October 27, 2025 • 43 mins
Ian let's Hugh Millen and Greg Cosell take the wheel when it comes to breaking down the first half of this Seahawks season - the guys start out on the defensive side of the ball and then dive into the offense.
45 minutes of non-stop, hardcore breakdown of the Seahawks thus far.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
You're home for the twelfth Man in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Proudly Presidence Hardcore Football with Hugh Millon, brought to you
by Hunt Services, Lad on the Horn and Cole Heights.
Now here's Hugh with the Infernets on Sports Radio ninety
three point three KJRFM.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
All right, welcome back in here you go, hardcore football
on a Monday afternoon. No a hardcore game to talk
about yesterday, because why well, the Seahawks got a bye week.
Next up, I hit the road against the Commanders. We
did half of this on Friday, and in all this
an all transparency, we tape the second half on Friday.
Why because Great co Sale's a busy man. Hugh Millon's
(00:40):
a busy man. But Great Cosell was on Hardcore on
Hugh Millons with Great co Sale segment on Friday talking
Seahawks defense through seven games. Great Cosales now on Hugh
Millen's segment Hardcore Football on this Monday. And basically, that's
what these two guys do, is hardcore football. And I'm
gonna get the hell out of the way and let
these guys for the next seventeen to eighteen minutes talk
about the Seahawks offense seven games into the season, Hugh Millen,
(01:03):
I'm gonna turn it over to you to get after
it with Greg Cosell and chop it up, fire away back.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
Well, let's talk offense here, and I think I think
the uh we talked about the rush defense Greg last
week that rush defense might be the best part of
the team on the Seahork team, I think rush offense
is the worst part. And just some numbers to reflect,
So the run percentage, the frequency the Seahawks at forty
(01:29):
eight point nine percent run, that's number one in the
NFL break rushing yards a game. They're nineteenth rush yards
per attempt, they're thirtieth. What do you see And we'll
get to granule on some schemes, but just as a
general view, you're looking at thirty one other teams, you're
comparing it. You're seeing these struggles by the Seahawks rush offense.
(01:51):
What do you see from that perspective?
Speaker 5 (01:54):
Well, just as a quick aside before I answer that you,
I think that Mike McDonald, And again I don't listen obviously,
I'm not out there. I don't listen to press conference,
so I don't know what the coach says, but I
thought it was fascinating that they opened up the game
against the Texans in twenty one personnel and ran isol
lead week. Okay, because that's an attitude play. As you know,
(02:15):
you know, you've been with a lot of teams that
ran the ball, you know, you were the Cowboys, And
I think McDonald pretty much started that game with the
idea that I want to run the ball and I
want to develop more physicality, and I think that's probably
something they want. But I would answer your question in
a more you know, macro way by saying that I
(02:36):
think that one of the issues with Walker, Kenneth Walker,
who's obviously very gifted in terms of quickness, burst, all
those traits that you look for in a running back,
is he's not an innate, natural downhill runner. And he's
not a guy that immediately and innately gets harder in
the yards. He's a bouncer. So what happens a lot
(03:00):
instead of hitting it and getting two three yards and
by the way, as you know, you every yard matters
in the NFL. He's a guy that looks to bounce
a lot, and there's too many you know, minus ones
or no gains, and that really hurts an offense and Charboney.
You know, he's just not gifted enough as a runner
(03:21):
to be a guy that to my based on my
tape study that you want to give the ball to
a lot, He's just not gifted enough. So I think
that Walker is the guy that and I don't know
if you can change a guy sort of innate mentality,
but he's the guy that needs to be the guy.
But he's at times it's a struggle with him because
he just does not hit it up inside.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
Yeah, I think that's some money observation. And first of all,
for those that are wondering, what is an iso meaning,
obviously that's a term for isolation, and what that is
is depending on the defensive front, the offensive guard on
the play side will generally block down with the center
to create a double team.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
And then the full back.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Now in this case, Greg that that was that's your
backup fullback, right, I mean that was that was Brady Russell.
But the fullback is leading up on the middle linebacker
generally depending on the front, and it's a it's probably
the most violent playing football, And you're right, Emmitt Smith
had more rush rush rushing yards and his cowboy career
(04:25):
on ISO than probably any other run with Moose Johnson.
Uh clear in the way in that regard, So it
and and you're you're right to point out hey first
play of the game. It reflects what the discussion has
been all week. So I'm glad that you pointed that out.
Let's get granular on on K nine and and and Greg.
As you know, there was a lot of talk in
(04:47):
the off season about Clint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator, UH,
that he's gonna come in, He's going to bring in
the outside zone. So let's let's let's talk about some
numbers in that regard the outside zone. The person the
Seahawks at twenty five point two percent, that's seventh in
the NFL. They got fifty one attempts, that's about seven
point three a game.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
They now their.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Average on all running plays there is three point seven
yards and that's thirtieth. Their average on the outside zones
a little better at four point two. Average was about eighteenth.
But Canine averages five point five and Charbonnet averages one
point nine on the outside zone. Let me say it again,
five So Canine, there are nineteen running backs who have
(05:33):
twenty or more rush attempts on the outside zone in
the NFL five point five average.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
That's fourth.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Of course, Bjeon Robinson is the king of the outside zone,
as you know. But but but as we're getting granular
on that running game that we're told about the outside zone,
the presence, they are actually you know a little bit
better in that regard, and Canine's a lot better and
maybe reflective of your observation about the bounce nature, Hey,
he's you know, he's kind of there's a built in
(06:00):
opportunity for a bouts on a stretch. Maybe just talk
about that what you see from the outside zone specifically.
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Yeah, Well, as you know, you I mean outside zone
at some point, I mean unless it's totally clear to
the perimeter, which rarely happens. At some point you've got
to stick your foot in the ground and you've got
to get your shoulder square and you've got to hit
it up. You know, that's essentially outside zone. And I
just you know, Walker to me is uneven in that regard.
And the thing is is he's so explosive. There's such
(06:30):
natural quickness to him, and I don't think he and
I think he does have some natural power to him
as well, but he just too often, you know, when
he feels that it's muddy, he just doesn't hit it
up in there. And I think that, you know, you
know the difference. I mean, I hope people listening know
the difference. There's a big difference between second and eight
(06:51):
and second and twelve. It's a big difference in terms
of play calling, play calling options, how your quarterback feels
about the play. And I just think that, you know,
I learned this. I worked with Merrillhidge for years and
years and years, and you know, he used to tell
me that when he first started in the league, Joe
Green was still playing, and Joe Green made it very
clear to him. And I imagine when Joe Green spoke
(07:13):
that people listened and Joe Green told him that, you know, hey,
if you get one yard, that's better than gaining no yards.
And I think that that has to be the attitude
of backs. You know, you can't search for big plays.
They have to come naturally. And I think, again, I
don't know what's in Kenneth Walker's head. Obviously I don't,
(07:33):
but I think when I watch his tape, I always
feel you as if he's searching.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Greg Coseil with us. I agree with that.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
And and by the way, just a thought on Greg,
I'm gonna embarrass him here for a second. He didn't
know I was going to say this, but he is
the one guy, one analyst in all of football on
any network anywhere, local, national, that did not play the game,
but knows the game to the level of coaches and quarterbacks.
And so when Greg Cosel talks, I listened because I
(08:02):
know he's looking at thirty two teams and we're getting
a wonderful perspective from him looking at the Seahawks before
we transition into the passing game. And obviously Sam Darnold, Greg,
let's let's kind of hit a point that's kind of
in between those and that's play action pass. Now you
and I on the thirty third team, and we saw
a presentation not terribly long ago, and thirty third team
(08:26):
is kind of a think tank of former GMS. There's
some few players, a lot of GM's former head coaches.
When you know when Bill Pollian is talking, you know
you listen to him. A Hall of Fame GM, among
many others. I mean, Chris Peterson's been on it, you know,
so so, but we saw a presentation and there was
(08:46):
very firm statistics that said that it doesn't. Play action
success is the number one thing you can do to
help your passing game is to go out of play action.
But play action success is not determined on how well
you run the football. If that's true, that's good for
the Seahawks because right now they're not running their ball
real well. But it seems counterintuitive. I want Greg Cosell
(09:11):
to tell us about your opinion in that regard about
the specific facet play action effectiveness. How important is it
that you are running the ball well to have that
yes or no?
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Well, no, it's been proven overtime you that there's really
no correlation whatsoever between running the ball effectively and play
action success. Because think of it this way. If you're
a defense, if you're a linebacker and it's the middle
of the second quarter, no linebacker goes into the huddle
and says, hey, you know what, guys, they've had eight
(09:43):
rushers for eleven yards, so we don't have to worry
about the run game. It doesn't work like that. You know,
defensive players, particularly second and third level players, they're taught
how to react to indicators and cues, and they react
to what they see in front of them. They're not
reacting to whether it's been great or not. I mean, look,
you played with the Cowboys. Obviously they had a great
(10:03):
run game with them at Smith, but their run was
established before they even stepped on the field. They didn't
have to run the ball well in a given game
for play action to work. That was already just built
into how they played football. So there's really no correlation whatsoever.
And I will say this. You know, when Klint Kubiak
was hired, we all talked about the play action and
(10:24):
I would say over the last month, probably the last
four games, we have definitely seen an increase in the
play action element, especially with Donald under center. And to me,
I think play action with the quarterback under center it's
far more effective than play action with the quarterback and
the gun. And Donald has been phenomenal in those four
(10:45):
games with under center, play action and he pushes the
ball down the field. I mean, he said fourteen completions
you in the last four games play action under center.
Fourteen completions for three hundred and eighty three yards. Think
about that for a minute. Yeah, fourteen completions three hundred
and eighty three yards. That is unbelievable. So I think
(11:05):
we're seeing more and more of it. Probably Klint Kubiak
and Donald just had to get comfortable with the whole system.
You now you can go through OTA's trading camp. Until
you play in the games, you don't really know.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
All right again, once again you're listening to Greg co
Sale Hugh Mill and it's a boy special edition of
Hardcore Football. We brought it over from Friday and we
had Hugh Won talking with Gregor and the bye week
we did this last year. People loved it. I'm gonna
get the hell out of the way. Greg was talking
about Sam Donald in the play action game, Hugh fire Away.
