State of the Hawks

Post #1 » by **Cactus Jack** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 7:14 pm

Okay, this is my little rant on the current state of the team & where to go from here.

You have a roster that is in flux & a new coaching staff that is still trying to shape it.

What do you do with the roster? They obviously have to get better in the trenches. Having a bottom tier OL won't cut it. They're going to have to completely change their philosophy on that front going forward.

When your QB & star WR are not on the same page & sulking, you have a real problem. The team lacks leadership from it's most important players & that's the biggest issue in my opinion. It's been a reoccurring thing when things don't go well for this team & it has to stop. It's why I've been hesitant to commit to both long-term.

I do think Macdonald will get this defense on the right track eventually.

Post #2 » by **Danny Darko** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 8:07 pm

Cactus Jack wrote:Okay, this is my little rant on the current state of the team & where to go from here.

You have a roster that is in flux & a new coaching staff that is still trying to shape it.

What do you do with the roster? They obviously have to get better in the trenches. Having a bottom tier OL won't cut it. They're going to have to completely change their philosophy on that front going forward. Especially when it comes to their approach to spending in free agency. But that isn't news to anyone.

When your QB & star WR are not on the same page & sulking, you have a real problem. The team lacks leadership from it's most important players & that's the biggest issue in my opinion. It's been a reoccurring thing when things don't go well for this team & it has to stop. It's why I've been hesitant to commit to both long-term. I would seriously entertain offers for DK while his value is still at a high point. Also, finding a long-term solution at QB will be the most challenging but you have to make a concerted effort there as well.

I do think Macdonald will get this defense on the right track eventually. But personnel has been part of the problem.

You have to patch up the right side of that line even if it costs.

I would listen to offers for DK, but not because of chemistry, only from a position of getting a haul with o line and a 1st (include bradford). With jsn, and Bobo, we are doing pretty good but Tyler is not young. I would play knight more than Baker right now and hope getting Murphy back is a big help vs the run

Post #3 » by **Danny Darko** » Mon Nov 4, 2024 10:34 pm

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Post #4 » by **Cactus Jack** » Tue Nov 5, 2024 2:49 am

I'm not sure what they saw in Bradford to be honest. The knock on him in college was that he had limitations in pass pro. Did they really think he wouldn't be a liability? I mean c'mon!

Stone & Jerrell aren't starting caliber but neither guy would be playing meaningful snaps if either Lucas or Fant could stay on the field for an extended period.

Tomlinson & Williams is what happens when you shop at your local thrift store. You get what you pay for.

Post #5 » by **Cactus Jack** » Sun Dec 29, 2024 5:45 am

Now that the season is winding down. I do think Mike will want to copy the Ravens model going forward. A physical run first team. A clear plan to build the team from the inside-out. We saw the beginning stages of that with the Murphy & Haynes picks.

Which means Grubb & possibly more guys on that side of the staff could very likely be on their way out. Maybe they decide to move on from both DK & Lockett this offseason. But I expect both lines of scrimmage to be the main priority. Even if john isn't 100% on board lol.

Post #6 » by **Danny Darko** » Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:03 pm

Cactus Jack wrote:Now that the season is winding down. I do think Mike will want to copy the Ravens model going forward. A physical run first team. A clear plan to build the team from the inside-out. We saw the beginning stages of that with the Murphy & Haynes picks.

Which means Grubb & possibly more guys on that side of the staff could very likely be on their way out. Maybe they decide to move on from both DK & Lockett this offseason. But I expect both lines of scrimmage to be the main priority. Even if john isn't 100% on board lol.

Need to fully revamp the O-line and beyond the tackles including depth at tackle and I'm not sure Grubb's stubbornness is going to fly. curious to see what O-coordinators are out there.

Post #7 » by **Danny Darko** » Sat Jan 18, 2025 7:20 pm

state of the hawks 10 years ago is worth a watch and smile

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Post #8 » by **Cactus Jack** » Sat Jan 18, 2025 7:51 pm

Danny Darko wrote:state of the hawks 10 years ago is worth a watch and smile

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10 years? Wow, time flies.

This is why you hired Macdonald. To get back to being a tough & physical team. I really do think that Mike intends to build that type of team (Harbaugh influence). John should have a sign over his door that says "Bully", to remind himself of what needs to be done (O-line).

I really like Charbs playstyle. But I do think they need to find their own version of Derick Henry (Beast mode 2.0). K9 is a different type of runner. But I'm not necessarily all-in on him as the guy going forward. This draft class is loaded with RB's. I think you have to scout them.

Post #9 » by **Danny Darko** » Sat Jan 18, 2025 7:53 pm

Cactus Jack wrote:
Danny Darko wrote:state of the hawks 10 years ago is worth a watch and smile

Read on Twitter

10 years? Wow, time flies.

This is why you hired Macdonald. To get back to being a tough & physical team. I really do think that Mike intends to build that type of team (Harbaugh influence). John should have a sign over his door that says "Bully", to remind himself of what needs to be done (O-line).

I really like Charbs playstyle. But I do think they need to find their own version of Derick Henry (Beast mode 2.0). K9 is a different type of runner. But I'm not necessarily all-in on him as the guy going forward. This draft class is loaded with RB's. I think you have to scout them.

health alone, I think we likely move on from K9. McIntosh is a good 2nd back and yeah draft and holani are enough for a swing outside of that.

Post #10 » by **Cactus Jack** » Sat Mar 8, 2025 8:48 pm

Cactus Jack wrote:You have a roster that is in flux & a new coaching staff that is still trying to shape it.

When your QB & star WR are not on the same page & sulking, you have a real problem. The team lacks leadership from it's most important players & that's the biggest issue in my opinion. It's been a reoccurring thing when things don't go well for this team & it has to stop. It's why I've been hesitant to commit to both long-term.

I wrote this back in October. But this is precisely why I am completely on board with them pivoting off of Geno & shipping DK out as well. Especially with the changes on staff. Makes too much sense. They can reset the roster & build it into Mike's vision.

If they bring in Darnold on a short-term deal, 2-3 years. Then it could work with Kubiak. Also gives them more time to find a long-term solution at QB (draft).

Post #11 » by **Cactus Jack** » Thu May 8, 2025 10:22 pm

I don't know what the current odds are, but if this trend continues...

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Post #12 » by **Cactus Jack** » Thu May 29, 2025 8:14 pm

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Post #13 » by **Cactus Jack** » Tue Jun 10, 2025 6:14 pm

So, what are your expectations this year?

Darnold will probably end up being a mixed bag. The offense will go as he does. Same deal with the O-line. But it's clear there's a vision.

It will be fascinating to see who emerges for them. How much is the O-line improved by scheme? You still have one of the youngest O-lines.

I think this team is likely a year away from truly competing (2026). But I'm excited about where this team seems headed. As Mike is starting to assemble the right pieces.

It's a young core which is partly why they decided to bring in vets like Kupp & Lawrence. Who also fit the culture.

Everyone seems to be on the same page. No holdouts.