My Impression of Seahawks Preseason Thus Far

Thank god that football is finally back. I was going insane without anything to really do. This is just an article that will allow me to share some of my opinions on the Hawk’s preseason so far.

Let me start off by saying that we began the preseason with a great passing game and good defense. All aspects of the team looked improved from what we first saw in San Diego when we went to Kansas…

Offensively: I was impressed by the progress made by the offensive line; although, there were a few spots that I wasn’t sure they were at their best. The offensive line looked like it was greatly improved compared to San Diego and Denver. Kansas City has a great defensive line and they didn’t touch Hasselbeck as much as they could/should have, so I say a job well done by the o-line. Julius Jones also showed some flashes of what he can do when he gets a little blocking up front, he had a few great carries for 4+ yards. In my book, any carry that provides 4+ yards is good and when Jones got some good blocking he did show what he could do.

That said, Jones seemed slow on some runs, prefering to barrel into a pile rather than make a cut and take off. Maybe this is some “monday morning quarterbacking” im doing, but on a lot of plays I saw a lane develop before Jones made a cut and He’d plow into the pile for 2-3 yards. This is not only not a very good run, but also puts him at risk for injury.

The passing game was brilliant. It did look like a couple recievers are still working on timing with Hasselbeck, but the overall was great. The first interception/throw of the game by Matt (in my opinion) looked to be more of reciever error, Branch had the opportunity to catch the ball as it flew just over his head (maybe 6 inches over his helmet) but instead the Chiefs took part in a tip drill and got the score.

Defensively: The defense was what surprised me. Their progression is obvious, the run up the middle is now stuffed… every time. Larry Johnson couldn’t manage a yard up the middle with Mebane and Cole plugging it up. I’m also excited to see the ammount of pass rush we have.

The defensive line has been great all preseason, and it would seem to me that the main wat teams will get yards against us on the ground is through sweeps and outside handoffs. The preformance by our line has made me excited for the start of the season and the new realization that the Seahawks defense is for real. Linebacker have done what is expected of them, Aaron Curry is still learning, developing through preseason play. A few times he’s been in good position but makes a bad decision and misses a tackle, this will be fixed once the adjustment to the NFL is made (I have no doubt this will be done fast).

The secondary is my biggest problem thus far, Ken Lucas looks great, He’s nearly perfect in man coverage. (My philosophy is that a corner with no stats is better than a corner with tons of deflected passes/ints. cause the corner with no stats is forcing the QB to not throw to his man). Josh Wilson is a bit annoying. He does somthing stupid, like miss a tackle or let a reciever run free, and then makes up for it by doing somthing awesome. If this kid can play consiistantly like he’s capable of, he’s going to be a great CB.

Denver Broncos: Lol, this is just here because I’d like to say thank you to Brandon Marshall. Your suspension is awesome, please though, when you return, could you make sure to injure some Broncos’ players with your antics? I’d like a higher draft pick from you guys than we already will get… I’m thinking top 10 already, a little more help from you and it could be top 5! 

As Excitement Builds So Do Predictions:

As excitement for the season’s start rises so to do the predictions of how well teams will do. I guess I wanted to add to the predictions.

This article will cover my predictions for records of teams in the upcoming season. Note: I will not cover all teams only teams that I see as notable (sorry for offending anyone but my time is limited).

We’ll start with the super bowl champions:

Steelers –

The Steelers didn’t make any splashes during free agency. They also didn’t lose much talent.

The expression “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” comes to mind when referring to the Steelers. Whatever it is they’ve been doing they’ll continue right where they left off.

They might see a little more competition this year from the Ravens but I definitely see the Steelers going deep into the playoffs if injuries are avoided.

Predicted Record: 11-5

Might as well go to the Ravens since they were mentioned:

Ravens –

I think Baltimore has a great shot at success this year. They added to their run game with the drafting of Oher and the signing of Birk.

They also re-signed Rolle and Lewis. They did lose a bit of talent at corner through Mcalister’s departure.

They also lost Bart Scott who was a huge part of the defense last year. The final and perhaps most significant loss might actually be Rex Ryan to the Jets, yes I realize he’s a coach.

The Baltimore defense was so dominating over the years because of his schemes combined with the talent. Losing half of this will cause some struggle.

Predicted Record: 8-8

Sticking in the AFC I need to evaluate the Broncos:

Broncos –

Well, where to start… the offense traded its biggest play-maker in Cutler, it rid itself of a decent back in Young. The defense lost Dre Bly one of its best players.

So far this Inst looking good… they did get Kyle Orton and that’s good… I think… maybe not… hmm. They got a beast of a safety in Brian Dawkins, drafted a great RB in Moreno, and got a good pass-rusher in Ayers, not to mention a capable cornerback in Smith.

