Seattle Seahawks: A 2010 Wishlist

Well Seahawks fans, we’re six games in, and let’s face it.

All is not well.

Sure, we’ve seen the Seahawks clicking at times.  Against the Rams and Jaguars, the ‘Hawks looked pretty dominant, but at the same, any intelligent fan tempered their excitement, as the Rams have won precisely zero out of their last, well, sixteen. 

It’s also even more apparent now than it was in Week Five, that the Jaguars are not good either, as they managed to eek out a 23-20 overtime victory against that very same Rams team.

But we have seen glimpses, such as Week Three, when most believe that the Seahawks should’ve beat the Chicago Bears. We’ve also seen the defense nullify Maurice Jones-Drew, one of the elite backs in the league.

So what’s to be said?  Who’s to Blame?

Many point to injuries, again, and while it is certainly a root cause, it could’ve (and should’ve) been avoided.  We all knew Patrick Kerney has been through more operations than most military veterans.  It wasn’t as though before this season Ray Willis, Chris Spencer, and Sean Locklear had been the perfect picture of health, either.  It didn’t take an expert chronologist to calculate the age of Pro Bowl left tackle Walter

Jones, and these others, with the exception of Kerney, are the guys you are relying on to keep oft-injured QB Matt Hasselbeck healthy.  Throw injuries to Trufant, Hill, Mebane, and nagging injuries to Lofa Tatupu in, and it can’t be denied:

This is a problem.

Many point to the secondary.  Certainly, also a root cause.  Ken Lucas returned to Seattle to be a more physical presence at corner back, and while he hasn’t been exactly what Seattle had hoped, he hasn’t been the issue, necessarily.  Trufant (see above) has yet to see the field, as he seems to have been exposed to whatever contagious syndrome was to blame for Hasselbeck’s back problems.  Grant, as is the norm, has probably been the most reliable player in the secondary, and Babineaux has yet to show the “big play” potential that many had hoped for, his lone interception on the season being off of a Kurt Warner hail mary in Week Six.  It cannot be denied that, while not a vast improvement, an improvement nonetheless.

Still, a problem.

Many point to coaching and offensive play calling.  Coach Jim Mora has often been praised for his intense offseason conditioning.  Seems as though this should’ve held injuries off, if only a bit.  At times, the Seahawks have looked like the most prepared team that their opponents have faced.  At others, they’ve looked like Charleston Southern hosting University of Florida.

—My apologies, I saw an avenue to remark on weak out of conference scheduling and, well, I took it—

Offensive play calling has at times looked, well, offensive.  Week Six and you’re down by seventeen in the third quarter, the entire running game has yet to amass ten yards, so obviously, you call two straight draw plays.  Down to a fourth string left guard and left tackle, you expect your quarterback to hang in the pocket against the weak side blitz. 

Play after play.  I know, I’m no coordinator, but perhaps sliding the protection, and calling a few designed bootlegs to the strongside, even just to get a bit of rhythm going, would’ve been an idea.

In short (or not so short) these seem to be the main issues, in my opinion.  But fear not Seattle fans, for with Christmas rapidly approaching, I have begun to draft my Christmas wishlist, and I’m giving all my wishes to the Seattle Seahawks.

 

Wish One:  Shop Deon Branch, Patrick Kerney, Leroy Hill, and Seneca Wallace.

Branch has yet to live up to his paycheck in Seattle, as well as the first round pick that Seattle gave to New England to acquire him.

Kerney’s production has decreased as steadily as his cost and surgeries have increased.

Hill has been an asset, when he is both healthy, and used properly, however, when he has been absent, the personnel put in his place have performed admirably.

Wallace has been one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, but one fact is undeniable: he is not a long term starter. As shone against the Jags early in the fourth with a thirty-one point lead, Seneca was put in instead of Teel—a hindrance to any future starters that may be on Seattle’s roster.

I wish for Seattle to shop these players, and hopefully find a few mid round picks in return, as well as loosen up around ten million in salary.

We’ll say a mid second for Kerney and Wallace, and a mid third for Branch.  For the sake of the article, we’ll just say that Hill stays.

