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Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
Posted by Frank Hughes @ 06:04:43 pm
This is an update of the previous post, after we got Tim Ruskell in the parking lot.
OK, here is the deal with Shaun Alexander. KJR's Softy Mahler was reporting that Alexander is about to be let go. We ran into Mike Holmgren in the parking lot of the practice facility as he was leaving, and he confirmed that he did speak with Shaun today at the facility. He did not disclose what was said. But he said unequivocably that Shaun is not being released immediately. He said he could not be released right now anyway because of his injury. He had surgery on his wrist and is currently wearing a cast. When asked if Alexander was going to be released at a later date, Holmgren deferred to Tim Ruskell (which to me says "guilty"). So a little bit later, Ruskell comes out to the parking lot to leave and we asked him about Shaun. "Shaun Alexander has not been released," Ruskell said. "What about the future?" we asked. "Shaun Alexander has not been released," Ruskell said. Holmgren said he also met with Mo Morris and had a good conversation with him.
I was reading through some of the first comments/questions on this thread and wanted to clarify something. We did not have a lengthy conversation with Holmgren. It was essentially about Shaun. Holmgren was on his way home and wanted to make sure we knew that Shaun was not released, but not a great deal past that other than talking about T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones. Holmgren said he really likes the acquisitions of the two, though he has to figure out exactly how he is going to use Duckett. I hope that clears things up somewhat.
Categories: Miscellaneous
• 72 comments
COMMENTS:
I had forgotten about the injury. Thanks Frank. And the saga continues. We may have to wait until June or Aug. for him to get declared physically able to play again. I wonder how that will impact the salary cap if it takes that long.
Frank, Can you check into that for us?
Frank, Can you check into that for us?
I know Wahle is good overall, but I don't know how he is on pulling and in space? Anyone?
We have sucked at screens for a few years but we now have a starting RB who can catch and perhaps a new starting guard who does well in space. That would add a nice chapter to the playbook.
We have sucked at screens for a few years but we now have a starting RB who can catch and perhaps a new starting guard who does well in space. That would add a nice chapter to the playbook.
He also talked to Mo Morris? In what context? Was there any indication why Mo was at the facility today? Is he being released also?
If he's trying to figure out how to use TJ, it indicates he already knows how he wants to use JJ. Did he indicate how that was? Running backs by committee with Mo or feature back with ?? as change of pace? TJ?
Any word on Weaver and maybe some interest in him for the 2nd round tender offer?
If he's trying to figure out how to use TJ, it indicates he already knows how he wants to use JJ. Did he indicate how that was? Running backs by committee with Mo or feature back with ?? as change of pace? TJ?
Any word on Weaver and maybe some interest in him for the 2nd round tender offer?
Bobby,
After we signed him I went back and watched the Carolina game we had with them this year. When Carolina needed a yard or tough yardage, they ran behind Wahle. I also saw him check his hole for stunts on the O-line and then when he verified there was no one coming he was quick enough to get back and knock Tapp around the back of their QB in helping their OT. Tapp's speed rush around the outside was totally stifled because of this.
FInally, I saw him pull a time or two and he even went out on a screen pass. He wasn't necessarily "blowing people up" but then it was "our" defense from last year. We had good defenders last year. He did take up space and give the RB a choice of cutting inside or outside.
All around I was satisfied in his abilities. He's no Faneca or Futch but hey, he is not a bad OG. I hope he meshes with Spencer and Jones and the rest of the line with Solari's help.
After we signed him I went back and watched the Carolina game we had with them this year. When Carolina needed a yard or tough yardage, they ran behind Wahle. I also saw him check his hole for stunts on the O-line and then when he verified there was no one coming he was quick enough to get back and knock Tapp around the back of their QB in helping their OT. Tapp's speed rush around the outside was totally stifled because of this.
FInally, I saw him pull a time or two and he even went out on a screen pass. He wasn't necessarily "blowing people up" but then it was "our" defense from last year. We had good defenders last year. He did take up space and give the RB a choice of cutting inside or outside.
