MARSHAWN: GET YOUR BUTT UP TO THE VMAC

Marshawn Lynch's Quirky Side Must Take A Break, But Not Marshawn

The Seattle Seahawks are going through the second phase of their Organized Team Activities (OTA’s) this time with players and coaches on the field together.  Two years ago the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) agreed on between the NFL owners and the NFL players Association (NFLPA), changed the way that the off-season programs would be constructed, allowing players more personal time during the off-season and among other changes, eliminated “2-A-Days” requiring players to practice both in a morning session and an afternoon session.  Primarily veterans are opposed to the longer training camp and more strenuous practice sessions, but the NFL owners and coaches are finding the new CBA training schedule to be limiting and prohibitive to putting together a team ready for the preseason contests as well as the first regular-season football game in September.  The players… They’re loving the shorter practices and extended off-season.  Especially one particular Seahawks running back, the truculent and interview resistant Marshawn Lynch.  Lynch has always been a bit camera shy, or probably more accurately, he hates the media and getting an interview with him is harder than tackling him in the defensive secondary.

The Seahawks have one of the most formidable and deep rosters in football this year and several NFL sources have picked Seattle as an early favorite to win Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey.  ESPN rated Seattle number one in their power ranking system before free agency, before the NFL draft and now after all the preseason events off the field have concluded, the Seattle Seahawks are still sitting on top of the transparent hill of greatness, according to media sources online, in newspapers and magazines and most NFL television programs.  There is however, an argument brewing on who is actually the better football team, the Seattle Seahawks or the San Francisco 49ers.  Both teams play in the NFC West which has turned from worst to first regarding the league strength of all for division teams.  It was just two years ago that the NFC West was considered a dismal mess of mediocre football and regarded as subpar with the rest of the NFL divisions in both conferences.  A lot changes in a short period of time in the NFL and the NFC West is no exception to that rule.  From top to bottom, NFC West teams are of the most bruising and physical teams in football and their offensive power is now unmatched by any division in football.  The Seattle Seahawks put up 150 point ingest a three-game span, slaughtering the Cardinals 58-0, then brutalizing the Buffalo Bills in Toronto 50-17 and then embarrassing the rival 49ers at CenturyLink field in a total domination beating 42-13.  However, things are tightening up in the NFC West and in a real hurry.

Last season, the St. Louis Rams had a 4-1-1 record in the division, losing only to the Seahawks in Seattle in the last game of the season.  The Arizona Cardinals started the season winning four straight games and looking every bit a tough team defensively and as long as Larry Fitzgerald is running down the field, their offense is always dangerous.  However, the Cardinals playing without a true starting quarterback faltered down the stretch losing ten of their last eleven games.  The 49ers, however, were the best football team in the NFC West for the 2012 season if you consider simply their win-loss record.  They won eleven games, lost four and tied the Rams taking the West division by one half game over the Seattle Seahawks.  The 49ers also advanced through the NFC West playoffs representing the NFC in Super Bowl XLVII.  The Seahawks had a fantastic season as well, winning eleven games and losing only five, including an undefeated season at home in Seattle (8-0) in front of their most valued 12^th man, all 65,000 strong at CenturyLink Field.  It was a bittersweet season for the Seahawks who lost the division championship by one half of a game, even after throttling the champs 42-13 in Seattle sending the 49ers back to the bay with their tails between their collective legs in shame.

But now it’s a new season and all for NFC West teams are much improved and that’s bad news for the rest of the NFL.  There isn’t a weak team in this division and with the additions of; veteran QB Carson Palmer in Arizona, veteran WR Anquan Boldin in San Francisco, and rookie sensation WR Tavon Austin in St. Louis, the Seahawks are going to have their hands full trying to regain their superiority in the NFC West division.  It’s safe to say that all for teams in the division have bolstered their rosters significantly through the draft and in signing key players through the free agency market.  All four teams are well coached and their players all compete with pride game in and game out.

Is clear who rules the NFC West division however.  The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have dug deep trenches in their resolve to dominate the best division in football.  Gone are the days of the former great rivalries; Patriots vs. Ravens, Redskins vs. Cowboys and Giants vs. Eagles and Packers vs. Bears.  The greatest football rivalry in the NFL has become the Seattle Seahawks vs. the San Francisco 49ers.  This has become a game to put on your calendar, twice.  Whether or not this game is in Candlestick or the deafening noise of CenturyLink Field, these teams show up with giant resentment toward each other and a loyalistic sense of allegiance to their head coaches who clearly don’t care for each other.  It’s personal, and that’s the way these gridiron warriors play from the first whistle, until the last.  Pushing and shoving often starts before the flip of the coin and neither of these teams will flinch, showing absolutely zero apprehension or fear.  Both the Seahawks and the 49ers look forward to this game more than any other on the schedule.  Where, when or whether or not the game is televised nationally, simply doesn’t matter to these players. They could line this game up in a gravel pit, with tree branches for goalposts, and car headlights to illuminate the field, and it wouldn’t matter.  It’s a battle for the West title and all bets are off, and rules are relevant, if you can get away with it.  The coaching rivalry goes back to the Pacific coast conference when Pete Carroll led his USC Trojans against Jim Harbaugh and his Stanford Cardinals.  The two games between these two Titans of the NFC are going to be bruising, physical and hard-hitting.  Lots of ice baths and bandages will be waiting for both the Seahawks and 49ers after the decisions of these games have been made and the outcome of each will be crucial along their path to the playoffs.

Now, my main point of this column comes into view.  As these two teams prepare for the upcoming season, every bit of planning and practicing becomes more crucial and every repetition and every bit of focus gained or lost makes a difference for the opportunity to execute each play and each potential defensive stop or take away.  So, why is Marshawn Lynch sitting at home in his Oakland hometown while the rest of his football team is hard at work preparing to take on the best football teams in the NFL, hopefully on the way to an NFC championship and a chance for a home-field playoff advantage?

Several radio hosts have discussed the implications of Lynch choosing not to participate in the voluntary OTA’s currently taking place in Seattle.  Apparently, this is nothing new for the probable running back who just posted his career-best in yards gained from scrimmage.  Many have suggested that Marshawn has earned the right to be absent from these conditioning events.  His personality is a bit quirky and of course his success over the last three years can’t be denied, but the difference between great running backs and Super Bowl champion running backs is the willingness and the ability to do what other players can’t or won’t do.  It simply a matter of drive and desire and when a player decides to sit in his living room while his compatriots sweat and work at the training facility in Renton, it looks bad for him, the coaching staff and the football teams desire to be the best.  I don’t care if Marshawn has terrible back spasms and can’t work out with the team.  He needs to get off his butt and get onto a plane and fly up to Seattle to be with his teammates, even if all he does is show his face as a sign of solidarity and resolve to take this team to a higher level than the night they stood on the sidelines in Detroit at Super Bowl XLI the lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  This football team is hundreds of times better than that Super Bowl football team and I contend that it is better coached and better quarterback led then that team in 2005.

Here’s the question?  Is Frank Gore working out with his teammates in their voluntary workout in Santa Clara?  How about Adrian Peterson in Mankato, Albert Morris in Richmond, Doug Martin in Tampa, Steven Jackson in Flowery Branch, or DeMarco Murray in Oxnard?

These are the questions that Marshawn Lynch should be asking himself and he should be answering by showing up at the involuntary conditioning OTA at the Renton training facility with the rest of his Seahawks teammates.  It’s time for Marshawn Lynch being a veteran leader that he is and when a rookie running back like Christine Michael says that he can’t wait to get to training camp so that he could learn from one of his idols, that’s the moment that should have stirred something inside of Lynch and college him to get off the sofa in his Oakland estate and acted like the leader that he should.

It’s time for the rest of the Seattle Seahawks and Lynch to decide if they are ready to take the next step and take separate them control of the NFC West and answer the calls and expectations of the rest of the football nation expecting the Seahawks to represent the NFC and Super Bowl XLVIII. 

WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE PETE AND JOHN?

Curiosity is killing Seahawks fans with just eight days before the 2013 NFL Draft

Seattle Seahawks Prepare For Draft

Seattle Seahawks have big questions to answer as the NFL draft approaches, now just nine days away.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider has made an indelible mark on the Seattle franchise taking just three years to turn a disintegrating roster back into a team poised to battle for another division title and now great expectations to do much more.

Since head coach Pete Carroll and John Schneider took the helm in 2010, guiding the Seahawks franchise back to the glory years of yesteryear, they have made over 300 player transactions removing the overpaid, aging veterans and replacing them with fast, athletic, physical, and above all, versatile players.  One of the main focuses that coach Carroll brought with him to Seattle was a clear, specific ideology of how to assemble and develop a collection of men with a common goal of winning and being willing to do the big and small things that losing football teams aren't.  His plan was not simply stocking the roster with the best athletes available.  Instead, his aim was to find special athletes with unique skill sets that he could work with and to develop, building a team of athletes that fit into his brand of the game.  More importantly; coach Carroll and like-minded GM Schneider, have dedicated themselves to seek out young men who can fully buy into a philosophy of always competing and a way of thinking positively and following a specific plan of action that will always lead to success in not only the game of football, but in life.

