Questions  E-mail
Written by Chris Sullivan   
Sunday, 01 November 2009 15:24

The Seattle Seahawks are 2-5. They have had injury problems, yes, but they have been losing due to poor execution, game planning, and passion. Tim Hasselbeck asked a few weeks ago how well this team can handle adversity. It seems pretty clear that we have the answer, and its not the one we were hoping for.

This team just isn't as good as we thought it was. There is no chemistry. The players have talent, and despite what a lot of people want to believe, Ruskell is not magically responsible for everything bad that happens to this team. You can't give a player or coach credit when they're good, but when they stink you take it up to the next level. The fact is, the players on this team, the coaches on this team, all the moving pieces of this team are not operating well.

So, here's a short list of questions. I'm asking for you to continue the list, rather than answer the questions. We know there are a lot of questions, and we know that everyone has an opinion on it, but lets worry about that later. Here are some things bouncing around in my head after another shellacking.

  • How short is Jim Mora's leash? We've heard nothing but positive things about him, but inheriting a team he knew very well with coaches he knew well, Mora has led a talented team to a 2-5 record. The inspiring motivated speaker act is wearing thin. Ultimately, Holmgren infuriated many of us, but he did one thing we were always okay with: win.
  • How much is left in Matt's tank? And, really, will we be the team he hits E with? It seems unlikely that the Seahawks won't end up drafting a quarterback in the first three picks next year, but whether it's their top pick or the second rounder remains to be seen.
  • Will Greg Knapp every work again? Knapp's play-calling and his general approach to the game appears to have been figured out around 2001. He seems to largely ignore his personnel. It's one thing to suck with JaMarcus Russell but to suck with Hasselbeck with four talented WRs is a different thing altogether.
  • Who can we trade in the offseason? We have a lot of very talented players making a lot of very large paychecks. The cap implications aren't a huge concern, but the fact that all those incredible talents can't put together a 4-quarter game is. It looks like we need to start rebuilding, at least on offense, and to do that we're going to need more draft picks, especially a third rounder (which we traded away last year).
  • Where will Tim Ruskell be in 2010? I still think it will be Seattle, but as the system he has built collapses -- regardless of the reasons for the collapse -- it may be time to look elsewhere. Mike Shanahan, Bill Cowher, Joe Gibbs, and of course, Mike Holmgren, all will be looking for a Bill Parcells-like deal at the end of this season, if the head coach jobs aren't all they would want them to be.
What are your questions moving forward? Remember-- no answers, we can worry about those later...

Comments (47)Add Comment
...
written by WiiHawk, November 01, 2009
Holmgren did not always win. Holmgren led us to many mediocre seasons, one great season, and one horrible season. The guy's been gone for only half a year, and already we're polishing what he did here. Mora's pretty bad so far, yeah, but let's not glamorize Holmgren into being a guy who "won."
...
written by T.J., November 01, 2009
What will our O line look like next year? I know that at least one starter will be a FA (not sure about the rest)... who will be retained, replaced, etc. The draft and free agency could be used for wholesale changes if necessary. Or, will the FO continue in the current direction and continue hoping things will improve?
My thoughts
written by Shmolzer, November 01, 2009
I don't really think it would be time to panic and start thinking rebuilding, but of course some things NEED to be addressed in order to get our feet back underneath us and rise to the top of the division again.

Knapp needs to go: I like our offensive personal this year, but Knapp does ignore the talent on this team in order to run "His Offense" What do great coaches do? They adjust to the talent on the roster, Not force the Roster to adjust to his scheme. Take some shots down the field to....Dont run the ball with 30 seconds on the clock before the half. Great your players excited....Quit being so conservative..

Ruskell needs to go!: We need some excitment on this team....A GAMBELER. Take some chances on drafting people with amazing talent, but just because they've had some problems before Ruskell wont draft them...People can change, make some trades if needed. If seattle really wanted to pick up some o-line talent this last offseason they could have..but they didn't have the urgency...This is really getting old not drafting small school players with talent or people with "dings" on there record.

We NEED to draft a top QB and Linemen this draft: its a must! We need to pick up one of these great Qbs in the draft this year..we need offensive line depth.