All around I was satisfied in his abilities. He's no Faneca or Futch but hey, he is not a bad OG. I hope he meshes with Spencer and Jones and the rest of the line with Solari's help.
Every day that passes is a day closer to Alexander getting feces-canned. I want to see the look on his face when he gets it Trump style: "You're fired!".
Carolina has released center Justin Hartwig, who was supposed to compete for starting right guard. Wonder if there's enough scratch left to sign him?
Carolina has released center Justin Hartwig, who was supposed to compete for starting right guard. Wonder if there's enough scratch left to sign him?
I don't know if either of you have ever fired someone or have been fired yourself but it is nothing to revel in for either party. I for one, do not take joy in others dispair. And even though it happens, there are ways to do it to not rub salt in a wound.
But hey, if that floats your boat, go for it.
But hey, if that floats your boat, go for it.
Holmgren would never admit how annoying it was to hear Alexander demanding the ball for one of his patented hurry up and stop moves of recent years. They do not want him at training camp or in the locker room. The Holmgren Hasselback passing attack creates opportunities for a good back especially with the improved o-line. This will be a much better year. It's just too bad how much SA's deal will eat into the salary cap this year and next.
Shaun is pissed, you can bet. But he will end up playing for a contender, and be seriously motivated to kick our ass if possible. There is a good chance he still has gas left in his tank, and if he does Ruskell is gonna look like a fool--again. it will be hutch times 2.
Instead of kicking Shauns ass on his way out, fans should be supportive. He said and did all the right things last year, and the year before. he played hurt, accepted the role the coach assigned him. His production stunk last year, but much of that was due to the line. It isnt like Morris or Weaver looked any better with the same line.
Shaun is a wierd, arrogant dude. He thinks god loves him more than anyone else, and that makes me wanna puke. But he is the best Rb the Hawks ever had, the only MVP we ever had, and he didnt deserve this from Ruskell. Guess he should have reworked his contract....still, glorying in his being fired is pathetic. Shaun is tougher than any of the wimps on this blog who jeered him.
We didnt treat Warner this way, even though Warners skills had faded to near invisibility. He left for less money in order to avoid a backup role--but at least it was his choice. We didnt even treat Chris Warren this way, even though teammates here and in Dallas said he didnt even try his last year or two. AND he was a deadbeat dad...
So stop jeering Shaun. Wish him well, and pray he doesnt run circles around that wuss Julius Jones and that slow ogre Duckett.
Instead of kicking Shauns ass on his way out, fans should be supportive. He said and did all the right things last year, and the year before. he played hurt, accepted the role the coach assigned him. His production stunk last year, but much of that was due to the line. It isnt like Morris or Weaver looked any better with the same line.
Shaun is a wierd, arrogant dude. He thinks god loves him more than anyone else, and that makes me wanna puke. But he is the best Rb the Hawks ever had, the only MVP we ever had, and he didnt deserve this from Ruskell. Guess he should have reworked his contract....still, glorying in his being fired is pathetic. Shaun is tougher than any of the wimps on this blog who jeered him.
We didnt treat Warner this way, even though Warners skills had faded to near invisibility. He left for less money in order to avoid a backup role--but at least it was his choice. We didnt even treat Chris Warren this way, even though teammates here and in Dallas said he didnt even try his last year or two. AND he was a deadbeat dad...
So stop jeering Shaun. Wish him well, and pray he doesnt run circles around that wuss Julius Jones and that slow ogre Duckett.
Cmon.....We all watched him over the last couple years and wanted him benched, I dont care what the reason are that he didnt play well, this team HAS to go in a different direction. He will be one of the ALL TIME greats in our franchise history and will get into the ring of honor, but he/we need to move on, this team is too close to competing for another SuperBowl run, and we dont need to lie to ourselves about that. I wish him luck if he lands somewhere and hope he has some good years, and even if we face him as an apponent, and he runs all over us, we will still be the team that wins that game and moves into the playoffs.
