 |
SACKS |
17 |
9 |
FIELD
GOALS (Att/Made |
4/4 |
8/9 |
TOUCHDOWNS |
12 |
10 |
(Rushing-Passing-Returns-Defensive) |
4 - 5 - 2 - 1 |
3 - 6 - 1 - 0 |
TIME
OF POSSESSION |
27:03 |
32:56 |
TURNOVER RATIO
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Hasselbeck (5 TD's/6 Interceptions) has a
61.4% completion average and a 74.8 QB Rating. He's been
sacked 9 times.
-
Forsett's averaging 4.6 ypc. and until now
was the main Seattle ball carrier with 61 attempts. Lynch
averaged 2.6 in his first outing but carried the ball more
than Forsett vs. Chicago.
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Mike Williams (21) , Carlson (16) and Butler
(12) lead the team in receptions with all three averaging
between 10.8 and 12.4 ypc. Butler is credited with 2 TD's.
Carlson with one.
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Mare is a perfect 4 for 4 in FG attempts
(all inside the 40). Opponents have attempted twice as many
FG's.
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Tate is the primary punt returner with 12
returns for 11.8 per return and a longest gain of 63 yards.
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Opponents are averaging 13.7 yards per punt
return.
-
Led by Leon Washington (13 returns, 37.0
yards per return and 2 TD's, the Seahawks are very dangerous
returning kickoffs.
-
Top 4 tacklers are Milloy (31), Thomas (27),
Tatupo (26) and Trufant (25)
-
Top sackers are Clemons (4½), Brock (3),
Babineaux (1½) and a bunch of other guys with one apiece.
(Seahawks are outsacking their opponents 17 to 9)
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Thomas leads the Seahawks with 3 picks.
(Trufant and Babineaux each had one).
Cardinal Roster
QB - 06
Hall, 03 Anderson, 19 Skelton,
Hall didn't play lights out nor
did he play badly in the Cardinals' upset win over New Orleans,
but he did just enough to enable teammates to win a big one. He
only figures to get better with added experience. (To put things
in perspective - the amount of game-tape of Hall as a pro more
than doubled since the Saturday the 9th)
RB -
34 Hightower, 31 Wright, 36 Stephens-Howling (KR/PR),
26, Wells
Cardinal runners didn't accomplish much vs.
New Orleans. You can chalk this up to defensive scheming, except
that our running game hasn't exactly been that terrific in the 4
games that preceded it. I think we may have to accept the fact
that the Cardinals will be kind of hit or miss in their run game.
This isn't to say that THT, Beanie and LSH don't have talent - it
just means that, in terms of production, we haven't seen very much
on a consistent basis, and there's not much to indicate that we
will. That said - the threat of the run remains crucial
to our passing offense, and we never abandon the run too early.
FB - 45 Mau'ia
Seems to be settling in as a lead blocker,
but we'd like to see more consistency.
WR -
12
Roberts, 80
Doucet, 15 Breaston
WR -11 Fitzgerald,
18 Komar, 14 S Williams,
Fitz and Max seemed to click pretty well
vs. the Saints. Breaston and Doucet figure to be back and healthy
after the Bye. Komar and Williams (who got dinged) didn't flash
much, but Roberts had a few nice grabs.
TE - 89 Patrick,
83 Spach,
81
Dray
Patrick had 5 catches vs. NO (Perhaps the TE
will become more important in a Hall-led passing offense). Both
Spach and Dray tend to be more hit-or-miss as receivers (the few
times they get thrown at).
LT- 75 L Brown,
73
Bridges
LG-
66
Faneca, 70 Hadnot
OC- 63Sendlein,
(70 Hadnot),
62
Claxton,
RG-
76
Lutui
RT
72 Keith
This unit has continued to
perform below expectations. What we see now is probably what we
should expect for the remainder of the season - a deep veteran
group that's pretty hit or miss both in pass pro and in sustaining
blocks and opening up holes for Cardinal runners. What we see is
probably what we'll get, and anything more than that will be
gravy.
