| 24 August 2009
Please note: this is rampant speculation. I know nothing that you don't know (understatement of the year?), but I have to feel like this Edgerrin James move is not the last move coming at this time. While it does potentially improve one position of mild need, it does not do anything to shore up the O-line, which we all know is the big issue as we prepare for the season. Further, the Seahawks have refused to comment on this signing, and said they would comment on the "speculation" tomorrow. Well, there ain't no speculation, everyone from Florio to Lombardi to Clayton announced the signing, everyone except the Seahawks. Might they be readying a more interesting, or at least, more complete story for tomorrow?
So what if this isn't the only move? What if this is intended not at ending TJ Duckett's Seahawks career, but at using him or, more likely, Julius Jones as trade bait to acquire some help on the offensive line? I have been saying for awhile that Deion Branch is potential trade bait; we aren't going to get a first round pick for him by any stretch, but he still has value especially to a team with WR issues. With Michael Bennett playing well, I've also suggested that Craig Terrill could potentially be used in a trade if someone needed depth at DT. Add in Mare or Coutu and you've got four solid potential trade pieces, plus next years draft picks. We have all but our third round pick next year.
A lot of people talk a lot of crap about Tim Ruskell. That's fine, you're entitled to do so. I, however, love the guy and think he's been great for the team on the whole. One thing he has proven, that few other GMs ever do, is that he has the guts to make bold moves when necessary. We saw this in the offseason when he traded away Julian Peterson for a guy few people knew by name any more (Cory Redding, who will start and has looked excellent thus far). We saw it when Ruskell dropped the franchise tag from Leroy Hill, a risk, yes, but a calculated risk that paid great dividends in the end. We might be seeing this pro-active, gutsy side of Ruskell again.
I don't know if there will be a trade or another signing announced tomorrow. The odds are probably against it, at least, against any sort of blockbuster trade. But then, I feel like something is coming. Call it a whim or a delusion, but this move only makes about half-sense in and of itself to me.
Comments (14)
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written by Seth H., August 24, 2009
written by Seth H., August 24, 2009
PFT is reporting that Duckett was cut. http://profootballtalk.nbcspor...p-duckett/ so it wasn't the only move. =(
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written by DSAhawker, August 24, 2009
written by DSAhawker, August 24, 2009
I completely agree about Ruskie and am more than glad we have him on our side. I like the fact that he is willing to pull the trigger when needed...may be good...may be bad...but at least he's trying to make us a winner through changes rather than sit in one spot with his thumb up his butt like the Mariner and *sob* Sonics *sob* GM's of the past.
I had a feeling something would get done as well but I didn't think Edge for 1 second. I personally love the move....and welcome him over Duckett. He just doesn't have the first step needed to run with this scheme and with our floundering Oline. Edge isn't a burner either but he knows to plant his foot and hit a hole. Duckett, even with his size still kind of lacks in that department IMO.
I hope we see some more moves, especially with this Oline issues...getting pretty nervous to be honest.
I had a feeling something would get done as well but I didn't think Edge for 1 second. I personally love the move....and welcome him over Duckett. He just doesn't have the first step needed to run with this scheme and with our floundering Oline. Edge isn't a burner either but he knows to plant his foot and hit a hole. Duckett, even with his size still kind of lacks in that department IMO.
I hope we see some more moves, especially with this Oline issues...getting pretty nervous to be honest.
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written by omarlittle, August 24, 2009
written by omarlittle, August 24, 2009
Maybe we go after one of the redskins DBs? Fred Smoot is 30 and they have a deep corp that includes Carlos Rodgers, Fred Smoot, Deangelo Hall and rookie Kevin Barnes. You don't draft a CB in the third to play dime his rookie season so something tells me Smoot will be cut or trade bait. I think he is a bigger guy so maybe he can play safety.
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written by MMF, August 24, 2009
written by MMF, August 24, 2009
Per a league source, the Seahawks have dumped backup tailback T.J. Duckett.
Duckett was informed of the decision on Monday night.....http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/24/seahawks-dump-duckett/
Duckett was informed of the decision on Monday night.....http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/24/seahawks-dump-duckett/
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I Like it
written by DougH, August 24, 2009
written by DougH, August 24, 2009
Edge has way more upside than Duckett. I wondered why he played a lot at the beginning of the game, only to sit ou tthe rest after sucking. Slower than me, and I;m 53 and fat. Still pretty damn good looking though
The Edge will be a great new component to the mix, and he'll slide right in and contribute. RB is the easiest position to come in and play.
