A Threshold Crossed...  E-mail
Written by Chris Sullivan   
Sunday, 18 October 2009 22:04

Mora made an interesting statement made in his post-game remarks today, and I think it says just about everything you'd need to know about where, and who, this current 2009 Seahawks team is:

"We're going to not focus on the playoffs right now. We're going to focus on getting better and more consistent as a football team."

I'm at a loss for exactly where the Seahawks go from here. The season is not actually over yet, but winning the next three games is completely necessary. If the Seahawks are who they were last week, that is totally doable. If they are who they were today, they might lose to Detroit. Either way, this is no longer the defending NFC West Champions. This is the South Alaska Seahawks.

But you know what? They're OUR Seahawks. Let the clownboats hop off the bandwagon, because this is our team and this year is not over. And yes, I will keep telling myself that.



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Comments (44)Add Comment
OUR seahawks...
written by jamie_starr, October 18, 2009
I agree with that! Being an engineer, it is my nature to want to improve things, especially things that are broken. I want to see our seahawks improve and at least win all our home games. I am frustrated seeing teams like az beating us at home, especially the beating today. but the Hawks are still my team! our advantage will always be the loyal fans that comprise the 12th Man!
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written by nightwulf, October 18, 2009
If worst comes to worst, we can console ourselves with the fact that the worse it gets, the better draft talent we'll have to choose from. Perhaps this is growing pains from learning a new system (as well as the unbelievable injury problem)And the Broncos have GOT to come back to earth sometime soon, don't they? And it could be a whole lot worse...imagine being a Flaming Thumbtacks fan...Last year at this time, they were unbeaten...Or being a Lambs fan...the football gods seem to REALLY hate those poor bastards...same for TB fans...and being a Lions fan has just gotta suck...We ain't licked yet, but if we can't take out both the Cowgirls and the Lions, we're looking for draft picks, and practicing for next year...
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written by kelphelper, October 19, 2009
chewing on this particular loss, i feel like i have come to terms with this particular version of the team that i love. and i also feel like coach mora put it well. this team isn't playoff quality.

i have resigned myself to not kill anyone because the seahawks will probably struggle to get to the middle of the pack this year. they're trying hard, but there's too many weaknesses for a good team to exploit.

i'll still watch every game (if the local fox station ever gets its crap together), and hope they run the table. but realistically, this season is cooked.

and it's a good time to build something for the future. these young guys are getting experience, and this allows us to see what we have in them. steve vallos? i'm liking this guy!

tatupu might be out, but i know i'm not the only one who is happy to watch the heater get more playing time. and the more kerney sits, the more i get to see of my new favorite seahawk nick reed.

and let's not forget that this is a good time to evaluate those who might be playing their last games in a seahawk uniform. (these may or may not include: kerney, branch and the offensive wallace..)

i wish i could include #84, but there is too much money tied up in that talkative boy. like him or hate him, (i'm more one the one side than the other), he's going to be around for awhile.

but keep your heads up, guys. we still play quite a few cupcakes this year. with any luck, we'll set the franchise record for most shutouts in one season!
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written by pure_pwnage, October 19, 2009
It definitely is OUR TEAM! Win or lose, we are blue and green!
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written by the painful life of a seahawk fan, October 19, 2009
Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs?
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written by mterui, October 19, 2009
That's right, win or lose I'm still pullin' for the Hawks! Just need to change our goals for the season. Heck, Detroit's season is successful because they won a game! We're not near that bad, but now that we know the playoffs probably aren't to be had, let's just focus on getting our team stronger for the future. Let guys get experience. Let the team get comfortable with the system. And don't get me wrong...let's win some games and take some names in the process. It would be cool to see them get that winning attitude that you see when you watch teams like the Colts play with. They KNOW they are going to win. I feel like the Hawks play scared or play not to lose half the time, esp. once they are down. Standing behind you Hawks! Get that killer attitude!
Portenta's Cataract Abuse
written by Domenic Maltempi, October 19, 2009
Right on Chris... There are too many flatliner fans out there ready to pronounce the team terminally deflated. I don't think it's just tinker-piss optimism to reject that clowny-bunk.

Domenic
(The only New York Seahawk fan I know!)
Since 1987

speaking of...are there any cute ladies who happen to be Seahawk fans in the New York Metro area?

Sorry...getting off topic here a little... It's a hard Monday to face
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written by S.TTBM, October 19, 2009
Our goals should be scoring a td a game against good teams, and holding them to less than 27 points. Damn, we dont look capable of even that.

