tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552548305801598622024-03-12T17:23:48.741-07:00Seahawks ForeverA place for passionate Seattle Seahawk fans to discuss, debate, and dreamDan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-42741014628175397242014-01-31T18:42:00.001-08:002014-01-31T18:43:39.190-08:00Historical Perspective, and My PickI'm one of those rare people who got to live their dream.<br />
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And it sucked. <br />
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For 5 years I worked my ass off in school to get a degree in Broadcast Journalism, because I fancied myself a future Sportscenter star. (OK that's a lie. Full disclosure, I'm old enough that when I was working in the field Sportscenter was in it's infancy, and kind of a joke. This is a retroactive dream sequence). Then I "made it," albeit in small markets. I spent nearly 6 years as a TV Sports Anchor.<br />
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Sounds cool right?<br />
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It was lame, and here's why:<br />
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When you work in the business you can't be a fan, or at least you couldn't be back then when the concept of journalistic objectivity was still alive and well. The ultimate dilemma is; you can get into any event you want to with a simple phone call, but you can't enjoy it. You can't drink beer, yell at the refs, and openly root for your favorite team. And you're usually working, which even puts a damper on High Fives. <br />
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Fast forward to today, less than 48 hours away from my lifelong favorite team playing in the Super Bowl with more than a puncher's chance of winning their first Championship. Thank God I can sit here and pour out my thoughts in script, while enjoying a glass of decent wine and listening to Richie Kotzen. <br />
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But I digress.<br />
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The point of all that exposition was simply this: I can't possibly be objective when it comes to the Seahawks. I see everything through blue and green colored glasses. I love this team so much, and even more importantly... I <strong><em>believe</em></strong> in them, that of course I'm going to look for ways to fortify my opinion that "we" are going to win. Still, I wanted to dig for some history to back me up. All week long the rhetoric has been that Peyton Manning is somehow destined to win this game. That he has some sort of <strong><em>legacy</em></strong> to fulfill. To hear many of the national guys tell it, you would think the Broncos went undefeated this year, that they're invincible because this is a "historically successful offense" and that the league has become one that's "offense-driven," (yes, I'm looking at you, Ron Jaworski.)<br />
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They said those same things about the Buffalo Bills from 1991 - 94.<br />
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Remember them? If you're my age you do, because unless you had Kelly, Thomas, Reed, Lofton etc. on your fantasy football team, you were getting your ass kicked by someone who did. They were innovative, complex, high-paced, no-huddle, and dominant. What they did was still so new that they named it; the Run-And-Shoot. Their overall offensive rankings during that run, in order, were #1, #2, #3, and #7. They were ahead of their time, and in the dawn of the salary-cap era it got them to FOUR STRAIGHT SUPER BOWLS. <br />
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Of course you all know they lost all four. Why? Because they ran into extremely good defensive teams in each of their Super Bowl Trips. Here's how it breaks down:<br />
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1991 vs. NY Giants: #12 overall defensively<br />
1992 vs. Washington: #8<br />
1993 vs. Dallas: #2<br />
1994 vs. Dallas: #3<br />
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I see some stark parallels between the 93 & 94 matchups and the one we're about to see in SB XLVIII. The Bills were experienced and in the midst of a long run of success, with a veteran lineup that had been kept together for a number of years. They did things differently than the other teams, with an innovative offense operating at a breakneck pace. They had all the Super Bowl Experience, and they were hungry to cement their place in history. <br />
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Meanwhile, the Cowboys were a young team on the rise. Built mostly through the draft, but aided by a few shrewd free agent signings, this was the first dance for this version of the Cowboys. They played great defense, ran the ball extremely well with Emmitt Smith, and passed with efficiency behind the still-young Troy Aikman. Many felt they had no business beating the grizzled and motivated group from Buffalo. <br />
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It was never close. 52-17 in 1993, 30-13 in 1994. In both cases their organizational philosophy paid off. They ran the ball, won the Time Of Possession battle, played great defense, and forced turnovers. <br />
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I point this out just as a means of throwing some water on all the Manning love we've seen this week. Am I saying the Seahawks are going to beat the Broncos because Buffalo lost their 4 Super Bowls over 2 decades ago? Hell no.<br />
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But they are going to win.... and for some of the same reasons the Cowboys did. <br />
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Seattle is coming into the game loose and relaxed, and frankly if I'm a Denver fan I'm a little concerned that the Broncos are taking this week a bit too seriously. Seattle will run the ball successfully, in fact I think Marshawn Lynch could dominate. They will win the turnover battle. Russell Wilson will be efficient and hit a couple big plays along the way. Percy Harvin will make his presence felt and open things up for our other receivers. <br />
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And the defense........... <br />
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The Seahawks defense will dominate. They'll run faster, hit harder, play smarter, and put themselves squarely in the conversation of Best Defenses Of The Last 20 Years. They won't play perfect, there will be moments during the game that will give the Denver faithful hope. But I believe they will play well enough to keep Manning from having the chance to deliver any late-game heroics. <br />
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Most of the predictions out there are in the 3, 4 point range either way. I see this as a fairly tight game most of the way, but one that we end up winning in relative comfort. <br />
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I see it..... 31-21 Seahawks. <br />
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For emotional perspective, see my previous post. Today is all about making my call. Tomorrow will feel like Christmas Eve, and I doubt I'll sleep much tomorrow night. But Sunday, I expect to experience the ultimate sports fans exhilaration. <br />
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And yeah... I'll probably cry.<br />
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See you all at the parade. <br />
<br />Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-83624572191843502082014-01-30T22:11:00.003-08:002014-01-30T22:12:50.933-08:00The Opportunity Of A Lifetime<div style="margin: 0px;">
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So here we are, on the precipice of the Seahawks second-ever Super Bowl appearance.<br />
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But this one feels different.<br />
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In 2005-2006 it was all so new, so unexpected. I just enjoyed the ride. Every win was a celebration. Losing to the Steelers tore me up, and I carried that around with me for weeks, but here's the difference.....</div>
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Back then it all seemed so easy. I, like most other 12's at the time, thought we would just get back again the next year and win it, right? Hell, that's what Lofa Tatupu told us was going to happen!!! Why wouldn't we believe him?<br />
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But now I'm older (much older) and presumably wiser. I have a greater understanding of how fleeting life can be and how it can change in an instant. This team is in much better shape to make a sustained run then the aging, patchwork group of 8 years ago. They're younger, stronger, faster.... better. Much better. But there's no guarantee that Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and their teammates will ever see another Super Bowl in Seahawk blue. Injuries can happen, egos can expand, coaches leave for other opportunities. And then there's this: football is hard. NFL football is REALLY hard, and the Seahawks now play in the toughest division in football. The Cardinals won 10 games and missed the playoffs and the Rams are on the rise, armed with talent, a shrewd front office, and a crapload of high draft picks in their pocket. Next year you could go 11-5 in the NFC West and not make the post-season. Forget the dynasty talk, there are no guarantees. It's easy to think that this is just the start of something for this group, the youngest in the league. But potentially, it could just as likely be a last chance.<br />
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Do I believe that it will be? No.... but I won't let that temper my enthusiasm for what lies ahead on Sunday. I've been accused of taking my sports too seriously by some, and I suspect they are right. It's become more than just a hobby, a fun affiliation, the excitement of the game day atmosphere. Somewhere along the line it became a thirst. Shortly after the Red Sox broke their championship drought in 2004, ESPN's Bill Simmons (a lifelong Sox fan) wrote that there was a certain lifetime relief getting that ONE title. It didn't dampen his desire for more championships, he wrote, but knowing that he got to experience that one title by his beloved team, he could more easily handle any future disappointment any time the Red Sox came up short. I thought about that column in 2006, and I've had it on my mind a lot this week as well. Maybe that's why I'm at such a fever pitch. I feel the do-or-die nature of this game. I was 13 when the Sonics won their championship in 1979. I remember sneaking into our den to listen to Game 7 on our old cabinet stereo (because it was after bedtime and my parents weren't big sports fans). I remember the pure excitement I felt when "we" won, but it was fleeting. When you're 13 you think it'll happen again, and again. I thought there would be many more championship celebrations with the Sonics, Mariners and Seahawks. How naïve I was.</div>
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I had hoped this would be the year I'd get back into my blog full time. I was going to write about each and every game and have my artist buddy Omar create a cartoon for each matchup. I KNEW this year had the potential to be special, and I wanted to document it in the event it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But life got in the way.<br />
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So here we are. A Seahawks loss puts us back at square one. An offseason of "what if's" and draft picks and wringing our hands over free-agent gains and losses. And then the grind begins. Every week, every play, every game a fight in the bloodiest division in football. Maybe we will get back again and finally take home the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale, AZ. Maybe.<br />
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Or.... perhaps we win. We dance in the streets. We cry. We get lifetime bragging rights. We get to buy the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COMMEORATIVE VIDEO!!! It will be something we can hold onto for the rest of our lives.<br />
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I know there are a lot of 12's out there who are new to this, and I'll never be one of those who demeans or criticizes "new fans." The more, the merrier. But I'm old enough to have experienced a lifetime of sports disappointments: Sonics leaving, Mariners collapse in 2001, Super Bowl loss in 2006, The Cougs........<br />
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Maybe I do place too much importance on sports. Maybe I want this too much. But I'm not apologizing to anyone for that. My love for the Seahawks is not a choice at this point, it's part of who I am.<br />
