Man, am I excited about Milroe! He is an amazing young man, and will be a fantastic leader! That all starts with his self-awareness and work ethic to improve. I know that JS will put him in when the time is right. I look forward to him growing and improving for the next year+ before given the keys to the franchise. We have a strong GM+HC team who won't bow to outside pressure, just like Andy Reid is. Considering he has really only 1 major flaw and fine-tuning of other areas to go, we could possibly have another Patrick Mahomes (dare I say) on our hands. Not saying he will be that good, but really why not?
Per the net...Shaun Alexander, a former NFL running back, has a family relationship with Jalen Milroe, a college quarterback who was recently drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. Alexander announced the pick of Milroe, referring to him as "my nephew". While Alexander is known to joke about having nephews, this specific instance was likely a playful reference given their shared Alabama connection and the fact that Alexander played for the Seahawks...myth busted.
I really, really hope Sam plays well, as the whole 'start Milroe' thing is exactly what I don't want to hear. Give the young man a year to develop without all the pressure. He has mechanical issues to clean up and building up the muscle memory to do it correctly takes time and many, many repetitions. Football is his full time job now, so he'll get the time on task. Having accountability for a set number of plays each week I think would be great for his development, and great for adding a new dimension to the offense.
The only way Jalen should get pushed into the starters role in 2025 is if Darnold gets injured, Lock is more than underwhelming as the starter, and Milroe advances quickly because football is his only priority now. That feels like an unlikely scenario, but it could happen I suppose. I trust Mike MacDonald to do what's right for the young man.
When/if Jalen becomes the starting QB, the offense will look very different than with either Sam or Drew at the helm. That's what's tricky about the transition. I don't think Kubiak would run the same plays for Jalen as the other two. He'd leverage the skillset he has, and the running threat he is. That's why I think it would be a good idea to build out plays for him early, so Kubiak can start working that out well ahead of needing it.
I so so so do not want a QB controversy this year. Just some solid play from an experienced guy who knows how to run the Kubiak offense. Game manager Russ level, plus the ability to see the 2nd and 3rd options now and then. Competent play, slightly above the Purdy line. That’s all I want.
Yup. Throw for 225, run for 150, and if the defense continues to improve, that should be enough if our red zone scoring is average or better. And win the turnover battle.
Shaun Alexander isn't in the Hall partly because he was blocked by a less talented running back. He should have been starting earlier. Who knows if the same might be said of Milroe down the road.
I remember Holmgren put him in a game, I think it was a Monday night game. He broke off several really nice runs, but then fumbled the ball. Holmgren put him in the doghouse, and we never saw Shaun for the rest of the game. He most definitely could have played a lot more earlier in his career, but back in the day coaches trusted vets and didn't trust rookies and 2nd year players. And then you put the ball on the ground, and it just reinforces that thinking. Pete would have just kept giving him the ball.
Training camp, and pre-season games especially, will tell a lot. EVERY position, including QB, should be up for grabs EVERY year. The NFL is a survival of the fittest Darwinian environment. You play your best at every spot or a bigger fish will eat you right? Looking forward to seeing Milroe play in the pre-season (at least)...should be fun!
This comment from Jalen is SO Marine: "...giving our guys a chance when it comes to the passing game." Having come from a Military Family myself, I know with certainty his Father will be with him every step and stumble along the path, applying what he was taught. Our Marines are built on being counted out, which unlocks unbelievable, historic, levels of effort. No thought given to themselves. I see this influence every time I hear or see this Young Man interviewed. It will spell well in the locker room and more especially on the field (of battle). His Dad will say the things Coaches can't find words for, and if not them, then his Mom (also retired Military) is there. All this and we haven't even begun to consider the 12's. I hope to see Sam rise to the opportunity he's been awarded, along with Drew Lock. I suspect the entire Team will be on board for them all, also. No quiet favoritism employed. While I gambled our Hawks would find their common personality last year, this year I have no questions.
Give Millie that me to develope but put in some packages that keep him involved and focused. Cream always rises to the top so no need to force anything. As a lifelong fan of course I hope he becomes even better than Lamar and if he helps Darnold stay focused and presenting the best version of himself meal whil Miles makes strides weekly than we all win. I do believe he can help the team win some games this year which will only build the entire organizations belief in him! Go Hawks!!!!
Interesting to see that somehow Drew Lock is somehow invisible to everyone. IMHO Seattle has no intent of counting on or even chancing Milroe this season, think they know the gap is too large which is why there's Drew Lock. Doesn't mean Milroe won't get some of the designed plays for him, I'm sure he will, but I think Lock is Seattle's #2. Which is great as far as I'm concerned. If Milroe over this year and 2026 can master the two things he needs to fix (accuracy and speed of decision-making), then in 2027 we can start talking about him as a starter. Isn't Lock on the roster exactly for this purpose?
