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Paralleling the 1984 and 2015 Seahawks
The other day, someone brought up the fact that Russell Wilson is on pace to break Mudbone’s (Dave Krieg’s) single season franchise record for most TD’s passes in a single season (32). The more I pondered that, the more I realized that there are several interesting parallels between that 1984 Seahawks season and this one.
For those of you who have the time, I highly recommend Clare Farnsworth’s article on the 1984 season and the 23 minute NFL films documentary video he has attached to it …
NFL Films Video: From the Heart -- The Story of the 1984 Seattle Seahawks
I promise it will be well worth your time to honor the memory of a season (like this one) that should never be forgotten by Seattle sports fans. Let’s take a look at few of the parallels between that season and this one …
Parallel #1: Let’s Go With Plan B: Injury Style …
1984 …
All of those hopes and dreams for the 1984 Season appeared to go up in flames like the Hindenburg right from the get go in the opener however. Although Seattle pounded the Browns 33-0 in front of a raucous crowd at the Kingdome on Monday Night Football, one play would change the course of the entire season. On a toss sweep to the right in the 2nd Quarter, RB Curt Warner tore the ACL in his right knee and was lost for the season. For Head Coach Chuck Knox, Warner’s injury was a devastating blow. Above all things, Knox believed in 2 things -- hard nosed tough defense … and (like Pete Carroll) ball control offense by running the ball, running the ball, and then running it some more.
After Warner’s injury, Seahawks GM Mike McCormack went into scramble mode, inking former Steeler legend Franco Harris the following week.
But the days of the Immaculate Reception were as long past as Go Go Clubs for the then 34 year old future Hall of Famer. For all intents and purposes, many of the offensive schemes that Seattle had been developing and working on throughout the entire offseason and training camp went right out the window after Warner went down. Knox could either allow the Seahawks season to be derailed … or he could innovate.
2015 …
How many times have Seahawk fans heard different versions of the following over the years? …
The Seahawks are a run first team.
This is Marshawn Lynch’s team. He is the heart beat and soul of this team. He is this team’s identity.
I’m not sure this team can win long term without Lynch.
This Seahawks team is a completely different team without Marshawn Lynch.
And so it has been. When Lynch went down with an abdominal injury in Week 10, people wondered what the impact on this team would be.
And then Jimmy Graham … brought in here to be a big play target for Russell Wilson – was lost for the season in Week 12 with a career threatening knee injury.
Injuries to other key contributors such as Kam Chancellor and Jeremy Lane have significantly impacted this team.
It goes without saying that injuries have certainly changed the complexion of the 2015 Season … and all Pete Carroll and his staff have accomplished is one of their finest coaching jobs ever.
.
Parallel #2: Relay Race By Committee …
1984 …
The 1984 Seahawks running game was the very definition of Running Back by Committee. A 34 year old way past his prime Franco Harris along with guys like Eric Lane, David Hughes, Dan Doornink, and Randall Morris all put forth noble efforts to make up for the loss of Warner. In this case though, Seattle didn’t have a whole lot of quality depth at running back outside of its superstar …
The 1984 Seahawks Running game ended the season ranked …
23rd out of 28 Teams in Rushing Touchdowns (10)
25th in Rushing Yards Gained (1,645 Yards) despite having the 12th Most Rushing Attempts (495)
Dead Last in Rushing Yards/Attempt (Only 3.3 Yards/Carry)
With its key cog lost in Curt Warner for the season, Seattle would have to find (and did find) a way to adapt and overcome …
2015 …
Marshawn Lynch going down in Week 10 meant that the Seahawks depth at running back would be tested. Undrafted Rookie Thomas Rawls surprised many experts, rushing for 830 yards and averaging 5.6 yards/carry before being lost for the season with a broken ankle in the Baltimore game.
So what is Seattle left with?
A 34 year old Fred Jackson, whom at this point in his career is really relegated to being a 3rd down only back.
Derrick Coleman, the team’s fullback, whom though talented is mostly untested at halfback.
Bryce Brown, whom though has had big games in the past, is on his 3rd team with the Seahawks and has a reputation as a fumbler.
And Christine Michael, whom has been cut by 3 teams this season (including the Seahawks). Seahawk fans can only hope that he’s finally figured it out.
