This season has already exceeded expectations and Pete is playing with house money at this point. Further wins buy back trust that many had lost (inside and outside of the 12s) and give PCJS some breathing room for finding the QBOTF in later rounds like they probably want to do. The Seahawks' McCall odds are rising...
Don't comment often, but this motivated a few keystrokes. We're both members of the same vocal minority who didn't buy the "chosen" off-season narrative spray-painted onto their fairly standard -- if spectacularly unoriginal and historically blind -- caricature of the post-Danger 'Hawks.
While it's truly a pleasure to watch the pundits scrambling over each other to grab a handhold on the Geno bandwagon (and after SD, PC/JS and Walker), the simple truth remains beyond their grasping need for "news": the 'Hawks brain-trust has openly recommitted to Carroll's developmental philosophy, which was compromised more than a little during the late RW era.
"Who'd a thunk it" indeed, Coach. In fact, there were voices in the wilderness (myself included) who went on-record : Riddick, Robinson, Brooks and other ex-players with functional memory cells, a strong voice and a clear head about the inner workings of the sport, as well as an understanding of the game beyond the portrayals in media hype-rspace.
In the swirling currents of the daily spin cycle, specific kinds of stories are used to drive the media -- and increasingly social media -- merry-go-round. All opinions and takes, only recognizing the vast distance between team reality and media portrayal when it drives eyeballs and/or engagement.
Based on how the Seahawks arrived, it seems fairly obvious 1) they'll reward a loyal Geno handsomely (but not exorbitantly), 2) draft a future hopeful they like AND 3) give Drew Lock a full run at the job next season. All while 4) adding another round of speed and talent in '23 and 5) VMAC remains a premier destination when pursuing talent in free agency.
What the pundits are also not discussing (yet) is that while PC/JS make one last run at the Big Dance through their current contracts, they're surely also shaping post-Pete leadership behind the scenes. It's not hard to see a rising Waldron or Hurtt turning down outside jobs to succeed Coach Carroll when he does choose to hang up his well-worn cleats.
The $64,000 question concerning the team's future is WAY above my pay grade. Will the new ownership group (likely in '24-'25) continue the Allen family's tradition of local excellence...?
Made this observation about "the official narrative" permeating sports media in late July...
"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)"
Laughed out loud at "Carr has sucked for 9 years now." When I decided to rank QBs to prove my (in hindsight terrible) point that Baker Mayfield or Jimmy G would be an upgrade at the position, Carr was one of my hardest to rank. I don't go out of my way to watch Raiders games but do when they're on prime time and usually see a bit of him on Red Zone. I've seen him be awesome and awful a week or two apart. He can put up 300+ yards, 3-4 TDs and no picks one week and then have replacement player numbers the next. And it's not just stats. Some weeks he looks like a world-beater and others looks like a rookie backup.
At this point in his career, we know what Daniel Jones is, barring a Geno like turnaround. He's league average at best, and can get yards with his legs. He doesn't protect the ball well and isn't good under pressure. This year's version of Geno is much better. And it might be heresy to say but I think that Kenneth Walker is a better back than Barkley at this point. Our run D is better than theirs and our O line should be. I am optimistic that we win on Sunday.
"He has one touchdown (total) in the second half. Walker’s been the star in the second half recently"...
Why is Smith the culprit rather than Waldron? Against San Diego he had two incompletions over the last three quarters. It seems to me that Waldron either gets more conservative in the second half or hasn't grown enough as an OC to make then necessary halftime adjustments.
With the Giants having the league's worst run defense, I am hoping both Kenneth Walker III and our G-7 outpacing their counterparts Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones!
One reason why I projected a 3-6 win season is that I figured we’d be behind the 8-ball at QB in practically every game. Now, I’d say that the Hawks will have edge there in six of the remaining games and be no worse than even in two. I have no idea what to make of Tom Brady at this point, but TB is a mess and a game that once looked like a clobbering now may well be an opportunity to make a statement.
A Bronco loss would mean almost as much to the Seahawks as a win over the Giants, as that would remove one more obstacle from Denver's march to the top of the draft. Go Jag's!!
