"that could be exploited for first downs and touchdowns immediately."
Again I ask, how are they going to even dress Milroe on gamedays? He would have to be 2nd string QB and prepared for the gameplan to step in if Darnold went down. It clearly looks like Lock is #2. If Milroe is emergency QB, he can't play unless both Darnold and Lock go down (or if he does, they can't go back in). Are they going to sit a ST player to use Milroe for 3 gadget plays?? This "a few key plays" theory has been floated by everyone, and as usual, I expect some solid reasoning from our fearless SSJ leader since he doesn't just throw stuff out to get buzz going, nor blindly parrot the latest Seahawk narrative. Ken?
It's a very good question. I would assume that they'd be willing to sacrifice another active game-day roster spot to keep Milroe available to come in and out of the game, even if only for a few plays. It's a sacrifice, and playing with fire a little bit if we have multiple injuries from the same position group, but likely worth it if Milroe is exceptional in these situational plays. What's more valuable, our third string OLB who only plays on teams or better odds at extending drives with a couple key third/forth down conversions? That's not meant to be a rhetorical question. I really don't know and expect the answer may be different each week. I could see Milroe begin the year as emergency QB and then be active later in the season as he gains the trust of coaches.
My understanding Shaymus is that Lock would be designated as the 'emergency' QB on game day, and Darnold and Milroe would be active. So Lock only plays on game day if both Darnold and Milroe get hurt. The next game they play, if Darnold is still hurt, Lock would be the starting QB, and Milroe the backup, and if they wanted an emergency QB they'd have to sign someone.
I've got the solution! Make Milroe the backup and Lock the emergency QB. However, if Darnold is hurt and out for the game, get Milroe intentionally disqualified. A player can be disqualified for all types of violent and unsportsmanlike behavior, but we don't want to do any of that stuff. Instead, have Milroe enter the game wearing a ridiculous bright pink Seahawks jersey that he refuses to take off. They will have no chose but to disqualify him and Lock will enter the game as the emergency QB.
Now you're talking. Depending on how much time is left in the game, and what the score is, you might not have to do anything. Just let Jalen play. Drew can step in the next game.
That would essentially make Milroe the back up as he would HAVE to enter the game & get hurt before Lock could play.
Shaymus is making a VERY valid point. To get Milroe on the field in 2025, they are going to have to put him on the active 53, which they can do but it will cost them a player from another position group or Lock. The emergency third QB rule does NOT create a situation where the 3rd QB can enter the game solely at the Coach's discretion but only after the first 2 have been injured.
It is not the same situation as Lamar's rookie year in Baltimore as he was the backup QB on that team and on the active 53.
Let me get this right, Shaymus: Milroe can stay on the team with a special status as an emergency QB? Allows us to keep one more player from waivers? But he can't be brought in for trick plays?
They still only get to have a 53-man active roster. This emergency QB rule only applies to the game-day limit of dressing 48 active roster spots. They'd only sit four players instead of five, but the emergency QB can only play as a last resort, rather than substituting in and out like the other 48 active game day players.
When it comes to Blowhard Colin, funny he says OLine “improved” when change was basically one player. Sure almost anything an improvement over Laken. But been saying it for long time. Coaching and consistency along the line. Same guys together is what makes an average line. Then get a good to exceptional player, line becomes great.
The re-tooling of the Hawks by our GM, post Pete, Geno and DK, has been nothing short of brilliant...with a smidgen of dumb luck thrown in. Remember Brian Bosworth? One can do everything right, pick a sweet peach and still end up with a lemon. Thus far, recent pics and trades have brought us the kind of talent and potential that portends wins...lots of wins. I expect nothing less than a perfect season (move over '72 Dolphins) and a Superbowl win like it's 2013!! ...which explains why nobody asks my opinion about anything I suppose. GO HAWKS!
I say so few intelligent things that I feel compelled to brag about the ones I do get right, Brian Bozworth, in this case. The Seahawks won some sort of lottery and were given the opportunity to pick in a supplemental draft, and Bozworth was the obvious selection. I said at the time we should trade the pick to somebody, anybody, for a first-round pick in the regular draft because he was a steriod junkey and the NFL would stop his drug use and he'd be a worthless player. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnDlFKTNkeE&ab_channel=NFL
I'm thinking this Seaside Joe Site is a place our Players can go to when wondering what the 12s are thinking and why. It has damn good adult commenters, some of whom are probably professionals along with our Ken Arthur. For myself, I can only recount what I see from the nose-bleed bleachers, appreciating the occasional patient "likes". Going into last year's season, I went way overboard with my optimism and literally paid for it when we failed to get to the Playoffs. But it was close. Using measures I can only guess at, Coach MacDonald held on to many more new guys than I thought he would. My guess is he saw a whole group of young men who did not buckle to the furious grind of 17 games. Young men hungry for proper instructions. Guys who now know how hard it is to play seriously hurting, if not outright injured (Cabledue) and can still smile and elevate spirits. I will be paying particular attention to young Bradford (23? 24?) to see if he maintains the discipline needed by Week 3 to continue tossing his weight around and dismantling opponents. A guy like Zabel knows what it is to be kicked by a cow and know he still must go out and milk her the next day. He will be passing those tests and probably some hard-won Wisdom around. Stuff his young teammates can use themselves. My bitter disappointment with last year's outcome is gone now, so that is a Victory already. These guys should know they are an inspiration to Working Americans. At least this one, anyways.
Speculation alert! I think Mike MacDonald realized his mistake at OC pretty early in the year last year. Some of his press conferences after losses, he tap dances around it a little bit but you can tell he wasn't happy, not just with the execution, but with the INTENT of the offense. I wasn't clear what he meant by 'complementary football' at the time, but I totally get it now. But I don't think Grubb EVER got it. He never adjusted.
Can you imagine having to tolerate those last 6 or 8 games knowing this guy wasn't getting on board, knowing making an in-season change would not help a team that was on the precipice of the playoffs, and also knowing you were going to fire his ass the moment the season ended? Torture for someone wired like Mike. He'd blame himself more than Grubb of course, cuz that's how he's wired. But it must have been just awful for him to bear for weeks and week.
If we have bad offensive performances during the year (and we will) I think his message will be quite different. He won't be talking about INTENT, he'll be talking about how they didn't have the right plan, or the right execution, or didn't bring the right mindset to the game.
If we're in a one score game this year, just under 4 minutes left, and our offense has the ball near midfield, you will not see pass attempt (incompletion), pass attempt (incompletion), pass attempt (sack), and punt the ball to the other team with more than 3 minutes left. Yes, we did that last year. Multiple times.
If we had Kubiak last year, would we be at least 1 win better and be in the playoffs? I think so.
Really Good Take on MM, Chris! Try to see through his eyes. He would certainly KNOW who he wanted when he hired Koob. No doubt steered JS into a proper hire. You may be right that he began looking around Week 11 last year. Plus, MacDonald recognized he shorted a whole crew of trench rookies of proper coaching and we now see he has remedied that. Koob's experience in how to staff our O-Line for injury is paying off, as I think we saw it come together as the Bench Players are fielding a damn good O-Line on their own. I suspect we will see Cross and Lucas rested to get a better feel for who might replace those two pillars. We may have to go looking and this will be when we see Walker used as a chip to get an equally great O-Tackle?
