Well, my Seahawks are on a bye week and I'm bored........
In this video, focus on the car moving along the road. The optical illusion will then appear slowly as your vision adjust's.
There are only white circles at the intersections
Rotating Wheels
The circles appear to rotate when you move your head closer and further away from the screen while looking at the dot in the center. Our peripheral vision interprets the relative increase or decrease of the image in the retina as rotational motion of the slanted lines.
Afterimage
An afterimage is a visual impression that remains in the retina after the initial stimulus is removed. The afterimage always has colors that are complementary to those of the original image. Look steadily at the cross in the center of the picture to see an afterimage.
Can you read this?
I'm not sure how this last one works? But supposedly if you stare at this long enough, you should see ocean waves. Let me know if you see them.
With that said, the Seahawk receiving core is now the youngest and most inexperienced in the NFL......for now. Decimated by injuries, the Seahawks are hurting all over the offensive side of the team. As of right now, Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones are the only active starters from last season. And both of them are battling injuries as well.
Maurice Morris RB- Out at least two weeks
Sean Locklear Tkle- Probable for the 49ers game
Deion Branch WR- Out at least one more week
Bobby Engram WR- Out at least three more weeks
Ben Obomanu WR- Out for the season
Nate Burleson WR- Out for the season
Now I know with this many injuries, it's going to be hard for the Seahawks put solid games together. I'm sure most NFL fan's and experts are writing us off. But I'm an optimist(of course) and I think this team still has what it takes to put together another playoff run.
If the Seahawks can over come their dismall special teams performance, play a little more smash mouth and stay positive, the NFC West is still our's!
The Seahawks are not a team to just lay down and call it a season after one poor game. 49er fan's seem to think there's some kind of "Gold Rush" going to happen this year. The Seahawks will be wearing that 49er Gold this season if there is any gold that they might find.
I would like to examine the anatomy of the 12th Man in this post. The history of the 12th Man originated from Texas A & M and their student bodies obligation to the 11 players on the field and E. King Gill. Texas A & M trademarked their famed 12th Man slogan, but NFL teams carried this iconic label to their fan bases. Texas A & M requested NFL teams to stand down on the use of the 12th Man label. And all the teams that used the label did, except one.........the Seahawks. After the Seahawks denied the request from Texas A & M, the university filed a lawsuit against the Seahawks. The lawsuit was quickly settled out of court and we now have the Seahawks 12th Man.
What I'd like to look at, is the transformation of the Seahawks 12th Man. Us Seattlites have been stereotyped as computer nerds, treehuggers, coffee addicts and so on. So what happens to us when a Seahawks game is played here in Seattle? In my previous post, I gave a brief history on the crowd noise generated from the 12th Man at the Kingdome and now Qwest Field. So lets take a quick look at this metamorphosis.
Here are a couple images of a stereotypical Seattlite.
Now when you introduce a stereotypical Seattlite to anything Seahawks related, a change occurs. This phenomenon has been witnessed by many other NFL teams and visiting fans. Some NFL players have even made accusations that this is all staged and is an artificial show. But we will take a look at a short video documented transformation of this event.
:::Injecting Seahawkorphine:::
:::Transformation:::
In this next photo, we have documented what most will call a bandwagoner. He is only loyal to teams with recent success and may follow a team with a history of championships just to fit in. As you can see, the bandwagoner does not fully metamorphasize into a 12th Man. It's actually pretty sad to see this type of situation.
In the end, what I have found. Is that the Seahawks 12th Man comes from all walks of life, race, gender, and geological location. The Seahawks 12th Man is howling from all around the world and theres nothing that can stop it. Despite no Super Bowl victories, the Seahawks 12th Man continues to grow.
As fans of the Seattle Seahawks, we are enduring the test of patience for the "Vince Lombardi Trophy". In the mean time, we in Seattle have created one of the most feared home fields in the NFL. From the Kingdome to Qwest field being hailed as the loudest stadiums in the NFL, to our eccentric fan base. Seahawk fans have become some of the most recognized and hated people in sports.
As a tribute to the raucous fans that made the Kingdome the loudest stadium in the NFL, the Seahawks retired the number 12 on December 15th,1984. Since then #12 Jerseys have been sold by the team and worn by Seahawk fans, often with the name "Fan" on the back. In the 2005 season the fans were again making a difference in games and were recognized with the presentation of a special game ball for their efforts in a game against the New York Giants, a game in which the Giants committed 11 false start penalties in large part because of the crowd noise.
In 2003, the 12th MAN was honored once again, this time with a flag. The tradition of the 12th MAN flag began October 12, 2003, when 12 original season ticket holders hoisted the flag prior to kickoff.
Now, at every home game just before kickoff, the flag is raised in honor of the 12th MAN. From former Seahawks greats, to local celebrities and sports personalities, being called upon to raise the flag has become an honor within itself.
The flag has become a symbol of Seahawks supporters all over the World, raising the spirit of the Seahawks 12th MAN.
So a Super Bowl ring may have eluded us, as many people like to remind us fans of the Seahawks of that. But the Seahawks 12th Man has remained by their side despite the constant reminders. We have become louder and louder. We have also been accused of piping in crowd noise. Sorry, it's just the craziest and loudest fans around.
I know people are tired of hearing about Brett. But I'm tired of hearing how tired everyone else is. Have you ever met someone facing retirement? Working on the railroad as a freight train conductor, I saw men who have been railroading for 50+ years. They get to a point in life when retirement is scary. Just to stop doing what they've been doing their whole life is like dying.
Now Brett Favre has become a public joke because he's unsure if retirement is the right move? Why is that funny? He is now faced with the same dilemma many working folks face, whether you're an athlete or freight train conductor. "Do I really want to retire?". It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, it's scary for some. And I for one understand his situation.
