Brian Baldinger: Seahawks ‘don’t have enough good players’

In the midst of upheaval on the Seahawks’ coaching staff, 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny, Dave and Moore were joined by the NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger to talk about Seattle’s future.

For Baldinger, the Seahawks’ biggest issue is a matter of talent.

After five consecutive years of a postseason berth and two Super Bowl appearances, the claim doesn’t initially compute. Baldinger, though, explains that coaching changes aren’t the only solution to the problem, something that has become evident for him by observing Seattle’s play in its zone scheme.

Schwartz: Seahawks’ O-line mistakes start with draft approach

Baldinger isn’t surprised about the coaching changes – he called the offensive line a fundamental flaw throughout the season, one that Seattle ultimately couldn’t overcome – but has plenty of love for former offensive line coach Tom Cable, who was fired Wednesday.

“I like Tom Cable, I know how he coaches. He learned it from one of the best in the whole business … he coaches hard, but players gotta hold up, they gotta play. Luke Joeckel was not a good player at left guard, I don’t care where he was drafted … and it’s hard for a guy like Duane Brown to get thrown in there and (be expected) to patch it all up.”

Baldinger specifically touched on the strengths and weaknesses of the zone read employed by Seattle, and said he believes the issue lies with the Seahawks’ talent level.

“There’s always a weakness to any scheme. There’s always a part of any scheme that can be attacked. That’s why it ultimately comes down to good players, and I don’t think Seattle’s got enough good players. And I don’t feel bad about making that statement. I thnk you’ve got to look at the talent level and how they played one-on-one inside the phone booth and how they held up.”

This doesn’t mean Seattle can’t improve. Baldinger goes on to talk about the potential he sees in the Seahawks’ player personnel and what a new offensive coordinator can do for quarterback Russell Wilson.

You can listen to Baldinger’s entire conversation with Danny, Dave and Moore here.