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written by WiiHawk, October 19, 2009
Oh, the year is most certainly over, and realizing that has nothing to do with being a "bandwagoner." True fans stick with a team even when they suck. We continue to watch games, we continue to go to games, we continue to post on sites, and we continue to buy merchandise even after games like yesterday and seasons like last year and this year. We all want the wins, but knowing they aren't going to happen is just being realistic.
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written by Jaszzmme, October 19, 2009
The Seahawks have been # 1 in my life through the good & the bad for over 30 years. I have hope every year & will continue to do so even if means waiting another 30 years for them to get back to the superbowl.
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written by Riggle, October 19, 2009
I am and will continue to be a Seahawks fan.

That is why I am critical of how the team has been managed and coached, and want to see change.

If I wasn't a fan, I wouldn't care.
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written by MMF, October 19, 2009
I will never jump off the Seahawk bandwagon.I think the current version sucks small fast Defense is not working.We dont have a line so its hard to judge the Offense but this Defense should be better,It is the focus of the team,It is not very good.There number one Offense out played our number one Defense.They ran the ball with ease in our house,went right down the field and scored on the opening drive.They pushed our smaller Defense around,We are not very good.No excuses the NFL has injuries all the time.
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written by PatrickVD, October 19, 2009
Of course they're are team. And honestly, it's time like this that make you a real fan, when you have to weather the storm. I may not be a fan of all of the players, but I will always love the team.
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written by sammamishcoug, October 19, 2009
Are you on drugs? This thing is over. THey crushed two of the worst teams in the league at home and were beaten by two '08 playoff teams a combined score of 61-20.

Ruskell should've been adding OL in the draft for depth, especially when your two best OL are in their mid 30s (Jones and Wahle). If Allen renews Ruskell's contract I'm not sure I'l be going to many games and I'll just sell my tickets.
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written by Mang'hawks.fr, October 19, 2009
Even if the D should and could be much better, you just can't play NFL football with a full of four strings OL.
However you have to think of everything before a season starts. Thus ... some will have to be blamed for the very likely failure to come.
The Alaska Seahawks - We'll take 'em
written by Tomahawker, October 19, 2009
It never ceases to amaze me that when media folks, even Seahawk bloggers(insert Chris Sullivan's name here ^_^), want to rant on the team a little, they fall back on the ol' "from South Alaska" line - They say it like Alaska is supposed to be a bad place to be from. Christ Chris, a little love for your neighbors to the north - it's not like Alaska is DETROIT..^_^

One thing you definitely have right.. it is OUR Seahawks. It does not matter where we live... you are either a fan, or not.

GO HAWKS

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written by MB23OLY, October 19, 2009
I like that everyone is supportive of our Seahawks because being a true fan means going through these pains. My problem is I cannot continue to write off or justify our play due to injuries, scheme, opponents, time zone, etc...I've never been so embarassed to walk out of that stadium. It was humiliating, deflating, and proved that we have a long way to go to regain dominance in the NFC West.
I also think it reaffirms how good a coach and GM Holmgren was. I think Ruskell is one more blowout like this away from packing his bags at years end, maybe sooner. I'm also not so sure Mora is as safe as it appears. This loss falls squarely on his shoulders and his interview after the game made me sick. I've been supportive of him and thought he would be a fresh face but his excuse filled media session had me screaming at the radio on the ride home. I'm sick and tired of excuses...if we are always injured, draft bigger players. If we can't play in the eastern time zone, set up a practice facility in every town we play (obviously not possible). Quit making F*ing excuses! Please? I'm hanging on by a thread...but I'll still show up every Sunday to scream my ass off.
I'm affraid
written by BrownHawk, October 19, 2009
The season is over for the Hawks. We seriously need to think about unloading some of our wasted talent too.

Branch, Hill, Jennings, Wilson, Babineaux, Walt, JJ, Griffith, Kerney, even Lofa.

This team is going to be bad for the next three years while we rebuild our O-line and Defense. There is just no way around us having to rebuild. We cannot try to fix this problem with Free Agency either.

Oh and Fire Ruskell already.
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written by T.J., October 19, 2009
I have been a fan for over 20 years, that won't change. That being said, I am disgusted right now.

Several posts back, "season death-watch" was mentioned. Perhaps a good idea for a thread would be Ruskell Axe Watch. What do you all think? Does this mess fall on his shoulders or should responsibility fall elsewhere? This team is bad now and has been poorly built for the future.
Mora Was Right...
written by LouieLouie, October 19, 2009
Talking about playoffs (Playoff?) shouldn't be the focus of the team from here on. What will be important will be how good the Hawks are later in the season.