Speaker 5 (11:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Following up on that free the play Action, Greg, you
go back to a year ago when Donald was with
the Vikings. Every way I filtered play Action, you always
came up with this that Jared Goff is number one
in terms of frequency on all the play action numbers,
but Sam Donald was number two in frequency and number
(11:54):
one in terms of passer rating. I mean filtering for
what I think is almost the hardest thing at quarterbacking,
filtering the fall away Greg under center play action and
throwing the ball between the numbers, Sam Donald had a
passer rating of one hundred and forty three. And to
turn your back on the defense. I'm glad you talked
(12:16):
about that because it's happening again this year and here
Donald is number one in the NFL in yards pert tempt,
number one in yards per completion, and number one in
terms of the percentage of his completions that are ten
or more yards. He's pushing the ball down the field.
As you said, let's just kind of put the spotlight
(12:36):
on him. What you think about Donald relative to other
quarterbacks and what he's bringing to Seattle.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Well, the last two years, I've loved the way Donald
has played, and you're one hundred percent right, And I
think that's one reason why they wanted to go get Donald,
because they knew they were going to They hired Kubiak,
and they wanted to play action pass game under center,
which is, as you know, you was a learned to
trade because you know, when you turn your back to
the defense. Not every quarterback fields very good about that
because the defense is not in the same place they
(13:05):
were before you turned your back. So that's a learned
trait and that's hard to do, you know, And I
think that Donald The one thing I've always liked about
Donald these last two years is that he pushes it
down the field of play action. He's not looking to
check it down. He's looking to throw it down the field.
And you made a great point about throwing between the numbers.
(13:25):
You know, that's hard to do in this league. You know,
it's different than college football, where the hash marks are wider,
and it seems like, you know, it seems like you
don't have to throw in the middle of the field,
you just work outside in the NFL. The NFL game,
both the run game and the pass game for the
most part, are played in the middle of the field
because of the hash marks, and those are hard throws.
(13:45):
Those window throws versus own coverage between people, or you
have to layer it just over a second level defender.
Those are difficult throws and Donald's made those throws really well. Now,
one final point I think is really important about this offense,
and it allows them to get more predictable looks. This
is a base personnel offense. They've only run eleven personnel
(14:08):
meeting three wide receivers on the field about thirty five
percent of the time. They are a base personnel offense
and by that, I mean they play with multiple tight ends,
two and three tight ends, and Arroyo can line up
anywhere the rookie and Barner is actually an interesting player
as well. But the point is is you tend to
get defenses that play base defense, and so as you
(14:31):
know you from when you played, you know when you
defense is in base you tend to get more predictable fronts,
you tend to get more predictable coverages. The playbook isn't
as extensive in your base defense as it is in
your sub defenses. And I think that that's really helped
as well.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
No, it really hasn't. And you made the point about
checkdown percentage. Out of thirty two quarterbacks, Darnald is thirtieth
in his percentage of checking down right, So he does
want to push the ball down the field, and yet
his off target even though he's pushing the ball down
the field.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
The average off target this is coming from the NFL
stat portal is ten point four percent of quarterbacks or
of passes rather our off target, UH, Darnld just six
point three percent. That's second best in the NFL. But
let's shift to the targets you mentioned. Barnard, I want
to get to him. But before we do that, Jackson
Smith and Jigba leading the NFL in I mean, think
(15:24):
of this, There's only two receivers that are over one
hundred yards a game, Poka Nicoa at one hundred and
three and JSN at one hundred and seventeen. Now there's
so much to like. I want to get your take
on what you see from him and the tape before
we talk about maybe a concern there, but just in
a general general thought, what do you see from JSN
(15:46):
and how does he compare to the actual you know,
handful half a dozen of very best receivers in the
NFL today.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I love watching him you because to me, first of all,
I think he understands how to use his vertical stem
to set up corners. And secondly, he's so quick in
and out of breaks at the top of his stem.
I remember watching him in Ohio State and thinking, boy,
this guy is so quick and that has translated to
the league. That's what he looks like. And I think
(16:17):
he's faster than I thought that he was when he
came into the league. I mean, I remember the touchdown.
It was a couple of weeks ago. There was probably
Jacksonville when he ran the about a sixty yard touchdown
and he ran by Newsom like he wasn't there on
the post route to deep post. And you know, he's
just to me the way he sets up corners. I mean,
(16:41):
look what he did this week. You know, he had
a number of matchups against Stingley. Now they didn't end
up playing matchup football the Texans. They had Stingley play
left corner and lasted to play right corner, but he
worked against both guys. I mean he ran an outcut
I think it was nineteen yards. It was kind of
a flood concept against using where he just angled his
stem a little bit inside and all it took was
(17:04):
for Stingley just to turn his body just a little
bit to the inside and then he knew immediately he
had the outcut and Stingley couldn't play it. He just
has such a great feel for route running. Had to
use his stem, had to snap out of his brakes.
He's a really really good receiver.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
Yeah, you know, and the thing for him when you
see him in person, what struck me when I first
laid eyes on him is whoa that dude is a
low cut guy. You know, relatively short legs, you know,
good size at six'. One not, elite but not, short
but a low cut. Guy and you, Know i've played
with Ten Pro bowl, receivers you, know on the field
(17:43):
with The seahawks, watching you, know all the best for
a few. Decades i've put my eyes on a lot
of wide. Receivers Don schneider says body profiling is a
huge part of what we. Do that's a direct. Quote
and the body profile FOR jsn with that low center of,
GRAVITY i, said a low cut guy just allows for
that body control when he's speak cutting out just, yeah
(18:05):
he can just turn that and then of course HIS
iq and his his. HANDS i, mean there's a lot
of elite factors in this.
Speaker 5 (18:12):
Guy. Yeah and it's funny you say that because he
doesn't look six to. One because of, that you, know
you almost feel like he's a smaller. Guy but he's.
Not that's the, thing you, know so's He's AND i
actually saw him in person a number of years, ago
he was still At Ohio, state and he just doesn't
look big in, person but he is six to, one you,
Know and, that's LIKE i, said it's kind of.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Surprising, yeah a couple more minutes With Greg cosell And. Greg,
now if there is a concern here, Here i've kind
OF i, thought wait a, minute he has if you
take his targets and he's, seventy he's got seventy. Targets
his catch percentage is nineteenth in THE. Nfl, right so
there's been fifty, catches so there's been twenty. Incompletions but
(18:58):
but the way they are are feeding.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
The ball to.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
Him the next closest, Guy Cooper, cup in terms of,
targets has forty seven point one percent of the targets
THE jsn, OKAY i take the top eight teams in
terms of the division leaders right, now they average their
second most targeted guy is seventy nine point four percent
(19:25):
of their most targeted. Guy and again The seahawks are
way at forty seven point one, percent almost less than
half the number three. Guy the average is sixty three
percent of the eight division. Leaders the third, guy which
is Aj, barner he has thirty one percent of the
(19:45):
targets that you see FROM. Jsn the average for the
division leaders is sixty three. Percent going back to the
number two guys over the Last Super bowl on winners
that this number two guy averages a little over eighty
percent of the top guy and so for for the
next closest, Guy cup to be at only seven percent
(20:06):
of the targets THAT jsn is. Seeing is that something
where is that like your cowboys riding for a fall
type of a concern or just what do you think
about the imbalance in that?
Speaker 5 (20:17):
REGARD i think that that's somewhat camouflaged and compensated for
by their use of base, personnel BECAUSE i think it's
harder for teams to do a lot of different things
defensively if they're in their base. Defense so is that
something they probably would like to work on and change
a little? Bit? Probably BUT i would think that right
(20:40):
now they don't view, that you as a big issue
because you know the thing About smith And jigba AND
i talked about this With ian when the trade when
they ended up Getting, cup and right away a lot
of people immediately, said, oh, well what are they? Doing
they got two slot. Receivers, well first of All smith
and jig but they knew what he was and he's
lined up about eighty percent of his routes on the,
(21:02):
outside you, know not in the, slot because they knew
he could do. That So i'm curious to see if that.
Changes but you, KNOW i don't think they're going to
dramatically change how much they play at a base personnel
with multiple tight, ends BECAUSE i think that's been really
successful for them and they're going to make teams defend.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
That my last question for we make a real last
one because we don't want to lose time here to
you fire, AWAY i don't get yeah, right.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Yeah fireway three two. One my last question For.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
Greg you Mentioned barnard hit on him, quickly and Then
i'm going to leave it open end at any other
personnel or schematic things that you see From seattle that
either impress you or if there's a concern if you're
A sea ok, fan what you see from this.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
Offense, well the guy That i'm most intrigued is the
season progresses Is, arroyo the rookie tight end From, miami
BECAUSE i think that he has a vertical dimension to his.
Game he can stretch it. OUT i think he's got
the ability to be what we, called you, know the
b on the back side of, trips where he's the
single receiver to the short side of the field and
(22:05):
you can put three wide outs to the wide side
of the field and that can dictate to the quarterback
pre snap. Exactly So i'm really anxious to see you
how they deploy You arroyo as the season progresses and
as he continues to develop in the.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Offense, Well i'll tell You, Ian greg AND i have
had these kind of conversations on the, phone just kind
of talking shop and talking. BALL i Think greg we
have a kinship and then we just we just can't get, enough,
right just love talking, ball and so we've had these
type Of we've had these discussions over the. Phone tried
to bring a little bit of that to the station here.
(22:40):
Today And greg can't thank you. Enough awesome. Stuff as,
always it's never not awesome and and certainly appreciate your
time spending with us and giving your thoughts on the sea.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
Ours, OH i loved. You it's always great talking with.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
You.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Yeah you, Guys i'll just say. This we did this
last year in The seahawk bye. Week we came up
with the idea to have these two guys just go
for it and go and let you kind of take it.
