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Bob McGinn
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By BOB McGINN
No team can flourish late in the season without stopping the run.
The Green Bay Packers will face the ultimate test Thursday night in the Seattle Seahawks, who have run on everyone for the last two months.
“Seattle, we know, has gained their identity,” Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said three days before Los Angeles defeated the Seahawks, 36-31, Sunday at the Memorial Coliseum. “(Offensive line coach) Mike Solari does a great job, they’re a powerful group up front, they’ve got really good running backs and their coach (Pete Carroll) has always been committed to the running game.”
The Seahawks rushed for their most yards (273) in a defeat in franchise history. It strengthened their grip on the league lead in rushing yards per game (152.2).
Seattle seemed adrift in the first two games, losses on the road to Denver (27-24) and Chicago (24-17). In those games they rushed 38 times for 138 yards.
Since then, they’ve won four of seven games primarily by averaging 35.7 carries and 176 rushing yards.
“Seattle is a team that wants to come in and impose their will,” Rams defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said after the game.
Three weeks ago, the Seahawks went into Ford Field, rushed 42 times for 176 yards, controlled the ball for 34:55 and beat the Lions, 28-14.
“These guys come out, they maul you, they get on top of you and they just try to knock you off the ball,” Detroit coach Matt Patricia said a few days before the game. “I think that’s what he (Carroll) likes. Having those bigger backs, it takes a toll. You may stop them for a yard or 2 early but they turn into 5 or 6 and then all of a sudden it’s 10-12 to 20. I think they’ve settled into a system that fits them really well.”
Seattle ranked third, fourth, first and third in rushing from 2012-’15 as Marshawn Lynch averaged 252 carries and 1,143 yards. Without Lynch, Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls were the leading rushers in 2016 when Seattle’s ground game dipped to 25th. Last year, the Seahawks ranked 23rd behind Mike Davis and Chris Carson.
The Packers rank 22nd against the run. After allowing 105 yards per game and 4.2 yards per rush in the first five games they’ve yielded 140.8 and 4.8 in the last four.
Green Bay, a 2 ½-point underdog, owns a 1-4 record at CenturyLink Field.
“The game’s being played in Seattle,” an AFC personnel director said Wednesday in picking the Seahawks, 27-20. “One team (Seattle) is playing with confidence and the other team is not.”
This will be the seventh time Seattle’s Russell Wilson and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers have opposed each other. They’re 3-3, each winning three times at home but none on the road.
In fact, the Packers are 0-4 away from Lambeau Field this season compared to 4-0-1 at home. After beating Miami on Sunday in a noon game that was flexed to 3:25 p.m., the Packers have the rugged assignment of playing four days later after a long flight to the Pacific Northwest.
In the six games, Rodgers has completed 139 of 204 passes (68.1%) for 1,396 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He has rushed 19 times for 67 (3.5), been sacked 19 times and has a passer rating of 92.3.
Wilson has completed 98 of 174 (56.3%) for 1,134, eight TDs and 10 picks. He has rushed 33 times for 209 (6.3), been sacked 15 times and has a rating of 67.6.
“They’re going to pound it and pound it, then go play-action,” said another executive in personnel. “Get Russell out on the edge and let him do some things.
“Last couple games they’ve played a lot better. Early on, they were making adjustments and trying to figure it out. They didn’t look nearly as sound or solid as they do now. Even though they may not have pulled out the win lately they still have played a lot better football.
“I think the Seahawks get off the schneid here and the Packers take one on the chin. It’ll be close. 27-21, Seattle.”
OFFENSIVE SCHEME
Coordinator – Brian Schottenheimer (first year).
Key assistant coaches – Mike Solari, offensive line; Chad Morton, running backs; Pat McPherson, tight ends.
Notes: In January, coach Pete Carroll fired coordinator Darrell Bevell and line coach Tom Cable, both of who had been on his staff for seven years. Schottenheimer, a former coordinator for the Jets (2006-’11) and Rams (2012-’14), has always favored a power run game. Thus, the Seahawks have a run rate of 51.1%, the highest in the league, and rank first in rushing with an average of 152.2 yards. George Fant, the backup left tackle, has played 100 snaps in nine games, most coming as a sixth offensive lineman. Seattle runs zone, power, read option and jet sweep. Because the quarterback is Russell Wilson, it creates gap problems for defenses because he’s liable to pull it and run at any time. Schottenheimer loves taking vertical shots and has the speed outside to do it. Solari, the Packers’ assistant O-line coach in 2015, led those great units in San Francisco from 2010-’14. Other ex-Packers assistants on Carroll’s staff are Pat Ruel, assistant O-line; Jethro Franklin, assistant D-line; Mondray Gee, assistant strength, and Morton. Tom Donatell, the quality control coach on defense, is the 29-year-old son of former Packers defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. The Seahawks rank tied for fifth in giveaways (eight), 15th in points (24.3) and 22nd in yards (348.1).
What scouts said: “Their offense hasn’t changed a whole lot even with Bevell gone. They’re still running what Pete wants them to run. They want to establish a running game, which they haven’t been able to do since they got rid of Marshawn (Lynch). That’s the thing that protects the quarterback. He’s still the focus of this whole offense. That’s why they’re running it (the ball).”
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters – Doug Baldwin (5-9 ½, 192, 4.48 before the draft in 2011); Tyler Lockett (5-10, 182, 4.35).
Key backups – David Moore (6-0 ½, 215, 4.42); Jaron Brown (6-2 ½, 204, 4.40).
Notes: Baldwin, the team’s leader in receptions five times in his first seven seasons, is 30 but hasn’t slowed down. The fact that Baldwin missed Games 2-3 partly explains why he has just 23 catches for 275 yards (12.0-yard average) and no touchdowns. Lockett (33-483-14.6-7) is a full-fledged starter for the first time since being a third-round draft choice in 2015. Moore was a seventh-round pick in ’17 from East Central Oklahoma. Brandon Marshall played 191 snaps in Games 1-7 before being released Oct. 30. Brown, 28, signed a one-year, $5 million ($4M guaranteed) contract March 17 to leave Arizona after starting 12 of 71 games there from 2013-’17.