What does a win mean to me? It seems as though the Giants are (enjoying?) being a buzz killer again. (Remember their victory over the Pats in the Super Bowl. ) Our recent defensive efforts have me hopeful for this season, and I have a buzz going. We'll need our D to stand tall (block some passes?) and maintain Geno's lead in the fourth. Another Kenny house run or deep ball to D.K. or Tyler or even Marquise would please me no end. Keep the buzz!! Go Hawks!!
For all the, certainly justified, Hoop-and/or-La on Geno and K-9, the real difference makers on offense are Cross and Lucas. Geno has pockets and K-9 has lanes.
The Seahawks are going to win. This isn't the vision board so I won't put all that out there just yet lol. But I think the Seahawks run D will have a better day than the Giants run D. If the Seahawks can get a double digit lead at any point in the game, I don't think the Giants will be able to come back.
And yeah, a win plus the Rams vs 49ers will mean a bit of breathing room between the Seahawks and one of those teams, plus a head to head win over a potential WC team.
A win this week means the rookies and defense 'continue' to improve and that the Seahawks are, once again thank you very much Pete and John, playoff contenders.
First off, our rookie class seems as good as any. I'd have rated the Jets a bit higher until Breece went down. Another class like that and this team is in great shape.
I'm finally pulling for a win rather than a high draft pick. Of course I'll be up at 6:30 to root for the Jags. If we wind up with the top pick -- a distinct possibility if Denver loses on Sunday and starts trading pieces (Chubb, Jeudy) to the highest bidder, I'd say we're a lock for top five -- I'd love to have a shot at Young. But even then there are no guarantees.
The Giants? From the perspective of wanting to win, this game scares me. Jones is boring but he's not trying to do more than he can and he's not making mistakes. What scares me about the Giants is Barkeley and the coaching.
Geno? I'd like to see Seattle resign him now if we can do so at a reasonable price. He's been solid, at times excellent but also at times deficient. Like Jones, he's not making many mistakes. Jones is way more mobile but Geno can actually, you know, toss a football. He's distributing well, making smart choices, hitting open guys, taking what defenses give. But when it's third and 15, I don't trust him to make the right call. Russ in his prime was dangerous at all times, all downs at any point in a game. That's not true of Geno. It may be enough to win, even against a top opponent like Buffalo, because it's a team sport. But he's not gonna be mistake for Josh Allen by even his most enthusiastic boosters.
The Jets had a great draft and it was certainly more highly rated because they had higher picks. Breese and Max Mitchell are both on IR now. That's too bad becasue they were both doing well. Ours was less flashy and the surprises have come from deeper in the draft.
Have you seen that clip about Marquise Goodwin after the first TD? He is on the bench talkint to ?? and saying "Geno re-routed me. That was supposed to be a come back but Geno said "Quise make it a Go route'" Geno is more in control of how to run the offense than I think we realize, and has consistently made the right calls at the LOS. We are finally seeing the offense run the way Waldron intends because we have a QB that doesn't freelance as much.
Geno also made that first down after the stupid non-movement motion penalty put them in 3rd and 10 in the red zone. That told me a lot about his makeup also.
I was so, so, so wrong on Geno. I thought he and Lock were likely out of the top 32 in the league. I banged the table for Baker and Jimmy G, thinking that almost anything would be better than what we had. I was upset at the pay raise Geno got for not doing anything but getting in trouble in the offseason. I've always supported Pete, but his QB decisions strained my allegiance to him. I was wrong. Outside of his early slump in the first 2 games, Geno has exceeded my highest expectations all season. And it looks like this is who he is now. Wow.
At the beginning of the year, a Daniel Jones 2022 type of season would have been very welcomed for us 12's...G-7's performance has seen to it that we are expecting so much more at this time. What Was expected is the famous Seahawk running game.
This expected favor is what will return the win VS the Giants' porous run-defense. Our greatest challenge will be to bring our run-defense to match the vaunted NYG run-offense. Those dudes are legit. For the last two games, our boys have looked the part too. We will know these answers by Sunday evening.
Players; study your film, rehearse your run-fits, and tighten your chin-straps. Fans; drink a few icy beverages (to get your throats ready for you to do your part), show up, and show out!