If the MMA training isn’t able to get Lynch back on the field for the playoffs, it’s going to be open competition at running back every week the rest of the way for the 2015 Seahawks as well.
Parallel #3: Put It In The Hands of The Man …
1984 …
After Warner was lost for the season, the leopard changed his spots -- Ground Chuck (as coach Chuck Knox was affectionately known) suddenly morphed into Air Knox.
As Dave Krieg later recounted, offensive coordinator Steve Moore and quarterback’s coach Kenny Meyer told him that they would have to rely upon him more than ever before.
Seattle chose to play to their strengths, passing 69.5% of the time that season. In the process, the Seahawks not only saved their season … they would post a team record for wins in a season that would not be broken for 21 years.
Krieg had arguably his best season of his career …
[tdo=8]Dave Krieg’s 1984 Statistics[/tdo]
In 1984, 6.7% of all Krieg’s passes went for touchdowns (a rate that was 2nd that year only to Dan Marino). Dave Krieg’s 32 Passing TD’s in a season remains a Seahawk franchise record that still stand to this day …
… but is very likely to be broken shortly by the best QB in franchise history …
2015 …
Is there any further doubt that this is now Russell Wilson’s team? Though Pete Carroll hasn’t said so in so many words, it is crystal clear that the focal point of this offense is now firmly in the hands of #3.
Isn’t this is run-first team still? The answer to that question is definitely yes …
442 Rushing Attempts (51.5% of Offense)
416 Passing Attempts (48.5% of Offense)
858 Total Attempts on the Season
Even after Marshawn Lynch’s injury, it’s clear that Carroll remains committed to running the ball first and foremost …
Week 11 (49ers) … 29 Passing … 44 Rushing
Week 12 (Steelers) … 30 Passing … 27 Rushing
Week 13 (Vikings) … 28 Passing … 36 Rushing
Week 14 (Ravens) … 33 Passing … 36 Rushing
Week 15 (Browns) … 30 Passing … 36 Rushing
179 Rushing Attempts (54.4% of Offense)
150 Passing Attempts (45.6% of Offense)
329 Total Attempts
However, when you stop to consider Russell Wilson’s run game as well as his arm, his importance to this offense becomes clear. Russell Wilson has accounted for 92 of Seattle’s total runs this year (20.8% of the Seahawks total rushing attempts) and 502 of the 2,064 yards they have gained on the ground.
Russell Wilson has accounted for …
3,538 of Seattle’s 3,547 Total Passing Yards (99.7% of All Passing Yards)
502 of Seattle’s 2,064 Total Rushing Yards (24.32% of All Rushing Yards)
In other words, 58.97% of all Offensive Attempts … and a full 72% of the yards from scrimmage the Hawks have generated this season can be attributed directly to Wilson.
He is simply playing better than he ever has before, making the most of his opportunities and having a season for the ages …
[tdo=8]Russell Wilson’s 2015 Statistics (through Week 15)[/tdo]
and has improved immensely as it has progressed. Sheil Kapadia noted some fairly eye popping stats that spell out just how impressive that turnaround has been …
and it’s not done yet …
Here are a few of the notable Seahawks single season records Russell Wilson is threatening to break …
Matt Hasselbeck’s 3,966 yards passing set back in 2007 is the franchise record.
Dave Krieg’s 32 Touchdown Passes set back in 1984 is the franchise record.
Dave Krieg’s Completion Percentage of 65.61% set back in 1991 is the franchise record.
The Seahawks are averaging 29.5 pass attempts per game … meaning that if Wilson throws 30 times these next couple of games, he would finish the season with around 470 pass attempts (which would be virtually the exact same amount of passing attempts as Krieg had in 1984).
Over the past 5 games, Russell Wilson has averaged 284 yards passing … and 3.8 passing TD’s per game.
If those numbers hold true, he would finish with 4,106 yards passing and 36 TD’s. Those would not only shatter the current records, but would also cap off one of the finest seasons for a quarterback in NFL history. One thing’s for sure – this team is firmly in the hands of Wilson and will go as far as he will ultimately take them.
Parallel #4: Catching Fire …
1984 …
In 1984, Seattle averaged 26.1 Points/Game and finished 5th in the NFL in Points Scored (418) thanks in large part to the efforts of 2 very special and dominant receivers that year -- Steve Largent and Daryl Turner.