The Cards dominated our 2nd, 3rd and 4th stringers on the O-Line. It is easy to give up on the defense, especially with Lofa out for the season, but they had absolutely no help from the offense. I thought that the D played OK, considering that they were on the field for 75% of the game.

Lets hope that our new free agent left tackle can step in after the by, and stop the hemorrhaging over there.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
written by LouieLouie, October 19, 2009
The Good: Hass didn't get hurt.
The Bad and the Ugly: Everything else.
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written by Sanity, October 19, 2009
This is so funny.

Our team, who was relying on a couple of 4th stringers, against a damn good defensive front that the Cards present got beat all day. Now, the fans are calling for heads. Hilarious.

I was hopeful that the Hawks would catch a couple of breaks and make a game of it but in the back of my mind I had already chalked this one up as a loss. How could you not?

Listen Seahawk faithful. It will get better, this year even. Lets get Lock, Sims and Walt back on the oline, Trufant and Hill back for the D an we will see a different team.

I still expect an 8 and 8 season at this point, too much to overcome but will believe that greatness is around the corner.

Oh, and to those that are callign for Ruskell's head....Dream on, it ain't gonna happen this offseason.

Lifting :)
written by Cal HAWX, October 19, 2009
Very encouraged. This is OUR team and WE will yell our throat's off even against a Lions team. 12th Man 4 ever!!!
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written by MB23OLY, October 19, 2009
Sanity...while I agree that all hope isn't lost this year, how do you defend Ruskell? I think he's had his time to put a stamp on the franchise and really has nothing to show for it. His early success was credited to Holmgren. While he has found some players in later rounds (Tatupu, Hill, Mebane) he continues to put the team in a hole by not addressing major issues. We are in a position to be worse before we get better. That's on Ruskell.
I really don't expect Walt back this year and I'm not sold on Locklear, Sims, Hill and Trufant being the saviors you make them out to be. 8 and 8 might be wishful thinking.
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written by T.J., October 19, 2009
Sanity - why are we relying on guys off the street on the OL? Yes injuries, but perhaps more than that, a lack of planning and vision. How long have we known that Walt is nearing the end? How many years has Sims and Spencer missed time with injury? Ruskell has been at the helm for 5 years building a roster. The team is bad and has been poorly built to be better any time soon without free agent quick fixes, which aren't working that well either. The proof is in the pudding.

How many pro bowl players has he drafted in 5 drafts? One - Lofa Tatupu. His reputation is still living off of the Tatupu pick. I think Curry will be a pro bowler too, but that isn't enough. Ruskell is an excellent picker of linebackers. Unfortunately, there are only 3 out of 22 starting positions filled by linebackers.
Now is not time to hang our heads
written by Papahawk, October 19, 2009
Okay, I agree, the playoffs are probably not in the cards for this Seahawks team.

That being said, we shouldn't look that far ahead anyway. Damned to those who think we should have added more offensive line depth in the offseason. Hind sight is 20/20 and we did not know Walt Jones would be worthless this season to the Hawks. We also didn't know Trufant would not have practiced yet with the team, but they signed Lucas anyway! Imagine if they hadn't signed Lucas? Ruskell deserves some credit for that one.

Yesterday the Hawks D did exactly what I thought they'd do- allow yards and about 24 points. Okay, off by three, but still, you cannot expect to compete with the Cardinals without scoring. The offensive line held them back. Good game plan by the AZ team.

The offense was the big problem. The 12th man cannot help the offense at Qwest. Those boys need to grow up in a hurry or else they'll be run out of town and end up 2-5, then maybe worse!

Mora is right, just focus on getting better. Getting healthy will help. Sims will be back after the bye, so will Leroy Hill. Trufant will begin practing with the team and can contribute. Hopefully Locklear too. But this is not a panacea. The team just needs to get better.

I have not jumped off the support wagon, but I am out of rave green Kool-aid.

This team is quietly rebuilding...next year it will again look very different.
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written by Sanity, October 19, 2009
Guys- Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20. Ruskell and Holmgren were at odds for a few years I do think we can safely say that Tim will get a few years on his own to build his team, which I see as a powerhouse defense (it is almost there) with a decent ball control offense. Most of these parts are here, some are old and in the process of being replaced. Some are learning the scheme (some schemes take time and we haven't had the continuity of a team that is healthy). I can almost see the process completing itself next year or the year after. What Ruskell does is draft well. That is where you build a team. Yes, he has missed on a few but which GM doesn't. Hint: None, not even the mighty Patriot's hit on all of their picks. The FA pickups have been on par with the rest of the league, some great, some not so great.


