| 31 August 2009
Hey guys and gals,
My band played last night at the Alaska State Fair so I had to wait until 1 a.m. to watch the game on ReplayTV which is the reason my take on the game is so late. Another preseason win. This is kind of getting scary. A lot of teams have gone undefeated in preseason only to have a mediocre regular season. Let's hope that's not a curse as we're likely to win again Thursday at Quest Field and be undefeated in preseason.
First of all, I thought it would be good to review how hard it is for the Seahawks to win at Kansas City. In the regular season, KC holds a 31 - 18 edge in 49 games played. At their home stadium though, it's a 20 - 5 edge. Ouch! Of course preseason is a different game but it's been traditionally very difficult for the Seahawks to win at Arrowhead. I'll take last night as a good omen.
The Seahawks seem to be a slow starting team. It's better to be slow starting than slow finishing and that's what we've been hearing about the ZBS in general. It's the type of offense that wears down a team over the course of a game and therefore it shouldn't be unexpected that more of Seattle's production will come later in the game. As long as the defense can keep us in the game while we sap the opponents energy, that shouldn't pose too much of a problem and doesn't concern me too much yet.
Actually, Hass has looked pretty sharp in the first quarters and some of the problem has been that he and the receivers still haven't ironed out the nuances of the routes. One of the big things is how a receiver and quarterback react to a disruption of a route for whatever reason. One of the reasons that Matt and Bobby Engram were so good together was that they knew what each other would do in just about any circumstance. None of our receivers and Hass has that kind of rapport yet. When a defender forces a receiver out of his route or to turn the wrong way or one of many things that can go wrong, Matt is sometimes still guessing what the receiver will do in response. As soon as that gets worked out, I think some of the first quarter woes will resolve themselves. To continue reading this article, click on Read more... below.
Once again, our reserves looked better than KC's reserves. I think that bodes well for the future of the team because some of those players are the future starters for both teams. The depth that those teams will rely on when injuries take their inevitable toll also come from those 2nd and 3rd stringers. If ours are better than theirs, we should have the edge over time and as attrition occurs. While some fans are finding reasons that we'll fail and that our GM hasn't done a good job of stocking the team in certain areas, I think the fact that our reserves have outplayed every other team's reserves so far is an indication that we're doing a better job of stocking our team than they are theirs. I think that you can't possibly pay proper attention to all of the needy areas of your team every year so you work on what you can mostly dictated by who's available in free agency, through trades, and who you can get in the draft without reaching. Sometimes, you have to address a needy area of your team over the course of two or three years because there just aren't players available that fit your needs. Read into it what you will.
Burleson and Houshmandzadeh look to be a very good first string receiver set. Burleson looked as sharp in the game as he has been at practices and appears to be ready to show us that potential we've been waiting for. He looks to be our big play man with Housh being our possession receiver. Branch made a first down but both he and Butler were pretty much non factors in the game last night. As much as I love Kent, he doesn't seem to be able to make the tough catches. I doubt that he's going to make the team unless they think he's the second coming if Michael Bates as a head hunter. Other than that, the rest of the young guns each made a catch last might to include Obomanu, Taylor, and Payne. I don't remember Hass or Bumpus catching a pass. I would think that probably Taylor and Obomanu have the inside track on the two possible open positions.
When Mare missed his second field goal, I was mentally thinking of the line I would write in this article and it would go something like "Is having the longer kickoffs and better field position worth giving up the points that Mare misses on field goals that Coutu would surely have made?" Then Coutu comes in and misses his chance at solidifying his bid for the job. Although it was a 50 yarder, that's where his bread is buttered and one of the supposed advantages that he has over Mare as the better long distance kicker. Now, I just don't know. Both couldn't get it done last night so it's still a crap shoot as far as I concerned. The only thing I hate about Mare is that he's going to need replacing much sooner than Coutu because of age. I love the stability of having a kicker, punter, and long snapper who will be with the team for a long time and make those parts of special teams solid and not in need of yearly attention.
The defense seemed to keep decent pressure on the Chiefs last night. We're getting to the quarterback real well in preseaon and once again KC's quarterbacks didn't just stand there and carve us up like we've seen happen in the past to this team. I was hoping to see the relentless pressure Mora talked about right from the get go but it looks as if it's going to have to be developed over time. I see enough good things coming from the line play like Cole's stout play in the middle of the line and Reed's continued sack-a-game performance and the overall team sacks. I was hoping to see Mebane reminding me of Cortez Kennedy and Kerney just raising havoc on the right side but neither has really dominated yet. It's way too early to say that it won't happen at this point in time and I also think they're probably not showing their whole defensive package yet particularly their blitzing schemes which should put a lot more pressure on and make for even more sacks. Wilson looked pretty good and Jennings even looked like he's making some progress. With Jennings, it's not the technique factor as he's generally in position, it's the ability to make the play when the moment of truth arrives. I don't know how you can improve your physical impact and ability to physically make the play against a bigger and stronger opponent.
