Kirtman Lands on his Feet

by: Michael Steffes

In case some of you were wondering.... David Kirtman ended up on a practice squad after all.

The San Diego Chargers signed Kirtman to theirs. This according to Mike Sando. It figures, because that was probably as good a game as he has played in his two years with the Seahawks. ~END~ Read More!

Rosters Updated!

by: Michael Steffes

Mike Sando calls his rosters "roided-out" rosters. Well, that makes mine more like rosters on Xanax or something to that effect. Which is to say that they are sedated, and they often get blacked out and go a while with out being updated. Anyhow, I digress...

With the big cut down and the practice squad announced, they have seen a nice update today. You can download and excel file, or just view it via Google docs, all by using the links in the right hand side bar. Just thought I would let you know they are up to date again. I will now feel free to black them out again until after week 1. Thanks. ~END~ Read More!

Practice Squad Announced

by: Michael Steffes

Here is the list according to Seahawks.com. The Hawks have saved an extra space to fill at a later date (*cough* after week 1 *cough*).

S Jamar Adams
DT Kevin Brown
WR Michael Bumpus
CB Marquis Floyd
G Pat Murray
TE Joe Newton
T Kyle Williams
T Samuel Gutekunst

END Read More!

Adams and Bumpus Safe

by: Michael Steffes

Mike Sando has noted at his NFC West Blog, that neither Adams nor Bumpus were claimed. They were the two Hawks that the team had to be most concerned with losing. No word on who they have else they have signed to the practice squad though. Both Bumpus and Adams make it a good start. ~END~ Read More!

Oh, Those Silly Niners

by: Michael Steffes

God I love watching the Niners burn themselves from the inside out. Fresh of the waiver wire news, comes this transaction. The Niners have released Dontarrious Thomas to sign the troubled former Bengal Ahmad Brooks.

The Niners gave Thomas guaranteed money in free agency this year, and also recently signed Takeo Spikes. The must not have found the right fit yet, because now they are turning to Brooks.

Brooks was drafted by the Bengals in the supplemental draft, which he was eligible for after a drug arrest, constant problems with Coach Al Groh, and finally being suspended for his senior year. He has been an average pro since entering the league and Bengal sources have characterized him as a less than desirable personality in the locker room. In other words... the Niners were stoked to grab him.

Thomas is a versatile linebacker who can play any positions. If he is willing to play special teams, he could be of interest to the Seahawks. ~END~ Read More!

Babin, Atkins, Forsett...

by: Chris Sullivan

I think most people were pleased yesterday to see that we somehow managed to keep Justin Forsett (Young Nastyman / J-Force One) on the squad. Then, a lot of us were happy to see no Babin or Atkins on the cut list... and then... no Coutu or Mare... whats going on here guys? Well, the timely suspensions of Bernard and Babs bought us some time on these five players, but between the five of them there are exactly three spots that will be occupied. We know that one of the kickers will get one of those spots, so there are two spots left.

It seems like an obvious assumption that Babin and Atkins are going to be fighting for the flex spot there, and Forsett is sittin' pretty returning punts and getting a few touches. However, it is unlikely that the team will choosee to keep all the running backs active for a given game, meaning until someone gets injured (knock on wood) it is possible either Forsett or Duckett will be inactive. After seeing what Duckett can do when he tries, and seeing as he is the biggest back and arguably the hardest runner, it seems unlikely that Duckett is inactive for the bulk of the games. Babin and Atkins have both played very well in the offseason, and both Babin and Atkins play on special teams too. Atkins may also prove a viable backup to an aging Kerney who, as we saw last year, could be getting tired by the end of the year.

Given all that, I think it is very likely that the Hawks keep Forsett through week one cut him and resign him to the Practice Squad. This adds a level of security in that it is likely going to be easier to slip him onto the PS without all the teams scoping out their third RB from the waivers. It is obvious that we like Young Nastyman, but at the same time, it seems unlikely for him to make much of an impact this year, especially if he is not returning kicks. END POST Read More!

Seahawks to bring in Punter for Tryout?

by: Michael Steffes

The Redskins cut last years punter, Derrick Frost, yesterday in favor of a rookie. Frost wasn't too pleased, essentially claiming that Vinny Ceratto was keeping the draft picks to bolster his own resume, especially after the Skins have been disappointed with several rookies this year. Why does this matter?

