Game day 2019

[RiverDog]

A common complaint the last few years has been we're slow out of the huddle and starting the play and we seem to perform better
when we go up tempo. Why we don't do that earlier in the game when we aren't clicking, I don't know. It's an easy change to
maybe catch the Defense off balance and get some momentum and rhythm going.

I think you partially answered that question with your subsequent response above. One of the reasons why we don't go up tempo is due to Pete's overall philosophy not to put the defense in bad situations, and doing a quick 3-and-out forcing the defense back on the field before then can catch their breath or digest their previous series is putting them in a bad position.

[Uppercut]

Seems PC strategy is to let the other team Use clock. Stop them in the Red Zone. Score quickly.

[RiverDog]

Seems PC strategy is to let the other team Use clock. Stop them in the Red Zone. Score quickly.

It sure looked that way on Sunday.

[trents]

We were also missing Joey Hunt on the O Line, not just Lupati.

[RiverDog]

We were also missing Joey Hunt on the O Line, not just Lupati.

Good point. That fact could have loomed large as Britt got injured in the first half.

Nevertheless, it doesn't change a lot regarding an explanation for the poor performance turned in by the OL. We were pretty darn close to full strength. Pocic has done a decent job stepping in for Iupati.

[trents]

I'm nor so sure about that. Any change in a platoon that depends heavily on communication and cooperation can have a significant effect. The whole is more than just a sum of the parts.

[RiverDog]

I'm nor so sure about that. Any change in a platoon that depends heavily on communication and cooperation can have a significant effect. The whole is more than just a sum of the parts.

We're not talking about one or two plays that got botched due to a lack of communication, and there's not a lot of platooning that goes on at the center position. It would be different if one or two of our OL had just started practicing a few days prior to the game, but that starting 5 has played together all training camp and the 4 preseason games. We were pretty horrid for the majority of the game. Carson had 22 yards rushing through the first 3 quarters. We were 4-12 on 3rd down conversions. 6 of our 14 drives were 3-and-outs. Russell was sacked 4 times, and I didn't see any that I could hang on him. That's as vivid of a description of an OL getting their arses handed to them that a person can come up with. It was an embarrassing performance for a unit that was supposed to be one of the strengths of the team. They got b**** slapped at home by a defense that was dead last in the league last year.

They have their work cut out for them. Our OL has to play better for us to have any chance of contending for the playoffs, let alone the SB.

[Zorn76]

Seahawks survived and got the win. That's all that counts.
Steelers got embarrassed (mildly put) and will be fired up for their home opener.
We need Lockett to play this game for sure. Can't afford a simple 'next man up' and think it's the same. It isn't.
Metcalf - take off the training wheels and let this kid fly on Sunday. Go deep early in game to keep Pitt on their collective heels.
Schottenheimer cannot be stubborn with the run. Let RW set up run with passing game. If he calls a game similar to one vs Cincy then we lose.
We don't have the 12th man on road.
Where is CJ?
OL looked like garbage, even for week 1,and need to redeem themselves a bit here coming up.
Pittsburgh isn't the same. Tomlin looks burned out, Ben is an aging douche, and they are nowhere near the same w out mr big chest drama or Lev Bell.
That said, they are still capable of delivering a beat down if we are a predictable bunch.
Keep em guessing, Brian.
Go Hawks.

[RiverDog]

Seahawks survived and got the win. That's all that counts.
Steelers got embarrassed (mildly put) and will be fired up for their home opener.
We need Lockett to play this game for sure. Can't afford a simple 'next man up' and think it's the same. It isn't.
Metcalf - take off the training wheels and let this kid fly on Sunday. Go deep early in game to keep Pitt on their collective heels.
Schottenheimer cannot be stubborn with the run. Let RW set up run with passing game. If he calls a game similar to one vs Cincy then we lose.
We don't have the 12th man on road.
Where is CJ?
OL looked like garbage, even for week 1,and need to redeem themselves a bit here coming up.
Pittsburgh isn't the same. Tomlin looks burned out, Ben is an aging douche, and they are nowhere near the same w out mr big chest drama or Lev Bell.
That said, they are still capable of delivering a beat down if we are a predictable bunch.
Keep em guessing, Brian.
Go Hawks.

