‘This isn’t your team’: Why Bumpus says to ‘calm down’ about Seahawks’ loss
Aug 19, 2022, 3:37 PM
Jake Tonges dives for a two-yard touchdown during the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on August 18, 2022. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Not much went right for the Seahawks in their second preseason game of 2022 as they fell 27-11 to the Chicago Bears while making key mistakes in every phase of the game.
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All that being said, former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus thinks fans and analysts concerned or worked up about the loss need to calm down.
First off, Bumpus said during Friday’s Bump and Stacy on Seattle Sports 710 AM, no one expects the Seahawks to be a playoff team or Super Bowl contender in 2022.
“That’s one reason why you should calm down,” he said. “Change your expectations of this team. Understand where this team is.”
Additionally, many players who played on Thursday won’t be contributing or even make the final roster, Bumpus said.
“Eleven guys who recorded a tackle … will not see the field during the regular season,” he said. “… Around six guys who recorded a catch, you’re not going to depend on during the regular season, or some of these guys aren’t going to be there. Three linemen who played last night, you’re not going to depend on or you’re not going to see them during the regular season.”
Key figures like safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs and linebacker Jordyn Brooks did not play against Chicago, and neither did Seattle’s two top running backs while receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett played only a few snaps.
“This isn’t your team. These are guys who are wearing the jersey for the next couple of weeks. This isn’t the team,” Bumpus said. “You just have to look at it like that.”
“This is a preseason game. I understand you want to see your team win… but let’s be real about the situation,” Bumpus added. “A lot of these guys should not depended on, so that’s why I encourage you to look at individual battles.”
Some of those battles include the No. 3 receiver and running back roles and the two starting cornerback spots. Additionally, Bumpus thinks fans should keep an eye on how the rookie tackles and the offensive line look.
“So you’re looking at depth. Pick certain guys to watch and hope that they can contribute when a No. 1 goes down. There’s a big gap between the starter and a No. 2 in the NFL. There’s a huge gap between the starter and a No. 3 in the NFL. They’re there for a reason,” Bumpus said.
Bumpus thinks that “the real critique” shouldn’t start until Week 1 when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos and former quarterback Russell Wilson.
“That’s when you start the real critique. Like alright, this is where they need to get better. You know why? Because you’ve got all your guys out there,” Bumpus said.
Listen to the full first hour of Friday’s Bump and Stacy at this link or in the player below.
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