Over AND, i as a football, FAN i love. IT
i learned from both of you guys every WEEK i
learned From greg Every. FRIDAY i learn from you Every
monday WHEN i have you. On and you, know football
to me is more enjoyable when you kind of have
a better understanding what's going. On and you guys do
(23:15):
both a great job of articulating how it. Works AND
i love having you guys. ON i love the fact
you're both part of my show. Man it makes, ME i,
mean it's you add to what we do in a
LEVEL i can't even. Express so thanks both of you
guys for coming. On we appreciate. It, Greg greg will
talk to you On friday before The hawks commanders And
hugh will talk to you a week for today and my,
friend thank you so much.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
Much there you. Go, thanks, guys really appreciate.
Speaker 6 (23:37):
It it's time For egan's weekly visit WITH Nfl Films Greg,
coso brought to you By Seattle Cider company on your
home for the Twelfth man and THE Nfl Sports radio
ninety three point three kJ R.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Fm all, right here we go on A friday Afternoon
Sports Day night three point Three KIDS fm is our
segment With greg Co. Cell we do it Every. Friday
we previews A seahawk game and you're saying to yourself
in there's No seahawk game this, Weekend i'm, saying you're,
correct you you've you've nailed. It you're one hundred percent,
right Big thanks by the way To Seattle Cider company down,
There Sodo district now open for all, ages food being,
(24:15):
Served swing on By Seattle. Sider look for your local grocery.
Stores pumpkin spices out right. Now not too sweet, sweet absolutely.
Fantastic greg Co cell is here and last year during
the bye, WEEK i had, this this. BRAINSTORM i don't
come up with a lot of good, Ideas, greg BUT
i THOUGHT i had one last. Year it, Works so,
well we're gonna do it. Again can we bring our
Friend Hugh millen in for a conversation? Today how does that? Sound?
Speaker 5 (24:36):
Yeah, well finally get some intelligent conversation. Here then about The.
Seahawks so, Yeah greak And Green.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
Newland you're hitting your lines, Already, greg, Good you're.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
Right you's got to scrap here all, weekend you, know you,
know just.
Speaker 3 (24:50):
Tip your, server try the, veal have some. Fun, Okay,
uh here's what we're gonna. Do we're gonna spend AND
i know it's gonna. Take we'll spend some time on. This,
today we're gonna talk just kind of defense and, all
and what we kind of. Liked WHAT i like doing
is Let hugh kind of take over sometimes and he
And greg talk and THEN i just sit back and
you me all the. Listeners we learned something in general.
Terms we're gonna do part of a defense and then
(25:10):
part of an, offense And hugh all kind of toss
it to you with what you want to go with
with With, greg But i'll just say this that you
told us you When mike McDonald was, hired he thought
he was maybe the best defensive mind or one of
the best defensive minds you've seen in a. While we're
really seeing that come to fruition this. Season to, You
i'll turn it over to you And. Greg your thoughts
on the defense so far five game or seven games
(25:31):
into the.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Season, YEAH i want.
Speaker 4 (25:32):
To Get greg's take because he's you, know he looks
at all thirty two, teams so he can be in
many ways more objective than the rest of. Us but But,
greg let's just start with the rush. DEFENSE i think
there's five parts of. Football how you pass the, ball
how you run, it how you defend the, pass how
you defend the, run and then special TEAMS i think
are all about a fifth AND i think that the,
best If i'm right on, that my contention would be
(25:55):
the rush defense is the best component of C adams football.
Team they're number one in THE nfl in rushing yards
per game around allowed it at just under ninety six
or excuse, me seventy. Six seventy six rushing yards per
temp their. Second but in RUSH epa there's expected points
(26:16):
that's emerging as a high correlation, statistic they're.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
By far number one in THE.
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Nfl just kind of what's your take when you watch
the tape about how they stopped the?
Speaker 5 (26:26):
Run, well, ACTUALLY i really love the way certain players
have really. DEVELOPED i, mean to, me the one player
that really stands, out, guys is Is Byron. Murphy you,
know he was the number one pick last, year the
second defensive player chosen in the. Draft struggled in his
rookie season with, injuries you, know couldn't play every single.
(26:48):
Week and just WHEN i watch him now on film
taking on double, TEAMS i, mean there was a play
this week and it just WHEN i noticed, IT i
actually called in some of the guys from my matchup
show because the way he was able just to hold
his ground and therefore maintain his gap integrity when he
was being double team by probably seven hundred tounds of offensive,
(27:11):
LINE i thought was just. Incredible AND i think you're
seeing all the traits that he brings to the table
BECAUSE i obviously evaluated him in detail coming out Of
texas probably for two, years AND i think he's been
a major force we know About. Williams williams is just
a very versatile. Player you, know he can line up
AT d n he can line up AT d. Tackle
(27:32):
and clearly they made the change at. Linebacker what was
that about three weeks? Ago where Now Drake thomas is
now the starter and instead Of Night AND i think
you're dealing with a guy that's just got more quickness
to him or athleticism to. HIM i think he has
a quicker. Trigger SO i think that these are the
things that stand out to.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
Me.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
You i'm sure there's other things that have stood out
to you as.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
Well, Yeah i'd like to get your take on let's
talk About Byron murphy there for a, second because you,
know here's a guy that At texas was primarily a
three tech right he played.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Nose, tackle but primarily it was a three.
Speaker 4 (28:08):
Tech but At, Seattle Leonard williams is your three, tech, Right,
so So Byer murphy having to play the shade the one,
tech you, know guys in the a gap between the
center and the guard and really over the center, shoulder
that that's not maybe his ideal. Spot but WHEN i
watch how The seahawks build a, wall you, know it's
(28:29):
it's like they play a gap and a.
Speaker 1 (28:30):
Half, greg you, know the the idea of a single.
Speaker 4 (28:34):
Gap, okay we just want to penetrate and get up
into and be, disruptive and then there's the two. Gap all,
right let's just play center cut on the offensive lineman
be able to react to either. Gap The seahawks they
build that wall by playing a gap and a. Half
they get into the, gap but the main contact with
the offensive lineman and they're in a position to still
(28:56):
throw the lineman and get into the other. Gap it
takes a lot of strength to do, that but when
you have everybody doing, it man that they are really
building the, wall forcing running backs to.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Spill talk About.
Speaker 4 (29:08):
Murphy in that, regard and then just the overall scheme
that you see as it compares to the thirty one
other teams and how they defend the.
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Run, YEAH i, mean you, KNOW i don't know schematically
they're you, know there's not as you, know you there's
not one hundred ways to play your defensive. Front but
that gap in a half is a very common way
teams want to play, now just because you, know in
a sense it requires one less player to be able
to cover all the gaps and that allows you to
do more with your pass, defense and particularly the way
(29:38):
they play pass, defense WHICH i think we need to
talk about in detail as, well because What mike McDonald
does they ARE i find. Phenomenal but, anyway you, Know,
murphy even though he's not a pure three, technique he's
still lining up essentially in a, gap and that's the
way he plays best because he has great initial quickness
off the, Ball so even if he's not just penetrating a,
(29:59):
gap he at least has explosion off the ball and
can use because he's so low cut to the, ground
with such a low center of, gravity he can still
be explosive and use that strength and be a. Factor
so you, KNOW i think he to, ME i GUESS
i would, say you, know based on my, study and
(30:19):
you might go through it a little more in, detail
you but in my, STUDY i think that he's a
major difference from a year ago in what they run
defenses this year because he's now playing at a really high.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Level, YEAH i think his, RECOGNITION i think his. STRENGTH
i think he's adopted to the McDonald the gap and a,
half the idea that he's he's more in the middle
of the. Defense let's let's shift you you touch on
the pass. Defense touch on some. Statistics opponent. Attempts The
seaks are thirty so they're seeing a lot of pass,
attempts but passing yards per attempt The seaks are fifth
(30:55):
best in the. League yards per completion their third, Best
so there's things that are showing. Up and then also
obviously this relates to pass. Defense they're number one in
hurries at sixteen point four presser percentage they're number, Four
so a lot of good things happening in the past.
Defense what do you see that give that catches your?
(31:18):
Eye And Greg cosel's with us Comparing seattle to the
other thirty one.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
Teams, well a couple of things really stand out to.
Me first of, all this team plays nickel at a
higher percentage than any team in the, league and obviously
With nick m And Warri, back WHO i thought was
the best safety prospect in the. Draft he is an
incredibly versatile. Player AND i don't know If mike McDonald
sees him similarly To Kyle, hamilton who he had In,
baltimore BUT i see him that, way and my guess
(31:43):
is that the coach does somewhat as. Well the other
THING i would say is what's really stood out is
the way they've made a change on the back. End
josh job is now clearly the boundary. Corner he was
not the boundary corner a year, ago when he was
essentially their nickel who played on the, outside and now
he's seen as their best outside, corner AND i think
he's played that. Way and the other thing that really
(32:05):
stands out to, me and this is WHAT i love
about watching tape and about seeing the way guys. Coach
and it's why SOMETIMES i WISH i just had the
batphone and can call up the coach While i'm watching,
tape you, know because you go back two weeks you
and they Play, jacksonville, okay and in that game they
rarely ever Blitzed. OKAY i think they rushed five or
more on five Of lawrence's, dropbacks and they had an
(32:26):
unbelievable four man d line pass rush with a very
high pressure rate as you. Remember but then this week
they played The Houston texans and they amp up the.
Pressure this was a big pressure week in terms of.
Blitz and, see to, ME i always love, it not
That Mike mike McDonald needs me to, say you, know
whether he's good or bad at. Something believe, me you
(32:47):
know there's a lot more THAN i. Do BUT i
love that he's not beholden to just one way of
playing every week like this is what we, do no matter,
what you, know he changes up what he does based
on his sense of the oppoe. It he can come
up with different tactics and different schematics AND i just,
think to, me that's just a sign of really good.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
Coaching, YEAH i couldn't agree. More and to put some
numbers to that five man. Rushes coming into the, Game
mike McDonald had just averaged five and a half per
game Against houston thirteen thirteen, dropbacks produced two sacks on
those five man, rushes AND. Cj stroud was seven eleven
sixty two yards and a seventy nine sub eighty passer
(33:29):
rating and then the six man rush Greg all, Season
mike McDonald only four six man, rushes two Against, arizona
two Against New.
Speaker 1 (33:40):
Orleans Against houston.
Speaker 4 (33:41):
He had Five stroud goes one for five for five
yards and an interception and a rating of, zero which
is actually worse than if you just threw the ball
on the ground because you get a thirty nine because
he didn't throw an. Interception so there's some numbers to.
