More on the Pass Rush

by: Michael Steffes

File this one under the category of "did you know?"

Did you know that recent comments by the Colts Dwight Freeney has brought something interesting to light? So far this year, NFL officials have called a grand total of 157 offensive holding penalties. This projects out to 543 offensive holding penalties for the season.

This number represents, by far, a two-decade low for offensive holding penalties. In 2006, officals called 880 holds, which represents the highest number called in the same period. On my way to school today, I heard Gil Brandt on Sirius NFL Radio talking about this, and how he believes there is a movement towards not calling holding unless it affects a play in an effort to shorten game times. He also noted that he believes that sacks currently project to hit a new low for a season total. I ask you Seahawk Addicts, wouldn't holding affect nearly every pass play? How can you determine that it doesn't?

Well, this is interesting if you are a Seahawks fan, most notably because the Seahawks have a defensive front that is built around speed, not brawn, much like the Colts and Dwight Freeney. Take a guess at which type of pass rusher you think is more likely to get held, the guy who gets around a lineman with a quick first step, or the guy who bowls him over? My guess would be that holding not being called has a much greater effect on speed rushers. Is this the reason the Seahawks pass rush is being stifled? Hard to say, but it certainly wouldn't help.

I will say it seems that the eyes don't lie on this one. In every game I have watched, Hawks or otherwise, it seems that blatant holds are being missed. If this is the case, then hopefully Mike Solari has noticed and is instructing the Hawks O-line accordingly. Evening the score is great in theory, but this Hawks team needs to get some pressure, regardless of whether or not they are being held. ~END~