Why do we have a 3rd down problem?

[Erebus]

We have the second worst 3rd down percentage on offense (33.9%), ahead of only the Jets.

We have the 25th ranked 3rd down percentage on defense (48.8%). Even the Jets are ahead of us.

Seriously, what the hell is happening on 3rd down on both sides of the ball? And how are we 5-1 with those stats? That's a recipe for 0-6.

Is it a play-calling problem? Is it a lack of focus and intensity? I'm sure it's not for a lack of talent.

 

[SantaClaraHawk]

longshot theory, but possibly the "let russ cook" philosophy leads to an expectation that he can bail us out at 4th down.

 

[samwize77]

On offense where do we stand on explosive plays?...…..how many offensive 3rd downs have we had, comparably?
Being the best offense in the league, or close to it....with one of the worst 3rd down %'s tells me we don't have as many 3rd downs......I could be wrong though.

On defense?..its because we suck.....and I'm not wrong......lol..

 

[LTH]

We have the second worst 3rd down percentage on offense (33.9%), ahead of only the Jets.

We have the 25th ranked 3rd down percentage on defense (48.8%). Even the Jets are ahead of us.

Seriously, what the hell is happening on 3rd down on both sides of the ball? And how are we 5-1 with those stats? That's a recipe for 0-6.

Is it a play-calling problem? Is it a lack of focus and intensity? I'm sure it's not for a lack of talent.

Ok but they are not 0-6 they are 5-1... So whats the problem?

LTH

 

[xray]

Both lines lack enough player talent along with the play calling trying to compensate for that . Everything starts and ends in the trenches , IMO

 

[massari]

Seahawks on third downs since 2012:

2012 40% - 12th ranked
2013 37% - 17th ranked
2014 42.5% - 11th
2015 46.5% - 4th
2016 38% - 16th
2017 37% - 21st
2018 39% - 17th
2019 39.5% - 16th
2020 34% - 31st

AB would've been amazing, but at least they've got Gordon coming back, hopefully.

 

[jammerhawk]

I think the answer is the team hasn't needed to convert 3rd downs as critically this season as they have in the past few years.

Of course I'm waiting for the usual board refrains:

"It's all -----'s fault!"

Answers:
1. Pete
2. John
3. Brian

Perhaps a change of scheme focus might help, even if Russ is cooking fine.

 

[PNW]

Both lines lack enough player talent along with the play calling trying to compensate for that . Everything starts and ends in the trenches , IMO

Completely agreed! This isn’t just our opinions this is a fact, proven over and over again.

 

[Sgt. Largent]

Because we have too many 3rd and longs, which are low percentage conversions.

Now why do we have too many 3rd and longs?

- early down penalties
- early down sacks
- early down incompletions and unsuccessful runs

These better defenses are onto Let Russ Cook and are blitzing and pressuring Russ far more than teams were earlier in the year, so that's leading to a LOT of holding penalties, sacks and unsuccessful pass plays.

Saw it in the 2nd half Sunday. Arizona stopped playing soft zone and started sending blitzers and pressuring Russell, to great success. So expect to see SF do the same Sunday.