Seattle Seahawks Report Card Week 2: Grading Every Players' Performance

The performance report card for the Seattle Seahawks 24-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers seems fairly easy. The team was dominated in every aspect of the game; "D's" across the board seems fair, doesn't it?

Football is the ultimate team sport. There can be 10 guys on the field doing everything right, but if the 11th player has a lapse the cost to his team can be catastrophic.

This was all too evident in the Seahawks' matchups with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Seattle had some very good individual performances in this game. The Seahawks also had a few players efforts that were so bad that the entire team suffered.

Despite an 0-2 record, Seattle could be in a position to be in a first-place tie next week with a win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals. There are some positives they can take away from this game and hopefully build on them this season and stay relevant in their struggling division.

Sorted by position groups, here is the Seahawks' report card for Week 2.

Special Teams: C

I'd like to start with the positive. Yes, that is singular for a reason. The kickers performed well, but coverage and return efforts drag down the overall grade.

Steven Hauschka, K: A

Hauschka came out for the opening kick and didn't return to the game. His kickoff was taken five yards deep into the end-zone and the return was stopped inside the 20. It is hard to ask for anything more, particularly when kicking in Pittsburgh.

Jon Ryan, P: B

Ryan averaged 48.1 yards per punt and dropped several punts deep into Pittsburgh territory. He likely would have had one touchback, but Pittsburgh caught a punt at the two-yard line.

Leon Washington, KR: D

There have been numerous spectacular kickoff returns this season. Players have combined solid blocking and a burst of speed to make an impact in the game; Seattle fell victim to a special teams collapse last week.

Washington is known for making spectacular returns, but not this past weekend. The ultimate issue was catching a kickoff five yards deep in the end zone with his momentum pulling him away from the filed of play. Instead of taking he knee, he opted to adjust his body and run the ball out.

He barely managed to get to the 10-yard line, costing Seattle some much-needed field position. There is a time to attempt to make a play, and a time to accept starting at your own 20.

Richard Sherman: C

Sherman almost graded out at a B, as he made several nice plays to disrupt punt returns. However, he lost his footing on Pittsburgh's 41-yard punt return, failing to tackle Antonio Brown inside the 10-yard line.

It appeared as though Sherman was blocked in the back on the play and never regained his footing, so it might be a bit unfair to downgrade his performance for that play. However, this was early in the game. Instead of pinning the Steelers deep in their zone, it gave them the ball at midfield. A play there could have provided a momentum shift.  

Defensive Line: B-

The Seahawk defensive line played fairly well in this game. The unit only managed one sack, but they applied pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and forced him to rush several passes.

The run defense from the front four was fairly stout. While Seattle did give up several long runs, most of them were actually to the outside and plays the linebackers should have been able to stop. 

Of particular note, the Steelers had the ball first and goal from inside the two-yard line twice early in the game. The defense surrendered just three points, keeping Seattle in the game.

The play of a few members of the defensive line did stand out:

Anthony Hargrove: B+

Hargrove didn't have the best start to his Seahawk career in San Francisco, and some fans were skeptical of what he adds to the team. Watching the game live his presence wasn't obvious in Pittsburgh, either.

However, when watching the game again I was very impressed with his athleticism and drive off the line of scrimmage. For example, on the Isaac Redman touchdown run, Hargrove got off the ball well. When Redman started to break free, he gave chase and tackled him at the goal line. 

It wasn't enough to save the touchdown, but the burst of speed from the big man was impressive. Later in the game he had a similar play, chasing Rashard Mendenhall down 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. He also applied pressure on Roethlisberger on several plays.

Raheem Brock: B+

Brock managed to pester Roethlisberger all game long and took advantage of rookie offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert. He was flagged for roughing the quarterback, but the flag on the play should have been tripping on Gilbert. 

Brock was instrumental in at least four of Roethlisberger's incomplete passes, forcing him to throw the ball early. He also provided assistance to Chris Clemons on his sack.

Chris Clemons: B

In addition to the sack, Clemons pushed Roethlisberger out of the pocket on several occasions. He forced two incomplete passes and helped break up a few running plays.

