When athletes, particularly young ones (college freshmen, rookies, etc.) start finding success, they often talk about the game slowing down.
In the case of Seahawks right tackle James Carpenter, he doesn’t necessarily feel like the game is slowing down, but rather that, by getting in better shape, he is speeding up.
“I’ve lost 25 pounds since I’ve been here,” he said. “So I think I’ve gotten faster.”
Earlier this week, Pete Carroll pointed out that Carpenter has shown signs of improvement in each of the last two games. And while the first-round pick still has plenty of growing to do, it is clear he is starting to feel more comfortable in Seattle’s offense.
“I’ve had some good experiences and I’ve had some bad ones, and I’ve just tried to learn from it all,” he said. “The offensive linemen have helped me out a lot, being a rookie. It’s getting better.”
Carpenter said his first three games, both the good ant he bad, were about what he was expecting: “It was kind of what I was expecting. This is the NFL, players are really good, so this is what I expected. I just knew I had to persevere and get better, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
On Monday, Carroll had the following to say about his young right tackle: “James played better for the second week and that’s a good sign. He didn’t have any setbacks. He’s on the move. He played very strong and made most of his blocks. We didn’t have a big bust in pass protection, so that’s an improvement.
“He’s perfect for this spot being strong, physical, tough, great attitude, loves the game, plays hard and it’s just a matter of being consistent scheme-wise and technique-wise, and when that comes together his confidence will be so much higher than I’m sure it is right now because he’s still seeing things for the first time. So he’s improving, but he has more to go. Half way through the season he should be a pretty accomplished right tackle for us. It’s going to take him a little while, but we’re certainly seeing good things. You see positive plays where he gets great movement and where he blows guys out and makes big blocks.”
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