Monday, July 31, 2006
Mike Holmgren made a few comments today after practice that could have some implications on who makes the team. Among other things he said, "You need four safeties, you really do." That number certainly includes Ken Hamlin, Michael Boulware, and Mike Green. If Holmgren considers Babineaux both the 4th corner and 4th safety, then the team might only go with 7 DBs. Otherwise, this is especially good news for Shaunard Harts and the team will probably go with 8 DBs. It makes you think CB Jimmy Williams will have a tough time making the team unless someone has an injury.
When asked about the fullback situation, Holmgren said of Leonard Weaver and David Kirtman, "in the preseason you'll see both of those kids play a lot in games." He touched on Mack Strong being gone before too long and also said Weaver would get some action at halfback as well. Teams generally keep at least 3 halfbacks and 2 fullbacks. The Seahawks have an interesting situation where 3 fullbacks might be among the 5 best backs on the team. The fact that Weaver can play some halfback makes it at least feasible the team could go with 2 halfbacks and 3 fullbacks leaving Scobey, who can only really contribute on special teams and as a returner, out in the cold.
TE Mike Gomez impressed in practice today. He could give Will Heller a run for his money for the final tight end spot, but it seems like Heller has a decent hold on the job. However, it does not hurt that Gomez is the only other long-snapper on the roster besides J.P. Darche. Itula Mili pulled a muscle in his back or something like that during warm-ups according to Holmgren. If Mili struggles with his injury the team probably needs to bring someone else in as the backup situation behind Stevens would not be good with just Heller and Gomez. If they look to add another tight end, the team might consider adding TE Zeron Flemister, who is probably the best fit of the slim list of free agents still available.
When asked about the fullback situation, Holmgren said of Leonard Weaver and David Kirtman, "in the preseason you'll see both of those kids play a lot in games." He touched on Mack Strong being gone before too long and also said Weaver would get some action at halfback as well. Teams generally keep at least 3 halfbacks and 2 fullbacks. The Seahawks have an interesting situation where 3 fullbacks might be among the 5 best backs on the team. The fact that Weaver can play some halfback makes it at least feasible the team could go with 2 halfbacks and 3 fullbacks leaving Scobey, who can only really contribute on special teams and as a returner, out in the cold.
TE Mike Gomez impressed in practice today. He could give Will Heller a run for his money for the final tight end spot, but it seems like Heller has a decent hold on the job. However, it does not hurt that Gomez is the only other long-snapper on the roster besides J.P. Darche. Itula Mili pulled a muscle in his back or something like that during warm-ups according to Holmgren. If Mili struggles with his injury the team probably needs to bring someone else in as the backup situation behind Stevens would not be good with just Heller and Gomez. If they look to add another tight end, the team might consider adding TE Zeron Flemister, who is probably the best fit of the slim list of free agents still available.
Barring injury, It looks like fans will have to wait until next year for the team to add a veteran backup quarterback. Mike Holmgren has said that it is now too late for the Seahawks to bring someone new in. There is no reason not to take Holmgren at his word, but a veteran would need to be added if someone suffers an injury in camp.
Looking forward to next year, Tim Rattay still looks like the best fit. The list of quarterbacks scheduled to hit free agency is slim at best. It is hard to imagine Rattay will make the 53-man roster in Tampa Bay if Jay Fielder proves to be healthy. Simms and a healthy Fiedler are both locks to make the team. That leaves Tim Rattay and Bruce Gradkowski battling for the final spot. Rattay is scheduled to make $1.25 million and was really brought in as an emergency solution when Griese was injured last season. Gradkowski is a Gruden pick and he is absolutely in love with the rookie. Rattay is also scheduled to be a free agent after this season, while Gradkowski is locked into a rookie deal for sixth-round money. Rattay will probably be dropped at the final cutdown and should latch on somewhere with a one-year deal.
Craig Nall is also someone to keep in mind. Nall played behind Brett Favre in Green Bay under former Seahawks offensive coordinator and Mike Holmgren disciple, Mike Sherman. Nall does not have a ton of experience, but has put up great numbers in limited action. For his career, he is 23 for 33 (69.7%) for 314 yards with 4 TDs and no INTs which gives him a 139.4 passer rating. His most extensive work came against the Chicago first team defense towards the end of 2004 when he went 7 for 13 for 131 yards and a TD. Nall was expected to compete with Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman for the starting job in Buffalo. The Bills signed him to a 3-year, $4.25 million contract including a $1.3 million signing bonus. However, Nall is out indefinitely after injuring his left hamstring on July 28. He is scheduled to make $2.35 million over the final two years of his deal and the Bills will probably look to drop that salary next offseason if he remains the #3 guy.
Looking forward to next year, Tim Rattay still looks like the best fit. The list of quarterbacks scheduled to hit free agency is slim at best. It is hard to imagine Rattay will make the 53-man roster in Tampa Bay if Jay Fielder proves to be healthy. Simms and a healthy Fiedler are both locks to make the team. That leaves Tim Rattay and Bruce Gradkowski battling for the final spot. Rattay is scheduled to make $1.25 million and was really brought in as an emergency solution when Griese was injured last season. Gradkowski is a Gruden pick and he is absolutely in love with the rookie. Rattay is also scheduled to be a free agent after this season, while Gradkowski is locked into a rookie deal for sixth-round money. Rattay will probably be dropped at the final cutdown and should latch on somewhere with a one-year deal.
Craig Nall is also someone to keep in mind. Nall played behind Brett Favre in Green Bay under former Seahawks offensive coordinator and Mike Holmgren disciple, Mike Sherman. Nall does not have a ton of experience, but has put up great numbers in limited action. For his career, he is 23 for 33 (69.7%) for 314 yards with 4 TDs and no INTs which gives him a 139.4 passer rating. His most extensive work came against the Chicago first team defense towards the end of 2004 when he went 7 for 13 for 131 yards and a TD. Nall was expected to compete with Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman for the starting job in Buffalo. The Bills signed him to a 3-year, $4.25 million contract including a $1.3 million signing bonus. However, Nall is out indefinitely after injuring his left hamstring on July 28. He is scheduled to make $2.35 million over the final two years of his deal and the Bills will probably look to drop that salary next offseason if he remains the #3 guy.
Seahawks.com will have live audio webcasts from camp each weekday starting at noon hosted by Tony Ventrella and Mike Kahn. They will feature live interviews with players, coaches and staff. You can launch the audio stream here or just above the top of the posts on this page throughout camp.
Mitch in the Morning on KJR 950am will be broadcasting live from Seahawks Training Camp today (7/31) and tomorrow (8/1) from 6-10am.
Click Here to Launch the Stream
Mitch in the Morning on KJR 950am will be broadcasting live from Seahawks Training Camp today (7/31) and tomorrow (8/1) from 6-10am.
Click Here to Launch the Stream
Sunday, July 30, 2006
1) Punt and Kickoff Return Jobs
It looks like WR Peter Warrick should come out on top for returning punts, but CB Jimmy Williams, WR Ben Obomanu, and WR Keenan Howry are also getting a look. Along with RB Josh Scobey and RB Maurice Morris, Obomanu, Howry, and Williams are probably all in competition to return kickoffs as well. The winner of the return jobs will impact who makes the team and how many players are kept at each positions.
2) Final Running Back Spots
Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris, and Mack Strong are firmly entrenched. Leonard Weaver should be in the lead to backup Strong at this point, but could be overtaken by David Kirtman. Performance during camp and the preseason will determine who fills that role. The Seahawks will probably only keep five running backs. Six is not impossible, but very unlikely. That means one of the fullbacks will be left out in the cold if Scobey makes the team because of his special teams play and kickoff return ability. If Alexander and Morris were both injured, Weaver would probably be the top choice to carry the ball. This gives him a little edge over Kirtman, but Kirtman excels on special teams. Weaver's ball carrying ability also makes Scobey a lot less valueable to the team. Weaver is almost certain to make the team, and the final spot should come down to Kirtman and Scobey.
3) Wide Receiver Count
Will Ben Obomanu make the team? Training camp is meant for position battles, but Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Peter Warrick, and D.J. Hackett will all make the team barring injury trouble. The Seahawks might only keep five receivers, which seems like a precarious position to be in given the injury problems at the position last year. Most of those guys were slowed or missed time with injuries last season, so a sixth receiver seems like a smart use of a final roster spot. Obomanu can help his chances by contributing on special teams and winning a return job. He dropped a lot of passes during the second day of training camp, but it was windy. He is probably nervous in his first year and feeling the pressure a little bit. It was only the second day and a few dropped passes, but he will need to improve and show more of the same flashes he had in the minicamps to win one of the 53 roster spots.
4) Defensive Line Health
Defensive line play will be important in camp with all of the injuries - DE Joe Tafoya (shoulder), DT Marcus Tubbs (Achilles), DE Grant Wistrom (shoulder) and DT Rocky Bernard (knee). The team will likely keep nine defensive linemen. Eight of those spots should be locked up by DE Bryce Fisher, DT Rocky Bernard, DT Chuck Darby, DE Grant Wistrom, DE Darryl Tapp, DT Marcus Tubbs, DT Craig Terrill and DT Russell Davis. Keeping five DTs might seem excessive, but it makes sense given the injuries to Bernard and Tubbs and the ability of Terrill to remain healthy. The smaller Terrill will play more in passing situations and Davis will plug up the middle against the run. The final spot comes down to the fourth defensive end. Given DE Joe Tafoya's injury along with the collective health of the line, DE Kemp Rasmussen should have the inside edge for that spot. It will come down to the two of them, but Rasmussen's contribution on special teams might push him over the top.
5) Third Quarterback Battle
Gibran Hamdan has positioned himself to make a run at David Greene. The team cleared him to practice just three months after he suffered a broken ankle. He needs to get on the field and start showing coaches he has what it takes to surpass David Greene as the third string quarterback. It will be an uphill battle for Hamdan; he needs to play very well and avoid any setbacks coming back from his ankle injury. It is Greene's job to lose, but it should be an interesting battle if Hamdan is completely healthy. His health is still a concern though as both of his NFL Europe seasons were cut short by injury. When the #3 QB comes in, it means the top two guys have already gone down with injuries. Having a fragile guy in that spot would be unwise and Greene's 52 straight starts in college might help him retain his spot.
5) Cohesive Secondary
Ken Hamlin is back and hitting in pads starting tomorrow. The team needs him to be the same guy he was before he suffered a fractured skull in a bar fight last year. Hamlin gives the secondary an excellent hitter and a safety that plays with a lot of range. Hamlin is important to protect rookie Kelly Jennings from getting beat deep or missing tackles. If Herndon is starting, then he needs Hamlin's help over the top as well. Michael Boulware is also someone to watch coming off knee surgery. He has been playing very well in his young career, but he is still making the transition from linebacker to safety. The addition of Mike Green makes the sitaution a lot better because he can fill in very adequately at either safety spot and gives the entire unit some veteran experience to fall back on.
6) Tight End Rotation
Jerramy Stevens is coming off knee surgery and his health will be very important to success on offense. Itula Mili had conditioning problems as well as his intestinal blockage issue last season. If Stevens and Mili are both healthy and play at the level we have seen in the past, then the team is great at tight end. If there are issues, the uncertainty behind those two could be a problem. TE Will Heller should win the final spot, especially given his success making the team in Tampa Bay with Tim Ruskell as an undrafted rookie free agent. Stevens is in the final year of his contract and Mili is nearing retirement. This will be an area to watch in camp, this season, and next offseason.
It looks like WR Peter Warrick should come out on top for returning punts, but CB Jimmy Williams, WR Ben Obomanu, and WR Keenan Howry are also getting a look. Along with RB Josh Scobey and RB Maurice Morris, Obomanu, Howry, and Williams are probably all in competition to return kickoffs as well. The winner of the return jobs will impact who makes the team and how many players are kept at each positions.
2) Final Running Back Spots
Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris, and Mack Strong are firmly entrenched. Leonard Weaver should be in the lead to backup Strong at this point, but could be overtaken by David Kirtman. Performance during camp and the preseason will determine who fills that role. The Seahawks will probably only keep five running backs. Six is not impossible, but very unlikely. That means one of the fullbacks will be left out in the cold if Scobey makes the team because of his special teams play and kickoff return ability. If Alexander and Morris were both injured, Weaver would probably be the top choice to carry the ball. This gives him a little edge over Kirtman, but Kirtman excels on special teams. Weaver's ball carrying ability also makes Scobey a lot less valueable to the team. Weaver is almost certain to make the team, and the final spot should come down to Kirtman and Scobey.
3) Wide Receiver Count
Will Ben Obomanu make the team? Training camp is meant for position battles, but Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Peter Warrick, and D.J. Hackett will all make the team barring injury trouble. The Seahawks might only keep five receivers, which seems like a precarious position to be in given the injury problems at the position last year. Most of those guys were slowed or missed time with injuries last season, so a sixth receiver seems like a smart use of a final roster spot. Obomanu can help his chances by contributing on special teams and winning a return job. He dropped a lot of passes during the second day of training camp, but it was windy. He is probably nervous in his first year and feeling the pressure a little bit. It was only the second day and a few dropped passes, but he will need to improve and show more of the same flashes he had in the minicamps to win one of the 53 roster spots.
4) Defensive Line Health
Defensive line play will be important in camp with all of the injuries - DE Joe Tafoya (shoulder), DT Marcus Tubbs (Achilles), DE Grant Wistrom (shoulder) and DT Rocky Bernard (knee). The team will likely keep nine defensive linemen. Eight of those spots should be locked up by DE Bryce Fisher, DT Rocky Bernard, DT Chuck Darby, DE Grant Wistrom, DE Darryl Tapp, DT Marcus Tubbs, DT Craig Terrill and DT Russell Davis. Keeping five DTs might seem excessive, but it makes sense given the injuries to Bernard and Tubbs and the ability of Terrill to remain healthy. The smaller Terrill will play more in passing situations and Davis will plug up the middle against the run. The final spot comes down to the fourth defensive end. Given DE Joe Tafoya's injury along with the collective health of the line, DE Kemp Rasmussen should have the inside edge for that spot. It will come down to the two of them, but Rasmussen's contribution on special teams might push him over the top.
5) Third Quarterback Battle
Gibran Hamdan has positioned himself to make a run at David Greene. The team cleared him to practice just three months after he suffered a broken ankle. He needs to get on the field and start showing coaches he has what it takes to surpass David Greene as the third string quarterback. It will be an uphill battle for Hamdan; he needs to play very well and avoid any setbacks coming back from his ankle injury. It is Greene's job to lose, but it should be an interesting battle if Hamdan is completely healthy. His health is still a concern though as both of his NFL Europe seasons were cut short by injury. When the #3 QB comes in, it means the top two guys have already gone down with injuries. Having a fragile guy in that spot would be unwise and Greene's 52 straight starts in college might help him retain his spot.
5) Cohesive Secondary
Ken Hamlin is back and hitting in pads starting tomorrow. The team needs him to be the same guy he was before he suffered a fractured skull in a bar fight last year. Hamlin gives the secondary an excellent hitter and a safety that plays with a lot of range. Hamlin is important to protect rookie Kelly Jennings from getting beat deep or missing tackles. If Herndon is starting, then he needs Hamlin's help over the top as well. Michael Boulware is also someone to watch coming off knee surgery. He has been playing very well in his young career, but he is still making the transition from linebacker to safety. The addition of Mike Green makes the sitaution a lot better because he can fill in very adequately at either safety spot and gives the entire unit some veteran experience to fall back on.
6) Tight End Rotation
Jerramy Stevens is coming off knee surgery and his health will be very important to success on offense. Itula Mili had conditioning problems as well as his intestinal blockage issue last season. If Stevens and Mili are both healthy and play at the level we have seen in the past, then the team is great at tight end. If there are issues, the uncertainty behind those two could be a problem. TE Will Heller should win the final spot, especially given his success making the team in Tampa Bay with Tim Ruskell as an undrafted rookie free agent. Stevens is in the final year of his contract and Mili is nearing retirement. This will be an area to watch in camp, this season, and next offseason.
Kelly Jennings signed with the Seahawks for a reported 5-years, $9.5 million. It will be interesting to hear how much Jennings deal is really worth. I am sure the $9.5 million number includes a lot of escalators and incentives. Mathias Kiwanuka, picked right after Jennings, received a 5-year, $6.96 million deal with a maximum value of $10 million if he reaches all of his incentives.
Jennings is expected to practice later today, so it looks like my assumption below was correct.
Jennings is expected to practice later today, so it looks like my assumption below was correct.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
I am going to a wedding today that is expected to be a lengthy one with a dinner and reception to follow, then I am going out to a comedy club. I will not be back until midnight or later, so you will not find an update here if Kelly Jennings signs today. I fully expect that the team will announce the signing sometime today or tomorrow morning and he will practice on Sunday. I have heard they are very close in the negotiations, and at this point it would be a big surprise if he was not on the practice field by Monday at the latest.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The five players (picks 25-29) chosen directly before RB Jospesh Addai (30th overall) have all been signed now. Addai should follow suit soon with the signings of RB DeAngelo Williams and RB Laurence Maroney. The player taken before the string of signed players is CB Johnathan Joseph (24th overall). He is someone to watch because he will help determine the cornerback market. CB Antonio Cromartie (San Diego) landed a pretty fat contract for the 19th overall pick. His deal was 5 years, $12.75 million ($7.35 million guaranteed). That is a 39% increase in total money (only 13% in guaranteed money) over last years 19th selection. His contract is why I point to Jennings (31st overall) asking for around $7.6-$7.8 million, even though the players around him have signed for a little less. If Joseph signs, then Jennings should sign almost immediately. As noted before, Jennings is pretty well slotted already, and I think we will see him on the field by the end of the weekend.
