What Did We Learn From OTAs?

by: Michael Steffes

I wish I had some grand answers, but unfortunately we didn't learn that much about this team. That is one of the things I like about May and June. It is all about optimism. Everybody is set for a great year. Lots of guys make an impact...with out actually hitting anyone. Here are some of the themes that can be built on as we wade through the next six weeks.

First, the wide receivers. Everyday a different one shined. Bobby has opened the door. Lets hope he comes back and shuts it. Regardless, these young guys are all going to get a chance in the preseason, and one or two will be seeing lots of regular season snaps too. To continue on...

The one receiver who is least likely to contribute, is the one whose mini camp meant something, Jordan Kent. Kent was a huge project last year. This year, he is by all accounts a football player. Good news, but he may be the catalyst of a tough decision, either at WR, or another position. I say keep him. Speed cures a lot of ales on a football team.

Next, the kickers. Honestly, nothing has been decided on the field. It is great and all that Mare can kick during mini camps. He obviously could last year too. As other readers have attested, the fantasy world was a buzz about Mare before the season last year. Supposedly he looked great. The team is going to give Coutu every chance to win this job. They may even trade Mare if they get an offer, assuming Coutu looks passable. It is the simple fact that they can control him for 4 years and not have to waste more resources on another kicker in two years or so.

On another topic, it is a good thing the line is pretty much set, because I don't know how they would have made an accurate assessment. It was a mash unit most of the last two months. The one to watch is clearly Spencer. I would say the season hinges most on whether he makes a turn towards being a first round linemen, or another 2005 bust (have you seen that first round?). In fact, he has as much on the line this season as any other Seahawk. Step it up Spence!

Finally, I think it is clear that the strength of this defense is going to be in the depth up front. The rotation is going to be solid all the way through out. If Atkins continues as we have heard this week, the team will have four ends and 5 tackles, and will cut some quality players. That is just crazy considering the problems this team has had at those positions in recent years. Fresh legs in the fourth are a beautiful thing, especially if the team has the lead. Read More!

OTA's End... Training Camp Looms

by: Michael Steffes

Mike Holmgren gave out some nuggets following the final OTA practice. First off, he is fine, he just doesn't feeling like disclosing the procedure he had done.

He said that he is hopeful Tubbs, who was mentioned in an earlier post will be ready for Camp. That is good news. He also thinks Fudge will be ready by week one, so cancel the punter auditions for now.

The thing I found funny is that he said the right corner spot is an open competition. If you believe him, more power to you. I don't for a second. This is just like last year with right guard. He was never going to trust that spot to Willis or Wrotto. Similarly, Jennings is the man he wants over there. He just wants to push him to be his absolute best. He wants him to play like the late first rounder he is. I trust coach to know who's buttons he can push like this. Click here to...

Speaking of offensive line, Coach said that unit is pretty much set. I think that probably rules out LeCharles Bentley coming in, unless there is a freak injury in the next couple weeks.

Also, despite the reporters declaring Carlson to start, Coach said he thinks the best battles will be at RB, WR, and TE. I think that spot is up for grabs far more than the RCB spot. Either way, all three TE's will see time.

I will post the transcript of the interview later, when I have it available. You can then make up your own minds on coaches candor. Either way... Now we wait. 44 days to go. Read More!

OTA's Continue Today

by: Michael Steffes

The Seahawks will be back on the field this morning to start their final four days of offseason activities before training camp. Expect much of the same that we saw last week, but here are a few things to keep your eyes on as the week the progresses.

• Will Rocky Bernard begin to participate in full squad activities? He began practicing last week, but mostly individual stuff. Now we will see if he is ready to go

• Will Rob Sims get out on the field? He said recently that he only expected to miss the first week of these OTA's after having his knee scoped. My guess is that the team is extra cautious and will keep him out. They will want the entire line working together for most of training camp.

• How is the kicking competition progressing? So far, there hasn't been much separation as best as I can tell. Nothing will be truly decided until the two players kick in preseason games, but it is an important offseason story line none the same.
  

• No more injuries!!!! Knock on wood. This team seems to be turning the corner health wise and is ready to go into camp with most players healed and ready. Lets not add new bodies to the training room, especially those who need to compete in training camp. Competition breeds success, and this team has a lot of quality depth. These guys should push each other hard in camp, assuming everyone is healthy.
  

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Mini Camp Day 4

by: Michael Steffes

Today was the last on field practice until Monday. It was a wet and rainy day. I am admittedly very very busy today and am being forced to neglect the blog until tonight. Instead of your usual snappy little paragraphs you get links. Read the reports and discuss. I will see if there is something to go into greater detail on later.