I can't help but watch some of the plays where SD is handing the ball off and imagine it as Milroe, but as a wrinkle he keeps the ball...it's wide open on the backside of some of those plays. If Milroe, or Milroe plus a blocker on the backside would be electric as another option. Hoping SD lights it up, but if every once in a while Milroe gets a play or two, it could be fun.
Unless I've completely misheard or mistook what the coaches have been saying since the draft, I believe they do intend to use Jalen Milroe for a play or two. This is how Lamar Jackson was used in 2018 prior to benching Joe Flacco late in the year. When the QBs are that different athletically, it makes sense to use the fast one in certain situations. I think the tush push was the perfect example of a situation like that. Your idea makes sense to me too.
How can they afford to dress 3 QBs to only get a few plays from him? If he's emergency QB, he can't just go in and come back out. If he's on the full gameday roster, they gotta leave off someone. Which ST player are they leaving off? Do you really see that happening? I'd love a breakdown of how they can actually get him onto the gameday roster. I have read tons of people saying it could happen, and nobody has yet to address how he could realistically be on the gameday roster player-by-player.
Isn’t getting a few plays from a second or third string player what you expect?
I am ignorant of all the considerations that go into game day rosters.
But from my understanding, part of Milroe’s strength is his ability to play multiple “roles”.
In addition to the gadget plays already described, I could see a situation where he steps into a receiver role for a few plays, particularly in running plays. Most of the time, he’d be a decoy blazing down the field. But sometimes he’d be a deep option. Do that one time and now the safety would have to honor the deep threat on obvious running plays, correct?
I see Isaac and a couple other brought up this point, too. Are we missing something, or is MM going to just work 1 player short? Seems unlikely for most NFL coaches to do that.
Keeping a non-emergency, third QB means somebody else is going to be cut, and a different somebody isn't going to suit up on Sundays. Milroe isn't going to play special teams, so we can totally expect him to see action on 4th downs in a "Brotherly Shove" situation. The person who is squeezed out is NOT going to be Drew Lock. No way in the world is Milroe going to be the #2 QB this year
If Milroe is not QB2, then the only way he plays is if the Seahawks have 3 QBs active on the 48 man game day roster. If he is the Emergency QB then he can only play if the other two QBs are injured or disqualified.
Oh yeah, that part. It must be designed as some trickery. Like they'll run Milroe 3 times and then then the 4th time Milroe's going to sidestep the snap and it's going to go directly to SD for a pass to Ouzts running into the flat or Horton streaking down the sidelines.
Personally, I think a huge part of this team’s transformation and potential comes down to culture. We have a bunch of “dudes” who are grinders are bought in and believe they should win games. They sky is the limit for this team
I would add that it doesn't hurt to have top-20 draft picks and then to have those players live up to expectations or at least, not disappoint: If we're looking at expectations right now, then I think all 5 of those guys (Cross, Witherspoon, JSN, Murphy, Zabel) are in the conversation. Then the team adds Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones in smart midseason trades too.
I was thinking the other day that the Ravens are maybe more of a player-led team right now and the Seahawks are more of a coach-led team right now. Baltimore is the type of team that gets Lamar Jackson and builds the offense around that player. The Seahawks hired MM to change the defense, and KK to change the offense, and the'yre kind of just fitting the pieces to the coordinators. So it's almost the other way around.
But you always gotta have the talent. Especially in the case of Seattle's offense, the players will long outlast the coordinator if all goes to plan.
Minus injuries, the defense will be good. What I liked about the O is that it looks far less predictable than before. More QB under center and play action passes with a wild card FB. In the mix!
As far as the IOL being better .....better than what? Zabel will be an immediate improvement but the rest is the same cast as last years! ( 31st in the league) And the special teams suck!
I don't put too much faith in pre- season games but things are looking up.
I still hear lots of naysayers, so I don't think we've changed that many minds......which frankly, I prefer. Assume we'll finish with a meh record, and probably 3rd or 4th in the NFC West. I don't want people having high expectations of us. I want the coaches and players to have high expectations of us, and that's all that matters.
We'll see when the games start. I've mentioned this before, but I think the key metric for us to improve will be giveaways/takeaways. We need to turn the ball over on offense less, and turn the ball over on defense more. Going from -6 to +10 would make a huge difference in win/loss record.
We don't need to have a dominant offense. We need an average offense that doesn't turn the ball over. If our defense is as good as it could be, and special teams looks a lot better than it has in the preseason, then we'll be in good shape. I'm not against having a dominant running game, I'm just not counting my chickens before they hatch......the KC preseason game notwithstanding.
I agree, would much rather have doubters than supporters. I wish a guy like Cowherd hated the Seahawks! That would give me much more confidence.
Turnovers will be huge. I believe, if someone has PFF, Sam Darnold has had relatively high Turnover Worthy Play % (even if interceptions are low) and holds the ball too long. Can Kubiak mitigate those issues? Can the run game get into favorable down and distances to mitigate those issues? I hope so but we shall see. I don't think anyone wants a steady diet of seeing Darnold with 3rd and 7. (can the offense overcome a holding penalty?)
Can't wait for the season to start! Week 1, Niners in Seattle. Doesn't get much better than that.
Sam also had 8 fumbles last year due to the Vikings own o-line issues.......and yes, probably spending too long in the pocket waiting for something to open up late. Bad idea. Kubiak will hopefully provide some help and guidance. Simplify his reads, move him out of the pocket, and make the defence respect the running game. All theories until we actually see it.
I haven't seen him enough (Darnold) to have an informed answer to that Jimmy. Might depend on the injury, and the limitations it causes. When they are both healthy, I'll take Sam, but Drew can win you a game or two if needed. He hasn't looked too bad in the preseason, but you know, preseason.
But every year one of my go to bets in football is to not pay any attention to preseason. Basically, step away as best as possible from anything football related. Then about a week before the actual season starts, see what people are talking about and bet on the exact opposite happening. This has been a winning bet for the last 20 years.
The say that preseason doesn't matter is true and understated. If people's opinions change due to preseason games then you can take advantage of that.
I caught a glimpse of the Chiefs game. What did it look like to me? It looked like a team (the Seahawks) that has had a horrible offensive line and spent all offseason trying to improve it. Their focus has been to get the run game going. That's great. They are also playing against a team in the Chiefs that just played in a Super Bowl and looked like they could not care less what happened on the field. In a sport like football especially, incentives and if the players are focused and care counts to extreme measures.
Zabel? Looks like a dude trying to win the spot. Locked and loaded and playing his ass off. You want to know what Walter Jones did in the preseason? Sat and watched in shorts and a t shirt. Zabel is going all out and having success which is great. But lets see that in week 15. Shoot, lets see what the offensive line looks like in a real game.
Sam Darnold? Did he even make a single read in the game? Did he throw the ball down field? Of course he is going to look great he wasn't asked to do anything.
No one is doubting that SD can't make a 0 yard throw to a wide open full back. What they are doubting is can he operate at a high level when the pocket is collapsing on a 3rd and 7? Can he operate at a high level in the biggest games of the year?
