Save The Date: Seahawks vs. Cardinals
The Countdown Is On – Game 1 Is In 28 Days – September 9th, 2012
1:25PM PT - University of Phoenix Stadium
Matt Flynn was working with the Seahawks number one offense today in preparation for Saturday’s showdown (can you call a preseason game a showdown?) with Peyton Manning, Von Miller and the Broncos.
Observations
I noted yesterday that offensive lineman Lemuel Jeanpierre hurt his groin in practice, and as a result of that he sat out today’s practice. With John Moffitt already sitting out, Jeanpierre could start week one at right guard if need be.
Special team ace Matt McCoy sat out again today, he’s still healing his knee injury he suffered last season. He hasn’t been able to practice on a consistent basis this preseason, and is danger of getting cut with Heath Farwell filling the same role.
McCoy is an excellent contributor in the nickel defense though, so that gives him value.
Offense
Rookie phenom (can you call a 7th round defensive tackle turned offensive guard a phenom?) J.R. Sweezy practiced with the first team offense today while John Moffitt recovers from elbow surgery. Everyone and their Grandma’s have been singing Sweezy’s praise thus far, and deservedly so.
I wouldn’t bet against the former North Carolina Wolfpack who was a 2011 All-ACC tackle on defense.
Backup Tight Ends Cameron Morrah and Anthony McCoy both sat out today for an undisclosed reason. McCoy is a superb blocker and will be the starting Tight End if Zach Miller’s concussion keeps him out for an extended amount of time.
Morrah could take over for Kellen Winslow long term in the H-Back/Joker Tight End role.
Terrell Owens, who has had a rough few practices this week, might not play again this Saturday due to a rumored hamstring injury.
If he doesn’t, and with Braylon Edwards impressing and having chemistry with both Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson, and a deep receiver core, T.O. might be at risk of getting cut if he doesn’t impress in the last two preseason games.
Defense
Sophomore linebacker Malcolm Smith didn’t practice today as well. Smith was excellent on special teams this past season (he suffered a season ending injury last year making a big hit on special teams) and could be a good pass rusher off the edge with his speed (ran a mid 4.4 at the NFL Combine).
J.R. Sweezy practiced with the first team offense today. (Photo: Seahawks.com)
Jeremy Lane struggled again today, and has been one of the few players who have stood out to me in camp as not doing their job. Poor performance in practice combined with losing his temper in the mock game makes him a bubble player.
Quarterback Competition
As NWSportsbeat.com friend and just general good dude Brian (@HawkBlogger) noted, the NFL asked teams to try and use rubber laces for practice, and it showed.
All three quarterbacks’ accuracy seemed worse and they switched back to normal laces later in practice.
A lot has been made recently nationally of what the Seahawks are trying to do with Tarvaris Jackson. If they want to trade him, why sit him all of the preseason opener and week two, why not let him play and prove he has some value?
Because that is not the case.
When Pete Carroll says it’s a three man competition, it truly is.
Carroll does things unorthodoxly but he always is effective. Jackson’s base salary of four million for this season rules out any trade in my mind regardless.
Unless someone falls for the “Gimme me a 7th round pick line!”
What They’re Saying
Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell on the offense and quarterback situation:
“We’re committed to running the ball. Starts with the O-line. Our scheme is a zone scheme. Wide zone”
“We had a QB plan, one thing I can tell you is we know a lot about T-Jack, and what he can do. Plan is the same as last week”
For more quotes, follow our editor on Twitter @NWSBQ.
That’s it for the daily Seahawks Training Camp recaps from NWSportsBeat.com, thanks for reading.
Stay tuned for more Seahawks news as rosters get changed and this team starts to take shape!