 

Wish Two:  Re signings

Resign Cory Redding, Ken Lucas, Darryl Tapp, Ben Obomanu, and Chris Spencer and Rob Sims (as backups, if they’re willing to take backup pay.)

 

Wish Three:  Acquire a Starting Safety in Free Agency.

Many are very high on Taylor Mays and Eric Berry in this year’s draft, and I’ll admit I am one of those many.

However, both will go very early, making them very expensive safeties, and there are many needs other than safety that should be addressed in the draft, as free agent depth at safety this year, and as per the norm, is far deeper than other needs. 

The list of possible free agents includes:

Will Allen (TB)

Atari Bigby (GB)

Nick Collins(GB)

Dawan Landry (BAL)

Antoine Bethea (IND)

Melvin Bullitt (IND)

Sean Jones (PHI)

Now, it’s often said that no one knows who will be available in free agency, but the main point that I will make is that two pairs of these players are on the same teams, Bigby and Collins in GB, and Bethea and Bullitt in IND.  All will command a salary that would make it difficult to keep both on each roster, however, only Bethea will likely command a salary on par with what Mays and Berry will earn after being drafted in the top ten.

 

Wish Four: Demote Almost Everyone, Promote Solari, Call Schotty

Jim Mora belongs in a Defensive Coordinator position.

Gus Bradley belongs in a linebacker coach position.

Greg Knapp belongs in an offensive line coach position.  No more play calling.

Mike Solari belongs in an offensive coordinator position.  Only to motivate.

Lastly, Someone please call Marty Schottenheimer and find out what he’s up to.

 

Wish Five:  Draft Accordingly

For the sake of argument, I’m giving the Seahawks 6-10 this season, and next year’s top 10 draft order something like this:

1. STL     6. KC

2. CLE     7. WAS

3. TB      8. BUF

4. DET    9. TEN

5. OAK   10. SEA

We’ll say Denver goes out in the wild card game and we get to pick 23rd overall as well.

STL, CLE, and WAS all draft quarterbacks. I’m guessing Bradford, Locker, and McCoy are gone.

TB, DET, and TEN all draft defensive tackles.  Guessing Gerald McCoy, Suh, and Cody are gone there.

OAK takes Eric Berry, if only because his 40 time is faster than Mays.

KC and BUF draft offensive tackles. Okung and Trent Williams are gone.

This, Seattle, is where you bite the bullet and take CJ Spiller (Clemson) with the 10th pick.  His combination of strength and speed is the best in this particular class.

With the 23rd pick, Brian Bulaga will also probably be off of the board.  Charles Brown out of USC needs to be the pick here.  He’s the most experienced OT left from a pro-style offense.

Early in the second round, trade the 42nd pick and the late third acqired via trade, and please, please draft Jon Asomoah, OG, out of Illinois.  He’s a natural second-level blocker and quick learner who, most importantly, has never missed a start in three seasons.  This is what you need.

Now, I know everyone is high on taking a QB early, and I am struggling not to be, and Seneca Wallace was traded, so obviously you do need a QB.  With the early third rounder acquired via trade, you take Darryl Clark, Zac Robinson, Tim Hiller, Max Hall, or with any luck, Tony Pike out of Cincinnati will still be available, and you let that individual, contest with Mike Teel for the No. 2 spot, and eventual starter.

 

Again, this is a wishlist, but it is hard to deny just how dramatically these steps would improve this team.

-Hopefully Santa Clause (or Paul Allen) Abides.

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Gone ‘Till November, the Ballad of Leroy Hill

Lost this week, among the reports concerning Chicago Bears perennial Pro-Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher’s season-ending injury, was the news of Leroy Hill’s lost season to an unspecified groin injury.

Yes, the very same Leroy Hill that just received a $38 million contract just months ago.

Hill will be out at least until November, and currently the team is considering season-ending surgery. Will Herring, Hill’s backup, entered the game as Hill came out, and played well, though this should offer little consolation since the Seahawks already had the game in hand, and, after all, were playing the Rams. It remains to be seen how Herring will progress through the season.