One of the players that literally caused Carroll and Schneider's philosophy to swerve, was the opportunity to sign one of the most game changing, dynamic and versatile players in football today.  Percy Harvin became an unrestricted free-agent this year, and the Seahawks made sure that it wasn't for long.  John Schneider cut his teeth under the mentorship of long time Packers general manager Ted Thompson.  Thompson believed that you build a championship football team, not by signing several high-priced, high profile superstars, but by targeting special players in the college draft that fit within a narrow scope of desired characteristics and abilities that's fit a certain construct for your football team. Thompson wanted to compile, through the draft, a team built with young, dynamic players that, (with a high level of certainty), will become special in some way and (like Schneider) not necessarily measurable talent of the more objective, tangible tests like; 40 yard time, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle time and benchpress. For Carroll and Schneider, Percy Harvin was that exception to the rule.  That exception cost the Seahawks this year's 1st and 7th round picks and their 2014 3rd roundpick.  In addition to the draft selections, training for and signing Harvin will cost Paul Allen $67 million over six years.  There are certain incentives in the totality of that contract, but the way that Harvin plays it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't earn every penny of it.  The Seahawks only guaranteed $32 million of the contract, but that is still a huge chunk of money and a lot affecting Seattle's salary-cap limit.  The point I'm trying to illustrate, is that with a coach and general manager that don't believe in spending your way to a championship, they must have believed that Percy Harvin is one special, dynamic and versatile football player that could very well catapult Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense to a lethal level higher than the Seahawks have ever achieved before. Yesterday, the website "Bleacher Report" created a list of the top rated wide receivers in the NFL for 2013.  The only wide receiver right higher than Percy Harvin was the $140 million man, Calvin Johnson, widely believed to be the best pure athlete in the game.  Number two on that list is the Seattle Seahawks newest receiver, 26-year-old Percy Harvin.  If you only go by this very unscientific list of talented, dangerous, dominant, game changing wide receivers in the NFL, Harvin isn't overpaid.

The Seahawks front office duo weren't through surprising the football world with bold moves in acquiring free-agent talent.  Just a few days after shocking most everyone with the Harvin trade, the Seahawks made another aggressive move in signing the highest rated defensive free-agent available, pass rushing defensive end Cliff Avril.  Then, one day later Michael Bennett, another pass rushing defensive end, highly regarded for defensive teams looking for a strong D lineman was snatched up by the Seahawks.  But, the free-agent stingy Seahawks still weren't through.  A few days later another free-agent defensive end, Tony McDaniel, was signed to a contract with the Hawks.  At this point, it was expected that Seattle would sit and quietly wait for the college draft, just two weeks away.  NOT! Schneider and Carroll decided to make it a "Fab 5" by going after and out negotiating the Patriots, 49ers, Redskins, Lions and even the Minnesota Vikings for the services of, Antoine Winfield, the best slot corner in the game today.  Winfield played the last nine seasons in Minnesota, who badly wanted him back, but were forced to release him due to his $7.25 million salary he was expected to make in the final year of his contract. The Vikings offered him more guaranteed money than the Seahawks or any of the teams trying to sign Winfield, but he chose Seattle, moving himself and his family to the Pacific Northwest and the chance to play with the most complete football team in the NFL and an opportunity to challenge for an NFL championship.

I could go on and on, tossing up all sorts of statistical prowess for each of the new Seahawks acquisitions, but trust me… The Seahawks have made some of the best moves for a football team that I have seen in a very long time.  Not only have PC & JS negotiated to bring some of the best players in the NFL to come to Seattle, they've done it in a manner that won't hamstring the franchise for years to come like you see from so many other teams that go after a prize regardless of the cost or how the future will be affected.  Percy Harvin notwithstanding, Seattle's signings have been done in a very economical manner, inking Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel and Antoine Winfield to short, very team friendly contract.  This is a football team that recognizes its nucleus of talent and has planned in earnest to avoid as much lost a free agency as is humanly possible in today's game where money is kingpin and team loyalty is a vanishing phenomenon.  Even the Percy Harvin signing was a controlled risk.  The Seahawks have seen the effects of Harvin being overused and under protected and they plan to eliminate those scenarios that caused him to sacrifice his body in the name of gaining every inch possible.  Some of the instincts of Harvin may be impossible to train out of him, but it is possible to utilize him in a manner that gives him more open field to run and less risk of putting him in the countless unprotected receiving lanes that he was subject to so many times while in Minnesota.  Harvin hasn't been seriously injured before, just sustaining a high ankle sprain last year while he was in Seattle traveling with his team then, the Vikings.  He has also had a history of debilitating migraine headaches, keeping him off the field for nonfootball related reasons.  Harvin has reportedly been treated by a physician for his migraines and has gone two seasons without suffering any of these chronic and acute headaches.  There have been scattered reports also that Harvin was a malcontent in Minnesota, having sideline arguments with other players and Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.  He is a fierce competitor and was unhappy with, not only the play of quarterback Christian Ponder, but also the erratic and unstructured play calling of Minnesota's offensive coordinator, Bill Musgrave and head coach, Frazier.  The complicated dynamics that were present in Minnesota, while Harvin was there, just aren't a problem in Seattle with the Seahawks.  I would be much more concerned if he were going to a team with an inexperienced and ineffective quarterbacks with poor leadership skills and the complication of a combined separation of philosophy between head coach and offensive coordinator  However, Harvin playing for Pete Carroll who has a history of simply removing players that don't fit his philosophy of football and with an up-and-coming quarterback like Russell Wilson who is a tireless worker, a meticulously prepared and fiercely competitive quarterback who is never outdone by anyone on the field or in the film room, I don't worry about Harvin's competitiveness outdoing anyone on this football team.  Minnesota is a team without an identity right now.  They have a fantastic running back in Adrian Peterson, but he is more of a player who leads by example, not one to take a player aside and bring him back into the team fold with one common goal of winning football games.  One of many leaders on the Seahawks team is capable of straightening out Percy Harvin if the need was ever presented.  Max Unger, John Moffitt, Michael Robinson, Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright or any of Seattle's for defensive backs are completely confident and carry the weight of an impact leader that can put any player in his place immediately on or off the football field.  Seattle has a clear and definite leadership nucleus and Russell Wilson is at the head of the class, naturally.  Seattle presents an accomplished head coach who carries an air of authority and a clear philosophy. They have a clear leader and performer at quarterback and a team with a clear identity and common goal of excellence and the expectation of success against every team in the NFL, home or away.  Seattle also has three familiar characters for Harvin, Sydney Rice, Antoine Winfield and Darrell Bevell, the offense of coordinator in Minnesota when Harvin was still with the Vikings.  Bevell understands Harvin and knows how to use his tremendous ability and versatility to create mismatches with every single team that Seattle will face this season.  This gives you a sense of security for the draft picks lost and the $67 million potentially spent bringing Harvin to Seattle.  On any other team, I think I would feel more nervous about bringing a player who has had issues with his former team.

So, where do the Seahawks go from here and what are their needs in terms of personnel to fill any potential weaknesses or lack of depth in their lineup?  This is the burning question that coach Carroll and GM Schneider will be evaluating as the college football draft approaches on April 25.  Again, Seattle won't have their natural draft selection in the first round (25th overall), so they will turn their focus to their second round pick (56th overall).  The Seahawks aren't completely without need.  Like every other team in the NFL, the Seahawks would like to improve in some areas and replaced players they have lost through free agency or players that just weren't able to get the job done for one reason or another.  The first thing for PC and JS would be to evaluate every position on the team and determine whether or not it is prudent to fortify starting positions with existing roster players, or if they need to address each situation aggressively through the draft or with veteran free-agents after the draft has concluded.

Linebacker is the position that stands out most as the position Seattle needs to address before the regular-season begins.  Leroy Hill is probably not going to be offered a contract after so many off the field problems and the fact that he is now 30 years old and has very little tread left on his tires, so to speak.  KJ Wright has engraved his name on the left outside linebacker (Sam), while the inside linebacker (Mike) is in good hands with Bobby Wagner having such a sensational rookie year at that position. That leaves the (Will) or left weak side linebacking spot open for competition.  Down the stretch and in the playoffs, Malcolm Smith gained more playing time on the field and did an admirable job against the run, but his coverage skills needed to be improved.  Mike Morgan also had increased backup play, but proved to be more of a backup and special teams player.  So, it seems that Ken Norton Jr., the Seahawks linebacking coach, would like another bookend linebacker the quality of Wright and Wagner to finish the set.  There are many good outside linebackers in this year's draft and I think that is where the Seattle Seahawks will choose first when the 56th pick comes along.  The Seahawks have 10 selections in the draft, but very few places on the roster where a rookie could fit in to the 53 man group at the end of training camp.  Therefore, I think it's highly probable that the Seahawks will make an attempt to trade up in the draft and get a player may feel that could help them get over the hump this year, if they haven't already.  Jumping back into the first round is costly, but I could see Schneider pulling off some tricks to get closer to the front of the second round.  There are a few linebackers I believe Seattle has in their crosshairs and most of them are expected to be picked in the early second round.  Players like;  Arthur Brown from Kansas State, Khaseem Greene from Rutgers, Cornelius Washington from Georgia and Jamie Collins from Southern Mississippi.  It is possible that Seattle could still pick in all offensive lineman if the right players there or more likely, a speedy wide receiver who can play flanker and a receiver outside the numbers.  Seattle lacks a real legitimate downfield threat that can take the top off the defense, creating open lanes in the intermediate portion of the field where Percy Harvin, Golden Tate, Sidney Rice and Doug Baldwin and tight end Zach Miller excel the most. The Seahawks are likely to draft (not necessarily in this order) linebacker×2, defensive end×2, wide receiver×2, offensive tackle, cornerback, safety and quarterback.

In my experience, I've learned that it is futile to try to figure out what John Schneider and Pete Carroll are going to do with their draft selections.  As I mentioned earlier, they warned the press and fans that they would likely not be very aggressive in the free-agent market this year, only to have them outdo everyone in the NFL in terms of success, and only second in numbers to the Miami Dolphins.  One thing I think is safe to say, Seattle got better after their acquisitions of; Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril, Antoine Winfield, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel and a couple of other players picked up along the way, WR Brett Swain, DB Will Blackmon and former basketball player signed to play tight end, Dan Fells.  The Seahawks roster was already considered a Super Bowl contender before bringing a single free-agent to the roster.  John Schneider made some great additions and he did it in a manner that doesn't drown the franchise in huge contracts for years to come.

