Deep down, I suspect that most coaches know pretty quickly whether a QB has “It” or not. But, sometimes you’re stuck with Eric Hipple and you have to make the best of lower-case it.
Plus, it’s more than “It”: The player has to have enough of “It.” Jon Kitna had some “It”—some fans and media giddily projected that he might be the next Brett Favre. (I thought that was possible if Kitna grew four inches and grafted a howitzer onto his passing arm.) But Kitna’s “It” was relative: What comes with a UDFA parlaying limited tangible talent into a decent, if undistinguished, NFL career.
I doubt Geno has even that much “It” and there’s a slight chance that Lock has KitnIt and a bit more. Pete Carroll, whatever he says publicly, will know by the end of training camp.
Thank you for pointing out that setting the record for tackles had more to do with the number of snaps and targets than with any proficiency as a player. It's something I've been saying every time the record has been brought up and it's good to see someone who agrees with me. A seventeenth regular season game also figured into it.
17 games... most snaps in the NFL for any defense... lots and lots of players running/catching directly in front of Brooks and Wagner. And that's how you set a tackles record!
"The Seahawks ... attempting a new methodology towards getting back to the Super Bowl"
Yep, it just wasn't working with the talent we had and Russ at the same time. Russ wanted to move and the Hawks have a real chance to improve when (not if) they get a superb QB in next years draft.
Plus, we risked getting nothing for Russ if we didn't trade him. He apparently made it clear he wasn't signing another contract with Pete and John. Given his no-trade clause, I'm pleased we got as much as we did.
Thanks, Kenneth, for answering our questions. I found your Brooks answer particularly interesting, but that's not surprising given that you were responding to my question. Would love to get similar feedback on other young players.
Garoppolo wasn't effective in throwing the deep ball before the surgery. I just don't see us giving up the threat of taking the top off the defense. With his injury history and salary, I just don't see it.
I remember when he was drafted a pundit saying Seattle was "stupid" for not selecting Queen. After their rookie seasons (to memory) people were saying that Brooks was the better player. Looking like that isn't the case now, though he always looked pretty good in games to my amateur eyes. Really stinks because we need good coverage linebackers in this division.
Let's see how we feel about Brooks this time next year. Everything we have heard makes me think this defensive scheme is being redesigned to fit our players, rather than asking our players to adjust to fit the scheme. If our strategy to to become more vulnerable to big plays in order to tighten up coverage underneath and get to the QB faster, Brooks could start getting some of those splash plays he's been lacking.
Also, I think there's a dynamic playing with a HoF caliber player. You play in scheme with him, even giving way in certain situations. I've gone back and watched some more tape on Brooks, he's a player. Queen? They're both good. It's not Kichley/Wagner, but we're talking two very good LBs.
Deep down, I suspect that most coaches know pretty quickly whether a QB has “It” or not. But, sometimes you’re stuck with Eric Hipple and you have to make the best of lower-case it.
Plus, it’s more than “It”: The player has to have enough of “It.” Jon Kitna had some “It”—some fans and media giddily projected that he might be the next Brett Favre. (I thought that was possible if Kitna grew four inches and grafted a howitzer onto his passing arm.) But Kitna’s “It” was relative: What comes with a UDFA parlaying limited tangible talent into a decent, if undistinguished, NFL career.
I doubt Geno has even that much “It” and there’s a slight chance that Lock has KitnIt and a bit more. Pete Carroll, whatever he says publicly, will know by the end of training camp.
Thank you for pointing out that setting the record for tackles had more to do with the number of snaps and targets than with any proficiency as a player. It's something I've been saying every time the record has been brought up and it's good to see someone who agrees with me. A seventeenth regular season game also figured into it.
17 games... most snaps in the NFL for any defense... lots and lots of players running/catching directly in front of Brooks and Wagner. And that's how you set a tackles record!
It could be worse. Imagine getting that many opportunities and NOT setting a record!
"The Seahawks ... attempting a new methodology towards getting back to the Super Bowl"
Yep, it just wasn't working with the talent we had and Russ at the same time. Russ wanted to move and the Hawks have a real chance to improve when (not if) they get a superb QB in next years draft.
Plus, we risked getting nothing for Russ if we didn't trade him. He apparently made it clear he wasn't signing another contract with Pete and John. Given his no-trade clause, I'm pleased we got as much as we did.
Good Stuff! Thanks Kenneth! Go Hawks!
I really appreciate your well thought responses
Thanks, Kenneth, for answering our questions. I found your Brooks answer particularly interesting, but that's not surprising given that you were responding to my question. Would love to get similar feedback on other young players.
"Will the new OC change that? Time will tell."
I think you meant the new DC.
Whoops!
Garoppolo wasn't effective in throwing the deep ball before the surgery. I just don't see us giving up the threat of taking the top off the defense. With his injury history and salary, I just don't see it.
I remember when he was drafted a pundit saying Seattle was "stupid" for not selecting Queen. After their rookie seasons (to memory) people were saying that Brooks was the better player. Looking like that isn't the case now, though he always looked pretty good in games to my amateur eyes. Really stinks because we need good coverage linebackers in this division.
Let's see how we feel about Brooks this time next year. Everything we have heard makes me think this defensive scheme is being redesigned to fit our players, rather than asking our players to adjust to fit the scheme. If our strategy to to become more vulnerable to big plays in order to tighten up coverage underneath and get to the QB faster, Brooks could start getting some of those splash plays he's been lacking.
Agreed.
Also, I think there's a dynamic playing with a HoF caliber player. You play in scheme with him, even giving way in certain situations. I've gone back and watched some more tape on Brooks, he's a player. Queen? They're both good. It's not Kichley/Wagner, but we're talking two very good LBs.