September 24, 2025 • 21 mins
The Seahawks hit the road looking for their third-consecutive win against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Jen Mueller and John Boyle preview the matchup against the 2-1 Cardinals. Today's show: Tory Horton’s 95-yard punt return touchdown (1:44), Finding talent (6:34), Sam Darnold (10:29), James Conner injury (15:00), Mike Morris success (16:02), Two things we need to see (18:39).
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're listening to the Seahawks Insiders getting you Ready for
Seahawks Football every Sunday, presented by Delta, the official airline
of the Seahawks. Now here's your host, Gen Mueller.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Well, it's mostly every Sunday that we are getting you
ready for football. Occasionally it is a Thursday game that
we are talking about. That is the case today, which
also means John Boyle. I say this every single time.
I have no idea what day of.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
The week it is. None.
Speaker 4 (00:26):
No, I get very confused with these weeks every time.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Terrible.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Yeah, we're combining elements of Wednesday. Today's actually Wednesday.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
But try, don't even try. We're not able to figure
this out.
Speaker 5 (00:40):
Media wise.
Speaker 4 (00:41):
It's like a Friday, travel wise, if you're going to Arizona,
would be Saturday.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
And do you guys get the idea of how confusing
this is. I know it's very confusing, So let's just
skip out.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
I'd get on an airplane when it's time too, And
I hope I end up in a football game tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
That seems like something we should both be doing.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Law the ambitions I have. I just hope to.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Make it on a short week.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Look, it doesn't give us a whole lot of time
to break down what we saw on Sunday, doesn't give
the team a whole lot of time to look ahead
to the Cardinals. But I don't know if you have
to do as much work this week on Arizona. It's
a division opponent, you kind of know what you're getting
in the Cardinals, right.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Yeah, And that's one of the saving graces of these
Thursday games is their divisional games. So it's you know,
you're you're prepping for a team that you've seen plenty of. So,
I mean, obviously the coaches still have a lot of
work to do. Is Cooper Cup talked about like they
just don't sleep much this week and they get all
their stuff in. But yeah, it'd be a lot easier
than if you're playing some AFC team you haven't seen
four years.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Well, we are going to get into some of those
matchups here in just a second, But first, one of
the plays of the game on Sunday is worth revisiting
because it is always interesting after people have a chance
to truly see and study the film, Like we could
talk about Tory Horton and the ninety five yard punt
return for a touchdown after the game, but it's entirely
(02:01):
different when you hear a coach with a little bit
more time to break it down.
Speaker 6 (02:05):
Yeah, he got started. He got it started, and there's
a couple there's some other great decisions on that play
that you know, guys are in position where they could
have got a block in the back or can't think
of the word, but like blocking back towards your goal
on yeah, blindside block. Thanks where they they made smart
decisions those in those moments and obviously was a heck
of a return by Tory.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Yeah, it's interesting. Right after the game, Mike kind of
said like he's eager to go look at it and
see who made the plays because you know, for that
play to happen, you don't get a ninety five yard
return without a lot of guys taking part in it.
But it can be hard just live on the sideline
to know what happened. So it is it is cool
to go back and look at you know, Chess Surratt
had the huge block and me and I Pritchett kind
(02:47):
of got things started, made a really nice play. The
position he's in, it's really easy to get a block
in the back, and he manages kind of shield the
guy out and actually took out two of their guys
because they tripped on each other and that sprung it.
And then you have that combination of good block and
then as Mike mcdonald' said, like that discipline to know
when you can block a guy and when you just
kind of need to get in his way, because some
of those if you tried to throw a block, you're
(03:08):
going to get either the blindside block like Mike said,
where it's a fifteen penalty, or just even a block
in the back. But you see, if you actually play,
there's a few or guys just intentionally sort of run
across a guy but don't touch him.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah, And I think was it d Anthony Bell that
was his convoy into the end zone? I think, And
here's what I was going to say is you had
a lot of guys on there who are getting meaningful
snaps on special teams, but maybe we're not anticipated being
a big part of special teams.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Right, Like when you go into training.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Camp, you've got guys that are stepping in and filling
roles nicely. D Anthony Bell would be one of those
chests or wouldn't be another one? And I thought it
was interesting. Talking to Drek Young, who was part of
another big special teams playing a couple of big offensive plays,
he was like, yeah, we saw what the Saints were
doing on film, so we were absolutely prepared for some
(03:56):
of those looks.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
But also the fact that New Orleans was so good.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
On special teams last year, it just kind of lit
a fire and that was their personal battle last week
to make sure that special teams stood out.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yeah, and it did.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
Two weeks in a row. I mean, score touchdowns on
special teams two straight games. That's a good winning formula.
And one thing that's interesting that you mentioned, like different guys,
that's to me one of the most underrated parts of
a special team's coach's job is your personnel available to
you every week can change drastically based on injuries at
totally different positions. Like oh, this core special teamer for
(04:29):
me is now starting at safety and I don't have
him for all these plays. So a cool part of
that job that Jay Harbo has to jog like week
to week or just who's active any given day.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yeah, that is a great point. Also, I don't what
are we going to do with Michael Dixon during games?