This team is in a rebuild mode (whether we wanted to admit it or not). The talent on this squad is up there with the best of them, IMO.

This year we will most likely end up at 7-9 or 8-8 when it is all said and done. We have 2 first round picks and three in the top 40 most likely, 3 key cogs for our team next year. Look at Unger, Curry and Butler this year and think on what we will get next year. Oooh baby, that Suh guy, anyone? Taylor Mays or Eric Berry? Dweyer or Javid Best? We will get back on top next year I think.

Now obviously we aren't going to dance this year but the seeds of greatness are already in the PNW, just some luck and a good draft and we are back in it.
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written by anthawk, October 19, 2009
Amen, Chris. Whether we're on course to make the playoffs is irrelevant even though winning is much more fun.
Bugger
written by Buster, October 19, 2009
Jon Ryan sure looks good ! 100% passing for the biggest gain of the game. And, how about our long snapper, what's his name again?
Now, we all knew that the Cards would be bringing an all out rush. With our patchwork line, why did we not go to some 2 step drops, some quick hitting plays? It seemed like we were never able to change up... just keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results???
Don't Start Slashing Your Wrists Addicts.
written by LouieLouie, October 19, 2009
Keep all of this in perspective. Football is just for fun. It's showbiz.

As for those addicts calling for Timmy-Boy's head, I would suggest that you go back and read the post draft articles and comments about the '09 draft. The Hawks had a very good draft, and from the looks of it, will have a very good '10 draft as well (a Denver collapse would help). Timmy isn't the problem with the Hawks right now. I suspect that he will make some moves next off season on the O-Line, especially at LT.

While I personally advocated drafting a QB, Curry is going to be seen as a great draft choice 10 years from now.

If we loose many more games, I would like to see Teel get a chance to show what he can do.
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written by kelphelper, October 19, 2009
personally, i think ruskell has done a good job of gathering quality players. it's not his fault that we have had an injury epidemic at receiver, then offensive tackle. i really don't think he is the problem. i would be shocked if he were to be yanked after this season.

and this is mora's first year. he's not getting yanked. i think he is energetic and positive, which will be needed to get through the season.

gus bradley has done a good job with the defense. they are more aggressive, and much better statistically than last year. and this is with mostly the same personnel. even yesterday, i saw the defense playing hard and creating pressure, especially in the second half. arizona had to work hard to get that last touchdown, because there was pressure, tight coverage and very few missed tackles. i guess when warner is on, there is no stopping those receivers.

the offense is a mystery, and we don't even know what we have because of the line. greg knapp gets a pass for now, simply because we haven't really seen his offense.

bottom line, i don't think you'll see anyone getting replaced this season.
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written by Sanity, October 19, 2009
Watching the game, Buster, I saw the front line of the Cards rush with their hands up, not allowing clear lanes for Matt. The Cards exploited our weakness very well and game planned it perfectly. There was really nothing we could have done against that.
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written by kelphelper, October 19, 2009
louielouie has a good point about the quarterbacks. might be a good idea to see what we have in teel.

think about it. chances are good that we will be looking to add to the position this offseason. here are the questions we will be asking of the three we have:

1. how much does matt have left? > personally, i think he has a few more left, and should be our starter next year. of course, that kind of depends if he can get through the rest of this season without further injury..

2. is wallace our qb of the future? > in a word, no. his value as a backup largely depends on the answer to question #3..

3. is teel ready to be considered a potential starter? > and truthfully, we don't know. getting some game experience might be useful in judging that.

so, my thinking is this: the backup qb should have some potential to becoming the eventual starter. and in my opinion, wallace does not. if teel is ready to be the backup, then i could see going after a higher draft pick. they can then be the #3 qb for the first year.

if teel isn't ready, then he will likely be competing with another qb for a roster spot next year.
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written by MMF, October 19, 2009
You guys think Tru is going to save us?This defense is not almost there.Kerney will be leaving soon who replaces him Reed?The D is not set enough to focus our draft on the Offense.I would love to see heads roll Get a GM that does not think he is coach also.Lets build this team from the Line up,if you cant run the F***in ball in the NFL your done and we all know the last time we could run the ball.I can not believe all I have to look forward to is the draft already and have to listen to speculation from now tell march on who we get,Im disgusted Ruskell on the local radio station before the game was pitiful talking game plan like he was a coach if we fire him,who would let him run an NFL team?? NO ONE
not enough moves can cement Ruskell's job
written by BrownHawk, October 19, 2009
There aren't enough roster spots on this team for Ruskell to draft, sign, or trade for to keep his job, not at this point.

