After a dismall rushing season in 2007 for the Seahawks, the 12th Man and the Seahawks own defense was left wondering what is going to be done in the offseason to remedy this? Something had to be done to curb our lack luster 3rd down conversion rating and help keep our defense on the bench to rest.
Enter Tim Ruskell's answers for 2008.
First was the signing of 2-time Pro-Bowler LG Mike Wahle. Mike was acquired from Carolina quickly after he was released by the Panthers for cap space. Wahle was just the beginning of our puzzle.
Now we needed that guy who would pound the ball that one yard we needed soooooo many times. Hello, TJ Duckett! TJ has always been used in conditional situations. He has been sidelined watching Dunn and Vick compete for the team rushing title. Atlanta dubbed these three D.V.D., but it turned out to be more of a V.D., if you know what I mean? The Redskins used TJ for a cheerleader as Portis came up short many of times. And well Detroit was just a road bump on his way here to Seattle where he is expected to get the ball on 3rd and 1.
Now the draft. Tight End has been a very elusive position for the Seahawks. John Carlson demonstrated great rush blocking and pass protection at Notre Dame. While doing so, he proved great offensive skills running his pass routes and actually catching the ball. He also played basketball his freshman year at Notre Dame helping his versitility. But the key thing about him is his blocking abilitity.
With the loss of Mack Strong, everyone hoped Leonard Weaver would step in and pick up where Mack left off. It's kind of like a Mariners fan comparing Jose Vidro to Edgar Martinez at DH. You just can't make it happen. Mack is HARD to replace, but with our 5th round pick we grabbed the pyscho FB Owen Schmitt. This guy takes pride in leading the way for his RB's so much that he takes opponents face masks for trophys. Owen owns face masks of 11 players that have dared to step in front of him.
These were just four of the pieces I wanted to talk briefly about in Tim Ruskell's skeme of things. There is no question in my opinion Ruskell is doing what he can to get us that Vince Lombardi Trophy. Tim has made many interesting moves this offseason and has given the coaching staff many new options.
Maybe Weaver and Carlson in a Double TE roll. Bring the FB David Kirtman into the game plan for those times we might do a Double TE. Kirtman was only the FB at USC that led the way for Bush and White. Then Schmitt could back-up Kirtman for the time being.
So many choices, I know J. Jones is foaming at the mouth from what he is seeing. Jones may have just set himself up for a Priest Holmes type situation, when Holmes came out from under Jamal Lewis' shadow in Baltimore to sunny days in KC. Yes I know Holmes was injured and was never the same there. But Priest had a couple good years in KC.
Anyways, this might be one of the most physical Seahawks teams assembled in my memory, on both sides of the ball? I like what I see and I don't give predictions. So I am not calling for the trophy yet. Just a little excited to see how this all pan's out.
I just feel a little strange that someone is keeping saying some celebrities and rich men joined the famous affairs site SugarMingle.c om.. Did you notice that? absolutely a rumor!
It certainly appears the Hawks have cured their rushing ills. Now let's hope all these pieces mesh and they play well together. Ruskell also addressed the special teams selecting three draft picks that should spark those units...
The only thing I see missing from the puzzle is the weak pieces in the offense line. That was, in my opinion, the weakest part of the 2007 Seahawks and I don't see any movement to fix the problem in either the draft or signing free agencies. Why did we need another DT.
One of the reasons the running game was so poor was the lack of blocking.
The defense was one of our strong points, why mess with it...If it ain't broken........
Why did the Hawks let Josh Brown get away? Where's the committment by upper management to keep the talent they already have?
The O-line is young except for Jones. They brought in Wahle who should move into the left guard position unless one of the youngsters takes him down. The real changes for the Hawks have come in the coaching department and I'm really enthused about it. The new O-line coach comes from KC where he coached up the Chiefs to become one of the best rushing attacks over the last 10 years. The young TE Carlson was noted for his blocking at that position, another weak link with the Hawks plus the FB out of West Virginia is noted for his blocking abilities. Don't underestimate what the Hawks have done!
I, like yourself(I think?) am very pleased with our offseason moves and picks. Like you said, "lets hope all these pieces mesh and they play well togther." Listening to the minicamps, it sounds like these guys are getting along SO FAR. I just can't see a strong arguement that TR isn't trying.
I thought Wahle was a huge improvement to our offensive line. Wahle sure took care of us in that Panthers game last season. As for Josh Brown, I thought TR offered to make Josh the highest paid kicker too? From my understanding Josh went for the guarenteed money in St. Louis, but pretty much the same salary. So wheres Josh's committment? And DT's, well the Giants demonstrated how effective having a bunch of those guys around is.
By the way, it is good to see you still around buddy. Thanks for visiting.
Nice dude! I love the Metallica music theme. Seattle will have a very good chance this year, certainly more balanced than last years team by far. This is the most exciting off season in Seahawks history, all around, in recent memory. GO SEAHAWKS!!!!
Julius Jones was the starter in Dallas, so I doubt he will be having any type of break out season this year. Look forward to production similar to that in Dallas.
I cherish my John Carlson #89 Irish Jersey....he is alot like Mark Bavaro, in my opinion. You actually have two golden domers on your team now...both have character.
