The 5-5 Seahawks travel to the 6-4 Panthers in a huge matchup this weekend that could very well decide the fate of the race for one of the two Wild Card spots in the NFC; Seattle is on the outside looking in while Carolina, despite a two game losing streak, still holds the fifth seed in the NFC.
Much has been discussed about this Seahawks team; the offensive line, for one thing, isn’t playing like a bottom of the barrel unit anymore, the backfield features a talented trio of backs, Russell Wilson is having a solid year, and the defense is outperforming expectations. With the Legion of Boom dismantled, I don’t think any of us saw that coming, especially when they started 2-3 on the season.
But don’t forget that four of their five losses have come against the Rams, Chargers and Bears, teams with a combined 25-7 record.
Seattle’s defense has given up the fifth most rushing yards per attempt (4.9) in the league and it’s been a while since they forced turnovers at a high rate, but this is not a defense to take lightly. One of the key cogs is defensive end Frank Clark, in the final year of his rookie contract; Clark is having a career year, putting up 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, eight tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits in his first 10 games on the season – in his last 16 games he has recorded 14.5 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
Clark is going to get paid in the offseason, whether by Seattle or somewhere else – all that matters this week is that the Panthers’ tackles are in for a long day if they can’t contain Clark’s explosive pass rushing ability. With that said, let’s dive into what makes him so dangerous in this week’s breakdown:
It’s Miller Time
I think most of us are familiar with the devastating sack Clark had on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr going up against rookie left tackle Kolton Miller in Week 6, but if you didn’t, here’s a moment-by-moment look.
Clark pushes off his right foot going up against Miller (#77)
Then, out of nowhere, Clark gets a huge boost in power and literally pushes Miller to the ground…
…then devours Carr.
He’s also able to strip-sack Carr on this play, one which the Seahawks were able to recover the fumble and have the offense take over.
It’s one of the best sacks I’ve seen in quite some time. Clark’s explosive hands make this play and Carr doesn’t expect it at all; Chris Clark had better be ready, otherwise this could be him too – he’s probably having nightmares about this play over the weekend.
When The Tevi Breaks
On this example against the Chargers, Clark lines up against right tackle Sam Tevi (#69).
Clark shows off hesitance just after the ball is snapped. He does this to fool the RT, and unleashes a surge of power as soon as he gets outside leverage.
With that, he shoves Tevi out of the way and Rivers is in his path.
The play can only end one way, and Clark gets another impressive sack.
Clark makes a brilliant read off the play action, seeing Rivers dropping back all the way through – his gamble paid off; it will be interesting to see if Norv Turner tries to run right at Clark to try and defuse some of his pass rushing speed.
Clark Goes Goff
Andrew Whitworth is one of the better left tackles in the league, and still gets taken to town by the fourth-year defensive end on this play.
As Clark goes up against Whitworth…
…he executes an inside counter chop, allowing him to take a hold of outside leverage.
Clark tight ropes his way to Goff with his balance and after what seems like an eternity…
…Goff is able to go down for the sack.
With the Panthers pass rush struggling from the defensive end position, this may be an ersatz scouting game for Marty Hurney as he looks at Clark, but for now, they have to prepare for his blend of violent hands and refined technique and athleticism. He’s become a sack machine for the Seahawks and one of their defense’s most important players.
Norv Turner needs to have a field day with his motion heavy offensive scheme, because this Seahawks defense, and Clark in particular, have too much power to attack traditionally; with Devin Funchess likely missing this game and Torrey Smith also doubtful, all of the Panthers speed will be on the field a lot – let’s hope there are some quick hitters in the playbook.