DE - 93
Campbell, 79 Iwebema
NT - 97 B Robinson,
92 D Williams, 98 Watson,
DT - 90 Dockett, 78 Branch
They performed OK and gritty but not dominant against NO. Campbell
has hit a plateau this season. Dockett is playing OK, but not to
Pro Bowl caliber standards. B-Rob has taken a lot of heat for
being outmuscled by bigger more physical linemen. Watson and D
Williams have been OK in NT rotation. Branch shared DE duties with
Campbell and occasionally impressed. Play over the first 5 weeks
was inconsistent - with some highs and some lows. One thing you
have to like about this group (aside from its depth in talent) is
its versatility. If you want a more mobile NT, you can throw
in Robinson. If you desire more stoutness up the middle, you can
always slot in Watson or Williams. Or if you need a little more
bulk outside, you can bring in Branch. And (when healthy) Iwebema
can adds pass rush Tobasco. The one nagging concern about this
unit is the way it got steamrolled during the losses to Atlanta
and San Diego. We don't yet know whether or not the problem - with
stopping big physical runners - has, indeed, been fixed.
OLB1 - 55 Porter
ILB
51
Lenon,
A. Hall
ILB-
58 D Washington,
56 Walker,
OLB2
-
53
Haggans,
59
W Davis
These guys had a huge day vs. NO. Question
is: Can they sustain that level of performance from game to game?
Or will they backslide to the undisciplined, lackadaisical and
sloppy play disiplayed in NO and SD? When they're on their game,
it's an interesting group, with the two inside guys displaying
more mobility and range than prototypical "large" ILB's.
Especially impressive has been Washington's ability to pursue
sweep plays from "inside out" to eat up RB's before they get to
the corner. The expected return of Gerald Hayes could add a bit
more size and toughness on the inside while enabling Washington
(who is still experiencing the ups and downs of the so-called
"learning curve) the chance to be spotted where his talents can be
utilized more selectively. There also is the outside possibility
that highly regarded but injured rookie O Brien Schofield may be
ready to go soon; however, his lack of pro experience could keep
on-ice for the balance of the year.
RCB -
28 Toler,
MacDonald,
37 McBride,
LCB-
29 Rodgers-Cromartie,
27 Adams
SS- 24 Wilson,
22
Ware,
41 Abdullah,
40
Tillman
FS- 25 Rhodes,
49
Rash Johnson
Our front four looked terrific vs. New Orlean. Toler is fast
developing to DRC-caliber level (giving us a pair of talented
cover corners for arguably the first time since Jimmy Hill and Pat
Fischer back in the early 1960's. Kerry Rhodes has been everything
we hoped he'd be at FS. Ironically, the one DB whose performance
hasn't quite met expectations is All Pro Adrian Wilson - not that
he doesn't make one or two "woo" plays per game, but (at least
since the opener vs. StL) lately hasn't been dominating games the
way you'd hope he would. Unsung hero of the NO game was
nickel-corner Michael Adams (in coverage, run support and special
teams). We're not saying he'd be OK left out there on an island,
but - playing within his more limited role, he was outstanding.
Rashad Johnson was a bit more active and visible in the NO game
(with Ware nicked up) and we may have seen him turn the corner.
K-04
Feely P- 05 B
Graham,
H - 05 B Graham
LS-
82 Leach
KR -
37Stephens-Howling
PR -
12 Roberts, 18
Komar, 15 Breaston,
37Stephens-Howling
Feely is reliable. Graham
has become legendary for dropping punts inside the 10 - 15. It's
pretty much accepted fact now that LSH (is the real deal when it
comes to long KR returns.This hasn't been a one & done phenominon
but a consistent part of his game. Roberts got expanded
responsibility for returning punts and has started to look pretty
settled back there.
Cardinals
vs. Seattle Matchups
Injuries:
Cardinals:
DNP: TBA LP:
TBA Probable: TBA
Seattle:
DNP: TBA . LP: TBA . Probable: TBA .