I love this franchise, but this "Playing it safe" or being "Conservative" isn't working at all anymore...
SEA in need of "D"
written by kurtthekraut, November 01, 2009
What will our defense look like next year?? I for one have " had it ". On paper we have alot of freakin talent on this defensive group. At least we all thought we did. Will we make some big changes in the offseason? Will we bring in some new faces,..perhaps ones that dont look quite as talented on paper but perhaps know how to make a play in crucial situations? As horrible as the offense has been,..the group that has most disappointed this season in my opinion is this defense. You can play well on first down,....and even better on 2nd down,..but if you dont take care of business on 3rd down than none of it matters. This defense,...bends and breaks and there is absolutely no excuse for it. We have desperately needed them to take some games over against quality opponents and all i have seen is the same crap as last year. I blamed coaching staff last year and im to the point now where im just convinced that the team just doesnt have any playmakers when it counts.
...
written by kurtthekraut, November 01, 2009
Uh, forgive me here but if i remember correctly under Holmgren we managed a few division titles,..a conference title, and a trip to the Super Bowl...nuff said. Anyone that thinks he wasnt the pivotal key to all that needs to pass the pipe. This team wasnt always perfect but we still managed to go from " outhouse to penthouse ". Give the man his props.
...
written by csungrad, November 01, 2009
1. Who will become our face of the franchise? If Matt is gone after this year and we go young at QB, who steps up and does all those Seattle car commercials and such?

2. Even as bad as we are, in today's NFL, you can rebuild within a year. At which positions do we plug in rookies and kids and try to gel those players with veterans?

3. Are we 2 or 3 players away, or 6 or 7 players away?

4. When will see the Hawks wear those awesome silver throwback helmets?

5. Maybe its the glue, but can we win the division at 8-8?

Have a great night, 12th Man. Let's get after it next week!!
This pretty much sums it up...
written by SocalHawk, November 01, 2009
Apparently my cat is even "sick" of the Seahawks losing!
http://yfrog.com/9g846xj
How many Seattle starters would start for the mediocre Cowboys?
written by kidder95, November 01, 2009
Hmm. Well, none on offense. Not even Carlson.

Defense. They would find room for Curry. Maybe a healthy Trufant.

And that is it. Dallas is the third best team in the NFC East. And we have two starters that "might" start for them.

Wow.
Holmgren GM Bashers, are they stupid or just suffer from memory lapse?
written by kidder95, November 01, 2009
Holmgren created, drafted or traded for:

1) Seattle's all time quarterback
2) The best OG to ever play
3) The league MVP in 2005 at RB
4) The best cornerback on the team today
5) The starting left tackle (if he weren't injured)
6) Signed the best OC we've had
7) Built a top 5 rushing attack
smilies/cool.gif Built a top 10 rushing attack
9) Dallas' starting FS
10) Won Seattle's first playoff game in 21 years

Holmgren changed culture. He created what you expect today. He suffered from not blowing the whole damn thing up in the first year.

I would gladly take a misses (ala Spencer, Jennings et al) with a few HOF picks over safe and mediocre.

Those who bash Holmgren do not know their history.
Left tackle
written by kurtthekraut, November 01, 2009
If youre talking about Big Walt at left tackle on that list,...I could be wrong but i believe Walt may have been Pre-Holmgren. Could be wrong though....other than that i agree. smilies/smiley.gif
...
written by Sir Ewald Romstein, November 01, 2009
I know its his first year, I know Holmgren took a few years years to get things going, but I do not believe that Mora will ever be a winning coach in the NFL. The Seahawks will suffer with him for a few years until he's gone. He is not the answer and the sooner he is replaced the better.
...
written by jeff bernard, November 01, 2009
Holmgren walked around the franchise instelling almost fear in his players, how many times wouldyou see him after a Hass pick turn beat red and just stare at Matt. I dont know that Mora can do that with these players, Too friendly Look at the winners, Cohwer lower lip, A Parcell tirade calling a player a skirt. A Woody hat throw, or a Gruden chuckie look, Thats what this team needs in upper managment.I like Mora and want him to do good but everyone has that boss or sup that when hes around you perform or heads will roll.That is what I see this team missing that TR cannot bring stop defending this guy these are result that I would expect from a office temp with bad hair.Thats why holmgren is missed.
...
written by CWEH, November 01, 2009
Chris- you are wrong, This is totally on Front office. This is the team that TR built. How many times did we miss on a good player because he had one or two incidents? for god sake TR wont even sign players that got fucken "F" in elementary class. We are not build tuff. Talent alone will not get you any where in the NFL. I feel bad that Mora is stuck in between this. With a good GM, he would be a good coach. However, he does have to put aside his friendship and fire Knapp NOW. We used to avg 22.5 pts a game to 16.3 (mostly with the same players) who's fault is that? TR


I said it back then and I will say it again: Holmgren should have not left. I hope to god, that he returns as GM.
...
written by FancyPants, November 01, 2009
Assuming Ruskell is still the GM in 2010, which Tampa/Atlanta retread will cripple this team next by taking up a roster spot and holding our team hostage by not allowing us to play someone with superior talent?