Clare Farnsworth

Jose Romero

Frank Hughes

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Wednesday Mini Camp

by: Michael Steffes

All of the writers have their daily blog posts in. Seems like a fairly innocuous practice.

One day after we discovered John Carlson had been sitting out, he was back in for limited work. This is good news. There seems to be a big emphasis on having him start. I will be examining him closely in the preseason to see if this a good course of action.

Clare Farnsworth of the PI chose to focus on the running backs "guns." Hey, it is hard not to right! He notes all world line backer Lofa Tatupu making a great play. It sounds reminiscent of the play he made in the Dallas playoff game in 06', in a way. That remains the most atheletic play I have ever seen from a linebacker.

Jose Romero of the Seattle Times, has a funny Holmgrenism. Give Mike a mic! Oh if we only had the opportunity to hear what Holmgren says at practice. Maybe I should talk to his agent and see if I can get him signed up to do a series of motivational tapes after he retires. Can't you imagine your daily affirmations from Mike Holmgren.

Jose also mentioned Jordan Kent having a great camp. Something Frank Hughes will have more on later tonight via article. In the meantime, Hughes mentions that Big Walt was working on the side with Mike Solari. Good to see that "possibly the best player ever," as Hasselbeck described him the other day, still open to new coaching. Please save his shoulders from future damage Solari.

Something else that everyone noted was the special teams work today. Jordan Kent was lined up as a returner. If he makes the squad that could be a great spot for him. Speed is big on kick returns. Having Wilson and Kent back there would be a young, but extremely fast pair. END Read More!

Mini Camp Day 2

by: Michael Steffes

Sounds like an eventful day. The Hawks moved their practice to the indoor facility normally used by the Huskies. Seemed like quite a practice.

As for attendance, Bernard is back, Womack sat out with a sore knee. I wouldn't worry too much about these day to day bumps and bruises, it is the overall picture that bothers me. The starting line should be healthy by training camp.

Clare Farnsworth touted Kevin Hobbs play today. Hobbs isn't eligible for the practice squad this year, so if he keeps this up, he might make the team. That would mean the safety position might get interesting.

Danny O'Neil gave a shout out to Darrell Tapp and his leadership and camaraderie. This is good to hear, considering he could be handling this situation much differently. Starting for one year, as a second year player, and then having the team draft stiff competition at your position would be enough to upset anyone, but Tapp is playing it right.

Frank Hughes says there is rampant speculation that Ed Donatell will be the Jim Mora's defensive coordinator next year. Hadn't heard that before. He also mentioned that Joel Filani is not performing well and is going to have a hard time making this team. I am going out on a limb here, but I am pretty sure Filani making the club was about 10,000/1 anyway. Read More!

Seattle "Mo" Hawks start OTAs

by: Michael Steffes

Finally, the football players are back on the field making football plays, like Red Bryant who broke through and completely annihilated Justin Forsett today, according to Frank Hughes.

Jose Romero has noted a growth in the mohawk population in Kirkland. It appears to be spreading. Marcus Tubbs is the one that has to be a sight to see.

Those in Kirkland today noted special attention being given to the young wide receivers. Nate Burleson was on the radio today saying that Logan Payne is looking like a darn good pro receiver. Can we just pencil him in for 40 catches and 500 yards or what?

As for the group, well coach has shrunken their responsibilities to learning one specific spot. Courtney Taylor is the player focusing on Deion Branch's flanker spot. He may get the early look. Coach let him have it today for dropping a pass, another sure sign the team is counting on him.

I think this is a smart move. Wide receiver is the one area that we are really young and inexperienced. Make things simple and coach em' up. That way, we don't have the errors that lead to a week 5 press conference with coach saying he will be simplifying things; like he did for Sims and Spencer. END Read More!

Mini Camp Today

by: Michael Steffes

First things first, Bobby didn't show. I didn't have my hopes up, but I wish this wasn't the case. Most everybody else was there, including Rocky Bernard, who had his court case continued.

Holmgren was feisty today. Ian Furness described him as having his December demeanor, "ready for a good snap."

I will update with more when the beat writers check in...I have an appointment this afternoon though so it may not be for an couple hours. END Read More!

Seahawks on the Mend

by: Michael Steffes

Here is a little chart I compiled, mostly off the top of my head to give you guys an idea of who the team will still be missing, and or nursing through mini camp next week.

The good, is that with Deion Branch injured, and Bobby likely not to participate, the young WR's will continue to have a great opportunity to build chemistry with Matt.

