'Incredible What They're Doing!' Seattle Seahawks Backups Fortifying Offensive Line
The Seattle Seahawks are rolling into their bye week at 3-1, and have been impressive since laying an egg in the opener against the division rival Los Angeles Rams. Regardless of the momentum gained over the last three games, there couldn't be a better time for the bye week for Seattle.
The Seahawks have dealt with a number of injuries to key players since the preseason with corners Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen, tight ends Will Dissly and Noah Fant, and a number of other players appearing on the injured list and missing games.
But the position group that has been hit the hardest is the offensive line.
In the Seahawks' dominating 24-3 win over the Giants on Monday Night Football, the team played without any starters across the offensive line playing in their usual positions. It got worse during the game. Center Evan Brown, who had been moved to guard due to injury, was the only starter still in the lineup on the offensive line.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass against the Detroit Lions during first half action Sunday, Sept.17 2023
© Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press
Starting tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas have both missed the past three contests, and Lucas is now on injured reserve. Then, during Monday night's game, guards Phil Haynes (calf) and Damien Lewis (ankle) both had to leave early with injuries.
But even with the makeshift offensive line and numerous starters out, the Seahawks allowed just two sacks and helped the rushing game put up 121 yards on 23 carries for a respectable 5.4 yards per attempt.
“It’s amazing what Seattle has been able to do,” Mark Schlereth, an NFL on FOX analyst and former pro lineman, said on Tuesday when he joined Seattle Sports.
“I mean, I think they had all five guys (playing on the offensive line who) were essentially backups. In this day and age in the National Football League, you don’t have backups that can play. Let’s face it, they just can’t,” he said. “You lose one or two starters on your offensive line and you’re in deep trouble, and to be able to have both your backup tackles in and backup center and guards, it’s incredible what they’re doing right now.”
Schlereth knows a little something about the challenges of playing offensive line, and at a high level, after 12 years in the league with Denver and Washington.
“Tip of the cap to (head coach) Pete Carroll and (general manager) John Schneider and their ability to create guys – and not only create guys that can play but also call a game,” he said.
