Chicago closed those deals immediately at the open of free agency. In fact the deal was pretty much already done during the tampering period. Same with Minn rebuilding the entire interior offensive line. Free agency for the interior line was a quick out during the offseason. I want to consider a couple of ideas here from the "New Seahawks Philosophy". Schneider openly has said drafting an interior lineman in the first round was not an option, until it was in 2025. I think Seattle looks for a pick in the first round again in 2025, even though that will be more like a second rounder. There are supposed to be some good prospects in 2026, one of which Seattle could be eyeing. I believe Seattle will entertain a free agent there as well. I think the focus will be right guard.
John Benton is going into year two and I expect there to more influence and development after year one. I think he has done a good job with what he had to work with and done a great job developing Zabel. Whether or not Kubiak takes a head coaching job remains to be seen. Ben Johnson delayed that decision for two years it seems until he got the best opportunity. It looks like he made the right choice. I think Seattle will stay the course at center. Continuity may have a part in that decision. It looks like tackle stays the same and one might wonder if Seattle could find some sort of trade value for Haynes. There is no real number of snaps to evaluate either Cabeldue or Richman. Remember that those two guys and Zable additions were influenced by Kubiak and Benton being on the staff. I wonder if Seattle might even look to find some sort of trade value for Bradford. Both of those picks ( Haynes, Bradford) were not in the Benton era. Bradford does not fit a zone blocking scheme.
Seattle having fewer picks is going to dictate getting it right in 2026. The second round pick will most likely be defensive line with D-Law, Reed and Williams all aging. Someone to go with Murphy and the future. LB is better than expected with Thomas development. Safety might be a pick as well as RB. Seattle has done a remarkable job this year with all of the injuries in the secondary. Okada will get a new contract.
Losing LaPorta to injury was a big loss for Detroit's offense. He has always been the big play guy for Detroit, especially on 3rd down and in the red red zone. They are a different offense without him.
It will be interesting to see if Seattle's running game continues to move forward during the final two weeks. Stranger things have happened. If Seattle can get hot going into the playoffs after a fast start and a late midseason lull, maybe they can repeat the Rams feats in 2021. The last two games will define who this team really is going into the playoffs. Seattle has no easy task in front of them. The Rams win might be the catalyst for a strong post season run.
Seattle facing playoff contenders the last two weeks might well be right games to define them going into the playoffs, either way. I am hoping the glass is half full.
How many open roster spots will we likely have before next season? What positions can we get better at? I personally want to upgrade offense and add whatever we can to the defense. O line and D line early unless there's a special weapon. Look to upgrade RB and LB, I love Walker/Charbs and Drake Thomas but there might be room to get stronger and better fits for the offense and defense, respectively. AB can be upgraded for sure. I guess I don't see center as being a problem. Sundell is fine. If there's a total game wrecker then sure let's do that, but I'm still overall in the BPA camp. Take the best player available. Look back in a few years and feel good about your decisions.
I still believe IOL is the biggest need offensively for the Seahawks this season. I don’t think JS will stay pat with the hand he has. Chicago got their center in free agency last year at a price I think JS would have paid. Sometimes players take a discount to go and play where they want to play. It seemed that way to me last year during free agency. We also lost out to the Vikings for an upgrade at IOL. I don’t blame JS for either of those. I will say this - the Seahawks might be more appealing as a destination for free agents this year. Yes, it’s a job to most football players, but some may want to get paid and have success. I would expect JS to add one or two players to the mix of Bradford, Sundell, Olu, Haynes, Cabeldue and Richmond. Whatever happened to Shane Lemiuex?
“Are we really so certain that John Schneider doesn’t still believe in his decision to be committed to Bradford, Haynes, and draft picks Bryce Cabeldue/Mason Richman, just as he believed going into this season?
Can we be sure that he won’t commit to this plan again in 2026? “
Cabeldue and Richman are special teams cannon fodder. I don’t care much more about Haynes and Bradford—or Cross, Zabel, Olu, Sundell, and/or Lucas for that matter. What’s important is whether Schneider and Macdonald are on the same page.