Red Bryant: B

Bryant's biggest contribution was disrupting a Mendenhall rushing attempt at the goal line. He stopped the play two yards deep in the backfield, allowing Marcus Trufant to step up and make a nice tackle for a one-yard loss. Bryant also showed his athleticism, chasing Mendenhall down 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. 

Alan Branch: C

Branch did have a nice tackle, but he also lost sight of Mendenhall on a few runs. On one long run he had the running back stopped in the backfield, but seemed to lose his bearings. He couldn't apply a hit and Mendenhall turned the play into a first down.

Brandon Mebane: C

It was hard to tell that Mebane was in this game. He had two tackles, and took up space in the middle of the defensive line, but he also failed to make any outstanding plays. He didn't apply pressure to the quarterback, and failed to blow up any run plays in the backfield.

Mebane was given a big contract extension to be a difference maker on the defensive line. He wasn't in Pittsburgh.

Linebackers: C-

I fully expected this grade to be higher when watching the game live. There were several noticeable plays by the linebackers that stood out.

Upon closer analysis, though, there were also a lot of missed opportunities. Most of the Steelers rushing yards were outside the tackles and plays the linebackers needed to stuff.

Aaron Curry: C

Curry continues to be difficult to figure out. On one play he will show his athleticism and playmaking ability, and on the next he will take an unfortunate line to the ball carrier, getting caught up in the wash at the line of scrimmage and not being able to make a play.

He made a nice move in coverage, stepping in front of a pass. He had a clear lane down the field to the end zone had he made the interception, but he couldn't quite bring in the ball. It was a play the team needed him to make, but to be fair, he was at full extension and the ball was off his fingers.

I am most impressed with Curry staying home and defending against running backs coming out of the backfield and making a play as a receiver. This was a huge issue last season, but as of yet the Seahawks have kept these plays from hurting them.

Curry also made a big hit on Ben Roethlisberger when he was scrambling and trying to score on the Steeler's initial drive. Marcus Trufant offered support on the play, but Curry's hustle and strength saved the touchdown.

Leroy Hill: C-

Hill had a quiet game. He didn't surrender much, but he also failed to make much noise. He worked along the line of scrimmage fairly well, but did miss a tackle on one of Mendenhall's eight yard runs. To be fair, it looked as though he was being held.

David Hawthorne: D+

Again, this grade is based on the expectation that Hawthorne will be running the defense and making big plays. He just didn't make any on Sunday, and when he had the opportunity to tackle Mendenhall and set up a third and long, he failed. 

It isn't as though Hawthorne did much wrong in this game...he just didn't do anything of note. Curry had a much bigger presence, and Hawthorne can't be overshadowed by an OLB.

Defensive Backs: D

While the defensive unit has been fairly solid so far this season, the defensive backs were abused in this game. They often dropped out of press coverage, opening up the receivers to make intermediate-range receptions.

Of particular concern was giving a seven yard cushion on third and four. This gave the Steelers several first downs, and led to one long reception.

Still, the overall play of the secondary was positive, with one glaring exception.

Brandon Browner: F

When Seattle announced this signing early this year, I was admittedly intrigued by Browner's prospects. Watching in preseason gave me more hope that he could grow into a very good cornerback that gives opposing offensive matchup issues.

So far in the regular season, this simply hasn't panned out. Browner had an unnecessary pass interference call in the end zone. He gave up an easy touchdown to Mike Wallace when he failed to make contact at the line of scrimmage.

On another play, Wallace stopped downfield. Browner turned towards the quarterback, prompting Wallace to continue his route. Browner was lost and Wallace had another huge reception.

In short, Browner looked intimidated by the speed of Wallace. He wasn't effective in press or soft coverage, and one has to wonder if Walter Thurmond won't be the recipient of expanded playing time when Seattle is facing fast receivers.

Marcus Trufant: B-

Trufant gave up a few pass plays, but didn't get beat during the game. He also provided impressive run support, making two big tackles in goal line situations. Trufant may not be at his former Pro Bowl form, but he is certainly playing better than the last few seasons.

Seattle tends to prefer to keep Trufant on the left side of the defense and Browner on the right. They may want to re-think this approach next week with Larry Fitzgerald coming to town. He presents a matchup issue for Trufant, but Browner could actually do well matching his physical style of play.