Hey, Zorny! Nice to see you again.

Nice take, too, and you've pretty much reflected my opinion as well. I don't have a good read on the Steelers, if last Sunday's dress down by what was clearly the best team in the league, at least at this very early juncture, was a true reflection of who they've become or if it was just an opening day aberration. Pittsburgh is definitely beatable, but we haven't been a real great road team lately and it's an early east coast start.

[NorthHawk]

Lockett showed up on the injury list, too, so I hope it's a minor issue and he's ready to go.
They gotta get some rhythm up front, so I hope they go up tempo. It doesn't mean no huddle
but it does mean snapping the ball with 15 seconds or more on the clock.

[Zorn76]

The Steelers definitely look as if they're in transition. They still have talent, but they kinda more resemble a Broadway show on it's last leg than cranking out hits. I just really want to see Schotty flip the script some for this game. Play action and deep ball to Metcalf right away. Doesn't matter if it connects or not. Point is mix it up. If we start out running Carson up the gut on 1st and 2nd down, then good luck with that. Fake that for a change, roll out and find Dissly. Anything that give opponent a different look. Gotta get RW into rhythm early. It's so key to our success away from home. Otherwise, it's like the play calling puts the entire unit to sleep.

[NorthHawk]

I don't think you can ever count out the Steelers.
They've got a really good program and way of doing things that tends to favor consistency.
Like you said, though, the Seahawks have to get into an early rhythm and vary the play
calling to keep the Pittsburgh Defense on their heels.

[jshawaii22]

Looks like Iupati will be starting today, so we'll see the Team's O-LIne intact Depth Chart starting 5. They need to get Lockett some touches. RW will not throw into double coverage, so it's tough. I hate the starting time. I work until 2am tonight and the game starts at 7am out here and it's not being shown on TV, so it's Red Zone and my phone.

[obiken]

I don't think you can ever count out the Steelers.

YMBjoking, I don't see us winning this game at all, I hope I am wrong. When have we ever gone back East, with a 10am start time PT, and done well? Our secondary made Dalton look like a HOFamer, we will be lucky to hold him under 500 yards. Moreover, the Steelers are 0-1 they are not going to go 0-2. Sorry, I penciled this in as a loss when I first got the schedule.

[Uppercut]

Squealers 27
Sea. 17

Start time and slow start factors. Hope I am wrong

[NorthHawk]

YMBjoking, I don't see us winning this game at all, I hope I am wrong. When have we ever gone back East, with a 10am start time PT, and done well? Our secondary made Dalton look like a HOFamer, we will be lucky to hold him under 500 yards. Moreover, the Steelers are 0-1 they are not going to go 0-2. Sorry, I penciled this in as a loss when I first got the schedule.

I'm not joking. The Steelers are tough and at home.
However, there was a stat last night that showed since Carroll took over we are well above .500 in eastern time games.
Of course that takes into account the best years we have had, but still it's a winning record.
Fwiw, I don't think we win, either, and we might lose big time.

[c_hawkbob]

YMBjoking, I don't see us winning this game at all, I hope I am wrong. When have we ever gone back East, with a 10am start time PT, and done well? Our secondary made Dalton look like a HOFamer, we will be lucky to hold him under 500 yards. Moreover, the Steelers are 0-1 they are not going to go 0-2. Sorry, I penciled this in as a loss when I first got the schedule.

I'm not joking. The Steelers are tough and at home.
However, there was a stat last night that showed since Carroll took over we are well above .500 in eastern time games.
Of course that takes into account the best years we have had, but still it's a winning record.
Fwiw, I don't think we win, either, and we might lose big time.

Our best years count. It would be as wrong to discount those at it would be to discount the bad ones.

I think we win for the same reasons the Pats blew them out; their current defensive personnel and scheme (man under single high safety) are simply not suited for defending a solid run attack with a play action pass game. we might not rag doll them the way NE did but I think we come away with a win.

[Aseahawkfan]

Russell getting sacked like potatoes this year once again. We are so lucky he is smart, takes care of himself, and tough as a rock.

[c_hawkbob]

How 'bout Russ as lead blocker for Penny on the TD?!!