Well, Frost told the Washington Post that he has a tryout with the Seahawks scheduled for Tuesday. Maybe this is nothing, but regardless it is worth mentioning.

Frost was the one punter who was statistically worse than Plackemeier in almost every category last year. Also, the team just sent Reggie Hodges packing, who had kicked well in the preseason. That seems to suggest that Plackemeier is healthy and ready to go.

This could just be the Seahawks keeping up with players that are available, in case something should come up. Maybe we will hear more about what is going on when the team gets back together to get ready for Buffalo next week. ~END~ Read More!

Things to Think About

by: Michael Steffes

Now that I have had a minute to digest my dinner, and the roster cuts, there are a few things that have popped into my head that are worth sharing with you.


First, Olindo Mare is the kicker. Why do I say this? Because Mare is a veteran. The moment that he suits up week 1, his entire 1.75 million dollar salary is guaranteed. Now, if he has a meltdown, the team will probably be willing to move on. But in the meantime, they will let kicker needy teams snatch up other rookies like Conner Darth and Taylor Mehlhaff tomorrow, and slip Coutu onto the PS with little problem next Tuesday. I would expect that they will pay him his full wage in an effort to keep him there until they need him.

Second, Branch is on the active roster. Good! Its no secret that I was in favor of PUPing him, but as I said all along, I don't have access to the medical reports. I was just going on generalities about ACL injuries. If he comes back soon, even if it is for 15-20 snaps, it will be better than than going with another young guy for 7 weeks. I expect we won't see Branch until after the bye, but hey, who knows? He has a chance to be a difference maker in the second half.

Third, every week, when the team has to declare its 8 inactive players, there are going to be some good players on that list. This is a deep team at every position. If, and this is a big if, they can weather the storm before the bye, and then get the veteran WRs back, this team will be in great shape. Buffalo is going to be a stern test, even more so without Rocky, but as Deon Grant said last night, this team gets to learn to be a road team before they are a home team this year. I think that is a good thing. How can they not be amped up for week 1, right? ~END~ Read More!

Post-cuts Live Chat!!!

by: Chris Sullivan

Thanks to those who made it to the chat. END Read More!

Suspended Players and PUP

by: Michael Steffes

The two suspended players DO NOT count against the roster at this time. They will have to have room made for them to be activated after serving their one game suspensions. Hope this clears up some of the confusion. That essentially allows the team to make its final two cuts after the Buffalo game, assuming there are no more injuries.

Branch has obviously been made active. He is no longer eligible for PUP. The team will certainly keep their fingers crossed he is back before week 7. ~END~ Read More!

Look at the Roster

by: Michael Steffes

By taking a quick look at the list, it appears that the Hawks kept both Kickers.

Also, they kept both Babin and Atkins.

CJ Wallace won out over Jamar Adams.

All six running backs made it as expected.

It is possible that they will tweak this after week one, especially now that the suspensions have been handed out. They may have kept Atkins just for that reason. It gives them another body inside for week one.

Right now the team has six wide outs, two of which are hurt. By my quick count, they are one over the limit, so Branch's status may still be announced. More to come as we figure it all out. ~END~ Read More!

Rocky and Babs to Miss Opener [UPDATED]

by: Michael Steffes

Both have been suspended one game by the league. Rocky's suspension is under the leagues personal conduct policy, and Babs is under the substance abuse program. More on this to follow.

UPDATE: Because of these suspensions, we save two roster spots... yay substance abuse. The Babin/Atkins and Mare/Coutu cuts will be decided after Marshawn Lynch is decimated by Mebane and Bryant... ~END~ Read More!

Roster Moves

by: Michael Steffes

Forsett made it. Obamanu is on IR.... Thank you Mike Sando. ~END~


Here is the list... via Clare

Placed on Injured Reserve
WR Ben Obomanu
DT Chris Cooper

Terminated Veteran Contacts:
WR Bryan Gilmore
DT Larry Tripplett

Waived:
DB Jamar Adams
QB Dalton Bell
DT Kevin Brown
WR Michael Bumpus
C Ben Claxton
DB Marquis Floyd
P Reggie Hodges
DB Kelin Johnson
C Nick Jones
FB David Kirtman
G Pat Murray
TE Joe Newton
LB Dallas Sartz
WR Trent Shelton
DE Nu'u Tafisi
T Kyle Williams Read More!