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I can't wait for Sunday.<br />
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Go Hawks.</div>
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Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-55877740947434144872013-04-05T11:22:00.000-07:002013-04-05T11:22:24.089-07:00End Of An Era. Matt Flynn traded. Now what?<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(Disclaimer: I haven't written since.... well you can see the date of my last post. THAT long. I will not be held responsible for any rustiness, poor pacing, or just plain crappy writing that is about to follow. Read at your own risk)</em></div>
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So we traded our backup quarterback.<br />
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The one who had one great game and made everyone in Seattle believe he was the next Tom Brady, or Earl Morrall or Kurt Warner... or whatever.<br />
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Seahawk fans every are freaking out.<br />
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We need to find some sort of All-Pro backup. <br />
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If we don't, disaster is certain to strike. <br />
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Everyone.... just..... chill. <br />
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At the time Flynn was signed I was like everyone else; hopeful that he could be the kind of solid, young-ish starting QB we needed to solidify the position for at least a few years.<br />
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<em>(In fact, I called it well in advance. </em></div>
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See this: <a href="http://seahawksforever.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-next-qb.html" target="_blank">http://seahawksforever.blogspot.com/2011/08/our-next-qb.html</a>) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXaYOPfGaf4/UV8Rl-oRDuI/AAAAAAAAAMk/NIF70zm0qMU/s1600/Flynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXaYOPfGaf4/UV8Rl-oRDuI/AAAAAAAAAMk/NIF70zm0qMU/s200/Flynn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Flynn, we hardly knew ya.</td></tr>
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Best-case scenario was that he would end up being a Pro Bowler. He looked good enough in the preseason; efficient, technically sound, good decision maker. But once it became obvious that Russell Wilson was a breakout star-in-the-making, Flynn's fate was sealed. He was never going to be anything more than a backup with us. <br />
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This is where it gets murky. So much of how we perceive professional athletes is wrapped up in their compensation. A backup point guard who wasn't drafted, gets a chance to play when the starter gets hurt, and averages 15 pts and 6 assists a game is valuable. Solid. <em><strong>A steal</strong></em> even. But if that same player was a lottery pick and put up 15 & 6 he would invariably be labled a bust. And it wouldn't take long. <br />
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If Matt Flynn had come to us on a 2 year deal for 5 or 6 million bucks (backup money), this would have all been very neat and clean, and most fans would have seen it for what it really was. But because he was paid starter money (or at least potential starter money), everyone's view of him changed. <em><strong>And oh that one game!</strong></em> Nevermind that it was against a Lions secondary that was donkey crap, when you throw for 6 TD's and 480 yard you raise a lot of eyebrows. <br />
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And expectations.<br />
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And that's where it all went wrong, at least in the eyes of a great deal of less-than informed, simple-minded "fans." Oh, if I had a dollar for every time I saw in my Twitter timeline: <strong><em>"How can we trade Flynn? He's going to be elite. He PROVED it in that ONE game!"</em></strong><br />
So....... I'd have some dollars. But that's not really where it all went awry. After all, Russell Wilson was so good that most fans see now it was the right move handing over the reigns to him as a rookie. The ones that don't... well, they probably can't read this anyway. But the real disconnect has shown itself in two ways since Flynn was dealt to the Raiders for two late-round draft picks last week.<br />
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<li>How could we give him away for so little? He's worth SO much more! I mean, Alex Smith got a SECOND ROUNDER!!!!!</li>
<li>What are we going to do now for a backup QB? All the good ones are signed. We're doomed!</li>
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Allow me to take these one by one..... slowly. <br />
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<li>Matt Flynn only fetched a 6th round pick because that's what he was worth. How is worth determined? By the buying public. YOU might think Matt Flynn was worth a 2nd round pick because had had that AWESOME game, but the rest of the league was either not interested in him, or only interested in him at that price. What should that tell you?</li>
<li>Great QB's don't grow on trees. We know that here as well as any other NFL city right? But solid backup QB's do. The reports of the Seahawks liking Tyler Thigpen as RW's understudy are out there, and so is the fan reaction. Most of you seem to think it's a horrible idea, seemingly because Thigpen "sucks." Go watch some tape on him, look at his numbers, spend 5 minutes doing some actual research (I hear this thing called Google is a good place to look). He's got some skills, has proven he can make plays, and has a skill set that matches what the Hawks are looking for in our offense. And then there's the draft. I think John Schneider and Pete Carroll have shown us they have great eyes for talent yes? We go into this draft armed with a bunch of extra mid/late round picks. We can find another solid QB talent. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_5BvVpCLw/UV8UJszOjOI/AAAAAAAAAM8/c2hErRaVAWo/s1600/Thigpen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9_5BvVpCLw/UV8UJszOjOI/AAAAAAAAAM8/c2hErRaVAWo/s1600/Thigpen+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler Thigpen</td></tr>
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And stop with the Josh Portis love. Please. He's not the answer, not even if the question is "Can he be passable as a backup?"<br />
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I know we live in a society now that's ruled by social media and a thirst for instant answers/analysis/solutions, but the overreaction to each and every move, or even rumor, is beyond annoying. I want to offer you my final thoughts as a favor to you, to ease your mind. Call it free therapy, if you will.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUOP6HWLzSw/UV8TzLvxUMI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Iew1zYZKlt8/s1600/Matt+Scott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUOP6HWLzSw/UV8TzLvxUMI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Iew1zYZKlt8/s1600/Matt+Scott.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Scott please</td></tr>
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Look for the Hawks to sign a veteran AND draft a QB AND sign at least one other (vet or UDFA)before camp. If news breaks tomorrow that we've signed Thigpen, or Matt Leinhart, or Vince Young, take a deep breath. It doesn't mean they believe he is THE guy to lead us in the event Wilson should get hurt. It means they like his skill set and want to give him a chance to compete for that right. Nothing more. <br />
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Besides... Wilson isn't going to get hurt. He's other-wordly. An android possibly. <br />
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And if that isn't enough to appease you, maybe this well help. Remember how freaked out we all were about our starting QB situation from 2010-2012? All that panic and debate is now raging around who our BACKUP is. <br />
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Think about that for a minute. <br />
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Go Hawks. <br />
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Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-13710062453452491272012-09-14T07:24:00.001-07:002012-09-14T07:24:27.693-07:00PREVIEW: Cowboys @ Hawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After watching coaches tape of the Arizona game (thank you NFL Rewind!), I'm more encouraged than I was immediately afterwards. But... isn't that always the case? If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm an optimist; one who's often torn between the emotional reactions of a lifelong fan, and the football-geek, analytical part of me that wants to find answers. Typically, emotion rules on gameday but by Monday I'm trying to find silver linings. </div>
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The biggest frustration last week for me was the inability, or unwillingness, of the Hawks to work down the field. Was it Darell Bevell taking it easy on his first-time-starting rookie QB? Was it the rookie QB fighting nerves? Were our receivers failing to get separation? Or was it just the result of an aggressive, talented Cardinal defense playing well at home?</div>
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Most likely.... all of the above. </div>
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Initially I was cursing Bevell for completely ignoring the middle of the field Of the 40 times Russell Wilson dropped back to throw, only 5 times did he throw the ball between the hashmarks. But after watching the tape, I can't lay all the blame on the play-caller. There were receivers open on virtually every play, many of them over the middle. Wilson either didn't see them, or didn't have time to see them. Let's hope it was more of the latter. Still, I'd like to see more crossing routes, slants, and use of the TE moving foward. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8jihmXb4w/UFM8XUwaSDI/AAAAAAAAAMI/M_qRQUXheso/s1600/Wilson+vs+AZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8jihmXb4w/UFM8XUwaSDI/AAAAAAAAAMI/M_qRQUXheso/s1600/Wilson+vs+AZ.jpg" /></a>There's enough evidence that Wilson is willing and able to throw the ball down the seam, so I'm not worried about any reluctance he may have had in Arizona. It's one of the qualities I look for in young quarterbacks, and one that I think is a real strength of Wilson's game. No matter how good we all think Wilson can be, the game still needs to slow down for him. Seahawks play-by-play guy Steve Raible said Wilson watched the game tape twice during the 2.5 hour flight home. He saw the open receivers. He will adjust. </div>
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Last year when Seattle travelled to Dallas they lost 23-13. Tarvaris Jackson threw 3 INT's, but if you recall...this is where Tom Cable's zone blocking scheme started to jell, and the running game kicked into a new gear. Marshawn Lynch managed 135 yards on 23 carries, on his way to 941 yards over his last 9 games. The Seahawks will need to do that to have a chance on Sunday against the Cowboys devastating pass rush. Dallas racked up 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and a couple other pressures against the Giants in their opener. They will attempt to harass Wilson and force mistakes. To beat the Cowboys, however, Wilson will have to be efficient but can't afford to be too conservative. He will need to take some shots down the field. The Giants averaged 4.3 yards per rush against Dallas. A similar output by the Hawks would go a long way towards setting up the play-action passing game. </div>
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Meanwhile, Demarco Murray rushed for 139 yards against us last year, and the Seahawks rushing defense will have to stand up on Sunday and force Tony Romo and his talented group of receivers into 3rd and long situations. Murray can be a load. Long runs must be limited. </div>
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This is a huge test. The Cowboys have significantly upgraded their defensive backfield, the most glaring weakness from a year ago. Their front 7 is as disruptive as any in the league, and the skill position players on offense are unusually healthy. And when they're healthy.... they are really good. The Seahawks defense will be tested at every level, and they'll need to limit long drives and come up with a turnover or two to help our young quarterback. The Cowboys interior offensive line had some struggles in New York, and C Phil Costa has missed practive time this week, that could present an opportunity for our front. The 12th man needs to be exceptionally loud and make it tough on that Dallas O-line. If we can get a short field once or twice, we could get this one. </div>