Seattle has a lot to do on the field, and most of us already know that, now it's time for them to go through a long training camp and season, then we can start thinking about what will happen in postseason.  Right now, the Seahawks goal is to win the NFC West and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.  One of those things is required for Super Bowl and the latter?  Well, that just makes things a lot more homey for our Seattle Seahawks to take us all to the next level.  The 49ers look like a very good team again this year, and I wish the media would already attempt to put Seattle in the Super Bowl before the ever get a chance to finish the regular season.  Everyone remembers the so-called "Dream Team" in Philadelphia.  After Vince Young declared them the greatest, they proceeded to go 8-8 with no trip to the playoffs at all.  I don't want to see that happen to the Seattle Seahawks, but something tells me that the leaders on this football team and coaching staff will avoid those pitfalls.  Vince Young didn't know it at the time, I imagine, but he sent out a warning to every team in the NFL that you don't count your chickens before they've hatched.

I don't do predictions for the Seahawks winning or losing, or exactly who they will pick in the draft or whether or not they will win the Super Bowl.  I will however give one prediction…

Pete Carroll and John Schneider are somewhere in the world rubbing a crystal ball, shaking a magic eight ball, laying down taro cards and laying hands on the Ouija board.  How else could they be this accurate picking players in the draft after the first round?  This is all too sophisticated for a rabbits foot or crossing fingers, besides… Everyone knows those things don't work, right?

NFL LAYOFFS: WHO STAYS? WHO GOES?

With the Seahawks bringing on so much talent through free agency and with 10 selections remaining for Seattle in the upcoming college football draft, who will be the odd men out?

The Seahawks ended the 2012 season with a few holes in their roster and some work to do in the off-season to determine where the replacements or improvements could be made.  Seattle's first glaring weakness after losing to the Atlanta Falcons in their second postseason game in Georgia was focused on the pass rush.  Playing without Chris Clemons on the right end shown to be a major weakness for the Seahawks.  Seattle's defense tallied zero sacks on Atlanta's Matt Ryan and there were few hurries even made by the Seahawks.  This is the primary reason that the Seahawks lost that game and no one knows it more than GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll.

So, the duo decided to bring in some defensive line help and they did it in incredible fashion.  Their first signing for defensive line help was former Detroit Lion defensive end Cliff Avril, the number one rated defensive player in free agency.  Schneider didn't waste much time signing Michael Bennett a day later, Bennett being another high-value defensive pass rushing lineman.  A few days later, Schneider brought in defensive tackle from Miami, Tony McDaniel, a huge presence in the middle of the line at 6'7" and 300 pounds.  The question is now, what will Seattle do in the draft and if they bring in a couple of hotshot defensive lineman as rookies, what will happen to some of them role players who either didn't play much last year or didn't play at all.    Jaye Howard was a fourth-round selection in the 2012 draft, but showed a disturbing lack of effort and preparedness to play at the pro level.  Motor problems had followed him through college at Florida State, but Seattle's front office thought his talent potential could be coached and honed to work at the pro level.  So far, the jury's out on Howard.  He has the talent, but not the motor… So far.  Greg Scruggs, another 2012 draftee for Seattle and showed some real promise later in the season playing a large role while Red Bryant was nursing a sore injured foot and in the last postseason game of the season, Scruggs filled in for pass rushing phenom Chris Clemons.  With as many great free-agent and the potential addition of more defensive line help from the draft, Scruggs and Howard are going to have to elevate their performance this off-season and through training camp to find a spot on the 53 man roster and it will be a daunting task considered the additions just through the free-agent period.  shortly, they will be more competitors for the D line after draft selections are collected by Schneider and Carroll.

Seattle will also have to make decisions in the defensive backfield.  The Seahawks have hands down the best defensive secondary in football.  With Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor at the free and strong safety positions, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman holding down the corners, that leaves; Jeremy Lane, Walter Thurmond, Byron Maxwell, Winston Guy, D'Shaun Shead and now the newly signed veteran, Antoine Winfield.  Again, the Seahawks will draft for depth at the position and that means there will be cuts to players who have established themselves to a certain extent with the starters.  Walter Thurmond is a great corner, but is also injury prone.  Byron Maxwell is a young player, but also has struggled with some nagging injuries.  In 2012, Jeremy Lane proved to be a godsend, holding down the right corner spot as Brandon Browner served his four-game suspension for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug, Adderall.  Toward the end of the year, Winston Guy got some playtime, but his performance was questionable, but he also missed part of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy on performance-enhancing drugs.  There are going to be some difficult cuts to be made for Pete Carroll this off-season. Some of the existing players on Seattle's roster are good enough to start, but injuries have caused them to play inconsistently.  I think Jeremy Lane and Antoine Winfield are the most safe to make the 2013 roster, but for Maxwell, Thurmond, Guy, Shead and Jeron Johnson, they will have to fight and compete to stay around on a team with this much talent.

Linebacker will be a very competitive position for Seattle during training camp this season.  KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner are both solid starters at the Sam and Mike positions, but the Will Linebacker well be very competitive.  Last year Leroy Hill and Malcolm Smith split time on the right side.  Leroy Hill will likely not be offered a contract after his brushes with the law and the fact that he doesn't fit the athleticism necessary to play on a Pete Carroll defense.  Malcolm Smith played well, but was totally outshined by Wagner and Wright.  The Seahawks will be addressing the outside linebacker position on the right immediately in the draft, I believe.  There are several good linebackers in this draft class and I believe it is without a doubt the most glaring spot that needs to be filled with a stud linebacker like; Cornelius Washington or Khaseem Green who are both athletic freaks that totally falling to the Pete Carroll model of the great outside linebacker.  There are others, but I think those two are definitely on the Seahawks radar as possible picks in the second round.  If it looks like the player that the Seahawks want will be snatched up before they select at the 56th pick in the second round, don't be surprised if Schneider and Carol don't pull off some sort of way of moving up in the second round or even into the first round to get their man.  Other linebackers who contribute on special teams might be able to make this roster based on their physical style of playing on kickoff and punt coverage.  Health Farwell has made his living on special teams as has Mike Morgan, another linebacker who has also put in some time on the defense.  All of these players are hard workers and won't give up their spots on the roster easily; Kyle Knox, Allen Bradford, and Korey Toomer will be battling it out to stick, also.  Likely, the players who will likely remain are; Malcolm Smith, Mike Morgan and HeathFarwell as backups, before the draft.  After the draft, who knows?

Wide receivers on this football team will have to struggle to stay around Carroll's roster this year.  Percy Harvin will be a lock as well as Golden Tate and Sidney Rice. However, the slot position will be a fierce competition.  If Doug Baldwin can return to his healthy body and his pass catching form of 2011, he will also stay on the roster, but the Seahawks fully intend to solve any pass receiving problems through the draft and shortly after the draft when some players may not make it on with other teams.  Phil Bates, Brett Swain and Charly Martin will be hopeful backups and Stephen Williams, Brian Walters and Jermaine Kearse are also longshots to make the roster.  This will be a very interesting position to watch during the draft and especially during training camp.  Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell intend to open up the playbook more for Russell Wilson which means more of an aerial game.  Not a ton of change, after all, this team makes its way down the field on the legs of Marshawn Lynch, combined with Russell's aerial attack.  It's still going to be a physical team running the ball up the gut.

Running back is mostly set for the Seahawks, however I do look for them to pick up one or two more running backs in the draft or shortly after.  There are a lot of quality running backs in college and therefore there will be a lot of undrafted ball carriers that have a lot of skill.  Right now, it's Marshawn Lynch taking the bulk of the carries, but also look for Robert Turbin and Michael Robinson to get more touches than before.  Beast Mode is still the man with the rock!

Finally, special-teams players.  Clint Gresham is the teams only long snapper and well make the roster based on that niche skill.  He's also a decent blocker and makes nice tight spiral snaps for the punter and holder for place kicking services.  The punter, Jon Ryan, could have been the teams MVP a couple of years ago.  He has a master and pinning teams inside the 10 yard line and has nothing to worry about losing his job, unless his hamstring injury last year persists.  The placekicker position is not resolved as of now.  Steven Haushcka, will likely not return to Seattle. A 50 yard field goal was an adventure for him and the Seahawks are going to need every point they can muster in the NFC West where games could be quite close and in those games a kicker is a coach's best friend, until after the game.  Carson Wiggs was a rookie last year, but might be ready to take the next step with the Seahawks.  He is a free agent and has the seal of approval from Pete Carroll and Jon Schneider, so far.  If Seattle doesn't trade is picks, you could look for Seattle to take a kicker in the seventh round with perhaps their final selection.  Seattle possesses three fourth-round selections.

So, you can see that the Seattle Seahawks have very few holes to fill and many players are going to find themselves out of work this coming August.  It's a shame, but this is the business of which they have chosen… It is tough and it is competitive and not everyone will still have a job.

11 of 11 Seahawks offensive starters in 2012 are returning for the 2013 Season.  Nine of 11 starters… This is a packed football team and with five new free-agent signings, this will only make it more difficult.  Seattle Washington has become a destination for great football players

JUST DO IT! SEAHAWKS SIGN CB WINFIELD!

Antoine Winfield joins Seahawks "Legion of Boom!"

The Seattle Seahawks aren't testing the free-agent waters simply with a toe… They're doing a "Full-On Cannonball" into the deep blue ocean of available UFA's.

The latest "Fresh Catch of the Day" for Pete Carroll and John Schneider and the Hawks; Pro bowl corner Antoine Winfield.

Winfield recently made visits with the Patriots, Redskins, 49ers, and Seahawks, and was also mulling over the possibility of returning to the Minnesota Vikings, his employer for the last nine seasons.  After taking nearly five days to choose his next team for 2013, he finally decided that the offer from the Seattle Seahawks was best for he and his family, but it was a difficult decision for him, for sure;

"It was a very tough decision for me because of the relationships that I have in Minnesota," Winfield told reporters. "I've been there nine years. I've had some really great coaches, teammates and fans there. I'm very grateful to the Vikings organization for my experience.