Timmy is working hard folks to get some help on the line, but remember his hands are tied a bit as neither Walter or Spence can be put on the pup, so they are on, and a new person will take up a roster spot, so don't be surprised if nothing happens...
Lets hope the kids can hold their own for a few weeks... Maybe they'll be alright.
The Edge will be a great new component to the mix, and he'll slide right in and contribute. RB is the easiest position to come in and play.
Timmy is working hard folks to get some help on the line, but remember his hands are tied a bit as neither Walter or Spence can be put on the pup, so they are on, and a new person will take up a roster spot, so don't be surprised if nothing happens...
Lets hope the kids can hold their own for a few weeks... Maybe they'll be alright.
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written by texashawk, August 25, 2009
written by texashawk, August 25, 2009
I too like Ruskell does anyone remember the past when we knew the Hawks would not make any move and we got to sit back and watch the the rest of the NFL snag all the best FA's I do. But with TR you never know what he will do. I like it and I also like that he is committed to character. I live in the Dallas area and predicted that the Cowboys would flop my favorite saying was that the Cowboys had way to many characters and not enough character. No one ever disagreed with me. You cannot say that about the Hawks so Go Ruskell Glad you are on our team!!!!
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written by S.TTBM, August 25, 2009
written by S.TTBM, August 25, 2009
I like quite a bit of what Ruskell has done, but he's made some WHOPPER mistakes.
Take this Edge deal: just a year ago, he dumped huge money on Duckett for a short-yardage back no one wanted. And he signed Julius Jones to a pretty fat contract for a never-was, dumping the epitome of a Seahawk Mo Morris. Then to cut Duckett only a year later, and bring in a fairly expensive has-been?! Doesnt sound like good talent evaluation or planning to me. Why is everyone talking about this as if its a good thing? Ruskells hand-picked guy gets dumped a year after signing, only months after letting our young Pro Bowl FB leave for cheap in Free Agency, then trades for a washed up RB--and that's a good thing?!
Come on! Our running game is now the joke of the NFL!
As for trades happening, no one will trade with us. The NFL isnt like baseball, teams simply wait for guys to get waived, then snap them up. Few trades happen at this point in the NFL, so dont expect much on that front.
Take this Edge deal: just a year ago, he dumped huge money on Duckett for a short-yardage back no one wanted. And he signed Julius Jones to a pretty fat contract for a never-was, dumping the epitome of a Seahawk Mo Morris. Then to cut Duckett only a year later, and bring in a fairly expensive has-been?! Doesnt sound like good talent evaluation or planning to me. Why is everyone talking about this as if its a good thing? Ruskells hand-picked guy gets dumped a year after signing, only months after letting our young Pro Bowl FB leave for cheap in Free Agency, then trades for a washed up RB--and that's a good thing?!
Come on! Our running game is now the joke of the NFL!
As for trades happening, no one will trade with us. The NFL isnt like baseball, teams simply wait for guys to get waived, then snap them up. Few trades happen at this point in the NFL, so dont expect much on that front.
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STTBM
written by texashawk, August 25, 2009
written by texashawk, August 25, 2009
Ruskell is willing to take chances sometimes he will hit big other times it will fail. We need to look at the overall picture. When something great happens like signng housh or drafting Tatupu (which no one else in the NFL would touch) he is a genius. But all anyone looks at is his mistakes. I for one would rather have a GM willing to take a chance and pull the trigger then one who simply cowers in his office. I defend Ruskell even with his poor decisions at least he made decisions, which is alot more then you can say about past GM's. IMHO
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written by omarlittle, August 25, 2009
written by omarlittle, August 25, 2009
STTBM,
Every NFL GM makes mistakes even the ones on teams like Seattle, San Diego and New England who have all been among the best at building a team thru both the draft and free agency. I for one would rather have a guy who takes chances and misses occasionally than have a guy who makes "safe" moves only to have a middle of the pack team, like Tampa or San Fran for example.
Oh, and he did not trade for The Edge he was a free agent after getting royally screwed by Arizona when his release request was granted only after the draft.
