This is my follow up to my end of season article located here. Go ahead and check it out first. I will wait. Then we will go through the list and add a few details.
Before I get rolling though, I need to say something to all those people that whine about the NFC West being a dump and that the Seahawks aren’t that good because they play in it. Get over it! It’s not like the team picks where they play. What matters is winning and that is what the Seahawks have done for the last 4 years.
When the 49ers were the dynasty team in the 80s, do you remember who was in the West? That’s right, the Rams, the Falcons and the Saints. Not exactly a powerhouse back then either, was it? I don’t hear anyone complaining about the 49ers not having to play a tough schedule back then.
So, with that little diatribe out of the way, let me lower my blood pressure and begin.
1) Start at the top.
This was the area that got shook up the most in the offseason. Mike Holmgren decided to make this his swan song year. Let us pray that he will not follow his former quarterback’s example. Yes, Brett Favre, I am looking at you. With all due respect, get over yourself and move on. Back to the subject again, the Seahawks immediately named Jim Mora Jr. as the heir apparent.
Excellent move by management, but I was not pleased how the assistant coaches situation was handled. Jim Zorn was long overdue to move from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. It should have been in Seattle. No one predicted head coach for Zorn though. I think Zorn will be a good head coach, although I will be surprised if it is with the Redskins.
2) Prudence in free agency.
One of the things I like about the Hawks management is that they never just sign the big names for the sake of a signing. There is always a plan of action. Take the O-line, an obvious place to upgrade with the big name out there being Alan Faneca. I joined the chorus of voices baying for the team to sign him no matter the cost. The Seahawks decided, however, not to get involved in the Alan Faneca sweepstakes and took Mike Wahle early on in free agency. Another superior move by management, they took an excellent veteran guard that fits our offense, plugging a hole in the line for less than Faneca would have cost. I have heard rumblings that Wahle is getting old but actually, he’s only a couple of months older than Steve Hutchinson.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice analysis. And with Holmgren no doubt hungry to go out with a ring, I like our chances this year for that little sumptin sumptin to get the foul taste of getting robbed at our last SuperBowl out of our mouths. Go Hawks!
-Glen
2 - nicolas
1. you may want to check out the other kicker they signed, OLINDO Mare.
2. how would having shockey have been any more trouble than jerramy stevens? and shockey's a much better player.
3. what does holmgren's last year have to do with playbook changes?
you told a lot, but the team you described doesn't really look a ton better than another 9-7 year
3 - Douglas Mays
they looked good last night in pre-season. really good. I am not too worried about them. this team could go all the way.
WOW. if their new practice facility (best in the league they say) is an inspiration, good!
anyway, we'll see....
4 - Russ Evenhuis
Thanks for the comments! I look forward to a very fun year. As a fan, we'll be riding this wave as long as it goes.
Nicolas, sorry for the spelling, my mistake entirely. Good catch!
To answer your other questions:
2. Stevens isn't with the team anymore and the reason is exactly the same. In the past the Hawks have put up with problem players that produced but since Ruskell took over for Whitsett (I am sure I spelled that name wrong), they have worked hard to get rid of the problem players. Getting Shockey just tells the other players that all that talk and work is meaningless.
3. I think it has quite a bit to do with it actually. Holmgren doesn't have to worry about a contract, not that they would fire him for running the statue of liberty play anyway, but I think that he's going to be looser and more creative with the play calling. Onside kick to start the second half? Why not. Now, he's not going to completely change his stripes but I feel he'll be just a little more relaxed and also more competitive at the same time to go out with another Super Bowl ring.
9-7? Really? How do you figure that? There are some tough games on their schedule for sure, but there is not one of them they can't win. Even the Patriots game because it will be in Seattle is winnable. Remember, the Seahawks almost beat the Patriots a couple of years ago on the road with an arguably weaker team that was the better team on the field that day.
Despite being a homer, I realistically put their record this year at around 12-4 or 11-5. Yes, I really honestly think they are that good.
5 - Andy Marsh
Hey - as a Superbowl Champion NY Giants fan, I have to make a complaint.
How can you call this a football preview and then talk about the Shehawks? Isn't that an oxymoron???
6 - Douglas Mays
9-7? Well, with an attitude like that, you are right.
That sort of attitude with this years Hawks would get you booted OFF the team.
Why not? 11-5 is more realistic of a record. Well, let's hope they don't pull a Mariners out of nowhere. Pre-season darlings sucking deep in the regular season.
Naw, not with Holmgren at the wheel...
I should get my SuperBowl tix today!!!