Just ask most of the experts out there that bashed him all last year about his pussy foot running and falling down all the time, I am ready for a change!!!!! So should all of you.
I love what TRuskell has done and anyone who bashes him needs to look back on how this organization used to run itself, used to be pathetic excuse for an NFL franchise, and now have turned into a respectable organization with a front office and scouting department that know how to build a team year in and year out ot be able to compete. I doubt You will see this Organixation in a rebuilding mode while Tim is at the helm.
GO HAWKS!! GO RUSKELL!!!! I TRUST YOU!!!
Just ask most of the experts out there that bashed him all last year about his pussy foot running and falling down all the time, I am ready for a change!!!!! So should all of you.
I love what TRuskell has done and anyone who bashes him needs to look back on how this organization used to run itself, used to be pathetic excuse for an NFL franchise, and now have turned into a respectable organization with a front office and scouting department that know how to build a team year in and year out ot be able to compete. I doubt You will see this Organixation in a rebuilding mode while Tim is at the helm.
GO HAWKS!! GO RUSKELL!!!! I TRUST YOU!!!
lesh,
Shaun's running style will not work anywhere anymore. He just doesn't have the ability to burst through the hole. He may go somewhere else, but the fans and the organization won't be NEARLY as forgiving of his flop at the first sign of a hit running style as we have been here in Seattle.
I have loved what Shaun has done for this team. I cheered him throughout 2005. I defended him in 2006 and blamed everything on the bad luck of the broken foot. I even tried to be understanding last year and say that it was because of the wrist.
But the fact is, the guy just doesn't seem to have the 'wanto' to run hard anymore and actually looks like he's afraid of getting hit.
He may suprise us all and go somewhere next year and have one more good year just to prove the doubters wrong. If that happens great for him. I, for one, don't want him to go out of the league being remembered for his 2007 performance. I really thought he was a sure fire HOFer, but I'm not sure he has the National votes for that anymore if you believe what is being said on all the National programs.
That being said, I don't see Shaun EVER regaining that 2005 form here in Seattle.
Shaun's running style will not work anywhere anymore. He just doesn't have the ability to burst through the hole. He may go somewhere else, but the fans and the organization won't be NEARLY as forgiving of his flop at the first sign of a hit running style as we have been here in Seattle.
I have loved what Shaun has done for this team. I cheered him throughout 2005. I defended him in 2006 and blamed everything on the bad luck of the broken foot. I even tried to be understanding last year and say that it was because of the wrist.
But the fact is, the guy just doesn't seem to have the 'wanto' to run hard anymore and actually looks like he's afraid of getting hit.
He may suprise us all and go somewhere next year and have one more good year just to prove the doubters wrong. If that happens great for him. I, for one, don't want him to go out of the league being remembered for his 2007 performance. I really thought he was a sure fire HOFer, but I'm not sure he has the National votes for that anymore if you believe what is being said on all the National programs.
That being said, I don't see Shaun EVER regaining that 2005 form here in Seattle.
I've met SA more than a couple times at his house. He really is a great guy, but as for running for the Seahawks (or any other NFL team) it's a dead end. Watch for him to hang it up when he gets released by the Seahawks. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take on a coaching/mentoring role with the Hawks (that would really piss Holmgren off)...
All the Seahawks RBs were awful in obvious run situations. Morris was the biggest disaster of them all. That Cleveland game was one of the worst efforts I saw in decades as a Seahawks fan against an awful defensive line. A fumble on 4th down? At least try to run the ball!
Before I forget, both Morris and Weaver run a mean draw play!
Before I forget, both Morris and Weaver run a mean draw play!
This kind of reminds me of the Marcus Allen/Raiders situation. He went to KC and showed he had plenty of gas left in the tank. However, he never won another MVP and didn't return to the Superbowl. He retired a Chief and has never forgiven the Raiders. He would piss on their logo if it were there for him to do. This is no way to leave a player who meant so much to the organization. If the Hawks release him, this is no way to end a relationship such as this. Heck, the guy even lives in Seattle and has a wife who is from the area.