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If Dallas comes in here and wins, don't panic. Yes, we are a team with playoff aspirations, but also one with a rookie QB. This team is being built for the long-run, and will get better as the year moves forward. </div>
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But.... if we can stand up and get this one, it would make a huge statement about where the ceiling is for this squad. </div>
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Warming up my voice now....</div>
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<br />Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-12276029760136947732012-09-07T08:22:00.001-07:002012-09-07T08:22:31.764-07:00PREVIEW: Hawks at Cardinals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That deafening buzz you hear emanating from the Puget Sound region these days is a growing sentiment among Seahawk fans (both loyal and bandwagon-ish) that there's something good on the horizon for the home team. After enduring over 500 player transactions during the first 3 offseasons of the Pete Carroll/John Schneider regime, the Hawks have amassed one of the more dynamic young talent cores in the NFL, and appears poised to make a run at a playoff spot. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNki3DdqxAU/UEoQo8G6A-I/AAAAAAAAALg/N6mlWBFD5yw/s1600/Russell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XNki3DdqxAU/UEoQo8G6A-I/AAAAAAAAALg/N6mlWBFD5yw/s1600/Russell.jpg" /></a>But much of that buzz earned it's momentum via the mercurial performance of diminutive rookie QB Russell Wilson, so it needs to be tempered with a healthy dose of reality. No matter how gifted they are, rookie quarterbacks will struggle. Remember John Elway's 7/14 TD/INT ratio as a rookie? How about Peyton Manning throwing 28 picks his first year? <br />
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Mark it down.... Wilson will have bad games, and there will certainly be times when a restless fan base desperate for a winner will call out for Matt Flynn to get his shot. But Carroll has an intense belief in Wilson and his special attributes, primarily his ability to lead in the face of adversity. He'll let him fail, and give him a chance to respond. <br />
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As I look ahead to this week's opener at Arizona, however, I'm not even thinking about the risks of pitting a rookie QB starting his first regular season game against a defense that should rank among the more troublesome in the league. Maybe it's because I believe our running game will control the clock and allow Wilson to sustain long drives. Or maybe I just believe Wilson is that good, and between his mobility and play-action, he'll hit on enough chunk plays to keep the Cardinals on their heels. <br />
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But mostly, it's because I see this Sunday as a coronation of sorts; a culmination of a 3 year construction project on defense. The Cardinals offense is a mess, with both starting tackles on IR and a quarterback that didn't win the QB job as much as he was deemed the lesser of two evils. Arizona isn't going to be able to run against the Seahawks, and John Skelton is going to struggle trying to make plays downfield with Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin, Jason Jones, K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner breathing down his neck. Seattle's big, physical secondary will take rookie Michael Floyd out of the game, and while Larry Fitzgerald will make a play or two, he'll mostly be a non-factor. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1JRe0cXc8k/UEoQTrmkZbI/AAAAAAAAALY/0AEIRo7EvuY/s1600/Earl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1JRe0cXc8k/UEoQTrmkZbI/AAAAAAAAALY/0AEIRo7EvuY/s1600/Earl.jpg" /></a>This will be a coming-out party for the Seahawks defense. They gave us a glimpse of what they could be during the second half of the 2011 season, but Sunday they will send a message to the Cardinals, as well as the 49ers and the rest of the league, that their playoff hopes are much more than a pipe dream. <br />
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Expectations still need to be tempered; the early schedule is daunting. But we get the Cowboys, Packers and Patriots at home during that stretch, and this defense is going to be good enough to keep us in every game. Even a 2-4 or 3-3 start shouldn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm, as I believe this team will improve as the year advances. There are questions on offense, with Wilson's learning curve and the unsettled receiving corps chief among them, but what better way to allow that offense to develop than having a defensive unit that can control a game?<br />
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It's been a long time since I felt this confident going into a Seahawks opener. <br />
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This is going to be a fun year. <br />
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<strong>Seahawks 31, Cardinals 13</strong>Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-79725431439555944952012-03-16T08:16:00.002-07:002012-03-16T08:19:44.349-07:00Did Buffalo Do The Seahawks A Favor By Signing Mario Williams?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tSeXqZAVFs/T2NXrH8ilgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bO1xvMQxyc8/s1600/mario-williams-houston-texans-251959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tSeXqZAVFs/T2NXrH8ilgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bO1xvMQxyc8/s320/mario-williams-houston-texans-251959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Seahawk fans wanted Mario Williams. He was their Prince Fielder. <br />
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"I don't care how much money it takes! We NEED Mario Williams or we will never win again!"<br />
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It gets old, but that's just the typical fan mentality. So be it. I submit that the Buffalo Bills did us a HUGE favor by signing Williams. <br />
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Prior to the move, Buffalo was going to take a DE in the draft. All the mocks had Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram or *gasp* Courtney Upshaw going there, all possible targets of the Seahawks who have openly discussed their desire to bolster the pass rush through this year's draft class. <em>Upshaw...Upshaw...Upshaw...Upshawwwwww.....</em><br />
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Now, who knows where the Bills go in the draft, but they probably won't be taking one of those guys, leaving more options for Seattle at #12. <em>Upshaw!</em><br />
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<em>(</em>One of the more intriguing options for the Bills now is Ryan Tannehill, but that's another subject for another post...... like the one I just wrote for NFL Mocks at <a href="http://nflmocks.com/2012/03/16/seahawks-angling-for-tannehill/">http://nflmocks.com/2012/03/16/seahawks-angling-for-tannehill/</a>)Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-74765404805590220542012-03-07T07:12:00.000-08:002012-03-07T07:12:34.727-08:00The Case For Peyton Manning (aka: I Can't Believe What I'm About To Write)For months we've been hearing that Peyton Manning could be a free agent this Spring, and for months we've had to endure Seahawk fans clamoring for him to resume his career in the Pacific Northwest. <br />
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I heard the cries, and I tuned them out. Hell, I HATED the idea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6ffi86dfvs/T1d5XLmMDlI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QOoS_UGMIO8/s1600/Peyton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6ffi86dfvs/T1d5XLmMDlI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QOoS_UGMIO8/s1600/Peyton.jpg" /></a></div>No way, would Peyton Manning want to come to Seattle.<br />
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No way, would Pete Carroll and John Schneider shelve their rebuilding plan to hitch their wagon to a guy who's too old, too expensive, and too much of an injury risk. <br />
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No way, did I want him.<br />
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But I'm here to tell you I'm coming around. <br />
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Fuck that, I'm all in.<br />
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What changed my mind? First of all, some of the sports writers I respect the most are saying they have knowledge of the Seahawks legitimate interest in Manning. Secondly..... I'm a lifelong Seahawks fan, and I want to win. <br />
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And.... it's Peyton Freaking Manning!!!!<br />
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For those of you who don't know me, or haven't read my stuff, you know that I'm usually a big-picture kind of guy. Don't sell the farm, don't bet the house, don't eschew long-term sustained success for short-term gain born out of panic or impatience. <br />
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It's now my opinion that signing Manning would NOT be a sign that Carroll and Schneider are doing any of that. I believe they thought it would take longer to reshape the roster the way they wanted to; younger, bigger, faster, stronger, more physical. They're ahead of schedule. So much so, that the stage could be perfectly set for Manning to A) Succeed in Seattle and B) Want to come here. <br />
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The defense is young, and well on it's way to being one of the league's best. The offensive line was reshaped last year and looked like a solid unit the last 8 games of 2011, and together with Marshawn Lynch can provide something Manning has never enjoyed in his storied career, a bruising running game. There are weapons at WR and TE. But most of all I believe that once Manning has done his research on potential landing spots (and does anyone think for a minute that he hasn't already?) that he'll see a rising, young General Manager who is proving himself to be a premier finder of talent. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KOPvQ-_GfI/T1d5rFBFhqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/2CaP2QeHH6Q/s1600/Peyton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KOPvQ-_GfI/T1d5rFBFhqI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/2CaP2QeHH6Q/s1600/Peyton2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for me Seattle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And that might just be the factor that turned me around on this issue as I tried to wrap my head around the reality of it all. Would a Peyton Manning contract be seen as a potential albatross by some? Of course it will, but it shouldn't be. Franchise QB's cost money, lots of it, but the Seahawks under Schneider have proven they can find talent anywhere; late rounds of the draft, off the streets, Canada. It would be crucial for any team signing Manning to be sure they also identify and acquire a young QB to groom as a successor should his career end prematurely, but as for the rest of the roster, the Seahawks have depth, balance, and talented youth. They have an owner willing and capable of spending whatever is needed to win, and they're smart, extremely smart in how they structure contracts and manage their salary structure. Worst case scenario is Manning comes here, isn't 100%, doesn't take us to a Super Bowl, and we have to move on. But I am convinced the rest of our roster would still be in great shape even if that were to happen. <br />
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We can talk later about other scenarios; what to do if we sign him and he doesn't pan out, how to back him up if he does, or Plan B if we take a shot at him and he goes elsewhere. <br />
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For today, I'm going to entertain the possibility that Manning to Seattle really could happen, tune out the cynics and the naysayers, and just sit back and watch it all unfold. Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-33237358581460724582012-01-26T07:35:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:35:32.204-08:00Mock Draft -- Version 1No trades, and no lenghty scouting reports. Just my view on how the first round is going to look. <br />