Largent had one of his best years in 1984, leading the team in catches (74), receiving yards (1,164), and touchdowns (12) in helping lay the foundations of his Hall of Fame career.
The other receiver who struck terror in the hearts of opposing DB’s in 1984 was Seattle’s 2nd Round Pick that year out of Michigan State -- Daryl Turner. Daryl “the Afterburner” Turner was incredibly fast -- his career mark of 18.53 Yards/Reception is still a Seahawks record. Turner also holds the Seahawk rookie record for most receiving touchdowns by a rookie (10) as well as the Seahawk record for most receiving touchdowns in a season (13 in 1985). But Daryl Turner also holds the distinction of an eye popping stat that very may never be broken.
36% of the 101 receptions Daryl Turner caught in his meteoric career … went for touchdowns.
That’s an NFL Record (among receivers who have had at least 30 touchdowns in their career) for TD/Reception ratio that still stands to this day. It would have been interesting to see what the Seahawks could have done had his career not been cut short due to his alcohol and drug issues.
2015 …
Like the 1984 team, the 2015 Seahawks aerial attack is averaging 26 points per game (26.4 actually) and has been great thanks in large part to the efforts of 2 receivers …
Prior to training camp in 2014, Doug Baldwin reached out to Steve Largent to seek advice on ways he could improve as a receiver. It was a move that would pay big dividends, as 2014 and 2015 have been his biggest receiving years. After scoring his 2nd touchdown of the day in the Brown’s game, Baldwin had this to say on his relationship with Largent …
Those lessons he’s learned from Largent are obviously being put to use. While the eyes of the world were on Jimmy Graham early, it’s been Doug Baldwin who’s been the most dominant receiver on the Seahawks this season. Baldwin has already tied Daryl Turner’s record for most TD’s in a season (13) that he set in 1985. If he keeps up his current pace, Baldwin would finish with around 70 receptions and top the 1,000 yard receiving mark – the first time that’s happened since Bobby Engram in 2007.
With all due respect to Jermaine Kearse, the other receiver who has really turned heads this year has been rookie sensation Tyler Lockett. Thought mainly of as a return specialist coming in to this season, No E (as he is known by his teammates) has become this team’s version of Daryl Turner.
Like Turner, Lockett has down himself to be a dynamic playmaker, capable of going all the way every time he touches the football. Earlier this season, Lockett became the first rookie since Gale Sayers (in 1965) to have 5 receiving touchdowns and to score a touchdown on both a kickoff return and a punt return in the same season. He and Sayers are the only 2 rookies in NFL History to ever accomplish that feat.
Football Outsiders has been impressed with him as well, as coming in to this game they have Lockett ranked #1 in the NFL in DVOA (44.4%) for wide receivers (Doug Baldwin is #2 in DVOA by the way).
The NFL agrees as well, as Lockett was named to the Pro Bowl with Baldwin being named an alternate.
Parallel #5: Power of the 12’s …
The 1984 Season made a lasting mark on the Seahawks and their fans -- the legacy of which has been felt at every home game since that time. On December 15, 1984 (before the Seahawks final home game against the Broncos that season), former Seahawks interim coach, Director of Football Operations, and GM Mike McCormack made the announcement that the Seahawks #12 jersey would be forever retired in honor of the fans.
When Curt Warner went down and all hope seemed lost … it was the 12’s who continued to have faith and to believe in this team. That same spirit that powered the 1984 team to one of the best seasons in franchise history still is the heartbeat of the team today. When the Seahawks found themselves 4-5 after the heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals at home this season … it was the 12’s who refused to give up, who continued to believe that another trip to the Super Bowl was still within this team’s reach. Now that a playoff berth has once again been secured, that goal that seemed like folly to many experts out there just 5 short weeks ago … is just 3 more games away from becoming a reality. In short order, the Seattle Seahawks have once again become that team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs. Though the road back to the Super Bowl won’t go through Century Link Field this year … you can count on the 12’s to strongly represent … and to help make the Hawks even deadlier road warriors than they already are.
The other day, someone brought up the fact that Russell Wilson is on pace to break Mudbone’s (Dave Krieg’s) single season franchise record for most TD’s passes in a single season (32). The more I pondered that, the more I realized that there are several interesting parallels between that 1984 Seahawks season and this one.
