I don’t know how you do it, Kenny. The transition to Seaside Joe has catapulted you to the top of all Seahawks writers, and your volume completely stomps everyone else! This is a savage but accurate analysis of Jimmy G and I would hate to let you see my life because the written takedown would be brutal.
First, he conspicuously avoids hype in his own writing, incl. his speculation. Second, he builds his ideas and assertions upon ACTUAL events and easily recognized historical patterns. Third, to this former media type, he appears to possess zero interest in "kissing" his way up the mass media totem pole. Truth and clarity are rare ducks these days.
My impression is that he's running in exactly the *opposite* direction as the multitude of media hacks and wannabes -- all trying to hype their way into the good graces of whomever in exchange for the fragile privilege of increased "access". Which is why I even bother to comment here; he's earned my respect and deserves praise for his efforts.
Right again Joe !!! I have heard many sportscaster speak of a, in division trade, Jimmy G to the Seahawks. Everyone of them wonders aloud why Seattle doesn't seem interested in the trade. Not one of these highly paid sports journalist says the obvious, which is $25 million reasons why Seattle will not trade. If Jimmy balls out Seattle is under pressure from the fan base to resign him. They also don't mention that, all the money Seattle finishes with under the cap can be used next year, for say a good edge rusher. I know there are 32 teams which seems a lot. Truth is after their first season of covering the NFL you should know about every team. Perhaps some of these TV contracts should come with a stipulation that they must study for an extra 4 hours a week to improve their knowledge of the NFL. Myself and all of Joe's readers do this for fun.
I have said on more than one occasion that Chris Simms is very good at his job and studies. Today's question on PFT was for Florio and him, which rookies to watch this season. Simms second answer was Kenneth Waker lll. Simms pontificate on all the reasons KWlll was going to be a super star. His favorite reason was Walker has two and a half to three rockets up his butt. He didn't come right out and say it but he implied that Walker by far was the number one back coming out of college. The only thing that confused me is Florio insisted that his name was Ken not Kenneth. Does anybody know if he prefers to be called Ken.
To wrap up this to long post Simms loves his job. He is not the most eloquent speakers in the industry, but he is the most learned of those who are not one of the very few, very highly paid, play by play or color analyst.
Chris Simms, Bucky Brooks, Louis Riddick... three excellent examples of former players in media roles who speak from knowledge based on actual experience. As much of a 'Hawks "homer" as Dave Wyman is considered by many in "memespace" -- a truth he's always fully admitted as a loyal member of the Seahawk family -- I would also include him on the very short list of voices I actually trust as well.
Despite their ability to master vernacular, nothing reveals a "pundit" prostituting themselves quicker than nonsensical hot takes and "reporting" on situations like the Seahawks '22 QB scenario. Ken has been calling a handful of them out recently, a process which I enjoy immensely.
For example, anyone who's ever played, coached or been involved with the game beyond a superficial level knows full well that bringing in a QB -- short of an improbable moonshot trade like Josh Allen or Pat Mahomes -- at this stage of the season is problematic at best.
Even worse, most of these ambitious cakeholes (and their compatriots across the mainstream media spectrum) are actually just "selling" whatever daily/weekly memetic load has been handed down to them from on high in editorial meetings.
Ask yourself, why is the story of Drew Lock & Geno Smith battling it out in camp for a fresh shot at football redemption not being treated as a positive -- a powerful two-headed tale of second chances and Comeback Kids...?
Last I checked, comeback stories were quite popular. A quick scan of the NFL Films library certainly backs up this idea. As ever, the question remains : cui bono...? (who benefits)
Garoppolo passed his physical so now the 49ers aren't on the hook for $7.5 Million. I'm surprised they didn't cut Jimmy today. They seem to believe someone's going to trade something for him. My guess is he sits until he's released. If they get anything, it will be almost nothing and not worth the damage they're doing to their reputation among players. A classier organization would have released him.
Perfect. Kinda sad, but ... perfect. Also sad that the outline pretty much describes too many young men today. Not only those on top in pro or college sports, but ... in general.
