Somehow the more the pundits talk up a team the more leary I am of that being gospel. In the back of my mind I wondering what the loss of Desai will mean to an already challenged defense. The additions made in free agency and last years draft are a good start, overcoming the loss of two years of no first round picks or trade carrots. For the most part Adams has been MIA two out of 3 years. Diggs started the first half of last season slow but improved at the end. ILB is an area of strong need. I wouldn't put it past Seattle using some quality draft capital this year and next to change than. An addition of a top notch center prospect and another guard could give Seattle the possibility of the best line they have had under the Pete and JS era. I don't thing Seattle is going to go all in on WR this year but will in 24. I expect Seattle will draft a RB no later than the 3rd round and add another veteran back. Seattle needs a good crop of UDFA to find some missing depth this year as well. DT and edge will come in the draft and possibly take a flyer on someone like Ingram, Houston or even another good not great up and commer as a rotational specialist. Seattle will draft another CB in the 5th.
What is amazing about the 49ers is that they seem to find coaching talent after losing so much. They find ways to win with "Bargain Basement QB's". The find good backs past round 5. Their WR corps and running game is an example of an excellent scheme. Honestly I think they have shown superiority in coordinators for the last 4 years and I don't expect that to change much. The cap catches up with everybody though eventually.
Seattle needs another banner draft this year to become the crown jewel Pete hopes to find in his golden years. I do like the new QB coach and think that Scott and Anderson could be good at their positions. With all the new toys Seatttle is going to end up giving Hurt, I would hope to see some major inprovement in year 2 defensively. Chemistry and injury fate can't be bought. Sometimes you need a little "lady luck" to step up too the plate too (Go M's). Prognostication will never replace the reality of the game. Seattle stands at a threhold year in 23. It's not about winning it all per se, but moving up a tier with youth momentum. I think Seattle is smart enough to turn down the white noise and let the field do their talking this year. 23 is a year to find more optomism, yet a cautious perspective.
Every time I read Seaside Joe and get to the comment section see the first item in the top articles section, "Are Seahawks happier without Russell Wilson?", and smile.
What could be the places we're overselling the 2023 Seahawks? There's a lot of optimism about this team, especially after free agency. But, there's always this truth of NFL off-season: fans assume what the team did well last year will stay the same and what they didn't do well will improve. Are the any areas we assume the Seahawks will stay good at from last year that might actually get worse next year? Is there any way to be realistic? Should I just shut up and drink the Kool aid?
Rams have no 1st rounder and one 2nd rounder but a slew of Day 3 picks, I'd expect them to trade up this year. I don't expect them to be good on defense but they'll still have some solid playmakers on offense and McVay, so unless Stafford can't physically throw a football this September, they'll still be in more games than I'd like to see.
The Niners will remain competitive (although their roster has taken some big hits in FA) but they also have a ton of Day 3 picks to trade up with. The inevitable Bosa contract would be far more potentially limiting down the road if the Niners had actually drafted their future franchise QB in 2021, but Lance is never going to be that guy. That said, the Niners still need to find a QB.
“Let’s do the time warp again”. Heck at my age an hour feels like a minute. A month is like a week. Geez let’s time warp all over the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals. Go Haws and love the 12s!
McVay and Gms arrogance have left franchise in ruins. Them laughing at Belicheks 1 st round pick last year spoke volumes. McVay running from bad roster says “Quitter” Seniors like Pete, Bill and Andy are competitive Year after year.
"It leaves a really pressing question for the Rams
that nobody seems willing to face: What the hell are
Stafford, Kupp, and Donald doing there anymore?"
I'm not sure Stafford makes it through the year with all his injuries. Why risk his long-term health on a team that's most likely going nowhere? Of course I can't say for certain that they're going nowhere -- people said the same about the Seahawks last year and they surprised many -- but it doesn't look good right now.
