The Seattle Seahawks have struggled with health all across their offensive line this season, which has lead to inconsistencies and, at times, problems in both run and pass protection.
Last week Seattle was without both guard Mike Iupati and tackle Duane Brown, which pushed Jamarco Jones into starting duties at left guard alongside George Fant.
Jones struggled mightily the last time he was called upon to start, when he replaced Brown at left tackle against the Cardinals, but he stepped up in a big way on Sunday against the Eagles.
“Jamarco did a nice job though, particularly in pass protection he held up really well and he came through for us,” coach Pete Carroll said on Monday. “That’s a couple times, he had a big game earlier in the year, a couple big games at guard on the other side. Shows really good versatility and really good smarts. He played hard and tough and did a nice job, particularly in the throwing game.”
Jones originally came to Seattle as a tackle prospect, but he has had far more success filling in at right and left guard than he has on the outside – a sign he may be groomed as a replacement guard in the near future.
Jones, like the rest of Seattle’s offensive line, struggled to run-block on Sunday, which contributed to Seattle’s 19 rushing yards on 17 carries.
However, if he can continue to demonstrate proficiency as a pass blocker, he has a chance to carve out a nice career on the interior for the Seahawks.
In the meantime, Jones may have to prove himself again on Sunday against the Packers, with Iupati still dealing with a stinger that Carroll reported got worse last week, and still hasn’t gone away.
“He had a few episodes the week before and it just didn’t quiet down in time,” Carroll said. “It has quieted down when he’s had the episodes in the past, [but] he’s still symptomatic today. So I can’t tell you what’s going to happen this week.”
If Iupati cannot go, Jones will be counted on in a big way on Sunday against a 13-3 Packers squad that can create problems up front.
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