Take Bradford. If Schneider and MM are fine with AB as far as it goes, I see no point in aggressively pursuing an FA right guard or using a high draft pick on an FA RG. On the other hand, if neither likes AB, let’s not pussyfoot by looking for a replacement with “positional value.” Either go after someone you really like or stand pat (because continuity has its pluses).
Let’s not screw around. This team could be a Super Bowl contender for the next 3-5 years. Act accordingly.
My gut is that Kubiak stays for year 2. A few factors may come into play. One thing is always that the rest of the country pays far less attention to Seattle than we do. Pete’s coaches didn’t get promoted much either when his teams were good, at least not to head coach (Quinn the obvious exception). LA, SF, GB, CHI, DEN, NE - lots of coordinators getting attention before lil ol’ SEA.
Also, I have assumed (not sure I’m right) that we pay above-average salaries in a nice place to live, thanks to the Allen family. Our coaches tend to stay a little longer if we want them to, maybe not jump at any offer. So why not add another year on your resume, learn a little more about the McDonald system, and then pick your next spot the way Ben J did?
Then teams will also look at what KK has really done. Comes with a pedigree, of course - it is the Kubiak system, not the Shanahan system, right? But at the OC level, it’s still one bad year (argue blame) and one good year (argue credit). Is that enough? And as others have noted, he hasn’t exactly shown that he can design a dominant running game, something McVay & co seem to be able to do with any guys off the street. It is the league trend - what’s Klint got to show?
Lastly, is Klint going to blow away the interviews — will petulant NFL owners say, oh yeah, I want this guy to be the face of the franchise, giving 4 press conferences and not interviews a week?? Not so sure. Feels more like a Darrell Bevell at this point, piecing together a decent offense on a team that wins with defense. And Darrell never made the HC jump, even with the SB ring.
So - I say KK settles in for another year in Seattle, builds on this year’s success, improves the running game, and maybe makes the jump after that. SB this year? All bets are off. And if the Giants really want to grab him, maybe JS finally gets Kafka in here.
Let’s don’t get carried away that what the Bears are doing is the only way to do it. Seems to me the Seahawks are doing it with a KILLER defense, outstanding special teams and a decent offense (top 10).
The very last thing I’m thinking is “OMG, we gotta go do X because…the Bears!”
I think much of the league is looking at Seattle and wondering how to replicate that.
I think we should just let the Seahawks keep doing what they have been doing, exactly the way they have been doing it. The league average rushing yards per game this year is 116.9 y/g. The Seahawks are rushing for 116.9 y/g. In pass blocking, the Seahawks OL has allowed the 3rd fewest pressures, and the 7th fewest sacks in the league. This OL is WORLDS better than we fielded last year. The offense is 8th in total yards, the team is 4th in scoring, 1st in point differential, and have more wins than anyone in the NFC. As far as I am concerned, JS is the best GM in the NFL, and there is nothing I have to add from up here in the peanut gallery.
In addition, offensive lines improve with experience as a unit. Getting good enough athleticism and great attitude at all five positions with two or three solid backups is all that’s needed. From there, pay to keep the band together.
My hope is that Cabledue can excel as one of those guys. Being young, good enough, and together can be the key to a great run.
Just posted. Bryant and Cross won't be able to go against the Panthers on Sunday. Josh Jones again at LT. Ty at FS. A concern there but Ty has done well at SS spot as we all know.
JS's strategic thinking is unreal. With all the variables of best bang for the buck, he (and shout out to our scouts) keep finding great talent. With all the complexities envolved in his decisions I wonder if an AI would (or does?) facilitate said choices? Pretty sure his appearance isn't AI generated or he'd probably look more like George Clooney right? In our brave new world can all available info on an upcoming opponent be entered into the hungry maw of an AI whch could poop out the optimum game plan!? YIKES! Pulling this thread is yellow brick road stuff...I need a drink.
If we could get a bully right guard I think there would be no stopping the run game. We have the other parts.