If anyone changes their opinion based on preseason then their opinion is laughable to begin with.
Colin Cowherd? How is this guy even relevant to talk about? Has he ever been right? Let's check the notes on what he was saying before 2022? Geno Smith completely embarrassed him. Am I surprised he likes the Seahawks now that Geno is gone? Of course not! That's exactly what that type of guy is going to do. So he can incorrectly try to claim he was "right" the whole time. Betting on the exact opposite of what Colin Cowherd says is also a winning bet.
Overall, you would rather see good performances than bad sure. But let's take a look at the exact opposite team: the Eagles. Probably the best O-line in football. They just ran the ball 19 times for 33 yards against the Browns. Should we change our opinion based on this preseason result? Then why would anyone place weight on the Seahawks preseason game?
What were people saying last year after Geno's one preseason drive? Did Ryan Grubb become the best thing since sliced bread?
The NFL is in constant repeat mode year to year. Same thing over and over again. Which is hilarious.
And Vegas betting odds still haven’t changed - Seahawks last place in NFC West. If we thump the Niners in week one, a shift in thinking might start to come.
“Sam Darnold? Did he even make a single read in the game? Did he throw the ball down field? Of course he is going to look great he wasn't asked to do anything…No one is doubting that SD can't make a 0 yard throw to a wide open full back. What they are doubting is can he operate at a high level when the pocket is collapsing on a 3rd and 7? Can he operate at a high level in the biggest games of the year?”
Plus, who does Darnold have to go downfield to? Right now, he’s counting on a Day 3 rookie and a 30-year old veteran who averages two receptions a game for his career. Throw in Charbonnet starting over Walker (which admittedly I find hard to believe) and defenses will be stacking the box all season long. This would happen to Gino, too.
Totally get where you're coming from Paul. If we can run the ball successfully, they load the box, walk the safety down, and dare you to beat them with Sam's arm. My thoughts on that would be;
- What a great problem to have. Keep them in base personnel, and give ourselves a numbers advantage down field. When's the last time we made a team consistently adjust their defense because of our running game?
- I think this is the scenario where we need to leverage the TE's, either down the seam, or on out routes or drag routes, working laterally across the defense. That's what Shanahan frequently does.
- Our o-line will have to handle run blitzes, which we're surely to see against teams like the Steelers, as that is their bread and butter. The trick is, get the ball out quick, either to your 1st or 2nd read, a back in the flat, or into the dirt. Sam can't hold the ball like he did last year on occasion.
- Both JSN and Kupp can win on slant routes, so depending on the defensive alignment, Sam can audible to those plays as needed.
- 3rd and 7 doesn't mean you need 30 yards. But I get your point, you want to punish teams when they stack the box. JSN can win downfield, Horton can win downfield, MVS can win downfield (if he's on the team), and Arroyo can win downfield. Young too if he's on the field.
- You want to put defenses in 'pick your poison' mode. If they don't respect the run, punish them with it. If they don't respect the pass, punish them with that. We'll see whether we have the personnel to do both, but I'm hopeful.
Hopefully, it works out like this. I’m less optimistic that Arroyo and Horton will contribute much in 2025–I see this season as developmental for both. MVS is just a guy. JSN is proven in the slot but not as a true downfield threat. I.e., we’re depending on a lot of things to break right.
Having said this about JSN, he’s only 23 and was much better last year than the year before. Conceivably, he’s still developing, too. We’ll see!
JSN is plenty good and Kupp likely still has something to offer. But neither can take the top off a defense. If I’m an opposing DC, I’m happy that Seattle has to win with those two without me having to force the issue. That’s why I have a hard time believing that Walker won’t start—he’s the only explosive player on the offense.
I do really like JSN. But I still think a ton of coverage was shaded towards DeCoy Metcalf last year (remember all those articles?).
So, I really hope that JSN builds on last season. But I am interested to see how he performs as the undisputed WR1 (I doubt Kupp will warrant double or shaded coverage).
This is another question mark along with no deep threat other than MVS (who I think we will retain).
Most specifically, I am talking about obvious passing situations. 3rd and 7, 3rd and 12 ... can we get a first down when it is 1st and 20? Those types of situations I would not say I am overly confident in converting right now with Darnold and JSN featured.
We will see though! Let's get this season started already!
The article says all of this too. Seaside Joe readers understand the point of the post from the first sentence and if it's unclear then I will need to do a better job of clarity in the future. But I don't doubt that people who read this newsletter know the value that we place on preseason and how others tend to overrate those outcomes and to be patient enough to judge until we get to real games.
To be clear, I think throwing cold water on some hot button topics is one of your strengths, IMO.
See Leviska Shennault last year. Horton this year. And countless other examples. These are some of my favorite articles because often time I am scratching my head also.
I guess I am confused at which media personalities have changed their opinions?
There have been some other Seahawks media type that have been hilariously over the top in some preseason comments. Which happens every year and is funny but it also drives fans expectations way out of wack.
The article is highlighting a few instances this week of positivity about a couple of areas where we saw almost no positivity. The tune hasn't changed so much that the song is in a different key or new lyrics, maybe it's not even totally perceptible to the naked ear, but I wanted to share some interesting positive comments with the community because it's not typical that a 32nd-ranked offensive line piques the interest of analysts before the season begins.
You've driven a very hard Geno Smith-related personality here in the past couple of years. I'm curious if you're going to change it up at all in 2025 now that he's gone and I won't be mentioning him very often?
I just comment on the way I see the world. Will reference articles or stats. I have received many positive direct messages throughout my time on this board from people that are quieter and don't want to be attacked. Which is cool and I don't mind getting attacked.
The goal is always to get closer to the truth. So, I enjoy reading everyone's perspective and adjust my own. All the perspectives help to formulate my own opinion or chisel it into a sharper and sounder reasoning.
The cool thing about the message board to me is that each comment generally reflects a larger portion of the fanbase. So it feels like I am seeing the pulse of the fanbase by reading some comments.
With regards to Geno ... He is gone. I will be rooting for him. But I don't really see a reason to keep talking about him unless others want to. I am getting NFL Sunday Ticket and will watch as many Raiders games as possible (and Falcons), which I'm looking forward to.
But as far as will I change? I don't think so. Many people enjoy my comments, and I enjoy theirs. We will see if anything comes up that is interesting to talk about. So far, I think the Seahawks are kind of just ticking along. Haven't seen much to comment about. Other than the move from Geno to Darnold which I think is a downgrade, but I am also a Darnold believer, I kind of see the Seahawks similarly to everyone else. So, just not much to comment on because I don't really disagree with much if anything.
I don't think anyone in this community is attacking you or has attacked you. I have also had people ask me if you are Geno Smith or related to Geno Smith because it's such a clearly-defined trait of yours, and I've never moderated or deleted any of your comments or told you what you can or can't say. I've had to say that we at least know that you're not Geno because you come into the live game chats after Geno would throw a touchdown. (But not an interception.)
I just haven't seen your name in the comments recently unless the quarterback change is mentioned. I hope you're going to be more active when there's absolutely no mention of the QB change because today's off-hand mention will be a rarity.