The 49ers I'm not sure; when are all their best players due for contracts? As far as QB goes, I don't think it matters who it is because if the team is winning games and making the playoffs that QB is going to want a big contract even if he's not the main reason for success. He might not get from his current team but surely someone will pay for his services right before getting buyer's remorse.
Is this draft actually as underwhelming as it feels? Or does it just feel that way due to the fact that we have pick #5 and there aren't many (if any) players the people consider "sure things" like in some past drafts?
I’m with you. I think all along it’s been about 2024 and 2025. In fact if they trade back from #5 (>50% chance) they’ll have two 1st rd picks in 2024 as well. Now that they’re listening to Scot Mclaughan again, could end up with great classes from 2023 and 2024.
Just feels like something’s building here, I’m with you. Even though no one can predict the future, agree there too
The Rams went all in to win a SB and to their credit, they did. But in the process they completely mortgaged their future, and the cost to them was a 5 win 2022 season and that looks like it might be the ceiling for them in 2023. Is McVay a great coach? Let's see if he can build back a roster from scraps (the way Pete/John did in 2009) to contend for the NFCW.
Pete simply won't let his team not win. If you have read Win Forever (highly recommended) you will already know that Pete's standard for winning is the Buffalo Bills under Levy, who made it to the SB FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS. The fact they never won the SB is beside the point for Pete--just being that good to win your conference and get there four straight is an achievement not equalled before or since.
So Pete/John are always looking for a way to make THIS TEAM better and have a better opportunity, and as we have been talking about the 2022 draft, this "unexpected" success in 2022, the great offseason leading to the 2023 draft--this is exactly Pete/John.
The Rams will fight with the Cardinals for last place in the division this year--the question is have the Seahawks done enough (with the draft still to come) to overtake the Niners?
The Niners mortgaged their future--twice: once to draft Trey Lance (why he didn't change his first name to TD I will never understand) and again to get CMC. The returns did not get the Niners to the SB--and their tragectory is about to point groundwards. The Seahawks/Niners games will be competitive this year and in 2024 the Seahawks will be restored to dominance in the NFCW (maybe even this year if the Niners QB situation falls apart which definitely could happen).
I agree - no matter how good the team I root for and how bad their opponent is, I never think or say "we're going to stomp them!" And I especially don't add in some shit talking to the opposing fans; it just seems unwise to make claims and definitive statements that you have no way of backing up because they are out of your control.
A prediction is something that one is supposed to be confident in. A guess is just that, using what little facts any of us really have.
One thing that happens almost every year, a team that is supposed to be good isint. There is also a team that hardly anyone predicts will make the playoffs, and they do, the 2022 Seahawks for one.
If we get 3 quality starters from this draft and our players from last year continue to grow, "Boye Mafe" most importantly. I will guess Seattle is play off bound.
Funny thing about how an oblong ball and the way it bounces. Health will be number 1, we do have more depth, but the middle of both lines are not there yet.
A very sensible outline of where things stand in Seattle, relative to the rest of the division and overall in the NFL. I'm sure Rams fans are delighted with the way things worked out. They mortgaged their future but managed to eek out a Superbowl win (just barely). But a Superbowl win is a Superbowl win, a once-in-an-eon sort of deal that can't be overstated. Kudos to them.
Now imagine for a moment if they lost. All their chips on the table with nothing to show for it (if you subscribe to the Superbowl or nothing philosophy, which I don't). I'm glad I'm not a Rams fan because I would not have enjoyed that sort of wild ride. I'm glad Seattle doesn't go 'round mortgaging its future. It did that to a very limited extent with the Adams trade but it almost kinda-sorta made sense back then with an aging Russell Wilson. At this point, I'm hopeful we'll just hit it big with the next draft class.
Of course in the NFL anything can happen. As you say, Kenneth, the future is not predictable. As Chuck says, time will tell. Pete's about as good as there is in motivating his guys to play all out and the roster appears improved already. The draft hasn't even happened yet. Plus last year's rookies are likely to demonstrate a significant jump forward. So we'll see.
