BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Health allows Baldwin, Wilson to build chemistry

Sep 9, 2013, 5:28 PM | Updated: Sep 10, 2013, 9:39 am

LISTEN:

By Brent Stecker

Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin was never quite on the same page as quarterback Russell Wilson in 2012.

In his second NFL season, Baldwin didn’t top more than four receptions in a game from then-rookie Wilson, and his receiving yards total dropped from 788 in 2011 to 366 in 2012. Because of that, improving the chemistry between Baldwin and Wilson was a point of emphasis for the Seahawks in training camp.

Judging by their performances in the 12-7 win over Carolina on Sunday, it’s paying off – Baldwin caught eight of his nine targets for 91 yards against the Panthers, establishing himself as Wilson’s go-to receiver on third downs.

Baldwin joined 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Bob and Groz” on Monday, and he explained that he simply needed more time to find his comfort zone with Wilson.

“I wasn’t healthy at all during the preseason last year. I was dealing with a whole bunch of hamstring injuries, so I didn’t have the time to build that rapport and chemistry with Russell in preseason last year,” Baldwin said. “And also Russell didn’t take the full amount of first-team snaps (in 2012 training camp), he only took a third of them. Now he’s our guy behind center, and I was healthy for the majority of the preseason and was able to go ahead and build that rapport with him, and I think it showed yesterday.”

As “Bob and Groz” discuss in the video below, Baldwin’s clutch plays Sunday made him look a lot more like the player who took the team by storm in 2011 than the one who struggled in 2012, which is something the Seahawks need to make up for starting the year without big acquisition Percy Harvin.

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Health allows Baldwin, Wilson to build chemistry