Coach Jim Mora: Please listen to me a moment, as I believe that I have the solution. I propose a two-man rotation at strong-side linebacker that doesn’t even involve Herring.

On running downs, bring the heat. That’s right—David “Heater” Hawthorne, a moniker given to him by teammate Lofa Tatupu for his punishing hits. I’d let him loose, simply telling him to hit the ball carrier. Hard.

On passing downs, give ’em Reed. Nick Reed made a name for himself during the preseason, recording 3.5 sacks and an interception. There was no denying that the kid has a motor, as well as the will to get to the quarterback; hell, he fought his way into necessitating eleven roster spots for the defensive line. I’d let him loose as well, simply asking him to get to the quarterback. Fast.

The biggest knock on Hawthorne is that he may not have the instincts necessary to play NFL linebacker. That he may not have the ability to read the play. If these are the biggest concerns, I say eliminate them. Give him one job: hit the running back. 

Hard.

The biggest knock on Reed is his size. At 6’1″ and 247 pounds, he’s extremely small for a defensive end. At 6’1″ and 247 pounds, with the type of speed he has, he’s perfect as a linebacker. Give him one job, get to the quarterback.

Fast.

When Aaron Curry was brought to Seattle, it was so that there could be another second-level defender alongside Lofa Tatupu, allowing Hill to resume the role he filled quite well in his rookie year, putting up eight sacks and two forced fumbles.

I believe that rotating these two young men would fill that role quite nicely.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Jobu’s Week One Fantasy Picks

So, it’s finally opening day. If you are a fantasy football player, you’re probably adjusting your rosters right now. I’ve decided to throw out a little assistance to anyone out there still undecided. Now, my picks obviously won’t be applicable to everyone, but I’ve decided to adapt the following format for my picks.

#1 Starter
#2 Starter

Sleeper pick

Waiver wire pick up

Hopefully this’ll help a few of you guys out there.

-J

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2009 NFC Power Rankings – the Soundtrack

Well, the following is my personal NFC power rankings. Complete with a musical score. Please note that this is an estimation, it is my opinion, and as such I could be right or wrong, please feel free to offer your own views.

Can’t wait for the angry comments.

As a side note the top six spots were given to whom I beleive will earn playoff spots.

Seahawks Vs. Chargers Preview

Oh, August 15th, how I’ve waited for you.

Sure, it’s just a preseason game, but with all of the questions regarding the Seahawks lately, this simple preseason game may answer a lot of them.

What to expect on offense:

I would expect Julius Jones to be used sparingly as he already, due to a lack of depth, solidified his starting position.  I think, at most, you’ll see him in for one or two series.

Beyond that, Look to see Justin Forsett garnering the most play time to allow the coaching staff to see what he can bring to a real game-time situation, as well as a healthy supply of snaps to Devin Moore, the undrafted rookie out of Wyoming.

There will be a series or two for the three solidified starters (Housh, Branch and Burleson) as well, but at the receiving spots, look to see a lot of Courtney Taylor, Mike Haas, and Jordan Kent as these three compete for a roster spot. 

Additionally keep an eye out for Deon Butler, if only to see if his speed can transition into separation against a very quick secondary.

The most playing time given to a starting unit, in my opinion, will go to Seattle’s offensive line, with Wahle out and a few questions on the interior line, look for Mansfield Wrotto, Rob Sims, Steve Vallos, and Max Unger to get a lot of time while Mora’s staff works to decide who earns the starting job.

However, the most interesting thing to watch on the offense may be the amount of time Hasselbeck is given.  My money’s on one series, but this will give as true a sense as possible of exactly how much faith Seattle’s coaching staff has in their QB’s health.  If he stays in for two series, perhaps there is something to this talk of a healthy Hasselbeck. 

If they use caution and take him out after one series, or pull him out if he takes too much pressure, there may be need for concern.  If he doesn’t play at all, after missing as much time as he did last year, it would be a strong sign that the coaching staff really doesn’t have as much faith in his health as previous statements had suggested.