Chief's left-tackle, Willie Roaf apprised Kansas City officials that he is retiring. The Chiefs had the best offensive line in the NFL when all of their players were healthy. This definitely drops them down a notch, although the recently acquired Kyle Turley might eventually return to his pro bowl level of play once he bulks back up. The effect for Kansas City is somewhere along the lines of Walter Jones retiring for Seattle. Roaf went to 11 pro bowls in his 13-year career and anchors that line at left-tackle. Pro-bowlers RG Will Shields and LG Brian Waters are still around, so they are still one of the better lines.
The argument over who has the best offensive line in football now that Roaf is gone should come down to Pittsburgh and Seattle. It is hard not to choose Pittsburgh with three pro-bowlers in LG Alan Faneca, C Jeff Hartings and LT Marvel Smith. Seattle is definitely in the conversation with LT Walter Jones and C Robbie Tobeck, but it is tough to anoint them the best with the loss of LG Steve Hutchinson. Either way, Pittsburgh and Seattle have the two best lines in the NFL, which is why we saw both teams in the Super Bowl. The importance of offensive line play is reflected in my emphasis on it in my team previews (I have updated the Kansas City Chiefs Preview accordingly).
The argument over who has the best offensive line in football now that Roaf is gone should come down to Pittsburgh and Seattle. It is hard not to choose Pittsburgh with three pro-bowlers in LG Alan Faneca, C Jeff Hartings and LT Marvel Smith. Seattle is definitely in the conversation with LT Walter Jones and C Robbie Tobeck, but it is tough to anoint them the best with the loss of LG Steve Hutchinson. Either way, Pittsburgh and Seattle have the two best lines in the NFL, which is why we saw both teams in the Super Bowl. The importance of offensive line play is reflected in my emphasis on it in my team previews (I have updated the Kansas City Chiefs Preview accordingly).
Northwest FSN Live lets you experience Cheney, Washington without having to travel to Eastern Washington. The following is a nice introduction to training camp, and gives you a look at the players on a more personal level.
Seahawks settle in (Video)
"The Seahawks talk about staying in Cheney, Washington alongside the cows and other wildlife."
Seahawks settle in (Video)
"The Seahawks talk about staying in Cheney, Washington alongside the cows and other wildlife."
The four picks directly preceding 30th pick Joseph Addai (John McCargo, DeAngelo Williams, Marcedes Lewis, and Nick Mangold) have all signed as well as the three picks directly following 31st pick Kelly Jennings (Mathias Kiwanuka, DeMeco Ryans, and D'Qwell Jackson). Addai and Jennings should be pretty well slotted at this point, and I would expect the team to come to terms with Jennings on Friday or Saturday, even if there is some balking and haggling as they iron out the details. All of the other contracts, for picks before and after Jennings, really box both sides into a small space to maneuver in negotiations.
Some recent discussion of Bill Walsh and Mike Holmgren inspired me to address the West Coast Offense and its roots. I have been somewhat critical of Mike Holmgren, but that is called being realistic and honest. Some fans would have you think he has always walked on water after finally winning some playoff games in his 7th season in Seattle. I think Holmgren is great coach, but he was below-average as a GM. Holmgren owes a lot of his coaching success to good GMs in Ron Wolf and Tim Ruskell as well as the mentorship of Bill Walsh.
Walsh invented the concepts and principles of the West Coast Offense. He has many generations of disciples that fall into his coaching tree (shown below). Holmgren is widely thought to run the purest (closest to Walsh's original) form of the offense, as well as understanding the principles the best. Many other coaches have made their own changes to adjust to defenses, but Holmgren prefers to stick with what Walsh taught him to overcome anything a defense might throw his way. He is probably the only coach that can get away with this because he has the best grasp of what made Walsh's system nearly unstoppable.
Holmgren did not, however, develop Joe Montana. That was the job of Bill Walsh and Sam Wyche; Holmgren did not get there until Montana and Walsh had won two Super Bowls together. Wyche, Paul Hackett, and current Arizona head coach Dennis Green all learned from Walsh before Holmgren. I am not discounting Holmgren, but he owes his success to Bill Walsh, not the other way around. Many current NFL coaches fall into the West Coast Offense coaching tree without any ties to Holmgren, the same cannot be said of Walsh.
A good series of resources on the West Coast Offense from ESPN.com if you want to learn more:
Coaching Tree - Interactive version of the above chart
History - Len Pasquarelli
Popularity - Steve Young
Defending Against - John Clayton
Pros & Cons - Joe Theismann, Sean Salisbury, and Mark Malone
Walsh invented the concepts and principles of the West Coast Offense. He has many generations of disciples that fall into his coaching tree (shown below). Holmgren is widely thought to run the purest (closest to Walsh's original) form of the offense, as well as understanding the principles the best. Many other coaches have made their own changes to adjust to defenses, but Holmgren prefers to stick with what Walsh taught him to overcome anything a defense might throw his way. He is probably the only coach that can get away with this because he has the best grasp of what made Walsh's system nearly unstoppable.
Holmgren did not, however, develop Joe Montana. That was the job of Bill Walsh and Sam Wyche; Holmgren did not get there until Montana and Walsh had won two Super Bowls together. Wyche, Paul Hackett, and current Arizona head coach Dennis Green all learned from Walsh before Holmgren. I am not discounting Holmgren, but he owes his success to Bill Walsh, not the other way around. Many current NFL coaches fall into the West Coast Offense coaching tree without any ties to Holmgren, the same cannot be said of Walsh.
A good series of resources on the West Coast Offense from ESPN.com if you want to learn more:
Coaching Tree - Interactive version of the above chart
History - Len Pasquarelli
Popularity - Steve Young
Defending Against - John Clayton
Pros & Cons - Joe Theismann, Sean Salisbury, and Mark Malone
Back on June 20, I discussed Skyler Fulton taking a trip to the American Sports Medicine Institute in Alabama to test his injured shoulder. He said the strength in his shoulder was "next to nothing" following the NFL Europe season. He needed to pass strength tests before the Seahawks were going to let him practice at training camp.
It looks like he was unable to pass those tests, and the decision was made to operate on a damaged labrum in his right shoulder. Fulton will be out 4-6 weeks, but the timeframe is really irrelevant. What it means is that he will not be making the team. That leaves the door wide-open for seventh-rounder Ben Obomanu if we keep 6 receivers. Clare Farnsworth says, "the club is expected to carry five wide receivers on its 53-man roster" but that is nothing more than complete conjecture.
Five receivers are almost guaranteed to make the team: Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Peter Warrick, and D.J. Hackett. A 6th and final spot would be open for another receiver if he can contribute on special teams or in the return game. Obomanu is the only real candidate at receiver for one of the final roster spots. He will be competing with the running backs and defensive backs further down the depth chart.
Gibran Hamdan passed his physical and has been cleared to practice. Tomorrow will be three months to the day since he broke his ankle playing in NFL Europe.
Related Posts:
Skyler Fulton in Alabama to Test Injured Shoulder
Obomanu Continues to Impress (you can see why some commenters choose to remain Anonymous)
Camp is About Chemistry
Injuries Will Have a Big Impact on Roster
Seahawks Young WR Update
September 2nd Battles
It looks like he was unable to pass those tests, and the decision was made to operate on a damaged labrum in his right shoulder. Fulton will be out 4-6 weeks, but the timeframe is really irrelevant. What it means is that he will not be making the team. That leaves the door wide-open for seventh-rounder Ben Obomanu if we keep 6 receivers. Clare Farnsworth says, "the club is expected to carry five wide receivers on its 53-man roster" but that is nothing more than complete conjecture.
Five receivers are almost guaranteed to make the team: Darrell Jackson, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Peter Warrick, and D.J. Hackett. A 6th and final spot would be open for another receiver if he can contribute on special teams or in the return game. Obomanu is the only real candidate at receiver for one of the final roster spots. He will be competing with the running backs and defensive backs further down the depth chart.
Gibran Hamdan passed his physical and has been cleared to practice. Tomorrow will be three months to the day since he broke his ankle playing in NFL Europe.
Related Posts:
Skyler Fulton in Alabama to Test Injured Shoulder
Obomanu Continues to Impress (you can see why some commenters choose to remain Anonymous)
Camp is About Chemistry
Injuries Will Have a Big Impact on Roster
Seahawks Young WR Update
September 2nd Battles
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Fourth-round pick OG Rob Sims and seventh-round pick WR Ben Obomanu signed their contracts this morning, but we already knew the team had come to terms with both players. Darryl Tapp has agreed to terms also and the Seahawks report he has signed his deal.
Kelly Jennings is the lone unsigned draft pick, and things were looking good with DeMeco Ryans and Marcedes Lewis signing to provide some framing to slot Jennings contract between. However, the deal that Mathias Kiwanuka signed could cause some problems. I noted this on Seahawks Insider about three-and-a-half hours before Mike Sando did, but we think it makes it difficult for different (and somewhat opposite) reasons. Mike posits that the team might not be willing to offer the same type of guaranteed money the Giants gave Kiwanuka because he got so much, so early in the contract. I think Jennings will want considerably more in total money than Kiwanuka because he took less than he should have.
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) was taken immediately after Jennings. He signed for 5-years at just under $7 million. The contract also includes almost $5 million in guaranteed money. My estimate for Jennings was just under $5 million in guaranteed money with a total value of $7.6-$7.8 million. Apparently Kiwi's deal has a lot of his guaranteed money early in the contract, but I fail to see how that really matters. It seems to me that all guaranteed money is guaranteed and you might as well spend it now when everyone has cap room. No matter when you guarantee the money, you get stuck paying it.
I think the problem will be the total value of the deal. Kiwanuka signed for $6.96 million, an 8.75% increase over last year's 32nd pick (although the increase in guaranteed money is 25%). The salary cap went up 20%, and it looks like most picks are signing for about 10-15% above last year's numbers. A 15% bump over last year's 31st pick (DT Mike Patterson) would put Jennings contract at $7.59 million. CB is a a higher-paid position than DT, so $7.6 million seems reasonable for Jennings.
In fact, both reasons (Mike's and mine) could make it more difficult at the same time. Let's say Jennings was asking for around $7.6 million with $5 million guaranteed and both sides were relatively close on those terms. Now Jennings might want similar early guaranteed money because of the Kiwanuka deal, and the team might not want to give him those assurances. At the same time, the Seahawks might now be less willing to meet Jennings total value demands because of the low total value of Kiwanuka's contract. It creates two points of contention with each side citing Kiwi's deal on the sticking point that is convenient to them.
Kelly Jennings is the lone unsigned draft pick, and things were looking good with DeMeco Ryans and Marcedes Lewis signing to provide some framing to slot Jennings contract between. However, the deal that Mathias Kiwanuka signed could cause some problems. I noted this on Seahawks Insider about three-and-a-half hours before Mike Sando did, but we think it makes it difficult for different (and somewhat opposite) reasons. Mike posits that the team might not be willing to offer the same type of guaranteed money the Giants gave Kiwanuka because he got so much, so early in the contract. I think Jennings will want considerably more in total money than Kiwanuka because he took less than he should have.
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) was taken immediately after Jennings. He signed for 5-years at just under $7 million. The contract also includes almost $5 million in guaranteed money. My estimate for Jennings was just under $5 million in guaranteed money with a total value of $7.6-$7.8 million. Apparently Kiwi's deal has a lot of his guaranteed money early in the contract, but I fail to see how that really matters. It seems to me that all guaranteed money is guaranteed and you might as well spend it now when everyone has cap room. No matter when you guarantee the money, you get stuck paying it.
I think the problem will be the total value of the deal. Kiwanuka signed for $6.96 million, an 8.75% increase over last year's 32nd pick (although the increase in guaranteed money is 25%). The salary cap went up 20%, and it looks like most picks are signing for about 10-15% above last year's numbers. A 15% bump over last year's 31st pick (DT Mike Patterson) would put Jennings contract at $7.59 million. CB is a a higher-paid position than DT, so $7.6 million seems reasonable for Jennings.
In fact, both reasons (Mike's and mine) could make it more difficult at the same time. Let's say Jennings was asking for around $7.6 million with $5 million guaranteed and both sides were relatively close on those terms. Now Jennings might want similar early guaranteed money because of the Kiwanuka deal, and the team might not want to give him those assurances. At the same time, the Seahawks might now be less willing to meet Jennings total value demands because of the low total value of Kiwanuka's contract. It creates two points of contention with each side citing Kiwi's deal on the sticking point that is convenient to them.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Oakland Raiders (4-12)
The Raiders have not won more than 5 games in a season since their Super Bowl loss following the 2002 season. Art Shell will have a difficult task turning this team into a winner. They have a new starting quarterback, but he plays a lot like the old one. Two rookies could start on defense, the new left-tackle has a quad injury, and a starting receiver wants to be traded. It should be another long season for Raider Nation.
Aaron Brooks (New Orleans) takes over for Kerry Collins. Both tend to be unreliable and make bad decisions at times, but can throw a good deep ball. It is hard to think Brooks is much of an upgrade or even brings anything different to the table. Brooks plays his best when the team is winning, but Oakland should be playing from behind a lot with this defense. Brooks struggles when pressured and the offensive line is not good.
Robert Gallery is moving from RT to LT, but he is currently on the active PUP list with a quad injury. The Raiders say they are just being cautious, so assuming he is healthy, Barry Sims will move from LT to LG, and Art Shell has declared third-round pick RG Paul McQuistan a starter. Last year’s LG Langston Walker will move over to play RT to replace Gallery. Shell, a Hall of Fame left-tackle, might be able to do something with this group, but it is hard to see this line being anything but one of the ten worst with the level of talent and all of the re-shuffling.
Brooks has a lot of weapons with Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, and Lamont Jordan. However, Moss has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and Lamont Jordan dropped passes at an alarming rate last year. Porter is not getting along with Art Shell, and he sat out practice with a calf injury the day after demanding a trade. Porter had 16 more catches than Moss last season, and Moss is really only good on deep routes and in the red zone. Porter is critical to moving the chains with any consistency. Kerry Collins had all of these weapons, but they only managed to finish 21st in total offense last year, and were dead-last in scoring offense during the second half of the season.
The defense is in much worse shape than the offense. The team finished 27th in total defense last year, and it looks like they will start two rookies: second-round pick OLB Thomas Howard (UTEP) and first-rounder Michael Huff (Texas). Huff should take one of the safety spots; probably replacing SS Renaldo Hill (Miami). The return of DE Lance Johnston (Minnesota) to go along with DE Derrick Burgess, who came over from Philadelphia last year to post 16 sacks, makes the line solid on the outside. However, DT Warren Sapp needs to remain healthy (he missed 6 games last year), especially with DT Ted Washington (Cleveland) and DT Ed Jasper (Philadelphia) gone.
The linebackers will be interesting with last year’s third-round pick Kirk Morrison in the middle and rookie Thomas Howard starting on the outside. Morrison played well as a rookie on the weakside, but it might be tough to adjust to playing in the middle (especially alongside a rookie). CB Charles Woodson (Green Bay) is gone. The Raiders added a pair of aging corners from New England, Tyrone Poole (34) and Duane Starks (32), but neither should start. Last year’s first-round pick CB Fabian Washington will, but he did not have an interception and only had 5 pass defenses (3 against Tennessee) despite starting 10 games and playing in all 16. In other words, there are questions marks all over the defense.
Art Shell might eventually be able to bring the Raiders back to respectability, but it isn’t going to happen this year. The current streak of 3 straight losing seasons is the first in Al Davis’ 43 years, and it looks like 4 straight is inevitable. The Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs are all tough again, and Oakland is 2-16 in the division over the past 3 seasons. Art Shell and Tom Walsh will run a lot more, but I am not sure they will be successful doing it. It would be hard to imagine the Raiders winning more than 6 games in 2006, and 4 or 5 wins seems more likely.
Key Additions: HC Art Shell, SS Michael Huff (R), QB Aaron Brooks (NO), DE Lance Johnston (MIN), LB Thomas Howard (R), RG Paul McQuistan (R), CB Tyrone Poole (NE), CB Duane Starks (NE)
Key Losses: DT Ted Washington (CLE), CB Charles Woodson (GB), QB Kerry Collins, SS Renaldo Hill (MIA), DT Ed Jasper (PHI), LB Tim Johnson (BAL)
The Raiders have not won more than 5 games in a season since their Super Bowl loss following the 2002 season. Art Shell will have a difficult task turning this team into a winner. They have a new starting quarterback, but he plays a lot like the old one. Two rookies could start on defense, the new left-tackle has a quad injury, and a starting receiver wants to be traded. It should be another long season for Raider Nation.
Aaron Brooks (New Orleans) takes over for Kerry Collins. Both tend to be unreliable and make bad decisions at times, but can throw a good deep ball. It is hard to think Brooks is much of an upgrade or even brings anything different to the table. Brooks plays his best when the team is winning, but Oakland should be playing from behind a lot with this defense. Brooks struggles when pressured and the offensive line is not good.
Robert Gallery is moving from RT to LT, but he is currently on the active PUP list with a quad injury. The Raiders say they are just being cautious, so assuming he is healthy, Barry Sims will move from LT to LG, and Art Shell has declared third-round pick RG Paul McQuistan a starter. Last year’s LG Langston Walker will move over to play RT to replace Gallery. Shell, a Hall of Fame left-tackle, might be able to do something with this group, but it is hard to see this line being anything but one of the ten worst with the level of talent and all of the re-shuffling.