Somehow the more the pundits talk up a team the more leary I am of that being gospel. In the back of my mind I wondering what the loss of Desai will mean to an already challenged defense. The additions made in free agency and last years draft are a good start, overcoming the loss of two years of no first round picks or trade carrots. For the most part Adams has been MIA two out of 3 years. Diggs started the first half of last season slow but improved at the end. ILB is an area of strong need. I wouldn't put it past Seattle using some quality draft capital this year and next to change than. An addition of a top notch center prospect and another guard could give Seattle the possibility of the best line they have had under the Pete and JS era. I don't thing Seattle is going to go all in on WR this year but will in 24. I expect Seattle will draft a RB no later than the 3rd round and add another veteran back. Seattle needs a good crop of UDFA to find some missing depth this year as well. DT and edge will come in the draft and possibly take a flyer on someone like Ingram, Houston or even another good not great up and commer as a rotational specialist. Seattle will draft another CB in the 5th.
What is amazing about the 49ers is that they seem to find coaching talent after losing so much. They find ways to win with "Bargain Basement QB's". The find good backs past round 5. Their WR corps and running game is an example of an excellent scheme. Honestly I think they have shown superiority in coordinators for the last 4 years and I don't expect that to change much. The cap catches up with everybody though eventually.
Seattle needs another banner draft this year to become the crown jewel Pete hopes to find in his golden years. I do like the new QB coach and think that Scott and Anderson could be good at their positions. With all the new toys Seatttle is going to end up giving Hurt, I would hope to see some major inprovement in year 2 defensively. Chemistry and injury fate can't be bought. Sometimes you need a little "lady luck" to step up too the plate too (Go M's). Prognostication will never replace the reality of the game. Seattle stands at a threhold year in 23. It's not about winning it all per se, but moving up a tier with youth momentum. I think Seattle is smart enough to turn down the white noise and let the field do their talking this year. 23 is a year to find more optomism, yet a cautious perspective.
Every time I read Seaside Joe and get to the comment section see the first item in the top articles section, "Are Seahawks happier without Russell Wilson?", and smile.
What could be the places we're overselling the 2023 Seahawks? There's a lot of optimism about this team, especially after free agency. But, there's always this truth of NFL off-season: fans assume what the team did well last year will stay the same and what they didn't do well will improve. Are the any areas we assume the Seahawks will stay good at from last year that might actually get worse next year? Is there any way to be realistic? Should I just shut up and drink the Kool aid?
Rams have no 1st rounder and one 2nd rounder but a slew of Day 3 picks, I'd expect them to trade up this year. I don't expect them to be good on defense but they'll still have some solid playmakers on offense and McVay, so unless Stafford can't physically throw a football this September, they'll still be in more games than I'd like to see.
The Niners will remain competitive (although their roster has taken some big hits in FA) but they also have a ton of Day 3 picks to trade up with. The inevitable Bosa contract would be far more potentially limiting down the road if the Niners had actually drafted their future franchise QB in 2021, but Lance is never going to be that guy. That said, the Niners still need to find a QB.
“Let’s do the time warp again”. Heck at my age an hour feels like a minute. A month is like a week. Geez let’s time warp all over the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals. Go Haws and love the 12s!
McVay and Gms arrogance have left franchise in ruins. Them laughing at Belicheks 1 st round pick last year spoke volumes. McVay running from bad roster says “Quitter” Seniors like Pete, Bill and Andy are competitive Year after year.
"It leaves a really pressing question for the Rams
that nobody seems willing to face: What the hell are
Stafford, Kupp, and Donald doing there anymore?"
I'm not sure Stafford makes it through the year with all his injuries. Why risk his long-term health on a team that's most likely going nowhere? Of course I can't say for certain that they're going nowhere -- people said the same about the Seahawks last year and they surprised many -- but it doesn't look good right now.
The 49ers I'm not sure; when are all their best players due for contracts? As far as QB goes, I don't think it matters who it is because if the team is winning games and making the playoffs that QB is going to want a big contract even if he's not the main reason for success. He might not get from his current team but surely someone will pay for his services right before getting buyer's remorse.
