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Randall Murray's avatar

Interesting research. Yes Mike M is new to the big chair, but how many rookies/freshmen has he started/played? Could it be that Haynes isn’t a starter due to coaching thoughts/expectations about “experience”?

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Chris H's avatar

I read SSJ's articles every morning and this was one of your best Ken. Very well constructed.

It's funny how, even though we shouldn't care who wins the competition, many fans do, and coaches and GM's definitely do. I think it's because they mistakenly prioritize being right, over being good. Personal satisfaction over team, which is not a good mindset for a GM or HC. But I think it's common for the 'wrong' player to be elevated to where they want them to be, rather than to where they've earned.

Again, thanks for the excellent story this morning.

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

And in the case of GMs, maybe wanting the cheapest player to be the best

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Brendan Schwartz's avatar

All I want is for our best 5 to separate themselves as leaders who know that the team will go only as far as Both lines take us! If we get 15% better grades in the trenches, we will be a playoff team. I’m counting on Murph and Haynes being quality starters as soon as possible, and then we’ve struck gold. If McClendon can beat out Haynes and Bradford we are already better than expected! Ken, you keep us entertained and informed and that’s a gift. You belong in any capacity in my view. Can you get me some access to Teddy Swims? Random new musical crush. He is the real deal too.

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Hawkman54's avatar

Very interesting to get some background on Curtis. Wish him luck for he comes through that not only helps him but also the team. I don't know about this year but I will bet that Sataoa will eventually earn a spot on that O-line, he is a player.

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Paul G's avatar

“Many times in my life I’ve managed to talk or work my way into places…”

Seaside Joe

“They say that the trick is to walk in backwards like you’re walking out.”

Pete Townshend

I care who starts at right guard to the extent that I prefer that the third-round draft pick not be a bust.

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

Wonderful personal anecdote! Beautifully applied to your topic today!

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Jim Hagen's avatar

You know who else loves an Underdog? Sweet Polly Purebred. Wonderful story. Thanks for writing it and setting it up so nicely.

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Nicholas Donsky's avatar

Glad you liked it.

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Nicholas Donsky's avatar

Who is McClendon Curtis? Who was Jim Zorn ?( a UDF.) Who was Steve Largent ? ( traded for a 7th round draft choice) Who was Dave Krieg ? (a UDF) Who was Doug Baldwin? ( a UDF ) Who was Jerome Kearse? ( a UDF ) Who was Curt Warner? ( a street FA. )

You can measure a player's physical traits but you can't measure a players heart! See JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf. ETC. Why not Curtis ?

Thank God for under dogs.

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

Point of order only, here... I think you meant Kurt Warner. Curt Warner was our RB drafted in the 1st RD out of Penn State in the early 80's. Kurt was the former Iowa Barnstormer from the arena league who was bagging groceries when the rams called him to become a hall of famer.

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Randall Murray's avatar

I was about to post that too. Curt, the last great Penn State RB???, was highly drafted and dang made us a near SB team (along with some great d guys and a slow white receiver).

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Nicholas Donsky's avatar

You're right. Thanks

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

Your point still holds as a good one, though. I, for one, 100% agree

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Charley Filipek's avatar

Maybe Mr. Devon Witherspoon can give some pointers to Mr. McClendon Curtis.

"You've got a lot of strong points, McClendon. This is how I attacked you, clean that up 'n you'll be better. Let's rock this team up together."

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Randall Murray's avatar

My thinking is that Hawks caught site of Curtis M in part when scouting Devon thus picked him up after Raiders jettisoned him. And yes was wondering if the guys talk about that game.

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Now we are on to something!

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Yes!

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Charles R. Dyer's avatar

When I first read that he was on the team, it reminded me of Curtis McClinton. I hadn't had my morning coffee and thought, "They've got his name backwards." I'm 76, so give me a little leeway.

Sounds like he might be a good development player.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

It took me a long time to get over not wanting to call him Curtis McClendon.

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MOBILIZER's avatar

Thanks SJ for highlighting an underdog who might be the junkyard dog the Hawks' OL needs. He seems to pass the 'chip on shoulder' test

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Definitely!

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JIMMY JOHNSON's avatar

Most sports writers right now are 'Yawn/Stretch/Click' folks. Slow news cycle? Not here at Seaside. My bet is this guy's Agent will send this over to him, with more and more players finding Seaside Joe a regular read, especially guys feeling like a Nobody. Great article, Ken. My hope is Trench Players make you their pet sports writer at their closed beer-swilling sessions. 'Fly-on-the-wall' with hilarious stories to tell. Guy stuff instincts. The more they laugh, the better they play. Add more beer.

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Thanks So much Jimmy Johnson!

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Mike Brophy's avatar

How can you not PULL for this guy and his story?? McClendon… Best wishes as you start what we all hope is a great Seahawk career!!!

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Shaymus McFamous's avatar

Am I the only one who read the word "PULL" in Mandy Patinkin's voice as Inigo Montoya from Princess Bride and instintively found themselves searching for a rhyme?

"It seems he is very short on..

. CHARM" "You have a gift rhyme." "Yes, yes... some of the time."

No more rhymes now, I mean it....

"Anybody want a peanut?"

DYAAH!!

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Seaside Joe's avatar

Definitely pulling for him! And the faster he pulls, the closer he is to pushing for a start.

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