I continue to not buy the Drew Lock is here to be the backup takes. When Drew was signed to a cheap, 2 year, basically no commitment contract, it was a statement about Sam Howell, not any QB they would draft in the future. Drew Lock doesn't have 10% of the potential of Jalen Milroe. I think Drew Lock is QB3. I think Drew Lock is more likely to be inactive on game day than Jalen Milroe.
It will def be interesting to see how it plays out. Lock is on a guaranteed $2.25m contract but this g.m. has walked away from a much bigger one (Matt Flynn!) in the past when a rookie wrests away the position, so I agree the contract won't be a deterrent.
But potential aside, from all accounts Milroe is a long way away from being a guy you hand over the keys if Darnold goes down with an ACL in W3 for example. Also Lock was someone Schneider wanted in the RW trade; we saw him choose Lock over Howell just now; the guy has over 1,000 actual NFL snaps, and is at least competent. Maybe you're right that they throw Milroe into the deep end now, but I hope not -- hope they develop him a la Jordan Love, give him a couple laps around the track to fix his glaring weaknesses (which is why he was still there at #92).
In fact, couldn't the argument be made that Darnold himself at #3 overall was crushed by being thrown to the lions as a rookie?
Darnold was crushed by playing for terrible organizations, like most QBs drafted really early. I think if Milroe is ready when they need him and fits the opponent, he plays over Lock. This only happens if Darnold sucks (less likely), or he gets hurt (higher chance).
Yeah no way to know till we see it during the season, and I do understand your argument and would be a lot of fun to watch.
But the thing is, Milroe played at Alabama all these years which was a bigger mismatch personnel-wise (favorable) than he’ll ever enjoy in the NFL — and still struggled (other than his enormous athleticism). Is why I so hope they give him the time to develop so we don’t burn him like the jets burned Darnold (and so many similar examples)
Ideally, Darnold can get *a* job done, if not *the* job and Milroe can develop. However, I certainly can't say that I disagree with what Shaun is saying.
1. Geno’s downfall was throwing red zone int’s, a cardinal sin, so he had to be moved along. I don’t think he got enough credit for his accomplishments given the incredibly porous OL. I think half of last years starting QB’s would have done worse in that situation.
2.Last year Darnold had a much more effective OL and a competitive receiving corps., and thus had a very Good year.
3. Since then, the hawks in my opinion have degraded their receiving corps, and MAY HAVE up graded the OL … maybe.
4. Now comes Darnold, new to the hawks, behind a questionable OL, with new-to-the-team receivers, a situation that could result in Darnold having to make plays while running for his life, … not an inspiring prospect.
So, connecting these dots it’s not inconceivable that the rookie QB could start somewhere in the middle to back half of the season after Darnold is injured or benched with the chance to put his talents to good use. I’m hoping for the best, but It could be a long season, with some flashes of excitement. I think the coaching shuffle in the off season is maybe the biggest improvement to the team. Hope they have an out-sized impact on the performance of the players. I projected 11 and 6 a couple weeks ago (rose colored glasses) but I think it could just as easily be 9 and 8 .. as seen by east coast based pundits.
Agree that there are a lot of unknowns and changes going into the season, so predicting outcomes is a dicey business. I don't necessarily agree that the Vikings o-line was consequentially better than the Seahawks. It was probably somewhat better, but Geno was sacked 50 times, and Darnold 48......so not loads better. And in there last 2 games Sam was running for his life or getting hammered to the turf.
I think it's universally true that QB play is heavily tied to o-line play, so regardless of QB, o-line will heavily influence QB outcomes.
While we did lose Metcalf. I think Lockett was like the #107th ranked WR last season. If you account for ball security and penalties even though I wasn't a fan of the Kupp signing. I am a fan of Kupp. He will catch balls, get 1st downs, wont kill drives with penalties and TO. Adding Arroyo and Horton I think more than make up for Lockett although I cant wait for him to retire so the Seahawks can give him all the love he deserves.
As far as running for his life. McDonald wants to be a top 10 Defense and a 2k yard rushing team. We are gonna pound the rock and use play action which was a complete afterthought last year. Everyone on the line added a year of development plus Zabel and more competition this is how lines grow. One of the youngest lines just grows with time. The scheme will give more time and Darnold loves this system and knows it well. Kubiak was 50% in 1st and goals last year. The Seahawks were 25%. We were historically bad on 3rd down yardage to gain a first because we had zero interest in being the bully we are about to be running the rock. Its going to look very different this season.