What are we going to do with punters in general, John,
because this actually crossed. This is how much punters are
not making the news right now in the NFL. This
actually crossed on a news email that I received. Did
you realiz that across the NFL teams are punting just
(05:03):
three point six five times per game? It is the
fewest in league history.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
Wow, I did not realize.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
I mean, we didn't see Michael Dixon. I saw Michael Dison.
He was on the sideline next to.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Me, but holy counts, he had a lot of holding
to do, a lot of They scored on seven story
drives open the.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Game, and he talks to his wife, and his wife said,
how was your day at work?
Speaker 3 (05:22):
And he said, I did a lot of holding. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
I mean, look, I think he'd be the first to
tell you if he's not having a busy day. He's
happy about it because that's good for the team. That
is interesting that the punting being down that much. I
wonder how much of that is just teams being more
aggressive on fourth down, like choosing to punt few times.
I think that the new kickoff rules affecting too, because
you teams are getting shorter fields, the starting field position shorter,
(05:46):
so you're getting in a field goal range or that
midfield go for it range a lot easier than you
used to when you're starting back at the twenty or
the twenty five.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Okay, so you nailed two of the three reasons that
were listed as for the fewest number of punts is
because field goal kickers are more accurate from longer distances,
which we have already seen in the first three weeks.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Of the season.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
You're more going to try a sixty yarder instead of
a short punt.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
I feel like this is something we can deep dive
on in future weeks.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
It sounds like some fun nerdy special team stuff. I
can't wait.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Okay, it'll be an entire episode special. That's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Maybe we could get interviews with the folder the snapper kicked.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Okay, that'll be great. It'll be a little crowded. Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Look, you talk about finding talent and the talent that
is available to you. It is something that John Schneider
has had to do because of injuries, specifically in the secondary.
Darien Kendrick is not just a flash in the pan. No,
he has done this now back to back weeks, and
somehow John Schneider keeps working as magic to find guys like.
Speaker 6 (06:54):
This shout out John and the crew man. I can't
take you through how they're doing it every day, but
I mean it's a I think it's the same mentality
of we're kind of into everything and we're chasing everything,
and we're always looking to make our team better. Just
really I appreciate that that mentality, you know, and and
us learning how we both operate and being all in together.
I think that's how you make those types of types
(07:16):
of things happen.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Yeah, I mean the obviously, the big trades, the big
money signings are the ones that get the headlines. But
to me, what really makes a big difference on like
teams going from you know, good to grade or not
so good to okay, Like it's that roster depth of
like you're gonna lose guys during the season. You hope
not to, but you do not get through an NFL
season fully healthy.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
So it's finding those.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
Guys that hit the waiver wire or that are available
for the you know, random seventh round conditional pick that
just pop up, and knowing those guys can help you.
And then I think it's it's a great combination of
the front office of value and talent, and then the
coaching staff developing it and this kind of it's always
been a focus of the special teams. I'm sorry the practice,
(08:00):
but I feel like the way they've emphasized it these
last couple of years and with the rules in terms
of elevating guys, those guys kind actually play like this
whole I talk about seventy all the time. You hear
this out of John Schneider and Mike McDonald's mouth, and
the guys have their shirts ready, squad shirts with the
seventy on the back. Like that kind of that gets
some guys heads. It sticks of like, hey, you know,
(08:21):
we're all competing here, we all have a chance, and
we've seen it pay off with some guys stepping into
big roles and thriving.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Well, wouldn't you say that about Tayo Katta too, Right,
Like he's spent a lot of time on the practice squide,
he spent a lot of time on special teams, And
it's this whole idea of I know that when I
get my chance, they are going to give me my chance.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
That's the other part of it.
Speaker 4 (08:40):
Oh yeah, that matter, Like it's a great way to
keep guys motivated because if you're on a team where
this you know, practice squad guys just they're practice squad
and that's it. And maybe that some teams don't even
I don't think travel. They're practically just about to say yeah.
And when when you're traveling, when you know, hey, I
can earn it. We talked about Cody White, Josh Job,
just all these different guys where if they see it,
you see okay, Josh Show was a starter on this
(09:00):
team now when he was on the practice squad at
this time ago. Like, guys, notice that and it's a
great motivator.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It really is fun too.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
You talk about traveling the practice squad guys, Yes, our
plane is very full.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
The sidelines have plenty of people on them. It's really
fun to watch those guys.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Watch what's happening, right, to take it all in from
a I'm part of the team.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
I'm proud of these guys.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Wow, this is what it feels like to be in
a moment like this, right, if they're young guys or
if they're guys that just haven't gotten a lot of experience,
that's fun.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
You know what else is fun?
Speaker 2 (09:32):
The team meeting just started and they are meeting in
the room that is right below us, and the floor
is thumping right now.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
It feels like I am upstairs from a club.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
Is what it feels like hanging out in the clubs
all these days?
Speaker 3 (09:46):
From what I remember. Way to call me out, John,
I tell you what for that?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
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Speaker 2 (10:23):
All right, as we turn the page from that part
of the conversation and more to the matchup against the Cardinals,
Let's start with what the Seahawks have done on offense,
specifically Sam Darnold in the passing game. Some of the
notes that I had taken coming out of Sunday's game
under pressure on just five of eighteen dropbacks. They are
doing amazing things in pass pro. That is the third
(10:47):
fewest of his career and his passer rating second highest
of his career.