I did a little research and compared our team to the rest of the NFC West in preseason. Our defense is 6th best in preseason in points allowed and that's the defensive statistic that has the most impact on the final score. We're 5th in rushing yards surrendered but 24th in passing yards given up. Overall, we're just out of the top ten in defense at 12th in total defense surrendering 308.7 yards a game which is best in the NFC West. The Seahawks lead the league in sacks at 12 with Nick Reed leading individual players with 3.5 and Michael Bennett tied for 4th at 2 (with 17 other players). The Cardinals are 16th, the Rams are 20th, and San Francisco is 21st in total defense.
The Offense comes in at 18th in total offense generating 301.3 yards a game of total offense. We're 15th in passing and 24th in rushing offense. Arizona is 3rd in total offense and San Francisco is 12th. The Rams are 28th. Pretty much as we figured coming into the season. Our defense is going to win games by keeping the offense close enough to pull it out with their slow starting offense who should get stronger as the game goes on. It'll be the defense's job to keep from getting blown out while the offense gets on track. So far it's working and that's the bottom line here isn't it? To come out on top at the final whistle. Like the rest of you, I wish it was a prettier win and we could just come out and look like a million bucks every game but it just doesn't work that way. Win pretty, win ugly, but win. That's my motto. Win by design, win by the other team's ineptitude, win by luck, win because the referee mistook a helmet for the football. Just win. This year's team may need to adopt such an attitude but that's just fine with me.
Lastly, the offense. The line looked OK and now that it's pretty well set with Locklear, Sims, Vallos, Unger, and Willis, it should be able to start the gelling process which will eventually make them better. Until then, we're probably going to have to live with some growing pains. It can only help if and when Walt comes back. The running game had it's moments last night and I saw some pretty decent running coming from Jones with Forsett as the change of pace back. It should be even better when James gets in the lineup. Those of you who are upset that James won't play until the regular season think back on when we brought Koren Robinson in last season and pushed him too hard right off the bat. He injured himself and was out for 2 or 3 weeks before he could come in and contribute. James hasn't been in camp and probably isn't in any better shape that Koren was. They are being smart by taking it easy with him and making sure they have him ready when it counts. He can only make a difference if he's in football shape and can play instead of rehabbing an injury suffered because we pushed him too hard. The passing game looks good and once our running game gets on track, should be even better as the play action becomes more and more effective. With our receivers and Hass's ability, we should become one of the better passing teams this season. Once again, Matt looks healthy and has taken several hits now without a problem. I think we're good to go at quarterback this season with Seneca coming in and looking sharp every game.
Forsett had a couple of good returns last night although we gave KC too much yardage in return in my opinion. We still have some work to do on special teams with the missed field goals and on the coverage teams. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't real good either.
Overall, I still have a positive outlook for the team. We've only had three injuries of note during the preseason so far (turning and knocking on a big hunk of wood) and two of them should be back (Trufant and Spencer) before the season is too old. Walt is still thought to be able to come back and play at some time in the season so we're not doing too bad in that department compared to other teams who have already lost critical players to injured reserve. It hurts that two of the three players are front line players where there's a definate drop off in production with the backup but we have a pretty accommodating schedule at the first of the season to get by without them. For a new team with new schemes, new players, new coordinators, and a new head coach, we're doing real well at this point in time and as we move forward, we'll be establishing our identity and solidifying our teamwork as the players become more and more accustomed to playing alongside each other or learning each other's moves. I still say the future looks bright and the win at Arrowhead only enhances that feeling. Comments as always are welcomed.
Hasta,
BillT
written by HawkFanInFGR, August 31, 2009
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written by optimistichawkfan, August 31, 2009
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written by JoshManRock, August 31, 2009
Contract Information for Anquan Boldin(from Rotoworld)
7/31/2005: Signed a four-year, $22.67 million contract extension through 2010. The deal contains $10 million guaranteed, including a $5 million signing bonus. 2009: $2.75 million, 2010: $3 million, 2011: Free Agent
How can we justify paying 5M for Branch when better recievers are making less and we can get the same or more production out of the young guys? Mr. Bill T, any thoughts?
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written by kelphelper, August 31, 2009
as a fellow alaskan, i have two questions:
1) any ideas on where to catch seahawk games here in anchorage? a long time ago, i would occasionally jump in with the seahawkers chapter meeting at tony roma's. i don't have the new digital converter box, and watching with fellow hawk fans would be preferable anyway.
2) what's the name of your band?
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written by bleedshawkblue, August 31, 2009
Also thought JJ was solid but unspectacular, which I much prefer to 1 run of 60 yards and 20 runs of 1 yard.
Nice to see the big question marks are who can kick the longest and who will be the 5th and 6th receiver.