Brooks has a lot of weapons with Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, and Lamont Jordan. However, Moss has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and Lamont Jordan dropped passes at an alarming rate last year. Porter is not getting along with Art Shell, and he sat out practice with a calf injury the day after demanding a trade. Porter had 16 more catches than Moss last season, and Moss is really only good on deep routes and in the red zone. Porter is critical to moving the chains with any consistency. Kerry Collins had all of these weapons, but they only managed to finish 21st in total offense last year, and were dead-last in scoring offense during the second half of the season.
The defense is in much worse shape than the offense. The team finished 27th in total defense last year, and it looks like they will start two rookies: second-round pick OLB Thomas Howard (UTEP) and first-rounder Michael Huff (Texas). Huff should take one of the safety spots; probably replacing SS Renaldo Hill (Miami). The return of DE Lance Johnston (Minnesota) to go along with DE Derrick Burgess, who came over from Philadelphia last year to post 16 sacks, makes the line solid on the outside. However, DT Warren Sapp needs to remain healthy (he missed 6 games last year), especially with DT Ted Washington (Cleveland) and DT Ed Jasper (Philadelphia) gone.
The linebackers will be interesting with last year’s third-round pick Kirk Morrison in the middle and rookie Thomas Howard starting on the outside. Morrison played well as a rookie on the weakside, but it might be tough to adjust to playing in the middle (especially alongside a rookie). CB Charles Woodson (Green Bay) is gone. The Raiders added a pair of aging corners from New England, Tyrone Poole (34) and Duane Starks (32), but neither should start. Last year’s first-round pick CB Fabian Washington will, but he did not have an interception and only had 5 pass defenses (3 against Tennessee) despite starting 10 games and playing in all 16. In other words, there are questions marks all over the defense.
Art Shell might eventually be able to bring the Raiders back to respectability, but it isn’t going to happen this year. The current streak of 3 straight losing seasons is the first in Al Davis’ 43 years, and it looks like 4 straight is inevitable. The Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs are all tough again, and Oakland is 2-16 in the division over the past 3 seasons. Art Shell and Tom Walsh will run a lot more, but I am not sure they will be successful doing it. It would be hard to imagine the Raiders winning more than 6 games in 2006, and 4 or 5 wins seems more likely.
Key Additions: HC Art Shell, SS Michael Huff (R), QB Aaron Brooks (NO), DE Lance Johnston (MIN), LB Thomas Howard (R), RG Paul McQuistan (R), CB Tyrone Poole (NE), CB Duane Starks (NE)
Key Losses: DT Ted Washington (CLE), CB Charles Woodson (GB), QB Kerry Collins, SS Renaldo Hill (MIA), DT Ed Jasper (PHI), LB Tim Johnson (BAL)
Two important signings created some changes that I felt were important enough to update in my team previews. I updated the team preview pages, but I will summarize here.
The first, of course, is Ty Law. He is certainly a lot better than Lenny Walls (who was projected to start) and will give the Chiefs some much needed help in the secondary. That being said, they really need to get something out of first-round pick DE Tambia Hali in terms of rushing the passer. Even Surtain and Law will give up big plays if the quarterback has all day. They could be in for a season a lot like Minnesota last year - getting a lot of interceptions, but giving up a lot of passing yards and touchdowns. Law will be thrown at a lot playing opposite Surtain, but at least he will not draw the #1 receiver.
Law should end up with a lot of interceptions, but that does not mean the defense is being successful. They need to tackle better as well, but the addition of Law helps the Chiefs considerably because it addressed a glaring weakness. It would be like the Seahawks signing Law if Jimmy Williams was projected to start (with no Jennings, Herndon, or Babineaux on the team).
The other signing is FS Dwight Smith in Minnesota. His departure from New Orleans will not be felt with Josh Bullocks, Bryan Scott, and Jay Bellamy all still on the roster. It is news though for Tampa Bay and Minnesota. Tampa Bay now has to be comfortable with FS Will Allen, and I am not sure they can count on him. They will not be hurt too badly, but Smith is a perfect fit for the Cover-2.
It helps Minnesota. Darren Sharper should still be great when he moves to strong safety with Dwight Smith playing free safety. It will be interesting to see how SS Tank Williams fits in as he was acquired from Tennessee to replace SS Corey Chavous. Williams plays almost like a linebacker, and they need help there. The Vikings could go with Sharper, Smith, and Williams in their nickel package, and Williams might play some linebacker in their normal defense. They are weak at defensive end and linebacker, but strong in the secondary and at defensive tackle. It makes them strong against the run at the first level, but weak at the second level. They struggle rushing the passer, but have good cover guys. The pieces do not really fit together that well. Smith helps, but also confuses the situation a little bit.
I am going to try to knock out the other 3 AFC West Team Previews today as well. The weather has been so nice and I have been busy with other things, but I want to get them done before training camp and things starting heating up with the Seahawks.
The first, of course, is Ty Law. He is certainly a lot better than Lenny Walls (who was projected to start) and will give the Chiefs some much needed help in the secondary. That being said, they really need to get something out of first-round pick DE Tambia Hali in terms of rushing the passer. Even Surtain and Law will give up big plays if the quarterback has all day. They could be in for a season a lot like Minnesota last year - getting a lot of interceptions, but giving up a lot of passing yards and touchdowns. Law will be thrown at a lot playing opposite Surtain, but at least he will not draw the #1 receiver.
Law should end up with a lot of interceptions, but that does not mean the defense is being successful. They need to tackle better as well, but the addition of Law helps the Chiefs considerably because it addressed a glaring weakness. It would be like the Seahawks signing Law if Jimmy Williams was projected to start (with no Jennings, Herndon, or Babineaux on the team).
The other signing is FS Dwight Smith in Minnesota. His departure from New Orleans will not be felt with Josh Bullocks, Bryan Scott, and Jay Bellamy all still on the roster. It is news though for Tampa Bay and Minnesota. Tampa Bay now has to be comfortable with FS Will Allen, and I am not sure they can count on him. They will not be hurt too badly, but Smith is a perfect fit for the Cover-2.
It helps Minnesota. Darren Sharper should still be great when he moves to strong safety with Dwight Smith playing free safety. It will be interesting to see how SS Tank Williams fits in as he was acquired from Tennessee to replace SS Corey Chavous. Williams plays almost like a linebacker, and they need help there. The Vikings could go with Sharper, Smith, and Williams in their nickel package, and Williams might play some linebacker in their normal defense. They are weak at defensive end and linebacker, but strong in the secondary and at defensive tackle. It makes them strong against the run at the first level, but weak at the second level. They struggle rushing the passer, but have good cover guys. The pieces do not really fit together that well. Smith helps, but also confuses the situation a little bit.
I am going to try to knock out the other 3 AFC West Team Previews today as well. The weather has been so nice and I have been busy with other things, but I want to get them done before training camp and things starting heating up with the Seahawks.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
I meant to address the reactions to my post about the Sonics earlier, but I was not around too much over the hot weekend. I appreciate all of the comments, and it at least means you care somewhat about the team. I did not initially address the problems with the NBA, the City of Seattle, or the Sonics front office because the criticism of them is frequent and well-known.
I think the NBA is making it increasingly hard for anyone but the biggest markets to be successful. The City of Seattle is not run very well in general and certainly does not make our sports teams a priority. The front office has been horrible since Wally Walker took over for Bob Whitsitt (he did a good job for the Sonics). Walker took an NBA Finals team and drove the Sonics into the ground, starting with the signing of Jim McIlvaine. Kemp had his problems after that, but if we would not have signed McIlvaine, Kemp and Payton would have been a lot happier and we could have seen the Sonics go deep in the playoffs for a lot of years. How Walker is still around is beyond me.
My issue with Seattle (and by that I mean the fans, residents, and City) is that for the most part we seem to only care about our sports teams when they are winning. That was not always the case. If anyone noticed, Citizens for More Important Things were able to gather 23,900 signatures in support of Initiative 91 to block ANY taxpayer financing of the Key Arena renovation. That is 7,700 more people than the average attendance at Sonics home games last year. I applaud the effort by Save Our Sonics, but they were only able to get 1,000 members to sign up through 5 days.
If you do not think we need a new arena, consider the fact that Seattle ranked 9th in home attendance percentage, but only 23rd in total home attendance. It is not just about luxury boxes; we need more seats. The Sonics have not been higher than 20th in total home attendance the last 4 seasons (and I could not find data further back than that). Oklahoma City had the 11th highest average home attendance, despite hosting a transplant New Orleans team. Half of the games were sold out and they had an average of only 500 empty seats per game. It is hard to argue they do not deserve a franchise.
Having an NBA franchise is a privilege that only 32 cities in the country have. The NBA is able to exploit the situation because many places want a team and are willing to sacrifice a lot to get one, but there is a reason several groups are trying to poach the Sonics as opposed to other NBA teams. If Seattle wants to be one of the 32 teams we need to support the club with both our attendance and our tax dollars, that is just the reality.
I am a Seattle Sports Fan to the bone and I do not want to see us lose our team. I went to the Mariners 1995 one-game tiebreaker against the Angels to earn their first-ever trip to the playoffs, the Supersonics 1995-96 NBA Finals appearance against Michael Jordon and the Bulls, and the Seahawks 2005 NFC Championship game where the team earned its first-ever trip to the Super Bowl. All of those games were that much sweeter after supporting those teams through the less than great times. The NFC Championship game meant a lot more after going to every home game during the 2-14 season in 1992.
People do not seem to understand you earn the right to say "WE" won. It is not just about living in the city, but rather standing behind your team even when they stink. A sports team is like a family member for a real fan. You love them whether they are up or down, you criticize them and tell them what they need to hear when they are screwing up, but you always have their back in the end, no matter what. It does not seem like there are enough people that feel that way about the Sonics anymore. I just feel like people would be showing a lot more support for a winning team, and that is not what sports is all about.
I think the NBA is making it increasingly hard for anyone but the biggest markets to be successful. The City of Seattle is not run very well in general and certainly does not make our sports teams a priority. The front office has been horrible since Wally Walker took over for Bob Whitsitt (he did a good job for the Sonics). Walker took an NBA Finals team and drove the Sonics into the ground, starting with the signing of Jim McIlvaine. Kemp had his problems after that, but if we would not have signed McIlvaine, Kemp and Payton would have been a lot happier and we could have seen the Sonics go deep in the playoffs for a lot of years. How Walker is still around is beyond me.
My issue with Seattle (and by that I mean the fans, residents, and City) is that for the most part we seem to only care about our sports teams when they are winning. That was not always the case. If anyone noticed, Citizens for More Important Things were able to gather 23,900 signatures in support of Initiative 91 to block ANY taxpayer financing of the Key Arena renovation. That is 7,700 more people than the average attendance at Sonics home games last year. I applaud the effort by Save Our Sonics, but they were only able to get 1,000 members to sign up through 5 days.
If you do not think we need a new arena, consider the fact that Seattle ranked 9th in home attendance percentage, but only 23rd in total home attendance. It is not just about luxury boxes; we need more seats. The Sonics have not been higher than 20th in total home attendance the last 4 seasons (and I could not find data further back than that). Oklahoma City had the 11th highest average home attendance, despite hosting a transplant New Orleans team. Half of the games were sold out and they had an average of only 500 empty seats per game. It is hard to argue they do not deserve a franchise.
Having an NBA franchise is a privilege that only 32 cities in the country have. The NBA is able to exploit the situation because many places want a team and are willing to sacrifice a lot to get one, but there is a reason several groups are trying to poach the Sonics as opposed to other NBA teams. If Seattle wants to be one of the 32 teams we need to support the club with both our attendance and our tax dollars, that is just the reality.
I am a Seattle Sports Fan to the bone and I do not want to see us lose our team. I went to the Mariners 1995 one-game tiebreaker against the Angels to earn their first-ever trip to the playoffs, the Supersonics 1995-96 NBA Finals appearance against Michael Jordon and the Bulls, and the Seahawks 2005 NFC Championship game where the team earned its first-ever trip to the Super Bowl. All of those games were that much sweeter after supporting those teams through the less than great times. The NFC Championship game meant a lot more after going to every home game during the 2-14 season in 1992.
People do not seem to understand you earn the right to say "WE" won. It is not just about living in the city, but rather standing behind your team even when they stink. A sports team is like a family member for a real fan. You love them whether they are up or down, you criticize them and tell them what they need to hear when they are screwing up, but you always have their back in the end, no matter what. It does not seem like there are enough people that feel that way about the Sonics anymore. I just feel like people would be showing a lot more support for a winning team, and that is not what sports is all about.
Rumor: Seahawks will announce signing of multiple draft picks later today or tomorrow morning. I assume this means Sims and Obomanu, but could also include Darryl Tapp.
Note: The information I was given was that the Seahawks had come to terms with multiple draft picks on Tuesday and they should sign and announce the contracts in the next day or so. This seems to be true with reports of Sims agreeing to terms, and I suspect Obomanu coming to terms just did not make the AP roundup. My guess here is that the contracts are probably not signed because of the physical location of the players, and they will complete that formality when they arrive for camp.
Note: The information I was given was that the Seahawks had come to terms with multiple draft picks on Tuesday and they should sign and announce the contracts in the next day or so. This seems to be true with reports of Sims agreeing to terms, and I suspect Obomanu coming to terms just did not make the AP roundup. My guess here is that the contracts are probably not signed because of the physical location of the players, and they will complete that formality when they arrive for camp.
It looks like Sirius was not originally planning to visit Cheney as part of their training camp coverage. However, the show The Afternoon Blitz will now be broadcasting from Seahawks camp on August 16th from 12-4pm. If you do not have Sirius, you can still listen to the broadcast on-line. You can sign-up for a free 3-day trial. If you sign-up on August 14th, you should also be able to hear the camp coverage of the Ravens and Chiefs (8/14) and the Packers and 49ers (8/15) on various Sirius shows from 8am-4pm.The Afternoon Blitz airs weekdays from 12-4pm and they describe it as follows "Jerry Rice, Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots take your calls and invite you to get involved in the conversation." You can also contact Adam Schein by e-mail (aschein@siriusradio.com). Recently on the show, Adam Schein asked Rice about his plans to retire with San Franciso, he said, "We have had talks about what we’re going to do this upcoming season and we’re just trying to nail down which game. I think I might have said something like maybe the Seattle game, but it’s not something that's concrete right now. But I think that would be great if we can do that. I played for the Niners. I played for Seattle. I think it would be just awesome for me to retire my jersey on that night." San Francisco and Seattle are where he started and finished his career. Even though he spent 3 full seasons with Oakland, the 49ers home game against Seattle makes the most sense because he did not leave the Raiders on the best terms.
If you are planning on going to training camp in Cheney, you might want to check out the following Training Camp Travel Guide from ESPN.com SportsTravel:
Seattle Seahawks
• Location: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Wash.
• Camp dates: July 28-Aug. 24
• Team Web site: http://www.seahawks.com
• Training camp information | Practice schedule | Directions and parking
• Nightlife: Get thee to Spokane. More specifically, to the city's Davenport District.
• Sports bar: Heroes & Legends (825 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, Wash. 99201; 509-747-2085). Thirty-one TVs, including one 10-foot, plasma-quality projection TV.
• Restaurant: Spencer's for Steaks and Chops (322 N. Spokane Falls Court, Spokane, WA 99201; 509-744-2372). Are you man enough for the 24-ounce porterhouse? If not, there's always the filet mignon, lobster, prime rib or the double-cut pork chop. The wine list offers more than 300 choices.
• Cheap eats: Elk Public House (1931 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane, Wash. 99204; 509-363-1973). Try the marinated pork soft tacos or 74th St. gumbo.
• Sports radio station:
-KJRB-AM -- 790 The Fan.
Features Jim Rome. Hottest show: Tom Leykis (weekdays, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
-KXLY-AM -- 920.
Seattle Mariners radio network affiliate.
• Alternative activity: Spokane Indians (Class A Texas Rangers minor league affiliate), Avista Stadium, 602 North Havana St., Spokane Wash. 99202
Schedule | Tickets | Seating chart
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Bruce Gradkowski to a contract. It is not big news for a 6th-round pick to sign with another team, but Tampa Bay could not trade Rattay if Gradkowski remained unsigned. The signing makes a deal for Rattay still in the realm of possibility, especially if Jay Fiedler has progressed as expected with his injury. However, time is running out.
For all you season ticket holders, I received my tickets today via UPS. They came with a 2006 Seahawks Yearbook and a "Season Ticket Holder" license plate cover, all zipped in a mesh 12th man bag/backpack. The arrival of the tickets and the start of training camp means the season is getting close...can't wait.
For all you season ticket holders, I received my tickets today via UPS. They came with a 2006 Seahawks Yearbook and a "Season Ticket Holder" license plate cover, all zipped in a mesh 12th man bag/backpack. The arrival of the tickets and the start of training camp means the season is getting close...can't wait.
Ty Law signed a 5-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now everyone who had not already, can finally move-on. The most interesting item will be the amount of guaranteed money in Law's contract (the terms have not been disclosed). We will find out exactly how much we weren't willing to pay him.
This is not Seahawks related, but it follows my earlier coverage of the bail-posting Bengals. DT Mathias Askew, the Bengals' 2004 fourth-round pick, ignored a request by police to move his illegally parked car and then refused to show identification. Officers tried to arrest and handcuff him, but he broke away before being tasered and charged with resisting arrest. You can't make this stuff up. He joins four other Bengals with recent off-the-field problems, as well as the inherited problems of supplemental draft choice LB Ahmad Brooks. Oddly enough, WR Chris Henry is the only one of the six not on the defensive side of the football. Askew is the oldest of the group at 24-years-old.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports gave the Seahawks some praise in his NFC's burning questions when he said Seattle is one of the "NFC teams that could hang with anyone in the AFC." He also says a "12-4 or 13-3 season definitely looks possible," and gives a realistic look at some other teams that will contend. He calls Seattle one of the "the big two" in the NFC along with Carolina.