Speaker 5 (10:51):
Coming out of that Saintes.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Game, he was perfect until his last two You had
the perfect rating and then through two incomplete passes and
what ended up being his final drive because they pulled
him and a bunch of other starters. So yeah, I
mean he's been he's been outstanding that the first game,
the whole offense was kind of fine this way and
scuffling a little bit. But you look at what he
and the passing you have done last two weeks. So
it's been really impressive.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
I do still think though, and he said that this week.
I do still think scuffling is not the right word
to say. After three weeks, they are still trying to.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Fig find themselves.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
No, no, I know, but I do think, and we
touched on this after week one. You kind of assume
that it all comes together like this. Look, they didn't
play together in the preseason. Yeah, by design. Now you've
got three games in, it's like you just went through
the preseason. Also, every team in the NFL is in
the same spot. So I would expect after week three,
everybody kind of takes a big jump forward, right when
(11:45):
you've got a sample size. But here's what I'm wondering
with Sam. That front for the Cardinals actually looks pretty good.
I mean, that defense, those numbers, what is it. They're
allowing seventy six rushing yards a game. That's that's the
fourth fewest in the league. You're going to have to
have Sam pass. Right, You're gonna want to run the ball,
but you're going to need him.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
To pass, oh for sure. Yeah, I mean they look
the Sax aren't going to give up on the run
gaming as anybody that's been clear that their numbers aren't
where they want yet, but they're they're getting their attempts. They're,
you know, using that to set up play action, so
they're not going to abandon that. But unless something really
goes sideways for the Cardinals, I would think if you're
going to move the ball in this game, Sam's gonna
have to have a good game well.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
And it is a good deal that he is really
accurate at throwing on the run escaping pressure, to the
point that I asked Derek Young about it and he
said he could be a dual threat quarterback if he
wanted to. He just chooses to be more of a
pocket passer. But boy is it nice when he can
execute on the move.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
We knew that he was good throwing on the move
and he was comfortable doing that, and that's obviously a
big part of our system, so that that played a role.
But being able to go both ways helps, you know,
in terms of tendencies and pulling up boots, things like that.
You got to play everything, honest, does that put a
defensive court enter specific mind?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
If you know what the quarterback can do back.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Well, anytime you have to play it straight play plays
straight up and just play the play. Now you're kind
of evening the odds. So advantage offense in that situation.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
Yeah, I mean early that game, two of his big
throws were you know, he escaped very first drop back,
he gets pressure, escapes that rolling left, great throw on
the move. Later that drive play action designed rolling left.
It's JSN for the touchdown. So that's you know, again,
you don't think of him as a mobile athletic quarterback
just because he's never been a guy that runs for
a ton of yards. But he's really good on the move.
(13:31):
They I mean they talked about that when they signed
him back in the free agency. Is like they really
like in this offense what he can do throwing on
the run, and he's been good at us so far.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Well that running game, certainly you mentioned it. They want
to get it going to be a little bit more complimentary.
The numbers indicate that they're not having much success. Look,
they're averaging three point three yards of carry that is
twenty ninth in the NFL. They are twenty first in
rushing yards per game, so it's a little bit better.
They have also attempted to run the ball the six
(14:02):
most times in the league, so, like you said, it
is part of the game plan. Here's how I'm reading this.
You told everybody that you were going to run the ball.
You're committed to running the ball ununtil I have to
stop you or do something else. I'm just going to
stack the box and make you run the ball and
do what you said you were.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Going to do.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Yeah, but guess what you get teams to stack the box.
That's a great way to have Sam Darnold complete seventy
percent of his passes while also does he lead the
league in yards perttempt he's up there. If he does
right up there to be to be you know, second
in that category while also complete seventy percent of your passes, that's.
Speaker 5 (14:37):
A him playing really well.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
But be Yeah, this scheme, I think, you know, you
put a full back and two tight ends on the
field a whole bunch. Teams have to respect that and
you start getting heavier box counts and create an opportunities
for guys like Jaysend and Cooper cup.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
I will take it.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
And the Cardinals are averaging six excuse me, the Cardinals
are allowing about two hundred and sixty four passing yards
a game. So again, I will that. On the other
side of the ball, I feel like we know what
Kyler Murray is as a quarterback, but he is going
to be without James Connor, yeah, his running back, and
that is a terrible injury. But I don't really know
(15:13):
what that does or if that changes any of the Seahawks'
calculations for Thursday.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
Yeah, we'll have to see. I mean, I think as
a general rule, when you're planning for a team, even
if they lose a guy, you still have to prepare
for what they do. They have other running backs they
are going to try to run the ball. But yet
you can't replace James Connor. He's such an important, no,
not just player, but he's a leader on that team
of entering guy. So it's really unfortunate for him and
for them then he went down. But you know, I
think we're Seahawks are still going to have to respect
(15:38):
what they do. And then Kyler Murray is such a
wild card. When he runs around, he's just so elusive
and fast. So it's, uh, it's you know, they present their.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Challenges for sure, they do.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
And on the offensive side of things, they are averaging
about one hundred and sixty five yards passing.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
They are rushing for over one hundred yards a game.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
Again, that could change just kind of based on their
situation there at running back. Here's one of the things
that I liked about Sunday's game for the Seahawks that
plays into that Thursday night matchup. Because of the score
in the game, and because a couple of guys went out,
whether they need they got nicked up, they needed a
little bit of attention. You got a chance to give
(16:17):
other guys some reps with meaning.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
I saw Jared Ivy out there.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
A little bit and we saw Mike Morris, yeah, get
some snaps and actually like show up in a way
that we hadn't seen before. It's nice to have that
kind of depth and rotation, but it's also just nice
to see him produce.
