The bad Seahawks news Sunday officially became the worst news Tuesday: DT Brandon Mebane is done for the season and on the injured reserve list after apparently tearing his right hamstring in the 38-17 win over the New York Giants.
Mebane was having the best of his eight seasons in Seattle. A case could be made that he was the defensive MVP of the half-season. Along with QB Russell Wilson and RB Marshawn Lynch, he is arguably hardest to replace because no one on the roster comes close to what he does so well.
“There is nobody like Mebane,” coach Pete Carroll said Monday. “He’s a very unique player. He’s had, I think, the best season he’s had since he’s we’ve been here to this point – most consistent. That’s a big hit to take. But our guys that go in play good football too, so we will expect them to play up and maintain the level.”
Carroll said that DTs Kevin Williams, Tony McDaniel and Jordan Hill will share the responsibility of filling in for the best run-stopper on a defense that is fourth in the NFL against the rush.
“We will see how that goes and what kind of play we’re getting from the fellas,” he said. “All those guys are good football players. They’re all doing good stuff. Their makeup is a little different, and their style.”
Carroll said he was also pleased with the addition of DE Demarcus Dobbs, who played against the Giants after being picked up from San Francisco’s practice squad.
To replace Mebane on the 53-man roster, the Seahawks signed tight end RaShaun Allen, 6-4 and 250 pounds, from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. With Luke Willson joining Zach Miller with injured ankles, third-string Cooper Helfet is the likely starter in Kansas City Sunday with another newcomer, Tony Moeaki, making his debut as a backup.
Allen, 24, originally signed with Seattle as a rookie free agent May 19 and saw action at St. Louis before being released and re-signed to the practice squad Oct. 23. He was released Oct. 29 and signed to the Vikings practice squad Nov. 3.
Mebane was Seattle’s third-round choice (85th overall) in the 2007 NFL draft. A starter since game 7 of his rookie season, Mebane started the last 110 consecutive games in which he has played, and in 116 career games, he collected 325 tackles (217 solo), 14 sacks, eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. In the postseason, Mebane started eight of nine games and posted 32 tackles (22 solo).
12 Comments
O’Boy, adversity keeps pilling on the Hawks. Next man up is a phrase wearing thin on this years season. As of now Mebane is irreplaceable. Good luck to Williams and McDaniel opprotunity is upon you.
He’s unique, and they’re not. KC and the remaining opponents plan to exploit.
Pulled muscles are rampant: Calve, groin, hams: I am certain the Hawk’s have very qualified trainers but maybe it’s time they REQUIRE extended stretching before and after every practice and before every game, by EVERYONE.
It would be valuable to know how many players have suffered from muscle pulls and have missed games as a result. I do not doubt the Hawks have lost a game or more this season due to players either out or not playing at full speed.
Mebane’s alone is worth having these done by the team. We are truly going to miss him plugging up the middle.
Mebane is a HUGE loss. But requiring extended stretching is a debatable strategy. Do you mean static stretching or dynamic stretching? Before or after? Gentle or hardcore? As a lifelong runner, I’ve seen countless studies on stretching, and the jury is still out on whether stretching is even useful. Some claim it’s actually counterproductive. Most people these days are focused on core strength, balance, and functional mobility — because that’s where the science is leading us. But we’re still a long way from any kind of consensus. The Seahawks have had their share of injuries this season. Last season they had less, at least to their starters. Are they doing anything different this season? Or did the odds simply catch up with them? I wouldn’t doubt it if Mebane has played more snaps this season, considering the loss of defensive linemen (Clemons, Bryant, etc.) in the offseason. In any case, I don’t think it’s as simple as implementing a new or more significant stretching routine.
Purely a function of odds; lucky last year, unlucky this year.
It’s virtually the same with every team. No team cuts corners anymore when it comes to training/therapy/rehab.
the shoe drops, and it feels more like the season.
Williams was All Pro in his prime around the time the Seahawks made it to their first Super Bowl, but that was a different decade, he’s been thoroughly underwhelming this season playing at about that of a replacement level player.
Mebane is irreplaceable.
Maybe the former 49’er fullback at 280+ LBS can play nose tackle he’s presently weighing down the bench. Is he still on the team? I need a new program to figure out the roster.
Willy is scheduled for D line action Sunday.
Big blow. Bane, Wilson, Lynch. Accept no substitutions.
I wonder if Schneider is second guessing himself on letting both Red Bryant AND Chris Clemons leave in free agency? I’m not sure if Kevin Williams has been able to pick up the slack for them. In 9 games he’s had 18 tackles, including a sack, and two passes defensed. He didn’t get a tackle against the Giants. He’ll be the one to replace Mebane.
The rush D is 4th in the NFL, and the pass rush is up to two guys here a year ago, Bennett and Avril. I think they expected a little more from Williams, and now he gets to show it.