‘Hawk Talk’ highlights: Is Russell Wilson’s injury limiting Seahawks’ options on offense?

Danny O’Neil hosted another edition of “Hawk Talk” on Tuesday. Here’s the transcript. Highlights are below.

Dani asked if offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s play-calling has taken a hit with Russell Wilson’s ankle injury taking away read option plays.

Danny O’Neil: I like that question, Dani. I think the lack of the read-option threat is a real hindrance to the offensive game planning. I don’t think it means that Bevell is in over his head, but it does take away a weapon. In fact, Seattle used the read-option early against the Rams – Russell Wilson keeping it pointlessly – I think just to put that thought in their mind.

Gantiz asked if Danny thinks Bevell should be replaced.

Danny O’Neil: No. I don’t. I think he has been a really good playcaller for this team and put together an offense that suits Seattle’s personnel. I think the development you see of the offense each year is really, really important.

Gerry asked, while admitting it could be considered heresy, if the Seahawks would be better off letting Wilson rest his ankle injury Sunday and playing Trevone Boykin against the 49ers instead.

Danny O’Neil: The only reason to consider that would be if Russell Wilson feels worse than he did last week. Even if he feels the same, I think a limited Russell Wilson gives you a better chance of winning than Trevone Boykin. But if Wilson is getting worse, then he needs to sit so you can get him healthy. If he’s not able to get better while still continuing to play, you need to sit him down so he gets better.

PDXHawk asked why Seattle’s defense is again struggling to force turnovers.

Danny O’Neil: That’s a GREAT question, and my answer would be that the pass pressure has been there, and the turnovers will come. But having zero with two games is a huge reason field position has been such a problem.

GoHawks asked about the general ‘sky is falling’ reaction to the Seahawks’ loss in L.A.

Danny O’Neil: I think it’s an overreaction. A drastic overreaction. The Seahawks offense starts slow. Even in the best of years. The Seahawks scored 12 points in the season-opener in 2013 and I believe they had five points at halftime of the Week 2 game against San Francisco.

Tom Page asked for Danny’s take on the Seahawks’ offensive line after the loss to the Rams.

Danny O’Neil: I think the reports of the offensive line’s incompetence are greatly exaggerated. I don’t think the line is good, per se. I don’t believe it’s playing as bad as it was in the first two weeks last year.