Is It Saturday Yet?

by Brock Huard

Thank you Baseball, I spent our show Wednesday
lamenting the fact that I do not handle well the emotional
roller coaster of a 162 game season let alone a nine
inning game, and tonight the M’s and White Sox go 14…
What a well-pitched affair and who was that pinch-hitting
old man who came in to deliver the decisive blow, the guy
hitting .094 (3 for 32) with 2 outs and men in scoring
position. There are some athletes who gravitate towards
big moments and others that will shy away from them. I
think the city of Seattle knows where Junior fits in that
equation. Speaking of fits, let’s talk a little Seahawk
recap and look ahead to Saturday Night.

1. I have yet to mention Justin Griffith on the air,
but I am beginning to really like what I see from him.
Unlike a lot of the new pieces on the line, Griffith knows
this system and how to play within its timing and details.
He was with OC Greg Knapp in ATL and OAK and now that the
pads are on you are beginning to see why Knapp is so fond
of him. 6 foot, low center of gravity, hit you in the
mouth kind of fullback that SEA got used to seeing with
Mack Strong. Keep an eye on him Saturday Night, he is
looking forward to hitting someone other than his own
teammate.

2. The passing game continues to ebb and flow as you
would expect from a new system not yet two weeks into
camp. 7-on-7, not so good, two minute drill, pretty good.
I am still seeing Matt hold the ball longer than he would
like, and longer than I would like when the other guys can
start hitting him, beginning Saturday.

3. Expect more play action pass than you have seen over
the last decade. Expect quality play action pass if this
makeshift offensive line can get a push. Expect the big
play and deep shots down the field in play action pass if
this makeshift offensive line can get onto LB’s and
spring these backs to the second level.

4. I would really like to see Chris Spencer play
Saturday Night in SD for a couple reasons. He will be
tested physically by a good NT rotation with the Chargers.
He will be tested mentally with the 3-4 blitzing scheme
and the calls he will have to make up front to handle the
Chargers multiple looks. And it would be good for the O-
line unit to count on a guy they are hoping to count on
for 16 weeks this season in a very big way.

5. Lawrence Jackson this team needs you to rev up the
engine every day and come out to practice with your hair
on fire.

6. I am looking forward to watching the edge this
defense has brought to training camp carry over into the
game Saturday Night. Thursday will be the final
substantial work before kickoff and once preseason games
get going this camp will fly by.

7. Lastly, under the radar camp surprise…Craig
Terrill. Max Unger and the interior linemen are not having
much fun with the Music Man both in individual drills or
team periods.