I love that G7 reference. Jones and his running is the wild card. Do you have Jordan Brooks spy him or do you run a defense that covers all his avenues. looking at the Giants receivers and Jones stats, the deep ball isn't a threat and Woolen should bait Jones. Make him think the receiver is open and jump the route. Or like Sherman recognize the play and leave your man for the pick. That last one takes courage and knowledge, the knowledge may not be there yet, but it's coming
Patrick Neal will likely patrol the middle as he has the speed, fluidity, as well as the tenacity to spy Jones. Brooks will be there for cleaning up Saquon Barkley. Boye Mafe and Bruce Irvin will be setting the edge.
It will be a challenge but very doable. Especially at home. Lumen field crowd is returning to provide an additional challenge for our 'guests'.
This is a great game to see where our run defense is. What a great test.
Their line fits are good. Now the linebackers. Screens to Barkley are an issue so the Seahawks have a chance to check boxes this weekend in their defense.
I know it's the nature of it, but I just flat tire of the QB talk. You have a player that's literally giving as little concern about good play as ANY position on the field.
And so many comments are about contract and drafting the next guy.
Maybe it's because there's very little to say about his game other than...wow.
He'd be called a pros pro had he started the last 5 years and he had a nice contract in place.
He's sustaining drives and keeping the defense fresh...while keeping opposing QBs off the field.
Kenneth's great point about 2nd halfs is a key right now.
It's also fair that 1st half productivity that opens up 2nd half runs have to be seen as wins.
Moving the 2nd half chains is all that matters if you have a lead.
This season has already exceeded expectations and Pete is playing with house money at this point. Further wins buy back trust that many had lost (inside and outside of the 12s) and give PCJS some breathing room for finding the QBOTF in later rounds like they probably want to do. The Seahawks' McCall odds are rising...
Don't comment often, but this motivated a few keystrokes. We're both members of the same vocal minority who didn't buy the "chosen" off-season narrative spray-painted onto their fairly standard -- if spectacularly unoriginal and historically blind -- caricature of the post-Danger 'Hawks.
While it's truly a pleasure to watch the pundits scrambling over each other to grab a handhold on the Geno bandwagon (and after SD, PC/JS and Walker), the simple truth remains beyond their grasping need for "news": the 'Hawks brain-trust has openly recommitted to Carroll's developmental philosophy, which was compromised more than a little during the late RW era.
"Who'd a thunk it" indeed, Coach. In fact, there were voices in the wilderness (myself included) who went on-record : Riddick, Robinson, Brooks and other ex-players with functional memory cells, a strong voice and a clear head about the inner workings of the sport, as well as an understanding of the game beyond the portrayals in media hype-rspace.
In the swirling currents of the daily spin cycle, specific kinds of stories are used to drive the media -- and increasingly social media -- merry-go-round. All opinions and takes, only recognizing the vast distance between team reality and media portrayal when it drives eyeballs and/or engagement.
Based on how the Seahawks arrived, it seems fairly obvious 1) they'll reward a loyal Geno handsomely (but not exorbitantly), 2) draft a future hopeful they like AND 3) give Drew Lock a full run at the job next season. All while 4) adding another round of speed and talent in '23 and 5) VMAC remains a premier destination when pursuing talent in free agency.
What the pundits are also not discussing (yet) is that while PC/JS make one last run at the Big Dance through their current contracts, they're surely also shaping post-Pete leadership behind the scenes. It's not hard to see a rising Waldron or Hurtt turning down outside jobs to succeed Coach Carroll when he does choose to hang up his well-worn cleats.
The $64,000 question concerning the team's future is WAY above my pay grade. Will the new ownership group (likely in '24-'25) continue the Allen family's tradition of local excellence...?
Made this observation about "the official narrative" permeating sports media in late July...
"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)"
Laughed out loud at "Carr has sucked for 9 years now." When I decided to rank QBs to prove my (in hindsight terrible) point that Baker Mayfield or Jimmy G would be an upgrade at the position, Carr was one of my hardest to rank. I don't go out of my way to watch Raiders games but do when they're on prime time and usually see a bit of him on Red Zone. I've seen him be awesome and awful a week or two apart. He can put up 300+ yards, 3-4 TDs and no picks one week and then have replacement player numbers the next. And it's not just stats. Some weeks he looks like a world-beater and others looks like a rookie backup.