And I just looked up Seahawks payroll, is it correct that Zabel is our highest paid guard?
I have him at $4.6M, Jones at $4M, and Bradford/Cabledue/Haynes at $1M. Olu and Sundell make less than $2M combined. I am not the one paying the bill, but that seems low for IOL. Is this a case of you get what you pay for, or is this comparable to other teams?
I only bring it up because I am under the impression guards get better with experience, and our highest paid guard is a rookie, as are 2 others on the roster. I would think having half your guards having very limited NFL experience would be counter to what other teams are doing. As an example, the highest paid guards are making upward of $20M a year, and that is not to say they aren't worth it, and I am aware they had a rookie contract at some point, but we are only on rookie contracts plus Jones.
Level of pay is not an indicator of talent when they are on their rookie contract. Our highest paid guard is a rookie because he is a first round pick. Others are making much less because they arent first round picks. Talent has nothing to do with it, only where they were selected. As a unit, our OL is league average in run blocking and top 5 in pass pro. Why do we need a $20m guard?
Bears are the best example of how quality olines make everything else work better for your offense. I would tell AB to eat better, get in better shape or lose his job next year. Sundell may be better next year and Olu is fine as a backup spot starter, but we need a mauler at either RG or C. Haynes will be gone next year. We have way too many running plays that end in the backfield or close to line of scrimmage due to one of the 5 getting blown up and when we do get a big run, 50% of the time it gets called back for holding. K9 would be almost Saquon if he had a line to get 3 yards before contact.
Why would Haynes be gone next year in year 3 of his rookie deal? If nothing else, he is a cheap, reliable, and versatile backup for all three IOL spots. Even if he doesn't end up as a starter, why would you cut that guy when you have him locked in for 2 more years?
I must believe Big Anthony is doing everything John Benton demands or he'd be gone. And doing it vigorously. "There is no 'Try'. You either 'do' or 'not do'." -Yoda.
I recall MM gushing, as much as he can, about the shape AB and Abe showed up in for mini-camp. I think AB is a hard worker and I have seen improvement from him this year.
On one hand reading this one would imply you think it’s wrong to have Zabel….Did Detroit go wrong in bringing in Tate? Sure doesn’t seem like it. But, I think maybe a missed point. And yes clearly we need at least a replacement at RG. But Lions have Goff and one of the top 3 RBs and like the Hawks, a very good RB 1B. Bears on the other hand had a rookie QB that didn’t play within the system (coach was berating him multiple times this year). We and Lions have experienced QBs, albeit it new here. As we all know (our DLine and the majorly snubbed Murphy on it) line play critical. So, did Bears go big on IOL because of Caleb “weaknesses”? Bears have gotten better because of their 2 headed run game.
I think "a little bit of spending" is always at least on the table, and should be in order when our championship opportunity timeline is imminent like it seems now. We need to get the best currently available RG/C this coming year, no matter if he's already on our team, in college, a free agent, or can be had in trade. We do NOT need to keep someone because they could be better 4yrs from now. We do NOT need to settle to save some money right now.
I think JS wanted to spend in last year’s FA market on IOL. Chicago got their FA center very early on in the process, and I think that was solely because Chicago was where he wanted to play and live. He wasn’t interested in playing is Seattle. Seattle did make an effort to get Fries as well. But can you really fault JS for pulling out when the Vikings paid such an exorbitant amount for him? I do think Seattle will be a more appealing spot for free agents to play this year. People saw Seattle as a losing team last year (7.5 wins predicted) I believe MM when he says JS is involved in everything looking to improve the team. I do think he draws lines in the sand when negotiating. I think he was wrong when we lost Damien Lewis. (Imagine if he was playing instead of Bradford?) But he is right in decision making for more often than most GMs. The way the college football system is now set up might be great for getting a few players a lot of money, but is is destroying the learning and development process of the majority of college players to prepare them for the NFL. Then there’s education - What are the chances these college football players making $1 million are going to class on the third college they’ve been to in 4 years? When I went to college, I had to maintain a minimum GPA to be eligible to play. They’ve made the whole point of going to college a joke.