Also the first line. Half of last years qbs I appreciate. Basically saying was right there in the middle but wanting 45 million. I realistically think 10+ wins with the schedule we have is pretty doable. Not a fan of the last 3 games through for some reason.
I do hope he does get at least a few plays a week. Plays that will force teams to game plan for two different schemes. I think his incredible threat as a runner would pose a difficulty for defenses in goal line situations. If they do choose to use him like that, here’s my prediction. Darnold and Milroe are active on game day as part of the 48 suited players. Lock is not active as part of the 48 suited players , but the third emergency QB who can only play if QB1 and QB2 go down. This would allow them to suit up another player for the game, but would mean Milroe would have to finish the game if Darnold goes down. Lock would then be active as QB1 the following week if Darnold is still out and unable to play.
Every year I analyze the draft prospects and put together a list of players I would target. I start by just watching highlights of the top 200-300 prospects. I don't make and initial lists or watch full games or do any deep dives, I just look at the players in their best light. But every once in a while I write down a name or two just because something jumps out at me. Two years ago the first name I wrote down was Witherspoon...after I first saw the play where he broke on the screen pass and absolutely destroyed the ball carrier, I've never seen someone close ground so fast. The Year after ( two years ago) the first name I wrote down was Jared Verse. This year it was Milroe. That athleticism is undeniable...rare. Whenever he's ready, they will play him, you can't stop the cream from rising to the top. I hope it's soon, but these things take time...there's no rush if Sam plays well. If Sam struggles we could see fans want change, but don't expect Milroe to be the first second option....at least not right away.
I know Kenneth has said this several times, but Milroe playing in the preseason is going to be a time many fans will, and should, be tuning in to see. Also, Milroe seems to want it, and that desire to be great can't be coached.
Man, am I excited about Milroe! He is an amazing young man, and will be a fantastic leader! That all starts with his self-awareness and work ethic to improve. I know that JS will put him in when the time is right. I look forward to him growing and improving for the next year+ before given the keys to the franchise. We have a strong GM+HC team who won't bow to outside pressure, just like Andy Reid is. Considering he has really only 1 major flaw and fine-tuning of other areas to go, we could possibly have another Patrick Mahomes (dare I say) on our hands. Not saying he will be that good, but really why not?
Per the net...Shaun Alexander, a former NFL running back, has a family relationship with Jalen Milroe, a college quarterback who was recently drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. Alexander announced the pick of Milroe, referring to him as "my nephew". While Alexander is known to joke about having nephews, this specific instance was likely a playful reference given their shared Alabama connection and the fact that Alexander played for the Seahawks...myth busted.
I really, really hope Sam plays well, as the whole 'start Milroe' thing is exactly what I don't want to hear. Give the young man a year to develop without all the pressure. He has mechanical issues to clean up and building up the muscle memory to do it correctly takes time and many, many repetitions. Football is his full time job now, so he'll get the time on task. Having accountability for a set number of plays each week I think would be great for his development, and great for adding a new dimension to the offense.
The only way Jalen should get pushed into the starters role in 2025 is if Darnold gets injured, Lock is more than underwhelming as the starter, and Milroe advances quickly because football is his only priority now. That feels like an unlikely scenario, but it could happen I suppose. I trust Mike MacDonald to do what's right for the young man.
When/if Jalen becomes the starting QB, the offense will look very different than with either Sam or Drew at the helm. That's what's tricky about the transition. I don't think Kubiak would run the same plays for Jalen as the other two. He'd leverage the skillset he has, and the running threat he is. That's why I think it would be a good idea to build out plays for him early, so Kubiak can start working that out well ahead of needing it.
I so so so do not want a QB controversy this year. Just some solid play from an experienced guy who knows how to run the Kubiak offense. Game manager Russ level, plus the ability to see the 2nd and 3rd options now and then. Competent play, slightly above the Purdy line. That’s all I want.
Yup. Throw for 225, run for 150, and if the defense continues to improve, that should be enough if our red zone scoring is average or better. And win the turnover battle.
Shaun Alexander isn't in the Hall partly because he was blocked by a less talented running back. He should have been starting earlier. Who knows if the same might be said of Milroe down the road.
I remember Holmgren put him in a game, I think it was a Monday night game. He broke off several really nice runs, but then fumbled the ball. Holmgren put him in the doghouse, and we never saw Shaun for the rest of the game. He most definitely could have played a lot more earlier in his career, but back in the day coaches trusted vets and didn't trust rookies and 2nd year players. And then you put the ball on the ground, and it just reinforces that thinking. Pete would have just kept giving him the ball.