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Any shockers? Probably not, but check out my thoughts on what Cleveland might do, and remember..... you heard it here first!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b7Z4_PQqg8/TyFtMc9dpMI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8XDbzgze8BQ/s1600/Luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b7Z4_PQqg8/TyFtMc9dpMI/AAAAAAAAAGo/8XDbzgze8BQ/s200/Luck.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Luck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>1) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS</strong> -- <strong>Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford</strong><br />
<em> I don't care how the Colts choose to handle the Peyton Manning situation, this is the biggest no-brainer since.....1998? Maybe, but even then there were a lot of GM's who thought Ryan Leaf had a bigger upside. There is some similar buzz around Robert Griffin III right now, but it's not </em><em>nearly as loud. Luck is the pick and will start from Day 1.</em><br />
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<strong>2) ST. LOUIS RAMS -- Matt Kalil, OT, USC</strong><br />
<em>This pick could be more valuable as a trade chip, but if they stand pat the Rams will finally grab a LT capable of holding down the position for a decade.</em> <br />
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<strong>3) MINNESOTA VIKINGS -- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU</strong><br />
<em>The Vikings need all they help they can get covering the elite receivers in their division. Claiborne is an instant upgrade.</em> <br />
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<strong>4) CLEVELAND BROWNS -- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><em>I know I'm in the minority, but I don't think Griffin is the ideal fit here. Mike Holmgren took a QB </em><em>with a similar skill set in Seneca Wallace and virtually neutered him in Seattle, conditioning him to </em><em>stay in the pocket and never use his talented legs. Ryan Tannehill is more in the mold of Matt </em><em>Hasselbeck, ran a West Coast offense at Texas A&M, and might make more sense. I could see</em><em> the Browns trading down, but because I'm not projecting trades, I'll go with the consensus </em><em>pick here and probably the guy who would be the target of any other club trading up to #4.</em> </div><br />
<strong>5) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State</strong><br />
<em>There are needs on defense, but the Bucs have to get Josh Freeman an elite talent at WR. Blackmon</em><em> fills that need.</em><br />
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<strong>6) WASHINGTON REDSKINS -- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M</strong><br />
<em>At some point, Mike Shanahan is going to have to mold a young QB in D.C. I don't get all the T</em><em>annehill detractors. Looks like a quality starter to me.</em> <br />
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<strong>7) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina</strong><br />
<em>Questions about the consistency of his motor, but no questioning his upside. Shining at Senior </em><em>Bowl practices.</em> <br />
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<strong>8) CAROLINA PANTHERS -- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford</strong><br />
<em>WR is a need but no one projects this high, unless Blackmon slides. DeCastro will protect Cam </em><em>Newton and blow holes open for him and his talented backs.</em> <br />
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<strong>9) MIAMI DOLPHINS -- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama</strong><br />
<em>I'm projecting Miami to land Matt Flynn, so the QB need is filled. Richardson is an elite talent, </em><em>and the perfect compliment to Reggie Bush. Instantly, the Dolphins take a quantum leap forward</em><em> on offense.</em> <br />
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<strong>10) BUFFALO BILLS -- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina</strong><br />
<em>Shorter than ideal for a DE, but intense, versatile, and gets to the passer.</em> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkdV7OzfdeU/TyFulpbOteI/AAAAAAAAAGw/2NcSlILxHBM/s1600/Upshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkdV7OzfdeU/TyFulpbOteI/AAAAAAAAAGw/2NcSlILxHBM/s200/Upshaw.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtney Upshaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>11) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -- Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama</strong><br />
<em>Every down LB fills a need for the Hawks rising young defense. Plays the run well and can</em><em> really get after the quarterback. </em><br />
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<strong>12) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State</strong><br />
<em>The Chiefs go OL again, but this time find a legitimate LT. Brandon Albert moves to RT or inside.</em> <br />
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<strong>13) ARIZONA CARDINALS -- Reily Reiff, OT, Iowa</strong><br />
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<strong>14) DALLAS COWBOYS -- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama</strong><br />
<em>If anyone is going to be willing to look past Kirkpatricks recent legal issues, it could be Jerry Jones. Best player on the board and he fills a need. </em><br />
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<strong>15) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -- Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College</strong><br />
<em>Best MLB in the draft fills a gaping hole for the Eagles.</em> <br />
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<strong>16) N.Y. JETS -- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame</strong><br />
<em>If the Jets are going to stick with Mark Sanchez, they have to give him some weapons. Floyd</em><em> has good size and can separate.</em> <br />
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<strong>17) CINCINNATI BENGALS -- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama</strong><br />
<em>Bengals rising defense needs help in their back 7. The former Florida Gator is showing off his</em><em> pure cover skills in Mobile this week.</em> <br />
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<strong>18) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -- Mark Barron, S, Alabama</strong><br />
<em>Bob Sanders had nothing left. Barron is the best safety in the draft and along with Eric Weddle</em><em> will anchor the Bolts back end for years to come.</em> <br />
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<strong>19) CHICAGO BEARS -- Kendal Wright, WR, Baylor</strong><br />
<em>Jay Cutler needs weapons. Check!</em><br />
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<strong>20) TENNESSEE TITANS -- Michael Brockers, DT, LSU</strong><br />
<em>Young, with tons of upside. Should develop into a disruptive force</em>.<br />
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<strong>21) CINCINNATI BENGALS -- Nick Perry, DE, USC</strong><br />
<em>Marvin Lewis is putting the finishing touches on a dynamic young defense. Perry can really</em><em> rush the passer.</em> <br />
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<strong>22) ATLANTA FALCONS -- Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama</strong><br />
<em>That's FIVE Crimson Tide players in the Top 22.</em> <br />
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<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>23) DETROIT LIONS -- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina</strong><br />
<em>Finally, the Lions address their secondary.</em><br />
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<strong>24) PITTSBURGH STEELERS -- Devon Still, DT, Penn State</strong><br />
E<em>xcellent value here, and the Steelers need to get younger up front. </em><br />
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<strong>25) DENVER BRONCOS -- Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford</strong> <br />
<em>With Decker and Thomas on the outside, Tebow can use a dynamic TE like Fleener to</em><em> provide a safety valve, but Fleener can stretch the field also. Gronkowsi-like upside.</em> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVQIdDeKZac/TyFv3BBO_PI/AAAAAAAAAG4/5k8XFMEEOXY/s1600/Alshon-Jeffery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVQIdDeKZac/TyFv3BBO_PI/AAAAAAAAAG4/5k8XFMEEOXY/s200/Alshon-Jeffery1.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alshon Jeffery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>26) HOUSTON TEXANS -- Alshon Jefferey, WR, South Carolina</strong><br />
<em>A worthy compliment to Andre Johnson.</em> <br />
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<strong>27) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State</strong><br />
<em>Here we go, Bill Belichick reshapes the defense, and he gets multiple picks to get it done.</em> <br />
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<strong>28) GREEN BAY PACKERS -- Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin</strong><br />
<em>Tough, local, and fills a need.</em> <br />
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<strong>29) BALTIMORE RAVENS -- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina</strong><br />
<em>Great fit in the Ravens 3-4. Speed to burn from the edge.</em> <br />
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<strong>30) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -- Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers</strong><br />
A<em> bit raw, but immediately upgrades the 49ers receiving corps. </em><br />
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<strong>31) NY GIANTS -- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska</strong><br />
<em>Reunited with his college teammate Prince Amukamara.</em><br />
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<strong>32) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall</strong><br />
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Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-34055953153694646062012-01-23T07:13:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:40:11.998-08:00Senior Bowl -- Potential Seahawk TargetsThanks to the NFL Network, Senior Bowl week has become must-see TV for diehard college football geeks and closet scouts alike. Every practice is televised and analyzed, and we get to hear the awesome Mike Mayock give us his insights. Remember when the Hula Bowl and the Shrine Game were just as big as the Senior Bowl? Well no more. Now, this game stands above them all, primarily because it's the only one that utilizes current NFL coaches to run the teams. The best part of that? Getting to see spread-system college QB's taking snaps from under center, dropping back, and having to make NFL reads against quality competition. <br />
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All this week I'll be training my eye on possible targets for the Seahawks. Not just guys that I think could fit into the first round picture, but anyone who might fit our current needs and schemes. <br />
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Before the players even hit the field, here are a few areas I'm keeping my eye on:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0pPtdTtLsI/Tx13pp51uMI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/mrVhi7UUS-E/s1600/Foles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0pPtdTtLsI/Tx13pp51uMI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/mrVhi7UUS-E/s320/Foles.jpg" width="214" /></a>1) <strong>The Quarterbacks</strong>: Yep, ALL of them. It's a shame Ryan Tannehill got hurt, but because he played under center a lot in a system run by former NFL Head Coach Mike Sherman, he probably had the least to prove this week in Mobile. Nick Foles, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Lindley, Kellen Moore and Russell Wilson are all intriguing guys who played in spread-shotgun systems. I'm anxious to see who seperates themself from the pack this week. This is where Christian Ponder started to make his move up draft boards last Winter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cukync7K22c/Tx13u1bgiSI/AAAAAAAAAGY/t5WD_dzmbEs/s1600/Couples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cukync7K22c/Tx13u1bgiSI/AAAAAAAAAGY/t5WD_dzmbEs/s320/Couples.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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2) <strong>The pass-rushers</strong>: Courtney Upshaw, Quinton Coples, Nick Perry, Melvin Ingram, Andre Branch, Zach Brown..... It doesn't seem like this year's class is full of elite talent, but the group is varied and intriguing. Because the Senior Bowl limits blitzing and stunting during the game, it will be interesting to see who among this group stands out going man-up against some of the better offensive linemen in the country. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWfcoKfKUI8/Tx133T50TQI/AAAAAAAAAGg/nTLgqDpqHVQ/s1600/Doug+Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWfcoKfKUI8/Tx133T50TQI/AAAAAAAAAGg/nTLgqDpqHVQ/s1600/Doug+Martin.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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3) <strong>Running backs</strong>: With all the focus on Marshawn Lynch's impending free agency, one of the things no one seems to be discussing is the Seahawks glaring need for a quality complimentary back. Washington and Forsett are both situational backs, and Forsett probably won't be back (his contract is expiring.) With the Hawks emphasis on a physical running game keying their late-season resurgence, and looking like the blueprint they intend to follow moving forward, a more physical, versatile back is needed to spell and compliment Beastmode. Finding someone who can run between the tackles, pick up blitzes in the passing game, and catch a ball out of the backfield, has to be a huge priority this offseason. Two of the most interesting backs in this game are also two of the most local, and I think either Boise State's Doug Martin or UW's Chris Polk could be a solid fit in Seattle. I'm not as familiar with some of the other backs in the game, so this will be a valuable fact-finding week in that regard. <br />
