‘Hawk Talk’ highlights: Will Michael Bennett eat into Frank Clark’s playing time?
Nov 30, 2016, 2:15 PM | Updated: 2:17 pm
With Michael Bennett likely to return soon to the Seahawks defensive line, will Frank Clark's snaps shrink? (AP)
(AP)
Danny O’Neil hosted another edition of “Hawk Talk” on Tuesday. Here’s the transcript. Here are the highlights:
PDXHawk asked about the importance of offensive line continuity.
Danny O’Neil: This is my new biggest thought on the offensive line: Why do the Seahawks fall out of love with guys? Because they’ve had young guys they’ve liked before. Michael Bowie. Alvin Bailey. Now Garry Gilliam. The problem is that they’ve also seemingly fallen out of love with those guys before they become experienced veterans. Combine that with some high-end draft picks that Seattle decided weren’t worth second contracts (Russell Okung, James Carpenter, John Moffitt) and it is puzzling.
Tom Page wondered if running back Thomas Rawls seemed a little over excited during Sunday’s game.
Danny O’Neil: He had two runs where it seemed like he was in the clear and neither went for a first down. One was in the first half and he tripped over his own feet. The other was in the second half and he got tackled one-on-one by the DB. Both should have been big gains.
Dani asked about head coach Pete Carroll’s in-game adjustments and what the issue is with the offense adjusting to the flow of the game?
Danny O’Neil: Honestly, Pete Carroll is very involved in the offense. This is not a case in which Darrell Bevell is the sub-contractor who’s charged with calling the offense. If Pete wanted something to happen during the game, they would start doing that. Bevell calls the plays, but there’s significant input from both Carroll on what type of play to call (run/pass) and Tom Cable (on what kind of run to call if they’re going to run the ball).
Chris asked what the coaching staff and front office see in fullback Will Tukuafu.
Danny O’Neil: Will Tukuafu is like Communism. He works better in theory.
Clay asked if Frank Clark’s playing time be decreased with Michael Bennett playing?
Danny O’Neil: I don’t think so. Not the way he’s playing right now. He may not start, but I would be really surprised if Clark’s playing time goes down. If Bennett is back to being a Pro Bowler when he comes back – no guarantee – then Seattle’s nickel pass rush is going to be hell on wheels.
Gantiz wondered if placekicker Stephen Hauschka will be a Seahawk next year?
Danny O’Neil: Depends on how the rest of this season goes, quite honestly. Yes, I think he’s back. But that will depend on whether what we’ve seen so far is a blip and he’s back to normal. If the rest of this season remains as spotty as we’ve seen over the first 10 regular-season games, I would expect that there’s at least some competition in the preseason.