What scouts said: “Doug is very average size. Before he had his breakout (seasons) everybody referred to their receivers as “pedestrian.” He took exception to it. They kind of are. Doug is special, though, because he gets it done without any special traits. He doesn’t have size, he’s not a blazer. He does a nice job setting you up on routes. When he beats you deep it’s with a double move. He’s not going to flat run by you. He’s got very consistent hands. Maybe best thing he does is get separation at the top of his routes as consistently as anybody in the NFL. Not a great athlete. Just a tough, smart guy who understands how to get open. Not as good as Steve Smith, who in his later years could still run.” … “I’m just curious to see if Lockett can hold up all year long. He is a small-framed receiver who beats you with speed. You do like his toughness but he will take punishment. He’s a dynamic runner.” … “Moore came out of nowhere. Pete will always find a guy like that. Or (John) Schneider. This guy has good speed outside and has shown he can catch the ball. He’s still a work in progress but he certainly has shown up. He’s a tough guy who catches the ball.” … “Brown still has good speed. Not great hands and not a great route runner. He can stretch the field. He did the same thing at Arizona.”
TIGHT ENDS
Starter – Nick Vannett (6-6, 261, 4.87).
Backup – Ed Dickson (6-4, 250, 4.65).
Notes: After losing Jimmy Graham to Green Bay in March, the Seahawks signed Dickson on March 16 for $10.7 million over three years ($3.6M guaranteed). The former Raven-Panther made 85 starts in his first eight seasons mainly because he’s a capable downfield receiver. Vannett was a third-round pick in 2016.
What scouts said: “You don’t look at Vannett being anything special. He’s got good hands. Not a great mismatch guy. Has good strength and is a solid blocker. He’s got a tough-guy mentality. Good, solid, all-around type tight end.” … “Dickson has been a little bit of a journeyman. He was athletic and fast (entering the league). He was a mismatch tight end but had a few injuries that slowed him down. He doesn’t shock you as a blocker or anything like that. His thing has always been staying healthy.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters – LT Duane Brown (6-4, 315, 5.06); LG J.R. Sweezy (6-5, 310, 4.96); C Justin Britt (6-6, 315, 5.10); RG D.J. Fluker (6-4 1/2, 342, 5.31); RT Germain Ifedi (6-5 ½, 325, 5.29).
Key backups – T George Fant (6-5, 322, 4.84); G Jordan Simmons (6-3 ½, 339, 5.20); C-G Ethan Pocic (6-6, 320, 5.14).
Notes: Fluker, a former starter at LT, RT and both guards for the Chargers and Giants, arrived March 23 with a one-year, $1.5 million contract ($300,000 guaranteed). He moved from LG to RG in Game 3 just as Sweezy shifted from RG to LG replacing Pocic. Fluker, whose arms (36 ¾ inches) are remarkably long, missed the game Sunday against the Rams (calf) but is expected back. Sweezy started at RG for the Seahawks from 2013-’15 before signing with Tampa Bay. The Bucs cut him June 29 and the Seahawks signed him Aug. 1 ($100,000 guaranteed). The Seahawks acquired Brown and a fifth-round pick from the Texans on Oct. 31, 2017 in exchange for second- and third-round picks. He has made 151 starts. The trade was made in part because Fant blew out his knee in August 2017. Simmons hadn’t played a snap before starting Sunday for the injured Fluker and drawing praise from Carroll. His career at Southern California (21 games, two starts) was ruined by injury. The Seahawks claimed Simmons on waivers from Oakland Sept. 2.
What scouts said: “Brown probably was the Texans’ top offensive lineman. Then he held out and they traded him last year. He really was a good player at Houston. Nice size, long arms, strong hands, quick hands. Good pass blocker as well as run blocker.” … “Their offensive line has struggled over the past several years. It’s been downright ugly.” … “Sweezy started out as a defensive lineman and converted. He brings a defensive-lineman mentality to the offensive line. He is a little bit of a dirtbag still. He brought a tougher, meaner, nastier disposition. He’s a power blocker, a run blocker more than a pass protector.” … “Britt has played tackle and guard, but I guess he was always meant to move to center. He’s a pretty sharp guy. He’s big for a center. He moves pretty well and has developed good strength. When he played tackle he was susceptible to getting out-leveraged and pushed. He doesn’t have that issue as much at center.” … “Fluker was always hurt at San Diego. He’s massive. He doesn’t move really well but he doesn’t have to because he can collapse one side of the line with his size. Any time he’s locked on you were pretty much done. If he gets his hands on he can push you down and you’re gone. He just kind of blots out the sun. That’s a big man.” … “Ifedi is another big guy. He has long arms (36 inches), strong hands and good enough feet. He actually has better bend than Duane does now. He is a dirtbag. I’ve seen him take shots at people. He can be lazy. He’d rather hold a pass rusher sometimes than finish his block. Refs need to look for that with him. He’s going to get lazy and get a couple holding calls.” … “They tried to start Fant early (2016) because he was an ex-basketball player (at Western Kentucky) but he was just so raw at the position he needed time to develop strength and technique. Fact he’s survived makes him a pretty good swing tackle. He’s not a wide body. Typical power-forward body type.” … “Simmons has a couple things going for him. Massive size for one. He has good enough feet in the phone booth to flip his hips and seal. One thing Pete will always do. He’s going to give those guys from SC their shot. He’s been consistent there.”
QUARTERBACKS
Starter – Russell Wilson (5-10 ½, 215, 4.54).
Backup – Brett Hundley (6-3, 226, 4.63).
Notes: Wilson, the former Badger, might be playing even better than last season when he did everything for an injured-riddled offense. His passer rating of 110.2 ranks sixth in the league; his career mark is 99.3. He’s also coming off a nine-carry, 92-yard rushing game. Wilson has fumbled nine times, losing two. He scored 28 on the Wonderlic intelligence test. Hundley came from Green Bay Aug. 30 for a sixth-round pick. He hasn’t taken a snap. His Wonderlic score was 26.
What scouts said: “Russell is still the field general. Everything goes through him. He still has that baseball arm where he can zing it. His eyes, for the most part, are downfield. When he’s forced out of the pocket he still can improvise and make plays downfield.” … “They’ve tried to restrict his running as much as possible. But, when he has to run, he certainly can do it.” … “Maybe this is the week (Hundley plays). I’m pretty sure he’s in a comfortable spot as the backup to Russell Wilson.”