JS pulled out of the Fries sweepstakes when he declined to take a physical for the team. I am not so sure we would not have signed him if he had but am happy we did not sign him.
Losing Lewis was tough but the cap was very tight back then. I can't fault JS for not signing him but do fault him for the dollars tied up into the safety position.
The 25 Seahawk run game is a huge improvement just by being committed to the schemes let alone the O-line improvement’s. This committment worked great until the Minnesota game. Since then the Hawks have “dropped from 17th in yards per carry to 27th” so now the Hawks need to generate an impactful run game by confusing vs telegrafing to the defense what it’s doing. So why haven’t Klint Kubiak done this? Ya there one or two good misdirection plays each game, but we need one, two or more on each drive. I have a hard time in seeing the Hawks “lose Klint Kubiak to a head coaching job in a month” if he can’t fix the run game this month and in the playoffs.
Chicago closed those deals immediately at the open of free agency. In fact the deal was pretty much already done during the tampering period. Same with Minn rebuilding the entire interior offensive line. Free agency for the interior line was a quick out during the offseason. I want to consider a couple of ideas here from the "New Seahawks Philosophy". Schneider openly has said drafting an interior lineman in the first round was not an option, until it was in 2025. I think Seattle looks for a pick in the first round again in 2025, even though that will be more like a second rounder. There are supposed to be some good prospects in 2026, one of which Seattle could be eyeing. I believe Seattle will entertain a free agent there as well. I think the focus will be right guard.
John Benton is going into year two and I expect there to more influence and development after year one. I think he has done a good job with what he had to work with and done a great job developing Zabel. Whether or not Kubiak takes a head coaching job remains to be seen. Ben Johnson delayed that decision for two years it seems until he got the best opportunity. It looks like he made the right choice. I think Seattle will stay the course at center. Continuity may have a part in that decision. It looks like tackle stays the same and one might wonder if Seattle could find some sort of trade value for Haynes. There is no real number of snaps to evaluate either Cabeldue or Richman. Remember that those two guys and Zable additions were influenced by Kubiak and Benton being on the staff. I wonder if Seattle might even look to find some sort of trade value for Bradford. Both of those picks ( Haynes, Bradford) were not in the Benton era. Bradford does not fit a zone blocking scheme.
Seattle having fewer picks is going to dictate getting it right in 2026. The second round pick will most likely be defensive line with D-Law, Reed and Williams all aging. Someone to go with Murphy and the future. LB is better than expected with Thomas development. Safety might be a pick as well as RB. Seattle has done a remarkable job this year with all of the injuries in the secondary. Okada will get a new contract.
Losing LaPorta to injury was a big loss for Detroit's offense. He has always been the big play guy for Detroit, especially on 3rd down and in the red red zone. They are a different offense without him.
It will be interesting to see if Seattle's running game continues to move forward during the final two weeks. Stranger things have happened. If Seattle can get hot going into the playoffs after a fast start and a late midseason lull, maybe they can repeat the Rams feats in 2021. The last two games will define who this team really is going into the playoffs. Seattle has no easy task in front of them. The Rams win might be the catalyst for a strong post season run.
Seattle facing playoff contenders the last two weeks might well be right games to define them going into the playoffs, either way. I am hoping the glass is half full.
How many open roster spots will we likely have before next season? What positions can we get better at? I personally want to upgrade offense and add whatever we can to the defense. O line and D line early unless there's a special weapon. Look to upgrade RB and LB, I love Walker/Charbs and Drake Thomas but there might be room to get stronger and better fits for the offense and defense, respectively. AB can be upgraded for sure. I guess I don't see center as being a problem. Sundell is fine. If there's a total game wrecker then sure let's do that, but I'm still overall in the BPA camp. Take the best player available. Look back in a few years and feel good about your decisions.
