JAKE AND STACY
Why Seahawks’ offense desperately needs a player back on the O-line
Dec 8, 2020, 4:02 PM
(Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks scored 27 points or more in each of their first eight games this season, but have reached that total only once in the four games since. The last two games have been especially tough for Seattle’s offense, as they scored 23 in a win over Philadelphia and were held to 17 by the Giants on Sunday.
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Those last two games have something in common. Right tackle Brandon Shell missed both of them with a high ankle sprain, and 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake Heaps thinks there may be something to that.
When asked Tuesday during the Four-Down Territory segment of 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake and Stacy which player has been more valuable than anticipated, the former Seahawks quarterback’s answer was Shell.
“Brandon Shell has proven himself to be more valuable as you have watched what has transpired without him,” Heaps said. “This offensive line has not protected Russell Wilson as well as when he was in there, and they have not been as effective in the running game overall without Brandon Shell.”
Wilson was under pressure about as much as in any other game this season on Sunday as the Giants got to him for five sacks. Cedric Ogbuehi, Jamarco Jones and Chad Wheeler have all played right tackle while Shell has been out, and it’s been a clear drop off without the offseason signing from the New York Jets on the line.
“You just have to look at the depth that is behind him. … That’s just not going to cut it,” Heaps said.
The good news is Shell could be back as soon as this weekend to face his old team when the 0-12 Jets come to town.
“Brandon Shell should be getting real close. He’s steadily improving,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday on 710 ESPN Seattle’s Pete Carroll Show. “He wasn’t well enough to play (vs. the Giants) but he has a good chance to practice some this week. It will probably take us all the way to the end of the week to know. I know playing against the Jets, he really wants to get in this game so he’ll do everything he can.”
If Shell is back Sunday at Lumen Field, it won’t be a moment too soon, according to Heaps.
“You need Brandon Shell to return – and return quickly – and fortunately it looks like he is going to be able to do that this week against the Jets,” Heaps said.
You can hear Heaps’ full comments in the podcast of Tuesday’s edition of Jake and Stacy at this link or in the player below.
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