semiahmoo":2uowlp9j said:
When Jimmy is targeted and accumulates 60+ yards in a game, the Hawks have won 5/6 of those contests.
In the games where Jimmy saw fewer targets and accumulated less than 60 total yards, the Hawks are 2/7.
This stat would indicate that Jimmy Graham might very well be the 2nd most important part of the Hawks' offense behind Russel Wilson - and yet, for whatever reason, be it Bevell or something else, we have seen Graham underutilized for multiple games, used as a blocker for a majority of plays, etc.
Problem is, the stats in this thread can be interpreted to mean the exact opposite of what everyone in this thread is suggesting (that simply targeting Graham more will result in more wins).
These stats tell me that when an opposing defense successfully schemes to take Graham out of the game we struggle, but when they fail to contain Graham we win. Sometimes that scheming can come from having a pass rusher attack Graham on the way in and disrupt his route running. As much as we like to think that you can just toss it up and Graham will come down with it, it just isn't true, especially in a Carroll style, ball control, offense. If the defense keeps the window shut, you can't just force the ball into Graham.
I'm more concerned by the fact that he is such a critical piece. If the defense is closing that door, they must be leaving another door open. Why we can't scheme to take advantage of the open door is troubling.
