Tag: season

After solid 2019, Seahawks kicker Jason Myers still has room to grow

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a relatively solid season for the team in 2019, but there is still room for improvement in 2020.

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers had a rough start to the 2019 season. However, he rebounded in a big way and became reliable in the second half of the year, helping the team make it to the divisional round of the postseason where they lost to the Green Bay Packers.

Myers made 23 of his 28 field goals in the 2019 regular season, good for 82.1 percent. He also made 40 of his 44 extra points (90.9 percent) on the year. After a particularly shaky performance in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in which he made but also missed two field goals – including the game-winner that forced overtime – Seahawks fans were calling for Myers to be released.

He answered the outcry by making all 12 of his field-goal attempts through the next six games, which is how he finished the regular season. However, Myers has to clean up his misses to fulfill the four-year, $15.5 million contract the Seahawks signed him to in the 2019 offseason. He made only two of his four field goals in the postseason, which will not cut it in the playoffs.

Myers had a good year in 2019, but he must be more consistent with his kicks in the future to live up to his lucrative contract.

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Texas Basketball: Three Keys To Beating Texas Tech

For the Texas Longhorns, they have a big matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Here are three keys to beating them at home.

The Texas Longhorns are set to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday afternoon in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns aren’t seen as a team on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament at this point but a win against the Red Raiders could be big for them to fight their way towards it.

Slow Down Jahmi’us Ramsey

For the Texas Tech offense, their big scoring threat is freshman guard Ramsey. In their win over West Virginia and their close matchup with Kansas, he was a key scoring with a combined 47 points over their two games. For Texas, Shaka Smart needs to find a way to limit his touches and force someone else to beat you.

Score in the paint

The Red Raiders are vulnerable in the paint as they don’t have enough of a presence down low. Jericho Sims needs to get the ball in the paint and go to work. Whether it be scoring off a pass inside or getting on the glass and creating second-chance options. This will be a big key for the Longhorns pulling off an upset over the team that played for a National Championship just a season ago.

Limit Turnovers

For the Longhorns to stay in the game against the Red Raiders it will be about protecting the basketball. Tech has done well with creating turnovers and getting out in transition. Texas needs to limit those opportunities and get a few of their own to beat them at home.

Texas loses on the road, Kansas sweeps season series

After taking a lead into halftime against KU, it was a poor second half from UT. The main struggles for the UT were on the offensive side.

After taking a lead into halftime against Kansas, it was a poor second half from Texas, dropping another conference game, 69-58. The main struggles for the Longhorns were on the offensive side, as they struggled to shoot, especially from behind the three-point line.

As a team, they were 4-24 from behind the arc, a horrid 16.7%. Matt Coleman led the team in made three-pointers with two, but missed his other five attempts, going 2-7. The rest of the Texas starters went 1-9 from deep, with Andrew Jones’ first-half buzzer-beater being the only three-pointer made off the bench.

The good news about the Longhorns’ effort from the free-throw line is that they made 80% of them. The bad news is that they only attempted 10 shots. Going into tonight’s game, Texas had attempted and made the fewest amount of free-throws in the entire country. It continues to kill them in games as they are not getting enough points from the charity strike to win them games.

As usual for Kansas, it was Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike leading the way. Combining for 33 points, they were the two leading scorers for the Jayhawks, shooting 13-20 from the floor. Azubuike also dominated on the glass, recording his ninth double-double of the season, going for 17 points and 12 rebounds.

In the series history between the two schools, Texas has been dominated, losing 21 out of the last 25 matchups. Since hiring Shaka Smart in 2015, Texas is 1-12 against Kansas, with the one win coming last season in Austin.

After being at .500 in Big 12 play for one day, the Longhorns are back to a losing conference record. Sitting at 4-5, they now become one of four teams with a losing record in the conference. A win tonight would have gone a long way with Texas’ slim NCAA Tournament hopes, but day by day, the door is shutting.

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Russell Wilson receives no NFL MVP votes, Lamar Jackson gets all 50

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson received no MVP votes as all 50 of them went to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Before Super Bowl LIV, the NFL end-of-season awards were announced during the NFL Honors show. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson received all 50 votes for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, becoming only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history, joining Tom Brady after his 2010-11 campaign.

This means that Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson did not receive a single vote for MVP. Wilson had a solid season, throwing for 4,110 yards, 31 touchdowns, five interceptions and a passer rating of 106.3. However, Jackson did things that were unprecedented in the NFL, breaking numerous all-time records. He led the league in touchdown passes with 36 and most notably set the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,206.