[jshawaii22]

Pitt just about conceded the game with that punt with 5 mts to go in the game. I would of gone for it. Wonder if we'll hear more about that later. Coach has been called 'burned out' by his own PItt newspapers.

Well... I guess i should retract that statement --

[Aseahawkfan]

Russ is a boss. I hope the defense can get this locked down and build some confidence and skill.

[trents]

Wilson starts his slide too soon again and falls short of the first down. Seem that too many times over his career. I think if he would have lowered his shoulder he could have gotten that first down.

[jshawaii22]

and we could be looking at a BU QB for the season as Russell recovers from a shoulder separation or a concussion or something. I'll take Russell's way and you know that "yellow line" you're looking at as he slides isn't on the field...

[Aseahawkfan]

Wilson starts his slide too soon again and falls short of the first down. Seem that too many times over his career. I think if he would have lowered his shoulder he could have gotten that first down.

Really? Throws 3 Tds and we win on the road in Pittsburgh and this is what you think of?

My bigger concern is the defense not holding them to less than 26 points. I'm used to Pete putting a better defense on the field. I hope they start making some strides.

[trents]

I stand by what I said. Players should always be aware of where the yard markers are. And there are times when you've just got to lay it on the line and that was one of them. Fortunately, on this occasion it didn't cost us the game but it could have.

[c_hawkbob]

I'm sorry but no, I do NOT want Russ "lowering his shoulder"to get an extra yard even if it's a first down, at least not on third down. On fourth, with seconds left and that yard is the difference between a win and a loss maybe, if it's in the playoffs.

[Hawk Sista]

They scored 26 points because the hawks gave them the ball in the red zone X 2. 26 - 13 = 13. You should be happy we scored 28 on the early road start. Jeez. Some are just never happy.

[Anthony]

Wilson starts his slide too soon again and falls short of the first down. Seem that too many times over his career. I think if he would have lowered his shoulder he could have gotten that first down.

This is why you should not do drugs

[Aseahawkfan]

They scored 26 points because the hawks gave them the ball in the red zone X 2. 26 - 13 = 13. You should be happy we scored 28 on the early road start. Jeez. Some are just never happy.

Defense needs to get better. 20 points to the Bengals at home and 26 to some newb QB in Pitt. What's going to happen when they face some of the better offenses? You are very right. I'm not happy with a defense giving up that many points to weak teams. They gotta get better if we want to contend.

[Hawktawk]

Good lord. Carson handed them the ball in the red zone twice including on the 2. That’s why they scored 26.

As for the newb QB he’s obviously a stud who threw it around for Mike Gundy at Ok state and just played a great game under quite a bit of pressure. If I’m Big Ben im going to rehab quick before I get Bledsoe’d. They were better after he went out .....a great win , great job by Russ , great ballsy call to go on 4th and ice it which would not have been possible if Russ had dove . Seriously I was a little frustrated by that but when you’re a guy who can get his head taken off releasing a pass with no flag imagine what would happen if he dove at 3 defenders . Great tough road win. Penney provided a taste of what he will bring. Delicious . Bring on the aints ....

[trents]

So the Hawks are 2 and 0. That's good, especially being as how they typically get off to slow starts, not hitting their stride until after the first several games of a season.

But the reality is we are 2 and 0 against teams who are 0 and 2 and both wins were squeakers. We haven't been really tested yet.

[Hawktawk]

It’s the nfl. Every win is hard. Every game is a test. To turn it over twice in the red zone at Heinz field and get your QB rag dolled the entire first half and still win is impressive .
And Seattle is the reason these teams are 0-2 instead of 1-1. I make no apologies for any win .

[RiverDog]

Just some observations and reactions to some of the comments after having attended the game in person:

I thought the defense played relatively well. It's not easy to adjust to a virtual statute like Worthlessburger to the much more mobile Rudolph in the middle of the game. We have to remember that we are still very thin along the DL, yet we gave up just 261 yard of offense, including less than 100 yards rushing.

Chris Carson has to quit putting the ball on the ground. Both fumbles led directly to touchdowns and nearly wasted stellar performance by the rest of the team. Both fumbles today were virtually unforced.

