Zabel described the switch from left guard to right guard was “challenging” in his first game against the Chicago Bears. But said his play will improve with more reps.
“It was challenging but the hands, the feet, who you’re playing next to, all that,” Zabel said. “It was a deal, it was a challenge; an opportunity for me to grow, get outside my comfort zone and become a better player. At the end of the day, there was a lot of stuff I need to clean up, but that’s what practice is for, that’s what our coaches are for, and we have some unbelievable coaches and we’ll do just that.”
The second-year guard added: “I knew it was going to be challenging. At the end of the day, it’s taking one side of your body and completely flipping it. Best way I tried to describe it to my parents is, you’re writing left-handed for a year and a half and then you have to go write right-handed in the matter of a week. It might not be pretty but we’re going to do our best. At the end of the day, you’re a competitor, you want to win and go out and try and do the best you possibly can for your team, for the guys next to you, for the offensive line and ultimately your quarterback to keep him clean.”
Head coach Mike Macdonald knew it would take time for the offensive line to mesh the way they want it to.
“Grey’s going to continue to get better as well. You understand that there’s a process,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of games with our offensive line missing a guy here or there. Charles (Cross) missed a couple games last year, but a lot of consistency and continuity at our offensive line position, which has been great. It’s worth it when you bring in a guy like Quenton (Nelson) to add to the group. He’s one of those guys that’s going to be a force multiplier for our group; not just our offensive line but our whole offensive unit and our football team. It’s worth that initial investment. You want it to go quicker than not, but you also have to understand that there’s a process involved. The guys are working their tails off. They’re watching tape, they’re getting after it. They’re putting in the time, they’re putting in the investments. I have all the confidence in the world that we’re going to have a heck of an offensive line unit.”
In Nelson’s first game he fared well, especially on a shortened timeline to prepare.
“I think he fits in pretty well for only being here for like 10 days,” Lucas said. “It’s also a testament to how smart he is by picking up an offense after only three or four days and being able to go out and have the success that he had.”
Macdonald said: “Considering the newness, he looked like Quenton Nelson, which is cool. Thought he did a lot of good stuff.”
Now solidified and with a full week to prepare together, the Seahawks offensive line will be aiming to protect backup Drew Lock on Sunday with Sam Darnoldalready ruled out with a quad injury. They’ll do so having gained some experience playing together and take a positive step in becoming the O-line that can allow Seattle’s offense to thrive.