Some would argue that the Seahawks would have struggled immensely throughout the 2019 season without Wilson, while Jackson had 11 Pro Bowlers beside him in Baltimore. However, Jackson took the NFL by storm and Wilson had a four-game stretch where he threw an interception per game which likely contributed to his ousting from the MVP race by year’s end.

Wilson had one of his best seasons in the prime of his career, but the NFL MVP award still eludes him. However, Wilson prioritizes winning above all else, and he will continue to do so heading into the 2020 season.

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Ten Predictions for the 2020 season

The 2020 season is a pivotal season for the Texas program, needing to meet expectations. Here are 10 predictions for the upcoming season.

Expectations are high for the Longhorns, with everything seemingly set in place for a great 2020 season. With brand new coordinators hired of both sides of the ball, a reshaped coaching staff is in place to hopefully make good use of all the talent Texas has on the roster.

Coming off a poor 2019 season, this season is a pivotal season for the program. Needing a successful year in the fourth year of Tom Herman, the level of accomplishments like a Big 12 championship appearance and an NY6 Bowl game need to become reality. With all of the experience coming back, it has a great opportunity to finally happen for Texas.

Here are 10 predictions for the Longhorns in the 2020 football season.

Texas will go 2-0 against Oklahoma and LSU

With an early-season matchup against the Tigers, Death Valley will be rocking for the second year of the home and home series. However, losing most of their production on both sides of the ball plus a chunk of their coaching staff and a national championship hangover is in store for LSU. Mix in how well Tom Herman plays in big games and the Longhorns will edge out a win in Baton Rouge.

As for the Red River Shootout, the Sooners will be starting a quarterback who has never taken meaningful snaps in the rivalry game. With the experience Texas is bringing back, they will have the advantage going into this year’s game in Dallas. Herman and Ehlinger have proven they can win the game before and they’ll do it again this season.

Caden Sterns has a bounce-back season

Having an outstanding freshman season in 2018, Sterns spent most of 2019 injured and unable to make a real impact on the team. Only playing in nine games, he missed important games like Oklahoma and TCU, causing the Texas defense to really struggle. Expected to be fully healthy for the 2020 season, Sterns should be able to return to the level he is used to playing at. Having the ability to be the best player in the secondary, Sterns will be a key role to the defense next season.

At Oklahoma State will determine a Big 12 Championship spot

In a weird scheduling move by the Big 12, Texas will end their season Thanksgiving weekend on the road against Oklahoma State. Much like the Longhorns, the Cowboys have a ton of production coming back next season and are expected to compete at the top of the Big 12. Last season, their game in Austin set the tone for how the conference would shake out. This season, it will be a crucial matchup that could have championship implications. What would make it even more interesting is if Texas and OSU could play each other two weekends in a row. Either way, the season finale should have higher stakes than usual in 2020.

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Russell Wilson says Seahawks need more ‘superstars’ in free agency

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson believes his team needs to sign more “superstars” in free agency before the 2020 season.

 

Quarterback Russell Wilson is not satisfied with the Seattle Seahawks losing out in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers.

Wilson, who is fresh off a Pro Bowl performance in which he relatively struggled but threw for a touchdown, recently told ESPN that the Seahawks need more “superstars” to get back into legitimate Super Bowl contention. This may involve convincing certain impending free agents such as Jadeveon Clowney to stay for the 2020 season and beyond.

“I think we need a couple more,” Wilson said during a Pro Bowl interview. “I think we need a couple more. Jadeveon is a big-time guy that we would love to get back on our football team. He was so good in the locker room. He brought so many just havoc plays to the field. Hopefully, we can get a few other players there on the defense. Then also on offense, we have a great offense, but I think we can always add more pieces.”

Wilson knows he needs assistance around him and stressed the importance of free agency, expressing faith that the Seahawks organization can surround him with the tools he needs to succeed next season.

“I think that’s going to be the part that’s going to be great with John Schneider and Pete Carroll, as well, in terms of this offseason’s free agency,” Wilson continued. “Free agency is very, very key to getting those superstars on your team and try to get great players that can fill the space.”

With the length of Wilson’s prime an uncertainty, Seattle must continue to construct a Super Bowl-caliber roster before it ends. The 2020 free agency period begins on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. PT.

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Shaquem Griffin could be key to Seahawks pass rush in 2020 season

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin could get chances to contribute significantly to the team’s pass rush in the 2020 season.

By now, we all know the story surrounding Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin and his incredible journey to the NFL. With the 2019 season concluding, his story will only continue to grow from here.