RUNNING BACKS
Starters – RB Chris Carson (6-0, 222, 4.59); FB Tre Madden (6-0, 235, 4.56).
Key backups – RB Mike Davis (5-9, 217, 4.56); RB Rashaad Penny (5-11, 220, 4.46).
Notes: The snap counts are 231 for Davis, 209 for Carson, 123 for Penny and 30 for C.J. Prosise (6-0 ½, 225, 4.46), a third-round pick in 2016 who can’t get on the field. Carson (111-497-4.5), the starter, is scheduled to return after sitting out the last game with a hip injury. He has surpassed 100 yards in three of his last five games. A seventh-round pick from Oklahoma State in 2017, Carson was establishing himself as the starter when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Game 4. Davis (78-346-4.4) was the 49ers’ fourth-round pick in ’15 from South Carolina. Penny (54-254-4.7), the 27th pick in April, had a break-out game Sunday with 12 carries for 108. Carroll said the plan is to keep playing the top three backs.
What scouts said: “They couldn’t get it done with one back replacing Marshawn. So it’s good if you have a few guys who can tote it for you.” … “Carson runs hard. They want physicality out of their backs. He’s a one-cut, downhill runner. He can go. He’s not that bowling-ball type like Marshawn but he can break tackles.” … “Davis is more compact. Not a whole lot of shake and bake but he can make a cut and get down the hill. People kind of bounce off him a little bit. I wouldn’t say he’s athletic. He’s just really tough and strong.” … “None of them are as good out of the backfield catching as Prosise but he isn’t as good as a runner. He’s built closer to Marshawn.” … “Penny can run. He has breakaway speed.” … “They went through a lot of guys looking for the right guy. They’ve done well. They have four backs.”
DEFENSIVE SCHEME
Coordinator – Ken Norton, Jr. (first year).
Key assistant coaches – Clint Hurtt, assistant head coach/defense; Andre Curtis, passing game coordinator; Nick Sorensen, secondary.
Notes: Carroll fired coordinator Kris Richard, who had been with him all nine seasons, and brought back Norton, the Seahawks’ linebackers coach from 2010-’14 who coordinated in Oakland from 2015-’17. Norton employs the familiar Cover 3 zone scheme that Carroll has used during most of his tenure. The Seahawks are coming off poor showings against the Chargers (7.5 yards per play) and the Rams (7.1). With their back seven facing the quarterback in zone coverage some believe it’s easier to make interceptions. The Seahawks rank tied for seventh in takeaways (16), ninth in points (21.3) and 12th in yards (346.9).
What scouts said: “They’re basically a 4-3 team. They’ll mix up press-man and Cover 3.” … “Ken isn’t much different. They’re running Pete’s defense. It’s basically his defense.” … “Ken is more of a blitzer. Richard was more coverage.” … “Their philosophy is, the only way we’ll play the run is on the way to the quarterback. They’re there to rush the passer.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters – LE Quinton Jefferson (6-4, 291, 4.94); NT Shamar Stephen (6-5, 309, 5.24); 3-technique Jarran Reed (6-3, 306, 5.16); RE Frank Clark (6-3, 265, 4.71).
Key backups – RE Dion Jordan (6-6. 284, 4.58); DT Poona Ford (5-11, 310, 5.14); LE Rasheem Green (6-4 ½, 279, 4.74).
Notes: The leader is Clark, who has a team-leading eight sacks after recording 19 in 2016-’17. He and Jefferson, a first-year starter, share the team lead in QB hits with 11. Reed, a second-round pick in 2016, is next with nine. Stephen, who was Linval Joseph’s backup in Minnesota, signed a one-year, $2.1 million ($100,000 guaranteed) deal in late March. Jordan, the third pick by Miami in the 2013 draft when Joe Philbin was coaching the Dolphins, is the top reserve. He’s attempting to resurrect a career interrupted by suspension and injury.
What scouts said: “I like Jefferson a little bit just because he’s an active guy. He’s a longer body with pretty good strength. He’s your typical power base end but he has a good motor.” … “They want to play up-tempo, active. Always moving. Have good hands, good feet, always fighting. That’s what they want from their defensive linemen. When Dan Quinn was there (2009-’14) he started out as the D-line coach. That was how he taught the defensive line.” … “Clark still has a little knucklehead in him but he can be an impact rusher. He’s not as good as (Khalil) Mack but kind of like that. He’s got size and strength and feet and nasty to him. He’s really good. Quite the specimen. Maybe it’s the off-the-field stuff that slows him down from being what he could be.” … “Jordan’s a guy who kind of screwed up his career but was enough of an impact player that people always wanted to give him another chance. He screwed it up royally down in Miami but people still had appreciation for his talent. He is more of a one-dimensional pass rusher, which isn’t bad. He can get up the field.” … “Jarran was selected initially to be an interior stout run defender. He can stack and shed inside. Good strength and movement. Just does all the good, tough work inside. Wins with strength and good hand use. The 3-techniques in their defense play a little better run defense than most people’s 3-techniques. He’s just kind of coming into his own.” … “Stephen has good size. He can sit in there and be a tough guy at the line of scrimmage. But if you move him he can still be effective running twists and slants inside.”
LINEBACKERS
Starters – SLB Barkevious Mingo (6-4 ½, 235, 4.57); MLB Bobby Wagner (6-0 ½, 245, 4.46); WLB K.J. Wright (6-3 ½, 246, 4.75).
Key backups – MLB-WLB Austin Calitro (6-0 ½, 240, 4.68); SLB Jacob Martin (6-2, 242, 4.66); WLB Shaquem Griffin (6-0 ½, 227, 4.48).
Notes: Wright, an eight-year starter, remains iffy with a knee injury that prevented him from playing in Games 1-6 and knocked him out of the game Sunday after 39 snaps. If Wright can’t play it’s likely to be Calitro, a second-year free agent with 126 snaps this season. Griffin, a fifth-round pick in April despite having just one hand, also could figure. Wagner, a seven-year starter, was voted to the Pro Bowl the past four seasons. Mingo was drafted sixth in 2013 by Cleveland, three slots after Jordan. He has played 333 snaps on both the strong and weak sides but has just one sack and two QB hits. This is his fourth team. Martin, a sixth-round pick in April, puts his hand down and rushes on some passing downs.