This Just In....

by: Michael Steffes

What the F@#$# is going on? This is so disrespectful to fans who have nothing better to do than sit on our computers and wait for the cuts? Hopefully we will have somethng soon.~END Read More!

Questions to be Answered?

by: Michael Steffes

Here are the big questions that will be answered by 3 pm today....hopefully.

1) To PUP or not to PUP. Coach says Deion Branch "might" start practicing next week. They thought he "might" start practicing two weeks after straining his foot last year too. He ended up missing 4 games (5 weeks with the bye). The fact is that Branch hasn't really proved to be a quick healer. Even if the team only plans to use him for a small complement of snaps, it is not a certain he will be playing anytime soon.

2) Who will return punts and kickoffs? If the team is really going to cut Forsett for the sake of another WR, then somebody has to return kicks. Josh Wilson is one, but can he return punts? If he can we haven't seen it. Also, Nasty Nate is still on this team, but does the staff have the faith to use him? An injury to Nate would be devastating, but he has become one of the better returners in the league. Dark horse candidate is Seneca Wallace, but that takes serious faith. The options are not good right now. Maybe Ruskell will swing a trade for Kirtman or Atkins?

3) Who is the kicker? Do kick offs win out over draft status and youth? They should, but this team hasn't shown a deep dedication to having the best kicking game possible, so I am not counting out either choice.

4) Wallace or Adams? This has actually become the least of my concerns as far as decisions go. Either will do fine in a limited role. My guess is still Wallace. I don't believe that Adams would be claimed. He hasn't stood out in any of the last three games, and teams have already passed on him before. ~END~ Read More!

Roster Projection and Practice Squad

by: Michael Steffes

To See the Seahawk Addicts Roster Predictions....

QBs~ Hasselbeck, Wallace, Frye (3)

RBs~Jones, Morris, Duckett, Forsett (4)

FBs~Weaver, Schmitt (2)

TEs~Carlson, Putzier, Heller (3)

WRs~Burleson, Engram, Taylor, Kent, Payne, (5)

OL~Jones, Wahle, Spencer, Sims, Locklear, Womack, Vallos, Wrotto, Willis (9)

TOTAL OFFENSE (26)

DT~ Bernard, Mebane, Terrill, Green, Bryant (5)

DE~Kerney, Tapp, Jackson, Babin, Atkins (5)

LB~ Tatupu, Peterson, Hill, Laury, Lewis, Hawthorne (6)

CBs~ Trufant, Jennings, Wilson, Hobbs (4)

S~ Grant, Russell, Babineaux, Wallace (4)

TOTAL DEFENSE (24)

K ~ Mare

P ~ Plackemeier

LS ~ Robinson

TOTAL (53)

PUP LIST > Herring, Branch

IR > Obamanu, Schmitt, Robinson, Dizer, Mallard

PRACTICE SQUAD

S > Adams

TE > Newton

T > Williams

G > Murray

K > Coutu

LB > Sartz

DL > Brown

WR > Bumpus

T > Gutekunst

Read More!

Ben Obamanu Has Broken Clavicle

by: Michael Steffes

According to Mike Holmgren in the post game presser, Ben Obamanu has a broken clavicle. The return time on an injury like this is usually about 6-8 weeks. With the current situation at WR, Obamanu is almost certain to be placed on IR.

Here is the good news, we get to keep him for another year. The bad news is that an already short handed crew loses another member. It will be interesting to see if they PUP Branch, and now keep Bumpus as well. Somebody has to catch passes right.

This also just furthers my belief that the Seahawks will be a fairly conservative, power running team for the first few weeks at least. Another receiver, jeeez, what else can be said. Very disappointing. ~END~ Read More!

Seattle Wins....Seattle Wins

by: Michael Steffes\

In an excruciatingly vanilla preseason game, the Seahawks prevailed 23-16. Not too much to say about this game. My guess is that the organization knew who was going to make this team before tonight, but you never know.

Here are the highlights.....

Forsett looked fairly ordinary again. I still think he will make the team. However, he muffed a punt, which is one of the things he needs to excel at.

Payne didn't stand out as a receiver, but he was in on a bunch of special teams tackles again. That helps his cause.

Obomanu showed up, made a nice catch, and then got hurt. We will have to wait and see.

Both Babin and Atkins had good games. Babin had another sack. Atkins was solid all night.