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written by BillT, August 31, 2009
You can disagree with my articles all you want in fact, I encourage everyone to say their piece. Just keep it clean and on the subject of football not personal attacks. Enough said.
JoshManRock,
I've always supported Branch because when healthy, he's a very good receiver. The problem of course is that he's not been healthy. His fault? Should management have known somehow he would become injured? I don't have those answers but he played well at the end of last season when he got his body right again so I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll be valuable to us this season.
I don't know about the ramifications of cutting him as far as how much we still have to pay him from his signing bonus. I do know that if you double cover Housh and Nate, Branch will absolutley kill whoever's left over working as the third receiver.
I'm pretty sure he's on a short leash now as far as injuries are concerned and if he gets hurt this year, it's most likely all over for him as a Seahawk. It'll be an interesting call at the cut to 53 but I think he makes the team as the third receiver. At this point though, if he can't play again because of whatever reason, I'm ready to move on but I think a healthy Branch could make our 3 receiver sets absolutely devastating. Butler will challenge for that third receiver position but I think he needs more seasoning. Rarely does a rookie receiver make much of an impact in his first season as a receiver. By mid-season, Butler might be making contributions.
kelphelper,
The Seahawk fan club who used to meed at Tony Romas is called the "Midnight Sun Sea Hawkers" and they now meet every Sunday at the American Legion Post 28 on Brayton Drive between Dimond and Doweling. If you go West from Lake Otis on 68th until you hit Brayton Drive, then turn right onto Brayton, the Legion building will be on your right shortly (look for the American flag). If you get to 72nd, you've gone too far. Brayton is a one way street so if you miss it, you'll have to take 72nd back to Lake Otis and try again. We have a large grill and grill steaks on Sunday (they sell you the steak - you cook it) or a prepared meal is also available. The club has a membership fee of $25 a year and for $5 more, you can participate in the halftime drawings for cool Seahawk stuff like hats, shirts, etc. We have a yearly Christmas party too. Check us out. We get every Seahawk game whether broadcast locally or not. It's the only place in town if you're a Seahawk fan. That's where I watch the games.
BillT
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written by BillT, August 31, 2009
Missed the question about my band. We're called "Power Of Ten" or POT for short.
We currently play every Thursday night at "Players House of Rock" on Spenard Drive. (its the old "Fly By Night" club) from 8:30 until 10:30 pm. There's a $5 cover. We're a 12 piece band with a full horn section and play almost all Tower Of Power music (soul and funk). Come down and check us out. We'll be there this Thursday (Sept 3rd) but we're off on the 10th because he has another act booked that night. We'll be back on Sept 17th and thereafter. If you come, say hi. I'm the B3 Hammond Organ player.
BillT
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written by kelphelper, August 31, 2009
and i'm glad to hear someone is playing some soul funk locally. been getting into that a bit lately as a friend just introduced me to the trombone-heavy group, "bonerama"..
but in a more seahawk-related topic, i thought i'd pitch in with the branch discussion. i really would be surprised to see him be cut or traded right now. i understand the concerns of those who haven't seen the return on the investment. and it's true, his salary hasn't matched his production.
but he can be a starting receiver, where all the young pups are not quite ready to be that yet. if nate and housh got nicked up, i'm guessing that it would be quite comforting having branch around to step in and be the guy.
they paid a lot for him, and he's getting healthy. ditching him now doesn't really have much benefit. i'm guessing they'll keep 6 on the roster (looks like taylor and obumanu are leading), and still room for a couple on the ps. (hass, payne?)
would you really rather have bumpus or kent instead of branch?
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written by julius Vrooder, August 31, 2009
Branch stays. He brings a lot of football IQ, and is a gamer. We don't have a cap problem, so who cares about the money?
I am a little worried about the line, but my gut says they are ready to break out. They actually showed some promise last year.
I have rarely seen such a potent offense. Matt is sharp as a razor, and everyone of his targets has pro-bowl skills right now. Griffith is a scrapper, and I may be the one guy around that is perfectly comfortable with the run game, especially with this weeks upgrade.
The linebackers were a disappointment last year. They need to get it up. They have loads of talent, and no excuses.
Two final thoughts: 1-Last year we lost a QB, a complete line, and two complete sets of wide-receivers. This left an undersized DL on the field way to long, in turn making a solid DB corps look awful. This could happen to anyone, and when it happened to Philly and Pittsburgh, nobody counted them out the next year. Most media do not realize this, cause South Alaska is not on their radar, but the truth is we are not a 4-12 team. We are a perennial playoff team that had a bad run of injuries.
2- This was the most impressive off-season I have ever seen, and I have been a Hawk fan from day one. Ruskell is dealing like its a contract-year...
ALL we have to do is have the normal number of injuries, normally distributed, and we are looking at home-field throughout.
The table is set fellas; Lets eat!
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i agree with your right up to a tee. very realistic in all areas. thanks. can't wait for the effing season alreadyyyy!!!