hippie wrote:I found this article slightly disturbing: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/s ... ine24.html
The disturbing part is the positive comments by Holmgren regarding both Shaun Alexander and Chris Gray. In a way, they're almost mutually exclusive: (1) Alexander was less to blame for his dismal 2007 than his offensive line, and (2) we're happy to bring back the weakest link from the 2007 offensive line to play a significant role. He can't possibly be right on both points, but he can be wrong on both, and I think he is. True, Alexander doesn't get 100% of the blame, but it was pretty clear that he was diminished as a runner, not running authoritatively, and frequently going down on first contact. As for the rest of the blame, a big chunk of it rests with Gray. Put more bluntly, however you want to whack up the blame, it's pretty clear that the two offensive positions in greatest need of an upgrade are RB and RG. Yet here is Holmgren, speaking enthusiastically about bringing both Alexander and Gray for next year.
The best spin I can put on this is that Holmgren is just trying not to tip his hand before the draft. "Oh sure, we might think about adding a running back for depth, ho hum." At least I hope that's what it is.
I read it, but didn't pay it much mind. Those kinds of comments this time of the year cost you nothing to say them, don't hold you to anything, yet are a form of paying verbal respect.