Seahawks’ offensive line steps up against Cardinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Considered a weak spot on a championship roster for most of the past two seasons, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line is ready to shed its underperforming reputation.

Sunday night’s record-setting performance against the Arizona Cardinals was a step in that direction.

“We played great today,” right guard J.R. Sweezy said, “but the scary thing is we could have played even better.”

Consider that a month ago the Cardinals rocked the Seahawks for seven sacks and hit quarterback Russell Wilson 11 times. Seattle won that game at CenturyLink Field, 19-3, but totaled just 293 yards of offense.

The Seahawks blew past that figure by halftime Sunday night, piling up 305 yards. And when the whistle blew on Seattle’s overwhelming 35-6 victory, the Seahawks had rolled up a franchise-high 596 yards.

Yes, the Seahawks did allow one sack. But it occurred on a play in the fourth quarter when Wilson tried to buy time and find an open receiver by scrambling outside the pocket. Can’t pin that only on the offensive line.

Sweezy said better communication was the key to Seattle’s success.

“We were really on our communication today, everybody was on the same page,” he said. “Even when we couldn’t communicate and it was too loud, we were all looking in the same place. We knew where we needed to be. We were on it, we were on it, we were really on it.”

Seattle was hardly at full-strength against Arizona. Backup Alvin Bailey started at left tackle in place of Russell Okung — out with a bruised lung — and fourth-stringer Patrick Lewis filled in at center because Pro Bowler Max Unger was nursing leg injuries for the fifth straight game.

Lewis, signed off Cleveland’s practice squad Oct. 7, earned the starting assignment ahead of Lemuel Jeanpierre because offensive line coach Tom Cable said the 6-foot-1, 311-pounder gave the unit “more stoutness.”

“He’s not real big or nothing but he’s a real strong kid in there,” Cable said.

Cable had high-praise for Seattle’s guards — James Carpenter and Sweezy.

“Our two guards, I’ve said this all year, they’ve had a struggle here and there but their two of the best guards in football,” he said. “They played like it.”

Sweezy sees more games like this in the Seahawks’ future.

“When we’re on the same page, when we’re communicating well, we’re hard to beat,” Sweezy said. “We did that today and it’s just doing it week after week from here on out. Obviously we know how to do it, we just have to stay on it.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.