Bottom line: how cool is it to have this incredible athlete as a Seahawk? The possibilities at this early juncture are endless. Great pick JS.
I am so excited to watch this kid in preseason! That said, I don't expect him to unseat Darnold.
Training camp, and pre-season games especially, will tell a lot. EVERY position, including QB, should be up for grabs EVERY year. The NFL is a survival of the fittest Darwinian environment. You play your best at every spot or a bigger fish will eat you right? Looking forward to seeing Milroe play in the pre-season (at least)...should be fun!
This comment from Jalen is SO Marine: "...giving our guys a chance when it comes to the passing game." Having come from a Military Family myself, I know with certainty his Father will be with him every step and stumble along the path, applying what he was taught. Our Marines are built on being counted out, which unlocks unbelievable, historic, levels of effort. No thought given to themselves. I see this influence every time I hear or see this Young Man interviewed. It will spell well in the locker room and more especially on the field (of battle). His Dad will say the things Coaches can't find words for, and if not them, then his Mom (also retired Military) is there. All this and we haven't even begun to consider the 12's. I hope to see Sam rise to the opportunity he's been awarded, along with Drew Lock. I suspect the entire Team will be on board for them all, also. No quiet favoritism employed. While I gambled our Hawks would find their common personality last year, this year I have no questions.
Then there is Uncle Shawn...
https://x.com/The33rdTeamFB/status/1915962224411103350
Give Millie that me to develope but put in some packages that keep him involved and focused. Cream always rises to the top so no need to force anything. As a lifelong fan of course I hope he becomes even better than Lamar and if he helps Darnold stay focused and presenting the best version of himself meal whil Miles makes strides weekly than we all win. I do believe he can help the team win some games this year which will only build the entire organizations belief in him! Go Hawks!!!!
I look at it the opposite. Focus on developing Milroe and don’t spend development time implementing packages. As you say, no need to force anything.
Interesting to see that somehow Drew Lock is somehow invisible to everyone. IMHO Seattle has no intent of counting on or even chancing Milroe this season, think they know the gap is too large which is why there's Drew Lock. Doesn't mean Milroe won't get some of the designed plays for him, I'm sure he will, but I think Lock is Seattle's #2. Which is great as far as I'm concerned. If Milroe over this year and 2026 can master the two things he needs to fix (accuracy and speed of decision-making), then in 2027 we can start talking about him as a starter. Isn't Lock on the roster exactly for this purpose?
I continue to not buy the Drew Lock is here to be the backup takes. When Drew was signed to a cheap, 2 year, basically no commitment contract, it was a statement about Sam Howell, not any QB they would draft in the future. Drew Lock doesn't have 10% of the potential of Jalen Milroe. I think Drew Lock is QB3. I think Drew Lock is more likely to be inactive on game day than Jalen Milroe.
It will def be interesting to see how it plays out. Lock is on a guaranteed $2.25m contract but this g.m. has walked away from a much bigger one (Matt Flynn!) in the past when a rookie wrests away the position, so I agree the contract won't be a deterrent.
But potential aside, from all accounts Milroe is a long way away from being a guy you hand over the keys if Darnold goes down with an ACL in W3 for example. Also Lock was someone Schneider wanted in the RW trade; we saw him choose Lock over Howell just now; the guy has over 1,000 actual NFL snaps, and is at least competent. Maybe you're right that they throw Milroe into the deep end now, but I hope not -- hope they develop him a la Jordan Love, give him a couple laps around the track to fix his glaring weaknesses (which is why he was still there at #92).
In fact, couldn't the argument be made that Darnold himself at #3 overall was crushed by being thrown to the lions as a rookie?
Darnold was crushed by playing for terrible organizations, like most QBs drafted really early. I think if Milroe is ready when they need him and fits the opponent, he plays over Lock. This only happens if Darnold sucks (less likely), or he gets hurt (higher chance).
Yeah no way to know till we see it during the season, and I do understand your argument and would be a lot of fun to watch.
But the thing is, Milroe played at Alabama all these years which was a bigger mismatch personnel-wise (favorable) than he’ll ever enjoy in the NFL — and still struggled (other than his enormous athleticism). Is why I so hope they give him the time to develop so we don’t burn him like the jets burned Darnold (and so many similar examples)
Ideally, Darnold can get *a* job done, if not *the* job and Milroe can develop. However, I certainly can't say that I disagree with what Shaun is saying.