I found the Geno situation to be immensely interesting. But if the board was all pro Geno then I wouldn't have commented back then. I just saw the situation differently and offered up what I saw.
Attacked is too strong of a word. But from the DMs I have received, which were very nice, people enjoyed the comments even if they didn't want to publicly say it.
Yeah ... comments have been down primarily because I don't really see much to comment on. I still read the articles and comments and just kind of see things mostly the same way. I don't really have anything interesting to add.
There was a cool post the other day I had a nice back and forth with someone who was using some PFF data that I enjoyed.
People see what they want to see. And if none of it is predictive, why would betting the opposite consistently work? Nothing works 'every time'. I'd agree that very little can be read into the preseason, but very little doesn't mean nothing. One thing I've taken away from training camp and the preseason is that Kubiak has a way of making things easier for the QB specifically and the offense generally, and harder on the defense. And that was the one change I wanted.
I was tired of formations tipping off tendencies. Of empty backfield shotgun, with man-on-man 5 man blocking, with every linemen on an island. Consistently asking Geno to make something out of nothing. I was done with all that. The preseason has at least shown me things will be very different on offense. Better? We'll have to wait and see. But I feel like Kubiak will give the team a fighting chance, and ultimately put success or failure in the hands of the players.
Also, just to be clear, I am not betting against the Seahawks or recommending that. I also think the Hawks are underrated but only slightly. (I see wins in the 8-9 range but I also think the NFC West is wide open and all teams should have pretty similar odds to win).
I'll take the over on 8 or 9 wins. It'll have to start with finally beating good teams, not the average and bad teams. If you only beat mediocrity, 8-9 is pretty much your ceiling.
"One thing I've taken away from training camp and the preseason is that Kubiak has a way of making things easier for the QB specifically and the offense generally, and harder on the defense."
I actually agree with your whole comment. I guess to clarify, it is great to see it actually happen on the field but this is what I would expect to see when we signed him (Kubiak). So for me, nothing has changed. But a good sign nonetheless.
"And if none of it is predictive, why would betting the opposite consistently work? "
People get really worked up about things. Remember last year when everyone was talking about Laviska Shenault? That he was going to be a huge positive for the offense? I think he finished the year with 5 receptions for 36 yards.
If people want to say the Hawks could have an average O-line? I can see that. That would be a massive improvement but possible. But when they start talking dominant? Ehhhhh... that's where it gets a little questionable to me if its primarily based on one drive in the preseason.
I like your comment though. I am excited to see Kubiak work. My hope is that it gets better as the season goes on, similar to the defense last year. Anything better than that would be amazing.
Fans will be fans. Optimism season (or wild speculation season) is a necessary evil in a content driven world I suppose. I'm guilty myself sometimes of getting ahead of myself. I'm trying to keep a lid on my optimism, and maybe the 9'ers will do that for me in game 1, but I sure hope not. But if we pound them, all bets are off.
Bill Walsh brought his boxers' opening strategy to his Niners in every game: Hit them with all you got in the opening salvo. Put them back on their heels.
But I think everyone should be thankful guys like Colin Cowherd do not sports bet. He would get destroyed in the markets. Most ESPN talking head type "experts" wouldn't stand a chance.
Cowherd actually said (3:03) the Seahawks have had “back to back to back” drafts that he really likes. Not quite the “back to back to back to back” drafts that you think he should have said, but closer.
2024: DT Murphy, LB Knight, TE1 Barner, C Sundell (UDFA)
2025: LG Zabel, Nickel/Safety/LB Emmanwori, TE2 Arroyo (or WR3 Horton)
Essentially everyone but Darnold, Kupp, Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed (who is a draft pick), Uchenna/Lawrence, and Julian Love were from the last 4 drafts.
Be interesting to see how many from this year's enormous draft class make the 53. Doesn't seem like we've...no...JS has had too many whiffs. Nick E and Elijah Arroyo may take a season to, um, season, but I like our youth, and I like their energy. Also be interesting to see what kinds of bottom of the roster changes we see next week.
We all knew that most of these experts don’t bother doing homework. They don’t delve into real analysis of the Seahawks. They read and listen to the soundbites and repeat them as if it’s indisputable. Before preseason started I was predicting 2400+ yards in the rushing game and asked SSJ about it. He pointed out that getting 2400 yards would have been 8th in the NFL last year and he also felt that was within reach. That was before preseason. Given what we’ve seen in the preseason, I think we can do better than that. Perhaps a top 5 rushing team this year provided we don’t get bit by the injury bug on the O-line and RB room. (Beyond losing Kenny Mack) I also felt that an effective rushing game would help the passing game and the defense through time of possession dominance. I just finished watching a Hawks Nest YouTube clip of passes to Ouzts, and the tight ends in obvious running formations in which these receivers were open by at least 5 yards due to the effort of the defense trying to find a way to stop the run. I’m excited. My prediction of a 12 win team will likely be 13 after next Tuesday,
Thanks for the hard work going through all these experts opinions. I just can’t do that myself, it is just too difficult for me to stomach hearing the Seahawks are ranked in the bottom third of the NFL and last in the division.
One overlooked aspect is that we have unexpected depth. Josh Jones has been making us forget that Cross has yet to see the field. The line continues to dominate as the backups come in. A number of players have experience at multiple positions.
"that could be exploited for first downs and touchdowns immediately."
Again I ask, how are they going to even dress Milroe on gamedays? He would have to be 2nd string QB and prepared for the gameplan to step in if Darnold went down. It clearly looks like Lock is #2. If Milroe is emergency QB, he can't play unless both Darnold and Lock go down (or if he does, they can't go back in). Are they going to sit a ST player to use Milroe for 3 gadget plays?? This "a few key plays" theory has been floated by everyone, and as usual, I expect some solid reasoning from our fearless SSJ leader since he doesn't just throw stuff out to get buzz going, nor blindly parrot the latest Seahawk narrative. Ken?
It's a very good question. I would assume that they'd be willing to sacrifice another active game-day roster spot to keep Milroe available to come in and out of the game, even if only for a few plays. It's a sacrifice, and playing with fire a little bit if we have multiple injuries from the same position group, but likely worth it if Milroe is exceptional in these situational plays. What's more valuable, our third string OLB who only plays on teams or better odds at extending drives with a couple key third/forth down conversions? That's not meant to be a rhetorical question. I really don't know and expect the answer may be different each week. I could see Milroe begin the year as emergency QB and then be active later in the season as he gains the trust of coaches.
My understanding Shaymus is that Lock would be designated as the 'emergency' QB on game day, and Darnold and Milroe would be active. So Lock only plays on game day if both Darnold and Milroe get hurt. The next game they play, if Darnold is still hurt, Lock would be the starting QB, and Milroe the backup, and if they wanted an emergency QB they'd have to sign someone.
I've got the solution! Make Milroe the backup and Lock the emergency QB. However, if Darnold is hurt and out for the game, get Milroe intentionally disqualified. A player can be disqualified for all types of violent and unsportsmanlike behavior, but we don't want to do any of that stuff. Instead, have Milroe enter the game wearing a ridiculous bright pink Seahawks jersey that he refuses to take off. They will have no chose but to disqualify him and Lock will enter the game as the emergency QB.
