It’s incredibly difficult to measure every different metric and project rankings without actual play. It can be hard to do mid season!
Your point about coaching really is the tilling factor, I believe. Especially with Carrol-a huge amount of what he does cannot be quantified on paper, but you can see it in year to year individual player development.
There’s too many places on the Seahawks that were above average last year and still got juiced in the offseason.
I have no problem with analysts missing our coach’s greatness or our team’s potential as a juggernaut. Let them remain seated or standing for their meeting with the hawks. It won’t change much :)
I suspect we will be enjoying the following this next season:
JSN will prove to be unguardable and will surpass 85 catches (hauling in only 5 per). His presence will allow Geno to get rid of the ball sooner, which will contribute to better O-line play.
Colby Parkinson will slide into snagging the 4th most receptions, closely followed by an RB.
Geno Smith, further be helped by the running game, will put up MVP-like numbers.
Bobby Wagner/Devin Bush/Jordon Brooks will by Far outplay last year's interior LBs.
Jamal Adams will remind fans why Pete has been so patient with his injuries as a Seahawk.
By nature of Shane Waldren's O producing leads, Clint Hurtt's D will impress with its ability to glean turnovers, producing a top-five take-to-give ratio.
The Seahawks will remain unbeaten at home, thus reigniting the fear teams had when entering Lumen Field.
Fun to think about stuff like this, but I’m a “show me” sort, so I’ll wait on any prognostications until I see a real game or two. Definitely lots to point at and say, this should make us better. I’m not worried about the offence. The one thing I need to see from the defence is the attitude. Show me offences will pay for everything they get. Teams need to not look forward to playing us.
Back in the day, opposing teams had a terrible record the game after playing us, because we exacted such a toll on their offences. That’s what we need to get back to.
That offense is, as Billy Joe Shaver sang in another context, built for speed with the tools you need to make a new fool every [Sun]day! I know I’ve posted this before, but a commitment to Geno was close to meaningless unless that meant getting him more weapons and at least some improvement at center. On paper, Schneider accomplished that*. The Hawks could have a dominant offense in a weak conference.
* Center may not go from 0 to 100, but it should be around the speed limit. As Joe points out, that’s a big improvement.
As I have said before -The O-line should be at least a bit better and if they get true decent play at center(from either or) they will be just fine leading to more sustained drives and points. What I feel is needed (as everyone else) is D play against the run. If they get at least average play there (based on say #14 or 15 rated) and also need and get improved play at the nickel corner ( very much needed) they could surprise allot of people!
I like your choice of Jump teams (though I'm not that high on the Jets). I'd add the Texans to the mix. They had a sneaky good defense last year (12th overal DVOA). I bet Ryans could get at least that (if not more) with Will Anderson. I bet Stroud will have his rookie stumblings, but they could fight for the AFC South. I'm not sure if they're good enough to make the playoffs in a crowded AFC. Could another Jump team be the Steelers? Could Pickett make a breakthrough?
Pete seems happy and less worried about the front-seven now than he did at the end of last season.
If he said anything else I would be shocked. No matter how bad the team is. The preseason is always filled with optimism and hope. My fingers are crossed that he is right.
I'm almost afraid to be overly optimistic with so many trap games on the schedule, and conversely so many difficult match-ups, and the already-present injury bug and a horrible bye week -- Week 5 in a 17-game schedule with back-to-back Thursday Nighters, and no time to breathe after that 4-game gauntlet Niners-Cowboys-Niners-Eagles :-( .
But, I'm with you on the 2nd year jump and I agree people aren't giving it enough weight. When you have 6 rookies with significant snaps as rookies, that's more than 25% of starters (I'm including Mafe) that are going to be materially improved. Is why my real expectations year for Seattle is 2024, when this year's also stellar draft class also has a year under its belt.