1. Geno’s downfall was throwing red zone int’s, a cardinal sin, so he had to be moved along. I don’t think he got enough credit for his accomplishments given the incredibly porous OL. I think half of last years starting QB’s would have done worse in that situation.
2.Last year Darnold had a much more effective OL and a competitive receiving corps., and thus had a very Good year.
3. Since then, the hawks in my opinion have degraded their receiving corps, and MAY HAVE up graded the OL … maybe.
4. Now comes Darnold, new to the hawks, behind a questionable OL, with new-to-the-team receivers, a situation that could result in Darnold having to make plays while running for his life, … not an inspiring prospect.
So, connecting these dots it’s not inconceivable that the rookie QB could start somewhere in the middle to back half of the season after Darnold is injured or benched with the chance to put his talents to good use. I’m hoping for the best, but It could be a long season, with some flashes of excitement. I think the coaching shuffle in the off season is maybe the biggest improvement to the team. Hope they have an out-sized impact on the performance of the players. I projected 11 and 6 a couple weeks ago (rose colored glasses) but I think it could just as easily be 9 and 8 .. as seen by east coast based pundits.
Agree that there are a lot of unknowns and changes going into the season, so predicting outcomes is a dicey business. I don't necessarily agree that the Vikings o-line was consequentially better than the Seahawks. It was probably somewhat better, but Geno was sacked 50 times, and Darnold 48......so not loads better. And in there last 2 games Sam was running for his life or getting hammered to the turf.
I think it's universally true that QB play is heavily tied to o-line play, so regardless of QB, o-line will heavily influence QB outcomes.
While we did lose Metcalf. I think Lockett was like the #107th ranked WR last season. If you account for ball security and penalties even though I wasn't a fan of the Kupp signing. I am a fan of Kupp. He will catch balls, get 1st downs, wont kill drives with penalties and TO. Adding Arroyo and Horton I think more than make up for Lockett although I cant wait for him to retire so the Seahawks can give him all the love he deserves.
As far as running for his life. McDonald wants to be a top 10 Defense and a 2k yard rushing team. We are gonna pound the rock and use play action which was a complete afterthought last year. Everyone on the line added a year of development plus Zabel and more competition this is how lines grow. One of the youngest lines just grows with time. The scheme will give more time and Darnold loves this system and knows it well. Kubiak was 50% in 1st and goals last year. The Seahawks were 25%. We were historically bad on 3rd down yardage to gain a first because we had zero interest in being the bully we are about to be running the rock. Its going to look very different this season.
Also the first line. Half of last years qbs I appreciate. Basically saying was right there in the middle but wanting 45 million. I realistically think 10+ wins with the schedule we have is pretty doable. Not a fan of the last 3 games through for some reason.
Said it better than I could. Nice post.
Given that Shaun Alexander is Jalen milroes uncle, of course hes going to be pushing for his nephew to get a chance to start
Maybe there’s a backup plane for Shaun Alexander 2.0. That way we win even if we lose.
I do hope he does get at least a few plays a week. Plays that will force teams to game plan for two different schemes. I think his incredible threat as a runner would pose a difficulty for defenses in goal line situations. If they do choose to use him like that, here’s my prediction. Darnold and Milroe are active on game day as part of the 48 suited players. Lock is not active as part of the 48 suited players , but the third emergency QB who can only play if QB1 and QB2 go down. This would allow them to suit up another player for the game, but would mean Milroe would have to finish the game if Darnold goes down. Lock would then be active as QB1 the following week if Darnold is still out and unable to play.
Every year I analyze the draft prospects and put together a list of players I would target. I start by just watching highlights of the top 200-300 prospects. I don't make and initial lists or watch full games or do any deep dives, I just look at the players in their best light. But every once in a while I write down a name or two just because something jumps out at me. Two years ago the first name I wrote down was Witherspoon...after I first saw the play where he broke on the screen pass and absolutely destroyed the ball carrier, I've never seen someone close ground so fast. The Year after ( two years ago) the first name I wrote down was Jared Verse. This year it was Milroe. That athleticism is undeniable...rare. Whenever he's ready, they will play him, you can't stop the cream from rising to the top. I hope it's soon, but these things take time...there's no rush if Sam plays well. If Sam struggles we could see fans want change, but don't expect Milroe to be the first second option....at least not right away.
I know Kenneth has said this several times, but Milroe playing in the preseason is going to be a time many fans will, and should, be tuning in to see. Also, Milroe seems to want it, and that desire to be great can't be coached.
It’s a hell of a dream! After all, what is life without dreams?
This one is easy. Plan to make JM the starting quarterback. But not yet.