MSN's FOX Sports NFL Video has been giving increasingly frequent coverage to the Seahawks, probably more than any other team. The latest piece is called Circle of Seahawks, and is about Grant Wistrom and former Seahawk Jerry Wunsch spending time with kids with cancer through the Circle of Friends program. I know we would all like to hear about the team signing a veteran quarterback, but at least we are getting stories like this about our defensive lineman instead of news that he was tasered while resisting arrest.
The Seahawks did get some legal news last week when Sean Locklear opted for a disposition hearing over a jury trial. The details of what actually occurred in the incident with his girlfriend are only known by those involved, but the news is that Locklear will avoid prosecution if he complies with the terms of his 24-month probation which includes performing community service, obtaining an evaluation, and paying court costs. According to his attorney, Locklear did not want to put his girlfriend through a public trial and was concerned that the trial would be a distraction to his team with training camp set to begin. His attorney also said that Locklear stated (presumably in court), "I apologize to all involved for what happened that night. I take full responsibility for my own actions and I look forward to putting this behind me in a positive manner."
Training Camp will open with the first full practice on Saturday, so maybe we will get back to the real football news we have been craving.
This is not Seahawks related, but it follows my earlier coverage of the bail-posting Bengals. DT Mathias Askew, the Bengals' 2004 fourth-round pick, ignored a request by police to move his illegally parked car and then refused to show identification. Officers tried to arrest and handcuff him, but he broke away before being tasered and charged with resisting arrest. You can't make this stuff up. He joins four other Bengals with recent off-the-field problems, as well as the inherited problems of supplemental draft choice LB Ahmad Brooks. Oddly enough, WR Chris Henry is the only one of the six not on the defensive side of the football. Askew is the oldest of the group at 24-years-old.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports gave the Seahawks some praise in his NFC's burning questions when he said Seattle is one of the "NFC teams that could hang with anyone in the AFC." He also says a "12-4 or 13-3 season definitely looks possible," and gives a realistic look at some other teams that will contend. He calls Seattle one of the "the big two" in the NFC along with Carolina.
MSN's FOX Sports NFL Video has been giving increasingly frequent coverage to the Seahawks, probably more than any other team. The latest piece is called Circle of Seahawks, and is about Grant Wistrom and former Seahawk Jerry Wunsch spending time with kids with cancer through the Circle of Friends program. I know we would all like to hear about the team signing a veteran quarterback, but at least we are getting stories like this about our defensive lineman instead of news that he was tasered while resisting arrest.
The Seahawks did get some legal news last week when Sean Locklear opted for a disposition hearing over a jury trial. The details of what actually occurred in the incident with his girlfriend are only known by those involved, but the news is that Locklear will avoid prosecution if he complies with the terms of his 24-month probation which includes performing community service, obtaining an evaluation, and paying court costs. According to his attorney, Locklear did not want to put his girlfriend through a public trial and was concerned that the trial would be a distraction to his team with training camp set to begin. His attorney also said that Locklear stated (presumably in court), "I apologize to all involved for what happened that night. I take full responsibility for my own actions and I look forward to putting this behind me in a positive manner."
Training Camp will open with the first full practice on Saturday, so maybe we will get back to the real football news we have been craving.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
I have been messing around with the options for allowing comments due to some spamming of the blog by an on-line sports book. Once the page reached a certain google pagerank, I think it triggered a bot to post comments saying to check out an on-line betting site. Right now I have it set so you can still make comments if you do not have a blogger account (as "anonymous"), but everyone now needs to type in the characters shown above the word verication box (as shown).
Saturday, July 22, 2006
The Cowboys signed Jason Witten to a 7-year contract extension worth $29 million. If Stevens plays as expected and makes it to the pro bowl this season, he will likely be looking for that kind of money in free agency. Witten was scheduled to be a free agent after this season as well, so the signing gives Stevens some more bargaining power with one less talented tight end on the market.
The Seahawks tight end situation could get complicated with Stevens wanting a big contract and Itula Mili nearing the end of his career. The third tight end is currently a place for concern, so the situation could turn south in a hurry. I found the Witten signing a little interesting with the addition of Anthony Fasano and Ryan Hannam this past offseason for the Cowboys. They have made a big investment in their tight ends over the next four or five years.
Eric Johnson and Daniel Graham are both scheduled to be free agents as well. San Francisco wanted to move Eric Johnson, but no one was offering what they thought he was worth because of his injury last season. They might not be interested in re-signing him next year if Vernon Wells plays as expected. The Patriots are also thought to be uninclined to keep Graham with Ben Watson and Garrett Mills on the roster.
The Seahawks tight end situation could get complicated with Stevens wanting a big contract and Itula Mili nearing the end of his career. The third tight end is currently a place for concern, so the situation could turn south in a hurry. I found the Witten signing a little interesting with the addition of Anthony Fasano and Ryan Hannam this past offseason for the Cowboys. They have made a big investment in their tight ends over the next four or five years.
Eric Johnson and Daniel Graham are both scheduled to be free agents as well. San Francisco wanted to move Eric Johnson, but no one was offering what they thought he was worth because of his injury last season. They might not be interested in re-signing him next year if Vernon Wells plays as expected. The Patriots are also thought to be uninclined to keep Graham with Ben Watson and Garrett Mills on the roster.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)
The Eagles had dominated the NFC East since realignment, going 16-2 in the division before last year. That is over. They were 0-6 last season; Donovan McNabb's injury and the T.O. saga were only part of the problem. The defense started to show its age in a hurry and they could not run the football. The lack of a power running back and injuries along the offensive line did not help, which led them to throw the ball 63% of the time. The loss of Owens and a sub-par receiving corps means that the Eagles will need to run the ball a lot more and rely on their defense to be successful.
Before Owens got there, Philadelphia had Duce Staley and a healthy Correll Buckhalter in 2003. Staley is long gone and Buckhalter has missed the entire season three of his five years in the league (including the last two). Brian Westbrook has never carried the ball more than 177 times in a season and has missed time with injuries three years in a row. It is hard to believe second-year back Ryan Moats is the answer. He had three long touchdown runs (59, 40, and 18), but averaged 3.1 yards on his other 52 attempts last year and also fumbled 3 times (he fumbled 16 times in his final two years at Louisiana Tech). He is fast and at 5'8", 210, is basically a clone of Westbrook without his catching ability.
Last year was the first time either LT Tra Thomas or C Hank Fraley had ever missed significant time with injuries in their career (both finished the year on IR). Fraley is only 28, but Tra Thomas is 31 and his back trouble might resurface trying to support his 6'7", 349 pound frame. The Eagles locked up RG Shawn Andrews with an extension (7-years, up to $40 million) and still have former pro-bowler RT Jon Runyan. The Eagles added insurance with OT Winston Justice (USC) in the second-round and 356-pound OG Max Jean-Gilles in the fourth-round. Both players are more talented than their respective draft positions would suggest (Justice slipped for character, Jean-Gilles for conditioning). The offensive line should be one of the best in the league again.
However, McNabb does not have much to work with in the way of receivers with Reggie Brown and Todd Pinkston projected to start. WR Jabar Gaffney (Houston) is nothing special. It is hard to see how they will be successful on offense with the current group of running backs and receivers. Westbrook is a playmaker, but the offense will struggle to move the ball consistently. Did I mention Terrell Owens will no longer be available as the go-to-guy on third down? Owens picked up 32 first downs in his 7 games with the Eagles last year. For comparison Westbrook had 27 in 12 games.
The Eagles will have to rely on their defense more than they would like. The addition of DE Darren Howard (New Orleans) and first-round pick DT Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) will help the defensive line, but DE Jevon Kearse is not the player he used to be. The secondary suffered last year after CB Lito Sheppard's injury, but they struggled as a unit (especially in man-to-man coverage) the entire season, which was a bit of a mystery. It would not be a stretch to say CB Sheldon Brown, FS Brian Dawkins, SS Michael Lewis, and Sheppard are all among the ten best players on the team. MLB Jeremiah Trotter is great against the run, but is really the only linebacker worth mentioning (LB Shawn Barber projects to start after being cut by Kansas City). This defense should bounce back from a subpar performance last year, but it might not be enough to counter the problems on an offense that also lost its coordinator Brad Childress (Minnesota).
To say Philadelphia is the same team that went to NFC Championship game in 2002 and 2003 before Terrell Owens arrived is false. Some key players are a lot older and it does not look like they have the running backs to pound the football. McNabb might be glad Owens is no longer with the team, but he will miss him on the field. The good news is that he is the only notable departure. Defenses have no reason to respect the run and McNabb could be in for another year of punishment. He threw a lot of balls into the ground last year to avoid sacks, and we might see more of the same this season. If McNabb gets hurt, then the Eagles do have a very capable backup in Jeff Garcia (Detroit). However, Garcia might be tough to keep healthy. The Eagles would realistically be very lucky go 3-3 in the NFC East. They might already be out of the picture by Thanksgiving and it will not get any easier after that. Their final six games are at Indianapolis, Carolina, at Washington, at the Giants, at Dallas, and Atlanta.
Key Additions: DE Darren Howard (NO), DT Brodrick Bunkley (R), QB Jeff Garcia (DET), LB Shawn Barber (KC), WR Jabar Gaffney (HOU)
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens (DAL), OC Brad Childress (MIN), QB Mike McMahon (MIN)
The Eagles had dominated the NFC East since realignment, going 16-2 in the division before last year. That is over. They were 0-6 last season; Donovan McNabb's injury and the T.O. saga were only part of the problem. The defense started to show its age in a hurry and they could not run the football. The lack of a power running back and injuries along the offensive line did not help, which led them to throw the ball 63% of the time. The loss of Owens and a sub-par receiving corps means that the Eagles will need to run the ball a lot more and rely on their defense to be successful.
Before Owens got there, Philadelphia had Duce Staley and a healthy Correll Buckhalter in 2003. Staley is long gone and Buckhalter has missed the entire season three of his five years in the league (including the last two). Brian Westbrook has never carried the ball more than 177 times in a season and has missed time with injuries three years in a row. It is hard to believe second-year back Ryan Moats is the answer. He had three long touchdown runs (59, 40, and 18), but averaged 3.1 yards on his other 52 attempts last year and also fumbled 3 times (he fumbled 16 times in his final two years at Louisiana Tech). He is fast and at 5'8", 210, is basically a clone of Westbrook without his catching ability.
Last year was the first time either LT Tra Thomas or C Hank Fraley had ever missed significant time with injuries in their career (both finished the year on IR). Fraley is only 28, but Tra Thomas is 31 and his back trouble might resurface trying to support his 6'7", 349 pound frame. The Eagles locked up RG Shawn Andrews with an extension (7-years, up to $40 million) and still have former pro-bowler RT Jon Runyan. The Eagles added insurance with OT Winston Justice (USC) in the second-round and 356-pound OG Max Jean-Gilles in the fourth-round. Both players are more talented than their respective draft positions would suggest (Justice slipped for character, Jean-Gilles for conditioning). The offensive line should be one of the best in the league again.
However, McNabb does not have much to work with in the way of receivers with Reggie Brown and Todd Pinkston projected to start. WR Jabar Gaffney (Houston) is nothing special. It is hard to see how they will be successful on offense with the current group of running backs and receivers. Westbrook is a playmaker, but the offense will struggle to move the ball consistently. Did I mention Terrell Owens will no longer be available as the go-to-guy on third down? Owens picked up 32 first downs in his 7 games with the Eagles last year. For comparison Westbrook had 27 in 12 games.
The Eagles will have to rely on their defense more than they would like. The addition of DE Darren Howard (New Orleans) and first-round pick DT Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) will help the defensive line, but DE Jevon Kearse is not the player he used to be. The secondary suffered last year after CB Lito Sheppard's injury, but they struggled as a unit (especially in man-to-man coverage) the entire season, which was a bit of a mystery. It would not be a stretch to say CB Sheldon Brown, FS Brian Dawkins, SS Michael Lewis, and Sheppard are all among the ten best players on the team. MLB Jeremiah Trotter is great against the run, but is really the only linebacker worth mentioning (LB Shawn Barber projects to start after being cut by Kansas City). This defense should bounce back from a subpar performance last year, but it might not be enough to counter the problems on an offense that also lost its coordinator Brad Childress (Minnesota).
To say Philadelphia is the same team that went to NFC Championship game in 2002 and 2003 before Terrell Owens arrived is false. Some key players are a lot older and it does not look like they have the running backs to pound the football. McNabb might be glad Owens is no longer with the team, but he will miss him on the field. The good news is that he is the only notable departure. Defenses have no reason to respect the run and McNabb could be in for another year of punishment. He threw a lot of balls into the ground last year to avoid sacks, and we might see more of the same this season. If McNabb gets hurt, then the Eagles do have a very capable backup in Jeff Garcia (Detroit). However, Garcia might be tough to keep healthy. The Eagles would realistically be very lucky go 3-3 in the NFC East. They might already be out of the picture by Thanksgiving and it will not get any easier after that. Their final six games are at Indianapolis, Carolina, at Washington, at the Giants, at Dallas, and Atlanta.
Key Additions: DE Darren Howard (NO), DT Brodrick Bunkley (R), QB Jeff Garcia (DET), LB Shawn Barber (KC), WR Jabar Gaffney (HOU)
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens (DAL), OC Brad Childress (MIN), QB Mike McMahon (MIN)
Normally I would not stray from the Seahawks to discuss the Sonics here, but the fact that our NBA team was just sold and could be on the way out of town seems worth discussing, especially given what happened with the Seahawks and Ken Behring 10 years ago.
I find the outrage over the Sonics sale a little bit curious. First of all, if you did not attend a Sonics game last season, then quit complaining because you have no credibility. You can watch the Oklahoma City Sonics on TV. I understand some people might support the team in other ways, but if you are going to be outraged by the team leaving town then you should have gone to at least one game. Some people might say it is too expensive and they cannot afford to go to a game, but that is a weak argument. I saw a set of 4 tickets sell for 99 cents on Ebay this past season. If it is not worth it to you to go see a crappy Sonics team play some other crappy team and sit in the cheap seats then you are not a real fan and have no place getting all upset about the team skipping town.
What happened to Seattle sports fans? Success has spoiled us. Real fans are the people that sat in the third deck of the Kingdome and cheered the Mariners to their first ever winning season under Jim Lefebvre in 1991 with Alvin Davis, Harold Reynolds, and Dave Valle. Or the people that tried to will Rick Mirer to success and then stood up and fought when they tried to move the Seahawks by going to games and showing they cared. The Kingdome was pretty empty before Behring tried to move the team. We bought a second set of season tickets in the upper deck for $10 a seat and could barely give them away.
Don't get me wrong, Seattle still has some great fans. However, it has largely become a bunch of front-runners. No one cares about the Sonics because of the success of the Seahawks and Mariners. That is how it was 10 years ago when no one cared about the Seahawks because of the Sonics and Mariners. If you only support your team when they are winning, then you are the worst kind of fan. It would be better if you just stayed home and let the real fans enjoy the success when it comes.
If the Sonics do not have a fan base that steps it up and shows that it cares about keeping the team to support it through the tough times, the Seattle does not deserve an NBA team. It is tough for the small group that does support the team, and they should blame the rest of the city instead of Howard Schultz. He could have sold the team for $75 million more, but chose not to because that group was definitely going to move the team. If Schultz sacrificed $75 million to at least try to make a difference in keeping the team in Seattle and you could not spend $10 on a cheap ticket, then why should he draw the criticism?
The fans in Oklahoma City supported the transplant New Orleans Hornets in an unbelievable way last season. That city probably deserves a team more than Seattle. If you are outraged about the Sonics leaving town then shut your mouth, go to a game, buy a jersey, show the new ownership that Seattle really cares about basketball and will support it. If fans had done this earlier, they could have kept Schultz from selling the team or might have at least inspired another wealthy Seattle native to make an offer on the team. Being a fan is about standing behind your team through losing seasons and hard times, not about jumping on the bandwagon when the team is successful and abandoning it when the good times end. The Seahawks faithful kept the team in Seattle 10 years ago, and it will be interesting to see if the Sonics have the same kind of support. If they do not, then Seattle does not deserve an NBA team.
I find the outrage over the Sonics sale a little bit curious. First of all, if you did not attend a Sonics game last season, then quit complaining because you have no credibility. You can watch the Oklahoma City Sonics on TV. I understand some people might support the team in other ways, but if you are going to be outraged by the team leaving town then you should have gone to at least one game. Some people might say it is too expensive and they cannot afford to go to a game, but that is a weak argument. I saw a set of 4 tickets sell for 99 cents on Ebay this past season. If it is not worth it to you to go see a crappy Sonics team play some other crappy team and sit in the cheap seats then you are not a real fan and have no place getting all upset about the team skipping town.
What happened to Seattle sports fans? Success has spoiled us. Real fans are the people that sat in the third deck of the Kingdome and cheered the Mariners to their first ever winning season under Jim Lefebvre in 1991 with Alvin Davis, Harold Reynolds, and Dave Valle. Or the people that tried to will Rick Mirer to success and then stood up and fought when they tried to move the Seahawks by going to games and showing they cared. The Kingdome was pretty empty before Behring tried to move the team. We bought a second set of season tickets in the upper deck for $10 a seat and could barely give them away.