That what about the personnel that might have impressed do
you in? That you Mentioned Emon worriy' let's touch on
(34:03):
that because because we've only seen five plays With seattle
With Emon worry and With witherspoon both, Healthy witherspoon has
been the.
Speaker 1 (34:13):
Nickel now you Project Emon worry to be the.
Speaker 4 (34:16):
Nickel you know we're gonna see Probably spoon more outside
or more dime like like, like.
Speaker 5 (34:21):
What are you going to be a really interesting, question
Right and Because Emmon worry to, ME i, mean is
that kind of? PLAYER i, mean because Obviously love's going
to be, Back bryant's a solid. Safety just a quick.
ASIDE i also think it's a sign a really good,
coaching when you put your backups in Like okada and
he plays well for a couple of, weeks you, KNOW
(34:42):
i think that's a good sign of how you prepare
guys and how they when they get the, opportunity they play.
Well but just getting back to the original, Point i'm
really curious to see what they do When witherspoon is,
back because obviously he's been the slot corner when they
go nickel and em and. Worry that's kind of what he.
IS i, mean he's sort of that that kind of
movable chess piece on the, board AND i think he's
(35:04):
really good at. That so the question, becomes you, KNOW
i don't know what THEY i, know there's probably been
a lot of talk On i'm not out. There you, Know,
ian you could probably addressed this far better THAN. I
i don't know if there's talk, about you, Know woolen
possibly being traded BECAUSE i Think job has clearly been
their number one corner for most of their, season and,
yeah you, Know witherspoon stay on the. OUTSIDE i personally
(35:27):
would not like to see him And ory come off the.
FIELD i don't know what the coaching staff, thinks BUT
i think he's such a unique player that can do
multiple things for. YOU i don't think you want him
playing twenty snaps a.
Speaker 3 (35:37):
Game, yeah Just i'll jump, in by the, way if you're,
listen just tuning in right, now That's Greg. Cosel you Know.
Greg On fridays at this, time That's. Humillan he's he's
with us. Today we did this last year in The
seahawk bye. Week and trust, Me i'm just getting the
hell out of the way BECAUSE i love listen to
these two guys talk. Football, man this is awesome for
me to answer Question. GREG i think there has been
that conversation out. There you, know we've talked about it
amongst the media out there at the facility and so.
(35:58):
Forth THEY i think what they saw In hugh you
know this as well AS i. Do LIKE i think
what they saw when all of a sudden they lost
a couple of guys When wolan was out and they're
down to The pritchett world and stuff like, that it
got a little, dicey and So i'm not. SURE i
think depth at corner might be something that they'd cherish
more than a fourth or fifth or sixth round draft.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Pick, Yeah, greg you, KNOW i Think wolan had a
pretty good, GAME i thought Against. HOUSTON i think this
ceiling is, high his floor is. Low the gap, between you,
KNOW i think there's an inconsistency. Issue but you, know
there's not a lot of guys walking around in a
mall that can step on AN nfl field and shadow you,
KNOW nfl wide, Receivers SO i think they may. Be you,
(36:39):
KNOW i don't think That wolan is McDonald's. STYLE i
don't think he's you, KNOW i don't think he's gritty
and tough the way he'd like. Him but he's a
hell of an, athlete you. KNOW i JUST i think
you're right to be curious about. That BUT i want
to hit you up back on a follow up on
him and warr because you said he was your favorite
safety coming Out Kyle, hamilton just as a, reminder the
(37:02):
first Team All pro safety for The Baltimore. Ravens obviously
That mike McDonald coach In. Baltimore you had an expectation
when you watch on his tape At South. Carolina now
you're seeing him on the field for a few weeks
he'd been. Injured let's really get granule On nick amm
and worry what you see how he differs From Kyle,
(37:26):
hamilton how he may be like or unlike what you
expected when you watch the tape coming out of.
Speaker 5 (37:31):
College, well the one thing he's not doing In, seattle
which he did At South carolina was play on the back,
end WHICH i think he's capable of as. Well but
he's mostly been used as a you, know depending on
what the offensive formation is that down in distance the field,
location he's either been in the, box he's been an
overhang player just outside the, box or he's lined up
over the slot. Receiver so he's essentially lined up in
(37:55):
those three. Areas they move him around a. Bit you,
KNOW i guess it's funny talking about what happens When
witherspoon comes. Back it raises the. Question you, know they've
not been a dime defense in pure pass. Situations they've
only played sixteen snaps of dime all season. Long they're a,
high high percentage nickel defense at about eighty eight. Percent the,
(38:15):
question you, is When witherspoon comes, back do they perhaps
become more of a dime defense and Play you, Know
jones obviously would be the linebacker that would stay on
the field because he's kind of a do it all
guy as. Well but maybe that's the. ANSWER i don't. Know,
again that's up to the. Coach but you, know LIKE i,
SAID i don't feel And witherspoon is a really good player,
(38:38):
too who brings a, swagger a toughness and competitiveness to your,
defense and you want him out. There he's just a
good football. Player BUT i just don't believe you want
to take em And warry off the field for meaningful, Snaps.
Speaker 4 (38:48):
No, Doubt greg cosel with us And, GREG i Think
Imon warry is just a star in the, makings just a,
big beautiful after, all very, fluid the acceleration in that sword,
area you, know twelve. Yards his tackling has been a.
LEAD i think his recognition is getting better and. Better
you saw that deflected play where he was the curral
defender on the back. Side he jumps with his, length
(39:11):
he has. Recognition he hits a skid route coming from
the opposite side on a big pass.
Speaker 1 (39:16):
BREAKUP i love. That let's close on the.
Speaker 4 (39:19):
Defense with a final thought of concern THAT i have
and it's reflected in these numbers the pressure rate for The.
Seahawks this is their defense against, Quarterback their number two
in THE nfl in quarters one to, two and. Three,
however in quarter number, four their twenty second The Houston Houston,
(39:41):
texans they had fourteen drives in the. Game their longest
two drives were the last two drives Against Tampa bay
three drives of seventy plus yards all in the second
half Against arizona two touchdown drives of seventy three and
fifty seven yards in the fourth, quarter the fourth down
collapsing in the forty nine ers that they have consistently
(40:03):
been a very sub average, defense you, know particularly in
past defense in the fourth, Quarter what do you see
in terms of those, PRESSURES i think Maybe Derek hall
just to get the, rotation you, know maybe missing one
guy because maybe they're getting gas because they play it
such a high energy before you see on you see the,
tape you see a lot of.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
Teams what are you seeing in that?
Speaker 5 (40:25):
Regard, well WHAT i would say is, THIS i would
say that for the most, part none of their edge
rushers AND i don't think they're bad, players you by any.
Means it's not as if they're bad, players BUT i
don't think they have that one, guy you, KNOW i
go back To Bill walsh talking, about you, know the
key to defense is pass rush in the fourth, quarter
and you just hit on a really important. POINT i
(40:46):
don't think they have that one guy that you necessarily
have to account for as an offense where you, say,
hey we better block. Him you might mean we have
to chip, him we might have to double team. HIM
i don't think they have that one guy on the
edge that has stepped forward at this point to be
that guy that you have to deal with in that.
Way SO i think there's some guys that have some good,
traits And Derek hall has been out AND i don't
(41:09):
know if he can develop into that. Guy but you,
KNOW i think up to this, Point nuuosu and And
mafi have not necessarily shown that they're that. Guy they're
not bad, players BUT i don't think they've shown that
they're the guy you have to account for by you,
know from a defensive, perspective excuse, me from an offensive.
Speaker 4 (41:29):
Perspective, yeah, Agreed and we spent a lot of time
in the summer talking, about, hey they don't have, that you,
know let's use a baseball term aircraft carry in the
middle of the lineup at defensive. End but BUT i,
thought you, know getting back to McDonald's coaching acumen coming
off of that brutal game against Against Tampa. BAY i,
mean it's like their, defense you, know every other game
(41:52):
they look Like Megan. Fox and they had one week
where they looked Like rosie. O'Donnell you. Know you, know
so there's a lot of THINGS i have not been
able to U, yeah you, know, hey just want to
keep make sure that you're paying. Attention but he got,
me get, Right but but just always looks Like Megan,
fox by the. Way but, yes but but the, uh
(42:14):
let's let's talk about the scheme adjustments we talked. About
there was a lot more pressure against The texans the
week before Against. Jacksonville seven sacks Against Trevor, lawrence a
lot of, stunts AND i Thought DeMarcus, lawrence as we're
talking about, inns that was like the Fastest i'd seen
him on tape in a long. Time he looked, LIKE
i don't, KNOW i, SAID i don't know if he's
(42:35):
playing in front of his, home you, know his high,
school hometown crowd or whatever it. Was SO i thought
all those, stunts the outside, stunts the inside stunts they
schemed up to Get mike McDonald should, say schemed up
to get a lot of sacks, there and that's where
the pass rush really came alive a lot due to
just the.
Speaker 5 (42:52):
Scheming AND i think that's the critical. PIECE i thought
they had a high volume stunt game versus The, texans
and we'll see if they continued to do, that and
THEN i think it's a matter of pressure scheming. UP i,
mean you talk about the fourth, quarter and, again obviously
there is a delineation point between third and fourth. Quarter
but look what they did on third and ten with
The okada. Sack the late in the third quarter of
(43:13):
this past, week it was a six man, front it
became a five man overload. Pressure, obviously the way they
chose to the way The texans chose to pass, Protect
okata ended up being a free hitter because of the,
way you, know the overload. Concept so the question, is
do you start doing more of those? Things do you
start trying to create more overload pressure? Concepts understanding our
(43:34):
teams pass?
Speaker 3 (43:35):
Protect all, right we gotta jump in here real quick
and take you know what we gotta. Do we're gonna do.
This we're gonna carry this thing over To monday because
we got to talk about the. Offense all. Right we're
gonna carry this thing over To. Monday so here's the.
Deal hugh was on your segment, Today, Greg, Greg you're
gonna be In hughes segment On monday On Hardcore. Football
does that sound?