I still believe IOL is the biggest need offensively for the Seahawks this season. I don’t think JS will stay pat with the hand he has. Chicago got their center in free agency last year at a price I think JS would have paid. Sometimes players take a discount to go and play where they want to play. It seemed that way to me last year during free agency. We also lost out to the Vikings for an upgrade at IOL. I don’t blame JS for either of those. I will say this - the Seahawks might be more appealing as a destination for free agents this year. Yes, it’s a job to most football players, but some may want to get paid and have success. I would expect JS to add one or two players to the mix of Bradford, Sundell, Olu, Haynes, Cabeldue and Richmond. Whatever happened to Shane Lemiuex?
"Whatever happened to Shane Lemiuex?"
He is still listed on the practice squad/injured list.
On the D side of the line, apparently, Crosby will probably not be negotiating with LV...
https://youtube.com/shorts/_WC2aX6vgmY?si=w868PkdQ2xPbpI-9
Come to winner for a reasonable price and a reasonable Superb Owl opportunity, Maxx!!
28 years old, 10 sacks/yr for a bad franchise, and pushes to play in the Toilet Bowl this weekend. I want that on my team.
Crazy skills, crazy motor. I'm all over this dude. Hawks will hot for him if they have the trade capital that LV wants, in draft choices and players.
Short answer to your question, yes.
FYI, If you don't count Tampa, Carolina's record against playoff teams is 2-4. The Hawks are 4-2.
If you are interested, there is a replay of the Seahawks Rams game on Youtube. It is an NFL film, not a pirate.
Here is a link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lkKl2JlGqA
It is 2:40, not the condensed version.
Block in the back at about 10:24 in the second quarter on a punt return that the refs never called.
“Are we really so certain that John Schneider doesn’t still believe in his decision to be committed to Bradford, Haynes, and draft picks Bryce Cabeldue/Mason Richman, just as he believed going into this season?
Can we be sure that he won’t commit to this plan again in 2026? “
Cabeldue and Richman are special teams cannon fodder. I don’t care much more about Haynes and Bradford—or Cross, Zabel, Olu, Sundell, and/or Lucas for that matter. What’s important is whether Schneider and Macdonald are on the same page.
Take Bradford. If Schneider and MM are fine with AB as far as it goes, I see no point in aggressively pursuing an FA right guard or using a high draft pick on an FA RG. On the other hand, if neither likes AB, let’s not pussyfoot by looking for a replacement with “positional value.” Either go after someone you really like or stand pat (because continuity has its pluses).
Let’s not screw around. This team could be a Super Bowl contender for the next 3-5 years. Act accordingly.
My gut is that Kubiak stays for year 2. A few factors may come into play. One thing is always that the rest of the country pays far less attention to Seattle than we do. Pete’s coaches didn’t get promoted much either when his teams were good, at least not to head coach (Quinn the obvious exception). LA, SF, GB, CHI, DEN, NE - lots of coordinators getting attention before lil ol’ SEA.
Also, I have assumed (not sure I’m right) that we pay above-average salaries in a nice place to live, thanks to the Allen family. Our coaches tend to stay a little longer if we want them to, maybe not jump at any offer. So why not add another year on your resume, learn a little more about the McDonald system, and then pick your next spot the way Ben J did?
Then teams will also look at what KK has really done. Comes with a pedigree, of course - it is the Kubiak system, not the Shanahan system, right? But at the OC level, it’s still one bad year (argue blame) and one good year (argue credit). Is that enough? And as others have noted, he hasn’t exactly shown that he can design a dominant running game, something McVay & co seem to be able to do with any guys off the street. It is the league trend - what’s Klint got to show?
Lastly, is Klint going to blow away the interviews — will petulant NFL owners say, oh yeah, I want this guy to be the face of the franchise, giving 4 press conferences and not interviews a week?? Not so sure. Feels more like a Darrell Bevell at this point, piecing together a decent offense on a team that wins with defense. And Darrell never made the HC jump, even with the SB ring.
So - I say KK settles in for another year in Seattle, builds on this year’s success, improves the running game, and maybe makes the jump after that. SB this year? All bets are off. And if the Giants really want to grab him, maybe JS finally gets Kafka in here.