What those facts don’t tell you is that Dawkins is on the decline, Moreno came at the cost of drafting Brian Orakpo, and Smith is 5’9”. All things considered the Broncos actually got worse over the off season.

Their defense stayed the same at best and the offense is now bogged down by a quarterback that can only manage a game not win one. On top of all that, their schedule is fairly tough this year. 

Predicted Record: 5-13  

I need to show the NFC some love so:

Cardinals –

This is a little tricky. The Cardinals were a decent team last year that got good when it counted.

They have an explosive offense that was kept together but a defense that is very porous. Berry’s re-signing helped a lot and keeping Warner was a must.

The Cardinals didn’t improve or get worse. There is also the “Superbowl Loser Curse.” I don’t think that Arizona goes right back to it’s old ways but reverts to a form that were more used to seeing.

Predicted Record: 8-8

Another NFC team:

Vikings –

This is a team that needs to be watched. I think they have a great chance of making it to the Superbowl this year or at least making it deep into the playoffs.

That is, of course, if whoever the starting QB is can pull through for them. They now have Percy Harvin, a man that I know will be a great receiver in the NFL.

They have a great run game, an improved pass game and solid defense. These factors combine to make a formidable force to go against. They need to have a good season this year or the coaching staff will suffer. 

Predicted Record 9-7

Two more and I’m out: 

Jets –

The Jets did a great job in the off-season. Fans might be annoyed at the trade ups in the draft to take Green and Sanchez but the picks were brilliant.

Green is an absolute workhorse and Sanchez has the ability to manage a game without many mistakes. I don’t think Sanchez will be a big play QB but for a rookie to manage games he will be able to grow.

The largest part in this is the defense though. So many additions that I can’t name them all.

The most notable were Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Lito Sheppard. With how dominating the Jets defense was last year, usually scoring once a game at least, it can only get better with the additions to the defense.

The largest factor to helping this would have to be Rex Ryan’s presence at head coach. The man will work magic, watch out cause the Jets will go far this season!

Predicted Record- 10-6

Finally my team:

Seahawks –

I’m excited to see the new and improved defense and the revamped offense. Last year injuries were the major cause of the 4-12 record.

Next year, I can see a significant turnaround. Talk as much trash as you want about our defense but the combination of Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry sends shivers down your spine.

Couple that with the monstrosities Colin Cole and Cory Redding in the middle, Patrick Kerney on the outside and Lawrence Jackson on the other side. All in rotation with Red Bryant, (another huge guy), Brandon Mebane, and Darrel Tapp so that its always someone new and refreshed coming at you.

The corner position is solid with the addition of Ken Lucas, who had his best years in Seattle, and Marcus Trufant, a Pro Bowl caliber corner. The only weakness comes at safety where Brian Russel resides.

Deon Grant does a brilliant job playing his part. The offense is healthy and looking to dominate.

The trio of Houshmandzadeh, Branch, and either Burleson or Butler makes our receivers a threat. Hasselbeck is healthy and ready to tear apart secondaries and probably utilize the receivers as much as the Pro Bowl caliber TE John Carlson.

The line is healthy and full of talent, most notably Walter Jones, Mike Wahle, and Sean Locklear. Julius Jones and T.J Duckett are poised to destroy anyone that gets through the aggressive Schmitt.

Schmitt just wants to kill somebody on the field. Overall the team looks amazing! 

Predicted Record: 10-6

So, those were my predictions of only a few teams, I’m sorry that I don’t have more time (or patience) to write about the others. In any comments please refrain from completely bashing my predictions just make some of your own to counter mine if you like 🙂

Leroy Hill Re-Signs With the Seahawks!

The headline says it all, we got Hill back under contract. This means that we now have the best and youngest linebacker corps in the NFL. I’m excited to see the young and talented trio dominate the Rams week one!

Hill’s new contract is worth $38 million over six years, $15.5 million in guaranteed money. The problem with this is that there is a part of the contract stating that the Hawks can’t pursue any of the bonus, should Hill be disciplined for the marijuana possession that he has recently been charged for. This is a bit odd, I think it means that Hill and the Hawks realise that it is likely there will be some action(s) taken by the commissioner.

On a side note, the Broncos waived Selvin Young. In my opinion, this is another mistake by McDaniels. Do you think the Seahawks should cash in on another of McDaniels mistakes and sign Young to a short, probably two year, contract to see what he can do in our offense? I’ve always liked Young and was shocked when he didn’t get drafted. He’s got speed and can break some tackles, any thoughts?

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