The bad is that three fifths of the starting offensive line are out with injury, so another offseason opportunity to build continuity and feel each other out goes by with out the unit practicing together.


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Hawks Open Mini Camp Monday

by: Michael Steffes

Starting Monday morning, the Seahawks will open the second of their voluntary mini camps. The team will be on the field practicing Monday through Thursday next week, and then again the following week.

There are several stories worth tracking through the two weeks of OTA's. First an foremost will be the Bobby Engram situation... again. Will he be there? My gut says no. Whether or not he should be there is something that has been debated since early May.

Because of Bobby's absence, that adds to another story line, the young wide receivers. It will be interesting to see the daily reports. So far they have been very positive, even for Jordan Kent, who has seemingly made great strides. The team should have plenty of players on the field, as all of the rookies are back.

With all the rookies back, that will be something else to follow (the segues are just flowing :-)). We will hear more about the progress of these youngsters. Hopefully we will not hear any reports about players who maybe spent too much time out with friends and not enough time in the weight room. I suspect this group will come back ready to prove something, although, these mini camps are usually when we start hearing about rookie mistakes.

One of these rookies is Brandon Coutu. He is going to be engaged with vet Olindo Mare in a heated kicker competition throughout the summer. According to the informal poll, most of you think he will emerge victorious. Is that is to be the case, these upcoming weeks will be the start of it

I will chime in tomorrow with a list of players that are not expected to participate due to injuries, and other issues. END Read More!

Morning Notes Post Mini Camp

by: Michael Steffes


There are several things that I have piececed together that I thought might interest you. First, the good. Gil Haskell had some things to say about the camp that ease tensions a bit...

"This is the best minicamp that I've been at, and I've been in this business for awhile," said Haskell, who begins his 26th year as an NFL assistant. "The last four days, we've worked on a lot of situations, and that's a credit to the new players and coaches. They've learned it, and we kept going."We're way further ahead than we've ever been at this point in the year."

Second, the Bad. Mike Holmgren said Seattle may add a veteran receiver after June 1. I only put this as the bad, because it is clear the team feels that the WR situation may need mending, despite all the hype the young guys have received. Also, have you seen the guys who are available or may become so? It is not a pretty list, and trading potential for "blah" does not excite me.

The Ugly. Clare Farnsworth was on KJR this morning. He was talking about his conversation with Bobby Engram. He said if training camp started this week Engram would be holding out. He is very upset and frustrated. Clare said the only thing we can hope is that cooler heads prevail. This might get nasty. Read More!

Mini Camp Ends

by: Michael Steffes

Today was the final day of work, at least for the mini camp. Things go back to normal, so to speak, I guess. What that means is that the guys will still be around for the offseason lifting program, but no more practice.

There are two more mini camps in June. According to Frank Hughes they run June 2nd through 5th, and then June 9th through 12th. Training camp should open Friday July 25th. In past years, the team has gotten two weeks worth, or 14 practices in before their first preseason game. Using that logic, the camp should open then.

As for what to look for, well the big issue between now and the next meetings is health. The team needs to get the offensive line healthy and playing together. The all important "gel" factor. I would expect the roster to mostly stay the same, but there could be some June1 1st cuts worth monitoring. That has slowed down in recent years though, since the change in the CBA, allowing teams to designate players early.

Hopefully by the time the next camp rolls around, there will be some positive news and we can all get back to talking about the Superbowl bound Seahawks again. END Read More!

Football Weather!

by: Michael Steffes

Sounds like there is some good weather for playing football up there in the Northwest! Not much to report from practice today. Jeb Putzier was back, but the mash unit continues to grow, apparently Courtney Taylor sat out today. I am sure the other receivers didn't have a hard time keeping warm.

Sounds like the focus is on the wide receivers still, and with good reason. Gil Haskell supported what I was saying earlier, that the young guys have a great opportunity to show their worth. "What great experience. They're getting every play," offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said. "By the time we have to play, we'll know who can play and who can't." Also according to Frank Hughes, Haskell called Logan Payne "just a tough s--- who will go after the ball." Thats exactly what this offense needs...a little toughness! I love it.

Also Clare Farnsworth mentioned that Jason Babin had a good day. He is gonna need a whole more where that came from to make this team. He is the one DE who really doesn't have the versatility to justify keeping. At least Cooper and Atkins can slide inside.

Not sure there will be much more from me today. My wonderful woman is celebrating a birthday, so don't expect much from the blog tonight. My apologies. Calling Chris Sullivan....Keep the addicts satisfied tonight!!! Read More!

