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As we get closer to the season and we've now seen a little of our new Squad, I thought I'd go into what I see as the state of the Seahawks.

Offense:

Receivers-
I like our young receivers. Kent, in particular could add a 6'4" receiver to a pack that has been somewhat smallish. He is making plays in the slot and looks like both sure handed and willing to go over the top and through traffic. I hope he sticks. Engram wants a lengthy contract

I'm wondering if Branch will ever live up to the hype at this point. Guess we shall see.

Runningbacks-
I kinda think Jones is really gonna be a big improvement. They are already talking about his catching and blocking in practice and we know he can get after holes and break long runs if the o-line holds up. I'm gonna call last season for him a fluke and a blessing in that he has less mileage on him this year.

Duckett? What do we do with him besides 3 and 1? maybe that's plenty.

Morris- glad he's still around, but I doubt he can handle the load as a featured back. I think he'll get plenty of carries, though.

Hidden X factor- Weaver John L williams comparisons already. Hope he lives up to it with consistency.

0-line-
Gray's retirement hurts on numerous levels. Spencer worries me. I hope Walt is healthy and still dominant.

Pork Chop- is done... with the latest injury I think it's time to write him off.

Wahle is the only big positive besides Walt in my eyes... we best run left.

QB- Matt is great. Hope his health is better this year.
Frye- wish he'd get hip and allow Seneca to play some receiver, but more likely he's a slow learner with some issues.

Defense-

Gonna be frickin sweeeeet this year I think. The real question, already being addressed in another thread- Who comes out in the DT rotation. Please let Tubbs emerge as a healthy bull rusher.

Loving Jackson as the rookie end right now according to the camp chat.

Our safties are solid, our linebackers are totally dominant, and our corners are good but a little small.

Special teams-

Looks like Mare is gonna be the man. That's good because we've been missing a touchback kicker like him and other teams returns always have been a thorn under Brown. We will likely miss the hail mary kicks from Brown, but I think Olindo will be great.


Well in the early stages that's what we seem to have. We shall see.

Thanks for posting this. Should be some good fodder for interesting discussion, even if I'm going to wind up disagreeing with you in some places. Let's have at it:

Corvus Crow wrote:I like our young receivers. Kent, in particular could add a 6'4" receiver to a pack that has been somewhat smallish. He is making plays in the slot and looks like both sure handed and willing to go over the top and through traffic. I hope he sticks. Engram wants a lengthy contract

I'm wondering if Branch will ever live up to the hype at this point. Guess we shall see.

My guess is that Kent spends at least another year on the practice squad. He's not the first track star to try to become a football player; usually it doesn't work out. Kent has supposedly shown a good work ethic, and he brings the discipline of coming from a coach's family, so you never know. But he still has a long way to go. Meanwhile, the youngster who seems to be turning the most heads is Logan Payne. I see Branch, Engram, Burleson, Payne, Obomanu and Taylor making the roster, with Kent and possibly Michael Bumpus on the practice squad. They still lack the vertical threat (as they always have), and maybe Kent will provide that someday... but probably not this year.

Runningbacks-
I kinda think Jones is really gonna be a big improvement. They are already talking about his catching and blocking in practice and we know he can get after holes and break long runs if the o-line holds up. I'm gonna call last season for him a fluke and a blessing in that he has less mileage on him this year.

Duckett? What do we do with him besides 3 and 1? maybe that's plenty.

Morris- glad he's still around, but I doubt he can handle the load as a featured back. I think he'll get plenty of carries, though.

Hidden X factor- Weaver John L williams comparisons already. Hope he lives up to it with consistency.

I pretty much agree with you here. Holmgren's offense, ideally, has a running back who is versatile enough to run, block or catch on any given play. Alexander didn't bring that. The team did use situational substitutions, but that limited play-calling flexibility (hard to audible into a completely different play). Don't forget the blocking of Owen "Bull" Schmitt at FB. Justin Forsett is also getting some attention and may force the team to carry six backs.