Fitzgerald isn't too likely to blow by him, and Browner will actually be able to match the vertical threat. This is an adjustment that would also likely catch the Cardinals by surprise.

Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas: B

The safety combination in Seattle continues to cover a lot of ground. They were instrumental in providing support in run defense, and Earl Thomas was used extensively in run blitz scenarios.

Thomas broke up several plays behind the line of scrimmage, not including the touchdown-saving tackle on Rashard Mendenhall. Thomas flew threw an opening in the line and grabbed Mendenhall. He then managed to not only stop Mendenhall's progress, but he pulled him away from the goal line, keeping Mendenhall from stretching the ball across the line.

Atari Bigby: A 

Granted, Bigby didn't do much and wasn't highly utilized in this game. However, he did have a sack and a big hit on Ben Roethlisberger. That warrants an "A" in my grade book.

Walter Thurmond: Incomplete

Thurmond saw a fair amount of action in this game and looked very good in the role he was asked to play. However, despite browner's obvious issues, Thurmond wasn't given the opportunity to take over. One has to wonder if this was due to a lack of confidence in Thurmond or not wanting to shake Browner's confidence in himself.

Offensive Line: C-

As tempted as I am to give the offensive line a lower grade, it is also hard to judge them for what the Steelers didn't give them many opportunities to do. Normally known for bringing a steady blitz and tricky stunts, the Steelers took a different approach for most of this game.

They opted to rush three offensive linemen and drop eight bodies into pass protection. They contained Jackson in the pocket, evidently fearing him more as a running threat than a passer. Seattle was able to contain the three-man rush.

On the few occasions the Steelers opted to bring five rushers, pass protection crumbled. Seattle also failed to offer any positive signs in run blocking. There was no push on the Steeler defensive front, and the ball carrier was met in the backfield more times than not.

Robert Gallery: D

To be fair, Gallery did make a few nice blocks in this game. To be honest, though, he doesn't look ready for the season. He had a costly holding penalty that set up a second and 20; Seattle came up just short of a first down on that series of downs.

The next drive Gallery quickly lost his assignment, turning the defender loose on Tarvaris Jackson. He turned and made a quick throw to Golden Tate. Even though it was high and lacking velocity, Tate made a great play and picked up positive yards. Jackson took a hard hit to get the pass off.

That wasn't the last time Gallery let his man blow by, either. He gave up a brutal hit and sack on Jackson later in the game.

Russell Okung: D+

My grade on Okung is so harsh because so much is expected of him. He is the starting left tackle, and he is expected to be the leader on the field and control his part of the line of scrimmage. So far this season, Okung isn't doing it. He had two costly false start penalties in this game.

The play that stood out the most was a running play. On third and short, Seattle loaded Okung, James Carpenter and Zach Miller on the right side of the field. Marshawn Lynch was given the ball to run behind the mass of the offensive line, but none of the three were able to land a successful block and Lynch lost yardage.

James Carpenter and John Moffitt: C-

The two rookies were about as expected in this game. They didn't blow open any holes, despite Seattle trying to run behind them on short yardage. They also held their own against Pittsburgh's three-man pass rush.

Max Unger: C

Unger didn't do anything to make anyone's eyes pop. Most important, he was solid in pass blocking, keeping Jackson's eyes from popping.

Receivers: C-

The most difficult part about watching games on television versus in person is having a good feel for what is transpiring downfield. On a few occasions viewers were offered a look from an end zone camera to see how the play developed, but more often than not fans are left guessing. 

There were a few nice catches made on Sunday. Golden Tate brought in a pass from Tarvaris Jackson that was high and proceeded to get both feet in bounds.

Kris Durham saw his first game action and added a few nice receptions as well.

However, there were a few other occasions where receivers had the chance to catch balls that were thrown high and extend plays. They failed and drives stalled.

Mike Williams: D

With Sidney Rice out, Williams needs to be the motor behind the receivers in Seattle. He wasn't on Sunday, and at times seemed to lack hustle. It was undoubtedly frustrating for him not being targeted in the passing game early on, but he needs to continue to hustle and try to make plays for his quarterback.

Ben Obomanu: D+

This grade is a bit harsh, I know. He was, after all, the team's leading receiver with four receptions and 35 yards. He made a nice move after one catch to pick up positive yards.

