Seahawks Info: Pete Carroll’s Open Criticism of OC Draws Attention

admin | November 30, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged his concerns after the Seattle Seahawks’ devastating 31-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving Day.

Carroll told reporters, “I’m concerned about everything we’re doing right now,” on November 24. “You will question everything because of what happened last night. There are things to ask and things to discover. That’s our current situation.

Against the 49ers, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and company were unable to score even one touchdown. Before facing the Dallas Cowboys (8-3) in Week 13, Seattle is ranked 18th in terms of points scored, 21st in terms of yards gained, and 29th in terms of third-down conversion rate.

Pete Carroll has put offensive coordinator Shane Waldron under fire, after weeks of criticism from pundits. Carroll stated, “In order to establish our momentum early in the game, we have to make the most of our personnel and make sure that they’re contributing in the best ways possible.”

Gregg Bell of the News Tribune thinks Carroll gave Waldron a clear message. “His boss, the head coach, wants him to use more of his players more effectively and to diversify his approach.” Pete Carroll made this uncommon and barely concealed criticism this week in the wake of Seattle’s 18-point home loss to the 49ers.

Mike Duagr, an Athletics player, concurs. “This is the closest Carroll has gotten to criticizing the offensive coordinators and play caller Shane Waldron. Additionally, after defeating the Panthers in Week 3, Carroll is concerned about an offensive that is among the worst in the league.

Seahawks Offense Must ‘Maximize’ Their Talent Against the Cowboys

Seattle’s chances of making the playoffs with a 6-5 record are fading. Unfortunately, the Cowboys, who have the top point differential in the league (plus-162), will be the club the Seahawks must play next.

With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the roster, the inability to score is perplexing. Seattle has two strong running backs in Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet but they rank 29th in rushing attempts.

With Walker “doubtful” for Week 13 against Dallas, the Seahawks can look toward Kenny McIntosh to step up. And they should.

“We have unique talents, and we gotta make sure we’re maximizing that. I feel like we’re not,” Carroll said. “We’ve got guys in different areas of our game that can do stuff better. Our tight ends can be used better than we’ve used them in the last couple of weeks. We need to get that going again.”

All these comments are critiques of Waldron’s scheme and play calling. Speaking to reporters on November 27, it appears Waldron got the message.

“I think, number one, (it) starts with me getting the guys into position where we can get some of those plays where they are ball-out plays in a good rhythm against the right coverage structures,” Waldron said. “We’re going to continuously work at getting better and improving every single day in that area, because it’s something that we need to do. And we will do.”

Geno Smith Is ‘Confident’ Seattle Can Bounce Back Against Dallas

Smith remains hopeful that the squad will turn things around despite a string of painful defeats. “I believe in our procedure. Smith told reporters, “I believe in myself, I believe in the coaches, and I believe in the players around me.” “For us, it all comes down to doing what we do best—playing sound football, playing good football, and having confidence in our ability to execute. Have faith in that since it is the truth.

“I’ll always remain confident in myself, but I’m going to continue to preach that I’m even more confident in the guys around me, and I know that we all collectively can get it done. That’s where it lies.”

On November 30, the Seahawks face an uphill battle against a Dallas defense that includes linebacker Micah Parsons (11.5 sacks), and cornerback DaRon Bland, who’s already broken the NFL record with five pick-sixes. The Seahawks defense will also have their work cut out stopping Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who’s posting career highs in completion percentage (70.0) and passer rating (107.4).

“The NFC games are huge,” Carroll said. “This one, because it’s a Thursday to Thursday, and what happened last Thursday, it’s a big opportunity right here. And I don’t want to miss this.”