Let’s don’t get carried away that what the Bears are doing is the only way to do it. Seems to me the Seahawks are doing it with a KILLER defense, outstanding special teams and a decent offense (top 10).
The very last thing I’m thinking is “OMG, we gotta go do X because…the Bears!”
I think much of the league is looking at Seattle and wondering how to replicate that.
I think we should just let the Seahawks keep doing what they have been doing, exactly the way they have been doing it. The league average rushing yards per game this year is 116.9 y/g. The Seahawks are rushing for 116.9 y/g. In pass blocking, the Seahawks OL has allowed the 3rd fewest pressures, and the 7th fewest sacks in the league. This OL is WORLDS better than we fielded last year. The offense is 8th in total yards, the team is 4th in scoring, 1st in point differential, and have more wins than anyone in the NFC. As far as I am concerned, JS is the best GM in the NFL, and there is nothing I have to add from up here in the peanut gallery.
I agree, we are fine. Lookout playoffs here come the Seahawks!
This is great information, Rusty.
In addition, offensive lines improve with experience as a unit. Getting good enough athleticism and great attitude at all five positions with two or three solid backups is all that’s needed. From there, pay to keep the band together.
My hope is that Cabledue can excel as one of those guys. Being young, good enough, and together can be the key to a great run.
Just posted. Bryant and Cross won't be able to go against the Panthers on Sunday. Josh Jones again at LT. Ty at FS. A concern there but Ty has done well at SS spot as we all know.
Better we give Carolina 68 guys to prep for than 53. Let's trust we will have a full team ready for Game 1 in the postseason.
JS's strategic thinking is unreal. With all the variables of best bang for the buck, he (and shout out to our scouts) keep finding great talent. With all the complexities envolved in his decisions I wonder if an AI would (or does?) facilitate said choices? Pretty sure his appearance isn't AI generated or he'd probably look more like George Clooney right? In our brave new world can all available info on an upcoming opponent be entered into the hungry maw of an AI whch could poop out the optimum game plan!? YIKES! Pulling this thread is yellow brick road stuff...I need a drink.
In through the nose, out through the mouth, Bob. Repeat after me: ohmmmm... ohmmmm... I am one with the 12s, and the 12s are one with me.
If we could get a bully right guard I think there would be no stopping the run game. We have the other parts.
And I just looked up Seahawks payroll, is it correct that Zabel is our highest paid guard?
I have him at $4.6M, Jones at $4M, and Bradford/Cabledue/Haynes at $1M. Olu and Sundell make less than $2M combined. I am not the one paying the bill, but that seems low for IOL. Is this a case of you get what you pay for, or is this comparable to other teams?
How much the OL is being paid isn't particularly relevant when everyone except Jones is on their rookie contract.
I only bring it up because I am under the impression guards get better with experience, and our highest paid guard is a rookie, as are 2 others on the roster. I would think having half your guards having very limited NFL experience would be counter to what other teams are doing. As an example, the highest paid guards are making upward of $20M a year, and that is not to say they aren't worth it, and I am aware they had a rookie contract at some point, but we are only on rookie contracts plus Jones.
Level of pay is not an indicator of talent when they are on their rookie contract. Our highest paid guard is a rookie because he is a first round pick. Others are making much less because they arent first round picks. Talent has nothing to do with it, only where they were selected. As a unit, our OL is league average in run blocking and top 5 in pass pro. Why do we need a $20m guard?
To clarify, I didn't say we needed a $20M guard, I said a bully guard. They don't need to be the same thing.
If Kubiak returns, I'm willing to bet he is more inclined to go get a center than a guard. Perhaps a Linderbaum in FA or Lew in the draft.
Yes, yes and YES! Our first 2026 pick should be a Zabel clone. O or D, the big dawgs up front make it all happen.