For those of you who have the time, I highly recommend Clare Farnsworth’s article on the 1984 season and the 23 minute NFL films documentary video he has attached to it …
NFL Films Video: From the Heart -- The Story of the 1984 Seattle Seahawks
I promise it will be well worth your time to honor the memory of a season (like this one) that should never be forgotten by Seattle sports fans. Let’s take a look at few of the parallels between that season and this one …
Parallel #1: Let’s Go With Plan B: Injury Style …
1984 …
All of those hopes and dreams for the 1984 Season appeared to go up in flames like the Hindenburg right from the get go in the opener however. Although Seattle pounded the Browns 33-0 in front of a raucous crowd at the Kingdome on Monday Night Football, one play would change the course of the entire season. On a toss sweep to the right in the 2nd Quarter, RB Curt Warner tore the ACL in his right knee and was lost for the season. For Head Coach Chuck Knox, Warner’s injury was a devastating blow. Above all things, Knox believed in 2 things -- hard nosed tough defense … and (like Pete Carroll) ball control offense by running the ball, running the ball, and then running it some more.
After Warner’s injury, Seahawks GM Mike McCormack went into scramble mode, inking former Steeler legend Franco Harris the following week.
But the days of the Immaculate Reception were as long past as Go Go Clubs for the then 34 year old future Hall of Famer. For all intents and purposes, many of the offensive schemes that Seattle had been developing and working on throughout the entire offseason and training camp went right out the window after Warner went down. Knox could either allow the Seahawks season to be derailed … or he could innovate.
2015 …
How many times have Seahawk fans heard different versions of the following over the years? …
The Seahawks are a run first team.
This is Marshawn Lynch’s team. He is the heart beat and soul of this team. He is this team’s identity.
I’m not sure this team can win long term without Lynch.
This Seahawks team is a completely different team without Marshawn Lynch.
And so it has been. When Lynch went down with an abdominal injury in Week 10, people wondered what the impact on this team would be.
And then Jimmy Graham … brought in here to be a big play target for Russell Wilson – was lost for the season in Week 12 with a career threatening knee injury.
Injuries to other key contributors such as Kam Chancellor and Jeremy Lane have significantly impacted this team.
It goes without saying that injuries have certainly changed the complexion of the 2015 Season … and all Pete Carroll and his staff have accomplished is one of their finest coaching jobs ever.
.
Parallel #2: Relay Race By Committee …
1984 …
The 1984 Seahawks running game was the very definition of Running Back by Committee. A 34 year old way past his prime Franco Harris along with guys like Eric Lane, David Hughes, Dan Doornink, and Randall Morris all put forth noble efforts to make up for the loss of Warner. In this case though, Seattle didn’t have a whole lot of quality depth at running back outside of its superstar …
The 1984 Seahawks Running game ended the season ranked …
23rd out of 28 Teams in Rushing Touchdowns (10)
25th in Rushing Yards Gained (1,645 Yards) despite having the 12th Most Rushing Attempts (495)
Dead Last in Rushing Yards/Attempt (Only 3.3 Yards/Carry)
With its key cog lost in Curt Warner for the season, Seattle would have to find (and did find) a way to adapt and overcome …
2015 …
Marshawn Lynch going down in Week 10 meant that the Seahawks depth at running back would be tested. Undrafted Rookie Thomas Rawls surprised many experts, rushing for 830 yards and averaging 5.6 yards/carry before being lost for the season with a broken ankle in the Baltimore game.
So what is Seattle left with?
A 34 year old Fred Jackson, whom at this point in his career is really relegated to being a 3rd down only back.
Derrick Coleman, the team’s fullback, whom though talented is mostly untested at halfback.
Bryce Brown, whom though has had big games in the past, is on his 3rd team with the Seahawks and has a reputation as a fumbler.
And Christine Michael, whom has been cut by 3 teams this season (including the Seahawks). Seahawk fans can only hope that he’s finally figured it out.
If the MMA training isn’t able to get Lynch back on the field for the playoffs, it’s going to be open competition at running back every week the rest of the way for the 2015 Seahawks as well.
