Seahawks Mid-Season Evaluation

The first half of this season has been a real struggle. At 2-6, the Seahawks have reached the “every game is a must win game” point in the year, as one more loss likely eliminates the Seahawks from the playoffs. Luckily, the east part of the schedule is coming up, so I think the Seahawks will find winning a bit easier, at least after this Sunday’s game.

Since we are at the half way point, I thought it would be fun to hand out some mid-season awards, both good and bad.

Offensive Player of the Half-Year – Doug Baldwin

Baldwin went undrafted, and was signed as a rookie free agent just before training camp started. All he’s done since then is make a name for himself as one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. Baldwin currently leads the Seahawks in both receiving yards and catches.

Defensive Player of the Half-Year – Kam Chancellor 

I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Seahawks decided  not to resign Lawyer Milloy and go with last year’s 5th round pick. It turns out that it was a good choice. Chancellor has been arguably the best player on the Seahawks this season despite the fact that he’s been battling injuries in almost every game.

Offensive Goat of the Half-Year – Mike Williams

Robert Gallery gets consideration here, but he’s getting an award below so I’m going with Williams. Williams has followed up last season’s breakout season by becoming invisible this season. Williams has just 12 catches at the halfway point in the season, despite starting and being on the field more than more productive players.

Defensive Goat of the Half-Year – Brandon Browner

Browner has no business starting at CB in the NFL. He just doesn’t. Browner can’t cover NFL caliber receivers. I get that Browner isn’t Kelly Jennings, and that alone makes him someone fans like, but it simply isn’t enough. I haven’t seen a recent update, but through 5 games opposing QB’s had a perfect 158.4 QB rating when throwing to the receiver that Browner was covering. Add in the fact that Browner has been flagged for 11 penalties in just 8 games, and you have the worst starting CB in the NFl.

Best FA Signing – Alan Branch

I think most fans would think of Sydney Rice for this spot, and he certain deserves consideration, but no player on the team has had the impact that Branch has had. Branch has been a beast on the defensive line. Red Bryant gets all the credit for being the reason that the Seahawks have a stout run defense, but Branch has even better than Bryant.

Worst FA Signing – Robert Gallery

Gallery has battled multiple injuries all season, which has kept him out of 5 of the team’s 8 games. During the 3 that he’s played, he hasn’t been particularly good. Gallery was brought in to be the veteran leader of the offensive line, but he hasn’t been any better than the rookies. I believe that Gallery will return to form once healthy, but until that happens he deserves this award.

Best Draft Pick – KJ Wright

Wright has been solid at strong side linebacker since beating out Aaron Curry after week 2. He hasn’t been spectacular, but he has been good enough to be selected here. Just the fact that his play made Curry expendable has helped Wright win over Seahawks fans.

Worst Draft Pick – Mark Legree

I was going to put 4th rd pick Kris Durham in this spot, since he’s rarely seen the field was then was just placed on IR with a mystery injury, but that would be forgetting the player who is no longer with the team. 5th round pick Mark Legree didn’t even make the roster, and the team chose not even to add him to the practice squad.