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.
