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If the Seattle Seahawks are going to beat the Houston Texans on Sunday, it is obviously going to take a group effort. Russell Wilson will need to make timely throws. Marshawn Lynch will need to run the ball effectively. Richard Sherman and the defense will need to hold Matt Schaub in check.
However, there is one man that may have a particularly important role to play, and there is a lot of pressure on him. That man is Michael Bowie.
Try this for a complicated description: “Rookie offensive tackle taken in seventh round from small school versus the 2012 AFC Defensive Player of the Year.”
You like that headline if you are on the defensive player of the year side. However, the ‘Hawks are not. Michael Bowie is that seventh-round pick who came from Northeastern University in Oklahoma. Since starting right tackle Breno Giacomini is dealing with a knee issue, Bowie probably gets the nod. His likely opponent? J.J. Watt.
Is he up to the challenge? We will find out soon enough. At 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, Bowie has the bulk to handle Watt. Does he have the feet and the savvy?
It was honestly going to be a tough enough situation with Giacomini going up against the quick and powerful Watt. In 2012 Watt racked up 20.5 sacks, and it is hard for any offensive lineman to contend with his 6-foot-5, 289-pound frame.
Overall, Wilson may have some issues with the entire offensive line. In addition to Giacomini, left Russell Okung is out and center Max Unger may not play. Let the shuffling begin.
This is where the ability to draft is really tested. Everyone gets hyped up about the first and second-round picks, but it is the late-round gems that can really build quality depth on a football team.
Welcome to the party, Mr. Bowie. Hopefully you will have an enjoyable experience on Sunday.
Todd Pheifer covers the Seattle Seahawks for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @tpheifer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