Granted, the end is near anyway, but I really feel like this is ugly and likely to end up hurting. I wonder where he'll end up...I disagree with GordonTV in that he'll hang it up this year. I think he'll sign somewhere in the NFC where he can stick it to the Hawks...at least once. Perhaps in Chicago or Atlanta or somewhere that will use him in some role. Maybe the NY Jets. The man still has juice left in the legs.
This is no Hutch x 2 though... Shaun is way more replaceable and less important to the leadership of his unit. Hutch is missed more for his leadership than for his braun...and that is missed. Hopefully Mike Wahle can replace some of that leadership.
Granted, the end is near anyway, but I really feel like this is ugly and likely to end up hurting. I wonder where he'll end up...I disagree with GordonTV in that he'll hang it up this year. I think he'll sign somewhere in the NFC where he can stick it to the Hawks...at least once. Perhaps in Chicago or Atlanta or somewhere that will use him in some role. Maybe the NY Jets. The man still has juice left in the legs.
This is no Hutch x 2 though... Shaun is way more replaceable and less important to the leadership of his unit. Hutch is missed more for his leadership than for his braun...and that is missed. Hopefully Mike Wahle can replace some of that leadership.
leshthomas
thing about warner is that free agency now a days is so differnt and teams lose a good percentage of thier team every year thats just how it is now a days
it's a business
it's all about what you have done for me latley - and shuan hasn't done much
thing about warner is that free agency now a days is so differnt and teams lose a good percentage of thier team every year thats just how it is now a days
it's a business
it's all about what you have done for me latley - and shuan hasn't done much
Frank,
I didn't realize that you have to be at the headquarter when there was nothing going on. I thought you would stay at home during these days, and wait until something comes up, and write a story about it. The day can seem very long when you have to do that, doesn't it?
I didn't realize that you have to be at the headquarter when there was nothing going on. I thought you would stay at home during these days, and wait until something comes up, and write a story about it. The day can seem very long when you have to do that, doesn't it?
No one else finds it ironic that a SA injury is once again preventing him from contributing to the Hawks (this time in the way of trade/release)?
Thanks for your work SA, you were a solid B+ runner for a good stretch. Too bad you lost it these past couple of years
Thanks for your work SA, you were a solid B+ runner for a good stretch. Too bad you lost it these past couple of years
Leshthomas, are you serious. Curt Warner had a knee reconstruction to blame for his decline. Alexander has never had an injury that even remotely approaches that. Save the broken foot. And as for Warren, he was a bum. A softer runner than Alexander was at any point, and tha's quite an inditement. His numbers are so misleading I wouldn't even know where to begin. Alexander may have productive years left in him, but not without hall of famers leading the way, you know, like Hutch. Unless Timmay is planning on releasing Hass or Lofa, nothing he does in the future will approach the Hutch debacle.
"Shaun is pissed, you can bet. But he will end up playing for a contender, and be seriously motivated to kick our ass if possible. There is a good chance he still has gas left in his tank, and if he does Ruskell is gonna look like a fool--again. it will be hutch times 2."
I needed a laugh, thanks. That's just too funny.
I needed a laugh, thanks. That's just too funny.
Papahawk... I thought it was interesting that you compared Shaun to Marcus Allen. I've said his entire career that he was the modern day Allen. Both played for themselves, and both only seem to truly run hard when the endzone was near. Everyone always thought Al Davis was the bad guy in that situation. Then when Allen went to KC, a lot of his ex-teammates talked about how he was never a team player, and that he only cared about his own accolades. Sound familiar?
Shaun will probably move on and play well, but my guess would be that it would only happen because he'll be forced into signing an incentive based deal. Which is pretty much the only time we ever got 100% of him, when he was playing for the dough.
Shaun will probably move on and play well, but my guess would be that it would only happen because he'll be forced into signing an incentive based deal. Which is pretty much the only time we ever got 100% of him, when he was playing for the dough.