What to watch for on defense:

While the starting unit is on the field, I’d guess minus one Patrick Kerney and plus one Darryl Tapp, look to see as many stunts and blitzes as Mora can throw at a strong San Diego starting line.  This is a coach that has previously preached his emphasis on “the attack.”

Look for Ken Lucas to match up against the larger receiver, and underrated route runner, in Chris Chambers, testing his press coverage skills.

Beyond that, keep an eye on the depth at free safety, as this is the one position on defense that a backup (in the form of Jamar Adams or Courtney Greene) could very well jump into the starting lineup.

Match-up of the game: Seattle’s offensive line vs. San Diego’s defensive front

While Walter Jones sits out, presumably, watch tackle Sean Locklear’s effectiveness against a strong right side of the front seven in Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo.  Also important, as previously mentioned, will be the position battle for the interior line.

Whether Max Unger can step into a starting role could be an important sign for the future of a young interior line, as getting younger is never a bad thing.  Lastly, what better way to test the effectiveness of a newly placed zone blocking scheme, than against a strong attacking 3-4 defense?

Fantasy picks of the game: (were this during fantasy season)

1. John Carlson—with a newly unfamiliar receiving corps (remember the accumulated missed games last year) this will be Hasselbeck’s outlet guy under pressure.

2. Darren Sproles—Until the FS position in Seattle is solidified, the dump off passes to a speedy, undersized back will, unfortunately, be effective against this Seattle defense.

 

Seattle Seahawks Poised For a Turnaround: Why They Are Playoff Bound

I love power rankings.

I love analysis.

We all should, as they give us things to talk about. 

Things to agree or disagree with. 

They claim to let us know where our teams stand amongst the 29-31 other teams in their respective sport, depending, of course, on which sport you are talking about.

Last year, the Cardinals went to the Superbowl, and due to this, they are ranked 8-12 places higher than the Seahawks in most power rankings.  Additionally, everyone out there is quick to point out why: inter-division matchups. 

Without the division wins, it’s easy to point out how the Cardinals would’ve fell short. As the title and the previous statements suggest, all the Seahawks need to do is match up better against the Cardinals this season than last.

Now, I’m not forgetting about the Niners.

I just don’t see them in the running. 

After all one of the four Seahawks wins in their most dismal season in recent memory came at Monster park. 

Two of Arizona’s nine wins came against the Niners.

I’m not even counting out the Rams, though I probably should, as two of the Hawks’s four wins last season came against good ole Saint Louie.

So, It comes down Seattle vs. Arizona, and here are the three reasons that matchup will play out differently this year.

I’m not even going to go into detail about Arizona’s defensive matchups, even if I do believe DR Cromartie will play a large role, as they only scored one single point more than they allowed last season.

They simply do not have a dominating defense. 

Feel free to disagree.

Matchup #1

Ken Lucas vs. Larry Fitzgerald

In two games last year against Seattle, the Fitz netted 281 yards and two TDs. 

Determined not to let this happen again, coach Mora and Seattle GM Tim Ruskell searched out ex-Seahawk Ken Lucas, a large-press-cover-type corner that has the ability to bump receivers off of their routes, if only more so than Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings. 

However, these mere seconds stolen from Fitzgerald’s routes will mean so much more than that when taking into consideration matchup #2.

Matchup #2

Seattle’s DL vs. Arizona’s OL

Seattle has completely revamped their Defensive line this year, even more so than the additions they’ve made. 

First, they picked up a large-bodied DT in free agency by the name of Colin Cole.

This giant of a man will serve as the new anchor of the line, and by taking on double teams at the point of attack, he’ll be allowing the quicker Brandon Mebane to take one-on-one matchups, making it easier to reach the backfield.

Patrick Kerney, backed up by another speedster in Darryl Tapp, Will be switched from left end to right, pitting him in a one-to-one matchup against left tackle Levi Brown. 

Kerney, a player accustomed to two-on-one matchups against a right tackle as well as a tight end, should have a much easier time reaching the quarterback, and as an additional bonus, this puts him on the blind-side.