Speaker 5 (43:52):
Okay sound's okay to me
You're home for the twelfth Man in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Proudly Presidence Hardcore Football with Hugh Millon, brought to you
by Hunt Services, Lad on the Horn and Cole Heights.
Now here's Hugh with the Infernets on Sports Radio ninety
three point three KJRFM.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
All right, welcome back in here you go, hardcore football
on a Monday afternoon. No a hardcore game to talk
about yesterday, because why well, the Seahawks got a bye week.
Next up, I hit the road against the Commanders. We
did half of this on Friday, and in all this
an all transparency, we tape the second half on Friday.
Why because Great co Sale's a busy man. Hugh Millon's
(00:40):
a busy man. But Great Cosell was on Hardcore on
Hugh Millons with Great co Sale segment on Friday talking
Seahawks defense through seven games. Great Cosales now on Hugh
Millen's segment Hardcore Football on this Monday. And basically, that's
what these two guys do, is hardcore football. And I'm
gonna get the hell out of the way and let
these guys for the next seventeen to eighteen minutes talk
about the Seahawks offense seven games into the season, Hugh Millen,
(01:03):
I'm gonna turn it over to you to get after
it with Greg Cosell and chop it up, fire away back.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
I love it.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
Well, let's talk offense here, and I think I think
the uh we talked about the rush defense Greg last
week that rush defense might be the best part of
the team on the Seahork team, I think rush offense
is the worst part. And just some numbers to reflect,
So the run percentage, the frequency the Seahawks at forty
(01:29):
eight point nine percent run, that's number one in the
NFL break rushing yards a game. They're nineteenth rush yards
per attempt, they're thirtieth. What do you see And we'll
get to granule on some schemes, but just as a
general view, you're looking at thirty one other teams, you're
comparing it. You're seeing these struggles by the Seahawks rush offense.
(01:51):
What do you see from that perspective?
Speaker 5 (01:54):
Well, just as a quick aside before I answer that you,
I think that Mike McDonald, And again I don't listen obviously,
I'm not out there. I don't listen to press conference,
so I don't know what the coach says, but I
thought it was fascinating that they opened up the game
against the Texans in twenty one personnel and ran isol
lead week. Okay, because that's an attitude play. As you know,
(02:15):
you know, you've been with a lot of teams that
ran the ball, you know, you were the Cowboys, And
I think McDonald pretty much started that game with the
idea that I want to run the ball and I
want to develop more physicality, and I think that's probably
something they want. But I would answer your question in
a more you know, macro way by saying that I
(02:36):
think that one of the issues with Walker, Kenneth Walker,
who's obviously very gifted in terms of quickness, burst, all
those traits that you look for in a running back,
is he's not an innate, natural downhill runner. And he's
not a guy that immediately and innately gets harder in
the yards. He's a bouncer. So what happens a lot
(03:00):
instead of hitting it and getting two three yards and
by the way, as you know, you every yard matters
in the NFL. He's a guy that looks to bounce
a lot, and there's too many you know, minus ones
or no gains, and that really hurts an offense and Charboney.
You know, he's just not gifted enough as a runner
(03:21):
to be a guy that to my based on my
tape study that you want to give the ball to
a lot, He's just not gifted enough. So I think
that Walker is the guy that and I don't know
if you can change a guy sort of innate mentality,
but he's the guy that needs to be the guy.
But he's at times it's a struggle with him because
he just does not hit it up inside.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
Yeah, I think that's some money observation. And first of all,
for those that are wondering, what is an iso meaning,
obviously that's a term for isolation, and what that is
is depending on the defensive front, the offensive guard on
the play side will generally block down with the center
to create a double team.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
And then the full back.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Now in this case, Greg that that was that's your
backup fullback, right, I mean that was that was Brady Russell.
But the fullback is leading up on the middle linebacker
generally depending on the front, and it's a it's probably
the most violent playing football, And you're right, Emmitt Smith
had more rush rush rushing yards and his cowboy career
(04:25):
on ISO than probably any other run with Moose Johnson.
Uh clear in the way in that regard, So it
and and you're you're right to point out hey first
play of the game. It reflects what the discussion has
been all week. So I'm glad that you pointed that out.
Let's get granular on on K nine and and and Greg.
As you know, there was a lot of talk in
(04:47):
the off season about Clint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator, UH,
that he's gonna come in, He's going to bring in
the outside zone. So let's let's let's talk about some
numbers in that regard the outside zone. The person the
Seahawks at twenty five point two percent, that's seventh in
the NFL. They got fifty one attempts, that's about seven
point three a game.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
They now their.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Average on all running plays there is three point seven
yards and that's thirtieth. Their average on the outside zones
a little better at four point two. Average was about eighteenth.
But Canine averages five point five and Charbonnet averages one
point nine on the outside zone. Let me say it again,
five So Canine, there are nineteen running backs who have
(05:33):
twenty or more rush attempts on the outside zone in
the NFL five point five average.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
That's fourth.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Of course, Bjeon Robinson is the king of the outside zone,
as you know. But but but as we're getting granular
on that running game that we're told about the outside zone,
the presence, they are actually you know a little bit
better in that regard, and Canine's a lot better and
maybe reflective of your observation about the bounce nature, Hey,
he's you know, he's kind of there's a built in
(06:00):
opportunity for a bouts on a stretch. Maybe just talk
about that what you see from the outside zone specifically.
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Yeah, Well, as you know, you I mean outside zone
at some point, I mean unless it's totally clear to
the perimeter, which rarely happens. At some point you've got
to stick your foot in the ground and you've got
to get your shoulder square and you've got to hit
it up. You know, that's essentially outside zone. And I
just you know, Walker to me is uneven in that regard.
And the thing is is he's so explosive. There's such
(06:30):
natural quickness to him, and I don't think he and
I think he does have some natural power to him
as well, but he just too often, you know, when
he feels that it's muddy, he just doesn't hit it
up in there. And I think that, you know, you
know the difference. I mean, I hope people listening know
the difference. There's a big difference between second and eight
(06:51):
and second and twelve. It's a big difference in terms
of play calling, play calling options, how your quarterback feels
about the play. And I just think that, you know,
I learned this. I worked with Merrillhidge for years and
years and years, and you know, he used to tell
me that when he first started in the league, Joe
Green was still playing, and Joe Green made it very
clear to him. And I imagine when Joe Green spoke
(07:13):
that people listened and Joe Green told him that, you know, hey,
if you get one yard, that's better than gaining no yards.
And I think that that has to be the attitude
of backs. You know, you can't search for big plays.
They have to come naturally. And I think, again, I
don't know what's in Kenneth Walker's head. Obviously I don't,
(07:33):
but I think when I watch his tape, I always
feel you as if he's searching.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Greg Coseil with us. I agree with that.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
And and by the way, just a thought on Greg,
I'm gonna embarrass him here for a second. He didn't
know I was going to say this, but he is
the one guy, one analyst in all of football on
any network anywhere, local, national, that did not play the game,
but knows the game to the level of coaches and quarterbacks.
And so when Greg Cosel talks, I listened because I
(08:02):
know he's looking at thirty two teams and we're getting
a wonderful perspective from him looking at the Seahawks before
we transition into the passing game. And obviously Sam Darnold, Greg,
let's let's kind of hit a point that's kind of
in between those and that's play action pass. Now you
and I on the thirty third team, and we saw
a presentation not terribly long ago, and thirty third team
(08:26):
is kind of a think tank of former GMS. There's
some few players, a lot of GM's former head coaches.
When you know when Bill Pollian is talking, you know
you listen to him. A Hall of Fame GM, among
many others. I mean, Chris Peterson's been on it, you know,
so so, but we saw a presentation and there was
(08:46):
very firm statistics that said that it doesn't. Play action
success is the number one thing you can do to
help your passing game is to go out of play action.
But play action success is not determined on how well
you run the football. If that's true, that's good for
the Seahawks because right now they're not running their ball
real well. But it seems counterintuitive. I want Greg Cosell
(09:11):
to tell us about your opinion in that regard about
the specific facet play action effectiveness. How important is it
that you are running the ball well to have that
yes or no?
Speaker 5 (09:23):
Well, no, it's been proven overtime you that there's really
no correlation whatsoever between running the ball effectively and play
action success. Because think of it this way. If you're
a defense, if you're a linebacker and it's the middle
of the second quarter, no linebacker goes into the huddle
and says, hey, you know what, guys, they've had eight
(09:43):
rushers for eleven yards, so we don't have to worry
about the run game. It doesn't work like that. You know,
defensive players, particularly second and third level players, they're taught
how to react to indicators and cues, and they react
to what they see in front of them. They're not
reacting to whether it's been great or not. I mean, look,
you played with the Cowboys. Obviously they had a great
(10:03):
run game with them at Smith, but their run was
established before they even stepped on the field. They didn't
have to run the ball well in a given game
for play action to work. That was already just built
into how they played football. So there's really no correlation whatsoever.
And I will say this. You know, when Klint Kubiak
was hired, we all talked about the play action and
(10:24):
I would say over the last month, probably the last
four games, we have definitely seen an increase in the
play action element, especially with Donald under center. And to me,
I think play action with the quarterback under center it's
far more effective than play action with the quarterback and
the gun. And Donald has been phenomenal in those four
(10:45):
games with under center, play action and he pushes the
ball down the field. I mean, he said fourteen completions
you in the last four games play action under center.
Fourteen completions for three hundred and eighty three yards. Think
about that for a minute. Yeah, fourteen completions three hundred
and eighty three yards. That is unbelievable. So I think
(11:05):
we're seeing more and more of it. Probably Klint Kubiak
and Donald just had to get comfortable with the whole system.
You now you can go through OTA's trading camp. Until
you play in the games, you don't really know.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
All right again, once again you're listening to Greg co
Sale Hugh Mill and it's a boy special edition of
Hardcore Football. We brought it over from Friday and we
had Hugh Won talking with Gregor and the bye week
we did this last year. People loved it. I'm gonna
get the hell out of the way. Greg was talking
about Sam Donald in the play action game, Hugh fire Away.