What scouts said: “Mingo is just so tall and skinny. He was set to be a 3-4 outside linebacker that could rush the passer. Now they play him as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker. He’s athletic but that isn’t his forte. He’s more of a pass-rushing linebacker than he is a drop-and-cover type guy. He’s a different body type than Bruce Irvin was.” … “Bobby Wagner is the captain. Makes it all run, makes it all happen. Really instinctive as a football player. Kind of knows where the ball is going before the ball gets there. Understands the defense. Probably doesn’t run that 4.5 anymore but he still runs pretty good. He’s big, strong and tough.” … “K.J. has abnormal size for a linebacker. He can play over the tight end and match up. Even in the Super Bowl a couple years ago they matched him up one-on-one with ‘Gronk’ (New England’s Rob Gronkowski). ‘Gronk’ won the matchup but they felt good enough about K.J.’s athletic ability to put him out there. He’s been dinged up a little bit and is a little older, He doesn’t have those matchup skills anymore. I can see them matching him up with a (Jimmy) Graham or somebody like that.” … “I wonder if they’d play Calitro or Shaquem Griffin in that situation (if Wright doesn’t play). Griffin is a better athlete but Calitro is more like Bobby Wagner’s body type. Little bigger and runs fairly well. I just don’t see him as a real instinctive guy.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Starters – LC Shaquill Griffin (6-0, 198, 4.37); RC Tre Flowers (6-3, 203, 4.44); SS Bradley McDougald (6-0, 215, 4.62); FS Tedric Thompson (6-0, 204, 4.56).
Key backups – CB Justin Coleman (5-10 ½, 190, 4.53); S Delano Hill (6-0 ½, 216, 4.47); CB Akeem King (6-1 ½, 215, 4.41).
Notes: Byron Maxwell, a projected starter, was moved out shortly before the season and replaced by Flowers, a fifth-round pick in April with extremely long arms (33 7/8) to fit the zone scheme. Coleman, a former Patriot, is in his second season as the nickel back just as Griffin is in his second season as a starter. FS Earl Thomas, a perennial all-pro, suffered a broken leg in Game 4 and was replaced by Thompson, a fourth-round pick in ’17. McDougald, who made 36 starts for Tampa Bay from 2013-’16, has taken the position formerly held by Kam Chancellor.
What scouts said: “I like Griffin. To some degree he looks a little bit like Richard Sherman. He’s faster than Richard. He just doesn’t have the natural tracking the ball like Richard. This guy has good size and exceptional speed. His thing is more speed than anything. He’s better in press-man where he can flip his hips and run with you and feel you. He’ll get called for pass interference or holding because he’s a grabby guy. He’s talented enough to get comfortable in that role (No. 1 cornerback).” … “I guess Flowers is Pete’s version of Brandon Browner (2011-’13). Getting that tall, rangy guy with good length. He can use his arms (33 7/8) to jam and re-route. He’s got pretty good coverage instinct. He’s not the most physical but he’s built to be physical with those long arms.” … “Justin Coleman is slightly built. I think Seattle is one of those teams who views the nickel as a totally separate position. Not the cornerback position but a separate entity. So you can get a smaller, quicker guy to play in the slot. That’s what you get with this guy. He’s got good change of direction, not overly strong. He has really good feet and explosive hips.” … “Thompson and McDougald don’t quite measure up (to Thomas and Chancellor). I like Thompson but he’s not nearly as talented as Earl. Doesn’t have the speed or the range that Earl does. He’s smart. He can line people up back there. He just doesn’t have the physical attributes of Earl Thomas.” … “McDougald will hit you. He doesn’t bring the wood like Kam Chancellor brings the wood but he tries to be physical. Does not run as well and doesn’t cover very well for a safety. He’s definitely more of a box safety than a centerfielder.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Coordinator – Brian Schneider (ninth year).
Personnel – K Sebastian Janikowski (6-1, 260); P Michael Dickson (6-2 ½, 208); LS Tyler Ott (6-3, 253); KR-PR Tyler Lockett.
Notes: The Seahawks almost always are strong under Schneider’s veteran direction, and this season is no exception. They ranked fifth in the NFL at mid-season in a breakdown of 10 categories. Janikowski, 40, has made 10 of 14 field goals and all 27 extra points. His field goal from 52 yards as time expired beat Arizona, 20-17, in Game 4. He is three of five from 50-plus, increasing his NFL record total to 58. He spent all of 2017 on the Raiders’ injured reserve list with a back injury. His career percentage is 80.2%. In April, the Seahawks traded a seventh-round pick to Denver in order to move up in the fifth round and draft Dickson at No. 149. The successor to ex-Packer Jon Ryan, Dickson is off to a great start. He’s tied for the NFL lead in net average (43.8), is third in gross average (48.0) and has placed 19 of his 44 punts inside the 20. Green Bay rookie JK Scott, who was taken 23 slots later in the fifth round, ranks tied for 20th in net (38.9), tied for 17th in gross (44.5) and has put 10 of his 33 punts inside the 20. Lockett had three stellar seasons as a returner but has yet to get untracked this year. His averages are 6.1 on punts and 23.7 on kickoffs. CB Akeem King leads in tackles with seven.
What scouts said: “I like Schneider as a scheme guy. He does get the right people to go on his teams but he’s also pretty sharp coming up with schemes to attack things. Whether it’s punt blocks or returns. He’s a smart dude.” … “Janikowski is going to be a Hall of Famer. We know that’s all going to happen. One of those first-round kickers that kicked forever. But he’s still ‘sea bass.’ You just never know when he’s going to choke. He’s got that big leg. He can be so nonchalant and can just spray one for you.” … “That (trading up for Dickson) was a good move. It’s served them well.” … “Lockett can gash you. He’s not as dynamic as he was as a rookie or as a second-year guy because he’s had a couple injuries but he still has breakaway speed. You’ve gotta squeeze the lanes and tackle well because if you give him a crease he can outrun you.”