Don't get me wrong, Seattle still has some great fans. However, it has largely become a bunch of front-runners. No one cares about the Sonics because of the success of the Seahawks and Mariners. That is how it was 10 years ago when no one cared about the Seahawks because of the Sonics and Mariners. If you only support your team when they are winning, then you are the worst kind of fan. It would be better if you just stayed home and let the real fans enjoy the success when it comes.
If the Sonics do not have a fan base that steps it up and shows that it cares about keeping the team to support it through the tough times, the Seattle does not deserve an NBA team. It is tough for the small group that does support the team, and they should blame the rest of the city instead of Howard Schultz. He could have sold the team for $75 million more, but chose not to because that group was definitely going to move the team. If Schultz sacrificed $75 million to at least try to make a difference in keeping the team in Seattle and you could not spend $10 on a cheap ticket, then why should he draw the criticism?
The fans in Oklahoma City supported the transplant New Orleans Hornets in an unbelievable way last season. That city probably deserves a team more than Seattle. If you are outraged about the Sonics leaving town then shut your mouth, go to a game, buy a jersey, show the new ownership that Seattle really cares about basketball and will support it. If fans had done this earlier, they could have kept Schultz from selling the team or might have at least inspired another wealthy Seattle native to make an offer on the team. Being a fan is about standing behind your team through losing seasons and hard times, not about jumping on the bandwagon when the team is successful and abandoning it when the good times end. The Seahawks faithful kept the team in Seattle 10 years ago, and it will be interesting to see if the Sonics have the same kind of support. If they do not, then Seattle does not deserve an NBA team.
Things have been surprisingly quiet on the veteran quarterback front since the June minicamps ended. Tampa Bay might not be willing to part with Tim Rattay until after Training Camp or the Seahawks could not even be interested. Any deal for a veteran QB should happen this week or probably not at all. If nothing transpires we are looking at Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, David Greene, Gibran Hamdan and Travis Lulay.
Hasselbeck and Wallace are obviously locks to make the team, and a veteran addition would take up the final roster spot. As it stands, the battle for the #3 job will be between David Greene and Girban Hamdan. When camp opens on July 29, it will be 3 months to the day since Hamdan broke his ankle. If he is healthy, then it could be an interesting competition with Greene apparently underachieving to this point. Hamdan missed valuable time in passing camp, and it is hard to know if Holmgren's comments on Greene were cause for concern or meant to light a fire under the second-year player.
The problem for Hamdan will be that Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace will get the majority of action in training camp and the preseason to make sure they are ready to go, and he will have limited opportunities to make up ground on Greene. Travis Lulay will not get much action in camp, but he could find his way to the practice squad or to NFL Europe along with his former center at Montanta State, Jeff Bolton. Lulay faced lesser competition in Division I-AA and got away with a lot of "sand lot" football using his athleticism to make plays. He has the arm to make all of the NFL throws, so he could eventually make his way to the regular roster with some development, but not this year.
Hasselbeck and Wallace are obviously locks to make the team, and a veteran addition would take up the final roster spot. As it stands, the battle for the #3 job will be between David Greene and Girban Hamdan. When camp opens on July 29, it will be 3 months to the day since Hamdan broke his ankle. If he is healthy, then it could be an interesting competition with Greene apparently underachieving to this point. Hamdan missed valuable time in passing camp, and it is hard to know if Holmgren's comments on Greene were cause for concern or meant to light a fire under the second-year player.
The problem for Hamdan will be that Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace will get the majority of action in training camp and the preseason to make sure they are ready to go, and he will have limited opportunities to make up ground on Greene. Travis Lulay will not get much action in camp, but he could find his way to the practice squad or to NFL Europe along with his former center at Montanta State, Jeff Bolton. Lulay faced lesser competition in Division I-AA and got away with a lot of "sand lot" football using his athleticism to make plays. He has the arm to make all of the NFL throws, so he could eventually make his way to the regular roster with some development, but not this year.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
The Texans signed Charles Spencer, the 65th overall pick in the draft, to a four-year, $2.2 million contract. That includes a signing bonus of $610,000 with minimum base salaries for the next four year of $275,000 (2006), $360,000 (2007), $445,000 (2008) and $530,000 (2009). Spencer is one of the two lineman I referred to in my previous post that were picked up at the top of the third-round. Spencer projects to start for Houston, and is considered one of their key rookies.
Darryl Tapp, the 63rd overall pick should be in store for something very similar - maybe a little bit higher signing bonus. Spencer's cap number for 2006 is $427,500. If Tapp had a $700,000 signing bonus, his cap number would be $450,000. The Texans swift signings help set the market for the Seahawks with Seattle picking at the bottom of each round, and Houston picking at the top of the following round. The signing of second-round pick (33rd overall), OLB DeMeco Ryans helps set the market for 31st overall pick Kelly Jennings as well. The Texans reportedly signed Ryans to a four-year, $5 million contract. Given all of the signing to date, I would project a 5-year, $7.8 million deal for Jennings with just under $5 million guaranteed, or something very close to that.
This is a great time to point out an economic study, The Loser's Curse: Overconfidence vs. Market Efficiency in the National Football League Draft by Cade Massey (Fuqua School of Business, Duke University) and Richard H. Thayer (Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago). It contends that lower draft picks are actually worth more. It has been mocked on ESPN.com's Page 2, but the basic point seems painfully obvious to me. Take the Seahawks for example, Darryl Tapp and Kelly Jennings will earn somewhere between $7 and $8 million combined over the next 4 years. Top pick, Mario Williams, will earn an average of $9 million per season for the next 6 years ($54 million total). For the Texans to get the same value for Williams as the Seahawks will from Tapp and Jennings, his contribution on the field needs to be worth about six or seven times as much as that of the Seahawks top two picks over the next four seasons.
Mario Williams contract initially has $21.75 million in guaranteed money that jumps to $26.5 million next spring with an option the Texans are expected to exercise. The contract also includes bonuses, incentives and escalators totalling $8.1 million, which would make the deal reach $62.1 million over 6 years. Williams will make $47.25 million over the first four years of the deal before any bonuses. Between $5 and $6 million of the $7 or $8 million Jennings and Tapp will receive over the next four years should be guaranteed money. Len Pasquarelli details the specifics of Mario Williams contract (ESPN.com Insider is required to view the article).
Darryl Tapp, the 63rd overall pick should be in store for something very similar - maybe a little bit higher signing bonus. Spencer's cap number for 2006 is $427,500. If Tapp had a $700,000 signing bonus, his cap number would be $450,000. The Texans swift signings help set the market for the Seahawks with Seattle picking at the bottom of each round, and Houston picking at the top of the following round. The signing of second-round pick (33rd overall), OLB DeMeco Ryans helps set the market for 31st overall pick Kelly Jennings as well. The Texans reportedly signed Ryans to a four-year, $5 million contract. Given all of the signing to date, I would project a 5-year, $7.8 million deal for Jennings with just under $5 million guaranteed, or something very close to that.
This is a great time to point out an economic study, The Loser's Curse: Overconfidence vs. Market Efficiency in the National Football League Draft by Cade Massey (Fuqua School of Business, Duke University) and Richard H. Thayer (Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago). It contends that lower draft picks are actually worth more. It has been mocked on ESPN.com's Page 2, but the basic point seems painfully obvious to me. Take the Seahawks for example, Darryl Tapp and Kelly Jennings will earn somewhere between $7 and $8 million combined over the next 4 years. Top pick, Mario Williams, will earn an average of $9 million per season for the next 6 years ($54 million total). For the Texans to get the same value for Williams as the Seahawks will from Tapp and Jennings, his contribution on the field needs to be worth about six or seven times as much as that of the Seahawks top two picks over the next four seasons.
Mario Williams contract initially has $21.75 million in guaranteed money that jumps to $26.5 million next spring with an option the Texans are expected to exercise. The contract also includes bonuses, incentives and escalators totalling $8.1 million, which would make the deal reach $62.1 million over 6 years. Williams will make $47.25 million over the first four years of the deal before any bonuses. Between $5 and $6 million of the $7 or $8 million Jennings and Tapp will receive over the next four years should be guaranteed money. Len Pasquarelli details the specifics of Mario Williams contract (ESPN.com Insider is required to view the article).
What would the Seahawks have done with the first pick in the NFL draft? The Houston Texans certainly drew a lot of criticism when they selected defensive end Mario Williams with the #1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, passing over running back Reggie Bush. I am part of the group that thinks the Texans made the right move, and I think the Seahawks would have made the same choice.
I might argue that Houston should have taken a look at LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson to protect David Carr, but Gary Kubiak wants to install a zone-blocking scheme like the one that was so successful in Denver, and the unit is more important than any individual. Kubiak grabbed two offensive lineman at the top of the third round and he should be able to get those guys to perform.
The five most important positions on a football team are quarterback, left tackle, defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver. The Texans already have QB David Carr, WR Andre Johnson, and CB Dunta Robinson, all taken with top ten draft picks. DE Mario Williams should give them the fourth piece of the five part foundation of a football team.
The Texans have an underrated, dynamic running back in Domanick Davis. In 3 years, Davis has 36 starts with the Texans. He was slowed and missed five games with a knee injury last year. Despite that and playing behind a bad offensive line, Davis has amassed 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. He is also a threat in the passing game with 154 receptions for an additional 1,276 yards and 5 touchdowns. In short, the Texans do not really need Reggie Bush as long as Davis bounces back from his knee injury.
Second-year player Vernand Morency is also on the roster. The 24-year-old was taken near the top of the third-round and has the potential and skills as a runner and receiver to eventually be a starting caliber back in the NFL. They added Antowain Smith this offseason as well. Smith is not special, but has started 11 games the past two seasons in fill-in duty for two last place teams, the Titans and Saints. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry with 815 yards and 5 touchdowns in his starts (1,383 yards and 7 touchdowns total). The team could still trade for Michael Bennett (Saints) or re-sign Jonathan Wells (still a free agent) before the season. In the four games Wells saw significant action last year, he had 393 total yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2004, he had 210 yards and 2 touchdowns in two games.
The Seahawks would have been in a similar situation with MVP Shaun Alexander and capable backup Maurice Morris on the roster, and defensive end as one of the team's biggest needs for the future. Mario Williams would have been a perfect addition to a defensive line that prides itself on having the league's best pass-rush. As the next few months unfold, the Texans might look even smarter. If you have read the details of the New Era Sports & Entertainment scandal, you know that Reggie Bush is not the good guy he projects to the public. If anything he is a master of managing his image.
The Saints are probably in for a holdout from Reggie Bush. It could be short, but it looks like it has all the makings of a drawn out ordeal with Bush demanding more money than Mario Williams. Bush should be great, but he will have difficulty in the NFL cutting back against the speed he will face from every defensive player. His small frame might not be up for the beating of regular duty in the NFL either. He held up in college, but also played alongside LenDale White who got the tough yards and goal-line carries. Bush is an electrifying player and will put fans in the stands, but Kubiak and Houston want to win, and Mario Williams was the smarter choice.
I might argue that Houston should have taken a look at LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson to protect David Carr, but Gary Kubiak wants to install a zone-blocking scheme like the one that was so successful in Denver, and the unit is more important than any individual. Kubiak grabbed two offensive lineman at the top of the third round and he should be able to get those guys to perform.
The five most important positions on a football team are quarterback, left tackle, defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver. The Texans already have QB David Carr, WR Andre Johnson, and CB Dunta Robinson, all taken with top ten draft picks. DE Mario Williams should give them the fourth piece of the five part foundation of a football team.
The Texans have an underrated, dynamic running back in Domanick Davis. In 3 years, Davis has 36 starts with the Texans. He was slowed and missed five games with a knee injury last year. Despite that and playing behind a bad offensive line, Davis has amassed 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. He is also a threat in the passing game with 154 receptions for an additional 1,276 yards and 5 touchdowns. In short, the Texans do not really need Reggie Bush as long as Davis bounces back from his knee injury.
Second-year player Vernand Morency is also on the roster. The 24-year-old was taken near the top of the third-round and has the potential and skills as a runner and receiver to eventually be a starting caliber back in the NFL. They added Antowain Smith this offseason as well. Smith is not special, but has started 11 games the past two seasons in fill-in duty for two last place teams, the Titans and Saints. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry with 815 yards and 5 touchdowns in his starts (1,383 yards and 7 touchdowns total). The team could still trade for Michael Bennett (Saints) or re-sign Jonathan Wells (still a free agent) before the season. In the four games Wells saw significant action last year, he had 393 total yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2004, he had 210 yards and 2 touchdowns in two games.
The Seahawks would have been in a similar situation with MVP Shaun Alexander and capable backup Maurice Morris on the roster, and defensive end as one of the team's biggest needs for the future. Mario Williams would have been a perfect addition to a defensive line that prides itself on having the league's best pass-rush. As the next few months unfold, the Texans might look even smarter. If you have read the details of the New Era Sports & Entertainment scandal, you know that Reggie Bush is not the good guy he projects to the public. If anything he is a master of managing his image.
The Saints are probably in for a holdout from Reggie Bush. It could be short, but it looks like it has all the makings of a drawn out ordeal with Bush demanding more money than Mario Williams. Bush should be great, but he will have difficulty in the NFL cutting back against the speed he will face from every defensive player. His small frame might not be up for the beating of regular duty in the NFL either. He held up in college, but also played alongside LenDale White who got the tough yards and goal-line carries. Bush is an electrifying player and will put fans in the stands, but Kubiak and Houston want to win, and Mario Williams was the smarter choice.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Gregg Rosenthal of Rotoworld.com ranks the Seattle offensive line as the best in the NFL despite the loss of Steve Hutchinson. I am not sure they are the best unit in the league, but they are certainly one of the best. He says that "Seattle had more success running to the right side behind Sean Locklear and Chris Gray last season." I do not want to make it a habit to criticize someone that praises the Seahawks, but that is not a smart thing to say. No one in their right mind should think anyone did a better job run-blocking last year than the duo of Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson.
Strictly by the numbers, on a per play basis, the Seahawks did better going to the right than they did to the left, as indicated by Football Outsider's breakdown by lineman. KC Joyner also recognized Sean Locklear as the league's best run-blocker last season (ESPN Insider required).
The numbers are obviously influenced by a number of things, such as the insistence on running to the left-side when the Seahawks needed a yard or two. Even when converting on third and short it would hurt the average yards per play. With defenses keying on the left-side, it makes sense that the Seahawks would catch them off guard and break some long runs to the right or that defenses would be overcompensating for the strong left-side and the right would be more vulnerable.
Overall, Rosenthal does make a good point that the right-side was also very good. Hutchinson will be missed, but the depth of the line will soften the impact a great deal, and Seattle will once again have one of the league's best offensive lines. A more balanced line could lead to a less predictable offense that might keep defenses guessing.
Strictly by the numbers, on a per play basis, the Seahawks did better going to the right than they did to the left, as indicated by Football Outsider's breakdown by lineman. KC Joyner also recognized Sean Locklear as the league's best run-blocker last season (ESPN Insider required).
The numbers are obviously influenced by a number of things, such as the insistence on running to the left-side when the Seahawks needed a yard or two. Even when converting on third and short it would hurt the average yards per play. With defenses keying on the left-side, it makes sense that the Seahawks would catch them off guard and break some long runs to the right or that defenses would be overcompensating for the strong left-side and the right would be more vulnerable.
Overall, Rosenthal does make a good point that the right-side was also very good. Hutchinson will be missed, but the depth of the line will soften the impact a great deal, and Seattle will once again have one of the league's best offensive lines. A more balanced line could lead to a less predictable offense that might keep defenses guessing.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
We all know the Patriot fans that go crazy anytime anyone has anything negative to say about the New England Patriots. Saying that Miami might win the division or anything short of proclaiming the Patriots the inevitable champions has the Pats fans up in arms and clamoring about being disrespected. It is getting dangerously close to the point where you could replace "New England" with "Seattle" and "Patriots" with "Seahawks" in the above sentences. Every writer, analyst, and expert is picking the Seahawks to win the division. They say it might be closer than last year, and they are probably right. Does anyone really think the most likely scenario is the Seahawks winning the division by 7 games again? I have not heard anything short of the Seahawks being at least one of the top contenders in the NFC.
Seahawks fans need to get used to the idea that people think we are good. Everyone does not have to pick the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl or even the NFC. There is a good chance we will not do either. Do I want us to? Yes. Is the team good enough to? Yes. But so are a handful of other teams and someone can pick another team without it being disrespectful and negative.
We are actually getting to be worse than the Patriot fans. The Seahawks did not win a playoff game for 20 years before last year and earned the right to be looked at as the team that perennially disappoints. Things are changing now that they finally got it done, but if they do not perform this year, people will think last year was a fluke. The Seahawks need to consistently win in the playoffs if they want to stop being overlooked - if we only win playoff games every 20 years, then we will always be the forgotten team. The Patriots at least earned the right to complain when someone did not pick them to win it all by winning 3 Super Bowls in 4 years.
Would it be stupid and disrespectful for someone to pick the Seahawks to miss the playoffs? Yes, but no one is doing that. Let's not become like the annoying Patriot fans, at least not until we win a couple of Super Bowls or at least win playoff games at a better rate than once every 20 years.
Seahawks fans need to get used to the idea that people think we are good. Everyone does not have to pick the Seahawks to win the Super Bowl or even the NFC. There is a good chance we will not do either. Do I want us to? Yes. Is the team good enough to? Yes. But so are a handful of other teams and someone can pick another team without it being disrespectful and negative.
