Don't Expect an Engram Holdout

by: Michael Steffes

If you lend any credence to this interview, done Friday on KJR w/ Goz & Gas, it sounds as if Bobby will be in Kirkland next month. He was on the radio talking about an event he had over the weekend in Woodinville. He told the hosts he was in Pennsylvania. After asking what he was doing, Bobby replied he was recharging, getting ready for the season.

Groz and Gas pryed a bit and asked, but Bobby said he isn't talking about training camp, but he is feeling great and getting ready for the season. I think he has expressed his displeasure of being in the last year of his deal, and I think Ruskell has made it clear he has to earn his next contract. Hopefully, this leads to another pro bowl level season for B Easy. END Read More!

Weaver Time

by: Michael Steffes

If you can manage to pull yourselves from the NBA Draft for a moment (just kidding...kinda). Leonard Weaver was on KJR with Dick Fain today. Thought you might like to take a listen. Here is the link.

Weaver talks all things Hawks, including his appreciation of the enigma that is Logan Payne. Weaver says he has been impressed with TJ Duckett. He also thinks Morris and Jones each have unique skills. Good stuff. END Read More!

Darryl Tapp Interview

by: Michael Steffes

D-Tapp is back home in Virgina and eating good at Mom and Dads house, but he still had time to do an interview with Softy on KJR.

Besides for good eats, Tapp has a new endorsement he is pimping. He also talks about last season, and what is ahead for the Hawks. I have said this before, but if one person on this team could feel like the team is giving up on him early it is Darryl. However, he isn't showing any signs that has any grudge. I guess we should expect that, considering he is a Seahawk and Tim Ruskell draftee. Especially since the organization went to him and explained the pick. That helps.

I am starting to think that we may be presently surprised with his development this year. If Jennings is poised for a breakout year, than Tapp could be too. He has shown the signs and he is saying the right things. END Read More!

Around the Radio

by: Michael Steffes

Good afternoon loyal readers, I am going to be poking in and out through out the day, but I am preparing for the cumulation of a quarters work all into one very important presentation I am expected to give tonight for school. In the meantime, to keep you on your toes, I have rallied together some fine fine radio interviews for your listening pleasure.

Know I know about it is about a 50/50 split on how you feel about this old timer, but getting a chance to hear him speak is always a treat. Especially if you like defense. John Marshall was on with Mitch Levy, who can always be counted on to bring up tough and meaningful topics. I think you'll like it.

A key cog of that defense and in the last year of his contract is Leroy Hill. Softy asks him about his role in the defense and his prospects on staying with the Hawks.

Finally, on the other side of the ball, on with Softy yesterday was Julius Jones. He talks about his feelings on being with the Seahawks and how things are going so far.

It that isn't enough, make sure you give a listen to Mack Strong who was on with Gas yesterday afternoon. He speaks publicly about his first season in a long long time not in a Seahawks uniform. END. Read More!

Hawk Talk from Kirkland

by: Michael Steffes

Ian Furness of KJR was out in Kirkland today to do his radio show. This gave him access to do some great interviews. You may have seen some of them referenced in the comments. If you didn't get a chance yet, take a listen...

Nate Burleson.................Julian Peterson

END Read More!

Mike Wahle Interview

by: Michael Steffes

For your listening pleasure this evening, check out the interview done with Mike Wahle, by Softy at KJR. They cover the running game pretty extensively, everything from Rob Sims to Mo Morris, with lots of Solari/DeBoard praise in between.

Wahle seems like as heady a player as the Seahawks have had on their line in quite sometime. I am always cautious when it seems there is overkill, praising the improvement of a unit, especially in the offseason. With the running game though, I can't get enough.

I just don't see how this unit can't be at worst league average, and last year, that might have sent us to Arizona. I am on the edge of my seat waiting until that second pre-season game when the starters get a half of football to really make us all hopeful. Between the running game and the wide receivers, this is going to be one of the most compelling training camps in recent time. END Read More!

Morning Audio

by: Michael Steffes

KJR had a plethora of Seahawk interviews yesterday. If you are looking for something to listen to, make sure you check em' out.

