Red Bryant sets record, loses cool in Seahawks’ loss
Oct 23, 2011, 7:16 PM | Updated: 7:50 pm
By Brady Henderson
The Seahawks’ record books will reflect a feat that’s never been done by any player in franchise history.
But based on the contrition Red Bryant showed following the Seahawks’ 6-3 loss to the Browns on Sunday, he might remember this game for something else.
Red Bryant set a franchise record with two blocked field goals on Sunday, including one on Phil Dawson’s 24-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. (AP) |
Bryant was flagged for a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the final minute of the game, a mistake that cost the Seahawks a chance at getting the ball back. A sack by Chris Clemons would have forced a 42-yard field goal attempt and given the Seahawks an opportunity to drive for a winning score, but the Browns were given a first down when Bryant head-butted and shoved tight end Alex Smith.
Bryant was ejected, and the Browns were able to run the clock out.
“I can’t tell you how frustrated I am,” he told Jen Mueller on the post-game show on 710 ESPN Seattle. “I love my teammates and all of them rallied around me, but at the same time you’ve got to take ownership and you cant make mistakes like that.”
According to Mary Kay Kabot of The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, Bryant accused Smith of some cheap shots. He told Mueller that Smith was “just being dirty the whole game.”
“I feel like when a man can’t block you that’s what he resorts to,” Bryant said. “And he did a great job of getting me out of my composure. So that’s on me.”
That loss of composure marred an otherwise stellar performance from Bryant, who set a franchise record with two blocked field goals and nearly had a third. The first came early in the second quarter on a 48-yard attempt and helped preserve a scoreless tie. He shot up the middle again to block a 24-yard attempt in the fourth quarter, keeping Cleveland’s lead at three.
Bryant also added four tackles and a half sack and batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Bryant credited special teams coaches and teammates, namely David Hawthorne, for putting him in position for the blocks.
“Those are incredible plays. They’re team plays because everybody is working to get the guy free,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We had a plan in mind and thought that he would have a chance, and he came through beautifully. Those are two huge plays in the game, and plays that really gave us a chance to win.”
Bryant’s penalty, though, might have cost the team that same chance.
“I don’t know how that occurred, but it’s a big mistake,” Carroll said. “It’s a mistake and Red knew it, and he couldn’t have been more apologetic. He just — for an instant in there — he lost his head a little bit.”
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