Speaker 5 (11:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
Following up on that free the play Action, Greg, you
go back to a year ago when Donald was with
the Vikings. Every way I filtered play Action, you always
came up with this that Jared Goff is number one
in terms of frequency on all the play action numbers,
but Sam Donald was number two in frequency and number
(11:54):
one in terms of passer rating. I mean filtering for
what I think is almost the hardest thing at quarterbacking,
filtering the fall away Greg under center play action and
throwing the ball between the numbers, Sam Donald had a
passer rating of one hundred and forty three. And to
turn your back on the defense. I'm glad you talked
(12:16):
about that because it's happening again this year and here
Donald is number one in the NFL in yards pert tempt,
number one in yards per completion, and number one in
terms of the percentage of his completions that are ten
or more yards. He's pushing the ball down the field.
As you said, let's just kind of put the spotlight
(12:36):
on him. What you think about Donald relative to other
quarterbacks and what he's bringing to Seattle.
Speaker 5 (12:44):
Well, the last two years, I've loved the way Donald
has played, and you're one hundred percent right, And I
think that's one reason why they wanted to go get Donald,
because they knew they were going to They hired Kubiak,
and they wanted to play action pass game under center,
which is, as you know, you was a learned to
trade because you know, when you turn your back to
the defense. Not every quarterback fields very good about that
because the defense is not in the same place they
(13:05):
were before you turned your back. So that's a learned
trait and that's hard to do, you know, And I
think that Donald The one thing I've always liked about
Donald these last two years is that he pushes it
down the field of play action. He's not looking to
check it down. He's looking to throw it down the field.
And you made a great point about throwing between the numbers.
(13:25):
You know, that's hard to do in this league. You know,
it's different than college football, where the hash marks are wider,
and it seems like, you know, it seems like you
don't have to throw in the middle of the field,
you just work outside in the NFL. The NFL game,
both the run game and the pass game for the
most part, are played in the middle of the field
because of the hash marks, and those are hard throws.
(13:45):
Those window throws versus own coverage between people, or you
have to layer it just over a second level defender.
Those are difficult throws and Donald's made those throws really well. Now,
one final point I think is really important about this offense,
and it allows them to get more predictable looks. This
is a base personnel offense. They've only run eleven personnel
(14:08):
meeting three wide receivers on the field about thirty five
percent of the time. They are a base personnel offense
and by that, I mean they play with multiple tight ends,
two and three tight ends, and Arroyo can line up
anywhere the rookie and Barner is actually an interesting player
as well. But the point is is you tend to
get defenses that play base defense, and so as you
(14:31):
know you from when you played, you know when you
defense is in base you tend to get more predictable fronts,
you tend to get more predictable coverages. The playbook isn't
as extensive in your base defense as it is in
your sub defenses. And I think that that's really helped
as well.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
No, it really hasn't. And you made the point about
checkdown percentage. Out of thirty two quarterbacks, Darnald is thirtieth
in his percentage of checking down right, So he does
want to push the ball down the field, and yet
his off target even though he's pushing the ball down
the field.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
The average off target this is coming from the NFL
stat portal is ten point four percent of quarterbacks or
of passes rather our off target, UH, Darnld just six
point three percent. That's second best in the NFL. But
let's shift to the targets you mentioned. Barnard, I want
to get to him. But before we do that, Jackson
Smith and Jigba leading the NFL in I mean, think
(15:24):
of this, There's only two receivers that are over one
hundred yards a game, Poka Nicoa at one hundred and
three and JSN at one hundred and seventeen. Now there's
so much to like. I want to get your take
on what you see from him and the tape before
we talk about maybe a concern there, but just in
a general general thought, what do you see from JSN
(15:46):
and how does he compare to the actual you know,
handful half a dozen of very best receivers in the
NFL today.
Speaker 5 (15:55):
I love watching him you because to me, first of all,
I think he understands how to use his vertical stem
to set up corners. And secondly, he's so quick in
and out of breaks at the top of his stem.
I remember watching him in Ohio State and thinking, boy,
this guy is so quick and that has translated to
the league. That's what he looks like. And I think
(16:17):
he's faster than I thought that he was when he
came into the league. I mean, I remember the touchdown.
It was a couple of weeks ago. There was probably
Jacksonville when he ran the about a sixty yard touchdown
and he ran by Newsom like he wasn't there on
the post route to deep post. And you know, he's
just to me the way he sets up corners. I mean,
(16:41):
look what he did this week. You know, he had
a number of matchups against Stingley. Now they didn't end
up playing matchup football the Texans. They had Stingley play
left corner and lasted to play right corner, but he
worked against both guys. I mean he ran an outcut
I think it was nineteen yards. It was kind of
a flood concept against using where he just angled his
stem a little bit inside and all it took was
(17:04):
for Stingley just to turn his body just a little
bit to the inside and then he knew immediately he
had the outcut and Stingley couldn't play it. He just
has such a great feel for route running. Had to
use his stem, had to snap out of his brakes.
He's a really really good receiver.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
Yeah, you know, and the thing for him when you
see him in person, what struck me when I first
laid eyes on him is whoa that dude is a
low cut guy. You know, relatively short legs, you know,
good size at six'. One not, elite but not, short
but a low cut. Guy and you, Know i've played
with Ten Pro bowl, receivers you, know on the field
(17:43):
with The seahawks, watching you, know all the best for
a few. Decades i've put my eyes on a lot
of wide. Receivers Don schneider says body profiling is a
huge part of what we. Do that's a direct. Quote
and the body profile FOR jsn with that low center of,
GRAVITY i, said a low cut guy just allows for
that body control when he's speak cutting out just, yeah
(18:05):
he can just turn that and then of course HIS
iq and his his. HANDS i, mean there's a lot
of elite factors in this.
Speaker 5 (18:12):
Guy. Yeah and it's funny you say that because he
doesn't look six to. One because of, that you, know
you almost feel like he's a smaller. Guy but he's.
Not that's the, thing you, know so's He's AND i
actually saw him in person a number of years, ago
he was still At Ohio, state and he just doesn't
look big in, person but he is six to, one you,
Know and, that's LIKE i, said it's kind of.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Surprising, yeah a couple more minutes With Greg cosell And. Greg,
now if there is a concern here, Here i've kind
OF i, thought wait a, minute he has if you
take his targets and he's, seventy he's got seventy. Targets
his catch percentage is nineteenth in THE. Nfl, right so
there's been fifty, catches so there's been twenty. Incompletions but
(18:58):
but the way they are are feeding.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
The ball to.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
Him the next closest, Guy Cooper, cup in terms of,
targets has forty seven point one percent of the targets
THE jsn, OKAY i take the top eight teams in
terms of the division leaders right, now they average their
second most targeted guy is seventy nine point four percent
(19:25):
of their most targeted. Guy and again The seahawks are
way at forty seven point one, percent almost less than
half the number three. Guy the average is sixty three
percent of the eight division. Leaders the third, guy which
is Aj, barner he has thirty one percent of the
(19:45):
targets that you see FROM. Jsn the average for the
division leaders is sixty three. Percent going back to the
number two guys over the Last Super bowl on winners
that this number two guy averages a little over eighty
percent of the top guy and so for for the
next closest, Guy cup to be at only seven percent
(20:06):
of the targets THAT jsn is. Seeing is that something
where is that like your cowboys riding for a fall
type of a concern or just what do you think
about the imbalance in that?
Speaker 5 (20:17):
REGARD i think that that's somewhat camouflaged and compensated for
by their use of base, personnel BECAUSE i think it's
harder for teams to do a lot of different things
defensively if they're in their base. Defense so is that
something they probably would like to work on and change
a little? Bit? Probably BUT i would think that right
(20:40):
now they don't view, that you as a big issue
because you know the thing About smith And jigba AND
i talked about this With ian when the trade when
they ended up Getting, cup and right away a lot
of people immediately, said, oh, well what are they? Doing
they got two slot. Receivers, well first of All smith
and jig but they knew what he was and he's
lined up about eighty percent of his routes on the,
(21:02):
outside you, know not in the, slot because they knew
he could do. That So i'm curious to see if that.
Changes but you, KNOW i don't think they're going to
dramatically change how much they play at a base personnel
with multiple tight, ends BECAUSE i think that's been really
successful for them and they're going to make teams defend.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
That my last question for we make a real last
one because we don't want to lose time here to
you fire, AWAY i don't get yeah, right.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Yeah fireway three two. One my last question For.
Speaker 4 (21:28):
Greg you Mentioned barnard hit on him, quickly and Then
i'm going to leave it open end at any other
personnel or schematic things that you see From seattle that
either impress you or if there's a concern if you're
A sea ok, fan what you see from this.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
Offense, well the guy That i'm most intrigued is the
season progresses Is, arroyo the rookie tight end From, miami
BECAUSE i think that he has a vertical dimension to his.
Game he can stretch it. OUT i think he's got
the ability to be what we, called you, know the
b on the back side of, trips where he's the
single receiver to the short side of the field and
(22:05):
you can put three wide outs to the wide side
of the field and that can dictate to the quarterback
pre snap. Exactly So i'm really anxious to see you
how they deploy You arroyo as the season progresses and
as he continues to develop in the.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Offense, Well i'll tell You, Ian greg AND i have
had these kind of conversations on the, phone just kind
of talking shop and talking. BALL i Think greg we
have a kinship and then we just we just can't get, enough,
right just love talking, ball and so we've had these
type Of we've had these discussions over the. Phone tried
to bring a little bit of that to the station here.
(22:40):
Today And greg can't thank you. Enough awesome. Stuff as,
always it's never not awesome and and certainly appreciate your
time spending with us and giving your thoughts on the sea.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
Ours, OH i loved. You it's always great talking with.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
You.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Yeah you, Guys i'll just say. This we did this
last year in The seahawk bye. Week we came up
with the idea to have these two guys just go
for it and go and let you kind of take it.
Over AND, i as a football, FAN i love. IT
i learned from both of you guys every WEEK i
learned From greg Every. FRIDAY i learn from you Every
monday WHEN i have you. On and you, know football
to me is more enjoyable when you kind of have
a better understanding what's going. On and you guys do
(23:15):
both a great job of articulating how it. Works AND
i love having you guys. ON i love the fact
you're both part of my show. Man it makes, ME i,
mean it's you add to what we do in a
LEVEL i can't even. Express so thanks both of you
guys for coming. On we appreciate. It, Greg greg will
talk to you On friday before The hawks commanders And
hugh will talk to you a week for today and my,
friend thank you so much.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
Much there you. Go, thanks, guys really appreciate.