Now you're talking. Depending on how much time is left in the game, and what the score is, you might not have to do anything. Just let Jalen play. Drew can step in the next game.
Seems reasonable. But keep that pink jersey on hand, just in case.
TuTu. Get him a ballerina's TuTu!
I can hear Chris Collinsworth's voice in my head now, just trying to explain that sight on Sunday night football!
That would essentially make Milroe the back up as he would HAVE to enter the game & get hurt before Lock could play.
Shaymus is making a VERY valid point. To get Milroe on the field in 2025, they are going to have to put him on the active 53, which they can do but it will cost them a player from another position group or Lock. The emergency third QB rule does NOT create a situation where the 3rd QB can enter the game solely at the Coach's discretion but only after the first 2 have been injured.
It is not the same situation as Lamar's rookie year in Baltimore as he was the backup QB on that team and on the active 53.
Yes, I thought that’s what I typed. Sam and Jalen would be active, Drew as emergency, and he could not enter without both active QB’s being injured.
Lock is the 'backup' in that he would be the starter the next game if Sam is still hurt.
Let me get this right, Shaymus: Milroe can stay on the team with a special status as an emergency QB? Allows us to keep one more player from waivers? But he can't be brought in for trick plays?
They still only get to have a 53-man active roster. This emergency QB rule only applies to the game-day limit of dressing 48 active roster spots. They'd only sit four players instead of five, but the emergency QB can only play as a last resort, rather than substituting in and out like the other 48 active game day players.
When it comes to Blowhard Colin, funny he says OLine “improved” when change was basically one player. Sure almost anything an improvement over Laken. But been saying it for long time. Coaching and consistency along the line. Same guys together is what makes an average line. Then get a good to exceptional player, line becomes great.
JS is having a 3 year run on great Draft selections. Soon enough, we will conclude he truly knows what he's doing, sans Pete.
Loving it and agree. How many of those reaches were PC. Exactly.
I respect Schneider more for not saying anything and letting his work speak for itself.
" ... that everyone mocked for them (except me)"
Wondering if there's another writer who brings up his misses, front 'n center, like KenJoe.
Rarity upon rarities.
I have to remind people about Zabel just as often as I remind people about Witherspoon. It’s only fair.
Good on you! Nobody bats 1.000 so why pretend otherwise. If you're not wrong from time to time, you're not trying.
And that’s reason 347 why I subscribe. ;-)
Hear, hear!!
The re-tooling of the Hawks by our GM, post Pete, Geno and DK, has been nothing short of brilliant...with a smidgen of dumb luck thrown in. Remember Brian Bosworth? One can do everything right, pick a sweet peach and still end up with a lemon. Thus far, recent pics and trades have brought us the kind of talent and potential that portends wins...lots of wins. I expect nothing less than a perfect season (move over '72 Dolphins) and a Superbowl win like it's 2013!! ...which explains why nobody asks my opinion about anything I suppose. GO HAWKS!
I say so few intelligent things that I feel compelled to brag about the ones I do get right, Brian Bozworth, in this case. The Seahawks won some sort of lottery and were given the opportunity to pick in a supplemental draft, and Bozworth was the obvious selection. I said at the time we should trade the pick to somebody, anybody, for a first-round pick in the regular draft because he was a steriod junkey and the NFL would stop his drug use and he'd be a worthless player. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnDlFKTNkeE&ab_channel=NFL
I'm thinking this Seaside Joe Site is a place our Players can go to when wondering what the 12s are thinking and why. It has damn good adult commenters, some of whom are probably professionals along with our Ken Arthur. For myself, I can only recount what I see from the nose-bleed bleachers, appreciating the occasional patient "likes". Going into last year's season, I went way overboard with my optimism and literally paid for it when we failed to get to the Playoffs. But it was close. Using measures I can only guess at, Coach MacDonald held on to many more new guys than I thought he would. My guess is he saw a whole group of young men who did not buckle to the furious grind of 17 games. Young men hungry for proper instructions. Guys who now know how hard it is to play seriously hurting, if not outright injured (Cabledue) and can still smile and elevate spirits. I will be paying particular attention to young Bradford (23? 24?) to see if he maintains the discipline needed by Week 3 to continue tossing his weight around and dismantling opponents. A guy like Zabel knows what it is to be kicked by a cow and know he still must go out and milk her the next day. He will be passing those tests and probably some hard-won Wisdom around. Stuff his young teammates can use themselves. My bitter disappointment with last year's outcome is gone now, so that is a Victory already. These guys should know they are an inspiration to Working Americans. At least this one, anyways.
Speculation alert! I think Mike MacDonald realized his mistake at OC pretty early in the year last year. Some of his press conferences after losses, he tap dances around it a little bit but you can tell he wasn't happy, not just with the execution, but with the INTENT of the offense. I wasn't clear what he meant by 'complementary football' at the time, but I totally get it now. But I don't think Grubb EVER got it. He never adjusted.
Can you imagine having to tolerate those last 6 or 8 games knowing this guy wasn't getting on board, knowing making an in-season change would not help a team that was on the precipice of the playoffs, and also knowing you were going to fire his ass the moment the season ended? Torture for someone wired like Mike. He'd blame himself more than Grubb of course, cuz that's how he's wired. But it must have been just awful for him to bear for weeks and week.
If we have bad offensive performances during the year (and we will) I think his message will be quite different. He won't be talking about INTENT, he'll be talking about how they didn't have the right plan, or the right execution, or didn't bring the right mindset to the game.
If we're in a one score game this year, just under 4 minutes left, and our offense has the ball near midfield, you will not see pass attempt (incompletion), pass attempt (incompletion), pass attempt (sack), and punt the ball to the other team with more than 3 minutes left. Yes, we did that last year. Multiple times.
If we had Kubiak last year, would we be at least 1 win better and be in the playoffs? I think so.
Really Good Take on MM, Chris! Try to see through his eyes. He would certainly KNOW who he wanted when he hired Koob. No doubt steered JS into a proper hire. You may be right that he began looking around Week 11 last year. Plus, MacDonald recognized he shorted a whole crew of trench rookies of proper coaching and we now see he has remedied that. Koob's experience in how to staff our O-Line for injury is paying off, as I think we saw it come together as the Bench Players are fielding a damn good O-Line on their own. I suspect we will see Cross and Lucas rested to get a better feel for who might replace those two pillars. We may have to go looking and this will be when we see Walker used as a chip to get an equally great O-Tackle?
I can't help but watch some of the plays where SD is handing the ball off and imagine it as Milroe, but as a wrinkle he keeps the ball...it's wide open on the backside of some of those plays. If Milroe, or Milroe plus a blocker on the backside would be electric as another option. Hoping SD lights it up, but if every once in a while Milroe gets a play or two, it could be fun.
Unless I've completely misheard or mistook what the coaches have been saying since the draft, I believe they do intend to use Jalen Milroe for a play or two. This is how Lamar Jackson was used in 2018 prior to benching Joe Flacco late in the year. When the QBs are that different athletically, it makes sense to use the fast one in certain situations. I think the tush push was the perfect example of a situation like that. Your idea makes sense to me too.