I do agree with you Kenny. Just find it a little painful reading those thoughts from the deepest, darkest recesses of my own mind. While I know you disagree with me, I hope you're not offended by my recoiling from your accurate depiction of young Jimmy. I'm sure you want your readers to give you candid feedback. Jimmy's a little like real porn, you know it's out there, ya just don't want it on your coffee table!
You mad bruh? I get it and I agree with you, but occasionally, your entertainment industry background creeps into your writing a little too harshly. All of us have had our own Jimmy G's in our lives but prefer to use them as a cautionary tale. Love your stuff Kenny, but I see enough bodies on the news. Poor Jimmy will pay for his crimes without us being an accessory. Brutally honest, but your writing talent is better utilized for football analysis. Jimmy's head is not where I want to be.
Kenneth, Your intelligence in the analysis of football has been crafted and formed with well over 10,000 hours of work. One could call you an expert as you post articles at such a rapid pace that my email server at one time started putting your emails in my spam. It's all in fun I am sure but your talent lies in football analysis. Why you would disagree with that seems odd for someone who spends their days writing about football
I suspect it's because he's not terribly interested in being told what he "should" and "shouldn't" be writing about. Especially on a (self-imposed) 24 hour deadline cycle, and by way of avoiding the fairly standard de-evolution of most second- and third-tier "analysts" and columnists into one-note beaters of the media drum.
I enjoyed this piece precisely because it applies lucid sociological speculation to a football-based scenario to try and unpack a pretty opaque situation. How many other writers in this corner of the world have the chops to go there...?
You didn’t go to the Oracle of Delphi and start questioning her when she told you something you didn’t want to hear. That’s not how it works.
Plenty of other places to go if you want to just want pure unadulterated football every day packaged in bland clickbaity cliches. Most come here for the writing, and are grateful.
I really bungled my reply in hindsight so my apologies for that. I should have just simply pointed out that I appreciate Kenneth’s work in all its variety.
You are right. Seaside Joe isn’t Twitter thank god, and I am sorry for temporarily twisting it in that direction.
Thanks, I appreciate that. I too really like Ken's writing and insight. My only point was that I'm sure he appreciates honest feedback from his readers and that while I'm no fan of Jimmy G., I thought this a little scathing (even if I think the same). No worries. I just try and keep this a safe zone if I can. Also, I think the Oracle of Delphi was a women and got stoned to death or something. I like Kenny much more then that!
I disagree that Jimmy is a backup. Jimmy is a bridge QB. What Seattle needs is a two year bridge quarterback. Since the Seahawks traded Russ, I have agreed with you that Jimmy was the 2nd best fit for Seattle in that role. I agreed with you that the two best bridge QBs are Goff and Jimmy G. Goff in my opinion is the better bridge. He was an all pro in LA's run first offense for two years. When LA lost the elite running back that is necessary to make a run first offense work. (three plus GAP runs defined as 15 plus yards per game) he became average. Average is a QB who does not loose games but cannot win them. Jimmy is similar but not as durable and that matters a lot and puts him 2nd by a long way. That being said if Jimmy were released today I could see the Seahawks signing him two a two year deal with 15 million dollar with 5 million guaranteed contract (the definition of a bridge contract). But he is not going to be released today because the 49ers are willing to screw Jimmy to keep that from happening. Signing Jimmy at the start of the season as bridge makes no sense because the first season is lost. More importantly Goff will in all likelihood be available next year. As you have pointed out Goff gets expensive for the Lions next year because his contract was backloaded and he costs 30 million per year in 2023 and 2024 and they can cut him with a 1O million cap hit. After watching the 49ers fumble Jimmy G. I just do not see the Lions hanging on to an expensive QB that is not the future out of the mistaken belief that he has trade value. Also Goff's timing is better. Geno and Drew are both free agents at the end of this year and the odds of either being with the team next year are low. Presuming we draft a QB in the first round we are going to need a bridge. Russel Wilsons are really very rare. Pittsburg again, an extremely well run franchise, is the model here. We want to sign the bridge next year for two years. All said, the math just does not work for Jimmy. At least not now. It is possible that Jimmy could be choice number two next year but I doubt it because of the durability issues. Besides Jimmy is waiting for the injury to a QB on a winning team this year so that he can start this year. If Tannehill , or Brady or Winston or Stafford or Mahomes or Allen or Prescot etc go down then his phone will ring. It just is not going to happen in the preseason. If none of that happens then he will sit out the year and possibly sign with the Lions or another team looking for a bridge in 2023. But I think there is an equal chance he will retire rather than take 15 million to get beat up. Remember he has made more than 100 million dollars. I cannot fathom that Jimmy needs the money. The same though is true for Goff. Time will tell.