Mitch Levy had TJ Duckett on. Pretty good interview. He and Julius Jones seem to have a good rivalry going from their college days.

Softy interviewed Brian Russell. Russell says without a doubt, in his entire career, this is the best football team he has played on. He thinks the Hawks need to go out and win a bunch a games. Me's thinks that too!

Finally, Gas, had the sage-like presence of Mike Holmgren on to wrap up the day. He talks about the usuals, Rookies, Rocky, and Retirement. He also says they think Branch will be ready for week one. Interesting, considering todays news.

END Read More!

Jeb Putzier & All Things Mini Camp

by: Michael Steffes

The Sirius NFL Radio weekend crew spoke with Jeb Putzier today in between practices. Rather than taking my diligent notes(sorry I was driving) and reporting everything he said, I am just going to summarize some of the important things that came out of the conversation. I am paraphrasing a bit more than usual on this one, but hopefully the spirit of what he said will be clear.

To Continue....

First off, he said that there is a whole lot of head spinning going on this weekend. He said that he and some of the new guys are trying real hard to understand what is going on. He said the Seahawks have a unique way of calling things. He said it is not just the new guys though. He said Mike Solari is using very similar verbage to his past stops, but it is totally foreign to the incumbent linemen. So he has an edge there. He said it will take a bit but they will get it all figured out so that it comes naturally and they can just go out an play.

He was asked how he approaches mentoring a young kid like John Carlson. He said that sometimes it can be hard, because he wants to be on the field as much as possible, but he also wants the team to win above all else. He said Carlson has made it really easy because he knows his place and "isn't a punk or anything." Because of this he has already stayed after practice and worked with him.

They asked about Jackson. He said he hasn't gotten to spend much time with him, but he has seen him crash through and blow up several running plays. Said he looks good, or at least he thinks it is Jackson who looks good, he is still getting to know everybody.

He was asked if Mike Holmgren addressed the situation of being a lame duck coach. He said there was no formal address, but players on the team have told him how much respect they have for Holmgren and some of the other coaches whose last year it is too, and that they want to send them out a winner.

Finally, he said in the brief time has been on the field with #8, he can tell he is one of the smartest quarterbacks he has ever played with. He is like another coach out there. He is giving out pointers like, "if you a make this one little tweak we have a huge play." He said he also throws a great ball. --This made me think of the old days when people used to speculate that Hass had some weird spiral that made all the receivers drop passes. So much for that!

I am bit curious about the other coaches leaving. I wonder if there is some resentment about Mora getting the job. I have to imagine it won't be a problem. It could also be that Mora will just be bringing in his own staff. My guess is the guy being mentioned is Gil Haskell. Marshall and Mora worked together on a top rated defense before, so him staying is a possibility. Plus we all know Mora's connection to Gregg Knapp (O Coordinator), whose contract will be up after this year in Oakland. I am assuming the new coaches are Mora guys, but who knows. It would be aggravating to say the least to see the line and running game preform at a top level and then the coaching staff dismantled. But all that for next year. For now, it appears the team has a singular purpose, to send the walrus out a winner. Read More!

Tim Ruskell Interview

by: Michael Steffes

The man, the myth, the legend. President of football operations in Seattle, Tim Ruskell was on with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan on "Movin the Chains" this afternoon.

Here is what he said....

Ruskell said that they have their eye on Jackson since they first scouted Lofa. They have been waiting for him to finally come out. He is "solid as Sears" as Ruskell puts it. "It was a no brainier"

Ruskell was asked about Kentwan Balmer. He said Lo Jack was on the hot list and Balmer was not. The reasons are well documented.

Talking about the Bryant pick, he said the team just needed to get bigger inside. Ruskell subscribes to the "get up the field" type tackles, but coach has always wanted a dominant inside guy to take up blockers.

Tim said Jacob Green was the only guy more excited than Red. Green said it was like being drafted all over again.

He said that people often mis-understand the Holmgren offense in regards to the tight end. Part of the reason it works is because if you only have a receiving tight end it tells the defense what you are going to do. It is important to have a guy who can do it all to disguise plays properly. He thinks Carlson is the perfect guy for this.

He said the short time really helped the draft because it got people talking earlier and therefore more connections were established which led to more trades throughout league.