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No team can flourish late in the season without stopping the run.
The Green Bay Packers will face the ultimate test Thursday night in the Seattle Seahawks, who have run on everyone for the last two months.
“Seattle, we know, has gained their identity,” Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said three days before Los Angeles defeated the Seahawks, 36-31, Sunday at the Memorial Coliseum. “(Offensive line coach) Mike Solari does a great job, they’re a powerful group up front, they’ve got really good running backs and their coach (Pete Carroll) has always been committed to the running game.”
The Seahawks rushed for their most yards (273) in a defeat in franchise history. It strengthened their grip on the league lead in rushing yards per game (152.2).
Seattle seemed adrift in the first two games, losses on the road to Denver (27-24) and Chicago (24-17). In those games they rushed 38 times for 138 yards.
Since then, they’ve won four of seven games primarily by averaging 35.7 carries and 176 rushing yards.
“Seattle is a team that wants to come in and impose their will,” Rams defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said after the game.
Three weeks ago, the Seahawks went into Ford Field, rushed 42 times for 176 yards, controlled the ball for 34:55 and beat the Lions, 28-14.
“These guys come out, they maul you, they get on top of you and they just try to knock you off the ball,” Detroit coach Matt Patricia said a few days before the game. “I think that’s what he (Carroll) likes. Having those bigger backs, it takes a toll. You may stop them for a yard or 2 early but they turn into 5 or 6 and then all of a sudden it’s 10-12 to 20. I think they’ve settled into a system that fits them really well.”
Seattle ranked third, fourth, first and third in rushing from 2012-’15 as Marshawn Lynch averaged 252 carries and 1,143 yards. Without Lynch, Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls were the leading rushers in 2016 when Seattle’s ground game dipped to 25th. Last year, the Seahawks ranked 23rd behind Mike Davis and Chris Carson.
The Packers rank 22nd against the run. After allowing 105 yards per game and 4.2 yards per rush in the first five games they’ve yielded 140.8 and 4.8 in the last four.
Green Bay, a 2 ½-point underdog, owns a 1-4 record at CenturyLink Field.
“The game’s being played in Seattle,” an AFC personnel director said Wednesday in picking the Seahawks, 27-20. “One team (Seattle) is playing with confidence and the other team is not.”
This will be the seventh time Seattle’s Russell Wilson and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers have opposed each other. They’re 3-3, each winning three times at home but none on the road.
In fact, the Packers are 0-4 away from Lambeau Field this season compared to 4-0-1 at home. After beating Miami on Sunday in a noon game that was flexed to 3:25 p.m., the Packers have the rugged assignment of playing four days later after a long flight to the Pacific Northwest.
In the six games, Rodgers has completed 139 of 204 passes (68.1%) for 1,396 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He has rushed 19 times for 67 (3.5), been sacked 19 times and has a passer rating of 92.3.
Wilson has completed 98 of 174 (56.3%) for 1,134, eight TDs and 10 picks. He has rushed 33 times for 209 (6.3), been sacked 15 times and has a rating of 67.6.
“They’re going to pound it and pound it, then go play-action,” said another executive in personnel. “Get Russell out on the edge and let him do some things.
“Last couple games they’ve played a lot better. Early on, they were making adjustments and trying to figure it out. They didn’t look nearly as sound or solid as they do now. Even though they may not have pulled out the win lately they still have played a lot better football.
“I think the Seahawks get off the schneid here and the Packers take one on the chin. It’ll be close. 27-21, Seattle.”
OFFENSIVE SCHEME
Coordinator – Brian Schottenheimer (first year).
Key assistant coaches – Mike Solari, offensive line; Chad Morton, running backs; Pat McPherson, tight ends.
Notes: In January, coach Pete Carroll fired coordinator Darrell Bevell and line coach Tom Cable, both of who had been on his staff for seven years. Schottenheimer, a former coordinator for the Jets (2006-’11) and Rams (2012-’14), has always favored a power run game. Thus, the Seahawks have a run rate of 51.1%, the highest in the league, and rank first in rushing with an average of 152.2 yards. George Fant, the backup left tackle, has played 100 snaps in nine games, most coming as a sixth offensive lineman. Seattle runs zone, power, read option and jet sweep. Because the quarterback is Russell Wilson, it creates gap problems for defenses because he’s liable to pull it and run at any time. Schottenheimer loves taking vertical shots and has the speed outside to do it. Solari, the Packers’ assistant O-line coach in 2015, led those great units in San Francisco from 2010-’14. Other ex-Packers assistants on Carroll’s staff are Pat Ruel, assistant O-line; Jethro Franklin, assistant D-line; Mondray Gee, assistant strength, and Morton. Tom Donatell, the quality control coach on defense, is the 29-year-old son of former Packers defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. The Seahawks rank tied for fifth in giveaways (eight), 15th in points (24.3) and 22nd in yards (348.1).
What scouts said: “Their offense hasn’t changed a whole lot even with Bevell gone. They’re still running what Pete wants them to run. They want to establish a running game, which they haven’t been able to do since they got rid of Marshawn (Lynch). That’s the thing that protects the quarterback. He’s still the focus of this whole offense. That’s why they’re running it (the ball).”
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters – Doug Baldwin (5-9 ½, 192, 4.48 before the draft in 2011); Tyler Lockett (5-10, 182, 4.35).
Key backups – David Moore (6-0 ½, 215, 4.42); Jaron Brown (6-2 ½, 204, 4.40).
Notes: Baldwin, the team’s leader in receptions five times in his first seven seasons, is 30 but hasn’t slowed down. The fact that Baldwin missed Games 2-3 partly explains why he has just 23 catches for 275 yards (12.0-yard average) and no touchdowns. Lockett (33-483-14.6-7) is a full-fledged starter for the first time since being a third-round draft choice in 2015. Moore was a seventh-round pick in ’17 from East Central Oklahoma. Brandon Marshall played 191 snaps in Games 1-7 before being released Oct. 30. Brown, 28, signed a one-year, $5 million ($4M guaranteed) contract March 17 to leave Arizona after starting 12 of 71 games there from 2013-’17.