Speaker 6 (16:35):
Mike had a really good game yesterday. Is really kind
of responded to the competition that's created in his room,
and we expect him to keep going. And look, that's
why we create competition, is this, You're going to get
the best version of guys. Your team's going to be better.
And and Mike's kind of living proof of that. And
then it's happening on a lot of positions on our
(16:55):
team right now.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
I mean we talked earlier about the secondary depth, but
that's you know, when you get those that rotation deep
up front, that helps defensive. I mean we've talked so
much about you know, Leo, Jaren Reed, Byron Murphy, those
guys and the edge guys.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
Are I mean, they're playing their butts off.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
That might be collectively the best thing this team's doing
right now is a play upfront. But for the course
of a season, you need to be deep there. Just
keep guys fresh or you know, if injuries do come
up and Mike Morris when he's gotten his chances, he's flashed.
I mean, he had a nice tackle for loss in
the game. He's been a guy, he's been a pretty
good special teams player when they give them the chance.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
He's he's he looks so.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Big out there.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
He does, but he's a good athlete.
Speaker 4 (17:32):
But like, man, you see him out on kickoff, You're like,
that's a big dude out there. But he's you know,
he's I like a guy like that, who's you know,
he didn't come in right away and maybe have the
impact he wanted or the team on. But he's he's
fought hard and he's carved out a role that I
think could grow as the season goes along.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
He might also be the quietest member of that defensive line,
would you agree, Like soft spoken, just very and he
is so delightful to talk to.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
But personality wise us that front.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
Yeah, there's some big personalities and that that tends to
go with also just some big people. Also, everything is
bigger when you're talking about.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
That line and the trends playing it really is intimidating
but fun.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
But we have got to get to two things we
need to see for a Seahawks win, but we'll do
that right after this.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
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Speaker 2 (18:39):
Okay, John, it is a short week. I know it's
not very much time to prepare. I tend to focus
on these weeks. I'm just what the Seahawks need to do.
Like I don't even I don't. I'm not even looking
at numbers from Arizona. I'm not trying to pick the
best matchup.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
I'm just going to focus on the Seahawks. All right,
you want to go first? You go ahead, go first?
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Great, because you might say one of mine, and I
don't want him to take one of mine.
Speaker 3 (19:02):
Okay, let's go back to the run game.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
I know that they are not getting the yards, but
keep those attempts up right, make sure that you were
running the ball.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Kennedy.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Paulamalu was telling all of the running backs this last week. Look,
I know it's frustrating, stick with the process, make sure
your pad level is where it needs to be, and
you are ultimately going to end up finding yards. So
don't get so frustrated that you move away from that.
I don't think Clint Kubiak will, but I do want.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
To see.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Twenty rushing attempts, maybe twenty twenty five rushing tips on
that front. And when it comes to the defensive side
of things, I'm just going to say, team wide, limit
the penalties. You've done a really good job of doing
that all year, but fatigue is going to set in
a little bit sooner you're on the road. Just minimize
(19:51):
any of any of that extracurricular and penalties.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Don't need the third down defensive back getting hands in
the face kind of thing.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
No exactly.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
I always called that so farway I it's so frustrating.
Plays way over here and you my hand touched his
face mask.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Also, out of all of the things that you could
do to somebody on the football field, putting your hands
in their face is quite possibly the least violent and
the least disruptive thing you could do.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
I'm just gonna say that. I'm just going to say that, Okay.
Speaker 4 (20:25):
All right, I want to see the protection continue for
Sam Darnold because this is, you know, maybe the best
front the Seahawks have seen so far this year.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Well.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
San Francisco also is a very good front. But yeah,
let's say no more than one sack and keep the
pressures down, because again, I think you're gonna need to
throw the ball to win this game, So keep the
pressure down the other side. Keep Kyler Murray from being
with those legs. I don't think I just said the
forty nine ers.
Speaker 3 (20:52):
Well, I mean we are talking about division.
Speaker 4 (20:54):
They just played each other. You know, I'm overthinking this.
I don't think the Cardinals are probably going to be
the sixty. Rundy has been awesome this year, three point
two of cary for opponents. I don't think without James Connor,
they're going to be able to run the ball super
well with their traditional run game. Don't let caller Murray
get out of the pocket, run around with his you know,
crazy elusiveness, and beat you with his legs.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Yeah, the only defense that has not given up a
rushing touchdown this year.
Speaker 3 (21:18):
I know you weren't saying that because you didn't want
to jink some, did you. That's okay.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
If I had the power to jinx anything, folks, games
would never go to overtime or extra innings.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
That is beside the point, all right. That is us
on a short week. We will see how the Seahawks
Speaker 2 (21:33):
Fare in the desert, and we will be back next
time with the brand new edition of the Seahawks Insiders podcast.
