I haven't finished the article yet, but I am ready to comment and recommend. I'm actually drooling over the thought that there is more to drool over, but I have two comments to make already, but I have forgotten one already, that is why I am not waiting to comment.
It should be spelled Reek the Freak just going by normal rules of English which are arbitrary and confusing to non-native speakers of English, who might wonder why we don't spell "reek" "reak"? or why we don't spell "freak" "freek"? and we should, but we don't ... yet, since we could, we just don't and we don't have an explanation that is commonly known or purposeful, I am sure.
Reek the Freak is perhaps too circus sounding, though, and with names as with genders I am committed to conforming to whatever the preference is of the subject. In this case, Tariq Woolen. And he prefers simply Riq. Or maybe Riq the freak. I think he may warm to the nickname, but maybe not. Just like genders and TOP SECRET documents, they can change just by thinking it.
As stated earlier, I like this article. I like it because it is fun, and I am more likely to "like" a story I am having fun with more often than a more serious article that is about "X's and O's" or the like. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the serious articles. I do.
I really, really like your attempt to be real and accessible and embracing feedback and even criticism with an eye towards improving the product. Coming from a starving writer (a little hyperbole there) those attitudes are almost expected, but what about when you go viral? Will you still embrace us then? Will you remember us little people when you are rich and famous? That will be a true test of your honor. I actually have faith in you that you WILL remain humble and accessible.
Thanks Ken. I'm all about patiently waiting til next year - aka rebuild+1. Pete's trying to break his addiction to signing scrap-heap guys and pretending they're an O line. 2019-'21 Russ got pounded & got sick of it. Now Geno gets pounded. If he's available to start all games, it's a miracle. Blythe seems better than post-Britt speed bump centers thus far. Especially if he's hurt, the line is too inexperienced individually and as a unit to compensate. 2 rookie tackles does not a rebuild make.
Penny/Walker run-game potential is talked about. What runs have Hawks tried? Mostly the usual Hawk up the middle and guard-tackle runs, in "run" situations against a stacked box. It's probably because Hawks MUST keep training wheels on the O game plan, due to individual & play-as-a-unit inexperience. My 2022 "Hawk good/bad criteria" is weekly improvement:1. individually, 2. as-O&D-units, 3. (most importantly?) as-a-game-planning-coaching staff. PC & coaches are learning individual strengths & weaknesses on-the-fly. They'll coach players up BUT also adapt game plans to guys they have AND DON'T HAVE. It all starts with the O & D line quality & depth. Hawks have neither O or D line quality or depth. 2022 is our 2016-2021 "win-now" hangover team. We rode with PC through one & done "impact-players", "off-the-radar-rookies", key injuries, Crazy Earl, etc. Assuming PC is retained and has rebuild luck, I think it's wait'll 2024.
Finally, I know everyone's chomping at the bit for the next lightning-in-a-bottle QB. Unless he's a very fast, very lucky RPO guy, Hawk 2023 O-line won't be gelled/good enough to keep him healthy.
My vision for the next game is at least 30 running plays. I don't care how they are distributed amongst the RBs, but I want to see 30+ runs. Not WR screens or DJ Dallas passes. 30+ runs. If they run the ball 30+ times it will mean a lot of other good stuff is happening on offense.
Really enjoyed that video of Tariq. Seems like a great kid.
I'll call your 3-broken-tackle-Walker-prediction and raise you to 3-broken-ankles-on-a-single-run. I agree that he's more than capable. That Wildcat play where he should have been caught in the backfield was a thing of beauty. Only resulted in five yards but he showed how well he sheds defenders. Ok, those weren't all broken tackles, but broken ankles is just as impressive. Clearly, that's one of his charms too.
Other than that, I foresee a solid game from our rookie tackles which does not translate into any sort of alleged Geno-magic. As to Pete Carroll's suggestions that we've got to let Geno cook, color me skeptical. Pete Carroll's biggest flaw, in my opinion, is his lack of candor (or perhaps ability to be honest with himself). It will be another hat eating moment if Smith becomes a starting-caliber NFL QB. Until he demonstrates an ability to be a (let's be merciful) top 25 QB, color me skeptical anytime Carroll opens his mouth about the great HuGeno.
Most times I can get my head around what Pete and John are doing with the squad. Kyle Fuller is a head scratcher. No offense to his parents or friends, he just doesn't appear to be an NFL player. I can't for the life of me understand why we invest so little in what is a very important position.