What scouts said: “Doug is very average size. Before he had his breakout (seasons) everybody referred to their receivers as “pedestrian.” He took exception to it. They kind of are. Doug is special, though, because he gets it done without any special traits. He doesn’t have size, he’s not a blazer. He does a nice job setting you up on routes. When he beats you deep it’s with a double move. He’s not going to flat run by you. He’s got very consistent hands. Maybe best thing he does is get separation at the top of his routes as consistently as anybody in the NFL. Not a great athlete. Just a tough, smart guy who understands how to get open. Not as good as Steve Smith, who in his later years could still run.” … “I’m just curious to see if Lockett can hold up all year long. He is a small-framed receiver who beats you with speed. You do like his toughness but he will take punishment. He’s a dynamic runner.” … “Moore came out of nowhere. Pete will always find a guy like that. Or (John) Schneider. This guy has good speed outside and has shown he can catch the ball. He’s still a work in progress but he certainly has shown up. He’s a tough guy who catches the ball.” … “Brown still has good speed. Not great hands and not a great route runner. He can stretch the field. He did the same thing at Arizona.”
TIGHT ENDS
Starter – Nick Vannett (6-6, 261, 4.87).
Backup – Ed Dickson (6-4, 250, 4.65).
Notes: After losing Jimmy Graham to Green Bay in March, the Seahawks signed Dickson on March 16 for $10.7 million over three years ($3.6M guaranteed). The former Raven-Panther made 85 starts in his first eight seasons mainly because he’s a capable downfield receiver. Vannett was a third-round pick in 2016.
What scouts said: “You don’t look at Vannett being anything special. He’s got good hands. Not a great mismatch guy. Has good strength and is a solid blocker. He’s got a tough-guy mentality. Good, solid, all-around type tight end.” … “Dickson has been a little bit of a journeyman. He was athletic and fast (entering the league). He was a mismatch tight end but had a few injuries that slowed him down. He doesn’t shock you as a blocker or anything like that. His thing has always been staying healthy.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
Starters – LT Duane Brown (6-4, 315, 5.06); LG J.R. Sweezy (6-5, 310, 4.96); C Justin Britt (6-6, 315, 5.10); RG D.J. Fluker (6-4 1/2, 342, 5.31); RT Germain Ifedi (6-5 ½, 325, 5.29).
Key backups – T George Fant (6-5, 322, 4.84); G Jordan Simmons (6-3 ½, 339, 5.20); C-G Ethan Pocic (6-6, 320, 5.14).
Notes: Fluker, a former starter at LT, RT and both guards for the Chargers and Giants, arrived March 23 with a one-year, $1.5 million contract ($300,000 guaranteed). He moved from LG to RG in Game 3 just as Sweezy shifted from RG to LG replacing Pocic. Fluker, whose arms (36 ¾ inches) are remarkably long, missed the game Sunday against the Rams (calf) but is expected back. Sweezy started at RG for the Seahawks from 2013-’15 before signing with Tampa Bay. The Bucs cut him June 29 and the Seahawks signed him Aug. 1 ($100,000 guaranteed). The Seahawks acquired Brown and a fifth-round pick from the Texans on Oct. 31, 2017 in exchange for second- and third-round picks. He has made 151 starts. The trade was made in part because Fant blew out his knee in August 2017. Simmons hadn’t played a snap before starting Sunday for the injured Fluker and drawing praise from Carroll. His career at Southern California (21 games, two starts) was ruined by injury. The Seahawks claimed Simmons on waivers from Oakland Sept. 2.
What scouts said: “Brown probably was the Texans’ top offensive lineman. Then he held out and they traded him last year. He really was a good player at Houston. Nice size, long arms, strong hands, quick hands. Good pass blocker as well as run blocker.” … “Their offensive line has struggled over the past several years. It’s been downright ugly.” … “Sweezy started out as a defensive lineman and converted. He brings a defensive-lineman mentality to the offensive line. He is a little bit of a dirtbag still. He brought a tougher, meaner, nastier disposition. He’s a power blocker, a run blocker more than a pass protector.” … “Britt has played tackle and guard, but I guess he was always meant to move to center. He’s a pretty sharp guy. He’s big for a center. He moves pretty well and has developed good strength. When he played tackle he was susceptible to getting out-leveraged and pushed. He doesn’t have that issue as much at center.” … “Fluker was always hurt at San Diego. He’s massive. He doesn’t move really well but he doesn’t have to because he can collapse one side of the line with his size. Any time he’s locked on you were pretty much done. If he gets his hands on he can push you down and you’re gone. He just kind of blots out the sun. That’s a big man.” … “Ifedi is another big guy. He has long arms (36 inches), strong hands and good enough feet. He actually has better bend than Duane does now. He is a dirtbag. I’ve seen him take shots at people. He can be lazy. He’d rather hold a pass rusher sometimes than finish his block. Refs need to look for that with him. He’s going to get lazy and get a couple holding calls.” … “They tried to start Fant early (2016) because he was an ex-basketball player (at Western Kentucky) but he was just so raw at the position he needed time to develop strength and technique. Fact he’s survived makes him a pretty good swing tackle. He’s not a wide body. Typical power-forward body type.” … “Simmons has a couple things going for him. Massive size for one. He has good enough feet in the phone booth to flip his hips and seal. One thing Pete will always do. He’s going to give those guys from SC their shot. He’s been consistent there.”
QUARTERBACKS
Starter – Russell Wilson (5-10 ½, 215, 4.54).
Backup – Brett Hundley (6-3, 226, 4.63).
Notes: Wilson, the former Badger, might be playing even better than last season when he did everything for an injured-riddled offense. His passer rating of 110.2 ranks sixth in the league; his career mark is 99.3. He’s also coming off a nine-carry, 92-yard rushing game. Wilson has fumbled nine times, losing two. He scored 28 on the Wonderlic intelligence test. Hundley came from Green Bay Aug. 30 for a sixth-round pick. He hasn’t taken a snap. His Wonderlic score was 26.
What scouts said: “Russell is still the field general. Everything goes through him. He still has that baseball arm where he can zing it. His eyes, for the most part, are downfield. When he’s forced out of the pocket he still can improvise and make plays downfield.” … “They’ve tried to restrict his running as much as possible. But, when he has to run, he certainly can do it.” … “Maybe this is the week (Hundley plays). I’m pretty sure he’s in a comfortable spot as the backup to Russell Wilson.”