Is this draft actually as underwhelming as it feels? Or does it just feel that way due to the fact that we have pick #5 and there aren't many (if any) players the people consider "sure things" like in some past drafts?
I’m with you. I think all along it’s been about 2024 and 2025. In fact if they trade back from #5 (>50% chance) they’ll have two 1st rd picks in 2024 as well. Now that they’re listening to Scot Mclaughan again, could end up with great classes from 2023 and 2024.
Just feels like something’s building here, I’m with you. Even though no one can predict the future, agree there too
I reading this a year from now and it's still as prescient as it was back then.
The Rams went all in to win a SB and to their credit, they did. But in the process they completely mortgaged their future, and the cost to them was a 5 win 2022 season and that looks like it might be the ceiling for them in 2023. Is McVay a great coach? Let's see if he can build back a roster from scraps (the way Pete/John did in 2009) to contend for the NFCW.
Pete simply won't let his team not win. If you have read Win Forever (highly recommended) you will already know that Pete's standard for winning is the Buffalo Bills under Levy, who made it to the SB FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS. The fact they never won the SB is beside the point for Pete--just being that good to win your conference and get there four straight is an achievement not equalled before or since.
So Pete/John are always looking for a way to make THIS TEAM better and have a better opportunity, and as we have been talking about the 2022 draft, this "unexpected" success in 2022, the great offseason leading to the 2023 draft--this is exactly Pete/John.
The Rams will fight with the Cardinals for last place in the division this year--the question is have the Seahawks done enough (with the draft still to come) to overtake the Niners?
The Niners mortgaged their future--twice: once to draft Trey Lance (why he didn't change his first name to TD I will never understand) and again to get CMC. The returns did not get the Niners to the SB--and their tragectory is about to point groundwards. The Seahawks/Niners games will be competitive this year and in 2024 the Seahawks will be restored to dominance in the NFCW (maybe even this year if the Niners QB situation falls apart which definitely could happen).
I agree - no matter how good the team I root for and how bad their opponent is, I never think or say "we're going to stomp them!" And I especially don't add in some shit talking to the opposing fans; it just seems unwise to make claims and definitive statements that you have no way of backing up because they are out of your control.
A prediction is something that one is supposed to be confident in. A guess is just that, using what little facts any of us really have.
One thing that happens almost every year, a team that is supposed to be good isint. There is also a team that hardly anyone predicts will make the playoffs, and they do, the 2022 Seahawks for one.
If we get 3 quality starters from this draft and our players from last year continue to grow, "Boye Mafe" most importantly. I will guess Seattle is play off bound.
Funny thing about how an oblong ball and the way it bounces. Health will be number 1, we do have more depth, but the middle of both lines are not there yet.
A very sensible outline of where things stand in Seattle, relative to the rest of the division and overall in the NFL. I'm sure Rams fans are delighted with the way things worked out. They mortgaged their future but managed to eek out a Superbowl win (just barely). But a Superbowl win is a Superbowl win, a once-in-an-eon sort of deal that can't be overstated. Kudos to them.
Now imagine for a moment if they lost. All their chips on the table with nothing to show for it (if you subscribe to the Superbowl or nothing philosophy, which I don't). I'm glad I'm not a Rams fan because I would not have enjoyed that sort of wild ride. I'm glad Seattle doesn't go 'round mortgaging its future. It did that to a very limited extent with the Adams trade but it almost kinda-sorta made sense back then with an aging Russell Wilson. At this point, I'm hopeful we'll just hit it big with the next draft class.
Of course in the NFL anything can happen. As you say, Kenneth, the future is not predictable. As Chuck says, time will tell. Pete's about as good as there is in motivating his guys to play all out and the roster appears improved already. The draft hasn't even happened yet. Plus last year's rookies are likely to demonstrate a significant jump forward. So we'll see.