We are actually getting to be worse than the Patriot fans. The Seahawks did not win a playoff game for 20 years before last year and earned the right to be looked at as the team that perennially disappoints. Things are changing now that they finally got it done, but if they do not perform this year, people will think last year was a fluke. The Seahawks need to consistently win in the playoffs if they want to stop being overlooked - if we only win playoff games every 20 years, then we will always be the forgotten team. The Patriots at least earned the right to complain when someone did not pick them to win it all by winning 3 Super Bowls in 4 years.
Would it be stupid and disrespectful for someone to pick the Seahawks to miss the playoffs? Yes, but no one is doing that. Let's not become like the annoying Patriot fans, at least not until we win a couple of Super Bowls or at least win playoff games at a better rate than once every 20 years.
Matt's hustle back (FSN Northwest Video)
"Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck discusses his excitement for the upcoming season. Plus, hear how his offseason was different following a trip to the Super Bowl."
He discusses Nate Burleson, minicamp, the offensive line without Hutch, and the shorter offseason. Nothing too exciting, but worth a look.
Holmes-y the Clown
It is not related to the Seahawks, but I found Santonio Holmes attitude toward Ben Roethlisberger as disconcerting as his arrests. Roethlisberger (as quoted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) on Santonio Holmes:
"I gave him my numbers, told him to call me, and when he got into trouble, I called him a bunch of time and left a bunch of messages for him, and he has never called me back, so I don't know how to take it.
"If he wants me to help him and wants me to take him under my wing, I'll do that, but it is his call, now, not mine. The ball is in his court, so to speak, but I think he'll be OK and, hopefully, he'll get to camp and get his head screwed on straight."
"Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck discusses his excitement for the upcoming season. Plus, hear how his offseason was different following a trip to the Super Bowl."
He discusses Nate Burleson, minicamp, the offensive line without Hutch, and the shorter offseason. Nothing too exciting, but worth a look.
Holmes-y the Clown
It is not related to the Seahawks, but I found Santonio Holmes attitude toward Ben Roethlisberger as disconcerting as his arrests. Roethlisberger (as quoted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) on Santonio Holmes:
"I gave him my numbers, told him to call me, and when he got into trouble, I called him a bunch of time and left a bunch of messages for him, and he has never called me back, so I don't know how to take it.
"If he wants me to help him and wants me to take him under my wing, I'll do that, but it is his call, now, not mine. The ball is in his court, so to speak, but I think he'll be OK and, hopefully, he'll get to camp and get his head screwed on straight."
Saturday, July 15, 2006
The Seahawks will play their old AFC West rivals starting with a Week 8 trip to Arrowhead. The road games against Kansas City and Denver figure to be some of the toughest on the schedule. The two teams combined to go 15-1 at home last year.
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
The Herm Edwards era begins in Kansas City this season. He is a good coach, but Edwards might get a little too much credit for taking the Jets to the playoffs three of his five years in New York. He was 19-13 in his first two seasons after taking over the team that Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick built, but then went 20-28 in his final three years with two losing seasons. The team was 29-19 the three years before he took over in 2001, and had not had a losing season since 1996. He will benefit equally from inheriting the offense Dick Vermeil and Al Saunders assembled. However, it will be up to Edwards to improve a troubled Kansas City defense.
The offense should be fine with Larry Johnson and Trent Green leading the way even without Priest Holmes, but they might miss offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Washington). Johnson scored 17 touchdowns and averaged a ridiculous 150 rushing yards over the final nine games last season after taking over as the starter. If he kept that pace up for an entire season he would finish with over 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns. Trent Green is no slouch, throwing for over 4,000 yards the past three seasons. The receiving corps is led by all-world TE Tony Gonzalez, but they have a questionable group of wide receivers, led by Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, and Dante' Hall. The departure of Marc Boerigter (Green Bay) and Chris Horn (New Orleans) make an already weak unit even weaker. With QB Todd Collins following Al Saunders to Washington, the situation behind the 36-year-old Trent Green is scary with 33-year-old journeyman Damon Huard and injury-prone rookie Brodie Croyle as the only other options.
The success on offense starts up front where Kansas City has arguably the best offensive line in the league. LT Willie Roaf, RG Will Shields, and LG Brian Waters are all perennial pro-bowl selections. Age and health is a conern. Roaf (36) missed six games last year with hamstring trouble and Shields (35) seriously considered retiring due to back pain, but they talked each other into returning for at least one more year. C Casey Wiegmann (33) and RT Josh Welbourn (33) are both getting up there in years as well, but if everyone stays healthy, no line is better than this unit. Injuries forced Gonzalez to stay in and block last year, hurting his production. FB Ronnie Cruz has some big shoes to fill with FB Tony Richardson leaving for Minnesota.
The real concern for this team is the defense, a unit that ranked 25th overall and 30th against the pass last season, hardly the improvement they expected after finishing 31st overall and dead last against the pass in 2004. Gunther Cunningham is in his third season since taking over as defensive coordinator, a postion he also held from 1995-1998 before a two-year stint as the Chiefs head coach and three years as an assitant head coach in Tennessee. His units have not produced the results Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith, James Hasty, and Dale Carter did for Cunningham and the Chiefs in the late '90s, but he is hoping that changes this year. However, the addition of CB Patrick Surtain, SS Sammy Knight, and LB Kendrell Bell did not fetch the desired results last year. The Chiefs signed some less-heralded defense players this offseason, and CB Lenny Walls (Denver) figures to start. CB Ty Law (New York Jets) remains a possibility, but the biggest addition to this point is rookie DE Tamba Hali (Penn State) who should help out a pass-rush that only generated 29 sacks last season. The Chiefs also released starter CB Eric Warfield (New England), so maybe they are hoping for some addition by subtraction.
The Chiefs will have a high-powered offense, but the defense could struggle again. The tackling effort against Tiki Barber and the Giants in Week 15 essentially cost them a playoff spot in 2005. Barber benefited from repeatedly horrendous attempts at tackling (if you could call it that) and ended up with a team-record 220 yards on 29 carries. At least five Chiefs missed tackles on a 41-yard Barber touchdown run, and Sammy Knight let Amani Toomer slip away for a 31-yard score after having both arms on him.
The loss of Tony Richardson and Al Saunders, the backup quarterback situation, and the health of the offensive line are all legitimate concerns on offense, but improvement on defense should be the focus of the Chiefs. It will be necessary if Kansas City wants to make the playoffs with good Denver and San Diego teams also in the division. This aging Chiefs team needs to get it done this year because time is running out for a lot of the key players on the roster.
Key Additions: DE Tamba Hali (R), CB Lenny Walls (DEN), DT Ron Edwards (BUF), DT James Reed (NYJ)
Key Losses: OC Al Saunders (WAS), FB Tony Richardson (MIN), QB Todd Collins (WAS), WR Chris Horn (NO), WR Marc Boerigter (GB), Eric Warfield (NE), LB Shawn Barber (PHI)
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)
The Herm Edwards era begins in Kansas City this season. He is a good coach, but Edwards might get a little too much credit for taking the Jets to the playoffs three of his five years in New York. He was 19-13 in his first two seasons after taking over the team that Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick built, but then went 20-28 in his final three years with two losing seasons. The team was 29-19 the three years before he took over in 2001, and had not had a losing season since 1996. He will benefit equally from inheriting the offense Dick Vermeil and Al Saunders assembled. However, it will be up to Edwards to improve a troubled Kansas City defense.
The offense should be fine with Larry Johnson and Trent Green leading the way even without Priest Holmes, but they might miss offensive coordinator Al Saunders (Washington). Johnson scored 17 touchdowns and averaged a ridiculous 150 rushing yards over the final nine games last season after taking over as the starter. If he kept that pace up for an entire season he would finish with over 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns. Trent Green is no slouch, throwing for over 4,000 yards the past three seasons. The receiving corps is led by all-world TE Tony Gonzalez, but they have a questionable group of wide receivers, led by Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, and Dante' Hall. The departure of Marc Boerigter (Green Bay) and Chris Horn (New Orleans) make an already weak unit even weaker. With QB Todd Collins following Al Saunders to Washington, the situation behind the 36-year-old Trent Green is scary with 33-year-old journeyman Damon Huard and injury-prone rookie Brodie Croyle as the only other options.
The success on offense starts up front where Kansas City has arguably the best offensive line in the league. LT Willie Roaf, RG Will Shields, and LG Brian Waters are all perennial pro-bowl selections. Age and health is a conern. Roaf (36) missed six games last year with hamstring trouble and Shields (35) seriously considered retiring due to back pain, but they talked each other into returning for at least one more year. C Casey Wiegmann (33) and RT Josh Welbourn (33) are both getting up there in years as well, but if everyone stays healthy, no line is better than this unit. Injuries forced Gonzalez to stay in and block last year, hurting his production. FB Ronnie Cruz has some big shoes to fill with FB Tony Richardson leaving for Minnesota.
The real concern for this team is the defense, a unit that ranked 25th overall and 30th against the pass last season, hardly the improvement they expected after finishing 31st overall and dead last against the pass in 2004. Gunther Cunningham is in his third season since taking over as defensive coordinator, a postion he also held from 1995-1998 before a two-year stint as the Chiefs head coach and three years as an assitant head coach in Tennessee. His units have not produced the results Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith, James Hasty, and Dale Carter did for Cunningham and the Chiefs in the late '90s, but he is hoping that changes this year. However, the addition of CB Patrick Surtain, SS Sammy Knight, and LB Kendrell Bell did not fetch the desired results last year. The Chiefs signed some less-heralded defense players this offseason, and CB Lenny Walls (Denver) figures to start. CB Ty Law (New York Jets) remains a possibility, but the biggest addition to this point is rookie DE Tamba Hali (Penn State) who should help out a pass-rush that only generated 29 sacks last season. The Chiefs also released starter CB Eric Warfield (New England), so maybe they are hoping for some addition by subtraction.
The Chiefs will have a high-powered offense, but the defense could struggle again. The tackling effort against Tiki Barber and the Giants in Week 15 essentially cost them a playoff spot in 2005. Barber benefited from repeatedly horrendous attempts at tackling (if you could call it that) and ended up with a team-record 220 yards on 29 carries. At least five Chiefs missed tackles on a 41-yard Barber touchdown run, and Sammy Knight let Amani Toomer slip away for a 31-yard score after having both arms on him.
The loss of Tony Richardson and Al Saunders, the backup quarterback situation, and the health of the offensive line are all legitimate concerns on offense, but improvement on defense should be the focus of the Chiefs. It will be necessary if Kansas City wants to make the playoffs with good Denver and San Diego teams also in the division. This aging Chiefs team needs to get it done this year because time is running out for a lot of the key players on the roster.
Key Additions: DE Tamba Hali (R), CB Lenny Walls (DEN), DT Ron Edwards (BUF), DT James Reed (NYJ)
Key Losses: OC Al Saunders (WAS), FB Tony Richardson (MIN), QB Todd Collins (WAS), WR Chris Horn (NO), WR Marc Boerigter (GB), Eric Warfield (NE), LB Shawn Barber (PHI)
Friday, July 14, 2006
People who really want us to sign Ty Law should remember Nate Odomes. Only true Seahawks fans will, but fans in Buffalo certainly remember him. He made the key interception on a pass from Warren Moon in "The Comeback" during overtime to set up the game winning field goal. It was during the 1992 Playoffs when Frank Reich led Buffalo to an overtime win after trailing the Houston Oilers 35-3 (the largest comeback in NFL history). Buffalo went on to win the next two games and make it to the third of their four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
It was not as if Odomes only made one great play for Buffalo. He had 26 career interceptions, and 19 in his final three years in Buffalo. In 1993, Odomes co-led the NFL with a career-high 9 interceptions. He went to the pro bowl in both 1992 and 1993 and played in four Super Bowls for the AFC East Buffalo Bills. That doesn't sound like Ty Law at all, does it?
He signed with the Seahawks following the 1993 season when he was 28. The Seahawks gave him a big contract and he was injured in the preseason two straight seasons, got paid, but never played a down for the Seahawks. He played one more year in 1996 for the Falcons in which he only appeared in 7 games and did not record an interception, then retired.
Ty Law is an above-average corner and certainly improves the defense in the short-term, but his level of play could decline quickly or the 32-year-old could easily get injured. He is also a me-first player. He is not an obnoxious locker-room cancer, but the two most important things to him are his money and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. The team is third at best. Law has always been a risk-taker and he will gamble wherever he is next year, getting more interceptions and padding his career numbers, but also getting burned more. Part of the reason he got 10 interceptions last year was that people threw at him a lot.
If we sign Ty Law and are unable to re-sign Marcus Trufant or Ken Hamlin because of it, where does that leave our secondary in terms of covering the young Arizona receivers for the next 5 or 6 years when Ty Law has retired?
It was not as if Odomes only made one great play for Buffalo. He had 26 career interceptions, and 19 in his final three years in Buffalo. In 1993, Odomes co-led the NFL with a career-high 9 interceptions. He went to the pro bowl in both 1992 and 1993 and played in four Super Bowls for the AFC East Buffalo Bills. That doesn't sound like Ty Law at all, does it?
He signed with the Seahawks following the 1993 season when he was 28. The Seahawks gave him a big contract and he was injured in the preseason two straight seasons, got paid, but never played a down for the Seahawks. He played one more year in 1996 for the Falcons in which he only appeared in 7 games and did not record an interception, then retired.
Ty Law is an above-average corner and certainly improves the defense in the short-term, but his level of play could decline quickly or the 32-year-old could easily get injured. He is also a me-first player. He is not an obnoxious locker-room cancer, but the two most important things to him are his money and earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. The team is third at best. Law has always been a risk-taker and he will gamble wherever he is next year, getting more interceptions and padding his career numbers, but also getting burned more. Part of the reason he got 10 interceptions last year was that people threw at him a lot.
If we sign Ty Law and are unable to re-sign Marcus Trufant or Ken Hamlin because of it, where does that leave our secondary in terms of covering the young Arizona receivers for the next 5 or 6 years when Ty Law has retired?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
This time of year is very slow for football news and it has been especially dead surrounding the Seahawks. We could not be luckier. Imagine if you were a Cincinnati Bengals fan. In the future, Bengals Orange might refer to the orange prison jumpsuits many players could be wearing instead of the orange Bengals jerseys.
It started in December for the Bengals when last year's third-round pick WR Chris Henry was arrested for possession of marijuana. Henry pled guilty and spent 28 days in a drug rehab program. He has been arrested a total of four times in the past seven months. In a January incident outside an Orlando night club, he was charged with possession of a concealed firearm, a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Herny kept things going on June 3 when he was charged with speeding and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), registering a .092 blood alcohol level. He was arrested again in mid-June for an April incident in Kentucky in which he allegedly provided alcohol to three women aged 18, 16, and 15. The 18-year-old initially accused Henry of rape, but later confessed it was consensual sex after inconsistencies in her story. Henry has been ordered to avoid alcohol and to have no contact with minors or his bond will be revoked and he will be jailed. His trial date is set for September 26, two days after an important Week 3 game against division-rival Pittsburgh.
Rookie LB A.J. Nicholson, the Bengals' fifth-round pick out of Florida State, was also charged with a crime on June 3. His offense was grand theft and vandalism. He was held in jail while awaiting an appearance before a judge. Nicholson and Fred Rouse (recently dismissed from the Florida State football program) are accused of breaking into the apartment of former teammate Lorenzo Booker, the current Florida State running back. $1,700 worth of electronic equipment is missing, and blood was found at the scene where the burglar broke a window. Rouse confessed to the crime and stated that Nicholson cut his hand breaking the window to gain access to the apartment. Blood was also found on the front doorknob of the nearby home of Nicholson's girlfriend. Florida State had previously suspended Nicholson in late-December and sent him home from the Orange Bowl after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at the team hotel, although no charges were ever filed. Last summer he pled no contest to a DUI charge from February 2005. A June 2005 charge of resisting arrest was dropped by the state attorney's office. Florida State did not suspend him following either of those charges.
It does not stop there as the Bengals' third-round pick, DE Frostee Rucker was charged with two counts of spousal battery and vandalism on June 20. The charges stem from an alleged fight between Rucker and his girlfriend in late August at USC. His girlfriend reports a history of abuse. Some of her friends followed the couple after a disagreement and allegedly viewed the fight, then encouraged her to report the incident. Rucker was charged with rape when he was 13 by an 11-year-old. The case was thrown out when several "character" witnesses stood up for him including someone saying he had potential to play football at the collegiate level. He was also accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student-athlete at Colorado State as well as exposing himself to another female during a class. That is what led him to join USC after being dismissed from Colorado State. The Bengals knew of the incident and possible charges when they drafted him in April.
If you thought that was all, nope. The Bengals' 2005 second-round pick Odell Thurman has been suspended for four games for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, which means he has violated the policy 3 times since he was drafted one-year ago. The middle-linebacker was one of five finalists for 2005 rookie-of-the-year. Seahawks' middle-linebacker Lofa Tatupu was also up for the award, which went to RB Cadillac Williams of Tampa Bay. The Seahawks took MLB Tatupu with the the 45th overall pick, and Thurman went 48th overall to Cincinnati. Many people considered Tatupu a reach, but it looks like the Seahawks got the better end of that deal by picking a solid person and good leader.
The latest news on Odell Thurman comes on the heels of the Bengals selecting LB/DE Ahmad Brooks from Virginia in the supplemental draft; giving up a third-round pick in 2007 to acquire him. Brooks was known as an lazy, underachiever and had ballooned up to 286 pounds at one point. He was dismissed from the Virginia football team by coach Al Groh for repeated violations of unspecified team rules, and reportedly failed several drug tests. He has trimmed down to 260 and his agent claims his client has successfully passed five independently administered drug tests in the past three months.