Seattle Passing Attack
vs. Cardinal Pass Defense
Hasselbeck, when healthy is efficient in the short game. While
no speedster, he's nimble-footed enough to cause trouble on naked
boots/waggles or if forced outside the pocket. He likes to spread
the ball around, and Seattle has a multiplicity of targets -
including Mike Williams, Golden Tate and Stokely at WR, Carlson
(second most catches) at TE and both Lynch and Forsett coming out
of the backfield. Prior to the NO game, I'd have to say that this
sort of multi-pronged passing attack had given the Cardinal
defense the most trouble. However, the Cards were able to contain
Brees and his merry pranksters; if they can hang onto the magic,
perhaps they can do it again vs. the Seahawks. Although the
Cardinal defense - when it brings its A Game - can put pressure on
the passer, it must be pointed out that Peppers, Urlacher & Co.
were unable to sack Hasselbeck last Sunday. (In the past, Cards
have discovered that, if Hasselbeck has to face constant pressure
back there, he can be contained. Question is: "Is this the past or
is it a new present?"
This may be the game where the Cards sick the
more physical Toler on the Bears' #1 receiver (Williams) to give
us a better size matchup. This would free DRC to contain Tate or
Stokely while perhaps being freed up to do a little freelancing.
It will be up to Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes and Cardinal LB's to
keep Carlson and Lynch (or Forsett) in check. Someone on either
edge must be responsible for making certain they're in
Hasselbeck's face when he runs boots or escapes the pocket.
Seattle Running Attack vs.
Cardinal Run Defense Seattle's runners appear to be
mostly slashers and not pounders (which means gap-discipline and
outside-contain rules this week). When the Cards aren't "guessing
and lunging", they can stop enemy home-run hitters, but if they
get frustrated and ignore their assignment, they can be gashed
badly by opposing running attacks. Facing Hasselbeck, there will
be a natural tension created between containing the run and
covering Hasselbeck and Seahawk receivers.
Cardinal Passing Attack
vs. Seattle
Pass Defense We still don't know what we'll
be getting in Hall. We do know that he and Fitz are beginning to
get more comfortable with one another, but in his first pro start.
Hall's ability to hit his receivers was still around 50-50. The
unknown factor remains the degree of improvement (if any) we can
expect to see after the extra week off. What we're hoping to see
from Hall and the Cardinal receivers is something closer to a Drew
Brees passing attack - with, say, a 2 in 3 certainty that Max
knows what he wants to do and that we all can be pretty confident
that he and Cardinal receivers will be successful. (Note - What we
don't know yet will be the shape of our starting receiving corps.
Expectations are that Hall will finally have the opportunity throw
to a healthy Fitz., Breaston and Doucet. This, alone, should make
us excited.
Also open to debate must be whether or not
Seattle's 6 sacks vs. Chicago was due to (a) the "Hawks or (b) the
Bears? DE's Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock have been causing the
most trouble, but Carroll isn't bashful about sending in a safety
or two when he smells blood. Operating behind a
less-than-rock-solid Cardinal O-line, Hall has taken his share of
lumps. It will be up to both our pass rushers and Max's feet and
quick release to keep Hall upright. Expect the Seahawks to do a
lot of false-carding and blitzing in order to confuse Hall.
It could be argued that Seattles' biggest
strength is in their secondary - with a pair of excellent safeties
playing behind a strong CB tandem and with enough depth to cover
multiple receivers in nickel or dime packages. Hall's work may be
cut out for himself this Sunday.
Cardinal Running Attack
vs. Seattle
Run Defense Seattle held Chicago to 61 yards
rushing (31 of which came from Chester Taylor). Season-long,
they're only giving up 2.9 yards per carry.
We are 99% sure Coach Wiz and his people would
like to see the Cardinal running game - on the backs of Beanie and
Hightower finally get off the ground. We expect the Cards to at
least try to establish the run and to run the ball enough to keep
Seattle pass rushers honest, but as is Wiz's nature, our guess is
that he will dial up whichever plays represent the best chances of
working and, if Seattle decides to load up the box with extra
defenders, we'll see Hall slinging the ball around more often.
Special Teams
Both teams excel in the return game ( L Washington vs. LSH).
Both have excellent position punters in Graham and Ryan. Both have
reliable kickers in Feely and Mare. We might have a slight edge in
punt coverage (a Seattle weakness we should try to exploit).
Final Word
We're not ready to call this a "must" game. How about a "pivotal
game." Winning it could put us in the drivers seat within our
division. Playing well could help define "who our team actually
is." The downside is that, should we lose, we'll be giving our
opponents "new hope" and will be in the midst of a dog-fight
within our division. And all the nagging questions about whether
we're good enough will once again surface. It certainly is a big
(make that "huge") game."
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