You're listening to the Seahawks Insiders getting you Ready for
Seahawks Football every Sunday, presented by Delta, the official airline
of the Seahawks. Now here's your host, Gen Mueller.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Well, it's mostly every Sunday that we are getting you
ready for football. Occasionally it is a Thursday game that
we are talking about. That is the case today, which
also means John Boyle. I say this every single time.
I have no idea what day of.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
The week it is. None.
Speaker 4 (00:26):
No, I get very confused with these weeks every time.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Terrible.
Speaker 4 (00:30):
Yeah, we're combining elements of Wednesday. Today's actually Wednesday.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
But try, don't even try. We're not able to figure
this out.
Speaker 5 (00:40):
Media wise.
Speaker 4 (00:41):
It's like a Friday, travel wise, if you're going to Arizona,
would be Saturday.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
And do you guys get the idea of how confusing
this is. I know it's very confusing, So let's just
skip out.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
I'd get on an airplane when it's time too, And
I hope I end up in a football game tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
That seems like something we should both be doing.
Speaker 5 (00:59):
Law the ambitions I have. I just hope to.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Make it on a short week.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Look, it doesn't give us a whole lot of time
to break down what we saw on Sunday, doesn't give
the team a whole lot of time to look ahead
to the Cardinals. But I don't know if you have
to do as much work this week on Arizona. It's
a division opponent, you kind of know what you're getting
in the Cardinals, right.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Yeah, And that's one of the saving graces of these
Thursday games is their divisional games. So it's you know,
you're you're prepping for a team that you've seen plenty of. So,
I mean, obviously the coaches still have a lot of
work to do. Is Cooper Cup talked about like they
just don't sleep much this week and they get all
their stuff in. But yeah, it'd be a lot easier
than if you're playing some AFC team you haven't seen
four years.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
Well, we are going to get into some of those
matchups here in just a second, But first, one of
the plays of the game on Sunday is worth revisiting
because it is always interesting after people have a chance
to truly see and study the film, Like we could
talk about Tory Horton and the ninety five yard punt
return for a touchdown after the game, but it's entirely
(02:01):
different when you hear a coach with a little bit
more time to break it down.
Speaker 6 (02:05):
Yeah, he got started. He got it started, and there's
a couple there's some other great decisions on that play
that you know, guys are in position where they could
have got a block in the back or can't think
of the word, but like blocking back towards your goal
on yeah, blindside block. Thanks where they they made smart
decisions those in those moments and obviously was a heck
of a return by Tory.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Yeah, it's interesting. Right after the game, Mike kind of
said like he's eager to go look at it and
see who made the plays because you know, for that
play to happen, you don't get a ninety five yard
return without a lot of guys taking part in it.
But it can be hard just live on the sideline
to know what happened. So it is it is cool
to go back and look at you know, Chess Surratt
had the huge block and me and I Pritchett kind
(02:47):
of got things started, made a really nice play. The
position he's in, it's really easy to get a block
in the back, and he manages kind of shield the
guy out and actually took out two of their guys
because they tripped on each other and that sprung it.
And then you have that combination of good block and
then as Mike mcdonald' said, like that discipline to know
when you can block a guy and when you just
kind of need to get in his way, because some
of those if you tried to throw a block, you're
(03:08):
going to get either the blindside block like Mike said,
where it's a fifteen penalty, or just even a block
in the back. But you see, if you actually play,
there's a few or guys just intentionally sort of run
across a guy but don't touch him.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah, And I think was it d Anthony Bell that
was his convoy into the end zone? I think, And
here's what I was going to say is you had
a lot of guys on there who are getting meaningful
snaps on special teams, but maybe we're not anticipated being
a big part of special teams.
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Right, Like when you go into training.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Camp, you've got guys that are stepping in and filling
roles nicely. D Anthony Bell would be one of those
chests or wouldn't be another one? And I thought it
was interesting. Talking to Drek Young, who was part of
another big special teams playing a couple of big offensive plays,
he was like, yeah, we saw what the Saints were
doing on film, so we were absolutely prepared for some
(03:56):
of those looks.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
But also the fact that New Orleans was so good.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
On special teams last year, it just kind of lit
a fire and that was their personal battle last week
to make sure that special teams stood out.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
Yeah, and it did.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
Two weeks in a row. I mean, score touchdowns on
special teams two straight games. That's a good winning formula.
And one thing that's interesting that you mentioned, like different guys,
that's to me one of the most underrated parts of
a special team's coach's job is your personnel available to
you every week can change drastically based on injuries at
totally different positions. Like oh, this core special teamer for
(04:29):
me is now starting at safety and I don't have
him for all these plays. So a cool part of
that job that Jay Harbo has to jog like week
to week or just who's active any given day.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yeah, that is a great point. Also, I don't what
are we going to do with Michael Dixon during games?
What are we going to do with punters in general, John,
because this actually crossed. This is how much punters are
not making the news right now in the NFL. This
actually crossed on a news email that I received. Did
you realiz that across the NFL teams are punting just
(05:03):
three point six five times per game? It is the
fewest in league history.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
Wow, I did not realize.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
I mean, we didn't see Michael Dixon. I saw Michael Dison.