Ruskell said the Tyler Schmitt pick had less to do with needing a long snapper than truly believing this guy is special. They obviously don't want to go through what they did last year, but they think this guy can be around for a decade. He also said they had good intelligence he would have gone in the top of the 7th. Two teams were also very interested.

Owen Schmitt. They like him because his heart is bigger than his body. He said his game speed is much better than his timed speed. He will run right through a wall for his o line and his running back. He thinks Weaver and Schmitt do different things and will pair well together.

Coutu was their top rated kicker. Regardless they don't want to be hostage to a college kicker, some times that takes time. He expects a spirited competition.

About the receivers.... No, he keeps hearing that we are thin at WR, but they don't see it. He said Bobby is in great shape. Nate improved a ton and they expect him to be a top guy this year. He understands why people think it is a problem, but you will know these guys names before too long.

He said the team will still consider making moves if he believes it will help the team.

They asked if he was going to get out golfing....Ruskell said...only on a video game, Tiger Woods on Wii I can only hope. My personal favorite. Read More!

Justin Forsett Interview

by: Michael Steffes

Justin Forsett was on the Opening Drive, on Sirius NFL Radio this morning with Bob Pappas, Randy Cross, and Peter King. For a summary of what he had to say....


First off, HERE is scouting report done by John Morgan at Field Gulls on Justin Forsett. Here is what he had to say...

Excited to be in Seattle with a good team.

Said he wishes he had a chance to meet Shaun, but its Ok.

Holmgren called him, he was asleep. It got to a point he couldn't watch anymore waiting to be picked.

He thought he should have gone a lot earlier, only because some of the backs that went in front of him.

He recognizes special teams is going to be key for him. He said he would snap or hold if they asked him to.

He has come to Seattle a bunch to play the Huskies. He said he heard it rains a lot up there.

He feels he can come in an play anywhere on the field. He thinks that he will bring some excitement to the field no matter what he does.

Justin, seemed a little groggy to me. Wasn't the greatest interview. Could be that it was 7:15am, I know i am a bit groggy. It will be interesting to see if he makes the team. He seems to have the right approach. Welcome aboard Justin! Read More!

Inside the Mohawk

by: Michael Steffes

Continuing on with a series of getting to know the new draft picks, KJR, and the Gasman specifically did a an interview with Owen Schmitt. Through You-Tube fame he is already a Seahawk fan favorite. Get a listen to the mohawked madman, the runaway beer truck himself, Owen Schmitt. Apparently he likes to eat...strange things. END Read More!

Introducing the Draft Picks

by: Michael Steffes

Here is link the press conference in Kirkland today introducing John Carlson and Lawrence Jackson.

Also, here is a link to an interview Softy did with Carlson shortly after.

As a bonus, here is Softy talking with Tim Ruskell.

END Read More!

Lo Jack on KJR [updated]

by: Michael Steffes

Lawrence Jackson will be on with Mitch Levy on KJR in the 9 0'clock hour. That is PST for all of you spread around the world. Here is the link to listen. Get your first listen to the top draft pick.

Here is the link to the interview

END Read More!

Kentwan Balmer Interview

by: Michael Steffes

Rob Rang told Frank Hughes he has a feeling in his gut the Hawks will take Balmer. I do not agree, but he was on the Sirius Blitz this morning. To see a summary of what he said, including talking about the Seahawks interest....

It sounded like he has a commitment from Jack Del Rio that if he slides to 26 he will be taken.

He feels comfortable playing in either 3-4 end, or a 4-3 DT.

He talked a little bit with both the Washington Redskins and the Seahawks.

He met with the Hawks at the combine, but not since. He says he hasn't gotten any indication he is on their radar.

Butch Davis helped him a lot in watching tape and understanding the game.

He is happy to play any technique. He is going to give it all he's got and be successful no matter where he plays.

Balmer feels his best football is ahead of him. He felt that last year was an average year for him. He says he is going to work as hard as anyone to be great on Sundays.
Read More!