It seems that the lights aren't to bright for Woolen, and he is able to recall his good plays while putting his not so good into the I will learn from that. As a former receiver I assume he will be able to catch the ball when he gets his chance. He does have the speed to play a bit like Deon, in baiting the quarterback to throw it because he looks like he is a couple steps behind. In my opinion Richard Sherman is a Hall of Famer, Woolen has the traits and is faster. He will need to prove himself in tackling and catching.
I think the let Geno go deep was a little Pete speak. I really believe it's all about getting the backs and tightends into the passing game more, which may create some one on one's for DK. If Pete really was willing to let go, I think Lock would be playing.
I hope the 12s are as pumped up on Sunday as they were for Russell's home coming. I think the 12s did have a marked impact on that game
My vision is that the Hawks have channelled the humiliation of last week in the same way the Niners did against us after week 1. All the OL have done all week is snorting and raging their way through run reps, and that Andy Dickerson sent Gabe to get doughnuts and he got badly lost on the way back. Curhan (or Haynes, as he apparently is backing up both guard spots) gets in there, the play is lifted and the double teaming of Jarret leads to holes being blown for our RBs to charge through, meaning the Falcons safeties have the highest tackle count on the day.
I have of course steeled myself for a complete shitshow again. Pays to.
The analytical swelling of a metaphorical tsunami, complete with a strong "broken tackle" visual cue, allowed me to surf a wave of optimism to an exquisite finish on the beach of a potential Seahawk win Sunday.
Take two aspirin and call me in the morning. I think the interior of our offensive line will need more than that. The interior has been the bigger problem in both pass and run blocking. I have heard that Jackson is just bad this year and Blythe not so good in run blocking due to size and now he's nicked up. I'm wondering if Haynes and Lewis are both available Seattle, couldn't move Lewis back to his original position at RG, but I doubt we'll see that this week at least. Oh and yes can Seattle please stop the run. Atlanta may not be a top contender but a loss to them might even be a bigger alarm bell for Seattle. Pray for Diggs health we can't afford to lose him too.
But not one to be a David Downer I think Seattle could also get well this week. They sure have the guns at RB and WR. Shelby Harris is out and I've been waiting to see if Adams can bring the same play he showed in preseason. He could be a sleeper at DT for Seattle. I think part of the problem last week was the road for a Seattle team that has a lot of young starters. They will have the 12's full force this week. Geno could have a big game this week. Seattle may have to move the pocket with Jarrett inside but I like the matchup outside. London will get his but so will our avatar. Should be the first of many good matchups between these two youngsters in the future.
Markus doesn't do well with pressure so if Seattle can make him uncomfortable they might get some gifts.
Seattle wins Sunday if they can get the offense rolling, stop the run and show up in the second half. Sorry if I sound like a broken record.
The Hawks don't value centers so they acquired and start a guy who knows the offense but is a crappy center. His backup, Kyle Fuller, is even worse and doesn't have a background in this offense. Guard is a different story. Lewis was a third round pick which is significant draft capital for a guard. Gabe Jackson seemed like a steal when the Raiders discarded him after 2 pro-bowls and being part of a Raiders line that gave up only 18 sacks, an NFL low, in 2016. Haynes was the 124th pick in 2019 which again, isn't chump change for a guard.
It seems clear that if you're going to continue with substandard centers then you'd better have some kick-ass guards. Jackson is obviously done. The questions for the group are: 1) Are Lewis and/or Haynes salvageable as starting guards, and 2) After QB, Edge, and WR, is quard our next priority? Some names to keep tabs on are O'Cyrus Torrence (my current crush), Broderick Jones, Cooper Beebe, Paris Johnson, and Peter Scoronski. Several of these guys are tackles that will likely migrate to guard in the NFL. 2023 is a down year for high-end tackles so it's good we got Cross last draft. I think Cross needs a partner in crime ala Jones/Hutchinson. Would you be happy with a guard as our second pick in the second round?
Having watched the Seahawks since their inception and particularly since Pete and John have taken over, I have come to the conclusion that Pete has a very stubborn streak in his approach to the game of football. An example of which was his retaining his recently departed DC who was, obviously to everyone, not up to the job. I'm afraid the choice of offensive coordinator may not pan out that well, either, since the Hawks have had so much trouble scoring since his arrival. That being said, I fully believe that this years draftees will be a huge success even in this anemic offense. Maybe not this year but in the long run. They are still rookies adjusting to the NFL game and speed.
My vision (not my hope) is that Atlanta will have three sacks, two interceptions and a win. I hope I am wrong.
I haven't finished the article yet, but I am ready to comment and recommend. I'm actually drooling over the thought that there is more to drool over, but I have two comments to make already, but I have forgotten one already, that is why I am not waiting to comment.
