Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is uniquely suited to support backup right guards Christian Haynes and Beau Stephens as they step in for starter Anthony Bradford, who just went on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Fleury comes from Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree, and one look at the San Francisco 49ers run game against the Miami Dolphins reveals the key to their offense’s early hum this season. They have all-time greats starting at tight end, fullback, running back, and left tackle—and they get the first three the ball by having them block for each other. They’re starting two young guards themselves in Connor Colby (second-year) and Dominick Puni (third-year), but they make their lives as easy as any team in the NFL could.
Simply
having more TEs and FBs and fewer WRs on the field was thought of as an old-school concept until the Los Angeles Rams popularized the use of 13 personnel last year. Now, every team is emphasizing their second and third tight end spots. The Seahawks don’t want to do what every team does; they want to stay ahead. They’ve used Eric Saubert (27 snaps) and Elijah Arroyo (26) equally through two weeks. AJ Barner has blocked so well, the team hasn’t needed to utilize him as a pass-catcher yet. This week could be the time the TE room catches an opponent by surprise for a touchdown.
The FB room is just Brady Russell, who we wrote about last week as a looming breakout in the offense. The Seahawks also used backup center Olu Oluwatimi on the goal line as a fullback with Emanuel Wilson as the tailback, so look for their “heavy” personnel set in short yardage as an alternative to Barner’s “Barn Yard” play. Either way, they won’t leave their young guards in coin-flip situations.
It’s important to remember that neither Haynes nor Stephens will be perfect. Both could be very good if their jobs are clearly outlined, and getting extra blocking specialists in early and often does just that. If they can get one-on-ones against defensive linemen, or double teams before getting out in space to the second level, they can always handle more leash later. Fleury has an opportunity to show his coaching prowess with his handling of the situation this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Brian Fleury can guide Christian Haynes, Beau Stephens at right guard