He was on the sideline next to.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Me, but holy counts, he had a lot of holding
to do, a lot of They scored on seven story
drives open the.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Game, and he talks to his wife, and his wife said,
how was your day at work?
Speaker 3 (05:22):
And he said, I did a lot of holding. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
I mean, look, I think he'd be the first to
tell you if he's not having a busy day. He's
happy about it because that's good for the team. That
is interesting that the punting being down that much. I
wonder how much of that is just teams being more
aggressive on fourth down, like choosing to punt few times.
I think that the new kickoff rules affecting too, because
you teams are getting shorter fields, the starting field position shorter,
(05:46):
so you're getting in a field goal range or that
midfield go for it range a lot easier than you
used to when you're starting back at the twenty or
the twenty five.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Okay, so you nailed two of the three reasons that
were listed as for the fewest number of punts is
because field goal kickers are more accurate from longer distances,
which we have already seen in the first three weeks.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Of the season.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
You're more going to try a sixty yarder instead of
a short punt.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
I feel like this is something we can deep dive
on in future weeks.
Speaker 4 (06:14):
It sounds like some fun nerdy special team stuff. I
can't wait.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Okay, it'll be an entire episode special. That's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Maybe we could get interviews with the folder the snapper kicked.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
Okay, that'll be great. It'll be a little crowded. Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Look, you talk about finding talent and the talent that
is available to you. It is something that John Schneider
has had to do because of injuries, specifically in the secondary.
Darien Kendrick is not just a flash in the pan. No,
he has done this now back to back weeks, and
somehow John Schneider keeps working as magic to find guys like.
Speaker 6 (06:54):
This shout out John and the crew man. I can't
take you through how they're doing it every day, but
I mean it's a I think it's the same mentality
of we're kind of into everything and we're chasing everything,
and we're always looking to make our team better. Just
really I appreciate that that mentality, you know, and and
us learning how we both operate and being all in together.
I think that's how you make those types of types
(07:16):
of things happen.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Yeah, I mean the obviously, the big trades, the big
money signings are the ones that get the headlines. But
to me, what really makes a big difference on like
teams going from you know, good to grade or not
so good to okay, Like it's that roster depth of
like you're gonna lose guys during the season. You hope
not to, but you do not get through an NFL
season fully healthy.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
So it's finding those.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
Guys that hit the waiver wire or that are available
for the you know, random seventh round conditional pick that
just pop up, and knowing those guys can help you.
And then I think it's it's a great combination of
the front office of value and talent, and then the
coaching staff developing it and this kind of it's always
been a focus of the special teams. I'm sorry the practice,
(08:00):
but I feel like the way they've emphasized it these
last couple of years and with the rules in terms
of elevating guys, those guys kind actually play like this
whole I talk about seventy all the time. You hear
this out of John Schneider and Mike McDonald's mouth, and
the guys have their shirts ready, squad shirts with the
seventy on the back. Like that kind of that gets
some guys heads. It sticks of like, hey, you know,
(08:21):
we're all competing here, we all have a chance, and
we've seen it pay off with some guys stepping into
big roles and thriving.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Well, wouldn't you say that about Tayo Katta too, Right,
Like he's spent a lot of time on the practice squide,
he spent a lot of time on special teams, And
it's this whole idea of I know that when I
get my chance, they are going to give me my chance.
Speaker 3 (08:39):
That's the other part of it.
Speaker 4 (08:40):
Oh yeah, that matter, Like it's a great way to
keep guys motivated because if you're on a team where
this you know, practice squad guys just they're practice squad
and that's it. And maybe that some teams don't even
I don't think travel. They're practically just about to say yeah.
And when when you're traveling, when you know, hey, I
can earn it. We talked about Cody White, Josh Job,
just all these different guys where if they see it,
you see okay, Josh Show was a starter on this
(09:00):
team now when he was on the practice squad at
this time ago. Like, guys, notice that and it's a
great motivator.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It really is fun too.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
You talk about traveling the practice squad guys, Yes, our
plane is very full.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
The sidelines have plenty of people on them. It's really
fun to watch those guys.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Watch what's happening, right, to take it all in from
a I'm part of the team.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
I'm proud of these guys.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Wow, this is what it feels like to be in
a moment like this, right, if they're young guys or
if they're guys that just haven't gotten a lot of experience,
that's fun.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
You know what else is fun?
Speaker 2 (09:32):
The team meeting just started and they are meeting in
the room that is right below us, and the floor
is thumping right now.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
It feels like I am upstairs from a club.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
Is what it feels like hanging out in the clubs
all these days?
Speaker 3 (09:46):
From what I remember. Way to call me out, John,
I tell you what for that?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
We are going to take a break and here from
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Speaker 2 (10:23):
All right, as we turn the page from that part
of the conversation and more to the matchup against the Cardinals,
Let's start with what the Seahawks have done on offense,
specifically Sam Darnold in the passing game. Some of the
notes that I had taken coming out of Sunday's game
under pressure on just five of eighteen dropbacks. They are
doing amazing things in pass pro. That is the third
(10:47):
fewest of his career and his passer rating second highest
of his career.
Speaker 5 (10:51):
Coming out of that Saintes.