It should be spelled Reek the Freak just going by normal rules of English which are arbitrary and confusing to non-native speakers of English, who might wonder why we don't spell "reek" "reak"? or why we don't spell "freak" "freek"? and we should, but we don't ... yet, since we could, we just don't and we don't have an explanation that is commonly known or purposeful, I am sure.
Reek the Freak is perhaps too circus sounding, though, and with names as with genders I am committed to conforming to whatever the preference is of the subject. In this case, Tariq Woolen. And he prefers simply Riq. Or maybe Riq the freak. I think he may warm to the nickname, but maybe not. Just like genders and TOP SECRET documents, they can change just by thinking it.
As stated earlier, I like this article. I like it because it is fun, and I am more likely to "like" a story I am having fun with more often than a more serious article that is about "X's and O's" or the like. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the serious articles. I do.
I really, really like your attempt to be real and accessible and embracing feedback and even criticism with an eye towards improving the product. Coming from a starving writer (a little hyperbole there) those attitudes are almost expected, but what about when you go viral? Will you still embrace us then? Will you remember us little people when you are rich and famous? That will be a true test of your honor. I actually have faith in you that you WILL remain humble and accessible.
Thanks Ken. I'm all about patiently waiting til next year - aka rebuild+1. Pete's trying to break his addiction to signing scrap-heap guys and pretending they're an O line. 2019-'21 Russ got pounded & got sick of it. Now Geno gets pounded. If he's available to start all games, it's a miracle. Blythe seems better than post-Britt speed bump centers thus far. Especially if he's hurt, the line is too inexperienced individually and as a unit to compensate. 2 rookie tackles does not a rebuild make.
Penny/Walker run-game potential is talked about. What runs have Hawks tried? Mostly the usual Hawk up the middle and guard-tackle runs, in "run" situations against a stacked box. It's probably because Hawks MUST keep training wheels on the O game plan, due to individual & play-as-a-unit inexperience. My 2022 "Hawk good/bad criteria" is weekly improvement:1. individually, 2. as-O&D-units, 3. (most importantly?) as-a-game-planning-coaching staff. PC & coaches are learning individual strengths & weaknesses on-the-fly. They'll coach players up BUT also adapt game plans to guys they have AND DON'T HAVE. It all starts with the O & D line quality & depth. Hawks have neither O or D line quality or depth. 2022 is our 2016-2021 "win-now" hangover team. We rode with PC through one & done "impact-players", "off-the-radar-rookies", key injuries, Crazy Earl, etc. Assuming PC is retained and has rebuild luck, I think it's wait'll 2024.
Finally, I know everyone's chomping at the bit for the next lightning-in-a-bottle QB. Unless he's a very fast, very lucky RPO guy, Hawk 2023 O-line won't be gelled/good enough to keep him healthy.
So, prayers for Geno - seriously.
My vision for the next game is at least 30 running plays. I don't care how they are distributed amongst the RBs, but I want to see 30+ runs. Not WR screens or DJ Dallas passes. 30+ runs. If they run the ball 30+ times it will mean a lot of other good stuff is happening on offense.
Really enjoyed that video of Tariq. Seems like a great kid.
I'll call your 3-broken-tackle-Walker-prediction and raise you to 3-broken-ankles-on-a-single-run. I agree that he's more than capable. That Wildcat play where he should have been caught in the backfield was a thing of beauty. Only resulted in five yards but he showed how well he sheds defenders. Ok, those weren't all broken tackles, but broken ankles is just as impressive. Clearly, that's one of his charms too.
Other than that, I foresee a solid game from our rookie tackles which does not translate into any sort of alleged Geno-magic. As to Pete Carroll's suggestions that we've got to let Geno cook, color me skeptical. Pete Carroll's biggest flaw, in my opinion, is his lack of candor (or perhaps ability to be honest with himself). It will be another hat eating moment if Smith becomes a starting-caliber NFL QB. Until he demonstrates an ability to be a (let's be merciful) top 25 QB, color me skeptical anytime Carroll opens his mouth about the great HuGeno.
Most times I can get my head around what Pete and John are doing with the squad. Kyle Fuller is a head scratcher. No offense to his parents or friends, he just doesn't appear to be an NFL player. I can't for the life of me understand why we invest so little in what is a very important position.
It seems that the lights aren't to bright for Woolen, and he is able to recall his good plays while putting his not so good into the I will learn from that. As a former receiver I assume he will be able to catch the ball when he gets his chance. He does have the speed to play a bit like Deon, in baiting the quarterback to throw it because he looks like he is a couple steps behind. In my opinion Richard Sherman is a Hall of Famer, Woolen has the traits and is faster. He will need to prove himself in tackling and catching.
