Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll believes last year’s media frenzy impacted the Griffin brothers performance on the field.
The 2018 season was a dream come true for Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin, twin brothers who were reunited once again on the football field for the Seattle Seahawks.
The heartwarming story of their reunion, coupled with Shaquem’s inspiring story of making it to the NFL despite the loss of his hand as a child, made for quite the media circus – and coach Pete Carroll believes the swarm of attention limited their focus and hurt their performance last season.
“I just don’t think he had as good of an offseason,” Carroll said of Shaquill on Wednesday. “I would say to give a reason with [Shaquem] Griff coming in, I think the two of them just–there was so much going on and so much happening that it was hard for them to maximize the focus that was necessary. They needed to learn the hard way. They needed to see it. We didn’t do as well as we could. I wish I would’ve been able to work them through it. I think it’s as natural as can be that that happened because their story, their following, and what they were dealing with was as unusual as anybody could ever have. I think it took a toll on them a little bit.”
A drop in performance for Shaquill was understandable given the circumstance, and Shaquem had to deal with sudden celebrity status while trying to find his way as an undersized linebacker and core special teamer, which is no easy task.
Fortunately, it is quite clear both players have re-charged their mental state in the 2019 season. Shaquill has put together a Pro Bowl caliber season, getting named an alternate last week, and has drawn tremendous praise from his coach.
“He’s had a terrific season,” Carroll continued. “He’s been productive. He’s been consistent. He’s been really active. It’s a whole step forward from where he was last year. He’s playing like he was capable of playing.”
Shaquem has thrived as well, finally getting a chance to do what he did best in college, rush the passer, and flashing the skills necessary to succeed in that role going forward.
Carroll attributes each of their success to learning from last year’s distractions.
“This time around, they just went shoulder to shoulder and got ready to go and have done a fantastic job for us,” Carroll said. “Just growing and learning.”
The Seahawks will hope both Griffin brothers are healthy and ready to contribute on Sunday against the Cardinals in Week 16.
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