"I'm definitely excited about the opportunity to play in Seattle. They're a great football team. Those guys did an excellent job last season. They're young, athletic and energetic. I'm excited to play with Richard (Sherman), Brandon (Browner), Kam (Chancellor) and Earl (Thomas) because they're some of the most talented players on defense in the NFL right now." - Antoine Winfield.

The Seahawks already had the best defensive secondary in football, before signing the free-agent corner.  Now, with the addition of Winfield-- planning to throw the football against the Seahawks' set of five DB's is bordering on foolishness or perhaps complete insanity.  All-Pro corner, Richard Sherman, leads this group of punishing defenders including starters; C Brandon Browner, SS Kam Chancellor, FS Earl Thomas and newcomers, Jeremy Lane, Walter Thurmond III, Byron Maxwell, Jeron Johnson, Winston Guy and; a very promising and hard-hitting safety, DeShawn Shead.  The Seahawks defensive backfield is so stacked right now, that it's very possible Antoine Winfield might not even make Seattle's roster. The Seahawks may draft a safety or a corner if they find a player they can't live without, but because they no longer have a first-round pick this year, it's more likely they will address the weak side linebacker, the one and only real hole on this team's roster.  Another stud outside linebacker to replace Leroy Hill is the only position of real need on Carroll and Schneider's radar, presently.  Hill has been a great WLB for the Seahawks over his eight seasons with the team, but he has burned too many bridges in Seattle (multiple scrapes with the law) and after eight years, he no longer fits into Pete Carroll's ideal type of player at the outside linebacker position. Therefore, the Seahawks will almost certainly pick an athletic, strong and speedy linebacker with the versatility to cover the run and drop into coverage with equal ease.  Rutgers LB Khaseem Greene and Georgia OLB Cornelius Washington are two linebackers that fit into the style and body type  that Carroll and Schneider are constantly in search of. Fortunately for the Seahawks, this 2013 draft class is loaded with quality defensive players.  The Seahawks will also be looking at super fast wideouts and blocking/pass catching tight ends that are big targets with soft hands. Depth at those positions is always something to consider in Carroll's offense.

Now that the Seahawks nickel back position has been seemingly filled, by Winfield and a host of new up-and-coming defensive backs, in addition to any players they draft for the position, Marcus Trufant is likely on his way out of Seattle.  The veteran corner has been suffering from chronic back pain for years and kept him out nearly the entire 2010 season.  Antoine Winfield is 35 years old, but his playing performance hasn't slowed much in the last several years.  In 2012 he still collected 100 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 12 passes defended. He has a very reliable tackler especially in space and, though only 5'9" tall, Winfield is considered the best slot corner in the game today by many defensive coordinators in the NFL.  The Seahawks will use him almost exclusively as a nickel back/slot corner and approximately 45%-50% of the snaps on defense.  This will keep him fresh and, hopefully, healthy throughout the year and into the playoffs where Winfield hopes the team will be at the end of the season. After weighing all of his options, he decided that it was Seattle gave him the best chance of being on a Super Bowl winning team.

The Legion of Boom seems to be gaining strength by the day and now that Antoine Winfield is part of the Legion-- Which receivers will be courageous (or foolish) enough to take a slant route across the middle of the field against the Seahawks with the Fab Five patrolling the green real estate of CenturyLink field… I wouldn't… Even if I was Megatron, Fitzgerald, Dez, Wallace, Julio or Roddy all wrapped up in one receiver.

Go Hawks!

"Trade Up" or "Free Agency" or "Stay the Course" and Spin Straw into Gold Again with the 56 Pick?

The Seattle Seahawks might be at the precipice of a season to remember, and perhaps the year to take back the NFC West crown.  The acquisition of perhaps the best playmaker in the NFL, Percy Harvin, and two defensive pass rushing specialist Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett has catapulted and already dominating football team into a position to legitimately compete for the teams first Lombardi trophy.  Pete Carroll will be returning all 11 offensive starters and 9 of 11 defensive starters, and of course the two players lost were already going to be cut from the team.  Alan Branch and Leroy Hill were both productive players in 2012, but the Seahawks had planned to move on from Branch as he was primarily a one-dimensional run stopper and would be demanding a new contract being a free-agent.  Leroy Hill has been the last eight seasons on the only team he's ever worn the uniform for, and he has been a good week side linebacker, but Hill has burned his bridges in Seattle with his run-ins with the law and he has lost a step, no longer sitting in to Pete Carroll's model of the outside linebacker (big, athletic and quick).  Cliff Avril will replace Branch and Seattle will likely solve their linebacker vacancy through the draft and perhaps a combination of using Malcolm Smith, a player the Seahawks used last year who played satisfactorily.  There is still a small possibility that a veteran free-agent could be signed to replace Hill, but not likely.

Percy Harvin will make Seattle's offense extremely versatile and very dangerous.  Harvin is the most versatile and dynamic offensive player in the NFL and a legitimate threat to score a touchdown every time he touches the ball, demonstrating just how much of a mismatch he can create with linebackers and safeties.  He is one of the few players that causes opposing defenses to change up the way they play in order to track where he is on the field at all times.  Russell Wilson had an incredible season for a rookie quarterback and now with Harvin, he will have one more weapon to use in exploiting defensive mismatches.  Golden Tate was already a player emerging as a huge playmaking wide receiver, working primarily out of the slot and flanker position.  Even without Harvin's arrival, the Seahawks were already very excited about the way that Tate has matured and risen to the level of some of the best possession receivers in the game today.  Sidney Rice has a long, tall body to out jump many of the smaller corners in the league and has decent speed enough to play outside the numbers and deeper patterns with Harvin.  Doug Baldwin had nagging injury problems in 2012, but still managed to have a decent second half of the season.  Coming back completely healthy, he should return to his catch production of his rookie year in 2011.  The Seahawks will likely make another move on a younger wide receiver in the draft.  Depending on the availability in the second round, the Seahawks made use their first selection on a receiver, but more likely a linebacker or defensive end, possibly a tightend.   Zach Miller had a strong second half of 2012 as Carroll opened up the playbook for his young quarterback allowing him to throw the ball more aggressively downfield.  This coming season, the Seahawks would like to see Miller get more involved in the passing game and perhaps signing another tightend that can relieve some of his blocking responsibilities.  The running back position is very much in good shape.  Marshawn Lynch is running very strong and Robert Turbin had a very productive rookie season, despite Lynch taking most of the game snaps.  The Seahawks will likely draft one running back who can fill the occasional carries left when the Seahawks released Leon Washington.  Washington was the perfect change of pace back who's speed and slashing style was in contrast to Lynch and Turbin's pounding, power game.

Seattle's offense will definitely the high-octane in the upcoming season, but it's their defense that Seattle relies on to intimidate and dominate.  The Seahawks have the best defensive secondary in football and they are one linebacker away from equaling the linebacking corps of the 49ers.  KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner are chill of the best young linebackers in football and they are just beginning to realize how good they could be together. The defensive  line has now been fortified with DE's Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and DT Tony McDaniel and Clinton McDonald has been re-signed.  Red Bryant will be back at 100% after suffering a foot injury that hampered him for half of the season last year, and the Seahawks are hopeful that Chris Clemons' ACL surgery and rehabilitation will have him ready for perhaps the third game of the season, but Avril, Bennett and McDaniel will hold them the Fort in the meantime and then they will have the full complement of their defensive line.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider in the War Room

The Seahawks don't have a first-round draft selection this year after trading it to the Minnesota Vikings for Percy Harvin.  John Schneider, the Seahawks general manager is a magician finding started talent in the middle and later rounds of the draft, but that doesn't count out the Seahawks for  moving up in the draft through a trade.  Because Seattle is already in such good shape for the season, it would be a advantageous for them to train next years first round draft selection and perhaps a second round pick to move back into the first round again and get the player they really want to finish the roster with a top-notch defensive player, perhaps a linebacker or speed wide receiver.  Despite having an already dominant defensive line, Seattle they still draft a talented defensive end to develop behind Clemons, Avril and Bryant.  It might be too much of a gamble to wait until the second round to get players that they covet like, OLB Khaseem Green Rutgers, OLB Cornelius Washington Georgia or S Blidi-Wreh Wilson, Connecticut.  If the Seahawks were to trade back into the first round, they would likely target players like;  DE Sheldon Richardson Missouri, OLB Jarvis Jones Georgia, S Kenny Vaccaro Texas or even CB Desmond Trufant Washington.  If the Seahawks decided to just move up into the earlier selections in the second round, they could still definitely get Green, Washington or Wilson, but drafted earlier might make WR Justin Hunter Tennessee, DE Bjoern Warner Florida State, WR Keenan Allen California, or even WR Cordarrelle Patterson who is sliding down the draft boards for some football analyst.

The question is really, what John Schneider and Pete Carroll covet in this upcoming draft.  If they have their eyes set on a particular player that they feel they can't live without, I could see them moving up.  However, the way that this duo (Carroll and Schneider) find talent in the middle and late rounds, they might just be happy at the 56th pick up where they might get their man anyway. This is probably the more likely scenario if you look back at the past with the way that the Seahawks have drafted.  Last year, Seattle traded down twice in the draft and that was just the first round, and they still got their man Bruce Irvin who they would have taken at 11, but ended up still selecting him at the 15 spot.