Also - if you don't have Monte Kiffin or Tony Dungy on your team, don't try and run the Tampa 2. You're just wasting your time.
From earlier Holmgren rant
written by kidder95, November 01, 2009
starting Left Tackle = Sean Locklear. 3rd rounder in 2004.

Yeah, Holmgren as GM sucks [sarcasm].
Timmy & Jimmy
written by LouieLouie, November 01, 2009
Timmy and Jimmy will be here next year. Paul Allen isn't going to start following the Al Davis model of franchise ownership.

Bill Cower was the coach of the Stealers (remember the '05 Super Bowl) for a very long time. I remember seeing the Hawks beat those Steelers a few times when he was coach. But the Steelers also got to dance in the big ballet a few times. They even got big gaudy ring (in '05). But that was after more than a decade of being the head coach.

If Timmy and Jimmy both go down the road soon, the Hawks will begin to follow the Detroit Lion model of wins and losses.

Think of all those high draft picks we could have for the next decade.

...
written by omarlittle, November 01, 2009
Come on Holmgren didn't suck at GM but he was nothing special. He drafted so many busts and made such dubious picks that he had his powers stripped and even he acknowlaged the need to do so. I can't believe you think drafting Ken Hamlin was a good thing either. That dude sucks.

While I wish we would have drafted a OL somewhere in the top 2 rounds in the past 2 seasons reaching does not make sense. Teams draft for value not need most of the time, this is common practice. This is why Curry is a seahawk.

Also I don't see how any one can fault Ruskell for the offensive line depth. How many teams can loose a center, both starting guards, and 3 offensive tackles one of which is the best OL in the history of the sport and hope to compete? How is lack of depth his fault when a shit storm of that magnitude hits? I fail to see why the all the blame lands on him.
My questions
written by TheRealist, November 01, 2009
1. How could Tim Ruskell not be held accountable for failing to build any sort of legitimate offensive core group that sets the team up for the future?

2. Why won't Tim Ruskell consider athletic talents from small schools (like Miles Austin and Marques Colston)?

3. Why didn't we re-sign the best back on the roster last year (Leonard Weaver - try and tell me anyone on the Hawks currently is better)?

4. Is there any chance Mora will get fired after one year, along with his bad staff?

5. Why does Tim Ruskell's ultra expensive defense loaded with first rounders suck so much?
Holmgren For GM in Seattle!
written by Farmer Paul, November 01, 2009
I'll vote for that! Those of you that have been bashing Holmgren are uneducated, don't know your Seahawk history whatsoever fools! Holmgren would turn this team around as our GM. Tim Ruskell has impotency issues and Viagra isn't working. Let's fire Ruskell immediately and hire Holmgren pronto on the spot Johnny and give Mora a few years to adjust. Give Holmgren reign of who he thinks should be our OC and DC. Then we see what takes place. I like it!
my 2 cents
written by hawksnest116, November 01, 2009
I know you need stability in you front office and on the sidelines. But I think alot of people make exscuses because they love the hawks. Lets face we suck. We have alot of holes on this team. We have alot of players that are old and exspensive. We have a GM that has taken over a superbowl team to that will be lucky to win 10 games in two years. They say the hardest thing is to admit fault or accept the truth. We need to all realize we need GM and a new coaching staff. Then and only then do I think the rebuilding can beging and be sucessfull. So my question is do you think Holmgren for Gm and Gruden for HC will come true next year.
My 2 Cents
written by kidder95, November 01, 2009
I pray so.

If the Hawks draft Taylor Mays, we know Ruskell is still leading this ragtag bunch.
Questions
written by MonroeCoug, November 01, 2009
1) Can P. Allen really keep a status quo with Mgmt?
2) How many more games before TJ Housh has a "major" meltdown?
3) Will C. Redding actually show up in the stat sheet?
4) Will the Hawks make it through one game without getting someone else hurt?
5) Should the Hawks starting scouting the local Bingo parlors for someone to replace Knapp?
...
written by BMOC, November 01, 2009
Question #1 When Mora says that people need to be accountable what happens? Do people get fined? Berated? Fired? Cut? Without an understanding of what happens, the word "accountability" sounds hollow coming from Mora.