0-line-
Gray's retirement hurts on numerous levels. Spencer worries me. I hope Walt is healthy and still dominant.

Pork Chop- is done... with the latest injury I think it's time to write him off.

Wahle is the only big positive besides Walt in my eyes... we best run left.

I love Chris Gray -- he was a hard worker, set the standard for durability, and didn't want to play for any other team besides the Seahawks. How can you not love that? Having said that, his retirement is irrelevant. He's been a liability for at least 3 years now (and was never that great beforehand), and was not going to be a starter unless there were many, many injuries. You're also missing out on Sean Locklear, one of the best right tackles in the league. Mansfield Wrotto is pushing Rob Sims at RG, Steve Vallos could be a keeper, and Ray Willis is still around. There's tons of depth here and I'm not sure Chris Gray would even have made the team. I don't think the line is bad at all.

QB- Matt is great. Hope his health is better this year.
Frye- wish he'd get hip and allow Seneca to play some receiver, but more likely he's a slow learner with some issues.

Yup.

Defense-

Gonna be frickin sweeeeet this year I think. The real question, already being addressed in another thread- Who comes out in the DT rotation. Please let Tubbs emerge as a healthy bull rusher.

Loving Jackson as the rookie end right now according to the camp chat.

Our safties are solid, our linebackers are totally dominant, and our corners are good but a little small.

Only issue here is depth at linebacker. If Tatupu, Peterson or Hill gets hurt, we're not going to like what we see. Otherwise the depth is awesome at every position, and the training camp battles should inspire everyone to play better.

Special teams-

Looks like Mare is gonna be the man. That's good because we've been missing a touchback kicker like him and other teams returns always have been a thorn under Brown. We will likely miss the hail mary kicks from Brown, but I think Olindo will be great.

Really? Unless Mare is dominant (which I doubt we'll see), I would prefer to see the team make Coutu a long-term solution at kicker. I'd also like to see Reggie Hodge push Ryan Plackemeier at punter -- that's probably the weakest part of our special teams. Otherwise I'm optimistic, with Tyler Schmitt as the long snapper, Josh Wilson returning kicks and a number of guys like Will Herring and Lance Laury in the coverage, that the special teams will be pretty good overall this year.

My guess is that Kent spends at least another year on the practice squad. He's not the first track star to try to become a football player; usually it doesn't work out. Kent has supposedly shown a good work ethic, and he brings the discipline of

coming from a coach's family, so you never know. But he still has a long way to go. Meanwhile, the youngster who seems to be turning the most heads is Logan Payne. I see Branch, Engram, Burleson, Payne, Obomanu and Taylor making the roster, with Kent and possibly Michael Bumpus on the practice squad. They still lack the vertical threat (as they always have), and maybe Kent will provide that someday... but probably not this year.

Well, I was thinking Payne would make it, but now he's hurt and evidently Holmgren has become fond of Kent:

Payne, who cracked a rib Saturday during the scrimmage and also was sporting a huge wrap on his left hand this morning

Camp update

Really the guy I'd love to see more field time for is Ben Obomanu. I liked him preseason of last year and in the minutes he got during the season. I just think he's a Joe Jureviceous type of clutch receiver.

Runningbacks-
I kinda think Jones is really gonna be a big improvement. They are already talking about his catching and blocking in practice and we know he can get after holes and break long runs if the o-line holds up. I'm gonna call last season for him a fluke and a blessing in that he has less mileage on him this year.

Duckett? What do we do with him besides 3 and 1? maybe that's plenty.

Morris- glad he's still around, but I doubt he can handle the load as a featured back. I think he'll get plenty of carries, though.

Hidden X factor- Weaver John L williams comparisons already. Hope he lives up to it with consistency.

I pretty much agree with you here. Holmgren's offense, ideally, has a running back who is versatile enough to run, block or catch on any given play. Alexander didn't bring that. The team did use situational substitutions, but that limited play-calling flexibility (hard to audible into a completely different play). Don't forget the blocking of Owen "Bull" Schmitt at FB. Justin Forsett is also getting some attention and may force the team to carry six backs.