Parallel #3: Put It In The Hands of The Man …
1984 …
After Warner was lost for the season, the leopard changed his spots -- Ground Chuck (as coach Chuck Knox was affectionately known) suddenly morphed into Air Knox.
As Dave Krieg later recounted, offensive coordinator Steve Moore and quarterback’s coach Kenny Meyer told him that they would have to rely upon him more than ever before.
Seattle chose to play to their strengths, passing 69.5% of the time that season. In the process, the Seahawks not only saved their season … they would post a team record for wins in a season that would not be broken for 21 years.
Krieg had arguably his best season of his career …
| Pass Comp. | Pass Att. | Comp% | Yards | TD’s | INT’s | QB Rating | Times Sacked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 276 | 480 | 57.5% | 3,671 | 32 | 24 | 83.3 | 40 |
In 1984, 6.7% of all Krieg’s passes went for touchdowns (a rate that was 2nd that year only to Dan Marino). Dave Krieg’s 32 Passing TD’s in a season remains a Seahawk franchise record that still stand to this day …
… but is very likely to be broken shortly by the best QB in franchise history …
2015 …
Is there any further doubt that this is now Russell Wilson’s team? Though Pete Carroll hasn’t said so in so many words, it is crystal clear that the focal point of this offense is now firmly in the hands of #3.
Isn’t this is run-first team still? The answer to that question is definitely yes …
442 Rushing Attempts (51.5% of Offense)
416 Passing Attempts (48.5% of Offense)
858 Total Attempts on the Season
Even after Marshawn Lynch’s injury, it’s clear that Carroll remains committed to running the ball first and foremost …
Week 11 (49ers) … 29 Passing … 44 Rushing
Week 12 (Steelers) … 30 Passing … 27 Rushing
Week 13 (Vikings) … 28 Passing … 36 Rushing
Week 14 (Ravens) … 33 Passing … 36 Rushing
Week 15 (Browns) … 30 Passing … 36 Rushing
179 Rushing Attempts (54.4% of Offense)
150 Passing Attempts (45.6% of Offense)
329 Total Attempts
However, when you stop to consider Russell Wilson’s run game as well as his arm, his importance to this offense becomes clear. Russell Wilson has accounted for 92 of Seattle’s total runs this year (20.8% of the Seahawks total rushing attempts) and 502 of the 2,064 yards they have gained on the ground.
Russell Wilson has accounted for …
3,538 of Seattle’s 3,547 Total Passing Yards (99.7% of All Passing Yards)
502 of Seattle’s 2,064 Total Rushing Yards (24.32% of All Rushing Yards)
In other words, 58.97% of all Offensive Attempts … and a full 72% of the yards from scrimmage the Hawks have generated this season can be attributed directly to Wilson.
He is simply playing better than he ever has before, making the most of his opportunities and having a season for the ages …
| Pass Comp. | Pass Att. | Comp% | Yards | TD’s | INT’s | QB Rating | Times Sacked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285 | 414 | 68.8% | 3,538 | 29 | 7 | 111.4 | 41 |
and has improved immensely as it has progressed. Sheil Kapadia noted some fairly eye popping stats that spell out just how impressive that turnaround has been …
and it’s not done yet …
Here are a few of the notable Seahawks single season records Russell Wilson is threatening to break …
Matt Hasselbeck’s 3,966 yards passing set back in 2007 is the franchise record.
Dave Krieg’s 32 Touchdown Passes set back in 1984 is the franchise record.
Dave Krieg’s Completion Percentage of 65.61% set back in 1991 is the franchise record.
The Seahawks are averaging 29.5 pass attempts per game … meaning that if Wilson throws 30 times these next couple of games, he would finish the season with around 470 pass attempts (which would be virtually the exact same amount of passing attempts as Krieg had in 1984).
Over the past 5 games, Russell Wilson has averaged 284 yards passing … and 3.8 passing TD’s per game.
If those numbers hold true, he would finish with 4,106 yards passing and 36 TD’s. Those would not only shatter the current records, but would also cap off one of the finest seasons for a quarterback in NFL history. One thing’s for sure – this team is firmly in the hands of Wilson and will go as far as he will ultimately take them.