Bryant played a lot, and played well. That guy is a freakin' load inside. Can't wait till he gets back to full strength.

Spencer, Sims, and Willis started on the line, and opened gaping holes. This included demolishing the right side of the Raiders defense on TJ Duckett's twenty-something yard TD run.

As far as the kickers go, it looks like Mare is the winner to me. The kickoffs are the difference. Hopefully Coutu isn't claimed off waivers. ~END~ Read More!

Live Chat - Seahawks vs. Raiders

by: Chris Sullivan

How will Red play in the green and blue? Can Forsett force it through the Raiders' offensive line? Have we all been blabbin' about Babin or will Atkins... die..t...........

Well, I almost got there. Anyway, watch all the hot, happenin', jive action go on LIVE from Qwest Field in the Seahawk Addicts Live Chat. Last week we had upwards of 55 people in the room, but this week it will likely be subdued due to the fact that many of us will be at the game (Thanks Steffes!).

Remember, the live chat is an excellent way to figure out how to watch or listen to the game online if you don't have local access. Good luck, and GO SEAHAWKS!!! Read More!

Chad Johnson will never be a Seahawk

by: Chris Sullivan

Despite what Steffes' April Fools joke may have tricked you into believing... even if we traded for a disgruntled showboating WR from Cincinatti, it would not be Chad Johnson, no way, no how. Why not?

Because the assclown legally changed his name to Chad OchoCinco. This has been joked about, even rumored, for a few weeks now, but Mr. Masking-tape-on-Hall-of-Fame-Jacket has taken it to a new level, and appears to be doing everything in his power to make sure the Hall of Fame never takes him seriously, regardless of stats.

And, since this is only a BARELY Seahawk related post, I'll make up for it later with a picture of a coworker wearing an enormous Deion Branch jersey... note: he is about 5'7", 150 lbs and it's an XXL jersey. Heh heh. END POST Read More!

Practice Squad Update

by: Michael Steffes

Mike Sando has done some work looking at who is eligible and likely to be on the NFC West's practice squad. Kudos to him, he actually has cleared up something I misunderstood about the practice squad. Contrary to popular belief, I am not an omniscient source of NFL info. Here is the Seahawks post.

Apparently, it has nothing to do with being on the active 53 man roster, which is how I understood the PS to be. The nine games a player must have to be ineligible come from the 45 man game day roster. As you see, this actually makes Ray Willis (never would have guessed) and the oft mis-understood Mansfield Wrotto eligible. Good to know. Actually, it doesn't really matter, both of those guys will make the final 53.

Also, someone asked about this as well, previously. A player does have three years eligibility for the practice squad, assuming that the team he is employed by has had 53 players on the roster at all times. I am not sure how common that is, but I have never seen or heard of a player spending three years on a practice squad. As you can see, in Sando's post though, David Kirtman is eligible, and this would be his third year. He has only been active for 5 games ~END~ Read More!

Old Friends

by: Michael Steffes

If the appeal of the madness that is the Seahawk Addicts chat room, or the fact that the HATED Raiders are in town weren't enough to grab your attention tonight, there are two other nice reasons to watch the game.

Chris Spencer and Red Bryant. Both will be getting playing their first playing time of the preseason tonight. I would only expect to see Spencer in for most of the first quarter. What will be interesting to watch is if the other starters play a few series with him. I hope that is a possibility, at least for Wahle and Sims. It would also be nice to watch the ever popular J-Force get a few carries behind the starters, especially Wahle who is nearly a foot taller than the diminutive Forsett.

As for Red, I think that we may see him in and out the entire game. He will benefit from as much playing time as they can find for him. He hasn't seen NFL action up close yet. Plus, is there any bigger confidence builder than going against the Raiders offensive line? If Bryant plays a decent game, he likely speeds his re-entry into the defensive line rotation. If not, he may not see many minutes until after the bye. ~END~ Read More!

Audition Night

by: Michael Steffes

Well, folks, we made it. Tonight is the last exhibition game, and then we are on to 2008! Almost time to shock the world. In the meantime, the Seahawks are still trying to decide who will have a spot on this train towards Tampa. The only thing standing in the way....The Raiders.

Here are the players I think are important to watch tonight, as they will all be battling for the one or two undecided spots.