Forsett would be fun to watch if he gets to bobbn' and weavn' Schmitt is gonna be a fan favorite if he can crack the lineup.

0-line-
Gray's retirement hurts on numerous levels. Spencer worries me. I hope Walt is healthy and still dominant.

Pork Chop- is done... with the latest injury I think it's time to write him off.

Wahle is the only big positive besides Walt in my eyes... we best run left.

I love Chris Gray -- he was a hard worker, set the standard for durability, and didn't want to play for any other team besides the Seahawks. How can you not love that? Having said that, his retirement is irrelevant. He's been a liability for at least 3 years now (and was never that great beforehand), and was not going to be a starter unless there were many, many injuries. You're also missing out on Sean Locklear, one of the best right tackles in the league. Mansfield Wrotto is pushing Rob Sims at RG, Steve Vallos could be a keeper, and Ray Willis is still around. There's tons of depth here and I'm not sure Chris Gray would even have made the team. I don't think the line is bad at all.

I was being rushed away from the computer so the o-line analysis was admittedly weak.

I agree about Gray, other than I think Mike would have kept him on the roster no matter what if he was healthy and he would have been a bigtime teacher and reliable spot backup.

Locklear I do really love. I think we'll be much improved overall and I do hope that Wrotto continues to develop the way he has started to. Sims ability to direct the line is really my main concern. That and that we keep investing in Pork Chop, who I think should be renamed PUP chop because he's always physically unable to play.

Only issue here is depth at linebacker. If Tatupu, Peterson or Hill gets hurt, we're not going to like what we see. Otherwise the depth is awesome at every position, and the training camp battles should inspire everyone to play better.

Depth at linebacker is scary when you mention it.

Really? Unless Mare is dominant (which I doubt we'll see), I would prefer to see the team make Coutu a long-term solution at kicker. I'd also like to see Reggie Hodge push Ryan Plackemeier at punter -- that's probably the weakest part of our special teams. Otherwise I'm optimistic, with Tyler Schmitt as the long snapper, Josh Wilson returning kicks and a number of guys like Will Herring and Lance Laury in the coverage, that the special teams will be pretty good overall this year.

So far the word from Camp I've read has been all about Mare how back to his old form and nothing on Coutu- that could just be that Lindo has the name. I'd prefer Coutu because he's young and cheaper, as well. Ryan Plackemeier is pretty good in short punt control 4th in the league, but he ranks 36th in the league for avg, so hell yeah we can find an alternative I would think.

Corvus Crow wrote:Receivers-
I like our young receivers. Kent, in particular could add a 6'4" receiver to a pack that has been somewhat smallish. He is making plays in the slot and looks like both sure handed and willing to go over the top and through traffic. I hope he sticks.

I just don't think they can let Kent go...he may not be NFL caliber quite yet, but it sounds like he is making strides. And I really don't see anything that distinguishes Obomanu/Taylor/Payne. We have enough slot types...we need a deep threat, and Kent may provide that.

Corvus Crow wrote:Engram wants a lengthy contract

I like him, but...his contract can be dealt with in the offseason.

Corvus Crow wrote:Runningbacks-
I kinda think Jones is really gonna be a big improvement. They are already talking about his catching and blocking in practice and we know he can get after holes and break long runs if the o-line holds up. I'm gonna call last season for him a fluke and a blessing in that he has less mileage on him this year.

Agreed. It may be nothing, but I think Jones will bounce back from last year. Having a back who can hit holes and actually make a cut without falling down will be nice.

Corvus Crow wrote:Duckett? What do we do with him besides 3 and 1? maybe that's plenty.

I think he's better than just a short yardage back, and I expect he'll take a lot carries from Morris.

Corvus Crow wrote:Morris- glad he's still around, but I doubt he can handle the load as a featured back. I think he'll get plenty of carries, though.

Forsett might make him expendible. I'm not sure what Morris offers over any of the other backs on the roster...