Parallel #4: Catching Fire …
1984 …
In 1984, Seattle averaged 26.1 Points/Game and finished 5th in the NFL in Points Scored (418) thanks in large part to the efforts of 2 very special and dominant receivers that year -- Steve Largent and Daryl Turner.
Largent had one of his best years in 1984, leading the team in catches (74), receiving yards (1,164), and touchdowns (12) in helping lay the foundations of his Hall of Fame career.
The other receiver who struck terror in the hearts of opposing DB’s in 1984 was Seattle’s 2nd Round Pick that year out of Michigan State -- Daryl Turner. Daryl “the Afterburner” Turner was incredibly fast -- his career mark of 18.53 Yards/Reception is still a Seahawks record. Turner also holds the Seahawk rookie record for most receiving touchdowns by a rookie (10) as well as the Seahawk record for most receiving touchdowns in a season (13 in 1985). But Daryl Turner also holds the distinction of an eye popping stat that very may never be broken.
36% of the 101 receptions Daryl Turner caught in his meteoric career … went for touchdowns.
That’s an NFL Record (among receivers who have had at least 30 touchdowns in their career) for TD/Reception ratio that still stands to this day. It would have been interesting to see what the Seahawks could have done had his career not been cut short due to his alcohol and drug issues.
2015 …
Like the 1984 team, the 2015 Seahawks aerial attack is averaging 26 points per game (26.4 actually) and has been great thanks in large part to the efforts of 2 receivers …
Prior to training camp in 2014, Doug Baldwin reached out to Steve Largent to seek advice on ways he could improve as a receiver. It was a move that would pay big dividends, as 2014 and 2015 have been his biggest receiving years. After scoring his 2nd touchdown of the day in the Brown’s game, Baldwin had this to say on his relationship with Largent …
Those lessons he’s learned from Largent are obviously being put to use. While the eyes of the world were on Jimmy Graham early, it’s been Doug Baldwin who’s been the most dominant receiver on the Seahawks this season. Baldwin has already tied Daryl Turner’s record for most TD’s in a season (13) that he set in 1985. If he keeps up his current pace, Baldwin would finish with around 70 receptions and top the 1,000 yard receiving mark – the first time that’s happened since Bobby Engram in 2007.
With all due respect to Jermaine Kearse, the other receiver who has really turned heads this year has been rookie sensation Tyler Lockett. Thought mainly of as a return specialist coming in to this season, No E (as he is known by his teammates) has become this team’s version of Daryl Turner.
Like Turner, Lockett has down himself to be a dynamic playmaker, capable of going all the way every time he touches the football. Earlier this season, Lockett became the first rookie since Gale Sayers (in 1965) to have 5 receiving touchdowns and to score a touchdown on both a kickoff return and a punt return in the same season. He and Sayers are the only 2 rookies in NFL History to ever accomplish that feat.
Football Outsiders has been impressed with him as well, as coming in to this game they have Lockett ranked #1 in the NFL in DVOA (44.4%) for wide receivers (Doug Baldwin is #2 in DVOA by the way).
The NFL agrees as well, as Lockett was named to the Pro Bowl with Baldwin being named an alternate.
Parallel #5: Power of the 12’s …
The 1984 Season made a lasting mark on the Seahawks and their fans -- the legacy of which has been felt at every home game since that time. On December 15, 1984 (before the Seahawks final home game against the Broncos that season), former Seahawks interim coach, Director of Football Operations, and GM Mike McCormack made the announcement that the Seahawks #12 jersey would be forever retired in honor of the fans.
When Curt Warner went down and all hope seemed lost … it was the 12’s who continued to have faith and to believe in this team. That same spirit that powered the 1984 team to one of the best seasons in franchise history still is the heartbeat of the team today. When the Seahawks found themselves 4-5 after the heartbreaking loss to the Cardinals at home this season … it was the 12’s who refused to give up, who continued to believe that another trip to the Super Bowl was still within this team’s reach. Now that a playoff berth has once again been secured, that goal that seemed like folly to many experts out there just 5 short weeks ago … is just 3 more games away from becoming a reality. In short order, the Seattle Seahawks have once again become that team that nobody wants to face in the playoffs. Though the road back to the Super Bowl won’t go through Century Link Field this year … you can count on the 12’s to strongly represent … and to help make the Hawks even deadlier road warriors than they already are.