S Charles Woodson           DE Dwight Freeney           OLB Rolando McClain

Lastly, the Seahawks need to determine if there is more quality left in free agency as the draft approaches.  Several players still available could help Seattle, and if they could be had at the right price I could see Seattle making one or possibly even tomorrow moves.  The first player that comes to mind is S/CB Charles Woodson.  Woodson is 37 years old, but still has skills to play the game at a high-level.  The Seahawks don't need a corner, but at his age it's likely that the Green Bay Packers or any other team that would have signed him would use him as a safety.  Because the Seahawks will likely not offer Marcus Trufant a contract, they will need some experienced at the nickel back position.  They would have to put him on a pitch count, or in other words limit his number of plays per game to perhaps 45%-50%, which would keep him fresh and his veteran presence would be helpful with such a young defensive group.  The next player would be Dwight Freeney.  The Denver Broncos have been waiting for Freeney to drop his price demand, which is going to happen.  Seattle doesn't have a lot of money to spend, but the way that veteran defensive players are being priced out, it's not out of the question that Freeney could be signed if the number was right for the team.  Denver has the inside track, though, but after paying Peyton Manning, Ryan Clady, Joe Mays and Champ Bailey the big dollars and adding Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie,and Louis Vasquez they don't have a lot of money.  Demaryius Thomas is also highly paid as well as Von Miller and Eric Decker.  Money is dwindling for the mile high Broncos, so adding Dwight Freeney might be difficult. Another high-profile defensive end that has recently become available is Rolando McClain, cut by the Raiders last week.  He has some growing up to do and could benefit from better coaching, but he was a high first-round draft selection and has physical talent. Another player that could add depth in the defensive secondary with the Antoine Winfield.  He's 35 years old and also has more game left.  The Seahawks would use him in the same manner as Woodson.  Lastly, OT Eric Winston was released by the Kansas City Chiefs and although he isn't the most powerful O lineman, he's very athletic and would be a great player to add depth on a team using a zone blocking scheme exactly like Seattle does.

Of all these possible scenarios, I think signing Charles Woodson just after the draft to a team friendly one-year contract would be great for Seattle and it would also give Woodson another chance to compete for title.  This would probably be his swan song as he would be nearly 39 years old at the beginning of the 2014 season.  My second favorite scenario would be Dwight Freeney and I'm a bit intrigued by the Rolando McClain opportunity.  None of these are needs for Seattle, but when you're on the edge of being great… Why not take one more step closer after the draft?  Of course, none of this would be necessary if Pete Carroll and John Schneider all a few more rabbits out of the hat the way they have in the last three years.  Is there another Bobby Wagner or Richard Sherman or Kam Chancellor or Doug Baldwin in this draft?  How about a third round gem like Russell Wilson, only at linebacker, wide receiver or safety?  The suspense is killing me and I can't wait for the draft to get here.

Whatever way you look at the Seahawks dynamic duo, they've got a great relationship and seemed to always work toward the betterment of the Seattle Seahawks and with relative harmony.  That's not as easy as you might think… They are very unusual and the Seattle fan base should be grateful that they call themselves Seattle Seahawks. You know they love the 12th man!

HC Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have a very tight friendship based on trust and respect. it seems to be working, so as they say, don't fix what isn't broken…

Go Hawks!

GUEST BLOGGER: Cameron Kammers

I asked a young man, Cameron Kammers, who plays offensive center for his varsity high school football team [Marysville  Pilchuck Tomahawks] to write some of his thoughts on the Seattle Seahawks off-season and preparation for the upcoming NFL draft.  I think he did a great job and I invite you to read his column and chime in below if you have any comments, thank you Brad Hobbs

 

SEAHAWKS: Good acquisitions in free agency… 

Who’s next in the draft?

From(L-R): Cliff Avril, Tony McDaniel, Michael Bennett, Percy Harvin

Guest Editorial: by Cameron Kammers

    Before the acquisition of standout WR Percy Harvin from a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks had the 25th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft before trading it for Harvin. The Seahawks haven’t been known for striking big deals for big players like this in the past, but this year GM John Schneider and HC Pete Carroll had different motives and traded for and signed Harvin to a 6 Year, $67 million contract ($14.5 million guaranteed). It would be hard to say by most that trading for Harvin is not better than what we could get in the first round. Now Seattle has the 56th pick in the draft. Can Schneider and Carroll get what the team needs with a late pick this year? Well, sure they can. Standout rookie quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner were both drafted after the first round last year, (Wagner in the 2nd round 47th overall and Wilson the 3rd round 75th overall ).  What are Carroll and Schneider going to pull out of their sleeve this year?

The acquisitions of defensive lineman Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Tony McDaniel have made an already good defense, dangerous. Acquiring these three free agent defensive lineman will help the pass rush the Seahawks were lacking the second half of last season. With Chris Clemons and Red Bryant at 100% also, it will make the Hawks D-line a force to be reckoned with.

Before any free agent acquisitions this year the Seattle Seahawks lacked a deep threat receiver (√check), Pass rush on the defensive line (√check), and a nickel cornerback to play alongside the team’s dangerous secondary. Another position the Hawks could upgrade in is an offensive lineman on the right side. While right guard Paul McQuistan is mediocre and right tackle Breno Giacomini is a liability in pass protection. Are Carroll and Schneider looking for the next big lineman in the draft? Or are they going to keep the depth chart as is? Well, there is an under the radar lineman from Arkansas-Pine Bluff the Hawks can maybe get their hands on with the 56th pick in the draft. Meet 6’5, 306 lbs.  OT: Terron Armstead.  Armstead is a very athletic tackle that will leave offensive line coaches drooling. He ran a 4.71 40 yard dash and and repped 225 lbs on the bench press 31 times at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis . He also had a broad jump of 9'.04" and vertical jump of 34 1/2" . Armstead also shined in this year's East-West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl. The Seahawks would be lucky to get a hold of a versatile player such as him.

Now, who will the Hawks add to complement their already dangerous secondary? The nickel cornerback is beginning to be an essential position in the NFL nowadays with the dangerous slot receivers that play the game today. This position is what the Seahawks could upgrade in the draft.  Some experts and analysts think the Seahawks could take a chance on former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, “The Honey Badger.” Mathieu was a standout player and arguably one of the best players in college football in 2011, being a Heisman finalist. Mathieu didn’t play last season due to being kicked off of the squad at LSU for marijuana possession. I personally think “The Honey Badger” would not be a good pick for the Seahawks in the draft for a couple reasons. 1.) He has off the field problems. 2.) He is too small at 5’9, 175 lbs. I have another option at nickel corner I think that Carroll and Schneider will want badly. His name is Blidi Wreh-Wilson out of Connecticut. Wreh-Wilson would be the perfect match at corner for the Seahawks , being 6’2 and 195 lbs. He has the qualifications as a big and physical corner( like Sherman and Browner). Which the team has had success with, under Pete Carroll and staff. 

Only draft day will tell what the Seahawks will do with their second round pick in the 2013 draft. Maybe Carroll and Schneider have their eyes set on a certain someone they want to trade up for? They are known for making bold and strategic decisions on draft day. Who will be the next piece to this team who is Super Bowl XLVIII Bound?

Written by: Cameron Kammers

Percy Harvin Cost Seahawks Too Much, You Say?

Did the Seattle Seahawks give up too much for Percy Harvin?  That is a question floating around cyberspace as well as every Seahawks and Vikings blog across the nation.

1st round, 7th round (2013) 3rd round (2014)
Six years, $67 million ($14.5 million fully guaranteed)

That's certainly a load of money and some valuable drafted picks, but you have to consider what you're getting and how it compares to other players with similar skills, production and future expectations of return.  Just to start the answer to those questions, there is no comparable player in the entire NFL…

There is no real debate on whether Harvin is a great player, immensely talented and perhaps the more versatile offensive weapon in the NFL.  He's proven his arsenal of weaponry each season while at the University of Florida and then the Minnesota Vikings who drafted him in 2009, (1st Rd.  22nd overall), also the year he won rookie of the year honors.  Harvin has, however, been somewhat injury prone, missing several games during his four seasons in the NFL.  In his first three seasons, he missed just three games due to migrate headaches, which he reports have been medically treated so that it will no longer caused him  to miss playing time. Last season (2012), Harvin sustained a high ankle sprain playing in Seattle against the Seahawks. Before this injury, he was considered the front runner for the season MVP award, catching 62 passes for 677 yards through just nine games. What makes these achievements even more impressive is that he did this on a marginal Vikings team with a below average quarterback, Christian Ponder.  Some people called it a personality flaw, while others said Percy Harvin was a cancer, a malcontent and a poor teammate in the locker room and on the field.  Percy would see things a bit differently from the inside looking out.

There is no real debate that Percy Harvin is a great player, dangerous threat and perhaps the most versatile offensive weapon in the NFL.  He's proven his complete arsenal of weaponry each season while at the University of Florida and and then with the Minnesota Vikings who drafted him in 2009 (1st round, 22nd overall), also the year he was awarded rookie of the year honors.  Harvin has been somewhat of a health liability, however, missing several games during his four years in the NFL.  Migraine headaches caused him to miss three games total in his first three seasons,  but Percy has since sought out a medical treatment for his migraines and stated they are no longer a problem for him.  In 2012, a high ankle sprain in week nine while playing the Seahawks in Seattle, caused him to miss the remaining seven games of the season.  Before the ankle injury, he was considered the favorite to win the NFL MVP award, catching 62 passes for 677 yards and 5 touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 rushing and 1 kick return). What makes these achievements so impressive is that it was only over a nine-game period and that it was his versatility that made him so dangerous to defend.  Also, second year QB Christian Ponder struggled throughout his two seasons (2011, 2012) as a starter and because of that, the Vikings relied primarily on their All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson for so many carries to protect Ponder from turnovers and incomplete passes. One can only wonder just how lethal an accomplished quarterback could be with Harvin lining up in so many different positions with his speed and elusiveness.  He has lined up as; QB (wildcat), RB (pistol, Pro and I), Flanker, WR (slot, X, Z) and of course he returns kicks and punts with equal skill.  He is a nightmare to defend because he has an offense a different look every time they get to the line of scrimmage and we need those in motion, it becomes even more difficult for the player assigned to defend him.

Now that Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, will be distributing the ball, Harvin will become the most dangerous weapon in the Seahawks repertoire.  Because Harvin has a nonstop motor, he is a player that can be used on all three downs, one after the other. That doesn't mean that Seattle will necessarily overuse him, not with so many other ways to attack defensive sets.  Running back Marshawn Lynch will still carry a large portion of the load and the rest of the Seahawks' wide receivers and tight ends are also extremely capable pass receivers to confuse, frustrate and tire the defense.  The addition of Percy Harvin will only make Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin and Zach Miller better players, more easily able to line up one-on-one with defenders and able to create separation.  With so many weapons attacking the defensive secondary, it will force opponents to utilize zone defense which creates seams that Russell Wilson can exploit.