Question #2 Why can't the defense get off the field on 3rd Down? This defense is supposed to be the identity of this team and keep it in games. The Seahawks D does not do that (sadly, I saw the 49er's D hold the Colts to 18 points on the road, thus keeping them in the game).

Question #3- Is Tim Ruskell one of the top 7 GMs as John Clayton says? The current product on the field does not say so, however, even good GMs go through bad seasons. Ruskell always seems to win the off season super bowl via free agent signings and draft picks, right now they aren't translating into wins.
Find the HOF from the Ruskell era:
written by kidder95, November 01, 2009
A) Tatupu. 3 straight Pro-Bowls. Helped lead a young defense to the super bowl with a prolific offense to help out.
B) Collin Cole: Get's blown off the line very consistently. Has great accountability
C) John Carlson: Broke all Seattle TE receiving records in 2008. Has fallen off the map in 2009, including a pass off the helmet.
D) Cory Redding: Had a sack on his first play as a Seahawk. Has not had one since.
E) Deon Grant: SS to one the leagues worst pass defenses
F) Kelly Jennings: Slim... nough said
G) Julius Jones: We will never know behind this line
H) Spencer: Nice stunt pickup today... twice
I) Brian Russell: jesus
J) Patrick Kerney: Great player who got old fast
K) Josh Wilson: Small, yet able corner
L) Deon Grant: where art thou

No matter who GM's next year, suffice it to say that we have a sample of Ruskell picks large enough for us to say that he had not drafted or traded for one HOF, let alone ring of honor person. Tatupu may get there, but he'll need to be healthy to do so.

I personally loved watching Oher blow open holes for Ray Rice today, as well as Sanchez leading a failed comeback against Miami.

Hawthorne outplayed Curry today. Go figure.
...
written by kurtthekraut, November 01, 2009
I'm not exactly calling for Ruskell's head,....and im not real Ruskell fan either,....there has been some good,...and definitely some bad. Way I look at it, we are in flux right now and seems like there is no time better than the present to just go ahead and make a change at the end of the year. There is definitely some things that need changing,.....but not a single one of us can say for sure what that is. We could perhaps find a better GM and we could perhaps do worse,...question is,...has Ruskell done well enough in his time here,....to keep the seahawks from rolling the dice. My thought is we need to roll the dice on replacing players,...a coach or two,..( not necessarily HC ),....so its time to roll dice across the board and look to building a new future for seahawk football.
...
written by Riggle, November 01, 2009
"We've heard nothing but positive things about [Coach Mora], but inheriting a team he knew very well with coaches he knew well, Mora has led a talented team to a 2-5 record. The inspiring motivated speaker act is wearing thin. Ultimately, Holmgren infuriated many of us, but he did one thing we were always okay with: win."

I could not agree more. I can only point to coaching as the major reason for these losses. Despite the injuries, this team has talent. They have more talent than Denver, that's for sure.

Comparing records, we are in the same category as Oakland, Buffalo and Washington D.C.. We are fourth worst in the division, just ahead of Detroit.

Man, that's depressing!
...
written by 8, November 01, 2009
Keep knocking Sanchez all you want but he is pretty impressive in his rookie season. It took Hass forever to come around thanks to Holmgren's die hard love for him. Imagine how much better Sanchez will become at the rate he is improving. I bet Sanchez's career numbers top Hasselbeck. I'd take Maualuga over Curry any day of the week, he's a beast!
Players must make plays
written by Hawkdude, November 01, 2009
One thing is for sure, the coaches didn't miss tackles, or fumble the ball, or allow the opponent to move down the field. We have to start looking at the players who seem to take mental lapses at the wrong times. This is a talented team that doesn't believe that it could/should win. I don't know why, but when I watch them, they don't have the swagger. How do we get that? Whether Ruskell or Mora or Knapp or Bradley come up the answer, I don't care. Just find the answer. We are a highly talented team, so I credit Ruskell for that. Sure, we can use more O-line strength, but that is one serious hole. Our LBs are expensive and should be great. Our D line actually gets pressure. Its those mental errors at the wrong time that bothers me. In 05, our D was nowhere near this year's D. The difference, was that they didn't make errors at the wrong time. The difference between 05 and 09? Our offense in 05 could drive the field at will and would keep our D fresh. In 09, I lost count of how many 3 and outs we've had. We don't dominate the trenches like we did in 05 and therefore, we can't sustain anything. I like Knapp's play calling. He's agressive, creative and is doing everything he can to make things work. But when our line just cannot open up the holes or worse yet, trip up our own runners, there's not much more a coach can do. The players have to make the plays and that's all there is to it.