Hill isn't a top tier linebacker. Lucas is getting old and has lost a step, even though his large body helps.

Our secondary fell apart when Ruskell got rid of Hamlin and brought in Russell and Grant.

Our offensive line was suspect last year and we didn't address the injury situation as well as we could have. There would be no need to revamp a WR corp if the line can't keep the QB off his back.

Oh and without a dominant line you cannot run the ball. Even with Julius "the savior" Jones.

We have way too many positions to be addressed for there to be any hope of having even a winning season, let alone an 8-8 season.

next year we don't contend because we are rebuilding.

Hawks fans should gear up for a couple more lousy seasons because by the looks of it, we will be bad for a while.
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written by JimAK, October 19, 2009
I'm still a Hawks fan and will be but that doesn't change things. The O Line was barely adequate when everyone was healthy and the D Line is way too inconsistent to pressure the ball without help from the LBs and secondary. Can't win that way.

Football is still won in the trenches, Seattle is not good enough there and won't be for a while.
That's it
written by Mang'hawks.fr, October 19, 2009
Football is still won in the trenches, Seattle is not good enough there and won't be for a while.
F*ck**g true ... unfortunately.
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written by MMF, October 19, 2009
RENTON, Wash. -- Lofa Tatupu may not be out for the season after all.

Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora said Monday further tests on the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker's chest muscle indicated a partial tear rather than a complete one.
I will measure Ruskell's success
written by GnarlyHawk, October 19, 2009
Not by his draft picks alone, but by the decisions he makes regarding injury prone players this off season. How much will we take before we start cutting high salary players who can not stay on the field?

I'm looking at some big named fan favorites in this statement. Matt, Walt (*caveat he needs to be retired not cut) Branch, Spencer, Lofa, Hill, Kerney, Trufant (*caveat his recovery time - dont trust a cover guy w/ a back problem)

I'd rather go with less "talent" that plays a full 16 then with a squad of IR, PUP and multi game, multi season injury high caliber talent. See, the NFL doesnt let us just go sudden death with those guys in the playoffs, they need to be reliable the 17 weeks prior.
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written by T.J., October 19, 2009
Gnarly - I agree, but I'm measuring him by his 5-year body of work. Our roster is a shell of what it once was. How can a contract extention even be considered when looking at the state of the team now compared with what it was when he took over? It has tanked. Even with our injured players, this is not a team of all-pros. The draft is where good teams are made, and he hasn't set the team up for future success through his picks. Too few of the young players are even developing into solid starters, let alone pro-bowl caliber players.
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written by 25 year fan, October 19, 2009
What the hell happened last Sunday???? This team looks like it wants to play golf instead of football.
Don't tell me about injuries, yes they mean something, but we have backup players that are getting big money,and what do they do,NOTHING 3 points all day what a disgrace also what are the coaches doing?
Look how good the Cardinals looked, they were laughing at us, and the other teams that are coming up to play us they must be thinking how easy it's going to be.
Mora, what are you going to do to get this team on track? 1 more loss and you can kiss the season good by, you can take that to the BANK
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written by Dough, October 19, 2009
lol, who's the dude trolling for chicks in here?

We'er weak, face it.
We need everything, especially OL and CB's.
The O line is trash
written by the painful life of a seahawk fan, October 19, 2009
This O line has obviously been problematic for years. Spencer and Sims have been injury prone and under performing since day 1 and Wahle was widely expected to not recover from the shoulder injury. Even the optimistic Hawks fans figured this could be Walter's last year.

What does the Front Office do about this in the offseason? Next to nothing, only drafting 1 O-lineman. Ruskell does the same thing every year with the late fixes w/ aging and over paid free agents. Every year you see it: OG, DE, RB, WR. I am sure he will find another Ashworth and Wahle this offseason. DRAFT MORE LINEMEN Dumbskull!!
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written by TacomaHawk, October 19, 2009
"We're going to not focus on the playoffs right now. We're going to focus on getting better and more consistent as a football team."

-- ummmmm, really? How exactly DOES a 2-4 team focus on the playoffs I'm wondering? This season is already in the toilet and that is incredibly disappointing. Sure, they could pull off a miracle, and I will gladly eat my words if they do. But realistically it just ain't gonna happen. I think things are pretty much at the point where everything is an audition for next season... who stays? who goes? And yes, I mean from the top down...

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Last Updated on Monday, 19 October 2009 09:58
 

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