Color me curious : when exactly is a "bridge" QB not essentially a backup in waiting?
Meanwhile, despite a whole lot of armchair expertise, the above lacks a basic understanding of what the 'Hawks have clearly and consistently committed to from Day One, as well as little consideration for the complex nature of creating what we call a team "culture".
When will people (finally) understand that Coach Carroll is a man of his word -- only playing the 'elusive' card when some numb-nuts with a press pass asks him to reveal strategic information.
Perhaps a re-read of the original text is also in order.
After wondering aloud if we might learn anything from the public-facing side of "Porn Star Jimmy", he made the OBSERVATION that across the entire league, not even one of the thirty-one other teams has deemed his skill sets valuable enough to jump over the necessary hurdles to acquire him. Even as players like a "broken" Mayfield, a "predatory" Watson and "last-chance" Trubisky were being snapped up.
I don’t know how you do it, Kenny. The transition to Seaside Joe has catapulted you to the top of all Seahawks writers, and your volume completely stomps everyone else! This is a savage but accurate analysis of Jimmy G and I would hate to let you see my life because the written takedown would be brutal.
I know precisely how he does "it" :
First, he conspicuously avoids hype in his own writing, incl. his speculation. Second, he builds his ideas and assertions upon ACTUAL events and easily recognized historical patterns. Third, to this former media type, he appears to possess zero interest in "kissing" his way up the mass media totem pole. Truth and clarity are rare ducks these days.
My impression is that he's running in exactly the *opposite* direction as the multitude of media hacks and wannabes -- all trying to hype their way into the good graces of whomever in exchange for the fragile privilege of increased "access". Which is why I even bother to comment here; he's earned my respect and deserves praise for his efforts.
Right again Joe !!! I have heard many sportscaster speak of a, in division trade, Jimmy G to the Seahawks. Everyone of them wonders aloud why Seattle doesn't seem interested in the trade. Not one of these highly paid sports journalist says the obvious, which is $25 million reasons why Seattle will not trade. If Jimmy balls out Seattle is under pressure from the fan base to resign him. They also don't mention that, all the money Seattle finishes with under the cap can be used next year, for say a good edge rusher. I know there are 32 teams which seems a lot. Truth is after their first season of covering the NFL you should know about every team. Perhaps some of these TV contracts should come with a stipulation that they must study for an extra 4 hours a week to improve their knowledge of the NFL. Myself and all of Joe's readers do this for fun.
I have said on more than one occasion that Chris Simms is very good at his job and studies. Today's question on PFT was for Florio and him, which rookies to watch this season. Simms second answer was Kenneth Waker lll. Simms pontificate on all the reasons KWlll was going to be a super star. His favorite reason was Walker has two and a half to three rockets up his butt. He didn't come right out and say it but he implied that Walker by far was the number one back coming out of college. The only thing that confused me is Florio insisted that his name was Ken not Kenneth. Does anybody know if he prefers to be called Ken.
To wrap up this to long post Simms loves his job. He is not the most eloquent speakers in the industry, but he is the most learned of those who are not one of the very few, very highly paid, play by play or color analyst.
Thanks Joe for another thoughtful post
KW3 was interviewed on 710 (I believe) and said he prefers to go by Ken now.