Trevor Laws Interview on NFL Radio

by: Michael Steffes

Defensive Tackle from Notre Dame and possible pick of the Seahawks Trevor Laws joined Adam Schein and Tim Hasselbeck this morning on the Sirius Blitz. I find Trevor to be an interesting prospect. He seems to be slated to go in between the Seahawks first two picks, but he is the one player who would adequately replace Rocky Bernard. Rocky's contract expires after this year and he could possibly be facing discipline from the league at some point this year. Adding Trevor with the teams first pick would be a smart move in my opinion, but the team my only feel comfortable doing so if they can trade back several slots.

If you want to read a summary of what Trevor had to say....

-He described the draft as a long tough process, and he is mostly excited to find a team and go to mini camp so he can focus on playing football.

- So much of the process has little to do with playing D line.

-Playing for Notre Dame and Charlie Weiss has given him the opportunity to make an easy transition to the pro level

-He has played many different positions on the D line. His versatility offers him the advantage of helping out where ever he is needed

-He feels there are six teams that could take him in the high second round range. All of them have told him they would love to have him, but they aren't sure how the draft will fall.

-The teams who have expressed interest that he mentioned are the Broncos, Seattle, Rams, Redskins

-He has made friends with the other D Tackles and he is intersted in seeing where guys like Pat Sims and Kentwan Balmer go.

-Met with Denver at the combine and the Senior Bowl

-Met with the Hawks at Senior Bowl and the Combine, and they said if he is still around they are interested in taking him.

-Last year was the toughest year of his life. Going 3-9 at Notre Dame is not pleasant situation.

-Teams often asked about his leadership on a losing team

-He said he tried to be a leader as much as he could, but the fact was that the seniors and juniors were far outweighed by the freshman and sophomores, and the inexperience was the one thing he believes hurt the team the most.

Read More!

Jonathan Stewart Interview

by: Michael Steffes

I am juggling radio sources right now, but I did catch some of J-Stew's interview on Sirius. It looks like Laws will be pushed back because of the Jake Long presser. However, Field Gulls did an interview with him right here. Check it out.

First off, Stewart said the Seahawks have shown interest in him.

Stewart says that when he met with the Cardinals, the owner was present and met personally with Stewart. That seems to to be a probable landing spot.

He had a trip to Detroit that went very well, he also met with the Bears and their coaching staff.

What he is hearing is that he will be taken in the top half of the first. It looks more and more like it is a pipe dream that he makes it to the Hawks. Darn, I was starting to feel good about it. It is probably for the best. It would seem that a D Tackle is going to taken early now for sure. Lets just all keep our fingers crossed Stewart doesn't end up in Arizona. END Read More!

John Carlson Interview

by: Michael Steffes

John Carlson was on with Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots on the Sirius Blitz this morning. Here are some of the highlights.

To Continue...

Carlson says he has been told as high as the second and as low as the fourth. He would really appreciate it if somebody would take him in the second so he can celebrate Saturday night.

He claims to be as healthy as he has been in 3 or 4 years. Apparently he has had knee problems in the past.

He has met with 19 different teams at the combine. He had a visit to Buffalo and an individual workout with the Falcons.

He has had contact with the Seahawks, primarily at the combine. He said he thinks they were at his Pro Day, but it doesn't sound like they talked with him at that time.

He also played tennis. He thinks it has helped him with footwork and coordination.
He says the film will speak for itself on the blocking.

Thats all folks! In my opinion he is the most complete tight end in the draft. Some think he is the top guy on the board, but that doesn't seem to mesh with what he has been told. Of course, nobody tells the truth this time of year, so I guess we will wait until the weekend and find out. Read More!

Lots of Interviews on Sirius

by: Michael Steffes

There are several great interviews on Sirius NFL radio today. They include both John Carlson and Trevor Laws, the two picks I had for the Hawks in my last mock draft. I am listening for them to begin so I can give a summary to you. However, I thought I would first pass this along.

John Sullivan, C, out of Notre Dame was just on. He says he has been in contact with the Seahawks on several occasions. This would make sense. With Chris Gray seemingly playing his last year, the Seahawks will need someone capable of snapping behind Chris Spencer. Also, if Spencer fails to improve on his line calls this year, they could consider moving him to guard.