I thought the reffing was suspect again. Tru's fowls were not warranted. We would've held them if those calls did not go against us. It may have been a different game otherwise.

I'm calling out the players for excellence in execution. I credit Solari, Knapp, and Bradley for showing all the passion and interest in the world to win. Am sick of Mora's raw raw.... he is the one guy that I question.
Players who will stand out for 2009.
written by Farmer Paul, November 01, 2009
John Carlson: will have 60 receptions, 700+ yards, and 5 TD's. If Matt stays healthy.

Nate Burleson: is looking like he is the go to guy. If this stays consistent then he will probably have 80 receptions, 1100 yards, and 8 TD's. Again if Matt stays healthy.

Jordan Babineaux: is in the running for top tackler by #'s. He's on pace for a 100 tackle season. He possibly could end up with 3 interceptions.

David Hawthorne: is going to be my candidate for Seahawks Defensive player of the Year. The guy is amazing! I believe he could take Lofa's spot. Even though Lofa has skills and the paycheck, it all comes down to who is the best player. I truly believe that Hawthorne will be in the running for a 100 tackle season and could possibly have double digit sacks.

Aaron Curry: with all the Curry bashing that has been of late, which too me is too early and immature, I believe he will have solid #'s for his rookie season. I believe that he could be in the 90's for tackles and possibly, if he steps it up in the 2nd half of the season, could be in the running for a 100 tackle season. He could possibly end up with 6-7 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. Give this kid a break, he is learning from a brand new NFL DC. Gus Bradley has never been a DC before. They are both learning their jobs.

Max Unger: is legit! He is going to be a future Pro Bowler. I actually would like to see him eventually as our starting center but he looks great where he is at. He isn't perfect yet but he has solidified the RG position.

Jon Ryan: even though he is a punter, he is a damn good one! He is averaging 48.3 yards a punt and is on his way of having a 4000 yard season with possibly hitting the 50 yard average.

Anyway, it is a bright spot on a dismal season
...
written by Angry MAn, November 01, 2009
Knapp ran on every 1st down! Another predictable OC, great. Question" WTF!?? Mora needs to fire that SOB! Running at the end of the 1st half and not taking a shot was disheartening as a fan, and evidently the players as the 3rd quarter displayed. Ruskell is ultimately responsible for this travesty to continue. I'm pissed. We need a firing of someone, send a message right now! This is unacceptable.

Oh and FUCK starbucks! I miss the Sonics! Whats happening to this town!!!!! Go sounders?
...
written by Angry MAn, November 01, 2009
Watching highlights..........Our receivers look like children that got a king size snicker last night every time they make a catch. Stop talking!!! Burleson makes a nice catch, just throw the ball to the ref and keep it going! No need for the theatrics. Branch? Beautiful catch, you've done it before, act like it!
...
written by kelphelper, November 01, 2009
positives escape me. here's my main beefs with this game.

1. the refs were horrible. enough said.
2. knapp tried some new things. they just didn't really work.
3. defense missed several good opportunities for a turnover.
4. what's with punting on 4th-and-1 late in the third? you need less than A YARD. i believe we were in dallas territory, and down by 18. your chances of converting it are better than your chances of stopping them on defense. instead, you punt and they return for a touchdown. game over. stupid.
5. i hate the refs and the cowboys almost equally now.
6. housh is now my least favorite seahawk this decade. i've never rooted for a seahawk to get injured before. congratulations.
??Knapp
written by what, November 02, 2009
It becomes more clear that Knapp is the wrong guy.
We all know our o-line needs improvement, but statisticaly our o-line is in the middle of the pack in both run blocking and pass protection(nfl.com).
Mora, the press and alot of fans (including myself) have placed the blame on the o-line. Of course their not great, their just average. But, both the Steelers and the Cardinals managed to get to the Superbowl last year with o-lines that were statistically below average. Good coaches find a way!
What about Teel?
written by Mike Wood, November 02, 2009
Seahawks drafted Teel. Take him now and have him watch film day and night, do drill day and night, and train him to be the new starting QB. Drafting another QB would be unnecessarily expensive and there is no guarentee he be worth a tinkers damn. A Matt Ryan type QB is not on the horizon.
The 4-3 defense and the West Coast offense, were figured out long ago!
written by what the, November 02, 2009
Starting with defense, the 7 worst defenses in the NFL, in 2008, ran a 4-3 sceme as did 10 of the bottom 12. Think of a team with a dominate defense, chances are they run a 3-4 sceme, (Ravens, Steelers, ect.) Even in the nfc west, the top two teams Cardnals and 49ers both run 3-4 defenses and the 49ers almost beat the Colts at home only giving up 18 points to Manning yesterday. Thats alot better than we did against Payton. Look at the Broncos, they had one of the worst defenses in the league last year running a 4-3 and this year there defense is great having switch to a 3-4. The 3-4 is just a better more veritile defense and I think our players would thrive in that system.