Every NFL GM makes mistakes even the ones on teams like Seattle, San Diego and New England who have all been among the best at building a team thru both the draft and free agency. I for one would rather have a guy who takes chances and misses occasionally than have a guy who makes "safe" moves only to have a middle of the pack team, like Tampa or San Fran for example.
Oh, and he did not trade for The Edge he was a free agent after getting royally screwed by Arizona when his release request was granted only after the draft.
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written by bleedshawkblue, August 25, 2009
written by bleedshawkblue, August 25, 2009
I think it's a little easier to live with Ruskell's moves having lived through the Behring years...Dan Mcgwire drafted over Brett Favre anyone? HUH!!!
That said, I haven't been that impressed with his moves on the offensive side either, although when he makes them, they look smart:
1) Hutch wanted to be paid more than Walter Jones. Absolutely not. Don't care how good a guard you are. Caving to that would have made for a pissed off Walt. No thanks. Hutch then has his agent get creative and spring a move that had never been done before with the poison pill. Other GMs around the league mentioned it could have just as easily happened to them, so the only shortcoming that Ruskell had was not being good enough at asskissing when Hutch threw down the most ridiculous demand: get paid more than a first-ballot Hall of Fame Left Tackle. Imagine the fallout if he'd caved to that demand?
2) He rewarded SAs MVP season with a fat contract when he should have just cut him and paid Hutch instead. Again, imagine the fallout if he'd have done that - (hindsight shows he should have) South Alaska would never attract a top tier free agent EVER again.
3) The year he lost Hutch, he signed a legitimate deep and KR threat in Nate Burleson AND signed perennial Pro Bowler Julian Peterson to shore up a Defense that allowed the likes of Willie Parker to run wild for all the world to see.
4) He picked up Tom Ashworth who only started at Left Guard in 2 (winning) Super Bowls.
5) He traded a low first round pick (lower than where Koren, Ryan Leaf, Dan Mcgwire and Lamar King were picked...) for a Super Bowl MVP Wide Receiver that had excellent, sticky hands, a knack for the clutch play and fantastic durability - started over 100 consecutive games in Deion Branch.
6) When Ashworth didn't work out, he signed Mike Wahle, fresh off yet another Pro Bowl appearance.
The real irreplaceable component to me has to be Mack Strong. Shaun had over 300 yards rushing in the 3 games before Mack suddenly retired, and nobody has been able to get it done since. Morris got dropped in the backfield a lot and the scouts describe Weaver as "runs like a Fullback, blocks like a Tailback" - both OK for change of pace duties, but no wa would either of them be fit for carrying the majority of the load.
7) Jones has had plenty of background as a feature back, and was productive in Dallas sharing carries as well. Duckett was very productive in Atlanta, and word from Detroit was that he was an absolute beast toting the rock as a regular in their last 5 games. And 3rd and short was not one of our problems last year. So it looked like some decent signings last year.
Duckett looked like he'd lost a step in preseason, but so has everyone as they get used to the ZBS and new personnel on the line. Where I saw he was below par was in blocking and receiving. And when your line is porous, it needs the skill players to assist and provide outlets for busted plays to become positive. Edge provides dimensions that Duckett doesn't have developed right now in those areas, plus he still has a first and second gear left, which is enough to hit the hole and move the chains. Which is all this Offense needs to make use of all those weapons in the passing game, of which he is a considerable upgrade over Duckett.
The move has a decent chance of turning into one of his good decisions like signing Hoosh, drafting Unger, signing Willis and cutting Jerramy Stevens. I think Edge has enough left to spell JJ as a second back, and mentor JForce to replace himself on the depth chart.
And cutting your losses after a mistake is such a rare thing in our culture that it's remarkable when it happens. At least he has the balls to admit it and do something about it. It looks like a net gain from here.
That said, I haven't been that impressed with his moves on the offensive side either, although when he makes them, they look smart:
1) Hutch wanted to be paid more than Walter Jones. Absolutely not. Don't care how good a guard you are. Caving to that would have made for a pissed off Walt. No thanks. Hutch then has his agent get creative and spring a move that had never been done before with the poison pill. Other GMs around the league mentioned it could have just as easily happened to them, so the only shortcoming that Ruskell had was not being good enough at asskissing when Hutch threw down the most ridiculous demand: get paid more than a first-ballot Hall of Fame Left Tackle. Imagine the fallout if he'd caved to that demand?