However, with Seattle driving in Pittsburgh territory Jackson targeted Obomanu down the sidelines. The ball was high, but Obomanu got up to the ball. It sailed right between his hands, though, and killed the Seahawks drive. That is a play he must make.

Doug Baldwin: D+

Baldwin is getting the same grade as Obomanu for the same reason. On a third down play, Jackson targeted Baldwin who was just beyond the first down marker. The pass was high, but still able to be caught. 

Golden Tate: C+

Tate made two nice catches in this game and seems to be developing a bit of a rapport with Jackson. The two of them need to work on communicating on setting up hot reads, though, in blitz situations.

Kris Durham: B

Making his first appearance for Seattle, Durham had three catches for 30 yards, all of them coming late in the game. With Rice's absence from the Seattle lineup, Durham could provide a solid lift in the passing game.

Running Backs: D+

Perhaps it isn't fair to expect too much from this unit when there doesn't appear to be much going on with run blocking. The Seahawks' offensive line doesn't get a push at the line of scrimmage, and holes often aren't present.

I've been one of the first to acknowledge this in the past, pointing out that Marshawn Lynch often gets hit by two defenders before he even gets to the line of scrimmage. It is hard to expect much from a rusher under these circumstances.

However, at some point a running back has to make plays. There were a few occasions where opportunities were available, but Lynch was just late getting there. One of the big differences in elite runners is while two backs may see an opening, the elite back can get there. As of yet Lynch hasn't shown that he can with any consistency.

Quarterback: C+

Tarvaris Jackson's grade troubles me. Watching the game live I felt as though Jackson deserved a much lower mark. While his overall statistics were fine, it seemed like he didn't do enough to keep drives moving.

While it is clear Jackson didn't make enough plays to sustain drives, not all of that falls on his shoulders. The offensive line didn't do enough to establish a ground game, and actually had several key penalties that killed drives.

Receivers made a few plays, but also dropped the ball on several third-down passes. Granted, Jackson made life difficult for them on a few of these, but if fans are going to be tough on Aaron Curry for not coming up with an interception, their receivers should most definitely be expected to catch balls they get both hands on.

Jackson ended up being sacked five times yet again this week, but four of them came in the final two drives when the Steelers knew Seattle would be passing. It seemed as though they could get to Jackson at will.

There has been some criticism that Jackson holds the ball too long, and that is what has led to his sacks. That simply wasn't the case on Sunday, as the pressure on most of the sacks arrived quickly with one or two defenders coming untouched.

That isn't to say Jackson wasn't without fault, though. Seattle had a first down at the Pittsburgh 33-yard line and was threatening to score. The Steelers showed a blitz package at the line; Jackson quickly realized it and appeared to call an audible when he was directing his lineman. The Steelers rushed six defenders, and Jackson barely had a chance to move before being sacked.

The problem on the play wasn't holding the ball too long. The issue was not having a hot read. He had a receiver in the slot that was not covered. A quick seem or slant would have left the receiver with ample running room and positive yardage.

But Jackson didn't make the adjustment, and the receiver was off on a deep route...or would have been if Jackson hadn't been sacked before the receiver made it 10 yards downfield.

Pete Carroll has said he wants a quarterback that can be a game manager. He doesn't expect his quarterback to carry the team...he just doesn't want him making mistakes that hurt the team. Whether the approach will work in the NFL or not, that is what he is getting from Jackson. It isn't enough, though, as the Seahawks don't have a ground game.

It appeared as though Jackson was looking to throw the ball downfield on several occasions, but receivers weren't open. The Steelers routinely had eight men in pass coverage and their corners had help over the top; challenging the likes of Troy Polamalu on a deep pass isn't often advised.

The Seahawk offense has been stagnant this season. Things need to change, and change quickly if Seattle is going to put up any level of defense of their NFC West title. Jackson has not been a good quarterback, but neither is he solely responsible for the issues with the offense.

The Seahawks have their first home game next week vs. the Arizona Cardinals. They have demonstrated some issues in their secondary; if Jackson isn't able to take advantage of that and lead Seattle to a win then it will be time to turn the ball over to Charlie Whitehurst.