Corvus Crow wrote:Hidden X factor- Weaver John L williams comparisons already. Hope he lives up to it with consistency.

I agree w/r/t consistency being a problem, and Weaver needs to keep working on his run and pass blocking.

Corvus Crow wrote:0-line-
Gray's retirement hurts on numerous levels. Spencer worries me. I hope Walt is healthy and still dominant.

Pork Chop- is done... with the latest injury I think it's time to write him off.

Wahle is the only big positive besides Walt in my eyes... we best run left.

Depth is a concern, and every day Spencey spends on the sideline during camp makes me wonder if he's going to be the starting center this year. If he can't go, and Gray's gone, what the hell do we do?

Corvus Crow wrote:Defense-

Gonna be frickin sweeeeet this year I think. The real question, already being addressed in another thread- Who comes out in the DT rotation. Please let Tubbs emerge as a healthy bull rusher.

I've got me fingers crossed for Tubbs, but I'm glad the team is proceeding as it he doesn't exist b/c you just can't tell whether he's going to able to play, let alone produced. I like this team's line depth, and hope Bryant can recover quickly...

Loving Jackson as the rookie end right now according to the camp chat.[/quote]

Yeah, me too. And Atkins seems to be getting better too. Having a legit four man DE rotation might be the difference in a strong playoff run and what we saw last year at Green Bay.

Corvus Crow wrote:Our safties are solid, our linebackers are totally dominant, and our corners are good but a little small.

I'd love to see some darkhorse like Adams unseat Brian Russell from the starting lineup..

Sweezo wrote:I'd love to see some darkhorse like Adams unseat Brian Russell from the starting lineup..

Dang, from undrafted to rookie starter? The team does have a glorious, though recently dormant, history of rookie free agents becoming studs. Maybe Adams and Payne will revive the tradition.

Ex-hippie wrote:

Sweezo wrote:I'd love to see some darkhorse like Adams unseat Brian Russell from the starting lineup..

Dang, from undrafted to rookie starter? The team does have a glorious, though recently dormant, history of rookie free agents becoming studs. Maybe Adams and Payne will revive the tradition.

Yeah, I'm sure that makes him hungry.


Looks like Kent and Obomanu are still looking sharp

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Jordan Kent. Another practice, another impressive show of hands by a young wide receiver.

This morning, it was Ben Obomanu, the third-year man from Auburn. This afternoon, it was Kent, the second-year man from Oregon.
QUOTE UNQUOTE
"When you go on the field and let your natural ability show, instead of thinking things through, is when you become a football player." – wide receiver Bobby Engram, on Kent's development in his second training camp

Kent was an equal-opportunity target. He began his afternoon by leaving his feet to make a reaching grab of a Matt Hasselbeck pass along the sideline. Then, he got open over the middle to take a pass from Seneca Wallace. But Kent's best play came when he was running across the field to his left, but reached back to snag a pass from Charlie Frye without breaking his lengthy stride

seattlepi

Ex-hippie wrote:
Dang, from undrafted to rookie starter? The team does have a glorious, though recently dormant, history of rookie free agents becoming studs. Maybe Adams and Payne will revive the tradition.

Yep. I'm not sure about Payne, but if Adams earns it...give him a shot. Russell's probably the one player on our defense that I look at and don't have much confidence in. Really, what other starter on defense would one not have confidence in when it comes to making a player?

The state of the Hawks skyrocketed today when the Packers unbelievably showed Favre the door when they had a Super Bowl competitive team. LOL Forget the drama of it all, it's about winning, and the Packers' brass just put the Hawks above the Packers on the NFC chart going into this year.

We got ourselves a break.

Bulltalk wrote:The state of the Hawks skyrocketed today when the Packers unbelievably showed Favre the door when they had a Super Bowl competitive team. LOL Forget the drama of it all, it's about winning, and the Packers' brass just put the Hawks above the Packers on the NFC chart going into this year.

We got ourselves a break.