Baratka Atkins> Atkins could really use a standout performance, much like TJ Duckett had last week. It still may not be enough. What is going against him has been the surprising consistency of Jason Babin. He has recorded a sack in each of the first three preseason games. Unfortunately, consistency has never been Baratka's strong suit. If they keep them both, that will be 10 defensive linemen, which is not unheard of, but might hamper the offensive players needed.

Jamar Adams> Adams is on the bubble for the final DB spot. It is unlikely they keep both him and Wallace though because of the situation on the other side of the ball. Some of the fans think he will get snatched up, but those who cover the team seem to think Adams is destined for the practice squad. It is hard to pin this one down, because both he and Wallace have had ordinary preseasons. That's why the guys who watch practice probably know best.

Ben Obamanu or Logan Payne> If I am Ben Obamanu I am little more worried than I am letting on. He told Jose Romero that he is confident he will make the team, but I am not so sure. If Forsett makes the team, and is set to handle punt returns, then Obamanu doesn't add much. Both he and Payne are accomplished run blockers on the outside, and Payne was in on a bunch of tackles last week, which is a good sign. Plus, at least we see him during games. Obamanu has barely been visible.

Brandon Coutu> Coutu will be back in action tonight, and he still has a good chance to make the team. Mare missed a long kick last week, so if Brandon buries a few then maybe he gets the call. If there is a way to get him through to the PS it would be worth it, but kickers are tricky. Of course, it seems as if a few kickers will be become available Saturday so there is a good shot. Either way, it would be great if Coutu just wowed us all tonight. ~END~ Read More!

Issac Bruce Predicts 8 in 08'

by: Michael Steffes

You might think he is being so bold to predict 8 wins and .500 season for the Niners, and you would be wrong.
Issac Bruce is on record predicting the 49ers offense will score 8 touchdowns a game this season. Yup 8 TDs, 56 points. Bruce says that the 49er offense compares favorably to the Rams offense at the end of the last decade. Yeah, you know, "The Greatest Show on Turf."

Here is what I think. I think that a little preseason success has gone straight to the Niners heads. They wouldn't score 8 touchdowns in a game if they were allowed 12 players on offense. And Bruce, he should know better than anyone, he was in this division last year. Obviously he was sleeping while the Rams played this team last year, or else he would know that the talent isn't there.

The 49ers are going to be playing Bruce, who is 70 years old, Bryant Johnson, who never took advantage of numerous opportunities in AZ, and then a rookie and a 2nd year guy at receiver. Oh...and JT O'SULLIVAN is the QUARTERBACK!

Here is my advice... shut your trap Ike, you're making a fool out of yourself, just like John Kitna did last year after a little preseason success under Martz. Wake up... nobody is game planning for Martzie boys offense. When they do.... it ain't that hard to stop!~END~ Read More!

Breakdowns and Bold(?) Predictions

by: Mike Parker

Yet another NFC West breakdown has come through, this time in print publication ESPN: The Magazine. Check it out and see if you agree with statements like this:

..."but replacing K Josh Brown with Olindo Mare will haunt them, like when the Rams - who signed Brown - come to town."

Hold on a minute. Do they not realize Brown left Seattle to a division rival for $15.2 million instead of the $15 million offered to him by Ruskell & co? It could be just me, but that phrasing seems...suspect.

And for the record, the noise level at Qwest this season when Josh Brown even so much as gets on the field will be detectable from space.

Besides that, though, the breakdown for the Seahawks seems pretty reasonable, with the usual areas of scrutiny coming into question. (Weak/unproven WR corps, Julius Jones' capability as a starter, suspect O-line.)

But I have to say, it was nice reading something about the team that didn't include the words "Steve Hutchinson." Could this be a subtle sign of respect? Or at least, a pedestrian knowledge of Seahawk personnel that isn't as current as 2005? Who knows.

What I do know:

-Seven days until the NFL 2008 opener,
-Three days and 22 hours until the Seahawk Addicts Fantasy League draft,
-Ten days until the Seahawks roll into Buffalo and over the Bills. Predictions on the final score, anyone? I say 24-14. -END- Read More!

Single digits!

by: Chris Sullivan

Well guys and gals, the "countdown to Seahawks Kickoff" has officially entered the single digits. 9 days and 20+ hours away from the regular season!!! Woo!

We are also just two days away from the final cuts, seven days from the NFL Regular Season kickoff, and about 330 days from Training Camp 200