Sullivan came across as a very bright individual. He said that with the freshman QB last year, he was responsible for diagnosing the defense, Mic linebacker recognition and then making the line calls. Sounds the the kind of smart, heady, player who has a long career in the NFL ahead of him. He is also another in a long line of former wrestlers to make the transition to playing in the trenches. Because of that he is fairly comfortable bulking up or sliming down to fit his new teams scheme. I am sure he is also well versed in leverage techniques and hand usage.

Sullivan is expected to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round. END Read More!

Patrick Kerney Interview

by: Michael Steffes

In case you are an out of town fan like me, or missed it this morning, Patrick Kerney was on the Mitch in the Morning Show, on KJR. Here is a link to the interview.

It is a pretty quick clip. Kerney discusses his shoulder injury, how he actually played well in Green Bay if you look at the tape, how the defense will be better on the road, and finally, that he is not upset about being left off the Monday night slate. END Read More!

Tim Ruskell Interview

by: Michael Steffes

Hey all, I got a nice treat while i was running a little errand. President and GM stopped by the Sirius NFL Radio set up in Florida. He gave a nice little interview with Tim Ryan and Gil Brandt on "Movin'the Chains". I scribbled like mad to take notes, and probably caused no less than three car accidents, but hey, this is LA, and I go to many lengths to give the readers good info. To see a summary and highlights of the interview....

* The first part of the interview was talk about the state of the league. Not surprisingly, Ruskell is very supportive of Roger Goodell. He likes where the league is heading and how judiciously they handle issues that arise. Specifically, he praised Goodell for being a football guy with an education, rather than the other way around.

* The next topic was Marcus Trufant. Ruskell said he is a great guy who the Seahawks weren't going to let leave, it was just a matter of coming to an agreement. He said he knows Marcus' parents, and he epitomizes what he wants from players in the organization, saying he fits the Seahawk culture perfectly.

* Next, they spoke about Mike Wahle. He said that the moment Wahle was released, right away, he had both Solari and Hasselbeck come to him and say he needs to go get this guy. The family ties are what helped Wahle make his decision. He also said that he knows it is going to be a good signing, because the Strength and Conditioning coach already called and said Wahle is already one of his favorites. It seems to me he must be a hard worker which is great. It sounds like his shoulder is fine too.

* They, of course talked about Shaun. He said that Shaun knows and has known exactly what is going on. They have been very upfront with him. They plan on looking at his wrist and meeting with him after the Owners Meetings.

* He said that he has never seen Mike Holmgren so relaxed. He said that the coach is really excited about the make up of the team and what they can accomplish. He said that coach just seems very calm and confident. He also said that every player on the team knows it is Coach Holmgren's team until it is not, and there is no concern around the team about any coaches rift.

* About the draft. First, they tried to peg him into the 25th spot saying that they assume he likes where we are picking and there is no reason to move. He said" whoa, lets not get that rumor started. We are always listening. I see opportunities to move up and down within this draft."

* The asked him about players at the top of the draft and Ruskell said that before the Browns game last year, He and Webster went to the Ohio St/Wis game. He said Gholston had 5 sacks and ate the tackle alive. It was one of the more impressive performances he saw.

* They asked him about the DT position, and he said the team is really, really high on Mebane. They said what is hard to see unless you watch him every day is that he has great football instincts. He just has a knack for always making the right move. Also, they talked about Craig Terrill, who Ruskell praised for his stage presence, saying that guy has got a career after football. He is a musician with a CD out if you didn't know.

* Finally, he said that the one motion he was against was the playoff reseeding, which doesn't seem like it will pass. He says he understands his view is old school, but season ticket holders by tickets with the expectation that by winning the division they get to go to a playoff game. Plus the team's primary goal every year is to win the division. He doesn't ever want to hang a division champs banner and then tell the fans it wasn't good enough for a home playoff game.

* Also, he said he wasn't in favor of changing roster sizes. He said it was one of those things were the owners want 70, the coaches want 90, and somewhere in between is the best.

Hope you enjoy my summaries of these interviews, as I know sirius doesn't post them for the masses. Anyway, I do my best to provide the spirit of the interview. Hopefully it does it justice and you find them useful. Read More!