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There are other needs, obviously. With their penchant for finding young talent and fostering competition, it will never surprise me which direction Jon Schneider and Pete Carroll choose to go on draft day. Any CB over 5-11 will be evaluated, as will any game-breaking WR or lineman capable of playing multiple spots. But I believe the three most glaring needs are the ones listed above.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-46510628829207670502012-01-13T06:53:00.000-08:002012-01-13T09:06:15.765-08:00"Just Say No" to Matt Flynn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98AO7V8BoDI/TxBjNmSFsfI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nRQ6n_63goo/s1600/Harnish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98AO7V8BoDI/TxBjNmSFsfI/AAAAAAAAAFk/nRQ6n_63goo/s320/Harnish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's all the rage these days, you know.<br />
<br />
Seemingly, everyone is on the Matt Flynn Bandwagon. <br />
<br />
Even before all of this, as far back as August 15th on this very blog I speculated that Matt Flynn could very well be the Seahawks long-term answer at QB. <br />
<br />
As I sit here today, I'm not completely sure that he <em>isn't</em> the answer. I just know that I don't <em>want</em> him to be. <br />
<br />
I've watched the replay of his record-setting start against the Lions in Week #17; watched it a few times. Pause, play, pause, play..... rewind...... play. <br />
<br />
Pause.<br />
<br />
Matt Flynn might very well be a fine starting QB in the NFL for a long time, but can he be elite? I just don't think so. For that reason, I'm now fully in favor of identifying, drafting and developing our own. <br />
<br />
Flynn does a lot of things well. He's decisive, accurate and gets the ball out quick, spreading it around to all of his available weapons. But as I watched him against the Lions I couldn't help thinking this was a guy who's been preparing 16 weeks for this one start. And, everything went his way in that game. His banged-up offensive line kept him relatively clean, and some balls he put up for grabs ended up as spectacular catches for touchdowns. <em>I'm talking to you Jordy Nelson</em>. He also threw one VERY bad interception, and had two others dropped that would have looked equally horrific on the highlight tape, and might have changed the very outcome of the game. <br />
<br />
But most of all, the reason I don't endorse bringing in Matt Flynn can best be summed up this way: The guy taking snaps for the OTHER team that day. <br />
<br />
I'm watching Flynn and I'm seeing a guy with a short arm, who shot puts the ball and looks like he has to have everything moving in the right direction to make a strong throw. Then Matt Stafford comes out and flicks his wrist and the ball is 40 yards down field on a line for a big gain. I didn't see Flynn throw into any tight windows, while Stafford was living in them. The reality is, Flynn had a lot of wide open receivers to throw to. <br />
<br />
I can hear the rebuttals already; "But Stafford was the top overall pick!" I realize that. But as much as this QB draft at one time looked like it was going to be stocked with ready-to-play blue-chip prospects, now it's looking more and more like the high-ceiling-developmental-guy draft. <br />
<br />
And I think that plays right into the hands of Jon Schneider and Pete Carroll.<br />
<br />
They take pride in finding young talent, and they trust their scouting process implicitly. They will never draft a player because the consensus is he's the best player available, or bow to public pressure. <br />
<br />
This draft is now littered with young, intriguing QB's who, provided they're properly nurtured and trained, have much higher ceilings than Matt Flynn. Chandler Harnish, Brock Osweiler, The Ryans (Tannehill and Lindley) and Nick Foles are all guys who could be there for the taking. All are at least a full season away from being game-ready, but each possesses an exciting skill-set. Some would require using a first round choice, others could be had in the 2nd or later. <br />
<br />
At this point, my preferred course of action is to draft a develop our own QB. It may take a little longer for it to click, and I suspect that's why a lot of fans are in favor of The Flynn Option; they're impatient and hungry for a winner. I get that, I am too..... but I want to win a LOT, and for a long time. It has to be done right. <br />
<br />
Regardless of how you feel about Tavaris Jackson, he's really the ideal bridge QB, and once the running game got going last year it was clear we can win with him while we wait for our young QB to be ready. Think Jon Kitna/Carson Palmer. Draft one of the guys I mentioned, and sit him. Have him be inactive on game day. DO NOT play him until he's ready. <br />
<br />
We could all reap the benefits for years to come.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-60986750672003205902012-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:002012-01-06T08:01:37.427-08:00My New Man Crush --- THIS Guy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WuCmU4TuWM/TwcMXNmkTBI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vF5YaAsKj-o/s1600/Osweiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WuCmU4TuWM/TwcMXNmkTBI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vF5YaAsKj-o/s1600/Osweiler.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WuCmU4TuWM/TwcMXNmkTBI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vF5YaAsKj-o/s1600/Osweiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WuCmU4TuWM/TwcMXNmkTBI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vF5YaAsKj-o/s1600/Osweiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It may not garner a lot of national attention, but Arizona State Junior Brock Osweiler is going to announce his intentions today to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I say...... HELL YES!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the last couple of weeks it's been nothing but bad news when it comes to the Seahawks chances of landing that elusive "Next Franchise Quarterback." Matt Barkley is staying in school, Landry Jones first showed himself to not be worthy of a 1st round pick and then took his name out of the hat altogether, RGIII rocketed to the top of the draft board, and Matt Flynn stepped out of the shadows and vastly increased his potential contract value by blowing up the Lions in week #17. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We needed some good news, and it came in the form of Osweiler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No long film breakdown here, just my quick thoughts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you don't know who Brock Osweiler is, look him up. The first thing you'll find is that he's tall. REALLY tall. 6' 8" tall. This is where, if you're a lifelong Seahawk fan, you'll stop reading and vow to never come back to my blog EVER again. We tried drafting a 6' 8" QB once right? And now we have to be reminded of that every time we see Dan McGwire in one of those Greatest Draft Busts Ever lists. Well, McGwire was a bad pick, pure and simple. I remember my first time covering Seahawks training camp and getting to see him throw up close. He threw like a girl. Seriously..... you know the way a girl curls her wrist up and then tries to spin a ball out to make it spiral? That's the way McGwire threw a football. It was gross. But just because he failed has absolutely no bearing on the future success of other tall quarterbacks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is no normal tall quarterback. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This guy isn't just an athlete, but he was a good enough basketball player that he originally accepted a hoop scholarship to GONZAGA before changing his mind and heading to ASU to commit to football. Last fall, he even announced that he would be joining Herb Sendek's Sun Devil basketball team after football season was over, but I could find no written or visual evidence that he ever did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still, put on the tape and you'll see this guy is a great athlete. Usually taller QB's struggle with footwork, but Osweiler is outstanding at whipping his feet around and getting in position to throw after a play-action fake. As you would hope from a guy his size, he has a big arm, and his footwork is so good that he's consistently accurate in the short, intermediate and deep game. You'll hear about how he changed his delivery last year with the help of ASU O.C. Noel Mazzone, and now it's extremely compact and quick. He appears on tape to survey the entire field and go to his secondary reads quickly and decisively when his primary target is covered. And best of all, he hangs in the pocket and stands strong even when he knows he's about to get hit, a quality I look for and one that is crucial in a young QB (I'm talking to you Blaine Gabbert.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> In short, he is the whole package. I've seen one draft expert already refer to him as the "Most physically gifted QB in the draft not named Andrew Luck." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, what's wrong with him and why is he being projected as a 2nd or 3rd round pick at this point? Call it the Mark Sanchez Factor. He only has 15 starts under his belt. He will show in inexperience at times by forcing a ball into coverage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What the Seahawks need to acquire is a young QB with the elusive "upside" you hear so much about. A kid with a high ceiling. Want to throw a bunch of money at Matt Flynn? Fine, but what you see is what you get, and as much as I like Flynn, I'm not sure you're ever going to get anything close to an elite QB with him. Hitching your wagon to Brock Osweiler might be higher risk, but if you do it right you can have a true elite QB. And it has a lot more to do with how pretty a spiral you can spin. Spend some time on YouTube and check this kid out. Not just his highlights, but his interviews. He has a way about him. He's articulate, funny, a little cocky, and definitely carries himself with a dynamic quality that is sure to excite the fanbase and hopefully his teammates in the locker room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He's only 22, he's just begun to tap his vast potential Let him sit behind Jackson and Portis for a year, and hand him the reigns in 2013. He could be a 10-year answer at the position. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Best of all, he looks a lot like the late Quiet Riot singer Kevin Dubrow, which is pretty damn cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejBJ1LrYaQc/TwcSd_kdB4I/AAAAAAAAAEc/yWWNm2o4dfY/s1600/Osweiler+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejBJ1LrYaQc/TwcSd_kdB4I/AAAAAAAAAEc/yWWNm2o4dfY/s1600/Osweiler+face.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwP1ebG9tgc/TwcShE3E6GI/AAAAAAAAAEk/vXyaRuQ858M/s1600/Dubrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwP1ebG9tgc/TwcShE3E6GI/AAAAAAAAAEk/vXyaRuQ858M/s1600/Dubrow.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far I've taken a close look at Ryan Tannehill (writeup to come), Austin Davis (likely a middle to late round pick) Griffin and Osweiler. I still haven't watched the Packers vs. Lions replay from start to finish, nor have I seen enough of Nick Foles to make a judgement, but at this point I prefer Osweiler to all of them. As a junior, he won't play in the Senior Bowl, but with his skillset he could rocket up draft boards with a good combine and/or personal workouts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So at this point I'm suggesting that this kid could be our FIRST round pick. Certainly a lot can change over the next few months, but whether you agree with my assessment of Osweiler or not, his mere presence in this draft adds another intriguing option to the mix, and bolsters the Seahawks draft position in regards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This QB thing just got a whole lot more interesting. </div>Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-34572792329144030822011-12-30T22:56:00.000-08:002011-12-30T22:56:53.748-08:00Trusting The Braintrust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IMskvQNAqw/Tv6qXxHCusI/AAAAAAAAAEM/BU1FkWwifwo/s1600/JohnandPete-480x246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IMskvQNAqw/Tv6qXxHCusI/AAAAAAAAAEM/BU1FkWwifwo/s320/JohnandPete-480x246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The love today for RG3 after his performance against the Huskies in last night's Alamo Bowl has been overwhelming, and frankly a bit ludicrous in some circles. <br />