Anyone who believes that giving up a number one draft choice was too much for Percy Harvin, look at the draft and identify one player with the kind of versatility that he has.  There are players that have more speed (Tavon Austin) or more height (Cordarrelle Patterson) or a bigger body (Keenan Allen), but none of them are proven at the elite level and none of them possess the versatility of Harvin.  He is very fast, he's incredibly elusive, he's a nightmare to tackle and runs precise routes and has strong and sticky hands.  It would take four players in this years draft class to cover the skills that Harvin has and more than anything else… He is an elite, proven NFL success!  Every player in the draft is a risk of becoming a complete bust.  QB Jamarcus Russell, drafted by the Oakland Raiders first overall, was considered the closest to a no risk player there was after his career at LSU and his combine and pro day performances.  He played two seasons, blowing up to 340 pounds before the Oakland bailed out on him and he hasn't played professional football since.  The Seattle Seahawks drafted Aaron Curry, (4th overall) considered the safest pick in the draft and most pro-ready player available.  He turned out to be a bust in Seattle, though any team would have taken the same gamble.  It's just a big crapshoot as to whether a college football player can make the transition to the most elite version of American football on the planet. Percy Harvin is a proven player, but there is a risk.  Changing teams can sometimes kick a  great player's career into overdrive, making them an even bigger star, but it can also kill a players career if they sign with a new team with a different scheme that doesn't complement their style of play, or the player is surrounded by new teammates that don't make it possible for them to succeed..  The quarterback to wide receiver combination is probably the biggest example of players that rely on each other for their success.  Great quarterbacks surrounded by a poor wide receiver set simply cannot succeed throwing the ball.  Just the same, a wide receiver can run like the wind, with great hands and precise routes and dropping production significantly if they have a quarterback that can't read defenses are can't throw accurate passes.  Although, when you look at the trade that brought Percy Harvin to Seattle, you have to believe that his career should  explode.  Russell Wilson is one of the best in the game at distributing the ball and throwing accurately.  He is one of the most complete students of the game and tirelessly prepares for every opponent as well as every practice.  He practically lives in the film room when not on the field and is in constant communication with all the players on the team attempting to tweak and perfect execution so that the Seahawks have the best chance  of winning every game that they step on the field.  Percy Harvin is said to be a hard worker and even harder competitor.  He demands a professional quarterback that can execute the plays exactly as they are drawn out  and it just so happens that he has exactly that in Russell Wilson.  A lot has been said about Harvin not getting along in Minnesota, with head coach Leslie Frazier or Minnesota starting quarterback Christian Ponder.  However, even Frazier and the Vikings ownership are not happy with Christian Ponder playing quarterback for their team, so was this really a Percy Harvin problem or is it that Harvin has an expectation that his team provides a capable quarterback to run the offense?  I believe that Harvin is going to be pushed hard by Russell Wilson and as hard of a worker as Harvin is, is going to have trouble keeping up with Wilson, in the classroom or in the film room, the practice field and most importantly each Sunday afternoon on the game surface. As far as Harvin's problems and with the head coach?  Pete Carroll is great working with players who have had problems on or off the field.  However, he's also capable of removing the player that he believes is detrimental  to the team's success or harmony, no matter the personnel cost or financial loss.  He eliminated players like WR TJ Houshmanzadeh, WR Deion Branch, RB Lendale White as well as LB Aaron Curry.  He simply doesn't care about big names or big contracts.  If you don't fit in with his scheme or philosophy, you will be eliminated and he doesn't consider the players fame, notoriety, reputation or bank account.  For coach Carroll, it's all about putting together a football team that falls into the type of team he wants and the philosophy of competing on a team that has a common goal of excellence and harmony.  You just don't hear about the bickering and drama on his teams that you do with the New York Jets, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.  So, I just don't think Percy Harvin will have any problems like he did with the Minnesota Vikings.  Not to mention, winning has a way of cleaning up a lot of bad attitude because nobody likes to lose.

In closing, I just want to reiterate the idea that Percy Harvin costing the Seahawks a first-round pick, seventh round pick in the upcoming draft and a third round pick next year,  is it going to be a huge hit to the Seahawks.  John Schneider the general manager, and Pete Carroll are masters at finding talent in the middle rounds of the draft and even the late rounds.  They will survive losing the first round selection, and through free agency  they have really solved two of the big problems they already identified to solve in the draft; defensive pass rush and wide receiver.  Harvin, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Tony McDaniel are going to be part of a very special teams in 2013.  The only real vacancy on this football team is the right outside linebacker position and I think with 10 selections in the upcoming draft will remedy that no matter what round Schneider and Carroll have to do it with.

Go Hawks!

Seattle Seahawks Sitting Pretty before Draft

Now that the Free-agent Frenzy" has subsided slightly, it's time to evaluate and determine how much damage control was done during the time that teams could shop free agents and whether or not they helped or hurt their roster, or just swamped players with different names. Popular opinion is that the Seattle Seahawks may have done more to help their team get better during this time than any other team in the NFL. The Miami Dolphins get the prize for spending more money and acquiring the most players, but there are many questions surrounding the onslaught of players they acquired and the amount of money they spent doing so.  The question during the free-agent market isn't about quantity, and it's not even about just quality… it's about quality at the right price.  The Dolphins overspent in a huge way with the signings of; WR Mike Wallace, DE Dannelle Ellerbe,TE Dustin Keller, WR Brandon Gibson, S Brent Grimes, and LB Philip Wheeler. In addition, the Dolphins signed three of their own unrestricted free agents and they paid dearly; backup QB Matt Moore, WR Brian Hartline and they also applied the franchise tag to DE Randy Starks. All of this added up his mind boggling, starting out with the $67 million to Mike Wallace, $33 million of that guaranteed.  Wallace is not worth the millions the Dolphins paid him, nor is Ellerbe are really any of the free agents they signed this off-season.  It was player gluttony of epic proportion and the Dolphins are going to live to regret paying so much two players that are only expected to put out medium to above medium production.  But, I'd rather evaluate the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks already had one of the best defensive teams in the NFL in 2012.  There defensive secondary are four of the best players in football and the linebackers aren't far behind.  Last season, the Seahawks were able to put medium pressure on the quarterback for the first half of the season, but it seemed like they lost steam down the stretch and with Chris Clemons ACL injury in the first playoff game, it was clear that Seattle was lacking seriously at pressuring the quarterback as Seattle got nearly zero pressure on Matt Ryan in the final playoff game in Atlanta. Run defense was supposed to be Seattle's strong point with Red Bryant, Brendan Mebane, Alan Branch and Clinton McDonald played together for most of the season.  However, with the lack of pressure on the edges, opposing teams exploited the middle as larger tackles were able to push Bruce Irvin and Chris Clemons further to the perimeter opening up the inside. So, the Seahawks decided to go shopping and John Schneider and Pete Carroll brought home some shiny new defensive lineman who are perfectly designed to increase Seattle's ability to rush the passer.  Bruce Irvin should have a few more much-needed pounds on his body the season, plus with a year of experience under his belt, I went to see him improve in his second year.  It is reported that Chris Clemons is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation after the surgery, but coach Carroll doesn't want to hurry him back until he's 100% ready to play.  Therefore, it was necessary to go out and get some help.  Free agents; Cliff Avril out of Detroit, Michael Bennett out of Tampa and Tony McDaniel out of Miami are all players that will significantly boost the Seahawks ability to rush the passer and stuff the run.  Red Bryant and the Seahawks were quiet about this during the season, but he reportedly played on an injured foot for the second half of the season and throughout the playoffs.  Getting Big Red back healthy, should be a major improvement to begin stopping the run again the way that Seattle did at the beginning of the 2012 season.  Between Cliff Avril, Bruce Irvin, Michael Bennett, and Chris Clemons, they tallied 38.5 sacks last season.  With the Seahawks strong defensive secondary and linebackers, it should make it much easier for their defensive front to put extreme pressure and the offensive backfield.  What makes the recent additions to the Seahawks roster so successful, is that GM John Schneider acquired all three defensive lineman at bargain prices.  Cliff Avril was franchised by Detroit in 2012 at nearly $11 million for one year.  He signed a two-year deal with Seattle for $13 million.  Michael Bennett's contract is even more teen friendly, inking him to a one-year deal worth $5 million, when it was expected that Bennett would command a contract closer to $10 million and a multi-year deal.  Tony McDaniel was also signed to a one-year deal (terms were not released).

The acquisition that really rocked the NFL, and especially the NFC West, was Seattle's newest offensive weapon in WR/RW/KR/PR Percy Harvin formerly of the Minnesota Vikings.  Schneider and Carroll had mentioned that they were not going to be very active during the free agency spree.  That all changed, said Schneider, when Percy Harvin became an available option that would significantly enhance the Seahawks weapons and create matchup nightmares for defensive coordinators and all of their linebackers, corners and safeties.  The way that Harvin plays, he can frustrate an entire defensive unit.  Adding him to Seattle's already capable receiver set will give QB Russell Wilson another weapon to move the ball and score touchdowns.  Between Golden Tate and Harvin, the Seahawks have two great playmakers that are incredibly elusive and very hard to take down.  Both receivers have speed and the ability to create separation and Ron disciplined pass routes.  Add Sidney Rice who is tall and shifty and Doug Baldwin and the field will be full of receivers that are difficult to cover.  All this, creates the ability to run better and of course, as always, a developing running game will open up the passing game the way that Pete Carroll likes to do things. Daryl Bevell has done an incredible job with Russell Wilson and that relationship should only get better after a year experience for Wilson.  I don't look for Seattle to revamp their offensive strategy, but they will probably throw the ball a little more now that they have so many weapons to use.  This will take some of the punishment off of Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin can also give Lynch some much-needed rest toward the second half of the season.