Russell Wilson looked superb. Should he have lowered his shoulder on that 3rd down scramble? I was thinking that he might have been able to dive or avoid a hit by some other method than doing the normal hook slide, but I'm not complaining. He still got the job done as the OL at that point was controlling the LOS.

Great call by Pete to go for it. A successful FG still wouldn't have put the game away and would have given the Steelers the ball back with just under 2 minutes and a timeout. An unsuccessful FG would have been a disaster, giving the ball back with just 20 yards or so to get into FG range to win the game or 50 some yards had we punted. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to bring the team to the LOS in a hell of a hurry, make sure everyone knows that we're not snapping the ball, and try to pull the defense offside before calling a timeout. He turned the game over to the OL, which now will benefit greatly from the ego boost and expression of confidence Pete put in them.

I didn't agree with the reversal of the no PI call in the 4th quarter. It was probably interference as Lockett's body was being twisted slightly but it wasn't a no brainer, WTF was the ref thinking by holding onto the flag no call.

Ifedi had a poor game, getting beat a couple times and getting tagged for a number of penalties. Next to Carson, he'd get my dunce cap award. Solari needs to think about sitting his arse.

Jason Myers has yet to have a kickoff returned this season. He's had 9 kickoffs and 9 touchbacks. He did miss a long, 50+ FG attempt, but other than that, both him as well as the special teams in general turned in an outstanding performance.

Our last two trips to Pittsburgh resulted in a combined score of 45-0. The Steelers aren't the same team that we're used to seeing and they played half the game without their franchise QB, but nevertheless, this was a HUGE win. It's important to note that our division has but one loss in the first two weeks.

We'll have to keep an eye on Drew Brees's availability. If he's 100% healthy, I think we're going to have a very difficult time winning next week. If he can't go, our chances increase almost exponentially.

[obiken]

So the Hawks are 2 and 0. That's good, especially being as how they typically get off to slow starts, not hitting their stride until after the first several games of a season.

But the reality is we are 2 and 0 against teams who are 0 and 2 and both wins were squeakers. We haven't been really tested yet.

I agree! Two teams that have been squeakers for us and pancakes for good teams. No question Ben going out probably cost them this game. But to me, it looked as if Ben was injured before the game. I will leave that to someone like Bob or River to dissect. I our secondary sucks! I think our season depends on how much it improves. I am happy btw, we won! on the road! But yeah Trenty, we are a long ways from the Corral.

PS, I am so sick of Ifeti, I could perpetually puke!

[Hawktawk]

Awesome you were there. No disagreement with your observation other than Lockett’s pi no call. I thought it was borderline initially and didn’t expect to get it but replay showed another angle and the guy clearly impedes lock and redirects his body. After our history with Pittsburgh and officials they can go play hide and go F themselves. Besides they missed a horrendous personal foul on the helmet to helmet with Russ on the play as well. Overall a great win. I also thought it was smart of Carroll to give the ball to Carson on the must have 4th down at the end. He must quit fumbling or he will be watching Penney.

[obiken]

They scored 26 points because the hawks gave them the ball in the red zone X 2. 26 - 13 = 13. You should be happy we scored 28 on the early road start. Jeez. Some are just never happy.

I am happy HS, I really am. I am just concerned that when we play the 9ers and the Rams, all this crap is going to come back to haunt us.

[RiverDog]

My bigger concern is the defense not holding them to less than 26 points. I'm used to Pete putting a better defense on the field. I hope they start making some strides.

Not that I like making excuses, but you really can't blame the defense for 14 of those 26 points when the offense turns it over, with one turnover occurring at the 3 yard line and the other well within scoring range. Additionally, the D was pretty banged up, especially on the DL.

If you look at the statistical performance, our defense yesterday turned in an effort that was every bit as good as any of Pete's LOB teams and did so on the road in front of a hostile crowd.

[obiken]

Hi River! Hope you had fun!
We have to clean up the penalties and mistakes. That guy from the Steelers owned Fluker in the first half, and Pittsburgh is not the best DL we will face as you know. Still go on the road, in Pitts, at a 1 pm ET start, and get win, was just killer!