2) He rewarded SAs MVP season with a fat contract when he should have just cut him and paid Hutch instead. Again, imagine the fallout if he'd have done that - (hindsight shows he should have) South Alaska would never attract a top tier free agent EVER again.
3) The year he lost Hutch, he signed a legitimate deep and KR threat in Nate Burleson AND signed perennial Pro Bowler Julian Peterson to shore up a Defense that allowed the likes of Willie Parker to run wild for all the world to see.
4) He picked up Tom Ashworth who only started at Left Guard in 2 (winning) Super Bowls.
5) He traded a low first round pick (lower than where Koren, Ryan Leaf, Dan Mcgwire and Lamar King were picked...) for a Super Bowl MVP Wide Receiver that had excellent, sticky hands, a knack for the clutch play and fantastic durability - started over 100 consecutive games in Deion Branch.
6) When Ashworth didn't work out, he signed Mike Wahle, fresh off yet another Pro Bowl appearance.
The real irreplaceable component to me has to be Mack Strong. Shaun had over 300 yards rushing in the 3 games before Mack suddenly retired, and nobody has been able to get it done since. Morris got dropped in the backfield a lot and the scouts describe Weaver as "runs like a Fullback, blocks like a Tailback" - both OK for change of pace duties, but no wa would either of them be fit for carrying the majority of the load.
7) Jones has had plenty of background as a feature back, and was productive in Dallas sharing carries as well. Duckett was very productive in Atlanta, and word from Detroit was that he was an absolute beast toting the rock as a regular in their last 5 games. And 3rd and short was not one of our problems last year. So it looked like some decent signings last year.
Duckett looked like he'd lost a step in preseason, but so has everyone as they get used to the ZBS and new personnel on the line. Where I saw he was below par was in blocking and receiving. And when your line is porous, it needs the skill players to assist and provide outlets for busted plays to become positive. Edge provides dimensions that Duckett doesn't have developed right now in those areas, plus he still has a first and second gear left, which is enough to hit the hole and move the chains. Which is all this Offense needs to make use of all those weapons in the passing game, of which he is a considerable upgrade over Duckett. The move has a decent chance of turning into one of his good decisions like signing Hoosh, drafting Unger, signing Willis and cutting Jerramy Stevens. I think Edge has enough left to spell JJ as a second back, and mentor JForce to replace himself on the depth chart.
And cutting your losses after a mistake is such a rare thing in our culture that it's remarkable when it happens. At least he has the balls to admit it and do something about it. It looks like a net gain from here.
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written by S.TTBM, August 26, 2009
written by S.TTBM, August 26, 2009
BleedHawksBlue--Wahle was not "fresh off another Pro Bowl appearance". The guy was fresh off a couple injury-riddled seasons, and hadnt made the Pro Bowl for several years. Get your facts straight. And I thought Ashworth played T in New England? I could be wrong there. Anyway, Ashworth was horrible.
Dumping Duckett may be a net gain at this point in time, but taking the whole view, losing Weaver and Morris for Jones and Duckett and now Edge--that is definitely NOT a net gain. And I couldnt care less what "the scouts" say about Weaver. I know what I saw, and that guy is one hell of a football player.
Trading and making big moves is fine, but if you fail too many times--then you are Bob Whitsitt or Bill Bavasi. Making deals for the sake of making deals is not a good thing.
I agree, overall I like what Ruskell has done. But his mistakes are mounting, and we havent accomplished anything directly resulting from him yet. So this year and next are huge. I think they make or break Ruskell. ANd this Jones/Duckett/Edge deal is NOT looking good for him.
Dumping Duckett may be a net gain at this point in time, but taking the whole view, losing Weaver and Morris for Jones and Duckett and now Edge--that is definitely NOT a net gain. And I couldnt care less what "the scouts" say about Weaver. I know what I saw, and that guy is one hell of a football player.
Trading and making big moves is fine, but if you fail too many times--then you are Bob Whitsitt or Bill Bavasi. Making deals for the sake of making deals is not a good thing.
I agree, overall I like what Ruskell has done. But his mistakes are mounting, and we havent accomplished anything directly resulting from him yet. So this year and next are huge. I think they make or break Ruskell. ANd this Jones/Duckett/Edge deal is NOT looking good for him.
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