John Schneider has brought an old Seahawk back to the VMAC, well… Not so old, but he is a former Seahawk and will rejoin the team for drills on 15 April.  Josh Portis is coming back to the Northwest to compete for a backup role at quarterback behind Wilson, but it's uncertain if Seattle will continue looking at veteran backup quarterbacks other than Portis.  John Schneider has indicated that Seattle is looking at several veterans as possibilities, and they also like several players in the draft that could develop into backup situation with Seattle.  It's a risky move to have a rookie backup your starter, but Pete Carroll isn't afraid to use young athletes, even in the vital roles like quarterback and play calling defensive positions.

With the draft approaching, media personalities have been pelting GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll for their plans with their 10 selections, in particular their first selection in the second round (56 overall).  There are rumors that the Seahawks might trade up in the draft to get a particular player they have their eyes on.  Moving up into the first round would be costly, and it is more likely that they will try and improve their second round selection, moving up closer in the late 30s or 40s.  One player that Seattle is considering, is the "Honey Badger" also known as Tyrann Mathieu, formerly out of LSU before being kicked out of school and kicked off the football team.  The Seahawks also like linebackers Khaseem Green and Cornelius Washington from Rutgers and Georgia, respectively.  Because the Seahawks addressed their biggest needs, at defensive end and wide receiver, they can  virtually take the best player available.  Some of the Seahawks wants (not needs) include; outside (will) linebacker, cornerback, free safety, right tackle and a very speedy (Z) wide receiver that can really stretch the field. I would also look for them to draft a tightend.  There are several quality tightends in this draft along with defensive lineman, offensive lineman and corners.

Anyway you slice it,  there are many teams in the NFL they would love to be where Seattle is right now.  The Seahawks have built a very powerful offense and dominant defense and they still have 10 draft selections ahead of them on April 25… Or 26, depending on whether or not they trade up in the draft to take a player in the first round.  April 25 will only cover the first round.  The remaining rounds will be conducted on the 26th and 27th.

SEAHAWKS: THE MOST COMPLETE TEAM IN NFL?

2013 Seattle Seahawks Look Toward A Special Season

Prepare yourselves, Pacific Northwestern'ers… The Seattle Seahawks are the most talked about football teams in the NFL this off-season… and for good reason.

The two most significant dates during the NFL off-season are; 1) March 12-The opening day of free agency and 2) Draft Day which begins April 25 and will continue for three days.  2013 has been filled with all sorts of drama and activity as a veritable frenzy of player movement was expected and NFL team general managers didn't disappoint. The Seahawks have been gobbling up their share of notable personnel as much as any team, except for perhaps the Miami Dolphins, who have made the most free-agent acquisitions so far in free agency in terms of quantity and spending. In fact, the NFL GM's have been using their owners money like the "Honey Badger" (Tyrann Mathieu) uses his rent money on bags of weed. Several teams have done a veritable swan dive into the available free agent pool of players, drastically overspending on players that simply do not have the statistical resume to demand the money they're getting, but it's their coinage, sort of… well, it's actually their owner's money. Typically in the NFL, veteran free agents get overpaid as a rule, but this off-season it has risen to the ridiculous. Thankfully for Seattle Seahawks fans (and Paul Allen) John Schneider and Pete Carroll are very mindful of how they spend money, directly affecting the teams salary cap. Being frugal and paying the big dollars only to players with a high expectancy of earning every dollar of their contract has made the Seahawks roster perhaps the best and most complete in the game today. This 2013 off-season has been no exception, as the Seahawks snatched up three of the most highly sought after free agents available and on a smart budget that clearly favors the Seahawks team and their plans for the future. Obviously, Percy Harvin received a large pay raise, negotiating a 6-year contract for nearly $65 million, but his statistical resume commanded such money and he is still a young player (26) yet to have achieved his full potential, and as good as he is now… That's a somewhat frightening proposition for covering corners and safeties assigned to defend him this year. Harvin is listed as a wide receiver, but that doesn't even begin to describe the versatility he offers the Seahawks football team. He is an extremely dangerous kick and punt returner who has the breakaway speed and evasiveness to take it all the way for 6 every time he touches the football. There are few players in the NFL with this kind of talent and Harvin might be the only player of this kind in the game today, and the best since Deion Sanders tore up the turf when he played for the Falcons, 49ers and Cowboys. Defensive linemen, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, were practically stolen by Schneider and Carroll (Avril 2 years, $13 million) and (Bennett 1 year, $5 million). Neither players are going to have to worry about paying the light bill or buying groceries, but both contracts were team friendly allowing the Seahawks the flexibility to do a lot more during the off-season and to afford their talent nucleus once their contracts come up for renewal. All-Pro caliber players like; Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor will all need contract renewals soon and the Seahawks front office is acutely aware of what is coming up and what it will take to preserve the existing nucleus of talent on the roster for years to come. This explains why Carroll, Schneider and the Seahawks are normally "conservatively quiet" during the free-agent frenzy each off-season. However, this year they were consciously determined to go after the players they believed fit into their system and more importantly, at the right price.

So, what makes the Seahawks front office methods unique?  Well, first off… John Schneider relies heavily on his many talent scouts, perhaps more heavily than any other GM in the NFL. The scouts are selected carefully and trusted implicitly after going through a comprehensive screening process and a complete understanding of what kind of players the Seahawks want for their football team. After a tedious screening process, these scouts survey not only Division IA colleges, but also Division II programs and Junior colleges throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, as well. In addition to scouting hundreds of colleges, Schneider and his talent agents surveil talent in the Canadian football league, and arena football. However, they don't stop there… they also consider special athlete in; track and field, rugby, Australian rules football, soccer and even basketball.  The duo of Schneider and Carroll have discovered talent and some of the most obscure places, and it has paid off very well for them so far. Pro bowl cornerback, Brandon Browner, was undrafted and discovered by the Seahawks in the Canadian football league. This off-season, 6'7" 285 pound, Darren Fells has been signed to compete at the tightend position for the Seahawks. Fells was discovered out of the University of California Irvine, playing power forward for the UCI Anteaters basketball team. Fells happens to have a brother in the NFL, Daniel, playing tightend currently for the New England Patriots. Pete Carroll and John Schneider simply believe that unique and versatile athletes for their football team can be found in rather unusual places. It seems to be working as many of the NFL franchises are currently following the Seahawks lead to find good football talent wherever possible. They say that the greatest form of flattery is to have your opponent copying you. The Seahawks have compiled a great number of versatile and athletic personnel over the last three years of Carroll's tenure with Seattle. In fact, the Seahawks are widely believed to be the most complete football team in the NFL. There are no glaring weaknesses on their entire roster, even considering the depth of their offense, defense and special teams.

During the opening of the free agent market, John Schneider and Pete Carroll were the first to make a big splash, but it wasn't actually a free agent move. Perhaps the most versatile offensive threat in the NFL today, Percy Harvin, was the subject of the trade between Seattle and the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks sent this year's 1st round draft choice (25th overall) and a 7th round pick, plus next year's 3rd round choice to the Vikings in exchange for Harvin, a wide receiver who can also line up at the running back or flanker position, and is one of the most dangerous kick and punt returners in the game. When Carroll and Schneider considered this trade, they evaluated this year's draft for dynamic and versatile wide receivers who could potentially help Seattle right away, and none of those options compared to the kind of player Percy Harvin has been since joining the Vikings as a rookie in 2009. In addition to bolstering Seattle's aerial threat with Harvin, two high profile defensive lineman were also snatched up by the up-and-coming team in the West. Schneider and Carroll pulled off the signing of the biggest defensive free-agent Cliff Avril from the Detroit Lions and Michael Bennett, another highly sought after defensive end that excels at rushing the quarterback. Both of these acquisitions were paramount for the Hawks defense particularly while Leo-End, Chris Clemons, recovers from surgery to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered while playing the Washington Redskins in the NFC wild-card game on the horribly beaten gridiron of FedEx Field, a playing surface believed by many for injuries to Clemons as well as Robert Griffin III. Clemon's rehab progress has yet to be released, so it's important that Seattle get insurance at the position… and they did more than that, a lot more. Cliff Avril collected 9.5 sacks in Detroit in 2012 and Michael Bennett took down 9 of his own with the Falcons. If you actually add up the sack production of Seattle's best pass rushing D-lineman from 2012, Bruce Irvin, Chris Clemons, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, you've got 38.5 sacks just from those four players, and that exceeds the Seahawks total team sack production last year (36). What is more frightening is that by fortifying the defensive line with those pass rushing defensive lineman, that opens up the interior line for Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Clinton McDonald and newly signed defensive tackle, Tony McDonald, to pressure the quarterback up the middle, getting sacks of their own or forcing the QB out of the pocket into the waiting pressure from the right and left edge and Irvin, Avril, Clemons and Bennett. I would think this unit of defensive lineman should shatter last year's sack production and with the dominating defensive secondary, DC Dan Quinn should be able to send the Seahawks quick and athletic linebackers in on blitz packages whenever he decides to get super aggressive. The options for the Seahawks defensive sets are going to be absolutely chaos for offensive lineman and in particular, quarterbacks and running backs.  To make things worse for any teams unfortunate enough to find the Seahawks on their schedule (especially at the C'Link), Seattle hasn't even drafted a new linebacker, defensive tackle or safety yet… And there are loads of them in this years draft class. The Seahawks are toying around with the idea of trading up into the first round using some of their 11 selections in the next years draft to get the player they want most.

