Is Pete Carroll the 2010 National Football League Coach of the Year?
Toting a 5-6 record through just over two-thirds of the season, the first-year Seahawks head coach certainly hasn’t won the most games this year in the NFL, but, upon further review, maybe Carroll’s name shouldn’t be quickly dismissed.
The sideline general has his team in contention to not only make the playoffs, but also host a first-round game. It hasn’t been easy, though.
Injuries have ravaged the Seattle depth chart.
Russell Okung, the team’s first overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft, missed the back half of preseason play with an ankle injury and, of Seattle’s 11 regular-season games, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound left tackle has played in just five – also due to ankle issues.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck missed time due to a concussion and, recently, has been dealing with a broken bone in his non-throwing wrist.
Mike Williams – while leading the team in receptions (52), targets (87) and receiving yards (654) – has also been sidelined from time to time, mainly with leg issues.
Injury woes haven’t ended there. Others on the offensive line have also been dinged up. Same with those on the defensive line. A concussion got the best of cornerback Marcus Trufant, too.
Injuries haven’t been the only things worth noting. Statistically, Carroll’s Seahawks, for the most part, have actually played worse this season than last year’s squad led by Jim Mora Jr. that finished 5-11.
Yes, Seattle’s playing in what’s arguably the worst division in the league.
Yes, Seattle’s schedule as a whole hasn’t been the most difficult.
But, really, this team isn’t good and yet Carroll has it fighting for something it hasn’t been had since 2007, a NFC West division championship.
Can’t get enough NFLGridironGab? Follow SeahawksGab Editor Devon Heinen on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DevonHeinen.
You can’t really be serious about that ???????
Chan Gailey and Brad Childress would be worthier candidates … just for getting axed at the right time …
ooops …
Wade Phillips of course … not Chan Gailey … sorry …
Coach of the year, if and only if they win a playoff game.