Seattle Seahawks: The Dud and Stud of Game 1 – Atlanta
Ed Stein
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Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks. (photo by erimwad11, via_imagur)
2nd Dishonorable Mention – Poona Ford/ Jarran Reed
In a week where the Seattle Seahawks won so convincingly, finding players who played below the norm seems like nitpicking. It isn’t, these guys need to step up their game.
Seattle’s defensive tackles Poona Ford and Jarran Reed were silent for most of the game. Not making plays is one thing, but they were invisible for the most part. Atlanta interior offensive linemen manhandled the Seahawks DTs.
When the Falcons did run up the middle Todd Gurley’s first contact was a linebacker. If it wasn’t for the Seattle Seahawks offense putting up points, which forced Atlanta to pass more, the home side could have succeeded with three yards and a cloud of dust.
Because Atlanta did have to throw more, some push from Ford and Reed was needed to help the pass rush. Instead, the Seahawks had to generate most of their pressure through blitzes.
It’s almost guaranteed that Darth Belichick formulates a game plan for next Sunday to take advantage of Seattle’s weak interior defensive line.
1st Dishonorable Mention – Brandon Shell
The right side of Seattle’s offensive line wasn’t bad on Sunday. Many 12’s want to put blame on guard Damien Lewis. I’m inclined to cut the rookie some slack. It was his first NFL game and he was lined up opposite Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett.
Right Tackle Brandon Shell, however, could have been much better. This is his fifth year in the league, by now he should be able to handle defensive linemen. Instead, Wilson had a rusher in his face far too many times because Shell was either beat or missed an assignment.
Dud of the week – Shaquill Griffin
When given a choice of which Seahawks cornerback to throw against, Atlanta chose to pick on Shaquill Griffin instead of Quinton Dunbar. They were right to do it because Griffin looked far from a Pro Bowl-caliber corner on Sunday.
Yes, he made a great play in the fourth quarter when he got a hand on Matt Ryan’s intended pass to tight end Hunter Hurst. One play doesn’t make up for an entire game of poor play.
Everyone expects Falcons receiver Julio Jones to be outstanding. He’s the best wideout in football. But both Calvin Ridley and Justin Gage were able to catch passes against him. The Atlanta trio had 27 receptions for 401 yards and two TD. Over half that production was on Griffin’s side.
Calvin Ridley ? #RiseUpATL pic.twitter.com/HpRNdtAfQd
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 13, 2020