I think the let Geno go deep was a little Pete speak. I really believe it's all about getting the backs and tightends into the passing game more, which may create some one on one's for DK. If Pete really was willing to let go, I think Lock would be playing.
I hope the 12s are as pumped up on Sunday as they were for Russell's home coming. I think the 12s did have a marked impact on that game
I like “Avatar “ for Woolen because Rik=Reek which is not good GoT notwithstanding.
My “vision” is for 150+ yards rushing AND 150+ yards passing. Hit both with a good performance from the D and victory is likely.
As for the D my “vision” is 1 or less explosive running play as well as 1 or less explosive passing play.
My vision is that the Hawks have channelled the humiliation of last week in the same way the Niners did against us after week 1. All the OL have done all week is snorting and raging their way through run reps, and that Andy Dickerson sent Gabe to get doughnuts and he got badly lost on the way back. Curhan (or Haynes, as he apparently is backing up both guard spots) gets in there, the play is lifted and the double teaming of Jarret leads to holes being blown for our RBs to charge through, meaning the Falcons safeties have the highest tackle count on the day.
I have of course steeled myself for a complete shitshow again. Pays to.
The analytical swelling of a metaphorical tsunami, complete with a strong "broken tackle" visual cue, allowed me to surf a wave of optimism to an exquisite finish on the beach of a potential Seahawk win Sunday.
Thanks.
I legit thought the guy fishing was John Schneider
Good thoughts Chris. I always enjoy reading Seaside Joe but Chris covered my thoughts quite well.
Take two aspirin and call me in the morning. I think the interior of our offensive line will need more than that. The interior has been the bigger problem in both pass and run blocking. I have heard that Jackson is just bad this year and Blythe not so good in run blocking due to size and now he's nicked up. I'm wondering if Haynes and Lewis are both available Seattle, couldn't move Lewis back to his original position at RG, but I doubt we'll see that this week at least. Oh and yes can Seattle please stop the run. Atlanta may not be a top contender but a loss to them might even be a bigger alarm bell for Seattle. Pray for Diggs health we can't afford to lose him too.
But not one to be a David Downer I think Seattle could also get well this week. They sure have the guns at RB and WR. Shelby Harris is out and I've been waiting to see if Adams can bring the same play he showed in preseason. He could be a sleeper at DT for Seattle. I think part of the problem last week was the road for a Seattle team that has a lot of young starters. They will have the 12's full force this week. Geno could have a big game this week. Seattle may have to move the pocket with Jarrett inside but I like the matchup outside. London will get his but so will our avatar. Should be the first of many good matchups between these two youngsters in the future.
Markus doesn't do well with pressure so if Seattle can make him uncomfortable they might get some gifts.
Seattle wins Sunday if they can get the offense rolling, stop the run and show up in the second half. Sorry if I sound like a broken record.
Go Hawks!
The Hawks don't value centers so they acquired and start a guy who knows the offense but is a crappy center. His backup, Kyle Fuller, is even worse and doesn't have a background in this offense. Guard is a different story. Lewis was a third round pick which is significant draft capital for a guard. Gabe Jackson seemed like a steal when the Raiders discarded him after 2 pro-bowls and being part of a Raiders line that gave up only 18 sacks, an NFL low, in 2016. Haynes was the 124th pick in 2019 which again, isn't chump change for a guard.
It seems clear that if you're going to continue with substandard centers then you'd better have some kick-ass guards. Jackson is obviously done. The questions for the group are: 1) Are Lewis and/or Haynes salvageable as starting guards, and 2) After QB, Edge, and WR, is quard our next priority? Some names to keep tabs on are O'Cyrus Torrence (my current crush), Broderick Jones, Cooper Beebe, Paris Johnson, and Peter Scoronski. Several of these guys are tackles that will likely migrate to guard in the NFL. 2023 is a down year for high-end tackles so it's good we got Cross last draft. I think Cross needs a partner in crime ala Jones/Hutchinson. Would you be happy with a guard as our second pick in the second round?
Having watched the Seahawks since their inception and particularly since Pete and John have taken over, I have come to the conclusion that Pete has a very stubborn streak in his approach to the game of football. An example of which was his retaining his recently departed DC who was, obviously to everyone, not up to the job. I'm afraid the choice of offensive coordinator may not pan out that well, either, since the Hawks have had so much trouble scoring since his arrival. That being said, I fully believe that this years draftees will be a huge success even in this anemic offense. Maybe not this year but in the long run. They are still rookies adjusting to the NFL game and speed.
My vision (not my hope) is that Atlanta will have three sacks, two interceptions and a win. I hope I am wrong.