<br />
On ESPN 710-AM today, Mike Salk was literally losing his mind with RG3 infatuation. To the point that he was suggesting.... no..... <em>demanding</em> that the Seahawks trade 4 first round draft picks to move up and take the Junior Baylor QB. <br />
<br />
That wasn't a typo. I said 4....... that's FOUR first round picks. For one player. <br />
<br />
Let me first say this. I love Salk. I appreciate that he's not a born-and-raised Seattleite. Not a homer. Not a Seahawks apologist. His outside perspective is usually refreshing, and his arguments are typically well-researched and thoughtful. <br />
<br />
Today, I think he was drunk.<br />
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I may be going against the grain here, but I am diametrically and adamantly opposed to "selling the farm" to move up and draft anyone, even Andrew Luck. The idea that the Seahawks are only one player away from being a Super Bowl contender is ridiculous. I know we need a quarterback, I've written about the subject extensively. The subject dominates my daily thoughts and conversations with friends and co-workers. I dream about it. I've flip-flopped on this subject a number of times, in fact if you look through older posts on this blog you will probably be able to find entries where I advocate being patient and others where I insist that the Hawks have to find "that guy" right now, no matter what the cost. <br />
<br />
But I've settled into a position of patience and perspective over hyperbole.<br />
<br />
There was a lot of progress this year.... a LOT. The Seahawks are younger, bigger, faster, stronger, and most of all much more physical, confident and talented then they have been in a long, long time. But they are not just a QB away from contention. There are plently of other holes to be filled. Two or 3 more players on the front 7, in particular at least two more who have unique pass-rushing skills. Another O-lineman or two, another receiver who can gain seperation and beat defensive backs deep, and a physical, bigger RB who can complement and back up Lynch without the drop-off in style we see currently. <br />
<br />
And yes, we need a young QB. <br />
<br />
But the idea of dealing four, or even 3 first round picks to get Luck or Griffin is not just risky, it's downright stupid. First of all, let's get this straight; Luck is going first overall, and there's no way we could ever possibly pry that pick away from the Rams or Colts. So that leaves Griffin. I'm as impressed as everyone else with his raw skills, but if I'm giving up even two first round picks, I better be getting a player who can start from day one, and Griffin is a MAJOR project. He has a nice arm, appears accurate, and his athleticism is unquestioned, but has anyone seen him take a snap from center? Or a 5 step drop? Or anything other than one simple read? Anyone?<br />
<br />
No, no, no and no. <br />
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But suppose for a second that you love RG3, and you aren't going to be convinced he's anything other than can't-miss no matter what I say, then consider this. Don't think about what you would be getting by trading multiple first round picks for RG3, but instead, ask yourself what you would be getting IN COMPARISON WITH WHAT YOU COULD GET LATER WITHOUT GIVING UP A THING! In other words, comparison shop. Are Robert Griffin and Andrew Luck the only QB's in the 2012 draft that are going to be outstanding, long-term starters in the NFL? Absolutely not. If you're answer is anything else, you simply don't know anything about the league. There are a lot of intriguing prospects in this draft who are projected to go anywhere from the late first round to the 4th or even 5th round. At least one of them, and probably more, will become NFL starters. <br />
<br />
There will be another Andy Dalton in this year's draft, I can promise you that. You just have to find him. <br />
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Consequently, the question becomes, is it smart to trade 3 or 4 years worth of first round draft picks to get QB-A, when you can take QB-B in the second round and be just as successful in the long run? If you gamble on that higher pick and lose, you rob yourself of the resources to fix your mistake. You won't be able to try and find another quarterback in two or three years because you won't have your top picks available to you. You also won't have the same opportunities to fill other holes in the first round as needed. As a result, you'll be forced to sign free agents, overpay for veterans, and strap your salary cap, further handcuffing your ability to make moves as you proceed. <br />
<br />
From where I sit, I'm actually starting to think that the best course of action for the Seahawks in 2012 is to trade DOWN. Accumulate extra picks, add necessary talent to the front-7, and work like hell to identify the QB's you like. Use a late first or early second round pick on one, and take another one in the middle rounds. <br />
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Desperation has made a lot of NFL GM's look foolish, and ultimately lose their jobs. The great GM's never panic, and trust their evaluations. Jon Schneider and Pete Carroll have proven to us that they can uncover talent in the middle and late rounds. We need to trust their ability to find that next quarterback. <br />
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I'm not saying I wouldn't like to see Andrew Luck on my team, or RG3. But I want the Seahawks to win EVERY year, not just next year. Staying the course, and using the draft to add talent year after year is the best way to do that. And giving up four 1st-rounders in any scenario would sabotage that effort. Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-58887000350430438362011-12-23T22:44:00.000-08:002011-12-23T22:44:53.475-08:00So What's Next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oz8J1bVe2wA/TvVrdlBFheI/AAAAAAAAAD0/sg3B16DmxXI/s1600/AustinDavis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oz8J1bVe2wA/TvVrdlBFheI/AAAAAAAAAD0/sg3B16DmxXI/s1600/AustinDavis.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now that Matt Barkley and Landry Jones have declared their intentions to remain in school for their senior seasons, the Once-Great-Quarterback-Draft-Of-2012 looks less and less like the panacea Seahawk fans have been hoping for. No way we have the ammunition to move up and get Andrew Luck, and there's no guarantee that even Robert Griffin III comes out either. Some mock drafts have the 'Hawks grabbing Ryan Tanneyhill in the middle of the first round, but despite my earlier infatuation with his potential, I've read too many negative reports on him from scouting types. I still think he's a good prospect, and could be a great get in round 2, but most likely some team desperate for a signal-caller will make him a first rounder after all. I haven't given up on him, and in fact most of his shortcomings sound like nothing more than developmental issues. A year sitting behind Tavaris Jackson and he could very well be the guy. That being said, I'd be OK with that scenario if Tanneyhill is available in the second round, but not the first. <br />
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At this point I'm ready to move on from the idea of a first round QB selection and suggest the following:<br />
<br />
Take the best available front-7 player in the first round, and target a QB in the second. Better yet, trade down (as this draft appears balanced and deep in areas we don't need to address) and stockpile picks. Target a guy that can flat-out help us rush the passer in round 1, be it an OLB or DE, and hope a QB is available in round 2 that can develop into a long-term starter. <br />
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But.... who could that be? Here are a few options.<br />
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1) <strong><u>Tanneyhill</u></strong>, see above.<br />
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2)<strong><u> Brandon Weeden</u></strong>, Oklahoma State. I know, I know, he's 28 years old, but he has proven himself in a tough conference on a big stage, has a big arm, really good size, and is mature enough that we wouldn't have to live with some of the typical growing pains of most rookie QB's. A year under T-Jack and Weeden could be ready to step in as a solid starter in year 2, at 29 years of age, with much more upside than Jackson. I'm not going to rule him out simply because of his age. <br />
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3)<strong><u> Nick Foles</u></strong>, Arizona. Hard to find a more polarizing prospect. Rated as a first rounder by one preseason service and a 7th rounder by another, Foles is either potentially elite or a stiff depending on who you talk to. Trent Dilfer raved about his anticipation and upside after doing extensive film-study of him last month, while other high-profile draft analysts see him as nothing more than a late round flyer. He's huge, but apparently doesn't have the arm to match his size. Some defend him by pointing out that he played on bad teams at Arizona. I haven't seen enough of him to lean one way or another, but the consensus seems to be growing that his stock could rise with a strong showing in post-season All-Star games and workouts. Bottom line is he's probably not as athletic and mobile as Carroll likes his QB's to be, but one worth keeping an eye on. <br />
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4) <strong><u>Austin Davis</u></strong>, Southern Mississipi. (Pictured Above) This guy really intrigues me. He plays in a spread system, but doesn't everyone not named Luck or Barkley? He's 6-2, 220 and extremely athletic. A four year starter, he's broken nearly every one of Brett Favre's records, throwing for almost 11,000 yards, 81 TD's, with 27 INT's, and adding another 1300 yards and 25 TD's rushing. His reputation is one of a firey leader and exceptional worker. I've seen two of his games and he looks very mechanically sound, with a quick-enough release and good accuracy in the pocket and on the move. The arm looks strong enough, and he's really quick. Can he make the adjustment from college spread to a west-coast NFL offense? <br />
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I do know this, the Seahawks sent their scouting staff to see him in person at Virginia this year, and all he did was go 27-41 for 313 yards, 3 TD's and 0 INT's. <br />
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Set your DVR's for tomorrow's Hawaii Bowl and check him out. Tuck this name away. <br />
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5)<strong><u> Chandler Harnish</u></strong>, Northern Illinois. No, I didn't just make that name up. Reknowned "Rogue Scout" Dave Razzone turned me on to this guy last week. He's another 4 year starter, also 6-2, 220, also a spread QB, but one that Razzone compared to, wait for it....... Tim Tebow, and called one of his big sleepers in this year's draft. <br />
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Check the stats and it's hard to ignore. 62% career passer with nearly 9,000 yards passing and a 3-1 TD-INT ratio, and almost 3,000 yards rushing. I checked out some video on YouTube and indeed he does remind one of Tim Tebow in most areas except for one.... he's much more mechanically sound and thus extremely accurate. <br />