West Coast offense, How many teams in the league even run a west coast offense anymore? Not many because all the coaches who know it well are standing in the unemployment line. Why? Because, defensive cordinators have learned how to stop it. This is not the 1980's Nfl anymore. Rules have changed the game,and the great teams have addapted. The scemes we run in Seattle keep us at a disadvatage and the only reason Holmgren was able to have some success with the west coast offense is because he had mastered it like no one else, but that still wasn't enough to win a superbowl.
Until our Management wakes the f@#$ up! We can over pay the leagues best free agents and bring them here to Seattle to die in our old worn out scemes that will never win a Superbowl.
...
written by elgranderojo, November 02, 2009
For those who are blaming the defense... I whole-heartedly agree! I thought we were supposed to have an attacking group who would blitz more and create problems with their speed (at least more than John Marshall did). I honestly think we have the talent to run this kind of scheme, but for some stupid fucking reason we like to sit back in cover one, two or three and let good NFL QBs have all day to throw. There aren't that many QBs in this league that won't shred you if given the time. Obviously our front four CANNOT get pressure, they just aren't that good... and our coordinator won't blitz a LB on 3rd down. I'm tired of watching teams drive down the field and taking everything the defense will give them (which is a lot). The only times Romo made bad throws was when he was under pressure. Why can't we find someone from the Eagles who will let our D play aggressively? I'd rather try it for once and deal with the big play possibility rather than getting gashed between 5-15 yards for a 5 minute TD drive.
...
written by Cysco, November 02, 2009
Mora - There's no way his job is in Jeopardy. Very rarely do coaches get punted after their first season. Teams usually have a three year plan. If the team doesn't show progress in the third season, the coach will be on notice. Mora has at least another full season at the helm.

Hasselbeck - Matt's got another 2-3 seasons of top-tier play left in the tank. IF something is done to fix the offensive line. I honestly believe if you took Has and put him in as the starter on any of the top teams in the league, he'd have similar numbers to those elite QBs. Has is 1 year older than Peyton Manning and 5 years younger than Kurt Warner. If he is kept on his feet, he can be a stud QB. Because of this, I wouldn't be so eager to draft a QB this year. Focus on the offensive line because you already have a really good QB. That said, I would definitely be calling Philadelphia and seeing if there's any way we could get Kevin Kolb from them without giving up one of our top-three picks. I think that kid could be really good.

Knapp - HAS TO GO! Give me Gus Malzahn or Chip Kelly. The NFL has changed. It's harder to compete with the same stale offensive scheme from 10 years ago. You need an offensive coordinator that can be surprising and innovative. Give me Malzahn before someone else grabs him. (for those not familiar with him, look him up. He's a offensive genius.)

Trade - At no fault of our own, we find ourselves with a surplus of AAA linebacker talent. I think we can part with one of the three and still be set. Goodbye Hill. (see Kevin Kolb reference above?)

Ruskell - I say keep him, only because I don't know of a better alternative out there. Has he hit on every decision? No. But no GM does. He's made some solid picks and some not so solid ones. I believe the problems with this team are more about scheme and coaching than players. As many have pointed out, on paper, we have talent. (that said, going into this season with no good solution at left guard is nearly a firable offense)

The Plan - It's not rocket science. On offensive, you need to keep your QB from getting sacked. Do everything in your power this offseason to build a good offensive line. Bring in a exciting offensive coordinator and take advantage of Hasselbeck's last good years. On defensive, you need to put pressure on the QB. I don't care how good your secondary is. If you give the other QB all the time in the world, they'll eventually find someone open. This means you either have to change the defensive scheme to be more attacking or you need to get more athletic at defensive line. (likely some combo of both)

Go Hawks!