Get Outta Here, Rook....

by: Michael Steffes

The rookie portion of mini camp has concluded. Veterans only for the rest of the week. As for the rookies, by all accounts they seem to be well on their way to contributing to the team.

Red Bryant received promising reports all weekend. Frank Hughes says he was at it again this morning. John Clayton talked to him too, so maybe he will get a little national pub soon. It is good to see Red playing so well already. Most agreed that finding a big defensive tackle was going to be key for this defense. The Hawks may have gotten one in the 4th, a relative steal if he keeps it up. Not only that but by adding Lawrence Jaskson first, they have deepened the entire line. Jackson was mentioned in several of the reports through out the weekend as well. As for the less heralded rookies, Jamar Adams apparently had a nice pick today. He has to be the favorite of the undrafted guys to make the team. Most thought he would get drafted, so that could be another steal for the Hawks. If you want....

The one unit we haven't heard much about so far is the linebackers. Until now. Clare Farnsworth has some detailed info on Lance Laury's play. This is excellent news. Laury has really been seen as a special teamer up to this point in his career, but if he could fill the roles left open when Bentley and Niko left, I will rest easier at night. An excellent camp by Laury and this defense would be "solid as Sears", a phrase used by Mr. Ruskell the other day.

Line depth was obviously a problem through out camp. I am not too worried about this. It would be nice if the starting five could be out there working together, if only for the sake of unity and getting used to each other. It has been stated that a lack of fundamentals often leads to shoulder problems in linemen. Well this team has two starting linemen who have had their shoulders worked on in consecutive years. Maybe we can judge the success of the new coaches by how many big nasties miss next years camp after shoulder surgery. Regardless, with no rookies expected to see time as a Hawks linemen this year, the team should be able to come together quickly, once everybody is healthy. Look for improvement in the health department by the time the next camp rolls around in June.

Also, look for the Hawks to possibly announce some roster moves later. It is possible that some of the tryout guys made enough of an impression to unseat some of the camp fodder who had previously signed. Read More!

Mini Camp Day Two

by: Michael Steffes

More of the same today out in Kirkland. The Hawks were back on the field in helmets and shells getting ready for 2008.

The man drawing the most interest today seemed to be new offensive line coach Mike Solari. Clare Farnsworth was told prior that adding Solari would be the biggest offseason addition of the Seahawks. Others are taking note too. Dave Boiling said Solari and Mike Deboard, the new assistant are already making their presence felt.

It is no secret that improved line play will be a key if the Seahawks make a deep playoff run this year. It is good to know that the new coaches are making the most of the this early chance to work with the players. According to both Farnsworth and Boiling, Solari must have been busy looking at last years performance as he has commented on mistakes made in 07'. The line made too many mistakes in too many games last year. It seems they are well on their way to eliminating those shortcomings.

To Continue...

Several more players took the day off today, including Howard Green, Anthony Russo, and Corey Williams. This according to Danny O'Neil's attendance report. This doesn't bode well for Russo. He may be replaced on the roster by tryout invitee PK Sam, who Frank Hughes said looks good. That move makes a lot of sense because Sam adds another returner to the mix.

Keeping with the special teams theme, the specialists seem to get some attention today as well. Seahawks.com has interviews with both Tyler Schmitt and Brandon Coutu which are worth watching. There is also a slide show.

Overall, from the reports, it seems as if the guys got after it a little more today. People got knocked down, and their were some good battles between the young linemen. That is good to see. It sounds as if the team has a long way to go as far as everybody feeling comfortable with the offense, but there is plenty of time. To me, it is just nice to hear that playing football has got the players as pumped as us fans. Tomorrow morning is the last practice for rookies, then voluntary veteran camp begins. It is a long season, but it sounds as if the team is building the base for a very successful campaign. Heres to hoping it all fits together like a puzzle...of the Lombardi Trophy. Read More!

Mini Camp Summary

by: Michael Steffes

While the reports are around the internet from the 2nd practice of the day, and I have some thoughts.

First off, I would say that it is rare that the first day of the first mini camp gets noticed for the limited amount of mistakes, but that is what Clare Farnsworth and Matt Hasselbeck noticed. Most of the comments seem directed at the offensive line. Matt said...

"Those guys have been working hard," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said when asked about the lack of mistakes by the offensive linemen – mental, as well as physical. "They have been out on the field. They have been having a lot of meetings and doing a lot of drills and communication."

