BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Pro Bowl voting reflects Seahawks’ improved O-line

Dec 27, 2012, 6:28 PM | Updated: Dec 28, 2012, 9:25 am

LISTEN:

By Brady Henderson

The Seahawks’ offensive line had its issues last season while dealing with injuries and inexperience.

9313-unger-max large
Max Unger

Two rookie starters, right guard John Moffitt and right tackle James Carpenter, didn’t have a normal offseason due to the lockout. Carpenter, Moffitt and left tackle Russell Okung finished the season on injured reserve, while left guard Robert Gallery never seemed to be fully healthy.

That all contributed to issues with pass protection and in the running game, especially in the first half of the season.

Seattle’s offensive line has been considerably better this season, so much so that it will send two members to the Pro Bowl. Okung and center Max Unger were named starters Wednesday for the NFC team, becoming the first Seahawks offensive linemen to play in the Pro Bowl since Walter Jones following the 2008 season. It is the first Pro Bowl selection for each player.

The 49ers, with tackle Joe Staley and guard Mike Iupati, are the only other team sending two offensive linemen to the Pro Bowl as starters.

“Having two guys being able to start for the NFC just really kind of shows where our line has gone,” Unger told “The Huddle” on Thursday.

The Seahawks have allowed 27 sacks with one game remaining. That number was 50 last season, which was the fourth-most in the NFL. Seattle has the league’s second-leading rusher in Marshawn Lynch, whose 1,490 yards are by far a career high.

Continuity has been one key. Injuries forced the Seahawks to use several difference offensive line combinations last season. While J.R. Sweezy, Carpenter, and Moffitt have split time at right guard this season, the rest of the line has mostly stayed intact. Unger, Okung, left guard Paul McQuistan and right tackle Breno Giacomini have missed just one game combined.

“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve had for the most part four of the five guys start almost every game, and we really have been able to build a little bit of chemistry,” Unger said. “That really does help. You can see that.”

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

Pro Bowl voting reflects Seahawks’ improved O-line