Cysco




3-4 defense
written by omarlittle, November 02, 2009
I say stick with the 4-3 its a more balanced and IMO better scheme of defense. I think its this Tampa 2 scheme we try to run thats hurting us, switch it up a bit but don't go to the 3-4. Its not working in Green Bay, Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas and plenty of other places.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure that Cincy runs a 4-3 and Baltimore runs a 4-3 almost as much as they do the 3-4.
Identity
written by Papahawk, November 02, 2009
This team's identity is currently that of inconsistency and needing to get all the breaks to win a game. This team has 9 more games this year to find an identity, and for future studs to step up.

Who will they be?

I think we are learning that Hawthorn is a player. We are also seeing Babineaux develop into a starting safety.

The line is getting better. They need to continue to improve.

Hass has faith in Burleson and nobody else. This is obvious.

The Tampa 2 was figured out a while back. we are getting into the game on that too late. The 3-4 is in vogue now. What is next. The Hawks need to get to that next stop soon.

Remember 2002? Hopefully this year becomes that. The Hawks finished strong and that momentum was fun to be a part of. That became the Hawks we knew and loved.
...
written by Steve S., November 02, 2009
In order of importance, here are the problems as I see them:

1. Injuries and lack of depth on the o-line. I know it sounds like excuse-making, but the injuries on the line have been devastating. Compounding this are Sims and Spencer never quite performing up to promise, a questionable decision or two by Ruskell, and there you are. Fashionable as it might be to get mad at the coaching staff for the line's poor play, it's just a fact that no coach in the world can turn hacks, castoffs, and rookies into a cohesive line. So this one's on Ruskell and the gods of Fate. I'd put it about 70% bad luck and 30% Ruskell.

2. Defensive players. It's really quite astonishing the dropoff in play by the defense in road games, and this is a problem that goes back to the Holmgren era. Since there have been multiple coaches making multiple efforts to get their lazy asses out of the hotel bar and onto the field, and the problem never improves, the only conclusion is that it's a systemic problem with the players themselves. So all your big heroes out there -- Tatupu, Mebane, Kerney, Tapp, Hill, Trufant, and in the last 24 hours Hawthorne -- well, I hate to break it to you all but they just aren't as good as you think they are. As a group they are quick and emotional but lacking whatever mental characteristics are necessary to perform consistently on the road.

3. Coaching, but perhaps not in the areas you are thinking. I'm specifically thinking about the special teams, which this staff frankly doesn't seem to take seriously at all. The coverage units take horrible lanes, and there isn't anybody who seems like a special teams specialist to "lead" the unit. The players I see out there sometimes seem like they're chosen at random. This is a problem mostly with the coaches, who think it is more important to have 592 defensive linemen for the rotation than a player of the type I just mentioned.

4. Lack of a running game. Beyond the obvious problems on the line the backs don't inspire any fear in opponents. This started with a bit of bad luck -- Alexander is MVP one year and then nagging injuries turn him into a complete nobody the next -- and has been compounded by Ruskell's bizarre personnel decisions since.

5. Burleson. This guy is about as consistent as lumpy gravy, and the team is relying on him too much. Last year they thought they could get away with no-names backing up Burleson and the perpetually injured veterans. This year he seems to be the favorite target, even though finishing plays is only about a 50-50 proposition with him. Burleson should be a third WR and occasional special teamer, not an offense's primary threat.

Things I DON'T think are problems:

1. Hasselbeck. He played about as well as he ever has yesterday, I gave up counting the jailbreak pass rushes and Burleson drops after I ran out of fingers and toes.

2. Knapp. There simply is nothing an o-coordinator can do with blockers who can't block, and half his play calls are necessitated by the need to account for the oncoming pass rush.

3.
Possible 3 way tie after week 10!
written by Largent Rules!, November 02, 2009
The Hawks could likely be in a 3 way division tie entering week 11 at 4-5.

Week 9
Hawks beat Lions (Hawks 3-5)
Bears beat Cards (Cards 4-4)
Titans beat 49ers (9ers 3-5)

Week 10
Hawks beat Cards (Cards 4-5)
Bears beat 9ers (9ers 4-5)

Who needs a good team when you have the luxury of being in the NFL's worst division, how do you think we made it to a Superbowl...lol!
Seriously, 7-9 could win the NFC West this season.
...
written by Sean Murphy, November 02, 2009
Ok, here are my thoughts (even though they don't mean much). In 2005 we went to the Superbowl and what did we have then? We had a good QB, 1 RB (with one great FB), one primary WR. Now we have a good QB, no RB and too many WR's. Mike Holmgren built the 2005 Seahawks and yes Tim Ruskell has done some good things, but we need to get back to basics. Our Offense Coordinator is horrible, our Defense Coordinator is new and I think he will do some good things. I am still not sure about Mora, his track record is only OK! So these are my thoughts, I will never give up on my Hawks!! In New Mexico you get ALOT of Dallas crap.
trust
written by Papahawk, November 02, 2009
very few players on this team trust one another and their coaches. Winning teams have that trust. You can look right next to you and KNOW that the guy next to you is going to win his matchup, and if he doesn't win, you know what type of effort he'll put forth while being beaten.

