Wide Receiver Doug Baldwin Out, Seattle Must Replace His Production In The Lineup

By Jordan Long

The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Denver Broncos on Sunday 27-24, dropping them to 0-1.  They lost more than the game as top wide receiver Doug Baldwin is out with a partially torn MCL.  He suffered the injury during the 1^st quarter.  The timetable for his return is unknown.

                Baldwin is a favorite target of Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson.  He creates mismatches because of his speed.  When Baldwin is able to catch the football, there aren’t many defensive backs who can catch up to him.  In his career Baldwin has an impressive 13.4 yards per catch.

                The Denver Broncos didn’t let Baldwin beat them on Sunday.  He wasn’t targeted and Wilson had trouble finding him.  The Broncos forced Wilson to toss the ball to tight end Will Dissly, wide receiver Taylor Lockett, and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

                Dissly was the top receiver for the Seahawks on Sunday.  He had a total of 105 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, a remarkable 35 yards per catch.   Denver couldn’t cover him.  He was open all day long. 

Seattle should use him more in the passing game now that Baldwin will be out.  His size at 6 foot 4 inches creates mismatches.  Linebackers are too slow to cover him.  Dissly uses his height to outjump a safety or a cornerback for the football.  

Wilson must also look for Tyler Lockett.  He is going to be involved in the passing game more.  He needs to create separation for Wilson to toss him the football.  Lockett might have a large game if that is the case.

Brandon Marshall needs to step up his game.  He had a difficult time being open on Sunday. Marshall was targeted 6 times but had only 3 catches for 46 yards, not a lot of production.  This will not help replace Baldwin in future games.  He has to use his quickness to run past the secondary to be open for Wilson. After that, it is up to Marshal to make defenders miss which could equal huge gains.  Those could be 1^st downs and touchdowns.

                The Seahawks know they have playmakers to replace Baldwin.  If they don’t play well, it could end up in losses. Only time will  tell how much the Hawks will miss him.