RUNNING BACKS
Starters – RB Chris Carson (6-0, 222, 4.59); FB Tre Madden (6-0, 235, 4.56).
Key backups – RB Mike Davis (5-9, 217, 4.56); RB Rashaad Penny (5-11, 220, 4.46).
Notes: The snap counts are 231 for Davis, 209 for Carson, 123 for Penny and 30 for C.J. Prosise (6-0 ½, 225, 4.46), a third-round pick in 2016 who can’t get on the field. Carson (111-497-4.5), the starter, is scheduled to return after sitting out the last game with a hip injury. He has surpassed 100 yards in three of his last five games. A seventh-round pick from Oklahoma State in 2017, Carson was establishing himself as the starter when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Game 4. Davis (78-346-4.4) was the 49ers’ fourth-round pick in ’15 from South Carolina. Penny (54-254-4.7), the 27th pick in April, had a break-out game Sunday with 12 carries for 108. Carroll said the plan is to keep playing the top three backs.
What scouts said: “They couldn’t get it done with one back replacing Marshawn. So it’s good if you have a few guys who can tote it for you.” … “Carson runs hard. They want physicality out of their backs. He’s a one-cut, downhill runner. He can go. He’s not that bowling-ball type like Marshawn but he can break tackles.” … “Davis is more compact. Not a whole lot of shake and bake but he can make a cut and get down the hill. People kind of bounce off him a little bit. I wouldn’t say he’s athletic. He’s just really tough and strong.” … “None of them are as good out of the backfield catching as Prosise but he isn’t as good as a runner. He’s built closer to Marshawn.” … “Penny can run. He has breakaway speed.” … “They went through a lot of guys looking for the right guy. They’ve done well. They have four backs.”
DEFENSIVE SCHEME
Coordinator – Ken Norton, Jr. (first year).
Key assistant coaches – Clint Hurtt, assistant head coach/defense; Andre Curtis, passing game coordinator; Nick Sorensen, secondary.
Notes: Carroll fired coordinator Kris Richard, who had been with him all nine seasons, and brought back Norton, the Seahawks’ linebackers coach from 2010-’14 who coordinated in Oakland from 2015-’17. Norton employs the familiar Cover 3 zone scheme that Carroll has used during most of his tenure. The Seahawks are coming off poor showings against the Chargers (7.5 yards per play) and the Rams (7.1). With their back seven facing the quarterback in zone coverage some believe it’s easier to make interceptions. The Seahawks rank tied for seventh in takeaways (16), ninth in points (21.3) and 12th in yards (346.9).
What scouts said: “They’re basically a 4-3 team. They’ll mix up press-man and Cover 3.” … “Ken isn’t much different. They’re running Pete’s defense. It’s basically his defense.” … “Ken is more of a blitzer. Richard was more coverage.” … “Their philosophy is, the only way we’ll play the run is on the way to the quarterback. They’re there to rush the passer.”
DEFENSIVE LINE
Starters – LE Quinton Jefferson (6-4, 291, 4.94); NT Shamar Stephen (6-5, 309, 5.24); 3-technique Jarran Reed (6-3, 306, 5.16); RE Frank Clark (6-3, 265, 4.71).
Key backups – RE Dion Jordan (6-6. 284, 4.58); DT Poona Ford (5-11, 310, 5.14); LE Rasheem Green (6-4 ½, 279, 4.74).
Notes: The leader is Clark, who has a team-leading eight sacks after recording 19 in 2016-’17. He and Jefferson, a first-year starter, share the team lead in QB hits with 11. Reed, a second-round pick in 2016, is next with nine. Stephen, who was Linval Joseph’s backup in Minnesota, signed a one-year, $2.1 million ($100,000 guaranteed) deal in late March. Jordan, the third pick by Miami in the 2013 draft when Joe Philbin was coaching the Dolphins, is the top reserve. He’s attempting to resurrect a career interrupted by suspension and injury.
What scouts said: “I like Jefferson a little bit just because he’s an active guy. He’s a longer body with pretty good strength. He’s your typical power base end but he has a good motor.” … “They want to play up-tempo, active. Always moving. Have good hands, good feet, always fighting. That’s what they want from their defensive linemen. When Dan Quinn was there (2009-’14) he started out as the D-line coach. That was how he taught the defensive line.” … “Clark still has a little knucklehead in him but he can be an impact rusher. He’s not as good as (Khalil) Mack but kind of like that. He’s got size and strength and feet and nasty to him. He’s really good. Quite the specimen. Maybe it’s the off-the-field stuff that slows him down from being what he could be.” … “Jordan’s a guy who kind of screwed up his career but was enough of an impact player that people always wanted to give him another chance. He screwed it up royally down in Miami but people still had appreciation for his talent. He is more of a one-dimensional pass rusher, which isn’t bad. He can get up the field.” … “Jarran was selected initially to be an interior stout run defender. He can stack and shed inside. Good strength and movement. Just does all the good, tough work inside. Wins with strength and good hand use. The 3-techniques in their defense play a little better run defense than most people’s 3-techniques. He’s just kind of coming into his own.” … “Stephen has good size. He can sit in there and be a tough guy at the line of scrimmage. But if you move him he can still be effective running twists and slants inside.”
LINEBACKERS
Starters – SLB Barkevious Mingo (6-4 ½, 235, 4.57); MLB Bobby Wagner (6-0 ½, 245, 4.46); WLB K.J. Wright (6-3 ½, 246, 4.75).
Key backups – MLB-WLB Austin Calitro (6-0 ½, 240, 4.68); SLB Jacob Martin (6-2, 242, 4.66); WLB Shaquem Griffin (6-0 ½, 227, 4.48).
Notes: Wright, an eight-year starter, remains iffy with a knee injury that prevented him from playing in Games 1-6 and knocked him out of the game Sunday after 39 snaps. If Wright can’t play it’s likely to be Calitro, a second-year free agent with 126 snaps this season. Griffin, a fifth-round pick in April despite having just one hand, also could figure. Wagner, a seven-year starter, was voted to the Pro Bowl the past four seasons. Mingo was drafted sixth in 2013 by Cleveland, three slots after Jordan. He has played 333 snaps on both the strong and weak sides but has just one sack and two QB hits. This is his fourth team. Martin, a sixth-round pick in April, puts his hand down and rushes on some passing downs.