At this point in his career, we know what Daniel Jones is, barring a Geno like turnaround. He's league average at best, and can get yards with his legs. He doesn't protect the ball well and isn't good under pressure. This year's version of Geno is much better. And it might be heresy to say but I think that Kenneth Walker is a better back than Barkley at this point. Our run D is better than theirs and our O line should be. I am optimistic that we win on Sunday.
"He has one touchdown (total) in the second half. Walker’s been the star in the second half recently"...
Why is Smith the culprit rather than Waldron? Against San Diego he had two incompletions over the last three quarters. It seems to me that Waldron either gets more conservative in the second half or hasn't grown enough as an OC to make then necessary halftime adjustments.
With the Giants having the league's worst run defense, I am hoping both Kenneth Walker III and our G-7 outpacing their counterparts Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones!
One reason why I projected a 3-6 win season is that I figured we’d be behind the 8-ball at QB in practically every game. Now, I’d say that the Hawks will have edge there in six of the remaining games and be no worse than even in two. I have no idea what to make of Tom Brady at this point, but TB is a mess and a game that once looked like a clobbering now may well be an opportunity to make a statement.
A Bronco loss would mean almost as much to the Seahawks as a win over the Giants, as that would remove one more obstacle from Denver's march to the top of the draft. Go Jag's!!
What does a win mean to me? It seems as though the Giants are (enjoying?) being a buzz killer again. (Remember their victory over the Pats in the Super Bowl. ) Our recent defensive efforts have me hopeful for this season, and I have a buzz going. We'll need our D to stand tall (block some passes?) and maintain Geno's lead in the fourth. Another Kenny house run or deep ball to D.K. or Tyler or even Marquise would please me no end. Keep the buzz!! Go Hawks!!
For all the, certainly justified, Hoop-and/or-La on Geno and K-9, the real difference makers on offense are Cross and Lucas. Geno has pockets and K-9 has lanes.
Best O-line in years!
The Seahawks are going to win. This isn't the vision board so I won't put all that out there just yet lol. But I think the Seahawks run D will have a better day than the Giants run D. If the Seahawks can get a double digit lead at any point in the game, I don't think the Giants will be able to come back.
And yeah, a win plus the Rams vs 49ers will mean a bit of breathing room between the Seahawks and one of those teams, plus a head to head win over a potential WC team.
A win this week means the rookies and defense 'continue' to improve and that the Seahawks are, once again thank you very much Pete and John, playoff contenders.
Also...the Wilson trade was BRILLIANT!
A win against the Giants would establish a winning attitude and culture for the younger players on the Seahawks team
First off, our rookie class seems as good as any. I'd have rated the Jets a bit higher until Breece went down. Another class like that and this team is in great shape.
I'm finally pulling for a win rather than a high draft pick. Of course I'll be up at 6:30 to root for the Jags. If we wind up with the top pick -- a distinct possibility if Denver loses on Sunday and starts trading pieces (Chubb, Jeudy) to the highest bidder, I'd say we're a lock for top five -- I'd love to have a shot at Young. But even then there are no guarantees.
The Giants? From the perspective of wanting to win, this game scares me. Jones is boring but he's not trying to do more than he can and he's not making mistakes. What scares me about the Giants is Barkeley and the coaching.
Geno? I'd like to see Seattle resign him now if we can do so at a reasonable price. He's been solid, at times excellent but also at times deficient. Like Jones, he's not making many mistakes. Jones is way more mobile but Geno can actually, you know, toss a football. He's distributing well, making smart choices, hitting open guys, taking what defenses give. But when it's third and 15, I don't trust him to make the right call. Russ in his prime was dangerous at all times, all downs at any point in a game. That's not true of Geno. It may be enough to win, even against a top opponent like Buffalo, because it's a team sport. But he's not gonna be mistake for Josh Allen by even his most enthusiastic boosters.