How can they afford to dress 3 QBs to only get a few plays from him? If he's emergency QB, he can't just go in and come back out. If he's on the full gameday roster, they gotta leave off someone. Which ST player are they leaving off? Do you really see that happening? I'd love a breakdown of how they can actually get him onto the gameday roster. I have read tons of people saying it could happen, and nobody has yet to address how he could realistically be on the gameday roster player-by-player.
Isn’t getting a few plays from a second or third string player what you expect?
I am ignorant of all the considerations that go into game day rosters.
But from my understanding, part of Milroe’s strength is his ability to play multiple “roles”.
In addition to the gadget plays already described, I could see a situation where he steps into a receiver role for a few plays, particularly in running plays. Most of the time, he’d be a decoy blazing down the field. But sometimes he’d be a deep option. Do that one time and now the safety would have to honor the deep threat on obvious running plays, correct?
Both he and MVS ran 4.37 40s. While MVS
I see Isaac and a couple other brought up this point, too. Are we missing something, or is MM going to just work 1 player short? Seems unlikely for most NFL coaches to do that.
So, do the Seahawks go with 3 active QBs on gameday, or is Milroe QB2 in your scenario and Lock the EQB?
Keeping a non-emergency, third QB means somebody else is going to be cut, and a different somebody isn't going to suit up on Sundays. Milroe isn't going to play special teams, so we can totally expect him to see action on 4th downs in a "Brotherly Shove" situation. The person who is squeezed out is NOT going to be Drew Lock. No way in the world is Milroe going to be the #2 QB this year
If Milroe is not QB2, then the only way he plays is if the Seahawks have 3 QBs active on the 48 man game day roster. If he is the Emergency QB then he can only play if the other two QBs are injured or disqualified.
I wish they'd sub SD out for the push play...if something goes wrong you really want SD being the safety on the play?
Oh yeah, that part. It must be designed as some trickery. Like they'll run Milroe 3 times and then then the 4th time Milroe's going to sidestep the snap and it's going to go directly to SD for a pass to Ouzts running into the flat or Horton streaking down the sidelines.
Or hiked to Murphy II, doing a Fridge Perry impersonation. (He did stints as a running back way back when). Hiding him might be an issue.
I could see that. Gonna be a fun season to watch all the new stuff.
I'm not seeing QBs getting sneaky with hand-offs for some time.
I’m very (cautiously) excited about this team. Can’t wait to see how we look in the opener!
Personally, I think a huge part of this team’s transformation and potential comes down to culture. We have a bunch of “dudes” who are grinders are bought in and believe they should win games. They sky is the limit for this team
I would add that it doesn't hurt to have top-20 draft picks and then to have those players live up to expectations or at least, not disappoint: If we're looking at expectations right now, then I think all 5 of those guys (Cross, Witherspoon, JSN, Murphy, Zabel) are in the conversation. Then the team adds Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones in smart midseason trades too.
I was thinking the other day that the Ravens are maybe more of a player-led team right now and the Seahawks are more of a coach-led team right now. Baltimore is the type of team that gets Lamar Jackson and builds the offense around that player. The Seahawks hired MM to change the defense, and KK to change the offense, and the'yre kind of just fitting the pieces to the coordinators. So it's almost the other way around.
But you always gotta have the talent. Especially in the case of Seattle's offense, the players will long outlast the coordinator if all goes to plan.
Minus injuries, the defense will be good. What I liked about the O is that it looks far less predictable than before. More QB under center and play action passes with a wild card FB. In the mix!
As far as the IOL being better .....better than what? Zabel will be an immediate improvement but the rest is the same cast as last years! ( 31st in the league) And the special teams suck!
I don't put too much faith in pre- season games but things are looking up.
But can't underestimate the coaching, player improvement and scheme-fit.
I still hear lots of naysayers, so I don't think we've changed that many minds......which frankly, I prefer. Assume we'll finish with a meh record, and probably 3rd or 4th in the NFC West. I don't want people having high expectations of us. I want the coaches and players to have high expectations of us, and that's all that matters.
We'll see when the games start. I've mentioned this before, but I think the key metric for us to improve will be giveaways/takeaways. We need to turn the ball over on offense less, and turn the ball over on defense more. Going from -6 to +10 would make a huge difference in win/loss record.
We don't need to have a dominant offense. We need an average offense that doesn't turn the ball over. If our defense is as good as it could be, and special teams looks a lot better than it has in the preseason, then we'll be in good shape. I'm not against having a dominant running game, I'm just not counting my chickens before they hatch......the KC preseason game notwithstanding.
I agree, would much rather have doubters than supporters. I wish a guy like Cowherd hated the Seahawks! That would give me much more confidence.
Turnovers will be huge. I believe, if someone has PFF, Sam Darnold has had relatively high Turnover Worthy Play % (even if interceptions are low) and holds the ball too long. Can Kubiak mitigate those issues? Can the run game get into favorable down and distances to mitigate those issues? I hope so but we shall see. I don't think anyone wants a steady diet of seeing Darnold with 3rd and 7. (can the offense overcome a holding penalty?)
Can't wait for the season to start! Week 1, Niners in Seattle. Doesn't get much better than that.
Sam also had 8 fumbles last year due to the Vikings own o-line issues.......and yes, probably spending too long in the pocket waiting for something to open up late. Bad idea. Kubiak will hopefully provide some help and guidance. Simplify his reads, move him out of the pocket, and make the defence respect the running game. All theories until we actually see it.
Is an injured Sam Darnold so much better than a healthy and eager Drew Lock? I've never understood the reasons subbing is so radioactive.
I haven't seen him enough (Darnold) to have an informed answer to that Jimmy. Might depend on the injury, and the limitations it causes. When they are both healthy, I'll take Sam, but Drew can win you a game or two if needed. He hasn't looked too bad in the preseason, but you know, preseason.
I see it the exact same way.
Great comments Chris!
Hate to throw cold water on the situation ...
But every year one of my go to bets in football is to not pay any attention to preseason. Basically, step away as best as possible from anything football related. Then about a week before the actual season starts, see what people are talking about and bet on the exact opposite happening. This has been a winning bet for the last 20 years.
The say that preseason doesn't matter is true and understated. If people's opinions change due to preseason games then you can take advantage of that.
I caught a glimpse of the Chiefs game. What did it look like to me? It looked like a team (the Seahawks) that has had a horrible offensive line and spent all offseason trying to improve it. Their focus has been to get the run game going. That's great. They are also playing against a team in the Chiefs that just played in a Super Bowl and looked like they could not care less what happened on the field. In a sport like football especially, incentives and if the players are focused and care counts to extreme measures.
Zabel? Looks like a dude trying to win the spot. Locked and loaded and playing his ass off. You want to know what Walter Jones did in the preseason? Sat and watched in shorts and a t shirt. Zabel is going all out and having success which is great. But lets see that in week 15. Shoot, lets see what the offensive line looks like in a real game.
Sam Darnold? Did he even make a single read in the game? Did he throw the ball down field? Of course he is going to look great he wasn't asked to do anything.