What scouts said: “Mingo is just so tall and skinny. He was set to be a 3-4 outside linebacker that could rush the passer. Now they play him as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker. He’s athletic but that isn’t his forte. He’s more of a pass-rushing linebacker than he is a drop-and-cover type guy. He’s a different body type than Bruce Irvin was.” … “Bobby Wagner is the captain. Makes it all run, makes it all happen. Really instinctive as a football player. Kind of knows where the ball is going before the ball gets there. Understands the defense. Probably doesn’t run that 4.5 anymore but he still runs pretty good. He’s big, strong and tough.” … “K.J. has abnormal size for a linebacker. He can play over the tight end and match up. Even in the Super Bowl a couple years ago they matched him up one-on-one with ‘Gronk’ (New England’s Rob Gronkowski). ‘Gronk’ won the matchup but they felt good enough about K.J.’s athletic ability to put him out there. He’s been dinged up a little bit and is a little older, He doesn’t have those matchup skills anymore. I can see them matching him up with a (Jimmy) Graham or somebody like that.” … “I wonder if they’d play Calitro or Shaquem Griffin in that situation (if Wright doesn’t play). Griffin is a better athlete but Calitro is more like Bobby Wagner’s body type. Little bigger and runs fairly well. I just don’t see him as a real instinctive guy.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Starters – LC Shaquill Griffin (6-0, 198, 4.37); RC Tre Flowers (6-3, 203, 4.44); SS Bradley McDougald (6-0, 215, 4.62); FS Tedric Thompson (6-0, 204, 4.56).
Key backups – CB Justin Coleman (5-10 ½, 190, 4.53); S Delano Hill (6-0 ½, 216, 4.47); CB Akeem King (6-1 ½, 215, 4.41).
Notes: Byron Maxwell, a projected starter, was moved out shortly before the season and replaced by Flowers, a fifth-round pick in April with extremely long arms (33 7/8) to fit the zone scheme. Coleman, a former Patriot, is in his second season as the nickel back just as Griffin is in his second season as a starter. FS Earl Thomas, a perennial all-pro, suffered a broken leg in Game 4 and was replaced by Thompson, a fourth-round pick in ’17. McDougald, who made 36 starts for Tampa Bay from 2013-’16, has taken the position formerly held by Kam Chancellor.
What scouts said: “I like Griffin. To some degree he looks a little bit like Richard Sherman. He’s faster than Richard. He just doesn’t have the natural tracking the ball like Richard. This guy has good size and exceptional speed. His thing is more speed than anything. He’s better in press-man where he can flip his hips and run with you and feel you. He’ll get called for pass interference or holding because he’s a grabby guy. He’s talented enough to get comfortable in that role (No. 1 cornerback).” … “I guess Flowers is Pete’s version of Brandon Browner (2011-’13). Getting that tall, rangy guy with good length. He can use his arms (33 7/8) to jam and re-route. He’s got pretty good coverage instinct. He’s not the most physical but he’s built to be physical with those long arms.” … “Justin Coleman is slightly built. I think Seattle is one of those teams who views the nickel as a totally separate position. Not the cornerback position but a separate entity. So you can get a smaller, quicker guy to play in the slot. That’s what you get with this guy. He’s got good change of direction, not overly strong. He has really good feet and explosive hips.” … “Thompson and McDougald don’t quite measure up (to Thomas and Chancellor). I like Thompson but he’s not nearly as talented as Earl. Doesn’t have the speed or the range that Earl does. He’s smart. He can line people up back there. He just doesn’t have the physical attributes of Earl Thomas.” … “McDougald will hit you. He doesn’t bring the wood like Kam Chancellor brings the wood but he tries to be physical. Does not run as well and doesn’t cover very well for a safety. He’s definitely more of a box safety than a centerfielder.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Coordinator – Brian Schneider (ninth year).
Personnel – K Sebastian Janikowski (6-1, 260); P Michael Dickson (6-2 ½, 208); LS Tyler Ott (6-3, 253); KR-PR Tyler Lockett.
Notes: The Seahawks almost always are strong under Schneider’s veteran direction, and this season is no exception. They ranked fifth in the NFL at mid-season in a breakdown of 10 categories. Janikowski, 40, has made 10 of 14 field goals and all 27 extra points. His field goal from 52 yards as time expired beat Arizona, 20-17, in Game 4. He is three of five from 50-plus, increasing his NFL record total to 58. He spent all of 2017 on the Raiders’ injured reserve list with a back injury. His career percentage is 80.2%. In April, the Seahawks traded a seventh-round pick to Denver in order to move up in the fifth round and draft Dickson at No. 149. The successor to ex-Packer Jon Ryan, Dickson is off to a great start. He’s tied for the NFL lead in net average (43.8), is third in gross average (48.0) and has placed 19 of his 44 punts inside the 20. Green Bay rookie JK Scott, who was taken 23 slots later in the fifth round, ranks tied for 20th in net (38.9), tied for 17th in gross (44.5) and has put 10 of his 33 punts inside the 20. Lockett had three stellar seasons as a returner but has yet to get untracked this year. His averages are 6.1 on punts and 23.7 on kickoffs. CB Akeem King leads in tackles with seven.
What scouts said: “I like Schneider as a scheme guy. He does get the right people to go on his teams but he’s also pretty sharp coming up with schemes to attack things. Whether it’s punt blocks or returns. He’s a smart dude.” … “Janikowski is going to be a Hall of Famer. We know that’s all going to happen. One of those first-round kickers that kicked forever. But he’s still ‘sea bass.’ You just never know when he’s going to choke. He’s got that big leg. He can be so nonchalant and can just spray one for you.” … “That (trading up for Dickson) was a good move. It’s served them well.” … “Lockett can gash you. He’s not as dynamic as he was as a rookie or as a second-year guy because he’s had a couple injuries but he still has breakaway speed. You’ve gotta squeeze the lanes and tackle well because if you give him a crease he can outrun you.”
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