Bears are the best example of how quality olines make everything else work better for your offense. I would tell AB to eat better, get in better shape or lose his job next year. Sundell may be better next year and Olu is fine as a backup spot starter, but we need a mauler at either RG or C. Haynes will be gone next year. We have way too many running plays that end in the backfield or close to line of scrimmage due to one of the 5 getting blown up and when we do get a big run, 50% of the time it gets called back for holding. K9 would be almost Saquon if he had a line to get 3 yards before contact.
Why would Haynes be gone next year in year 3 of his rookie deal? If nothing else, he is a cheap, reliable, and versatile backup for all three IOL spots. Even if he doesn't end up as a starter, why would you cut that guy when you have him locked in for 2 more years?
I must believe Big Anthony is doing everything John Benton demands or he'd be gone. And doing it vigorously. "There is no 'Try'. You either 'do' or 'not do'." -Yoda.
I recall MM gushing, as much as he can, about the shape AB and Abe showed up in for mini-camp. I think AB is a hard worker and I have seen improvement from him this year.
On one hand reading this one would imply you think it’s wrong to have Zabel….Did Detroit go wrong in bringing in Tate? Sure doesn’t seem like it. But, I think maybe a missed point. And yes clearly we need at least a replacement at RG. But Lions have Goff and one of the top 3 RBs and like the Hawks, a very good RB 1B. Bears on the other hand had a rookie QB that didn’t play within the system (coach was berating him multiple times this year). We and Lions have experienced QBs, albeit it new here. As we all know (our DLine and the majorly snubbed Murphy on it) line play critical. So, did Bears go big on IOL because of Caleb “weaknesses”? Bears have gotten better because of their 2 headed run game.
I think "a little bit of spending" is always at least on the table, and should be in order when our championship opportunity timeline is imminent like it seems now. We need to get the best currently available RG/C this coming year, no matter if he's already on our team, in college, a free agent, or can be had in trade. We do NOT need to keep someone because they could be better 4yrs from now. We do NOT need to settle to save some money right now.
I think JS wanted to spend in last year’s FA market on IOL. Chicago got their FA center very early on in the process, and I think that was solely because Chicago was where he wanted to play and live. He wasn’t interested in playing is Seattle. Seattle did make an effort to get Fries as well. But can you really fault JS for pulling out when the Vikings paid such an exorbitant amount for him? I do think Seattle will be a more appealing spot for free agents to play this year. People saw Seattle as a losing team last year (7.5 wins predicted) I believe MM when he says JS is involved in everything looking to improve the team. I do think he draws lines in the sand when negotiating. I think he was wrong when we lost Damien Lewis. (Imagine if he was playing instead of Bradford?) But he is right in decision making for more often than most GMs. The way the college football system is now set up might be great for getting a few players a lot of money, but is is destroying the learning and development process of the majority of college players to prepare them for the NFL. Then there’s education - What are the chances these college football players making $1 million are going to class on the third college they’ve been to in 4 years? When I went to college, I had to maintain a minimum GPA to be eligible to play. They’ve made the whole point of going to college a joke.
JS pulled out of the Fries sweepstakes when he declined to take a physical for the team. I am not so sure we would not have signed him if he had but am happy we did not sign him.
Losing Lewis was tough but the cap was very tight back then. I can't fault JS for not signing him but do fault him for the dollars tied up into the safety position.
Agree, the championship window feels open right now. It feels like the need to upgrade is more urgent.
The 25 Seahawk run game is a huge improvement just by being committed to the schemes let alone the O-line improvement’s. This committment worked great until the Minnesota game. Since then the Hawks have “dropped from 17th in yards per carry to 27th” so now the Hawks need to generate an impactful run game by confusing vs telegrafing to the defense what it’s doing. So why haven’t Klint Kubiak done this? Ya there one or two good misdirection plays each game, but we need one, two or more on each drive. I have a hard time in seeing the Hawks “lose Klint Kubiak to a head coaching job in a month” if he can’t fix the run game this month and in the playoffs.
Yes. I'd even go with misdirection EVERY PLAY! Backfield looking like a Globe Trotter warm up before the snap.