Newly aquired DT/DE Cory Redding rounds out the DL at left end, A strength/size oriented DE, Redding will be more productive against the two-on-one matchup.

Matchup #3

Arizona’s Backfield vs. Seattle’s Linebacking Corps

With the fourth overall pick in the 2009 draft, the Seahawks picked up LB Aaron Curry. 

Great in run support, and equally as impressive in coverage, he showed signs of promise in the pass rush in training camps this offseason.

However, with Curry in and Julian Peterson out, LB Leroy Hill should be able to get back into his position as the leading pass rushing LB, a position he played with moderate authority in the 2005 season with 7.5 sacks.

Rounding out this group is the defensive leader, and perennial pro-bowler Lofa Tatupu. 

Possibly the greatest coverage LB in the game today, Tatupu is also, despite being undersized, a great up-the-middle run stuffer.

It’s a well known fact that Arizona’s run game was atrocious last season, and as a result, they picked up RB Chris “Beanie” Wells with the 31st pick in the Draft. 

I, personally, don’t see him being the solution, but if he is, or if Tim Hightower can improve upon his rookie campaign, with the increased pressure provided by the revamped DL, the few runs that make it into the second level of Seattle’s defense should be stopped short by what may be the best linebacking corps in the league.

 

In short “He who controls Arizona, controls the west”

And Seattle can be that team.

 

What Would Jason Do?: NFL Edition

Round 2: Roger Goodell

 

How do I begin?

We’ll start with this.  I apologize Mr. Goodell.  I can honestly say that there is no other person in the business of sports that I admire more for what he has already done.  From holding players and coaches accountable for their actions, to summitting mountains in the name of charity, you are truly epitomizing your position.

That said, I have a bone or two to pick with you.

I need someone to explain to me why a rookie quarterback deserves a $72 million contract with $41 million guaranteed.

I need someone to explain to me why JaMarcus Russell, an unproven commodity felt that he could hold out through training camps, OTAs, minicamp, etc.

I need someone to explain to me why I’m watching players, who do something they love for a living, while making more money by age 24 than I will, um…ever, miss activities important to the health of our teams.

Why is this happening?

Why is there so much scrutiny over taking a skill position first overall?

 

And then, the answer.

Let’s say you go to Vegas.  You walk up to the craps table.  You have $1,000 or so dollars to gamble with as you see fit.  Are you going to lay a $100 bet on the pass line?

If you do, you’re an idiot.  That’s not a gamble worth making.

Just as$41  million to Stafford.

Just as $31 million to Russell.

Just as, even, $35 million to Ryan.

 

And then, the solution.

Predetermined contracts.

-After all, I was an honor student in middle school, not so much in high school (I found “fun”). Point being: Transition is tough to estimate.

 

So you went in the first round, good for you, here’s your choices:

A: 5 yrs – $30 mil, $12m guaranteed

B: 3 yrs – $20 mil, $8m guaranteed

C: 1 yr – $10 mil, $4m guaranteed

Now you make adjustments for each round, and you say, again, these are your choices.

I know which Stafford would pick.

I know which Sanchez would pick.

Truth be told, and I’m sorry if you disagree, this is the fairest way for both sides.

 

I’ll cut to the chase on another point: Let Vick play.

Now, you’ll find no one that thinks the dogfighting was more disgusting than I.  On top of that, this was a man who was caught with pot in an airport, flipped off his fans, etc…

But he did his time, now it’s benefit of the doubt time.  Continue with Dungy mentoring, and tell him—one more shot.  One more mistake. One parking ticket.

You’re done.

See, Roger, there’s a time to be tough.  There’s a time to punish people.  There’s a time to reinforce the fact that to play in the NFL is a privilege.

And then there’s a time to give a man the benefit of the doubt based on time served.

Same goes with Plax.

Same will go with Stallworth next year.

Just not Pacman Jones—that’s an example of too many opportunities.  Let him be UFL fodder.

 

And lastly, after a touchdown, players are fined for throwing the ball into the stands. 

They should be encouraged to.

Fix that, too.

 

-J

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