Brett Favre still has a little gas in the tank and definitely has the heart and expertise. So I say, let him play. Whether the Pack trades him or what. Michael Jordan was able to walk in and out of the NBA(I know, it's MJ and the NBA). But Favre has a weird cult following like the "Rocky Horror Picture Show", and people want to see him play.
With the recent request for release from the Packers, rumors have been circulating about Brett Favre's intentions. It is believed Packers GM, Ted Thompson declined Favre's request because he is holding on to Favre as trade bait or a backup QB spot. Packers Head Coach McCarthy vows Aaron Rodgers is this years starter.
As the rumor mill spin's at a blistering speed on Favre's next move. Some very interesting individuals have been spotted in the coastal areas of Mississippi. Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren, who was the former Packer Head Coach and still good friend of Favre, was seen on a fishing trip together earlier last week. It was suspected that maybe Holmgren was just giving his old quarterback guidance on retirement.
It was the second individual who was spotted off the shores of Mississippi that has everyone raising their eyebrows. Seahawks owner Paul Allen who is well known for wooing players with his personal Boeing 757 jet when trying to lure players to Seattle. But Mr. Allen has decided on bringing his 200 million dollar super yacht named "Octopus" to Mississippi for some unknown reason.
Paul Allen's mega-ship set sail from Seattles Interbay earlier this week and is now anchored off the coast of Gulf Port, Mississippi.
The Seattle Seahawks, who are tight on cap space, could avoid this problem if they are indeed looking to adopt Brett Favre. NFL salary cap by-laws allow teams to pay player/coaches with out going against the cap, as long as his coaching responsibilities are priority and he is never the game time starter. With the departure of Jim Zorn as long time QB Coach in Seattle. Current Seahawk QB Coach Bill Lazor could be shuffled to another team position, if Seattle is looking for Favre as a QB Coach and backup to Matt Hasselbeck.
Brett Favre could very well be interested in coaching in Seattle. Favre has flirted with coming to play for his old coach Holmgren in Seattle before. And it would be of no surprise now. Despite the fact Mike Holmgren is retiring as head coach after this upcoming season. Holmgren will remain one of the Seahawks Vice Presidents.
So with the Seahawks top brass chopping it up in Mississippi. This should be a very interesting chain of events the next few weeks.
Well with this being possibly Mike Holmgren's last year as a Head Coach, at least for the Seahawks. Mike has said he is willing to go all out this season and break from his usual conservative coaching style. Everyone familiar with Bill Walsh's legacy should be familiar with Holmgren's history as well. So I'm not here to give a history lesson on Mike. What I'd like to discuss is some play's Mike might want to consider pulling off during the upcoming last HOO RAH.
So farting around on the web, here are some trick plays I thought we might see this coming Seahawk season.
1. The Statue of Liberty, Boise Style
This play won Boise State the Fiesta Bowl in OT. The QB drops back with both hands on the ball while the RB hovers in the backfield as if he's there to block. Meanwhile, the C and WRs draw the rest of the defense up the right side of the field.
The trick: In one motion, the QB fakes a pass with his right hand and slips the RB the ball with his left. The RB then dashes downfield.
2. The Hook & Ladder
The middle-right WR runs a slant to the left as the wide-left WR runs a 15-yard flag route. The QB throws to the wide-left WR.
The trick: After catching the ball, he pitches it to the slanting middle-right WR, and it's off to the races as the left WR throws blocks.
3. The Flea Flicker
The C snaps the ball and then starts running straight downfield. The QB hands off the ball to the RB.
The trick: Before reaching the line of scrimmage, the RB pitches the ball back to the QB. The RB then picks up the rush- ing defender norm- ally blocked by the C. This gives the QB time to aim and fire to the wide-open C.
4. The Cross Pick
The right WR runs a shallow cross as the three left WRs run right slants.
The trick: As the right WR comes across, the middle-left WR stops, turns, and blocks the right WR's defender (like a basketball pick). The QB hits the open right WR. Touchdown.
5. The Hitch & Go
The far-wide WRs run short post patterns and the QB throws to either one. On the next down, let it slip that you're doing the same play. The WRs run the same posts. As each WR turns, the QB fakes and the defender -- tasting an interception -- will cut to the middle.
The trick: When the defender bites (the "hitch"), the WRs run upfield (the "go") and await the QB's pass.
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.
history of the 12th Man originated from Texas A & M and their student bodies obligation to the 11 players on the field and E. King Gill. Texas A & M trademarked their famed 12th Man slogan, but NFL teams carried this iconic label to their fan bases. Texas A & M requested NFL teams to stand down on the use of the 12th Man label. And all the teams that used the label did, except one.........the Seahawks. After the Seahawks denied the request from Texas A & M, the university filed a lawsuit against the Seahawks. The lawsuit was quickly settled out of court and we now have the Seahawks 12th Man.
treehuggers, coffee addicts and so on. So what happens to us when a Seahawks game is played here in Seattle? In my previous post, I gave a brief history on the crowd noise generated from the 12th Man at the Kingdome and now Qwest Field. So lets take a quick look at this metamorphosis.
bandwagoner. He is only loyal to teams with recent success and may follow a team with a history of championships just to fit in. As you can see, the bandwagoner does not fully metamorphasize into a 12th Man. It's actually pretty sad to see this type of situation.
As the rumor mill spin's at a blistering speed on Favre's next move. Some very interesting individuals have been spotted in the coastal areas of Mississippi. Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren, who was the former Packer Head Coach and still good friend of Favre, was seen on a fishing trip together earlier last week. It was suspected that maybe Holmgren was just giving his old quarterback guidance on retirement.
