Offensive Line Over-Reaction

by: Michael Steffes

I understand that the Seahawks new look rushing attack didn't look like anything new on Sunday.

Also, Matt Hasselbeck was on his back way more than any Seahawk fan should be comfortable.

I re-watched the first three quarters this morning and I am not convinced that the offensive line is as bad as some think.

First off, after the first series, the Buffalo Bills consistently had their safeties within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. They was almost always 9 men in the box on first and second down. The Hawks were unable to pass the Bills out of this defense. There is no way that 5 offensive linemen and one fullback can block 9 guys. Just doesn't work. Add to that Marcus Stroud playing like the Pro Bowler he is and it was a difficult situation. In fact, in the third quarter the team finally completed a few balls and the lanes opened up. Also, in the garbage time the Bills voluntary moved their safeties back to prevent quick scores, and the Hawks ran effectively. That said, the Hawks can expect to see this until their passing attack gets healthy.

On to pass protection. In the first half, I counted as many missed blocks by running backs as I did linemen. Mo Morris was the biggest culprit, but Leonard Weaver also whiffed on one or two. Also, the Seahawks were in third and looooooooong a lot. The Bills blitzed. There were as many or more players coming than the Seahawks had blocking. There were also several occasions Matt held onto the ball too long. All of these things lead to QB hits. The simple fact is that until WR's win one on one match ups, these problems will continue.

And when you add to the fact that our starting 5 linemen still haven't played together(ever), well I think the line deserves a break, for now. What happened Sunday isn't all their fault. Spencer and Sims appear to be the players most on the hot seat. Give them the next two weeks and then make a decision. One option has to be to move Spencer to guard and bring in Vallos at center. But that is something that shouldn't be done unless the line truly becomes the teams big wart. Right now it is the receivers.

Football is the ultimate team sport and the offense needs to have balance to function well. If things don't improve this week, and look better by the time Lock is back, then we can spend another year cursing the offensive line. ~END~