Thanks for answering my quetion. Cheers
Chris Simms, Bucky Brooks, Louis Riddick... three excellent examples of former players in media roles who speak from knowledge based on actual experience. As much of a 'Hawks "homer" as Dave Wyman is considered by many in "memespace" -- a truth he's always fully admitted as a loyal member of the Seahawk family -- I would also include him on the very short list of voices I actually trust as well.
Despite their ability to master vernacular, nothing reveals a "pundit" prostituting themselves quicker than nonsensical hot takes and "reporting" on situations like the Seahawks '22 QB scenario. Ken has been calling a handful of them out recently, a process which I enjoy immensely.
For example, anyone who's ever played, coached or been involved with the game beyond a superficial level knows full well that bringing in a QB -- short of an improbable moonshot trade like Josh Allen or Pat Mahomes -- at this stage of the season is problematic at best.
Even worse, most of these ambitious cakeholes (and their compatriots across the mainstream media spectrum) are actually just "selling" whatever daily/weekly memetic load has been handed down to them from on high in editorial meetings.
Ask yourself, why is the story of Drew Lock & Geno Smith battling it out in camp for a fresh shot at football redemption not being treated as a positive -- a powerful two-headed tale of second chances and Comeback Kids...?
Last I checked, comeback stories were quite popular. A quick scan of the NFL Films library certainly backs up this idea. As ever, the question remains : cui bono...? (who benefits)
I felt bad for JG after reading this article.
But I do need to remember that
He is a $24 millionaire!!!!!!!
Oh Well
If the 49ers are so sold on Lance, why are they holding on to Jimmy G? Rumor has it that some in the 49ers orbit don't think Lance is ready.
Jimmy is way better than Lock or Smith. Just saying.
Send me your number.. I'll text you and ask if Drew Lock will be starting..
Think we both would rather see Lock over G-Sauce.. but what do I know, im just some nerd watching on tv...
Hahahaha - great article, Kenny!!
Garoppolo passed his physical so now the 49ers aren't on the hook for $7.5 Million. I'm surprised they didn't cut Jimmy today. They seem to believe someone's going to trade something for him. My guess is he sits until he's released. If they get anything, it will be almost nothing and not worth the damage they're doing to their reputation among players. A classier organization would have released him.
Perfect. Kinda sad, but ... perfect. Also sad that the outline pretty much describes too many young men today. Not only those on top in pro or college sports, but ... in general.
I do agree with you Kenny. Just find it a little painful reading those thoughts from the deepest, darkest recesses of my own mind. While I know you disagree with me, I hope you're not offended by my recoiling from your accurate depiction of young Jimmy. I'm sure you want your readers to give you candid feedback. Jimmy's a little like real porn, you know it's out there, ya just don't want it on your coffee table!
You mad bruh? I get it and I agree with you, but occasionally, your entertainment industry background creeps into your writing a little too harshly. All of us have had our own Jimmy G's in our lives but prefer to use them as a cautionary tale. Love your stuff Kenny, but I see enough bodies on the news. Poor Jimmy will pay for his crimes without us being an accessory. Brutally honest, but your writing talent is better utilized for football analysis. Jimmy's head is not where I want to be.
I disagree.
I second.
Kenneth, Your intelligence in the analysis of football has been crafted and formed with well over 10,000 hours of work. One could call you an expert as you post articles at such a rapid pace that my email server at one time started putting your emails in my spam. It's all in fun I am sure but your talent lies in football analysis. Why you would disagree with that seems odd for someone who spends their days writing about football
I suspect it's because he's not terribly interested in being told what he "should" and "shouldn't" be writing about. Especially on a (self-imposed) 24 hour deadline cycle, and by way of avoiding the fairly standard de-evolution of most second- and third-tier "analysts" and columnists into one-note beaters of the media drum.
I enjoyed this piece precisely because it applies lucid sociological speculation to a football-based scenario to try and unpack a pretty opaque situation. How many other writers in this corner of the world have the chops to go there...?
You didn’t go to the Oracle of Delphi and start questioning her when she told you something you didn’t want to hear. That’s not how it works.
