The Seattle Seahawks’ Success Is On The Line

As far as preseason games go, last week’s “contest” between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos was pretty preseason-y. A few highs, a few lows; few major conclusions could be drawn from the proceedings on the field.

One interesting development from the Seahawks’ offensive side of the ball was the starting appearance of the Seahawks second second-round draft pick, right tackle Justin Britt from among a hodgepodge of temporary starters. Britt, who was expected to battle with 2013 part-time starter Michael Bowie, graduated to first-team status with the unceremonious departure of Bowie. Bowie was waived-injured on Aug. 2 and quickly snapped up by the Cleveland Browns.

It was a curious move by the Seahawks. Bowie was one of only two second-year players that logged significant starts or playing time for the Seahawks last year (the other being tight end Luke Willson). While not expected to be a prime time player, Bowie was called upon for eight starts on the Seahawks’ battered offensive line of last year. He filled in fairly capably for erstwhile starting right tackle Breno Giacomini (seven starts) and also at right guard (one start).

That was fast

Unfortunately for Bowie and the Seahawks, Bowie arrived at training camp overweight, out of condition and soon experienced a problematic shoulder injury. The disappointment for the Seahawks was too great. Despite appearing to be one of the more promising second-year players on the team, the Seahawks determined it was already time to turn the page on Bowie.

The starting right tackle job has now become Britt’s to lose. That may not be the last time you see the words “Britt” and “lose” in the same sentence — particularly when it comes to pass protection. Don’t take my word for it, however. The normally effusive Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll had this to say about Britt’s progress (via Seahawks.com): “He’s been very sharp in the run game and he’s working on his pass-protection stuff.” When Pete Carroll has an opportunity to gush about a young player and doesn’t gush … something’s up.

While Britt has the size at 6’ 6” and 325 pounds to be an effective drive blocker, his pass blocking to date has been less than stellar. Truthfully, the Seahawks have rarely seen a more patchwork assemblage of offensive linemen to start a game than they had against the Broncos last Thursday night. Only one holdover starter from last year, guard J.R. Sweezy, took the field with the first unit. Missing from the lineup were projected starters Pro Bowl center Max Unger, left tackle Russell Okung and guard James Carpenter. In their places were second-teamers Alvin Bailey, Caylin Hauptmann and Lemuel Jeanpierre. The results from the patchwork first- and second-unit offensive lines was spotty, at best.

The Seahawks’ collection of who-dats performed as expected: uneven, disjointed and overmatched. The Seahawks’ top two running backs, Robert Turbin and Christine Michael, delivered some of the most disappointing returns on their running efforts with a scant 1.25 yards per carry for Turbin and 2.3 yards per carry from Michael. Michael did get the Seahawks’ lone touchdown on a nice one-yard run, but his other carries featured a heavy dose of defenders constantly in his way.

The pass protection may have been even worse. Quarterback Russell Wilson, the pint-sized franchise, was a mere 4 of 6 for 37 yards and was sacked by a pair of Broncos. More often than not, Wilson was forced to run for his life and livelihood to escape pressure. The culprits were many, Britt included. Britt’s challenge, as noted by offensive line coach Tom Cable, is to pick up the passing game. Otherwise, he can look forward to a wave of white jerseys overrunning his end of the line on Sept. 4 … if he can hold on to the starting spot.

According to Cable, Britt, thus far, is a “tremendous learner.” I’m not so sure that isn’t damnation by faint praise. Assuming Cable meant it purely as a compliment, the glass-half-full view says Britt has one or two preseason games left to learn his craft. If he has not taken control of the starting tackle spot by week three of the preseason against the Chicago Bears, look for one of three newcomers to be taking the remaining snaps with the first team in practice and the preseason finale against the Oakland Raiders.

Waiting in the wings

While it is fair to assume the champion Seahawks will right the ship with the return of their three formerly missing preferred starters and Sweezy, the major question mark remains the right tackle position. While Britt may have temporary control of the spot, with all the expectations that come with a second-round draft pick, the Seahawks have very recently brought in reinforcements. Several of them, in fact.

All total, this is not a ringing endorsement of Britt’s potential. Recently arrived: longtime starting tackle Eric Winston, formerly of the Houston Texans, former Arizona Cardinal Cory Brandon and versatile veteran Wade Smith, most recently of the Texans.

In these three newcomers, the Seahawks have effectively covered their bases in the event Britt does not seize the job. Winston would seem to be the clubhouse leader in potential to take the starting role — just as soon as Britt proves he isn’t making the pass protection progress the position demands. He has 119 NFL starts under his belt.

In Brandon, the Seahawks have an almost carbon copy of Britt, with three years of NFL experience. Smith is a former Pro Bowl guard, but has played all five spots on the line throughout his long career. He could easily slide into the right tackle role, if called upon.

Barring injury, the Seahawks know who will be filling the starting left tackle, left guard, center and right guard positions. The weakest link on the line — and the surest, shortest path to quarterback Russell Wilson — is through the right tackle spot. Until Britt can prove that he can handle an NFL-caliber pass rush, he will be the spot opposing defenses focus on.

Duct tape and baling wire

Admittedly, the Seahawks are behind in terms of continuity on the offensive line with the various intended starters in and out of training camp practice and preseason game lineups. There is still plenty of time for all five positions to be solidified, but Okung will once again miss Friday night’s preseason game against the San Diego Chargers.

Look for the rest of the Seahawks’ offensive line to improve upon its spotty performance in Denver. Keep your eye on how well Britt handles his pass protection duties and note how much help the Seahawks give him with tight ends. If they’re into learning experiences, it probably won’t be much. It’s time to see what Britt can handle.