Well the Pack have had our number with Favre... I noticed all the ESPN highlights of him were vs us and we know how the playoffs have gone.

So... Sweet. Ship him off to the AFC!

Steve Vallos debuted at center against a tough minnesota D Line and done well.What are your thoughts could he emerge out of nowhere to be our starting center considering retirement of Gray and Spencers injury.

I didn't see the game but heard that Vallos was impressive. Or more accurately, virtually invisible, which is a good thing when you're responsible for snaps and for playing against the Williamses of Minnesota.

Forsett is also really making a strong bid for a roster spot. I keep hearing that he's pushing the team to keep six RBs, but I'm thinking the team should cut T.J. Duckett. So what if we have three smallish halfbacks; we can let the fullbacks be the short-yardage guys.

The williamses didnt play that game if i am not mistaken. and i agree duckett needs to be cut. didnt look great in the game even though it was only pre season and weaver and especially schmitt have looked really good so far.

It says here the Williamses played.

It's a little early to think about cutting Duckett, isn't it? His first preseason performance wasn't great (although one of those fumbles...wasn't even a fumble...he was down and rolling towards the ground when the ground jarred it loose) but I think he still has value to the team.

But I really don't want to lose Forsett. And the team's going to be stuck carrying a lot of WR w/ Engram and Branch both having to be stowed away...tough choices ahead.

shoot man, I think that Engrams injury will screw Forsett over, though I can see Duckett getting the axe. With Duckett it's not that he had the one game, it's more that Forsett is a much cheaper option. O-Schmitt also makes TJ expendable to me.


Vallos- what a trooper. That was a big boy line he stood up to. Holmgren said he might be the starting center on opening day and I assume that means Spencer is a wreck. Can't even tie his shoelaces? Great, especially since he had alot of work to do on reads.

Random thoughts on game 1-
Why is the secondary looking so bad? They are awesome in practice evidently, but I am starting to wonder if the lack of size is actually hurting us on the corners.

Corvus Crow wrote:Vallos- what a trooper. That was a big boy line he stood up to. Holmgren said he might be the starting center on opening day and I assume that means Spencer is a wreck. Can't even tie his shoelaces? Great, especially since he had alot of work to do on reads.

I think it has to be that Spencer's just not going to be ready. It sounds like he might be a PUP candidate given the length of time he's been trying to recover. Vallos has done well, but it's still disappointing. Who's the backup C if Spencer can't go?

Sweezo wrote:It's a little early to think about cutting Duckett, isn't it? His first preseason performance wasn't great (although one of those fumbles...wasn't even a fumble...he was down and rolling towards the ground when the ground jarred it loose) but I think he still has value to the team.

But I really don't want to lose Forsett. And the team's going to be stuck carrying a lot of WR w/ Engram and Branch both having to be stowed away...tough choices ahead.

The comment on Duckett wasn't based on just that one game, although that didn't hurt. He's a long-time mediocrity who is rather expensive and can't be thought of as part of the long-term plan. (Sort of the Carlos Silva of running backs.)

I can't say I'm familiar enough with Duckett to really disagree with you on that point, but I could see him filling a decent role with the team. Duckett and Jones didn't put up great numbers the other night, but the line also looked like **** when they were in there, probably because they're not all that deep right now w/ injuries and the like.

Forsett may make Duckett entirely expendable. And if I does, I won't exactly shed a tear about it. I don't see the team cutting Morris/Jones or Weaver/Schmidt to add Forsett, and roster space will be horribly limited.

I know Frank Hughes hinted at Hawthorne and Forsett being at risk. And I'm wary of small sample sizes. But Hawthorne looked fantastic, and perhaps a decent tool to use against the run.

Ex-hippie wrote:It says here the Williamses played.

and espn says childress gave pat williams a day off here
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280808016
looks like there are too many williamses there

Huh. Well, like I said, I didn't see the game; all I had was the article that said Vallos looked impressive against the Williamses. If that was inaccurate, I retract what I said (and also downgrade my enthusiasm for his performance by a notch).