First off, Rick Esterly wins the MNF "guess the final score" contest. Rick has been on this page for many years, so I'm glad to finally have an excuse to mention him. He predicted 14-10 Saints. Rick, not sure what you'll do with your non-winnings, but hope you treat yourself.
Most notably, Alvin Kamara fulfilled and crushed many dreams last night. He entered the game with only 15 receptions on the season (he's had 80+ for four straight seasons). Now he's up to 25. I'm guessing over the bye week the coaching staff gathered around and said something like, "Defenses are stacking the box against Kamara, so let's get a little more creative--you know, like old times." This was the Kamara we've been missing all year. While it came against Seattle's vulnerable defense, it still counts as progress.
Of course, his rushing was abysmal once again. The offensive line isn't doing him any favors. Nor is the talent-deficient passing game. No offense should be relying on Kevin White's outstretched arms. If Michael Thomas doesn't return this week (probably slim chances at this point), New Orleans should be shopping for a receiver before the trade deadline. Try to wrest Brandin Cooks from Houston or DeVante Parker from Miami. Someone with #1 receiver experience who can stretch the field.
Because in 2019 Jameis Winston was throwing to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Now it's Marquez Callaway and Tre'Quan Smith. Callaway could shine as a #2 or #3. But not while operating as Winston's primary receiver, or at least not consistently.
For Seattle, a missed tackle (or two) handed Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf their one highlight of the evening. That 84-yard TD pass accounted for half of Smith's aerial yards. Metcalf secured only one of four targets after that for 12 yards. The big play was deserved, and it also was a fluke, in that we can't trust Smith and Metcalf will connect on future big plays. Maybe they'll have better luck next week against Jacksonville. But you're throwing caution to the wind starting Metcalf or Lockett as more than a WR3/4.
And Alex Collins struggled as expected against the Saints' fierce defensive front. It got so bad that at one point in the 3rd quarter, Travis Homer and Gerald Everett were leading Seattle in rushing yards. Collins might have one more opportunity as the bell cow next week. Or maybe Rashaad Penny will get more run. Or perhaps Chris Carson will return--though my colleague, Jason Katz, has wondered aloud if we'll see Carson again this year, and I can't say I disagree with his reasoning.
Whatever happens, the Seahawks are a franchise in suspended animation. Russell Wilson will return eventually, and he's also made it clear he's gone after this season. Seattle is 2-5 and could be on the cusp of postseason elimination after the bye if they lose to Green Bay and Arizona (then they face the Rams and Arizona again later in the year). So it's easy to get the sense that this team is as rudderless as it's been in a decade. 10 years ago, Tavaris Jackson was their QB, with Charlie Whitehurst filling in for a couple forgettable contests. Wilson transformed the franchise (along with an incredible defense, running game, etc.). But we can see even this year how Wilson has continued to be the engine that drives this offense. With him, they would have had a shot at the playoffs. Without him, this is arguably one of the NFL's worst teams.
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Most notably, Alvin Kamara fulfilled and crushed many dreams last night. He entered the game with only 15 receptions on the season (he's had 80+ for four straight seasons). Now he's up to 25. I'm guessing over the bye week the coaching staff gathered around and said something like, "Defenses are stacking the box against Kamara, so let's get a little more creative--you know, like old times." This was the Kamara we've been missing all year. While it came against Seattle's vulnerable defense, it still counts as progress.
Of course, his rushing was abysmal once again. The offensive line isn't doing him any favors. Nor is the talent-deficient passing game. No offense should be relying on Kevin White's outstretched arms. If Michael Thomas doesn't return this week (probably slim chances at this point), New Orleans should be shopping for a receiver before the trade deadline. Try to wrest Brandin Cooks from Houston or DeVante Parker from Miami. Someone with #1 receiver experience who can stretch the field.
Because in 2019 Jameis Winston was throwing to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Now it's Marquez Callaway and Tre'Quan Smith. Callaway could shine as a #2 or #3. But not while operating as Winston's primary receiver, or at least not consistently.
For Seattle, a missed tackle (or two) handed Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf their one highlight of the evening. That 84-yard TD pass accounted for half of Smith's aerial yards. Metcalf secured only one of four targets after that for 12 yards. The big play was deserved, and it also was a fluke, in that we can't trust Smith and Metcalf will connect on future big plays. Maybe they'll have better luck next week against Jacksonville. But you're throwing caution to the wind starting Metcalf or Lockett as more than a WR3/4.
And Alex Collins struggled as expected against the Saints' fierce defensive front. It got so bad that at one point in the 3rd quarter, Travis Homer and Gerald Everett were leading Seattle in rushing yards. Collins might have one more opportunity as the bell cow next week. Or maybe Rashaad Penny will get more run. Or perhaps Chris Carson will return--though my colleague, Jason Katz, has wondered aloud if we'll see Carson again this year, and I can't say I disagree with his reasoning.
Whatever happens, the Seahawks are a franchise in suspended animation. Russell Wilson will return eventually, and he's also made it clear he's gone after this season. Seattle is 2-5 and could be on the cusp of postseason elimination after the bye if they lose to Green Bay and Arizona (then they face the Rams and Arizona again later in the year). So it's easy to get the sense that this team is as rudderless as it's been in a decade. 10 years ago, Tavaris Jackson was their QB, with Charlie Whitehurst filling in for a couple forgettable contests. Wilson transformed the franchise (along with an incredible defense, running game, etc.). But we can see even this year how Wilson has continued to be the engine that drives this offense. With him, they would have had a shot at the playoffs. Without him, this is arguably one of the NFL's worst teams.
---
- PFN fantasy site -- www.profootballnetwork.com/fantasy-football/
- PFN fantasy podcast -- podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mood-for-fantasy-football/id1580114372
- Free fantasy advice newsletter -- www.getrevue.co/profile/pfnfantasy