Bruce Irvin        Chris Clemons         Cliff Avril        Michael Bennett

Now, with the addition of Percy Harvin, and the emergence of rookie QB Russell Wilson, and the full complement of Marshawn Lynch, Golden Tate, Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, and Zach Miller and the rest, you might think that Seattle's strength is its offense, but you would be wrong… The Seahawks have a swarming, athletic, physically punishing, dominating defense and they are only getting better year-to-year… and they are young. The Seahawks defensive team was already the best scoring defense in the NFL and that was before adding 2 of the best defensive lineman in football. Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett were among the most productive free-agent defensive players available and both of them chose to play for Pete Carroll and Seahawks defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn. In fact, the state of the Seahawks franchise right now has created Seattle as a destination for players across the country to play for perhaps the best team in the NFL right now and an opportunity to compete for an NFC West title or perhaps even a Super Bowl bid.

When examining the Seahawks defensive depth chart (pre-draft), I challenge anyone to find a weakness on this football team. Every team in the NFL can improve, and the Seahawks are no exception to that rule. However, finding a weakness  on the Seahawks roster is a challenge of a different nature and on coach Carroll's roster, there simply are no obvious weaknesses at any position on the offensive or defense. That said, I believe the Seahawks will still fortify the defense in the upcoming draft, first. The linebacker position will likely be where Seattle targets players in the draft first, at their 56th pick in the second round. Linebackers, Malcolm Smith and Mike Morgan, are very capable replacements for veteran weak side linebacker, Leroy Hill.  Hill is a couple of years older (30) and a couple of steps slower after seven years with the Seahawks. … Hill has been a full-time, three down linebacker for most of his career and has taken a lot of hits to his body. He's also had his share of scrapes awith the law, being arrested twice for marijuana possession and most recently for alleged "domestic assault" and "illegal imprisonment" of what has been reported to be his girlfriend. Now, with his age and pending legal troubles (three strikes) it's likely Hill has played his last down in a Seahawks uniform and will probably not be offered a contract. Now, with the vacancy created by Hill, linebacker is likely on the top of the list for the Seahawks come April. This draft is so deep and defensive lineman and Schneider and Carroll will probably draft a young defensive lineman to develop behind some of the veterans already on the roster. Also, Earl Thomas is Seattle's only real big threat safety, so that would also be an area that the Seahawks would like to add depth. Here is the current depth chart for Seattle's 4-3 defensive set:

Seahawks Basic 4-3 (cover 2) Defensive Depth Chart

 Shock and Awe has been a term used to describe the magnitude of how this Seahawks defense attacks every opponent that walks onto a football field with them… and they haven't even drafted yet. The Seahawks former defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, utilized a lot of stunts in the secondary changing from bump and run, man-to-man coverage to cover one - zone defense that frustrated many of the wide receivers they played against and punished pass receivers who dared to come across the middle of the field. Bradley stayed pretty close to a five technique on the defensive line, and because of personnel limitations, rarely used blitzing packages to put pressure on the quarterback. That should all change this season with the added talent on the defensive line. Now, the defense belongs to new DC Dan Quinn, but as usual, Pete Carroll will stay closely involved on how his team lines up each week against different opponents. The Seahawks can now introduce a variety of looks they can utilize to exploit nearly every offensive weakness. The Seahawks return 9 of their 11 defensive starters this year, but have added so much more talent that this already great defense should be even better. Led by a very talented young linebacker by the name of Bobby Wagner, who calls all of the defensive reads, the Seahawks don't only play tough, they play smart. Wagner was just a rookie last year, yet made Seattle's defense nearly impossible to outsmart. He was second in voting for the "defensive rookie of the year" award, with 140 tackles, and 3 interceptions. Wagner has the instincts and nose for the ball that is second to no one in the game. The Seahawks could use another young linebacker to play alongside Wagner on the weak side, though. Outside Linebackers; Cornelius Washington, from Georgia and Khaseem Green from Rutgers are rumored to be on Seattle's radar in the draft. Both Washington and Greene are freakishly versatile with blazing sidelined to sidelined speed and instincts similar to those that caught the attention of John Schneider and Pete Carroll when they scouted Bobby Wagner at Utah State and Bruce Irvin. Although the Seahawks traded their first round selection to the Vikings for Percy Harvin, it is still possible that Seattle may use some of their 11 selections in the draft to move up into the first round again, or perhaps just an earlier pick in the second round. If they do that, it's anyone's guess which player they will target, but he will be likely a defensive player. Imagine the Seahawks with an "physical, versatile freak" at right outside linebacker to go with KJ Wright and Wagner… The prospect is nothing short of frightening  and frustrating for offensive coordinators that play against the Seahawks. One thing is in little doubt… NFL quarterbacks are not going to look forward to playing the Seattle Seahawks… Especially those unfortunate enough to venture into Seattle and the noise rocking environment of Centurylink field.

The Seattle Seahawks defense has been the identity of the team over the last three years. However, with the undisputed leader, Russell Wilson, commanding this team now, the sky isn't the limit for this young offense… It's in outer space where the limits begin. Wilson took the NFL by storm after being selected 75th overall in the third round of the 2012 draft. There wasn't a single NFL draft analyst that could predict the success rate at which Wilson took on one of the most difficult challenges in organized sports. Wilson already had a history of greatness, but seldom did anyone take note that this 5'10" 5/8 diminutive quarterback was already staking his claim to greatness at NC State and Wisconsin. After rewriting most of the record books at North Carolina State, he quietly achieved his bachelors degree in communications in just three years, earning academic All-American honors in 2009 2010 after honorable mention in 2008. The kid is smart… and he then parlayed his success as he was granted his last year of eligibility to play for the University of Wisconsin . His achievements with the Badgers eclipsed his earlier success athletically and academically as he went on studying for his Masters degree. As a sort of "Senior Bon Voyage," he led the nation in quarterback passing efficiency and college football QBR (quarterback rating), throwing 35 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, with only 2 tipped passes playing behind the biggest offensive line in football, (averaging 6'5" 333 lbs.) not just collegiate, but NFL as well. Still, after all of his success in college, the pro scouts at the Indianapolis combine, the Wisconsin Pro day, and the analysts at the NFL draft could talk about nothing but his height.  However, Russell Wilson's height, or lack thereof… Is all but forgotten and every franchise in Pro football without a dominant quarterback, is scrambling to find a player just like Wilson… But they probably won't find one… He's one-of-a-kind.

Russell Wilson is just the beginning of this offensive football team, and the rest of this unit is a smash mouth, run first and pass when the defense is beaten and discouraged. Marshawn Lynch leads a punishing running game that initiates contact at the point of attack, willingly. The offensive line is a nasty crew, led by Breno Giacomini who plays an intimidating style of blocking that often draws penalties, but also establishes an intensity that most opponents find a little more than unpleasant, to say the least and completely disruptive to see the most. The Seahawks offensive line is anchored by center, Max Unger, a first time Pro bowler. However, perhaps the most talented offensive lineman of the five starters is left tackle Russell Okung, also a Pro bowler. He is burdened each Sunday with the job of protecting QB Russell Wilson's blind side and usually matched up against the best defensive ends in the game. Okung had struggled with injury problems in the 2010 and 2011 season, but in the 2012 season he stayed healthy and was dominant on the left side, proving exactly why the Seahawks drafted him their first selection in the 2009 draft.

The wide receiver position has been a tough to fill problem for the Seahawks over the last seven or eight years, but it seems Seattle has assembled a very formidable group, especially after adding the versatility of Percy Harvin who can play all of the receiver positions as well as line up in the backfield occasionally in a pro-set or pistol formation. Harvin's success has been obvious and immediate, but Seattle has been trying to create an identity in their passing game for years and there hasn't been  a 1000 yard receiver since Bobby Engram (1,086) in 2007. Sidney Rice was brought in from Minnesota as a free agent in 2011, but suffered an injury filled season and didn't provide much help to the passing game playing in nine games for just 484 yards. In 2012, after double shoulder surgery, he rehabilitated himself back for the beginning of the season and played a larger role, starting all 16 games, catching 50 passes for 748 yards, but never became the kind of receiver Carroll and Schneider hoped he would. Rice is a good receiver, but he hasn't had a breakout season with the Seahawks yet, and with the addition of Harvin, it might make it easier for the long bodied, Rice, to find open areas of the field to give Wilson the big target that he needed more of last year. Golden Tate struggled for the first two years with the Seahawks, and self admittedly, underestimated how difficult it would be in pro-football to be successful like he was in college at Notre Dame. Tate mostly plays in the slot, where Seattle seems to be a little crowded at the position. Doug Baldwin, Rice and Harvin all playing the slot position, along with Tate in a part-time role. It will be difficult for Baldwin to make the final roster, but if he can perform the way he did in 2011, I'm confident he will still be around in September. It is likely that the Seahawks will draft for a fast, tall wide receiver to play the Z position with the kind of track speed necessary to take the top off the defensive and keep the secondary honest on rushing downs.  There aren't a lot of talented wide receivers in the draft, but hopefully Schneider will do some magic and find a talented receiver in the middle of the draft somewhere. Tightend is a position that Carroll would like to improve upon. The Seahawks have one of the better blocking and pass catching tightends in the NFL in Zach Miller, but with the receiver sets that offensive coordinator, Daryl Bevell, likes to use… It would be nice to have another player like Miller, on the other side when the offense goes into two tight end sets.

The Seahawks depth chart has very few weaknesses if any, but Pete Carroll would like to create depth at several positions including; offensive line, tightend and wide receiver.

Seahawks Basic Pro-Set Offensive Depth Chart

So, there you have it… The Seahawks roster has several other players on it, most of whom will be fighting for a roster spot. This team is loaded with talent and there will be any half talented players that don't consistently contribute that make the final 53. In fact, there are some major named players that must perform at a high level even though they are veterans, in order to crack into this football team's final 53. Pete Carroll's biggest worry about the upcoming NFL draft is that he doesn't believe many players will be able to make it onto the final roster.

Where are the weaknesses on this football team? I can't seem to find any… Again, there are places to improve, just like every team in NFL history… But can you find any glaring weaknesses on this football team? Keep in mind, Pete Carroll and John Schneider haven't even had a chance to spin straw into gold… And that's when this drafting duo really shines.

Go Hawks!