And let it not be forgotten that Jarran Reed was a nose tackle in college and started for the 'Hawks there as well, and was very good. Only knock on him was not enough sacks. And Dre'mont Jones. And Bobby Wagner. Three more substantial upgrades. And maybe Edwards is better than Quinton.
This is a dang positive way to start the weekend. I have been thinking we are an 11 win team, which includes splitting with the Rams. If we can get the Rams game 1 without Kupp the opportunity is there for a possible sweep. One win against the 49ers and a win over the Cowboys would come at no better point in the season, insuring a strong finish. Going into the playoffs with confidence being sky high is where we want to be. Julian Love if injury free will make a big difference on defense and add to an already good special teams. The wild card is Jamal Adams. If he can play 85 to 90% of his talent the defense will make "the jump."
JSN maybe a baby faced good looking kid, but he is an absolute dog. He believes he should be right where he is. His brother is a professional baseball player for the Pirates. Every interview I hear with him makes me believe in his confidence. Also I think his all round game is better than most 1st year rookies. He ran a 4.52, 40 yard dash. I am almost certain he is closer to 4.4. When he ran he had not played a competitive game in a long time. I don't think it was possible for him to run close to his best. Tyler Lockett is sharing his wisdom with the young superstar. After that look at the speed of DK, Tyler, k9, and I would have said Dee Eskridge. The point is the pieces are in place for the jump. If we can go 4and 2 in our division things will go well.
I’ve identified through an exact scientific and mathematical process known as — “I think so” —
I ABSOLUTELY love this line!!!
Good article Kenneth. One thing I feel is that Geno is one of the absolute keys to The Jump. He has to demonstrate that last year was not a one year fluke, that he has grown and matured and is capable of running what looks like a pretty darn good and high powered offense. He cannot have the "sophomore" jinx this year.
It’s incredibly difficult to measure every different metric and project rankings without actual play. It can be hard to do mid season!
Your point about coaching really is the tilling factor, I believe. Especially with Carrol-a huge amount of what he does cannot be quantified on paper, but you can see it in year to year individual player development.
There’s too many places on the Seahawks that were above average last year and still got juiced in the offseason.
I have no problem with analysts missing our coach’s greatness or our team’s potential as a juggernaut. Let them remain seated or standing for their meeting with the hawks. It won’t change much :)
I suspect we will be enjoying the following this next season:
JSN will prove to be unguardable and will surpass 85 catches (hauling in only 5 per). His presence will allow Geno to get rid of the ball sooner, which will contribute to better O-line play.
Colby Parkinson will slide into snagging the 4th most receptions, closely followed by an RB.
Geno Smith, further be helped by the running game, will put up MVP-like numbers.
Bobby Wagner/Devin Bush/Jordon Brooks will by Far outplay last year's interior LBs.
Jamal Adams will remind fans why Pete has been so patient with his injuries as a Seahawk.
By nature of Shane Waldren's O producing leads, Clint Hurtt's D will impress with its ability to glean turnovers, producing a top-five take-to-give ratio.
The Seahawks will remain unbeaten at home, thus reigniting the fear teams had when entering Lumen Field.
Fun to think about stuff like this, but I’m a “show me” sort, so I’ll wait on any prognostications until I see a real game or two. Definitely lots to point at and say, this should make us better. I’m not worried about the offence. The one thing I need to see from the defence is the attitude. Show me offences will pay for everything they get. Teams need to not look forward to playing us.
Back in the day, opposing teams had a terrible record the game after playing us, because we exacted such a toll on their offences. That’s what we need to get back to.
That offense is, as Billy Joe Shaver sang in another context, built for speed with the tools you need to make a new fool every [Sun]day! I know I’ve posted this before, but a commitment to Geno was close to meaningless unless that meant getting him more weapons and at least some improvement at center. On paper, Schneider accomplished that*. The Hawks could have a dominant offense in a weak conference.
* Center may not go from 0 to 100, but it should be around the speed limit. As Joe points out, that’s a big improvement.
