Can Seahawks’ Carpenter, O-line continue impressive play?

  • By Tim Booth Associated Press
  • Thursday, August 21, 2014 11:02pm
  • Sports

RENTON — All James Carpenter wanted was to be able to run. That seems an odd wish coming from a 6-foot-5, 321-pound offensive lineman.

For each offseason during his brief NFL career since becoming a first-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2011, Carpenter was undergoing or recovering from some surgery. So when the 2014 offseason arrived and Carpenter wasn’t in recovery mode, running was a joy.

“This time I was really able to run and I was excited about doing it,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter’s transformation has stood out during Seattle’s training camp. He’s down 15 pounds from where he finished last year and his conditioning has improved to where he doesn’t need to be in a rotation.

Carpenter will get his most extensive playing time of the preseason Friday night when the Seahawks host Chicago in the third preseason game for both clubs. He won’t be alone as both teams are expected to play their starters for at least the first half and possibly into the third quarter.

This is truly the dress rehearsal, especially for Seattle, which is unlikely to let its starters see much of the field next Thursday in Oakland with the season opener against Green Bay seven days later. That includes Marshawn Lynch, who coach Pete Carroll said would get some carries.

“We just want guys to play. We want them out there and get them play time just to get adapted to the new season again,” Carroll said. “As we stage it, this is the game they will play the most.”

Carpenter’s career has yet to match the expectations that came with being a first-round pick. He was supposed to be a tackle, but moved to guard after a major knee injury ended his rookie season early. Knee problems and a concussion ended his 2012 season early as well.

Last year, Carpenter was still in recovery mode, but Seattle wanted to get him on the field. He started 12 games and played in 18 of 19 during Seattle’s run to the title. Most of that time was spent in a rotation at left guard. Thanks to having a full offseason and making changes to his eating habits, Carpenter is in shape to have the position all to himself.

“I changed my diet, did a whole bunch of leg workouts trying to keep my legs strong, and ran,” Carpenter said. “Mostly that is what I was really focusing on. I missed being able to run all the time and that was my goal.”

Carpenter and the Seahawks’ starting offense was impressive last week against San Diego, scoring on all four drives in building a 24-0 lead. The Seahawks rolled up 260 yards in the first half against the Chargers. The Bears are the only preseason opponent for Seattle that is not on its regular-season schedule.

Chicago would like to see its run game get started after stumbling through the first two games. The Bears had 79 yards rushing last week against Jacksonville after running for 92 yards in the preseason opener versus Philadelphia. While his chances have been limited, Matt Forte has seven carries for minus-7 yards thus far.

“I don’t think it is a concern for us right now. We’ll get it going when we extremely need it,” Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler said. “We had an emphasis of getting Matt the ball, whether it was running or passing, he was a huge part of this offense. Offensive line, we’ll figure it out.”

Chicago’s pass game has been just fine. Four quarterbacks combined to throw for 402 yards and four touchdowns against Philadelphia. Getting tested by Seattle and the top secondary in the NFL will only help heading into the regular season.

“It’s a game to get ourselves better,” Chicago coach Marc Trestman said. “The environment’s going to help us, we look at it as an opportunity to help us.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.