The Jets had a great draft and it was certainly more highly rated because they had higher picks. Breese and Max Mitchell are both on IR now. That's too bad becasue they were both doing well. Ours was less flashy and the surprises have come from deeper in the draft.
Yes, Carroll and Schneider did well this time. Luck has something to do with it but it was a great draft. Here's to another in 2023.
I think Geno knows who Geno is and is staying within those boundaries.
Have you seen that clip about Marquise Goodwin after the first TD? He is on the bench talkint to ?? and saying "Geno re-routed me. That was supposed to be a come back but Geno said "Quise make it a Go route'" Geno is more in control of how to run the offense than I think we realize, and has consistently made the right calls at the LOS. We are finally seeing the offense run the way Waldron intends because we have a QB that doesn't freelance as much.
Geno also made that first down after the stupid non-movement motion penalty put them in 3rd and 10 in the red zone. That told me a lot about his makeup also.
In short, I trust Geno!
I was so, so, so wrong on Geno. I thought he and Lock were likely out of the top 32 in the league. I banged the table for Baker and Jimmy G, thinking that almost anything would be better than what we had. I was upset at the pay raise Geno got for not doing anything but getting in trouble in the offseason. I've always supported Pete, but his QB decisions strained my allegiance to him. I was wrong. Outside of his early slump in the first 2 games, Geno has exceeded my highest expectations all season. And it looks like this is who he is now. Wow.
At the beginning of the year, a Daniel Jones 2022 type of season would have been very welcomed for us 12's...G-7's performance has seen to it that we are expecting so much more at this time. What Was expected is the famous Seahawk running game.
This expected favor is what will return the win VS the Giants' porous run-defense. Our greatest challenge will be to bring our run-defense to match the vaunted NYG run-offense. Those dudes are legit. For the last two games, our boys have looked the part too. We will know these answers by Sunday evening.
Players; study your film, rehearse your run-fits, and tighten your chin-straps. Fans; drink a few icy beverages (to get your throats ready for you to do your part), show up, and show out!
G-7! A monicker is born!
I love that G7 reference. Jones and his running is the wild card. Do you have Jordan Brooks spy him or do you run a defense that covers all his avenues. looking at the Giants receivers and Jones stats, the deep ball isn't a threat and Woolen should bait Jones. Make him think the receiver is open and jump the route. Or like Sherman recognize the play and leave your man for the pick. That last one takes courage and knowledge, the knowledge may not be there yet, but it's coming
Patrick Neal will likely patrol the middle as he has the speed, fluidity, as well as the tenacity to spy Jones. Brooks will be there for cleaning up Saquon Barkley. Boye Mafe and Bruce Irvin will be setting the edge.
It will be a challenge but very doable. Especially at home. Lumen field crowd is returning to provide an additional challenge for our 'guests'.
Ryan Neal?
funny - yes...I Always have had trouble with peeps that have 2 first names...
A win vs the Giants to me would mean:
- the Hawks are genuinely competitive
- the Hawks can beat teams they should beat
- the rookie class played its 8th NFL game (!) and continued to gain experience, most likely will play better in its 9th game
- still controls own destiny to host a playoff game
- haven’t been eliminated yet from playing in the Super Bowl
- are one helluva lot more fun than I thought at the beginning of the year
Right on man peace, on every powerful point
This is a great game to see where our run defense is. What a great test.
Their line fits are good. Now the linebackers. Screens to Barkley are an issue so the Seahawks have a chance to check boxes this weekend in their defense.
I know it's the nature of it, but I just flat tire of the QB talk. You have a player that's literally giving as little concern about good play as ANY position on the field.
And so many comments are about contract and drafting the next guy.
Maybe it's because there's very little to say about his game other than...wow.
He'd be called a pros pro had he started the last 5 years and he had a nice contract in place.
He's sustaining drives and keeping the defense fresh...while keeping opposing QBs off the field.
Kenneth's great point about 2nd halfs is a key right now.
It's also fair that 1st half productivity that opens up 2nd half runs have to be seen as wins.
Moving the 2nd half chains is all that matters if you have a lead.
The essence of Seattle's game plan