That is the accountability that Mora is speaking of. Accountability to one another. I have played on teams like this, it is the best kind of accountability. Even the players who aren't strong can be great teammates this way.
...
written by 12, November 02, 2009
When we went to the Super Bowl in 2005 we had a great league MVP RB and a good QB. Shaun carried the team on his back that season. Hass has always been overrated, he's simply an above average QB who made the Pro Bowl a couple times due to the lack of NFC talent. Of course Matt will be remembered highly in Seattle but forgotten in the rest of the NFL world.
apologizing in Seattle
written by henry dribble, November 02, 2009
I have watched Seattle apologize and make excuses for bad GM's and coaches for years. it always comes down to the top dogs. The Mariners, Sonics and now the Seahawks declined when they lost their great coaches. there are no excuses for Ruskell, he was given every opportunity to succeed and he produced a lousy team. it is obvious that until he is replaced the Seahawks will be bad. the Seahawks have had many trades and lost many a player to the Packers and Vikings. look how good those teams are. the Cardinals had a revolving door and now they have a great coach and are winning.
What happened to the pass rush?
written by Billy Showbiz, November 02, 2009
It looked like we were trying to bring people and it was just getting picked up. Romo is pretty shifty but our D line was getting killed. What the hell happened?
...
written by imissholmgren, November 02, 2009
my questions are

wheres the rushing attack?- the non existent one, julius jones is actually a decent back and griffith is a great blocker but the oline is still not getting the zone blocking schemes its obvious.

winning on the road?- not only do we never win on the road we just get our ass kicked. it doesnt matter if we fly more then any other team we got to be better on the road. its not like they get off a plane at noon to play at 1, be ready!!

why are we so soft on defense?- the rookie aaron curry looks like hes the only one that tries alot of the times. theres no way sam hurd should of scored on his catch, just pathetic tackling, and why cant we stop people on third down? damn

i got the answers to these questions and its all the same. JIM MORA JR. GREG KNAPP AND TIM RUSKELL. lets remember michael vick took mora knapp and ruskell to an nfc championship game back in 2004 it wasnt these 3 guys who took over a team dan reeves built. so yes after a 2-5 start im calling for these guys to go. ive seen enough. there is a perfect guy for the job to take over all 3 jobs of theres and that is Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan is an offensive genius, hes won 2 superbowls, he makes any runningback good if you want to learn the zone blocking scheme you learn from him. yeah he had elway and terrell davis for his titles but he was still putting up winning seasons with the scrubs like brian griese, chris miller, gus frerote, steve beurlien, and danny kanell at qb and jake plummer took them to an afc championship game. shanahan has a career record of 55-57 on the road which is a pretty good record. we need someone like shanahan in here to get the most out of his players. we have hass, trufant, tatupu, kerney, housh, walt, multiple probowlers and other guys who have had success in this league and were 2-5 playing in the nfc west were a joke right now, if mike smith and tony sparano can turn around the falcons and dolphins with less expierience then why cant mora, because some guys have it and some dont and mora doesnt.

ATTENTION PAUL ALLEN GO GET SHANAHAN BEFORE THE COWBOYS OR REDSKINS DO.



Write comment

busy
 

2010 Seahawks Schedule

2010 Seahawks Schedule

Latest Forum Posts

Re:Derrick Ward anyone?
by Gonzo 2010/09/01 16:04
Derrick Ward anyone?
by Penn State Hawk 2010/08/31 19:05
Re:Hamilton latest Seahawk O lineman hurt
by tomandrachelle 2010/08/26 20:50
Re:Hamilton latest Seahawk O lineman hurt
by JayHoov73 2010/08/26 12:19
Hamilton latest Seahawk O lineman hurt
by Penn State Hawk 2010/08/25 18:54

About Bloguin

Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.

Advertisers

The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.

Bloggers Wanted

The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.

The Bloguin Login

The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!