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.
No comments:
Post a Comment