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Game, he was perfect until his last two You had
the perfect rating and then through two incomplete passes and
what ended up being his final drive because they pulled
him and a bunch of other starters. So yeah, I
mean he's been he's been outstanding that the first game,
the whole offense was kind of fine this way and
scuffling a little bit. But you look at what he
and the passing you have done last two weeks. So
it's been really impressive.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
I do still think though, and he said that this week.
I do still think scuffling is not the right word
to say. After three weeks, they are still trying to.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Fig find themselves.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
No, no, I know, but I do think, and we
touched on this after week one. You kind of assume
that it all comes together like this. Look, they didn't
play together in the preseason. Yeah, by design. Now you've
got three games in, it's like you just went through
the preseason. Also, every team in the NFL is in
the same spot. So I would expect after week three,
everybody kind of takes a big jump forward, right when
(11:45):
you've got a sample size. But here's what I'm wondering
with Sam. That front for the Cardinals actually looks pretty good.
I mean, that defense, those numbers, what is it. They're
allowing seventy six rushing yards a game. That's that's the
fourth fewest in the league. You're going to have to
have Sam pass. Right, You're gonna want to run the ball,
but you're going to need him.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
To pass, oh for sure. Yeah, I mean they look
the Sax aren't going to give up on the run
gaming as anybody that's been clear that their numbers aren't
where they want yet, but they're they're getting their attempts. They're,
you know, using that to set up play action, so
they're not going to abandon that. But unless something really
goes sideways for the Cardinals, I would think if you're
going to move the ball in this game, Sam's gonna
have to have a good game well.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
And it is a good deal that he is really
accurate at throwing on the run escaping pressure, to the
point that I asked Derek Young about it and he
said he could be a dual threat quarterback if he
wanted to. He just chooses to be more of a
pocket passer. But boy is it nice when he can
execute on the move.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
We knew that he was good throwing on the move
and he was comfortable doing that, and that's obviously a
big part of our system, so that that played a role.
But being able to go both ways helps, you know,
in terms of tendencies and pulling up boots, things like that.
You got to play everything, honest, does that put a
defensive court enter specific mind?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
If you know what the quarterback can do back.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Well, anytime you have to play it straight play plays
straight up and just play the play. Now you're kind
of evening the odds. So advantage offense in that situation.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
Yeah, I mean early that game, two of his big
throws were you know, he escaped very first drop back,
he gets pressure, escapes that rolling left, great throw on
the move. Later that drive play action designed rolling left.
It's JSN for the touchdown. So that's you know, again,
you don't think of him as a mobile athletic quarterback
just because he's never been a guy that runs for
a ton of yards. But he's really good on the move.
(13:31):
They I mean they talked about that when they signed
him back in the free agency. Is like they really
like in this offense what he can do throwing on
the run, and he's been good at us so far.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Well that running game, certainly you mentioned it. They want
to get it going to be a little bit more complimentary.
The numbers indicate that they're not having much success. Look,
they're averaging three point three yards of carry that is
twenty ninth in the NFL. They are twenty first in
rushing yards per game, so it's a little bit better.
They have also attempted to run the ball the six
(14:02):
most times in the league, so, like you said, it
is part of the game plan. Here's how I'm reading this.
You told everybody that you were going to run the ball.
You're committed to running the ball ununtil I have to
stop you or do something else. I'm just going to
stack the box and make you run the ball and
do what you said you were.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
Going to do.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Yeah, but guess what you get teams to stack the box.
That's a great way to have Sam Darnold complete seventy
percent of his passes while also does he lead the
league in yards perttempt he's up there. If he does
right up there to be to be you know, second
in that category while also complete seventy percent of your passes, that's.
Speaker 5 (14:37):
A him playing really well.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
But be Yeah, this scheme, I think, you know, you
put a full back and two tight ends on the
field a whole bunch. Teams have to respect that and
you start getting heavier box counts and create an opportunities
for guys like Jaysend and Cooper cup.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
I will take it.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
And the Cardinals are averaging six excuse me, the Cardinals
are allowing about two hundred and sixty four passing yards
a game. So again, I will that. On the other
side of the ball, I feel like we know what
Kyler Murray is as a quarterback, but he is going
to be without James Connor, yeah, his running back, and
that is a terrible injury. But I don't really know
(15:13):
what that does or if that changes any of the Seahawks'
calculations for Thursday.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
Yeah, we'll have to see. I mean, I think as
a general rule, when you're planning for a team, even
if they lose a guy, you still have to prepare
for what they do. They have other running backs they
are going to try to run the ball. But yet
you can't replace James Connor. He's such an important, no,
not just player, but he's a leader on that team
of entering guy. So it's really unfortunate for him and
for them then he went down. But you know, I
think we're Seahawks are still going to have to respect
(15:38):
what they do. And then Kyler Murray is such a
wild card. When he runs around, he's just so elusive
and fast. So it's, uh, it's you know, they present their.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Challenges for sure, they do.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
And on the offensive side of things, they are averaging
about one hundred and sixty five yards passing.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
They are rushing for over one hundred yards a game.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
Again, that could change just kind of based on their
situation there at running back. Here's one of the things
that I liked about Sunday's game for the Seahawks that
plays into that Thursday night matchup. Because of the score
in the game, and because a couple of guys went out,
whether they need they got nicked up, they needed a
little bit of attention. You got a chance to give
(16:17):
other guys some reps with meaning.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
I saw Jared Ivy out there.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
A little bit and we saw Mike Morris, yeah, get
some snaps and actually like show up in a way
that we hadn't seen before. It's nice to have that
kind of depth and rotation, but it's also just nice
to see him produce.