<br />
So there you go. There are five potential options for the title of Seahawks Quarterback Of The Future. Are any of them can't-miss? Of course not, but most if not all of them could be on the board when the Seahawks select in the second, or third, or maybe even fourth round in some cases. <br />
<br />
Right now I would be in favor or the 'Hawks trading down, stockpiling picks, taking a couple pass-rushers, a physical, bigger RB to more closely resemble Marshawn Lynch while serving as his backup, and grabbing one of these guys in the Friday portion of the 2012 draft.<br />
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Isn't it amazing how dramatically things have changed on this front in the last 6 weeks?<br />
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It's going to be a fascinating offseason. Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-71356300206370167062011-12-22T08:11:00.000-08:002011-12-22T08:11:17.282-08:00Barkley's Looming Decision Has Huge Implications For Seahawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vryrEN7UiY/TvNRungYqUI/AAAAAAAAADo/HyrC83sPvY4/s1600/Barkley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vryrEN7UiY/TvNRungYqUI/AAAAAAAAADo/HyrC83sPvY4/s1600/Barkley.jpg" /></a></div>Matt Barkley has scheduled a 1:00 PST press conference today to announce whether he is returning to USC for his junior year or entering the 2012 NFL Draft. <br />
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His decision could affect the Seahawks in a big way. <br />
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To the casual observer this probably seems cut and dried, he's coming out right? Remember the last USC QB named Matt who was faced with the same option? If Matt Leinart had come out in 2005 he would have likely been the top overall pick, but he stayed, slipped in the eyes of a number of NFL talent evaluators, and ended up going 10th overall the next year. <br />
<br />
No way Barkley makes the same mistake, right?<br />
<br />
Not so fast.<br />
<br />
We've heard whispers for weeks that Barkley might be leaning toward another year at 'SC, and I think there are legitimate reasons to listen to them:<br />
<br />
1) Barkley didn't declare for the draft right after his left tackle Matt Kalil did, as many thought he would. <br />
2) Luck is entrenched as the consensus #1 pick in April's draft, so Barkley has no shot at it this year, but he would most certainly be a candidate for that honor in 2013, and you only get one shot at that. <br />
3) USC is bowl-eligible next season, and they looked like a BCS-quality team last month. A Barkley return would give them a great chance at the Pac-12 title, and possibly more. <br />
4) The new NFL CBA has drastically reduced the length and dollars that top draft picks are getting, perhaps minimizing that as a factor for potential top picks. <br />
5) He was a shocking non-factor in this year's Heisman race, not even getting an invite to New York, next year he would be a preseason favorite, probably THE favorite. <br />
6) All he has to do is look north up I-5 to see that coming back for another year of college football CAN work out, as it did for Andrew Luck. <br />
<br />
Take all that into account, and the fact that Barkley seems to be a well-grounded, mature kid who is motivated by a lot of things other than money, and I think it's better than a 50/50 shot he's about to tell us all he's staying at USC.<br />
<br />
How does this affect the Seahawks? We all know the Hawks need a young franchise QB, we've talked that one to death. If Barkley and Robert Griffen III (who has yet to declare HIS intentions for the draft as well) are both available this year, it increases their chances of moving up to finally get that guy. At worst, it pushes other QB prospects down to where Seattle will be picking in the first or second round. <br />
In my opinion, Barkley is the perfect guy for us. If he comes out this year, we have a shot to get him, but if he waits until 2013 and goes #1, no way. If he AND Griffen stay in school, we could be left looking at the Austin Davis and Ryan Tannehill's of the world in the second round. Not ideal. <br />
<br />
And I haven't even mentioned the fact that a Barkley return makes USC a beast next year in the Pac-12. I don't think any of us would be broken-hearted if we knew we didn't have to face him next season.<br />
<br />
So for selfish reasons, here's hoping he declares for the draft today. At least we don't have to wait much longer to find out.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-35502703916012193382011-11-04T21:25:00.000-07:002011-11-04T21:31:31.532-07:00Where do we go from here?This is exactly what I was hoping to avoid... the ultimate dillemma. Three weeks ago the Hawks were coming off that win over the Giants and suddenly it was easy to envision a playoff run, or at the very least a .500 season where we felt like we had a chance to win every game. But ohhhhh what a difference a few weeks makes. Now it's hard to imagine finishing anything more than 5-11. Which puts us right in that brutally undesirable middle ground where you have a high draft choice, but perhaps not high enough to get one of the elite quarterback prospects available in 2012. <br />
<br />
Here is what I fear the most...... I want Matt Barkley. I mean, I REALLY want Matt Barkley. I've written at length here about Matt Flynn and Ryan Tanneyhill, and those would be fine fallback options (and certainly better options than going with Tavarius Jackson long-term) but Barkley is a guy that I have become increasingly sure is a big-time franchise QB. But he's not going to get out of the top 5, and 5-11ish isn't going to get you in the top 5. <br />
<br />
Here's my biggest fear:<br />
<br />
Indianapolis finishes 0-16 and gets the first pick in the draft.<br />
Miami gets the second pick. <br />
<br />
In that scenario, no doubt that Indy takes Andrew Luck. Forget about whether Peyton Manning's neck is healed or not, the Colts won't pass on Luck even if Manning is healthy. They will take him and groom him, despite the fact such riches should be OUTLAWED by not only the NFL but the federal government itself. <br />
<br />
Then... Miami is going to take a QB, no question about it, so that leaves Landry Jones or Barkley, and the way Barkley is playing, and given that he plays in a pro system and will be more pro-ready than the spread-oriented Jones, my guess is the 'Phins take the him. After that it's going to be a bunch of bad teams that already have a commitment to a young QB (Minnesota, Arizona, Jacksonville, Carolina etc.), which means the Seahawk get Jones or Tanneyhill. <br />
<br />
I won't be heartbroken over either of those guys; I maintain that this is the best year in a long time to NEED a franchise quarterback, because it's a deep draft. But I think the gap between Barkley and the other guys is cavernous, and I would be left feeling empty just like I did in 1991 when we got Rick Mirer instead of Drew Bledsoe. <br />
<br />
Now if Miami gets the top pick, the Hawks could conceivably get Barkley even with a pick in the 8-10 range because in that scenario the Dolphins would take Luck and the Colts may just pass on a QB altogether if Manning's medical reports are good. <br />
<br />
Regardless, here we are, travelling to Dallas with a healthy Jackson and a reasonable chance to win a road game over an inconsistent and beat-up Cowboy team. As a true fan, I can't help but root for them to win, but part of me is almost hoping they come up short. <br />
<br />
The bottom line is, we need a young, elite-caliber QB, and this is the right draft to get one in. I truly believe Bakley can be that guy, with a very low bust-factor compared to Jones and Tanneyhill. <br />
<br />
I would hate to miss out on him because we win a couple extra games in a year when progress and foundation-building take precedence over our final record.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-37041831406823897512011-10-09T18:36:00.000-07:002011-10-09T18:37:44.563-07:00Road Warriors?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehMXa0i4LiA/TpJIdGxX-VI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9My1FZ3K4n0/s1600/Baldwin+victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehMXa0i4LiA/TpJIdGxX-VI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9My1FZ3K4n0/s1600/Baldwin+victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehMXa0i4LiA/TpJIdGxX-VI/AAAAAAAAAC4/9My1FZ3K4n0/s1600/Baldwin+victory.jpg" /></a>Wow. It's hard to sum it up with any more words than that. It was simply one of the best road performances we've seen from the Seahawks in quite some time, and best of all, today's 36-25 win over the Giants in New York was notable as much for opportunities missed as it will be for the final score. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Seahawks should have won this won easily, but two early fumbles inside the 5 yard line, a bad interception by Tavaris Jackson that led to 3 points for the Giants just before halftime, and TEN penalties allowed New York to hang around. That's what makes this win so remarkable. This wasn't a flukey win. Time and time again the Hawks faced adversity and they just kept fighting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll have a lot to say about this one. First I need to watch the tape again, and focus in a little closer on some individuals I believe deserve to be singled out. But for now, I'm just going to ignore the doubters and revel in the moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forget about draft position, I want to win. This team looks capable of winning more than most experts projected, and there are signs that the foundation of a good team are being put in place. It's fun to watch this young team grow before our eyes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today my Hawks played well on the road, against a quality opponent, and it wasn't handed to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this moment, for this fan, that's enough. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-6784623250442012092011-10-07T06:29:00.000-07:002011-10-07T06:29:58.628-07:00Progress?Tavaris Jackson threw for over 300 yards and 3 TD's Sunday in our near-miss against the Falcons, and suddenly many fans are feeling better about #7. <br />
<br />
But let's not overdo it. <br />
<br />
I was pleased with some of what I saw from T-Jack. He went to his secondary reads more often, threw the ball accurately, and for the most part made good decisions. The offensive line took another step forward and didn't allow a sack all day. But I still need to see more from Jackson to believe he can be any more than a placeholder for our next quarterback. He had open receivers to throw to and he made those throws. That in iteself is a good sign both for him and Darrell Bevel, but until I see Jackson making difficult throws into tight windows I won't quite be a believer in his long-term viability. I'm still not seeing the anticipation you see from the top-tier NFL signal-callers. He sees a guy open, and THEN he throws the ball. Against really good defenses, some of those balls are going to be picked off or batted down. <br />
<br />
This week, on the road, against a good (albeit banged-up) New York Giants team could tell us a lot. If we can see another sign of incremental progress both from Jackson and the offensive line, whether the team wins or not, it would bode well for the not-so-distant future. <br />
<br />
Already it looks like we can write off any chance of Andrew Luck being the Hawks next QB. With a solid defense, an improving offense, and the NFC West looking as bad as ever, it's looking more and more like this Seahawk team could be a 5 or 6 win team, maybe more. That not only puts us out of the running for Luck, but for Matt Barkley as well. Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-1383031930866136652011-10-01T08:48:00.000-07:002011-10-01T08:48:35.177-07:00Tavaris Jackson's Best (And Worst) Moment Vs. Cardinals6:01 remaining in the third quarter, Seahawks trailing the Cardinals and needing a TD to take the lead and punctuate their most promising offensive drive of the season. Tavaris Jackson runs for an 11 yard score that changed the game in the Hawks favor. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YAYzB6QNec/Toc1w9uV7OI/AAAAAAAAACw/42qjV6dEPdA/s1600/T+Jack+TD+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YAYzB6QNec/Toc1w9uV7OI/AAAAAAAAACw/42qjV6dEPdA/s320/T+Jack+TD+run.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Great moment, right?<br />
Key to the victory? <br />
<br />
I'm here to tell you it's more of an indictment on how bad Jackson is. <br />
<br />