Also, Frank Hughes at the TNT quotes Dave Boling also from the TNT as saying that Mike Solari is a huge improvement (over Bill Laveroni). It is safe to say that the level of tolerance for poor line play will not be very high. The fact that the team has come out, on the first day, showing that they have already been working hard at this shows me that this team is driven by a desire to win.

My belief is that comes from their quarterback, who Farnsworth reports was spectacular as well today. If anybody saw Hasselbeck interview during the Super Bowl, he talked about finding 5 ways he could improve, not worrying at all about what the front office or other players were doing. He, if anybody, could have looked around and pointed the finger. Instead, he looked at himself and demanded more. It is that type of attitude that will make this team better.

To Continue...

The concern over the receivers is going to be something that won't disappear until they prove it in the regular season and even beyond. The reports from today are so so. Hughes reported that Nate Burleson was dropping balls. Clare reports that Logan Payne was vaccum, gathering in everything in site. Nate Burleson has proven he can make a big catch in a big game. He did it several times last year. However, if he wants to be great, he is going to have to learn to catch the ball when the spotlight isn't on. Today was only one practice, but it is encouraging to see Payne mentioned already. This kid is star in the making. My guess is he will be just like Bobby Engram. A stud receiver who never gets the proper credit.

By all accounts, including just looking at him, Julius Jones is the perfect mixture of anger and gratitude. As one reader mentioned, he has the arms of a wrestler. Couple that with a mohawk, and the fact that he has a lot to prove and you are going to have a heck of a steal in my opinion. Holmgren is the polar opposite than Bill Parcells when it comes to motivating players. Simply by making Jones feel wanted, rather than obligated to find time for him, he seems poised to excel. The running back competition should only make him better, assuming he wants to prove people wrong. He is saying all the right things, I am thinking he will.

Finally, it is too bad that the team has so many injuries to deal with, but in a way it is a blessing. I wouldn't have said so until I watched the slide show on Seahawks.com. To see guys like Branch and Kerney out on the field do everything the can re-enforces the quality of the leadership on this team. How can any rookie feel it is OK to loaf when the hurt guys are out there watching and doing everything they can. My guess is that they were not required to do that. The rookies will catch on to what it takes quick, and that is what this team needs.

There has been a lot of talk about a "win one for coach" mindset. It is hard to ever gauge whether something like that exists on a professional level. As a fan we want to believe it does because the Seahawks are our passion. To these men it is their job. However, that doesn't mean it isn't possible. I have had bosses that I was willing to sacrifice for, and some I wasn't. Judging by the focus that appears to have been present today, It seems as if the team couldn't get the Mike Holmgren victory tour started soon enough. Read More!

Different Feel This Year

by: Michael Steffes

There has to be, right? Today marked the start of the final post-draft mini camp for Coach Mike Holmgren. At least with the Seahawks. It is also the first one in seven years without the smiling face of Shaun Alexander to lighten things up.

Not too many surprises so far. Most of the players that are recovering from surgery did not participate. That left veteran Chris Gray as the first team starting center and newly signed Chop Womack as the starting left tackle.

Lost of new faces filled out the offensive personnel. Mike Wahle was running as the left guard, with Sims at right as expected. Julius Jones and TJ Duckett lined up behind them. Although, Mo Morris was the first team back, according to Frank Hughes.

To Continue...

The only player not at practice was Rocky Bernard. Rocky is not recovering from the groin issue as I speculated this morning, but actually a surgery he had on his toe. My guess is that he did not attend to avoid any negative attention to the team today, instead allowing Holmgren to address the issue. He did, but saying..."Let it run its course, and when it's all done, people will go, 'Oh.' " It remains to be seen if he will be in attendance later in the week.

Because of the absence of both Bernard and Tubbs the D-Line had some interesting shuffling. The new guys like Tripplett and Cooper actually ran as the third team with Cooper at end. One thing that was of note was that Tripplett ran as a right tackle, which is usually the anchor not the penetrator(3-tech). Red Bryant ran as the 2nd team 3 technique behind Craig Terrill. That might be a glimpse as to what the team thinks about him. He is known to be fairly athletic for his size. Also Barka Atkins lined up as the first team LDE, filling in for Kerney. This is a good indication that the team is viewing him more favorably than Jason Babin who was the 2nd team LDE. Not good news for Babin, although there is a lot of time to change things.

All and all, my guess is that people are just happy to be back to playing football. Well, all those who aren't injured. They will spend the week in rehabbing and watching. Just because more info has come to light, I have updated the injury chart and will continue to do so as warranted. Here it is....


Info was taken from this report from the Seattle Times and Seattle PI. Read More!