Cincinnati has turned into a complete joke of a franchise at this point. They now have off-the-field problems with their 2nd and 3rd round picks last year, and their 3rd and 5th round picks this year. Why should they think Ahmad Brooks will be any different? When Thurman comes back from his suspension, they are going to line-up two guys with a history of failed drug tests next to each other. Nicholson is also a part of that line-backing corps. Brooks might also play defensive end in pass-rush situations, the same position as Rucker. I wonder if anyone will be violating a directive not to associate with known felons during games or practices. All of the players could be subject to suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Tim Ruskell's insistence on high-character players becomes increasingly comforting on a nearly daily basis when you hear about other teams' picks being arrested. Maybe that will help us avoid wasted picks like Koren Robinson in the future. I am happy to be a Seahawks fan right now and we should be glad that the last couple of weeks have been relatively news-free because most of it is not good at this time of year.
It started in December for the Bengals when last year's third-round pick WR Chris Henry was arrested for possession of marijuana. Henry pled guilty and spent 28 days in a drug rehab program. He has been arrested a total of four times in the past seven months. In a January incident outside an Orlando night club, he was charged with possession of a concealed firearm, a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Herny kept things going on June 3 when he was charged with speeding and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), registering a .092 blood alcohol level. He was arrested again in mid-June for an April incident in Kentucky in which he allegedly provided alcohol to three women aged 18, 16, and 15. The 18-year-old initially accused Henry of rape, but later confessed it was consensual sex after inconsistencies in her story. Henry has been ordered to avoid alcohol and to have no contact with minors or his bond will be revoked and he will be jailed. His trial date is set for September 26, two days after an important Week 3 game against division-rival Pittsburgh.
Rookie LB A.J. Nicholson, the Bengals' fifth-round pick out of Florida State, was also charged with a crime on June 3. His offense was grand theft and vandalism. He was held in jail while awaiting an appearance before a judge. Nicholson and Fred Rouse (recently dismissed from the Florida State football program) are accused of breaking into the apartment of former teammate Lorenzo Booker, the current Florida State running back. $1,700 worth of electronic equipment is missing, and blood was found at the scene where the burglar broke a window. Rouse confessed to the crime and stated that Nicholson cut his hand breaking the window to gain access to the apartment. Blood was also found on the front doorknob of the nearby home of Nicholson's girlfriend. Florida State had previously suspended Nicholson in late-December and sent him home from the Orange Bowl after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at the team hotel, although no charges were ever filed. Last summer he pled no contest to a DUI charge from February 2005. A June 2005 charge of resisting arrest was dropped by the state attorney's office. Florida State did not suspend him following either of those charges.
It does not stop there as the Bengals' third-round pick, DE Frostee Rucker was charged with two counts of spousal battery and vandalism on June 20. The charges stem from an alleged fight between Rucker and his girlfriend in late August at USC. His girlfriend reports a history of abuse. Some of her friends followed the couple after a disagreement and allegedly viewed the fight, then encouraged her to report the incident. Rucker was charged with rape when he was 13 by an 11-year-old. The case was thrown out when several "character" witnesses stood up for him including someone saying he had potential to play football at the collegiate level. He was also accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student-athlete at Colorado State as well as exposing himself to another female during a class. That is what led him to join USC after being dismissed from Colorado State. The Bengals knew of the incident and possible charges when they drafted him in April.
If you thought that was all, nope. The Bengals' 2005 second-round pick Odell Thurman has been suspended for four games for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, which means he has violated the policy 3 times since he was drafted one-year ago. The middle-linebacker was one of five finalists for 2005 rookie-of-the-year. Seahawks' middle-linebacker Lofa Tatupu was also up for the award, which went to RB Cadillac Williams of Tampa Bay. The Seahawks took MLB Tatupu with the the 45th overall pick, and Thurman went 48th overall to Cincinnati. Many people considered Tatupu a reach, but it looks like the Seahawks got the better end of that deal by picking a solid person and good leader.
The latest news on Odell Thurman comes on the heels of the Bengals selecting LB/DE Ahmad Brooks from Virginia in the supplemental draft; giving up a third-round pick in 2007 to acquire him. Brooks was known as an lazy, underachiever and had ballooned up to 286 pounds at one point. He was dismissed from the Virginia football team by coach Al Groh for repeated violations of unspecified team rules, and reportedly failed several drug tests. He has trimmed down to 260 and his agent claims his client has successfully passed five independently administered drug tests in the past three months.
Cincinnati has turned into a complete joke of a franchise at this point. They now have off-the-field problems with their 2nd and 3rd round picks last year, and their 3rd and 5th round picks this year. Why should they think Ahmad Brooks will be any different? When Thurman comes back from his suspension, they are going to line-up two guys with a history of failed drug tests next to each other. Nicholson is also a part of that line-backing corps. Brooks might also play defensive end in pass-rush situations, the same position as Rucker. I wonder if anyone will be violating a directive not to associate with known felons during games or practices. All of the players could be subject to suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Tim Ruskell's insistence on high-character players becomes increasingly comforting on a nearly daily basis when you hear about other teams' picks being arrested. Maybe that will help us avoid wasted picks like Koren Robinson in the future. I am happy to be a Seahawks fan right now and we should be glad that the last couple of weeks have been relatively news-free because most of it is not good at this time of year.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Shaun Alexander won the ESPYs for Best NFL Player and Best Record Breaking Performance. The event took place tonight, but will not air on ESPN until Sunday at 6pm PST. He beat out Peyton Manning, LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Urlacher, and Steve Smith for Best NFL Player. He was up against Ben Roethlisberger (youngest QB to win Super Bowl), Mike Metzger (125 foot Back Flip over fountains at Caesar's Palace), and Kalen Pimentel (18 strike outs in Little League World Series) for Best Record Breaking Performance.
While in L.A. for the ESPYs, Roethlisberger, in his first interview since the June 12 accident, told ESPN that he was told by people at the scene, "...that I was literally seconds, maybe a minute away from dying because I slit a vein or artery in my mouth or my throat and it was draining blood right into my stomach and luckily the paramedic noticed it and stopped it or else I would have had too much blood in my stomach."
ESPY Host Lance Armstrong won Best Male Athlete, which Alexander was also nominated for along with LeBron James, Albert Pujols, and Vince Young. Bill Cowher won Best Coach/Manager and the Steelers won Best Team. Antwan Randel El was up for the GMC Professional Grade Award for his touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
Alexander will be the featured guest on Jim Rome is Burning tomorrow on ESPN at 1:30pm PST. NFL Network is also showing the Seahawks Road to the Super Bowl and the NFC Championship Game tonight at 8pm and 9pm PST, respectively.
While in L.A. for the ESPYs, Roethlisberger, in his first interview since the June 12 accident, told ESPN that he was told by people at the scene, "...that I was literally seconds, maybe a minute away from dying because I slit a vein or artery in my mouth or my throat and it was draining blood right into my stomach and luckily the paramedic noticed it and stopped it or else I would have had too much blood in my stomach."
ESPY Host Lance Armstrong won Best Male Athlete, which Alexander was also nominated for along with LeBron James, Albert Pujols, and Vince Young. Bill Cowher won Best Coach/Manager and the Steelers won Best Team. Antwan Randel El was up for the GMC Professional Grade Award for his touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
Alexander will be the featured guest on Jim Rome is Burning tomorrow on ESPN at 1:30pm PST. NFL Network is also showing the Seahawks Road to the Super Bowl and the NFC Championship Game tonight at 8pm and 9pm PST, respectively.
Given that Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft, it is not a surprise that the Seahawks have made their schedule available to import into Microsoft Outlook. If you want to import it into your calender, then you can follow the intructions below (duplicated from the Seahawks site) or follow the link above.
1. Click here to download the 2006 Seahawks schedule.
2. When prompted to Open the file or Save it, click on Save and save the file to your computer.
3. In Outlook, click on the File menu, then click on Import and Export.
4. Select Import an iCalendar or vCalendar file (.vcs), then click Next.
5. Click to select the vCalendar file that you saved in step 2 (Schedule2006.ics), and then click Open.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Shaun Alexander is in Denver to promote his new book, Touchdown Alexander. When asked if he misses the AFC West he told the Denver Post, "Not at all. I had two years in that thing. Get us outta there! It was like, you get geared up to play the Broncos, and then the next week it was the Raiders. And then the next week it was the Chargers, and then the Chiefs. These boys hit every week." It might feel a little bit like the old days for Alexander and the Seahawks this season as they play all of their former AFC West foes. However, Kansas City and Oakland do not have the defenses they once did. There is also a rumor that former San Diego linebacker Junior Seau, could return to the AFC West for Oakland if he does not retire.
Mike Holmgren is an excellent head coach. He joined the Packers in 1992 and went 9-7 in his first season, just missing the playoffs with a team that was 4-12 the previous season. He then won at least one playoff game in five consecutive seasons (1993-1997), something only John Madden has also accomplished. He took the Packers to the Super Bowl the final two years of that stretch, winning one of them. Now that he has taken the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, the general sentiment is that he did something similar in Seattle which is simply not the case.
Mike Holmgren has been with the Seahawks for 7 years, but he did not execute a well-thought out plan to get his players in place and make a run for the Super Bowl. Holmgren took over a better team in Seattle than he did in Green Bay. The Packers were 10-22 the two years before Holmgren, Seattle was 16-16. The official record of the Seahawks was 8-8 in 1998, but the team would have been at least 9-7 if not for a Vinny Testaverde "touchdown" on a run where he did not even make it to the one-yard line (this play was later used to advocate reinstatement of instant reply in the NFL). The team would have been 9-6, and fighting for a playoff spot in the final week of the season against a Denver team that had already wrapped up home-field-advantage. However, at 8-7, they were already statistically eliminated, so the game was meaningless for both teams and Seattle was extremely deflated knowing that the Testaverde call cost them a chance at the team's first playoff appearance since 1988. If not for the bad call it is likely the Seahawks would have defeated the Broncos (who had nothing to play for), finished 10-6 and gone to the playoffs. Dennis Erickson would not have been fired, and consequently Holmgren would not been hired.
Mike Holmgren proceeded to take the Seahawks to playoffs in his first season, going 9-7. However, you could argue that he did worse than the possible 10-6 record the previous season. The 1999 team was also mostly made up of Erickson's guys and they started the season 8-2. Holmgren backed the team into the playoffs going 1-5 down the stretch. He then led the team to a 6-10 record in 2000, the worst season since Tom Flores was head coach. Holmgren did not make it to the playoffs in either of the next two seasons either. He had amassed a 31-33 record in his first four years, identical to Erickson's (not correcting for the Testaverde call). If it was not for what he had done in San Francisco and Green Bay, Holmgren probably would have been fired as well. Erickson actually did better than Holmgren considering the team was 16-32 in the three seasons before he got there, Ken Behring was trying to move the team, and the Kingdome was falling apart. It was Erickson that revived football in Seattle.
Holmgren can blame some of his struggles on his GM, himself. He was relieved of his Executive Vice President/General Manager duties following the 2002 season. He certainly can coach, but he had several failures as General Manager. It was Dennis Erickson that drafted the Seahawks best player, Walter Jones. It was Mike Holmgren that could not come to terms with him in 2002 leading him to miss the first two games of the season (both losses) and the team finished 7-9. Erickson also drafted Joey Galloway who had 4,122 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns in his four seasons under Erickson. It was under Holmgren that he held out for 101 days in 1999 and then left the team. It was Erickson that drafted Anthony Simmons and brought in Chad Brown for their productive seasons in Seattle, but under Holmgren that they were re-signed to contracts that led them to be released in cap moves.
With six first-round choices in his first four seasons, Holmgren drafted Lamar King, Chris McIntosh, and Koren Robinson. He also drafted Shaun Alexander, Steve Hutchinson, and Jerramy Stevens. Three picks were busts and Stevens was not a regular starter until his fourth season. For comparison, Erickson had five first-rounder picks in his four years with the team: Joey Galloway, Pete Kendall, Shawn Springs, Walter Jones, and Anthony Simmons. Jones and Springs both went to the pro bowl with the Seahawks, Galloway was an alternate twice. Kendall has been a regular starter all 10 of his seasons (5 with Seattle) in the NFL and is still starting (for the Jets). Simmons started for the Seahawks for several seasons and had 361 tackles in his first three seasons as a starter (his 2nd-4th seasons in the league).
Many people now equate Holmgren's trade for Matt Hasselbeck to the move to pick up Brett Favre. Holmgren should definitely be credited with developing Brett Favre, but it was GM Ron Wolf that brought him to Green Bay. Wolf wanted to draft him the previous season with the Jets (where he was GM in 1991), but Favre was taken by the Falcons one pick earlier. The next year, Wolf (as new GM in Green Bay) made a deal with Atlanta for Favre, but he failed a physical due to a degenerative hip condition. Wolf overruled the doctors and went through with the trade anyway. Part of the reason Holmgren left Green Bay was to show he could be successful without Wolf, which backfired when he struggled as the GM of the Seahawks.
Favre was successful in Green Bay in his first season with 18 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He went 8-5 as the starter after Don Majkowski was injured in the third game (Favre won that game as well, but did not start). So it was an injury that actually led Holmgren to put in Favre. I am not discrediting what Holmgren and Favre did together, but Holmgren did not make the decision bring Favre to Green Bay or make him the starter (until after an injury).
It was Holmgren who decided to bring Matt Hasselbeck to Seattle and make him the starter. Hasselbeck is certainly an excellent quarterback now, but Holmgren probably rushed to make him the starter in 2001 when he went 5-7 as a starter with 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions forcing Holmgren to turn to Trent Dilfer. Hasselbeck was only reappointed as starter in 2002 after Dilfer was injured and the Seahawks went 7-9 that year. Holmgren was trying to force Hasselbeck to be an immediate success like Brett Favre. Things eventually worked out, but it took some time and that was not Holmgren’s plan. Holmgren had two losing seasons and zero playoff victories in his first six years with the team.
Mike Holmgren was also responsible for the cap problems caused by Chad Brown, Anthony Simmons, Bobby Taylor, and Koren Robinson (who was a disaster in general). Tim Ruskell entered; Brown, Simmons, Taylor, and Robinson all exited. The team then signed Bryce Fisher, Kelly Herndon, Andre Dyson, Chuck Darby and Joe Jurevicius. Ruskell added Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill in the draft, as well as Chris Spencer and Ray Willis. All of a sudden the defense was good and the team was in better shape with the salary cap with depth along the offensive line for the future. It was also Ruskell that released Chris Terry, re-signed Robbie Tobeck and kept Chris Gray from signing with San Francisco. The 13-3 record, two playoff victories, and Super Bowl appearance might have more to do with Ruskell.
Holmgren was never able to put together a team in Seattle that won a playoff game. The team that made the playoffs in 1999 was mostly made of players Erickson and Whitsitt put together. Holmgren did not make it back to playoffs again until 2003 when Bob Ferguson took over his duties as GM. Marcus Trufant, Ken Hamlin, Seneca Wallace, Marcus Tubbs, Michael Boulware, and Sean Locklear were all drafted under Ferguson. Holmgren is a great coach to be sure, but he has only been successful with someone more capable as General Manager (Wolf, Ferguson, Ruskell).
We can be happy with where the team is now and the coaching job Mike Holmgren is doing without giving him false credit for the past or pretending our recent success was the result of Holmgren being patient while putting all of the pieces in place in his first six years.
It was Erickson that took a last place Seahawks team and restored them to respectability during the most tumultuous period in team history. We will never know, but if not for the Testaverde call, Erickson could have been 10-6 and made the playoffs in 1998. Where would the team be now if he was given 7 more seasons to build the team? We might not have made it to the Super Bowl, but we might have won a playoff game before 2006.
Mike Holmgren has been with the Seahawks for 7 years, but he did not execute a well-thought out plan to get his players in place and make a run for the Super Bowl. Holmgren took over a better team in Seattle than he did in Green Bay. The Packers were 10-22 the two years before Holmgren, Seattle was 16-16. The official record of the Seahawks was 8-8 in 1998, but the team would have been at least 9-7 if not for a Vinny Testaverde "touchdown" on a run where he did not even make it to the one-yard line (this play was later used to advocate reinstatement of instant reply in the NFL). The team would have been 9-6, and fighting for a playoff spot in the final week of the season against a Denver team that had already wrapped up home-field-advantage. However, at 8-7, they were already statistically eliminated, so the game was meaningless for both teams and Seattle was extremely deflated knowing that the Testaverde call cost them a chance at the team's first playoff appearance since 1988. If not for the bad call it is likely the Seahawks would have defeated the Broncos (who had nothing to play for), finished 10-6 and gone to the playoffs. Dennis Erickson would not have been fired, and consequently Holmgren would not been hired.
Mike Holmgren proceeded to take the Seahawks to playoffs in his first season, going 9-7. However, you could argue that he did worse than the possible 10-6 record the previous season. The 1999 team was also mostly made up of Erickson's guys and they started the season 8-2. Holmgren backed the team into the playoffs going 1-5 down the stretch. He then led the team to a 6-10 record in 2000, the worst season since Tom Flores was head coach. Holmgren did not make it to the playoffs in either of the next two seasons either. He had amassed a 31-33 record in his first four years, identical to Erickson's (not correcting for the Testaverde call). If it was not for what he had done in San Francisco and Green Bay, Holmgren probably would have been fired as well. Erickson actually did better than Holmgren considering the team was 16-32 in the three seasons before he got there, Ken Behring was trying to move the team, and the Kingdome was falling apart. It was Erickson that revived football in Seattle.