The result of that play should have been a TD pass to Mike Williams. An easy TD pass. A layup. A play 90% of the quarterbacks in the league would have made. Not just starting quarterbacks..... ALL OF THEM!!!!<br />
<br />
Wiliams is matched up up against rookie corner Patrick Peterson on the left. It's single coverage. Peterson was the 7th pick in the draft and may well have a great career, but right now that's a mismatch. Williams runs a post-corner and Peterson bites so hard on the first cut that it's about as easy a throw as any QB is going to get. Jackson has ALL DAY to throw, and even looks that way, but for some reason he can't pull the trigger. Unable to make a decision, Jackson finally feels some pressure and rolls to the left, towards Williams. Williams is still open, really open. He has Peterson 3 feet behind him and he's moving toward the pylon. If Jackson just throws it to the pylon it's a simple score. Again, for emphasis, I'll just say that I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE THAT THROW! Jackson cocks his arm, but once again can't pull the trigger. So he runs and scores, and everyone is happy.<br />
<br />
I get the fact that you can't pin everything on Jackson at this point, but there were a lot of positive signs out of Sunday's game vs. the Cards; the running game showed some life, and overall the offensive line looks like they are starting to gel. Bottom line: he leaves way too many plays on the field, and if this offense continues to progress, it won't be long before it will be plain as day that the only thing holding it back is the present starter at quarterback. Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-36066560863067899962011-09-26T19:42:00.000-07:002011-09-26T19:42:36.194-07:00Hawks vs. Cards, Quick HitsSitting in section 330 yesterday, it all seemed like one of the ugliest wins I can remember. Jackson took sacks he shouldn't have taken, we took horrible penalties at the worst times, and time and again I found myself screaming "What is Darell Bevel thinking!?!?" <br />
<br />
But upon further review......<br />
<br />
I watched the game back on DVR today, and it didn't look as bad as I thought it was.<br />
<br />
There are definitely signs of growth, small as they may be. <br />
<br />
Keep an eye on the offensive line. You can definitely tell that James Carpenter has lost a bunch of weight. He is really athletic for a guy his size. He not only got off the ball quick, but there were a few times you could see him get to the second level and obliterate his guy. He still gets beat in pass protection too much, but his improvement in the last two weeks is one of the most exciting signs we've seen so far. Moffit did some good things too, and Paul McQuistan was a more-than-adequate replacement for Robert Gallery. This offensive line could be awfully good if it continues to grow as it has in the first 3 weeks. There were some big holes for Lynch to run through yesterday, and if we can sustain at least a league-average running attack, it will make the offense better as a whole. <br />
<br />
Our wide receiver group looks really good when Rice is on the field. He's as good as advertised, our most legitimate downfield threat in a long time. Baldwin and Tate are nice pieces in the slot, and we all know what Mike Williams can do. Now... if only Jackson would look Williams way. T-Jack's disinterest in looking for Williams may be the most baffling and frustrating development so far. <br />
<br />
Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are establishing themselves as the best young combo of safties in the league. Chancellor's pick to seal the game with 1:04 left was the kind of play a seasoned veteran would make. He baited Kolb and played it perfectly. Thomas is simply all over the field. Overall the defense looks capable of keeping us in games. <br />
<br />
If you were hoping for Andrew Luck, you may be out of Luck.... sorry for the pun. No way we end up with the first pick in the draft. I still don't see us winning more than 4 or 5 games right now, but if the offensive line continues to get better, and as long as we're still in the NFC West, anything is possible. <br />
<br />
As much as I would love to see Luck play quarterback for the Hawks for the next 10 years, I simply can't pull for them to lose. Wishing for Luck is probably wasted energy at this point. More likely we will be picking in the 5-10 range. In the meantime, I'm encouraged by what I saw yesterday. <br />
<br />
It's a small step forward. But the Atlanta Falcons are coming to town, and they're pissed. This Sunday will be a better barometer of where this team is. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac278iJcYjc/ToE3qav-a3I/AAAAAAAAACs/Oujz3mrfZdY/s1600/Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac278iJcYjc/ToE3qav-a3I/AAAAAAAAACs/Oujz3mrfZdY/s320/Rice.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-50520086481333860322011-09-25T15:47:00.001-07:002011-09-25T15:47:14.983-07:00Whitehurst warming up. Please yes!!!Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-10734222910809317082011-09-25T14:44:00.001-07:002011-09-25T14:44:54.683-07:00Indecisive, slow release, refuses to make a play with his feet.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-69782471821678525272011-09-25T14:42:00.001-07:002011-09-25T14:42:43.304-07:00This just in: Tavarius Jackson sucks.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-91301130829425903502011-09-25T12:36:00.001-07:002011-09-25T12:36:02.905-07:00Walking into Qwes..... Er.... Century Link Field. Home opener.... Can't wait. Go Hawks!!!!!Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-3906521077174168612011-09-23T07:28:00.000-07:002011-09-23T07:30:23.165-07:00Best Non-Luck QBs: My New Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FaojCMMH2g/TnyTnUTd48I/AAAAAAAAACo/pF8EiSU8MM0/s1600/tannehill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FaojCMMH2g/TnyTnUTd48I/AAAAAAAAACo/pF8EiSU8MM0/s1600/tannehill.jpg" /></a></div>The consensus seems to be that the next-best QB prospects after Andrew Luck in the 2012 draft are, in some order, Matt Barkley and Landry Jones. <br />
<br />
After looking a little closer at Texas A&M senior Ryan Tannehill, however, I think he might be better than both of them. <br />
<br />
He's bigger than Barkley, and about the same size as Jones at 6-4 222 lbs. The advantage he has over Jones is the system he plays in. The head coach at A&M is former Packers coach Mike Sherman, which means he's running an NFL-style offense. Take a look at his highlights against SMU this year. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/yNcKHOJP-NQ">http://youtu.be/yNcKHOJP-NQ</a><br />
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This isn't your typical highlight package only showing the big plays and completions. It essentially shows every throw he made in that game. Early on it's a lot of rollouts and bubble screens, but just when you think to yourself "I wonder if this guy can make NFL throws".... at about the 3:00 mark it starts. He hits a skinny post over the middle to a diving receiver, and then drills a perfect seam route to his tight end for a score. A couple of things stand out to me about Tannehill:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>He's working from under center, a lot. I'd say 75% of the time. This gives him a huge edge over Jones and other spread-system QB's. </li>
<li>His throwing motion looks nearly flawless; quick, mechanically sound, he really spins a nice spiral and he's accurate all over the field. His arm also appears to be strong. Maybe not Matt Stafford strong, but at least slightly above NFL average. </li>
<li>He's athletic. This is a guy who was the Aggies leading RECEIVER as a freshman and sophomore before winning the full-time starting QB job. He really moves well in the pocket, rolls well, and throws accurately on the run. </li>
</ul>Look a little closer at his history, and there's even more to like about Tannehill. He turned down multiple scholarship offers to walk on at A&M because he wanted so badly to be an Aggie. After losing the starting QB job to Stephen McGee (now with the Dallas Cowboys) and Jerrod Johnson, he willingly made the switch to receiver and excelled, but he kept battling to play QB, and when he got his chance halfway through last season he made the most of it, leading his team to an upset over #11 Oklahoma and displacing Jerrod Johnson to the bench for good. <br />
<br />
Oh, and another thing... he's smart. His ultimate goal outside of football is to be an orthopedic surgeon. <br />
<br />
I've seen Tannehill listed as a potential first-round pick, but the word "project" is used a lot. I disagree. I believe his combination of size, athletic ability, intelligence, arm talent and NFL coaching makes him an intriguing draft target. I wouldn't be surprised it he ends up being the first QB taken after Andrew Luck in April, ahead of Barkley and Jones. Also, his potential connection to Seattle shouldn't be ignored here, Seahawks G.M. Jon Schneider was in the Green Bay front office while Sherman was head coach. <br />
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His Aggies are playing Oklahoma State on ESPN tomorrow. I would suggest you check it out. You might be looking at the next Seahawks QB.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-455254830580159862.post-53189132743029908082011-09-18T14:06:00.000-07:002011-09-18T14:11:00.446-07:00Hard To Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifAhGhq-Lco/TnZeVoYmzCI/AAAAAAAAACk/NgtLVdoyFHE/s1600/110918-curry-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifAhGhq-Lco/TnZeVoYmzCI/AAAAAAAAACk/NgtLVdoyFHE/s320/110918-curry-1005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Seahawks lost to the Steelers today 24-0.<br />
<br />
It was ugly.<br />
<br />
Let me start by saying that I'm a big proponent of the current rebuilding process, and I'm the first to preach patience. The choice to completely remake the offensive line was the right one to make, but it's going to take time and it's going to be a furstrating process. But today, the offensive line was not the problem. <br />
<br />
Defensively, the same issues remain. No pass rush. No corners who can cover. Poor tackling. But... defense was not the problem today either. <br />
<br />
The problem was at quarterback, plain and simple. Some will look at Tavaris Jackson's 20-for-29 statline and say he wasn't that bad. But he was. <br />
<br />
There were throws all over the field that he didn't make, and I'm beginning to think it's because he CAN'T make them. He was given time to throw but couldn't make any plays downfield. <br />
<br />
On the ball that Polumalu almost intercepted in the third quarter, Jackson had all day to throw. Yet, instead of planting his foot and striding into the throw, he two-footed it, like a basketball player shooting a jump shot. On other plays he took sacks when he had all day to throw the ball away, or failed to be decisive. When he did complete passes, they were often too high or behind the receiver. <br />
<br />
I've seen all I need to see to conclude that he's terrible. <br />
<br />
The bigger concern is the continued support he's getting from Pete Carroll. After the game, coach said the loss had "nothing to do" with the QB position. If he breaks down the film of this game and still feels that way, then for the first time since he was hired I'm going to have to seriously doubt his ability to evaluate talent and lead this organization. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHgC3II-_kg/TnZdSKocu4I/AAAAAAAAACg/-vyqbFUZh4Q/s1600/0f2e18db5cd1461997c26c0a65a3d4bf--nfl_medium_540_360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHgC3II-_kg/TnZdSKocu4I/AAAAAAAAACg/-vyqbFUZh4Q/s320/0f2e18db5cd1461997c26c0a65a3d4bf--nfl_medium_540_360.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Furthermore, I need to see more from Darrell Bevel. He hasn't shown me any ability yet to game plan for the talent that he does have. Not a single target for Mike Williams in the first half, no attempts to get the ball to Tate or Miller in the short passing game, or to involve Leon Washington despite an impressive preseason and promises to get him the ball more. <br />
<br />
I'm okay with rebuilding... hell I'm in favor of it. But I need to see progress, and today showed us almost none. <br />
<br />
The worst part is, there were actually signs today that the offensive line is improving. But until changes are made at the quarterback position, it may not matter. <br />
<br />
Charlie Whitehurst may not be much of an upgrade, but unless T-Jack looks markedly better in the home opener next week, Carroll is going to have a hard time justifying why he isn't at least taking a look at his second QB.Dan Vienshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07295414110742426052noreply@blogger.com0