As I have said before -The O-line should be at least a bit better and if they get true decent play at center(from either or) they will be just fine leading to more sustained drives and points. What I feel is needed (as everyone else) is D play against the run. If they get at least average play there (based on say #14 or 15 rated) and also need and get improved play at the nickel corner ( very much needed) they could surprise allot of people!
I like your choice of Jump teams (though I'm not that high on the Jets). I'd add the Texans to the mix. They had a sneaky good defense last year (12th overal DVOA). I bet Ryans could get at least that (if not more) with Will Anderson. I bet Stroud will have his rookie stumblings, but they could fight for the AFC South. I'm not sure if they're good enough to make the playoffs in a crowded AFC. Could another Jump team be the Steelers? Could Pickett make a breakthrough?
A Seahawks vs Jets Super Bowl would be filled with all kinds of great story lines. I'm just saying...
This is my vote.
Pete seems happy and less worried about the front-seven now than he did at the end of last season.
If he said anything else I would be shocked. No matter how bad the team is. The preseason is always filled with optimism and hope. My fingers are crossed that he is right.
How much would they need to improve to make "the leap" instead of "the jump"?
Great question. Could see the Lions leaping, but the Seahawks jumping, and the Giants doing jumping jacks.
I'm almost afraid to be overly optimistic with so many trap games on the schedule, and conversely so many difficult match-ups, and the already-present injury bug and a horrible bye week -- Week 5 in a 17-game schedule with back-to-back Thursday Nighters, and no time to breathe after that 4-game gauntlet Niners-Cowboys-Niners-Eagles :-( .
But, I'm with you on the 2nd year jump and I agree people aren't giving it enough weight. When you have 6 rookies with significant snaps as rookies, that's more than 25% of starters (I'm including Mafe) that are going to be materially improved. Is why my real expectations year for Seattle is 2024, when this year's also stellar draft class also has a year under its belt.
And let it not be forgotten that Jarran Reed was a nose tackle in college and started for the 'Hawks there as well, and was very good. Only knock on him was not enough sacks. And Dre'mont Jones. And Bobby Wagner. Three more substantial upgrades. And maybe Edwards is better than Quinton.
This is a much better team on paper.
Totally agree to be cautiously optimistic. It’s one week at a time.
Might as well JUMP! Go ahead and jump!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7q_12tYZdA
This is a dang positive way to start the weekend. I have been thinking we are an 11 win team, which includes splitting with the Rams. If we can get the Rams game 1 without Kupp the opportunity is there for a possible sweep. One win against the 49ers and a win over the Cowboys would come at no better point in the season, insuring a strong finish. Going into the playoffs with confidence being sky high is where we want to be. Julian Love if injury free will make a big difference on defense and add to an already good special teams. The wild card is Jamal Adams. If he can play 85 to 90% of his talent the defense will make "the jump."
JSN maybe a baby faced good looking kid, but he is an absolute dog. He believes he should be right where he is. His brother is a professional baseball player for the Pirates. Every interview I hear with him makes me believe in his confidence. Also I think his all round game is better than most 1st year rookies. He ran a 4.52, 40 yard dash. I am almost certain he is closer to 4.4. When he ran he had not played a competitive game in a long time. I don't think it was possible for him to run close to his best. Tyler Lockett is sharing his wisdom with the young superstar. After that look at the speed of DK, Tyler, k9, and I would have said Dee Eskridge. The point is the pieces are in place for the jump. If we can go 4and 2 in our division things will go well.
If the Seahawks can make the JUMP this year, what gas, gas, gas that would be!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_p81Z0itUo
I’ve identified through an exact scientific and mathematical process known as — “I think so” —
I ABSOLUTELY love this line!!!
Good article Kenneth. One thing I feel is that Geno is one of the absolute keys to The Jump. He has to demonstrate that last year was not a one year fluke, that he has grown and matured and is capable of running what looks like a pretty darn good and high powered offense. He cannot have the "sophomore" jinx this year.
Thanks Stu!