No one is doubting that SD can't make a 0 yard throw to a wide open full back. What they are doubting is can he operate at a high level when the pocket is collapsing on a 3rd and 7? Can he operate at a high level in the biggest games of the year?
If anyone changes their opinion based on preseason then their opinion is laughable to begin with.
Colin Cowherd? How is this guy even relevant to talk about? Has he ever been right? Let's check the notes on what he was saying before 2022? Geno Smith completely embarrassed him. Am I surprised he likes the Seahawks now that Geno is gone? Of course not! That's exactly what that type of guy is going to do. So he can incorrectly try to claim he was "right" the whole time. Betting on the exact opposite of what Colin Cowherd says is also a winning bet.
Overall, you would rather see good performances than bad sure. But let's take a look at the exact opposite team: the Eagles. Probably the best O-line in football. They just ran the ball 19 times for 33 yards against the Browns. Should we change our opinion based on this preseason result? Then why would anyone place weight on the Seahawks preseason game?
What were people saying last year after Geno's one preseason drive? Did Ryan Grubb become the best thing since sliced bread?
The NFL is in constant repeat mode year to year. Same thing over and over again. Which is hilarious.
And Vegas betting odds still haven’t changed - Seahawks last place in NFC West. If we thump the Niners in week one, a shift in thinking might start to come.
It looks like there’s been some small movement.
Seahawks are closer to O/U 8 wins.
But yeah, monster game week 1. Would certainly shift some odds with a win. Can’t wait
“Sam Darnold? Did he even make a single read in the game? Did he throw the ball down field? Of course he is going to look great he wasn't asked to do anything…No one is doubting that SD can't make a 0 yard throw to a wide open full back. What they are doubting is can he operate at a high level when the pocket is collapsing on a 3rd and 7? Can he operate at a high level in the biggest games of the year?”
Plus, who does Darnold have to go downfield to? Right now, he’s counting on a Day 3 rookie and a 30-year old veteran who averages two receptions a game for his career. Throw in Charbonnet starting over Walker (which admittedly I find hard to believe) and defenses will be stacking the box all season long. This would happen to Gino, too.
Totally get where you're coming from Paul. If we can run the ball successfully, they load the box, walk the safety down, and dare you to beat them with Sam's arm. My thoughts on that would be;
- What a great problem to have. Keep them in base personnel, and give ourselves a numbers advantage down field. When's the last time we made a team consistently adjust their defense because of our running game?
- I think this is the scenario where we need to leverage the TE's, either down the seam, or on out routes or drag routes, working laterally across the defense. That's what Shanahan frequently does.
- Our o-line will have to handle run blitzes, which we're surely to see against teams like the Steelers, as that is their bread and butter. The trick is, get the ball out quick, either to your 1st or 2nd read, a back in the flat, or into the dirt. Sam can't hold the ball like he did last year on occasion.
- Both JSN and Kupp can win on slant routes, so depending on the defensive alignment, Sam can audible to those plays as needed.
- 3rd and 7 doesn't mean you need 30 yards. But I get your point, you want to punish teams when they stack the box. JSN can win downfield, Horton can win downfield, MVS can win downfield (if he's on the team), and Arroyo can win downfield. Young too if he's on the field.
- You want to put defenses in 'pick your poison' mode. If they don't respect the run, punish them with it. If they don't respect the pass, punish them with that. We'll see whether we have the personnel to do both, but I'm hopeful.
Hopefully, it works out like this. I’m less optimistic that Arroyo and Horton will contribute much in 2025–I see this season as developmental for both. MVS is just a guy. JSN is proven in the slot but not as a true downfield threat. I.e., we’re depending on a lot of things to break right.
Having said this about JSN, he’s only 23 and was much better last year than the year before. Conceivably, he’s still developing, too. We’ll see!
I share in this concern.
If you were a defensive coordinator, wouldn't you stack the box and make the QB and WRs prove they can beat you?
Inevitable, I would think.
JSN is plenty good and Kupp likely still has something to offer. But neither can take the top off a defense. If I’m an opposing DC, I’m happy that Seattle has to win with those two without me having to force the issue. That’s why I have a hard time believing that Walker won’t start—he’s the only explosive player on the offense.
Exactly.
I do really like JSN. But I still think a ton of coverage was shaded towards DeCoy Metcalf last year (remember all those articles?).
So, I really hope that JSN builds on last season. But I am interested to see how he performs as the undisputed WR1 (I doubt Kupp will warrant double or shaded coverage).
This is another question mark along with no deep threat other than MVS (who I think we will retain).
Most specifically, I am talking about obvious passing situations. 3rd and 7, 3rd and 12 ... can we get a first down when it is 1st and 20? Those types of situations I would not say I am overly confident in converting right now with Darnold and JSN featured.
We will see though! Let's get this season started already!
The article says all of this too. Seaside Joe readers understand the point of the post from the first sentence and if it's unclear then I will need to do a better job of clarity in the future. But I don't doubt that people who read this newsletter know the value that we place on preseason and how others tend to overrate those outcomes and to be patient enough to judge until we get to real games.
To be clear, I think throwing cold water on some hot button topics is one of your strengths, IMO.
See Leviska Shennault last year. Horton this year. And countless other examples. These are some of my favorite articles because often time I am scratching my head also.
I think we are in line then.
I guess I am confused at which media personalities have changed their opinions?
There have been some other Seahawks media type that have been hilariously over the top in some preseason comments. Which happens every year and is funny but it also drives fans expectations way out of wack.
The article is highlighting a few instances this week of positivity about a couple of areas where we saw almost no positivity. The tune hasn't changed so much that the song is in a different key or new lyrics, maybe it's not even totally perceptible to the naked ear, but I wanted to share some interesting positive comments with the community because it's not typical that a 32nd-ranked offensive line piques the interest of analysts before the season begins.
You've driven a very hard Geno Smith-related personality here in the past couple of years. I'm curious if you're going to change it up at all in 2025 now that he's gone and I won't be mentioning him very often?
I just comment on the way I see the world. Will reference articles or stats. I have received many positive direct messages throughout my time on this board from people that are quieter and don't want to be attacked. Which is cool and I don't mind getting attacked.
The goal is always to get closer to the truth. So, I enjoy reading everyone's perspective and adjust my own. All the perspectives help to formulate my own opinion or chisel it into a sharper and sounder reasoning.
The cool thing about the message board to me is that each comment generally reflects a larger portion of the fanbase. So it feels like I am seeing the pulse of the fanbase by reading some comments.
With regards to Geno ... He is gone. I will be rooting for him. But I don't really see a reason to keep talking about him unless others want to. I am getting NFL Sunday Ticket and will watch as many Raiders games as possible (and Falcons), which I'm looking forward to.
But as far as will I change? I don't think so. Many people enjoy my comments, and I enjoy theirs. We will see if anything comes up that is interesting to talk about. So far, I think the Seahawks are kind of just ticking along. Haven't seen much to comment about. Other than the move from Geno to Darnold which I think is a downgrade, but I am also a Darnold believer, I kind of see the Seahawks similarly to everyone else. So, just not much to comment on because I don't really disagree with much if anything.
Ready for this season to kick off!