Speaker 6 (23:37):
It it's time For egan's weekly visit WITH Nfl Films Greg,
coso brought to you By Seattle Cider company on your
home for the Twelfth man and THE Nfl Sports radio
ninety three point three kJ R.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Fm all, right here we go on A friday Afternoon
Sports Day night three point Three KIDS fm is our
segment With greg Co. Cell we do it Every. Friday
we previews A seahawk game and you're saying to yourself
in there's No seahawk game this, Weekend i'm, saying you're,
correct you you've you've nailed. It you're one hundred percent,
right Big thanks by the way To Seattle Cider company down,
There Sodo district now open for all, ages food being,
(24:15):
Served swing on By Seattle. Sider look for your local grocery.
Stores pumpkin spices out right. Now not too sweet, sweet absolutely.
Fantastic greg Co cell is here and last year during
the bye, WEEK i had, this this. BRAINSTORM i don't
come up with a lot of good, Ideas, greg BUT
i THOUGHT i had one last. Year it, Works so,
well we're gonna do it. Again can we bring our
Friend Hugh millen in for a conversation? Today how does that? Sound?
Speaker 5 (24:36):
Yeah, well finally get some intelligent conversation. Here then about The.
Seahawks so, Yeah greak And Green.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
Newland you're hitting your lines, Already, greg, Good you're.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
Right you's got to scrap here all, weekend you, know you,
know just.
Speaker 3 (24:50):
Tip your, server try the, veal have some. Fun, Okay,
uh here's what we're gonna. Do we're gonna spend AND
i know it's gonna. Take we'll spend some time on. This,
today we're gonna talk just kind of defense and, all
and what we kind of. Liked WHAT i like doing
is Let hugh kind of take over sometimes and he
And greg talk and THEN i just sit back and
you me all the. Listeners we learned something in general.
Terms we're gonna do part of a defense and then
(25:10):
part of an, offense And hugh all kind of toss
it to you with what you want to go with
with With, greg But i'll just say this that you
told us you When mike McDonald was, hired he thought
he was maybe the best defensive mind or one of
the best defensive minds you've seen in a. While we're
really seeing that come to fruition this. Season to, You
i'll turn it over to you And. Greg your thoughts
on the defense so far five game or seven games
(25:31):
into the.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Season, YEAH i want.
Speaker 4 (25:32):
To Get greg's take because he's you, know he looks
at all thirty two, teams so he can be in
many ways more objective than the rest of. Us but But,
greg let's just start with the rush. DEFENSE i think
there's five parts of. Football how you pass the, ball
how you run, it how you defend the, pass how
you defend the, run and then special TEAMS i think
are all about a fifth AND i think that the,
best If i'm right on, that my contention would be
(25:55):
the rush defense is the best component of C adams football.
Team they're number one in THE nfl in rushing yards
per game around allowed it at just under ninety six
or excuse, me seventy. Six seventy six rushing yards per
temp their. Second but in RUSH epa there's expected points
(26:16):
that's emerging as a high correlation, statistic they're.
Speaker 1 (26:20):
By far number one in THE.
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Nfl just kind of what's your take when you watch
the tape about how they stopped the?
Speaker 5 (26:26):
Run, well, ACTUALLY i really love the way certain players
have really. DEVELOPED i, mean to, me the one player
that really stands, out, guys is Is Byron. Murphy you,
know he was the number one pick last, year the
second defensive player chosen in the. Draft struggled in his
rookie season with, injuries you, know couldn't play every single.
(26:48):
Week and just WHEN i watch him now on film
taking on double, TEAMS i, mean there was a play
this week and it just WHEN i noticed, IT i
actually called in some of the guys from my matchup
show because the way he was able just to hold
his ground and therefore maintain his gap integrity when he
was being double team by probably seven hundred tounds of offensive,
(27:11):
LINE i thought was just. Incredible AND i think you're
seeing all the traits that he brings to the table
BECAUSE i obviously evaluated him in detail coming out Of
texas probably for two, years AND i think he's been
a major force we know About. Williams williams is just
a very versatile. Player you, know he can line up
AT d n he can line up AT d. Tackle
(27:32):
and clearly they made the change at. Linebacker what was
that about three weeks? Ago where Now Drake thomas is
now the starter and instead Of Night AND i think
you're dealing with a guy that's just got more quickness
to him or athleticism to. HIM i think he has
a quicker. Trigger SO i think that these are the
things that stand out to.
Speaker 6 (27:51):
Me.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
You i'm sure there's other things that have stood out
to you as.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
Well, Yeah i'd like to get your take on let's
talk About Byron murphy there for a, second because you,
know here's a guy that At texas was primarily a
three tech right he played.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
Nose, tackle but primarily it was a three.
Speaker 4 (28:08):
Tech but At, Seattle Leonard williams is your three, tech, Right,
so So Byer murphy having to play the shade the one,
tech you, know guys in the a gap between the
center and the guard and really over the center, shoulder
that that's not maybe his ideal. Spot but WHEN i
watch how The seahawks build a, wall you, know it's
(28:29):
it's like they play a gap and a.
Speaker 1 (28:30):
Half, greg you, know the the idea of a single.
Speaker 4 (28:34):
Gap, okay we just want to penetrate and get up
into and be, disruptive and then there's the two. Gap all,
right let's just play center cut on the offensive lineman
be able to react to either. Gap The seahawks they
build that wall by playing a gap and a. Half
they get into the, gap but the main contact with
the offensive lineman and they're in a position to still
(28:56):
throw the lineman and get into the other. Gap it
takes a lot of strength to do, that but when
you have everybody doing, it man that they are really
building the, wall forcing running backs to.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Spill talk About.
Speaker 4 (29:08):
Murphy in that, regard and then just the overall scheme
that you see as it compares to the thirty one
other teams and how they defend the.
Speaker 5 (29:15):
Run, YEAH i, mean you, KNOW i don't know schematically
they're you, know there's not as you, know you there's
not one hundred ways to play your defensive. Front but
that gap in a half is a very common way
teams want to play, now just because you, know in
a sense it requires one less player to be able
to cover all the gaps and that allows you to
do more with your pass, defense and particularly the way
(29:38):
they play pass, defense WHICH i think we need to
talk about in detail as, well because What mike McDonald
does they ARE i find. Phenomenal but, anyway you, Know,
murphy even though he's not a pure three, technique he's
still lining up essentially in a, gap and that's the
way he plays best because he has great initial quickness
off the, Ball so even if he's not just penetrating a,
(29:59):
gap he at least has explosion off the ball and
can use because he's so low cut to the, ground
with such a low center of, gravity he can still
be explosive and use that strength and be a. Factor
so you, KNOW i think he to, ME i GUESS
i would, say you, know based on my, study and
(30:19):
you might go through it a little more in, detail
you but in my, STUDY i think that he's a
major difference from a year ago in what they run
defenses this year because he's now playing at a really high.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Level, YEAH i think his, RECOGNITION i think his. STRENGTH
i think he's adopted to the McDonald the gap and a,
half the idea that he's he's more in the middle
of the. Defense let's let's shift you you touch on
the pass. Defense touch on some. Statistics opponent. Attempts The
seaks are thirty so they're seeing a lot of pass,
attempts but passing yards per attempt The seaks are fifth
(30:55):
best in the. League yards per completion their third, Best
so there's things that are showing. Up and then also
obviously this relates to pass. Defense they're number one in
hurries at sixteen point four presser percentage they're number, Four
so a lot of good things happening in the past.
Defense what do you see that give that catches your?
(31:18):
Eye And Greg cosel's with us Comparing seattle to the
other thirty one.
Speaker 5 (31:21):
Teams, well a couple of things really stand out to.
Me first of, all this team plays nickel at a
higher percentage than any team in the, league and obviously
With nick m And Warri, back WHO i thought was
the best safety prospect in the. Draft he is an
incredibly versatile. Player AND i don't know If mike McDonald
sees him similarly To Kyle, hamilton who he had In,
baltimore BUT i see him that, way and my guess
(31:43):
is that the coach does somewhat as. Well the other
THING i would say is what's really stood out is
the way they've made a change on the back. End
josh job is now clearly the boundary. Corner he was
not the boundary corner a year, ago when he was
essentially their nickel who played on the, outside and now
he's seen as their best outside, corner AND i think
he's played that. Way and the other thing that really
(32:05):
stands out to, me and this is WHAT i love
about watching tape and about seeing the way guys. Coach
and it's why SOMETIMES i WISH i just had the
batphone and can call up the coach While i'm watching,
tape you, know because you go back two weeks you
and they Play, jacksonville, okay and in that game they
rarely ever Blitzed. OKAY i think they rushed five or
more on five Of lawrence's, dropbacks and they had an
(32:26):
unbelievable four man d line pass rush with a very
high pressure rate as you. Remember but then this week
they played The Houston texans and they amp up the.
Pressure this was a big pressure week in terms of.
Blitz and, see to, ME i always love, it not
That Mike mike McDonald needs me to, say you, know
whether he's good or bad at. Something believe, me you
(32:47):
know there's a lot more THAN i. Do BUT i
love that he's not beholden to just one way of
playing every week like this is what we, do no matter,
what you, know he changes up what he does based
on his sense of the oppoe. It he can come
up with different tactics and different schematics AND i just,
think to, me that's just a sign of really good.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
Coaching, YEAH i couldn't agree. More and to put some
numbers to that five man. Rushes coming into the, Game
mike McDonald had just averaged five and a half per
game Against houston thirteen thirteen, dropbacks produced two sacks on
those five man, rushes AND. Cj stroud was seven eleven
sixty two yards and a seventy nine sub eighty passer
(33:29):
rating and then the six man rush Greg all, Season
mike McDonald only four six man, rushes two Against, arizona
two Against New.
Speaker 1 (33:40):
Orleans Against houston.
Speaker 4 (33:41):
He had Five stroud goes one for five for five
yards and an interception and a rating of, zero which
is actually worse than if you just threw the ball
on the ground because you get a thirty nine because
he didn't throw an. Interception so there's some numbers to.