Griffin was given the opportunity to shine in Week 10 against the 49ers and showed his potential, bringing speed off the edge despite not logging any sacks or tackles.

He further progressed in Week 13 by notching two quarterback hits and a few pressures against the Eagles. His speed showcased something that Ezekiel Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney did not display while rushing the passer. Griffin averaged one pressure per 7.5 rushes and had a pressure percentage of 13.3.

He got his first sack in the postseason against the Packers alongside his twin brother Shaquill and seemed to be growing more with each passing game, likely earning the chance to be a significant contributor next season rushing the passer.

Griffin may be counted on more in 2020 with the impending free agency of both Clowney and Ansah, the latter of whom will almost certainly be gone.

The Seahawks could certainly use more production from the pass rush, and whatever moves are made in free agency and the draft, Griffin could get even more chances to contribute in 2020.

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Seahawks and Eagles have gone through similar seasons in 2019

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles have gone through terribly trying seasons in 2019 featuring many injuries and lucky breaks.

The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles square off on Sunday, Jan. 5 at Lincoln Financial Field for their matchup in the wild-card round of the 2019-2020 NFL playoffs. The two teams are quite similar in many aspects and they have both found themselves in the postseason under compelling circumstances this year.

Both teams have dealt with their fair share of hardships, namely in the form of injuries to key players. Philadelphia has lost several wide receivers to various injuries along with Malik Jackson and Brandon Brooks, among others. In addition, offensive tackle Lane Johnson and tight end Zach Ertz are both questionable for Sunday. Seattle has lost tight end Will Dissly, running backs Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, and CJ Prosise, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks to season-ending injuries. Offensive tackle Duane Brown and wide receiver Malik Turner have also been ruled out for Sunday’s game, and guard Mike Iupati and wide receiver Jaron Brown are questionable.

Both teams have also been the beneficiary of certain factors that have added to their win totals. The Seahawks have won many close games this year with 10 of their 11 victories being by eight points, with some coming against vastly inferior competition. The Eagles emerged from the worst division in football in the NFC East and had a particularly easy schedule to close the season. The Seahawks and Eagles have both fought hard to get to the playoffs, but they have caught quite a few breaks along the way. However, they have continuously found ways to win games when they need to, regardless of circumstance.

The Seahawks and Eagles have gone through the season with determination and many losses with mostly positive results, but there can only be one victor on Sunday.

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5 biggest what ifs from the 2019 season

Every week, Longhorns fans left leaving the game thinking “What if this went our way?” Here are the 5 biggest what-ifs from the 2019 season.

At the end of each football season, there is always a few what-ifs for each team. That is no different for Texas, especially after a disappointing 8-5 season. From the very beginning of the season to the final few games, every week, Longhorns fans left leaving the game thinking “What if this went our way?”

Boneheaded plays cost Texas all season, sometimes even in games they were in total control of. It started with having the LSU offense in a favorable 3rd and 17 position and ended with jumping offsides to give Iowa State a huge first down to run out the clock to end the Horns’ Big 12 championship hopes.

While these are not excuses as to why Texas lost, it is easy to wonder what would have happened if they went in the Longhorns’ favor. Each individual one could have completely changed the entire course of the season, for good or for bad.

Here are the five biggest what-ifs for the 2019 season:

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Seahawks have not played well in rematches over the past 2 years

The Seattle Seahawks have not played well in rematches over the past two seasons and the trend may continue in Week 17 against the 49ers.

The Seattle Seahawks have not performed well in rematches over the past two years. This trend may continue in Week 17 of the 2019 season against the San Francisco 49ers.

It began in 2018 when Seattle played the division rivals 49ers, Rams and Cardinals, along with the Cowboys twice, including the postseason. The Seahawks were 3-1 in the first matchups and 1-3 in the rematches.

This season, Seattle defeated both the Rams and Cardinals the first time around but fell to both opponents the second time. They were also blown out in both rematches this year, a rarity in the Pete Carroll era. They were victorious over San Francisco in Week 10, but they barely scratched that one out.

With the return of 49ers’ George Kittle and several key players still missing from Seattle’s defense despite the return of Jadeveon Clowney and Shaquill Griffin, the Seahawks could see themselves lose the NFC West crown to their bitter rivals.

Of course, there is a chance that the Seahawks will upset the 49ers. The phrase “any given Sunday” rings true every season and 2019 is no different. However, despite concerns about the 49ers’ pass defense, Carroll and his team will likely have to put on their best performance of the season to overcome San Francisco with Kittle this time around.

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