I don't think anyone in this community is attacking you or has attacked you. I have also had people ask me if you are Geno Smith or related to Geno Smith because it's such a clearly-defined trait of yours, and I've never moderated or deleted any of your comments or told you what you can or can't say. I've had to say that we at least know that you're not Geno because you come into the live game chats after Geno would throw a touchdown. (But not an interception.)
I just haven't seen your name in the comments recently unless the quarterback change is mentioned. I hope you're going to be more active when there's absolutely no mention of the QB change because today's off-hand mention will be a rarity.
That is hilarious.
I found the Geno situation to be immensely interesting. But if the board was all pro Geno then I wouldn't have commented back then. I just saw the situation differently and offered up what I saw.
Attacked is too strong of a word. But from the DMs I have received, which were very nice, people enjoyed the comments even if they didn't want to publicly say it.
Yeah ... comments have been down primarily because I don't really see much to comment on. I still read the articles and comments and just kind of see things mostly the same way. I don't really have anything interesting to add.
There was a cool post the other day I had a nice back and forth with someone who was using some PFF data that I enjoyed.
Just kind of ready for this season to start.
People see what they want to see. And if none of it is predictive, why would betting the opposite consistently work? Nothing works 'every time'. I'd agree that very little can be read into the preseason, but very little doesn't mean nothing. One thing I've taken away from training camp and the preseason is that Kubiak has a way of making things easier for the QB specifically and the offense generally, and harder on the defense. And that was the one change I wanted.
I was tired of formations tipping off tendencies. Of empty backfield shotgun, with man-on-man 5 man blocking, with every linemen on an island. Consistently asking Geno to make something out of nothing. I was done with all that. The preseason has at least shown me things will be very different on offense. Better? We'll have to wait and see. But I feel like Kubiak will give the team a fighting chance, and ultimately put success or failure in the hands of the players.
Also, just to be clear, I am not betting against the Seahawks or recommending that. I also think the Hawks are underrated but only slightly. (I see wins in the 8-9 range but I also think the NFC West is wide open and all teams should have pretty similar odds to win).
I'll take the over on 8 or 9 wins. It'll have to start with finally beating good teams, not the average and bad teams. If you only beat mediocrity, 8-9 is pretty much your ceiling.
All reasonable! A market must have two sides to a trade for it to work.
"One thing I've taken away from training camp and the preseason is that Kubiak has a way of making things easier for the QB specifically and the offense generally, and harder on the defense."
I actually agree with your whole comment. I guess to clarify, it is great to see it actually happen on the field but this is what I would expect to see when we signed him (Kubiak). So for me, nothing has changed. But a good sign nonetheless.
"And if none of it is predictive, why would betting the opposite consistently work? "
People get really worked up about things. Remember last year when everyone was talking about Laviska Shenault? That he was going to be a huge positive for the offense? I think he finished the year with 5 receptions for 36 yards.
If people want to say the Hawks could have an average O-line? I can see that. That would be a massive improvement but possible. But when they start talking dominant? Ehhhhh... that's where it gets a little questionable to me if its primarily based on one drive in the preseason.
I like your comment though. I am excited to see Kubiak work. My hope is that it gets better as the season goes on, similar to the defense last year. Anything better than that would be amazing.
Fans will be fans. Optimism season (or wild speculation season) is a necessary evil in a content driven world I suppose. I'm guilty myself sometimes of getting ahead of myself. I'm trying to keep a lid on my optimism, and maybe the 9'ers will do that for me in game 1, but I sure hope not. But if we pound them, all bets are off.
Bill Walsh brought his boxers' opening strategy to his Niners in every game: Hit them with all you got in the opening salvo. Put them back on their heels.
Our guys will be challenged.
https://gamblersanonymous.org/
For anyone who doesn't know, Mike McD's username is a reference to Matt Damon's character in Rounders, a gambling movie.
Not the Doobie Brother, then…
This is correct.
One of the best movies of all time. Sadly, I no longer play poker anymore. Great game just don't have the time or energy to do it anymore.
It’s good one! Nice bit from Martin Landau.
I watched the WSOP this year. Very fun tournament this year.
Not stopping anytime soon. Thank you.
But I think everyone should be thankful guys like Colin Cowherd do not sports bet. He would get destroyed in the markets. Most ESPN talking head type "experts" wouldn't stand a chance.
Cowherd actually said (3:03) the Seahawks have had “back to back to back” drafts that he really likes. Not quite the “back to back to back to back” drafts that you think he should have said, but closer.
Ah, I misheard or misread that then. Thanks.
Yeah, came to say this. He's agree with SSJ that the last 3 have been good drafts.
Could be subject for another SSJ article: how many teams have 16 of 22 starters from their prior four draft classes:
2022: LT Cross, RT Lucas, ED Mafe, RB1 Walker, SS Bryant, LCB Woolen
2023: LCB Spoon, WR1 JSN, RB2 Charbonnet (or FB Ouzts), RG Bradford
2024: DT Murphy, LB Knight, TE1 Barner, C Sundell (UDFA)
2025: LG Zabel, Nickel/Safety/LB Emmanwori, TE2 Arroyo (or WR3 Horton)
Essentially everyone but Darnold, Kupp, Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed (who is a draft pick), Uchenna/Lawrence, and Julian Love were from the last 4 drafts.
Is this unusual?
Be interesting to see how many from this year's enormous draft class make the 53. Doesn't seem like we've...no...JS has had too many whiffs. Nick E and Elijah Arroyo may take a season to, um, season, but I like our youth, and I like their energy. Also be interesting to see what kinds of bottom of the roster changes we see next week.
Agreeing, sorry I can't type today.
I read the headline to this article ... Then I read the article... But I didn't see any media members changing their tune.
Which media members have changed their opinions?
We all knew that most of these experts don’t bother doing homework. They don’t delve into real analysis of the Seahawks. They read and listen to the soundbites and repeat them as if it’s indisputable. Before preseason started I was predicting 2400+ yards in the rushing game and asked SSJ about it. He pointed out that getting 2400 yards would have been 8th in the NFL last year and he also felt that was within reach. That was before preseason. Given what we’ve seen in the preseason, I think we can do better than that. Perhaps a top 5 rushing team this year provided we don’t get bit by the injury bug on the O-line and RB room. (Beyond losing Kenny Mack) I also felt that an effective rushing game would help the passing game and the defense through time of possession dominance. I just finished watching a Hawks Nest YouTube clip of passes to Ouzts, and the tight ends in obvious running formations in which these receivers were open by at least 5 yards due to the effort of the defense trying to find a way to stop the run. I’m excited. My prediction of a 12 win team will likely be 13 after next Tuesday,
Thanks for the hard work going through all these experts opinions. I just can’t do that myself, it is just too difficult for me to stomach hearing the Seahawks are ranked in the bottom third of the NFL and last in the division.
One overlooked aspect is that we have unexpected depth. Josh Jones has been making us forget that Cross has yet to see the field. The line continues to dominate as the backups come in. A number of players have experience at multiple positions.
The new staff is helping everyone up their game.
The staff...that's what's being underrated as well. Those boys on the line are playing intelligent decisive ball. I'm so impressed so far.