Plenty of other places to go if you want to just want pure unadulterated football every day packaged in bland clickbaity cliches. Most come here for the writing, and are grateful.
Not going there Johnny. This isn't Twitter. I very much respect both the writing and the writer. This is a space for opinions not attacks.
I really bungled my reply in hindsight so my apologies for that. I should have just simply pointed out that I appreciate Kenneth’s work in all its variety.
You are right. Seaside Joe isn’t Twitter thank god, and I am sorry for temporarily twisting it in that direction.
Thanks, I appreciate that. I too really like Ken's writing and insight. My only point was that I'm sure he appreciates honest feedback from his readers and that while I'm no fan of Jimmy G., I thought this a little scathing (even if I think the same). No worries. I just try and keep this a safe zone if I can. Also, I think the Oracle of Delphi was a women and got stoned to death or something. I like Kenny much more then that!
thank you for pointing that out
I disagree that Jimmy is a backup. Jimmy is a bridge QB. What Seattle needs is a two year bridge quarterback. Since the Seahawks traded Russ, I have agreed with you that Jimmy was the 2nd best fit for Seattle in that role. I agreed with you that the two best bridge QBs are Goff and Jimmy G. Goff in my opinion is the better bridge. He was an all pro in LA's run first offense for two years. When LA lost the elite running back that is necessary to make a run first offense work. (three plus GAP runs defined as 15 plus yards per game) he became average. Average is a QB who does not loose games but cannot win them. Jimmy is similar but not as durable and that matters a lot and puts him 2nd by a long way. That being said if Jimmy were released today I could see the Seahawks signing him two a two year deal with 15 million dollar with 5 million guaranteed contract (the definition of a bridge contract). But he is not going to be released today because the 49ers are willing to screw Jimmy to keep that from happening. Signing Jimmy at the start of the season as bridge makes no sense because the first season is lost. More importantly Goff will in all likelihood be available next year. As you have pointed out Goff gets expensive for the Lions next year because his contract was backloaded and he costs 30 million per year in 2023 and 2024 and they can cut him with a 1O million cap hit. After watching the 49ers fumble Jimmy G. I just do not see the Lions hanging on to an expensive QB that is not the future out of the mistaken belief that he has trade value. Also Goff's timing is better. Geno and Drew are both free agents at the end of this year and the odds of either being with the team next year are low. Presuming we draft a QB in the first round we are going to need a bridge. Russel Wilsons are really very rare. Pittsburg again, an extremely well run franchise, is the model here. We want to sign the bridge next year for two years. All said, the math just does not work for Jimmy. At least not now. It is possible that Jimmy could be choice number two next year but I doubt it because of the durability issues. Besides Jimmy is waiting for the injury to a QB on a winning team this year so that he can start this year. If Tannehill , or Brady or Winston or Stafford or Mahomes or Allen or Prescot etc go down then his phone will ring. It just is not going to happen in the preseason. If none of that happens then he will sit out the year and possibly sign with the Lions or another team looking for a bridge in 2023. But I think there is an equal chance he will retire rather than take 15 million to get beat up. Remember he has made more than 100 million dollars. I cannot fathom that Jimmy needs the money. The same though is true for Goff. Time will tell.
Color me curious : when exactly is a "bridge" QB not essentially a backup in waiting?
Meanwhile, despite a whole lot of armchair expertise, the above lacks a basic understanding of what the 'Hawks have clearly and consistently committed to from Day One, as well as little consideration for the complex nature of creating what we call a team "culture".
When will people (finally) understand that Coach Carroll is a man of his word -- only playing the 'elusive' card when some numb-nuts with a press pass asks him to reveal strategic information.
Perhaps a re-read of the original text is also in order.
After wondering aloud if we might learn anything from the public-facing side of "Porn Star Jimmy", he made the OBSERVATION that across the entire league, not even one of the thirty-one other teams has deemed his skill sets valuable enough to jump over the necessary hurdles to acquire him. Even as players like a "broken" Mayfield, a "predatory" Watson and "last-chance" Trubisky were being snapped up.