Holmgren can blame some of his struggles on his GM, himself. He was relieved of his Executive Vice President/General Manager duties following the 2002 season. He certainly can coach, but he had several failures as General Manager. It was Dennis Erickson that drafted the Seahawks best player, Walter Jones. It was Mike Holmgren that could not come to terms with him in 2002 leading him to miss the first two games of the season (both losses) and the team finished 7-9. Erickson also drafted Joey Galloway who had 4,122 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns in his four seasons under Erickson. It was under Holmgren that he held out for 101 days in 1999 and then left the team. It was Erickson that drafted Anthony Simmons and brought in Chad Brown for their productive seasons in Seattle, but under Holmgren that they were re-signed to contracts that led them to be released in cap moves.
With six first-round choices in his first four seasons, Holmgren drafted Lamar King, Chris McIntosh, and Koren Robinson. He also drafted Shaun Alexander, Steve Hutchinson, and Jerramy Stevens. Three picks were busts and Stevens was not a regular starter until his fourth season. For comparison, Erickson had five first-rounder picks in his four years with the team: Joey Galloway, Pete Kendall, Shawn Springs, Walter Jones, and Anthony Simmons. Jones and Springs both went to the pro bowl with the Seahawks, Galloway was an alternate twice. Kendall has been a regular starter all 10 of his seasons (5 with Seattle) in the NFL and is still starting (for the Jets). Simmons started for the Seahawks for several seasons and had 361 tackles in his first three seasons as a starter (his 2nd-4th seasons in the league).
Many people now equate Holmgren's trade for Matt Hasselbeck to the move to pick up Brett Favre. Holmgren should definitely be credited with developing Brett Favre, but it was GM Ron Wolf that brought him to Green Bay. Wolf wanted to draft him the previous season with the Jets (where he was GM in 1991), but Favre was taken by the Falcons one pick earlier. The next year, Wolf (as new GM in Green Bay) made a deal with Atlanta for Favre, but he failed a physical due to a degenerative hip condition. Wolf overruled the doctors and went through with the trade anyway. Part of the reason Holmgren left Green Bay was to show he could be successful without Wolf, which backfired when he struggled as the GM of the Seahawks.
Favre was successful in Green Bay in his first season with 18 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He went 8-5 as the starter after Don Majkowski was injured in the third game (Favre won that game as well, but did not start). So it was an injury that actually led Holmgren to put in Favre. I am not discrediting what Holmgren and Favre did together, but Holmgren did not make the decision bring Favre to Green Bay or make him the starter (until after an injury).
It was Holmgren who decided to bring Matt Hasselbeck to Seattle and make him the starter. Hasselbeck is certainly an excellent quarterback now, but Holmgren probably rushed to make him the starter in 2001 when he went 5-7 as a starter with 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions forcing Holmgren to turn to Trent Dilfer. Hasselbeck was only reappointed as starter in 2002 after Dilfer was injured and the Seahawks went 7-9 that year. Holmgren was trying to force Hasselbeck to be an immediate success like Brett Favre. Things eventually worked out, but it took some time and that was not Holmgren’s plan. Holmgren had two losing seasons and zero playoff victories in his first six years with the team.
Mike Holmgren was also responsible for the cap problems caused by Chad Brown, Anthony Simmons, Bobby Taylor, and Koren Robinson (who was a disaster in general). Tim Ruskell entered; Brown, Simmons, Taylor, and Robinson all exited. The team then signed Bryce Fisher, Kelly Herndon, Andre Dyson, Chuck Darby and Joe Jurevicius. Ruskell added Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill in the draft, as well as Chris Spencer and Ray Willis. All of a sudden the defense was good and the team was in better shape with the salary cap with depth along the offensive line for the future. It was also Ruskell that released Chris Terry, re-signed Robbie Tobeck and kept Chris Gray from signing with San Francisco. The 13-3 record, two playoff victories, and Super Bowl appearance might have more to do with Ruskell.
Holmgren was never able to put together a team in Seattle that won a playoff game. The team that made the playoffs in 1999 was mostly made of players Erickson and Whitsitt put together. Holmgren did not make it back to playoffs again until 2003 when Bob Ferguson took over his duties as GM. Marcus Trufant, Ken Hamlin, Seneca Wallace, Marcus Tubbs, Michael Boulware, and Sean Locklear were all drafted under Ferguson. Holmgren is a great coach to be sure, but he has only been successful with someone more capable as General Manager (Wolf, Ferguson, Ruskell).
We can be happy with where the team is now and the coaching job Mike Holmgren is doing without giving him false credit for the past or pretending our recent success was the result of Holmgren being patient while putting all of the pieces in place in his first six years.
It was Erickson that took a last place Seahawks team and restored them to respectability during the most tumultuous period in team history. We will never know, but if not for the Testaverde call, Erickson could have been 10-6 and made the playoffs in 1998. Where would the team be now if he was given 7 more seasons to build the team? We might not have made it to the Super Bowl, but we might have won a playoff game before 2006.
The Seahawks and Qwest Field have a deal with LG CNS Co. (a South Korean systems integration company) for a comprehensive display system to be installed by March 2007. The company will reportedly provide 400 square meters of commerical LED screens for the outer walls, the VIP lounge and the lobby. They will also install 100 plasma and liquid crystal screens throughout the stadium. Qwest Field is already one of the nicest in the league and this upgrade will give it a state-of-the-art video system. The team also recently announced plans for a 200,000 square foot, state-of-the-art training facility overlooking Lake Washington to be ready in the summer of 2008. It will be interesting to see what Peter Callaghan thinks of the new video system.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Finishing Order
1) Carolina Panthers
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3) Atlanta Falcons
4) New Orleans Saints
Carolina certainly looks like the team to beat on paper. They may not be as good as everyone thinks they will be and Tampa Bay did win the division last year. However, the experience of Jake Delhomme over Chris Simms and the talent on the offensive should make the difference. If not, then the schedule might with Tampa Bay playing Seattle and Chicago. It could even keep the Bucs from making the playoffs with three strong teams in the NFC East. Atlanta collapsed down the stretch last year and that negative momentum might carry into this season. They also face a brutal schedule this December and it is hard to think they stand a chance if Michael Vick remains as inconsistent as he has been in the past. The undersized defensive line does not help either. New Orleans is probably better than most people think, but the problems with the offensive line, defensive tackles, and linebackers should ensure they finish last in a tough division.
1) Carolina Panthers
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3) Atlanta Falcons
4) New Orleans Saints
Carolina certainly looks like the team to beat on paper. They may not be as good as everyone thinks they will be and Tampa Bay did win the division last year. However, the experience of Jake Delhomme over Chris Simms and the talent on the offensive should make the difference. If not, then the schedule might with Tampa Bay playing Seattle and Chicago. It could even keep the Bucs from making the playoffs with three strong teams in the NFC East. Atlanta collapsed down the stretch last year and that negative momentum might carry into this season. They also face a brutal schedule this December and it is hard to think they stand a chance if Michael Vick remains as inconsistent as he has been in the past. The undersized defensive line does not help either. New Orleans is probably better than most people think, but the problems with the offensive line, defensive tackles, and linebackers should ensure they finish last in a tough division.
New Orleans Saints (3-13)
It is easy to dismiss the Saints after last year's performance. However, it was the team's first losing season since 2001, when they went 7-9. New Orleans had a lot to deal with last season due to Hurricane Katrina, and injuries to Deuce McAllister and Joe Horn didn't help the situation. The Saints did not really have a home field, and it showed with the league's worst home record, 1-7. The Saints return to the Superdome this year and have sold nearly 55,000 season tickets (a new club record). They will be looking to put 2005 behind them and a new head coach, starting quarterback, and electrifying playmaker with help. Sean Payton has been cleaning house and it will probably take at least another offseason to get all of the pieces in place.
The offense boasts one of the most impressive groups of players at the skill positions in the NFL. They added Drew Brees (San Diego) to replace Aaron Brooks (Oakland); they also added Jamie Martin (St. Louis) to back him up. It is hard to judge the seriousness of Drew Brees' shoulder injury. San Diego may have let him go because of concerns over it, but it also provided them with a convenient opportunity to get Philip Rivers and his $40.5 million contract off the bench. Reggie Bush (USC) and Michael Bennett (Minnesota) join Deuce McAllister in the backfield, and they still have Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth at receiver. Bennett could be traded as soon as Bush signs and McAllister shows he is fully recovered from his torn ACL. The team sill has Aaron Stecker as a capable third running back. Stallworth could also be on his way out because of his attitude, but he was one of the only bright spots on the Saints' offense last year leading the team in yards from scrimmage with 240 more yards than any other player. TE Zach Hilton (6'8") is reportedly an underrated pass-catcher, and Brees will try to turn him into the next Antonio Gates, but he might have preferred TE Boo Williams (New York Giants).
The glaring problem with the offense is the line. LeCharles Bentley (Cleveland) is one of the league's best centers and was the best offensive lineman to change teams this offseason after Steve Hutchinson. The Saints also gave LT Wayne Gandy to Atlanta in a trade. They clearly feel Gandy can no longer play, but they did not do much to replace him or Bentley. 2005 first-round pick Jamaal Brown played well at right tackle as a rookie and he will fill the hole at left tackle. They signed the guy Bentley is replacing in Cleveland, C Jeff Faine, but he is big downgrade. RG Jermane Mayberry went to the pro bowl in 2002, but his best years are behind him. They need to replace Brown at right tackle and it is unclear if Jon Stinchcomb will be up to the task after missing 2005 with a knee injury. They have some talent on this line, but all the changes will hurt the continuity. The Saints could not pass on Reggie Bush, but OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson might have helped this team more in the short-term with McAllister and Bennett already on the roster.
The defense has problems of its own on the line, but it has nothing to do with DE Darren Howard leaving for Philadelphia. DE Will Smith is a star on the rise and has 16 sacks over first two seasons. On the other side they have DE Charles Grant who had 27.5 sacks in his first three seasons before an off-year in 2005 (2.5 sacks). With Howard gone, both will play more. The problem is with the tackles. Sean Payton shipped the sixth overall pick of the 2003 draft, DT Jonathan Sullivan, to New England for WR Bethel Johnson. Sullivan was an underachieving menace and lived up to his reputation almost immediately with New England. Twenty days after being traded he was pulled over for running two stops signs. When asked if he had any weapons, Sullivan handed the police officer a hand gun. He was charged with a seat belt violation, running the stop signs, playing loud music and possession of marijuana. The team is better off without Sullivan, but that does not make them any better on the interior of the defensive line.
The linebackers are not good either. Payton sent MLB Courtney Watson to Buffalo for fourth-string TE Tim Euhus. Watson was no longer welcome in New Orleans for the same reasons as Sullivan. He was charged with a DWI last October; he had a beer bottle in his cupholder and was "combative" according to the police report. Like Sullivan it is a case of addition by subtraction. Anthony Simmons could start for them after being out of football last year. WLB Scott Fujita (Dallas) is with his third team in as many years and they are trying to move Colby Bockwoldt to the middle. If that doesn't work, then last year's fifth-round pick Alfred Fincher will play middle linebacker and Bockwoldt will stay on the strongside putting Simmons on the bench. They also added Joe Vitt (the interim head coach in St. Louis) as the new linebackers coach and LB Tommy Polley (St. Louis) who might start. The secondary is not bad. They are set at safety with Dwight Smith, Josh Bullocks, Bryan Scott (Atlanta), and Jay Bellamy. CB Mike McKenzie is the best player in the secondary, but CB Fred Thomas leaves something to be desired.
New Orleans needs to fix the problems with the offensive line before they can be successful on offense. Drew Brees did well behind a less than stellar line in San Diego, but this line is worse. The weakness of the defense up the middle will not help them stop anyone from running the football, especially in their own division and in the games against the NFC East and AFC North this season. This will be a rebuilding year for Payton and they should finish last in the division. However, the team is moving in the right direction and could be pretty solid in the near future.
Key Additions: QB Drew Brees (SD), RB Reggie Bush (R), QB Jamie Martin (STL), RB Michael Bennett (MIN), LB Scott Fujita (DAL), LB Tommy Polley (STL), FS Bryan Scott (ATL)
Key Losses: OC LeCharles Bentley (CLE), QB Aaron Brooks (OAK), OT Wayne Gandy (ATL), DE Darren Howard (PHI), RB Antowain Smith (HOU), DT Jonathan Sullivan (NE), LB Courtney Watson (BUF), TE Boo Williams (NYG)
It is easy to dismiss the Saints after last year's performance. However, it was the team's first losing season since 2001, when they went 7-9. New Orleans had a lot to deal with last season due to Hurricane Katrina, and injuries to Deuce McAllister and Joe Horn didn't help the situation. The Saints did not really have a home field, and it showed with the league's worst home record, 1-7. The Saints return to the Superdome this year and have sold nearly 55,000 season tickets (a new club record). They will be looking to put 2005 behind them and a new head coach, starting quarterback, and electrifying playmaker with help. Sean Payton has been cleaning house and it will probably take at least another offseason to get all of the pieces in place.
The offense boasts one of the most impressive groups of players at the skill positions in the NFL. They added Drew Brees (San Diego) to replace Aaron Brooks (Oakland); they also added Jamie Martin (St. Louis) to back him up. It is hard to judge the seriousness of Drew Brees' shoulder injury. San Diego may have let him go because of concerns over it, but it also provided them with a convenient opportunity to get Philip Rivers and his $40.5 million contract off the bench. Reggie Bush (USC) and Michael Bennett (Minnesota) join Deuce McAllister in the backfield, and they still have Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth at receiver. Bennett could be traded as soon as Bush signs and McAllister shows he is fully recovered from his torn ACL. The team sill has Aaron Stecker as a capable third running back. Stallworth could also be on his way out because of his attitude, but he was one of the only bright spots on the Saints' offense last year leading the team in yards from scrimmage with 240 more yards than any other player. TE Zach Hilton (6'8") is reportedly an underrated pass-catcher, and Brees will try to turn him into the next Antonio Gates, but he might have preferred TE Boo Williams (New York Giants).
The glaring problem with the offense is the line. LeCharles Bentley (Cleveland) is one of the league's best centers and was the best offensive lineman to change teams this offseason after Steve Hutchinson. The Saints also gave LT Wayne Gandy to Atlanta in a trade. They clearly feel Gandy can no longer play, but they did not do much to replace him or Bentley. 2005 first-round pick Jamaal Brown played well at right tackle as a rookie and he will fill the hole at left tackle. They signed the guy Bentley is replacing in Cleveland, C Jeff Faine, but he is big downgrade. RG Jermane Mayberry went to the pro bowl in 2002, but his best years are behind him. They need to replace Brown at right tackle and it is unclear if Jon Stinchcomb will be up to the task after missing 2005 with a knee injury. They have some talent on this line, but all the changes will hurt the continuity. The Saints could not pass on Reggie Bush, but OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson might have helped this team more in the short-term with McAllister and Bennett already on the roster.
The defense has problems of its own on the line, but it has nothing to do with DE Darren Howard leaving for Philadelphia. DE Will Smith is a star on the rise and has 16 sacks over first two seasons. On the other side they have DE Charles Grant who had 27.5 sacks in his first three seasons before an off-year in 2005 (2.5 sacks). With Howard gone, both will play more. The problem is with the tackles. Sean Payton shipped the sixth overall pick of the 2003 draft, DT Jonathan Sullivan, to New England for WR Bethel Johnson. Sullivan was an underachieving menace and lived up to his reputation almost immediately with New England. Twenty days after being traded he was pulled over for running two stops signs. When asked if he had any weapons, Sullivan handed the police officer a hand gun. He was charged with a seat belt violation, running the stop signs, playing loud music and possession of marijuana. The team is better off without Sullivan, but that does not make them any better on the interior of the defensive line.
The linebackers are not good either. Payton sent MLB Courtney Watson to Buffalo for fourth-string TE Tim Euhus. Watson was no longer welcome in New Orleans for the same reasons as Sullivan. He was charged with a DWI last October; he had a beer bottle in his cupholder and was "combative" according to the police report. Like Sullivan it is a case of addition by subtraction. Anthony Simmons could start for them after being out of football last year. WLB Scott Fujita (Dallas) is with his third team in as many years and they are trying to move Colby Bockwoldt to the middle. If that doesn't work, then last year's fifth-round pick Alfred Fincher will play middle linebacker and Bockwoldt will stay on the strongside putting Simmons on the bench. They also added Joe Vitt (the interim head coach in St. Louis) as the new linebackers coach and LB Tommy Polley (St. Louis) who might start. The secondary is not bad. They are set at safety with Dwight Smith, Josh Bullocks, Bryan Scott (Atlanta), and Jay Bellamy. CB Mike McKenzie is the best player in the secondary, but CB Fred Thomas leaves something to be desired.
New Orleans needs to fix the problems with the offensive line before they can be successful on offense. Drew Brees did well behind a less than stellar line in San Diego, but this line is worse. The weakness of the defense up the middle will not help them stop anyone from running the football, especially in their own division and in the games against the NFC East and AFC North this season. This will be a rebuilding year for Payton and they should finish last in the division. However, the team is moving in the right direction and could be pretty solid in the near future.
Key Additions: QB Drew Brees (SD), RB Reggie Bush (R), QB Jamie Martin (STL), RB Michael Bennett (MIN), LB Scott Fujita (DAL), LB Tommy Polley (STL), FS Bryan Scott (ATL)
Key Losses: OC LeCharles Bentley (CLE), QB Aaron Brooks (OAK), OT Wayne Gandy (ATL), DE Darren Howard (PHI), RB Antowain Smith (HOU), DT Jonathan Sullivan (NE), LB Courtney Watson (BUF), TE Boo Williams (NYG)
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