After another lackluster week in the passing game, the Seattle Seahawks must continue to learn the hard way after releasing leading receivers Percy Harvin and Golden Tate. And yes, Sidney Rice is gone but you can’t blame the ‘Hawks for that one. So who does that leave us with?
Straight up rookies.
Yes, yes, I know we have Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, and Ricardo Lockette, but being realistic, they aren’t number one threats: they are above average slot receivers with Kearse having more of the vertical edge between them. But this isn’t something that just happened over night, nope, this has been a work in progress stemming from that of John Schneider and the front office.
Historically, it appears our GM is sort of off his game when it comes to drafting wideouts.
Let’s do a little drafting recap. In John Schneider’s first year as General Manager, he drafted Golden Tate (second round). Great, we got Tate! But after that it’s all downhill. In his second year, Kris Durham (fourth round) had his name called. Third year, no receivers selected. Fourth year, Chris Harper (fourth round). And most recently the replacements for Harvin and Tate; Paul Richardson (second round) and Kevin Norwood (fourth round).
Regarded as being one of the top executives in the game, he has yet to produce more than one staple at wide receiver. It’s still too early to tell with Richardson and Norwood, but gambling on inexperience is a risky move, especially six weeks into the regular season. It’s also too late in the year to try anything else. Schneider has a dicey track record with wideouts and if these guys don’t mature the way he hopes, it may have to wait until an offseason signing or a high pick in next year’s draft to get that upgrade.
These guys are going to have to grow up fast. So far they’ve combined 17 catches for 132 yards and no scores. Most of that can be attributed to the offensive line and Russell Wilson having insufficient time to let the play develop. But on the other hand, if we’re running the ball for 170 yards a game, then why can’t we pass block better? Improving that aspect of the line will raise Wilson’s numbers and show that he still has a franchise arm.
Getting the chemistry they need is another thing. Which is going to have to develop in practice – they simply won’t get enough of it during games due to the run-heavy play calling. Given the time to throw, our passing scheme should look like a slightly upgraded run game, just focusing on dink and dunks and playing for the yards after catch (YAC). Let’s get nothing but slot receivers out there and let them roam the middle for short gains but at a consistent pace.
Russell Wilson’s dipping stats don’t reflect his talent, but he needs his receivers to get separation and make plays. Beast Mode and Co. are having one of their best years in terms of rushing, but a balanced offense is key to getting back into the playoffs. Let’s air it out a little!
Oh, and although John Schneider may not have much luck with receivers, he sure can draft some defensive studs, gotta give him that!
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