10 thoughts - Seahawks game

[Gandhi]

1 – I almost never complain about playcalls since the difference between success or failure is most often a matter inches. I do, however, complain about gameplanning. Petzing got outsmarted. End of discussion.

2 – Worst game this season by the interior offensive line. Total destruction.

3 – The secondary is playing very, very well.

4 – Blake Gillikin is a real weapon. Too bad the other punter also had a great day, but the fact remains that Gillikin’s impact on field position is a major asset.

5 – I am so impressed with what the defensive coaches have accomplished. Shoutout to Derrick Leblanc, William Peagler, Rob Rodriguez, Sam Siefkes, Ryan Smith, Patrick Toney, Ronald Booker, and Nick Rallis.

6 – As long as Kyler Murray is in rhythm in a structured, controlled system, he is a superstar. When he is not, his playing level is highly unstable. Yesterday he was not.

7 – Zaven Collins is playing surprisingly well as an edge defender. Unfortunately, he is not an impressive pass rusher, but he is good at all the other things.

8 – The other day, @Harry advocated for letting Jalen Thompson go after the season in favor of utilizing Taylor-Demerson full time along with Budda Baker. I think that Thompson has had an under-the-radar good season, but I must admit that I am leaning more and more toward Harry’s suggestion. Man, DTD is good.

9 – Of all the players that could have costed on that last drive, Trey McBride and Chad Ryland was the last I had expected.

10 – The sky is not falling. Calm down.

 

[krazy2k]

Good analysis. History shows us that the 2nd half of the season has been brutal to the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals before them. In order to avoid another 2nd half collapse, KM has to have his head in every game, regardless of the specific situation in which he finds himself. He is small, let's face it. Like Mahomes, he has to improvise and create opportunities on the field. If he does that the rest of the season, the Cardinals have a shot at making the playoffs - hopefully as division champs. But the offense laid a particularly big egg at Seattle. The Minnesota game will speak volumes - that game will let us know if our Cards can avoid a second half of the season meltdown.

 

[Harry]

8 Nice to have some company. I think Thompson is a solid player, but the cap savings would mean more needed line help in FA.

 

[slanidrac16]

I agree with everything you said.
The only second guessing on my part, and I didn’t do it at the time, was I think we should have went for the td instead of kicking the field goal.
Hindsight is 20/20

 

[Totally_Red]

8. I don't think this team is in a position to let solid starter level talent go. What is wrong with having 3 starter quality safeties? Injuries happen, in fact JT has missed the last 2 games.

Thanks for doing this every week. Much appreciated!

 

[oaken1]

8. I don't think this team is in a position to let solid starter level talent go. What is wrong with having 3 starter quality safeties? Injuries happen, in fact JT has missed the last 2 games.

Thanks for doing this every week. Much appreciated!

Agree.
I could see an issue if we were up against the cap. But the cap is not an issue for the next couple seasons...so keep the talent

 

[GeorgiaCard88]

Agree.
I could see an issue if we were up against the cap. But the cap is not an issue for the next couple seasons...so keep the talent

Gotta agree here. If you could say trade JT for a quality edge rusher/ D line man, I’d be all for it. But we have ridiculous cap space next year and no reason we shouldnt be able to upgrade big time if we wanted and still keep JT

 

[Stout]

#6 Means he isn't a superstar. He only plays well when everything is going right. We need him to elevate in games like this.

 

[BACH]

#6 Means he isn't a superstar. He only plays well when everything is going right. We need him to elevate in games like this.

I thought he turned a corner this season in this aspect, but seems not to.

In German there is a term “Schönes Wetter Fußballer” about a person, who is only Good when conditions are Perfect. For now, I would put Kyler in that category.

 

[Harry]

8. I don't think this team is in a position to let solid starter level talent go. What is wrong with having 3 starter quality safeties? Injuries happen, in fact JT has missed the last 2 games.

Thanks for doing this every week. Much appreciated!

No doubt it’s a tough call. I just think I’d rather risk going with 2 safeties and maybe a late round pick than leaving a hole unfilled that extra cap money would allow.

 

[Gandhi]

No doubt it’s a tough call. I just think I’d rather risk going with 2 safeties and maybe a late round pick than leaving a hole unfilled that extra cap money would allow.

I just looked it up. Next year Thompson will count almost 14 million against the cap (or nearly 5%). I always argue that the salary cap is not important due to inflation in the cap, cap manipulation, and restructuring. However, you also cannot ignore the salary cap because that would give different penalties. My point is that either restructuring Thompson’s contract, or simply letting him go, seems like the most rational thing to do.

What is your gut feeling about Elijah Jones? I have pretty big hopes based on how I felt about him pre-draft, and the fact that Gannon obviously likes him. I think that one thing we have learned is that the brain trust knows how to acquire players that fit in the systems, and that gives me hope for Jones.

 

[Gandhi]

#6 Means he isn't a superstar. He only plays well when everything is going right. We need him to elevate in games like this.

Sadly, you are right, Stout. The best quarterbacks carry their team. They make them better on bad days. I think that is why it is very important that Murray is in a good system, but that obviously also shows limits. An advanced game manager?