That what about the personnel that might have impressed do
you in? That you Mentioned Emon worriy' let's touch on
(34:03):
that because because we've only seen five plays With seattle
With Emon worry and With witherspoon both, Healthy witherspoon has
been the.
Speaker 1 (34:13):
Nickel now you Project Emon worry to be the.
Speaker 4 (34:16):
Nickel you know we're gonna see Probably spoon more outside
or more dime like like, like.
Speaker 5 (34:21):
What are you going to be a really interesting, question
Right and Because Emmon worry to, ME i, mean is
that kind of? PLAYER i, mean because Obviously love's going
to be, Back bryant's a solid. Safety just a quick.
ASIDE i also think it's a sign a really good,
coaching when you put your backups in Like okada and
he plays well for a couple of, weeks you, KNOW
(34:42):
i think that's a good sign of how you prepare
guys and how they when they get the, opportunity they play.
Well but just getting back to the original, Point i'm
really curious to see what they do When witherspoon is,
back because obviously he's been the slot corner when they
go nickel and em and. Worry that's kind of what he.
IS i, mean he's sort of that that kind of
movable chess piece on the, board AND i think he's
(35:04):
really good at. That so the question, becomes you, KNOW
i don't know what THEY i, know there's probably been
a lot of talk On i'm not out. There you, Know,
ian you could probably addressed this far better THAN. I
i don't know if there's talk, about you, Know woolen
possibly being traded BECAUSE i Think job has clearly been
their number one corner for most of their, season and,
yeah you, Know witherspoon stay on the. OUTSIDE i personally
(35:27):
would not like to see him And ory come off the.
FIELD i don't know what the coaching staff, thinks BUT
i think he's such a unique player that can do
multiple things for. YOU i don't think you want him
playing twenty snaps a.
Speaker 3 (35:37):
Game, yeah Just i'll jump, in by the, way if you're,
listen just tuning in right, now That's Greg. Cosel you Know.
Greg On fridays at this, time That's. Humillan he's he's
with us. Today we did this last year in The
seahawk bye. Week and trust, Me i'm just getting the
hell out of the way BECAUSE i love listen to
these two guys talk. Football, man this is awesome for
me to answer Question. GREG i think there has been
that conversation out. There you, know we've talked about it
amongst the media out there at the facility and so.
(35:58):
Forth THEY i think what they saw In hugh you
know this as well AS i. Do LIKE i think
what they saw when all of a sudden they lost
a couple of guys When wolan was out and they're
down to The pritchett world and stuff like, that it
got a little, dicey and So i'm not. SURE i
think depth at corner might be something that they'd cherish
more than a fourth or fifth or sixth round draft.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Pick, Yeah, greg you, KNOW i Think wolan had a
pretty good, GAME i thought Against. HOUSTON i think this
ceiling is, high his floor is. Low the gap, between you,
KNOW i think there's an inconsistency. Issue but you, know
there's not a lot of guys walking around in a
mall that can step on AN nfl field and shadow you,
KNOW nfl wide, Receivers SO i think they may. Be you,
(36:39):
KNOW i don't think That wolan is McDonald's. STYLE i
don't think he's you, KNOW i don't think he's gritty
and tough the way he'd like. Him but he's a
hell of an, athlete you. KNOW i JUST i think
you're right to be curious about. That BUT i want
to hit you up back on a follow up on
him and warr because you said he was your favorite
safety coming Out Kyle, hamilton just as a, reminder the
(37:02):
first Team All pro safety for The Baltimore. Ravens obviously
That mike McDonald coach In. Baltimore you had an expectation
when you watch on his tape At South. Carolina now
you're seeing him on the field for a few weeks
he'd been. Injured let's really get granule On nick amm
and worry what you see how he differs From Kyle,
(37:26):
hamilton how he may be like or unlike what you
expected when you watch the tape coming out of.
Speaker 5 (37:31):
College, well the one thing he's not doing In, seattle
which he did At South carolina was play on the back,
end WHICH i think he's capable of as. Well but
he's mostly been used as a you, know depending on
what the offensive formation is that down in distance the field,
location he's either been in the, box he's been an
overhang player just outside the, box or he's lined up
over the slot. Receiver so he's essentially lined up in
(37:55):
those three. Areas they move him around a. Bit you,
KNOW i guess it's funny talking about what happens When
witherspoon comes. Back it raises the. Question you, know they've
not been a dime defense in pure pass. Situations they've
only played sixteen snaps of dime all season. Long they're a,
high high percentage nickel defense at about eighty eight. Percent the,
(38:15):
question you, is When witherspoon comes, back do they perhaps
become more of a dime defense and Play you, Know
jones obviously would be the linebacker that would stay on
the field because he's kind of a do it all
guy as. Well but maybe that's the. ANSWER i don't. Know,
again that's up to the. Coach but you, know LIKE i,
SAID i don't feel And witherspoon is a really good player,
(38:38):
too who brings a, swagger a toughness and competitiveness to your,
defense and you want him out. There he's just a
good football. Player BUT i just don't believe you want
to take em And warry off the field for meaningful, Snaps.
Speaker 4 (38:48):
No, Doubt greg cosel with us And, GREG i Think
Imon warry is just a star in the, makings just a,
big beautiful after, all very, fluid the acceleration in that sword,
area you, know twelve. Yards his tackling has been a.
LEAD i think his recognition is getting better and. Better
you saw that deflected play where he was the curral
defender on the back. Side he jumps with his, length
(39:11):
he has. Recognition he hits a skid route coming from
the opposite side on a big pass.
Speaker 1 (39:16):
BREAKUP i love. That let's close on the.
Speaker 4 (39:19):
Defense with a final thought of concern THAT i have
and it's reflected in these numbers the pressure rate for The.
Seahawks this is their defense against, Quarterback their number two
in THE nfl in quarters one to, two and. Three,
however in quarter number, four their twenty second The Houston Houston,
(39:41):
texans they had fourteen drives in the. Game their longest
two drives were the last two drives Against Tampa bay
three drives of seventy plus yards all in the second
half Against arizona two touchdown drives of seventy three and
fifty seven yards in the fourth, quarter the fourth down
collapsing in the forty nine ers that they have consistently
(40:03):
been a very sub average, defense you, know particularly in
past defense in the fourth, Quarter what do you see
in terms of those, PRESSURES i think Maybe Derek hall
just to get the, rotation you, know maybe missing one
guy because maybe they're getting gas because they play it
such a high energy before you see on you see the,
tape you see a lot of.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
Teams what are you seeing in that?
Speaker 5 (40:25):
Regard, well WHAT i would say is, THIS i would
say that for the most, part none of their edge
rushers AND i don't think they're bad, players you by any.
Means it's not as if they're bad, players BUT i
don't think they have that one, guy you, KNOW i
go back To Bill walsh talking, about you, know the
key to defense is pass rush in the fourth, quarter
and you just hit on a really important. POINT i
(40:46):
don't think they have that one guy that you necessarily
have to account for as an offense where you, say,
hey we better block. Him you might mean we have
to chip, him we might have to double team. HIM
i don't think they have that one guy on the
edge that has stepped forward at this point to be
that guy that you have to deal with in that.
Way SO i think there's some guys that have some good,
traits And Derek hall has been out AND i don't
(41:09):
know if he can develop into that. Guy but you,
KNOW i think up to this, Point nuuosu and And
mafi have not necessarily shown that they're that. Guy they're
not bad, players BUT i don't think they've shown that
they're the guy you have to account for by you,
know from a defensive, perspective excuse, me from an offensive.
Speaker 4 (41:29):
Perspective, yeah, Agreed and we spent a lot of time
in the summer talking, about, hey they don't have, that you,
know let's use a baseball term aircraft carry in the
middle of the lineup at defensive. End but BUT i,
thought you, know getting back to McDonald's coaching acumen coming
off of that brutal game against Against Tampa. BAY i,
mean it's like their, defense you, know every other game
(41:52):
they look Like Megan. Fox and they had one week
where they looked Like rosie. O'Donnell you. Know you, know
so there's a lot of THINGS i have not been
able to U, yeah you, know, hey just want to
keep make sure that you're paying. Attention but he got,
me get, Right but but just always looks Like Megan,
fox by the. Way but, yes but but the, uh
(42:14):
let's let's talk about the scheme adjustments we talked. About
there was a lot more pressure against The texans the
week before Against. Jacksonville seven sacks Against Trevor, lawrence a
lot of, stunts AND i Thought DeMarcus, lawrence as we're
talking about, inns that was like the Fastest i'd seen
him on tape in a long. Time he looked, LIKE
i don't, KNOW i, SAID i don't know if he's
(42:35):
playing in front of his, home you, know his high,
school hometown crowd or whatever it. Was SO i thought
all those, stunts the outside, stunts the inside stunts they
schemed up to Get mike McDonald should, say schemed up
to get a lot of sacks, there and that's where
the pass rush really came alive a lot due to
just the.
Speaker 5 (42:52):
Scheming AND i think that's the critical. PIECE i thought
they had a high volume stunt game versus The, texans
and we'll see if they continued to do, that and
THEN i think it's a matter of pressure scheming. UP i,
mean you talk about the fourth, quarter and, again obviously
there is a delineation point between third and fourth. Quarter
but look what they did on third and ten with
The okada. Sack the late in the third quarter of
(43:13):
this past, week it was a six man, front it
became a five man overload. Pressure, obviously the way they
chose to the way The texans chose to pass, Protect
okata ended up being a free hitter because of the,
way you, know the overload. Concept so the question, is
do you start doing more of those? Things do you
start trying to create more overload pressure? Concepts understanding our
(43:34):
teams pass?
Speaker 3 (43:35):
Protect all, right we gotta jump in here real quick
and take you know what we gotta. Do we're gonna do.
This we're gonna carry this thing over To monday because
we got to talk about the. Offense all. Right we're
gonna carry this thing over To. Monday so here's the.
Deal hugh was on your segment, Today, Greg, Greg you're
gonna be In hughes segment On monday On Hardcore. Football
does that sound?
Speaker 5 (43:52):
Okay sound's okay to me
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