Speaker 6 (16:35):
Mike had a really good game yesterday. Is really kind
of responded to the competition that's created in his room,
and we expect him to keep going. And look, that's
why we create competition, is this, You're going to get
the best version of guys. Your team's going to be better.
And and Mike's kind of living proof of that. And
then it's happening on a lot of positions on our
(16:55):
team right now.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (16:57):
I mean we talked earlier about the secondary depth, but
that's you know, when you get those that rotation deep
up front, that helps defensive. I mean we've talked so
much about you know, Leo, Jaren Reed, Byron Murphy, those
guys and the edge guys.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
Are I mean, they're playing their butts off.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
That might be collectively the best thing this team's doing
right now is a play upfront. But for the course
of a season, you need to be deep there. Just
keep guys fresh or you know, if injuries do come
up and Mike Morris when he's gotten his chances, he's flashed.
I mean, he had a nice tackle for loss in
the game. He's been a guy, he's been a pretty
good special teams player when they give them the chance.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
He's he's he looks so.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Big out there.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
He does, but he's a good athlete.
Speaker 4 (17:32):
But like, man, you see him out on kickoff, You're like,
that's a big dude out there. But he's you know,
he's I like a guy like that, who's you know,
he didn't come in right away and maybe have the
impact he wanted or the team on. But he's he's
fought hard and he's carved out a role that I
think could grow as the season goes along.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
He might also be the quietest member of that defensive line,
would you agree, Like soft spoken, just very and he
is so delightful to talk to.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
But personality wise us that front.
Speaker 2 (18:01):
Yeah, there's some big personalities and that that tends to
go with also just some big people. Also, everything is
bigger when you're talking about.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
That line and the trends playing it really is intimidating
but fun.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
But we have got to get to two things we
need to see for a Seahawks win, but we'll do
that right after this.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
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Speaker 5 (18:35):
Sign up now at twelve status dot com.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Okay, John, it is a short week. I know it's
not very much time to prepare. I tend to focus
on these weeks. I'm just what the Seahawks need to do.
Like I don't even I don't. I'm not even looking
at numbers from Arizona. I'm not trying to pick the
best matchup.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
I'm just going to focus on the Seahawks. All right,
you want to go first? You go ahead, go first?
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Great, because you might say one of mine, and I
don't want him to take one of mine.
Speaker 3 (19:02):
Okay, let's go back to the run game.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
I know that they are not getting the yards, but
keep those attempts up right, make sure that you were
running the ball.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Kennedy.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Paulamalu was telling all of the running backs this last week. Look,
I know it's frustrating, stick with the process, make sure
your pad level is where it needs to be, and
you are ultimately going to end up finding yards. So
don't get so frustrated that you move away from that.
I don't think Clint Kubiak will, but I do want.
Speaker 3 (19:27):
To see.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Twenty rushing attempts, maybe twenty twenty five rushing tips on
that front. And when it comes to the defensive side
of things, I'm just going to say, team wide, limit
the penalties. You've done a really good job of doing
that all year, but fatigue is going to set in
a little bit sooner you're on the road. Just minimize
(19:51):
any of any of that extracurricular and penalties.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Don't need the third down defensive back getting hands in
the face kind of thing.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
No exactly.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
I always called that so farway I it's so frustrating.
Plays way over here and you my hand touched his
face mask.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Also, out of all of the things that you could
do to somebody on the football field, putting your hands
in their face is quite possibly the least violent and
the least disruptive thing you could do.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
I'm just gonna say that. I'm just going to say that, Okay.
Speaker 4 (20:25):
All right, I want to see the protection continue for
Sam Darnold because this is, you know, maybe the best
front the Seahawks have seen so far this year.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Well.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
San Francisco also is a very good front. But yeah,
let's say no more than one sack and keep the
pressures down, because again, I think you're gonna need to
throw the ball to win this game, So keep the
pressure down the other side. Keep Kyler Murray from being
with those legs. I don't think I just said the
forty nine ers.
Speaker 3 (20:52):
Well, I mean we are talking about division.
Speaker 4 (20:54):
They just played each other. You know, I'm overthinking this.
I don't think the Cardinals are probably going to be
the sixty. Rundy has been awesome this year, three point
two of cary for opponents. I don't think without James Connor,
they're going to be able to run the ball super
well with their traditional run game. Don't let caller Murray
get out of the pocket, run around with his you know,
crazy elusiveness, and beat you with his legs.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Yeah, the only defense that has not given up a
rushing touchdown this year.
Speaker 3 (21:18):
I know you weren't saying that because you didn't want
to jink some, did you. That's okay.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
If I had the power to jinx anything, folks, games
would never go to overtime or extra innings.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
That is beside the point, all right. That is us
on a short week. We will see how the Seahawks
Speaker 2 (21:33):
Fare in the desert, and we will be back next
time with the brand new edition of the Seahawks Insiders podcast.
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