[c_hawkbob]

Just some observations and reactions to some of the comments after having attended the game in person:

I thought the defense played relatively well. It's not easy to adjust to a virtual statute like Worthlessburger to the much more mobile Rudolph in the middle of the game. We have to remember that we are still very thin along the DL, yet we gave up just 261 yard of offense, including less than 100 yards rushing.

Chris Carson has to quit putting the ball on the ground. Both fumbles led directly to touchdowns and nearly wasted stellar performance by the rest of the team. Both fumbles today were virtually unforced.

Russell Wilson looked superb. Should he have lowered his shoulder on that 3rd down scramble? I was thinking that he might have been able to dive or avoid a hit by some other method than doing the normal hook slide, but I'm not complaining. He still got the job done as the OL at that point was controlling the LOS.

Great call by Pete to go for it. A successful FG still wouldn't have put the game away and would have given the Steelers the ball back with just under 2 minutes and a timeout. An unsuccessful FG would have been a disaster, giving the ball back with just 20 yards or so to get into FG range to win the game or 50 some yards had we punted. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to bring the team to the LOS in a hell of a hurry, make sure everyone knows that we're not snapping the ball, and try to pull the defense offside before calling a timeout. He turned the game over to the OL, which now will benefit greatly from the ego boost and expression of confidence Pete put in them.

I didn't agree with the reversal of the no PI call in the 4th quarter. It was probably interference as Lockett's body was being twisted slightly but it wasn't a no brainer, WTF was the ref thinking by holding onto the flag no call.

Ifedi had a poor game, getting beat a couple times and getting tagged for a number of penalties. Next to Carson, he'd get my dunce cap award. Solari needs to think about sitting his arse.

Jason Myers has yet to have a kickoff returned this season. He's had 9 kickoffs and 9 touchbacks. He did miss a long, 50+ FG attempt, but other than that, both him as well as the special teams in general turned in an outstanding performance.

Our last two trips to Pittsburgh resulted in a combined score of 45-0. The Steelers aren't the same team that we're used to seeing and they played half the game without their franchise QB, but nevertheless, this was a HUGE win. It's important to note that our division has but one loss in the first two weeks.

We'll have to keep an eye on Drew Brees's availability. If he's 100% healthy, I think we're going to have a very difficult time winning next week. If he can't go, our chances increase almost exponentially.

Nothing like a first hand account! Thanks man.

Anybody not impressed by this game needs to let go of the 'yeahbuts' and take another look at it. The things that could go wrong to derail an otherwise great performance, happened! ... and we overcame them! Turnovers, penalties, missed assignments ... all the things the pessimists among us say "if these things happen going into a place like Pittsburgh we don't stand a chance" rolled off Russ like water off a duck's back. And there was not a single moment of panic, calm as midnight at my house (I lead a boring life anymore) he just kept making plays and throwing TDs.

Now if we can clean up our O-line issues (c'mon Ifedi!) we'll really have something this year.

[NorthHawk]

I hear a lot of posters complaining about Ifedi, but it was Fluker who was channeling Cable's Matador Pass Blocking in the 1st half.
He also had a couple of penalties, but I don't hear hardly anyone complaining about him. On the whole, Ifedi didn't play that badly,
sure, he made some mistakes, but so did all of the other linemen and Fluker was clearly the worst of the bunch.

After watching last nights SNF I'm relieved that we didn't suffer a boatload of injuries like we saw between the Falcons and Eagles.
Both those teams might not win as many games as they might otherwise because of this game. Just brutal hitting all night.

Our DL again played much better than a lot of us expected at TC and before. They have been solid against the run and albeit a
little lucky on the back end, not bad against the pass.

Using the TE's has been a big add to our Offense and it was good to see both Prosise and Penny contribute.
I wonder if we are going to see Ursua at some point. He looked so precise in pre-season with his routes yet hasn't seen much
of the field so far. Carson has to hold onto the ball better, but that seems to come with the territory with players when they
try to fight for extra yards. Pete said after the game the 2nd fumble wasn't Carson's fault, so he probably gets a break from
the coaching staff on the 2nd one late in the game. There might be something to be said for that, but perhaps reviewing the
game film will change his mind.

ST were solid again this game. They seem to have improved over last year.