I was very surprised when the Hawks signed Alexander for eight years! Why would you sign, then a 28 year old, running back for eight additional years? It seems that Hutch, Jones, and Mack, gave us the illusion that Alexander was a great back. I never did like his style of running, look at his Alabama videos on youtube, but he did seem like a different back when it came to finding the endzone. The last time I was impressed with Alexander, was during the loss to Chicago in the second round of the 2006-2007 postseason.
it really is to bad that shuan is most likely gonna be cut I just hope that he does not go to another team and blow it up again but as much as I like shaun I want the seahwks to win more I just hope that thier going to put as much effort in fixing the O line as they have into fixing the running backs.
GO HAWKS!!!
GO HAWKS!!!
Wouldn't it be great if Arizona signed him?
You know they would, too.
You know they would, too.
i was just going to write that city_by_the_bay lol
After all AZ does need a RB and most likely will draft one... what better way to mold a new RB with a vet RB... little do they know should they hire SA that their new rookie rb will learn how to drop balls, not pass block, dance around like it was cool, and fall down before getting touch to "avoid getting injuried" (like that worked out well).
But hey.. whatever. AZ if your listening PLEASE sign SA once he is cut. It would feel great to beat AZ with SA on their team.
After all AZ does need a RB and most likely will draft one... what better way to mold a new RB with a vet RB... little do they know should they hire SA that their new rookie rb will learn how to drop balls, not pass block, dance around like it was cool, and fall down before getting touch to "avoid getting injuried" (like that worked out well).
But hey.. whatever. AZ if your listening PLEASE sign SA once he is cut. It would feel great to beat AZ with SA on their team.
There are two sides to most stories. Allen may have been a jerk, but Al Davis kept him out of the lineup and refused to trade him for a couple of years during Allen's prime. That was purely spiteful vindictiveness, and did not allow Allen to produce to the level that he might have. Sick stuff.
Allen had two outstanding years in 84 & 85, but his production tailed off after that. He was a good to very good back for the majority of his career. He's in the HOF because he was a compiler, he played 16 seasons, but his production was never the same after 85. He was a very good situational player for the Chiefs. Like I mentioned in my previous post he was a different player inside the red zone so he scored a lot. Just like Alexander, but Allen's production dropped off before he was benched. Also he was benched in 91 & 92 when he was 31 & 32 years old. He was about 6 years removed from his best ball at that point. The only difference between him and Roger Craig, also a good to very good back, but not great, was about 4 seasons, does he deserve to be in the HOF?
So what if Shaun has a couple of good games and "takes it to his old team". That is a motivator. We know Shaun CAN run when he is motivated to do so. So he plays a couple good games AGAINST us. Who cares. It's not worth paying $4 million bucks to keep him on OUR team when there's no motivation for him to play hard. You don't keep players on your team because of what they COULD do to you. You keep them on the team and pay them for what you can COUNT ON them to do for you, week in and week out. Lots of players are more valuable off your team than on it. It's out of our control. Let him move on and if he plays well, it will be because he either has personal motivation to do so, or because another team has more synergistic players, schemes, plays that play to his strength. Obviously, the Seahawks do not have either of those things, or he would be playing better. Get over it. He needs to be on someone else's team. Good Luck Shaun. And thanks for what you did for us, while you were doing it!
Wow, some fans really are fickle...
While I think that the front office is doing the right thing in attempting to upgrade the running game by [amongst other things] replacing Shaun Alexander, I don't agree with alot of the messages on this board expressing glee in seeing the guy get cut from the team.
Shaun Alexander was a GREAT player for the Seattle Seahawks - the stats speak for themselves - and we can only hope that Julius Jones, TJ Duckett and/or any future draft pick has half the career that SA had here.
But Alexander knows this is business - just like every other guy, including Ruskell & Holmgren - and the time has eventually come to part ways. Shaun has been well rewarded for doing his business in Seattle - and the team has equally benefitted from his productivity during that time.
I trust that all concerned will act with the dignity that defines the Seattle Seahawks as the classiest team in the NFL. We are the best....
While I think that the front office is doing the right thing in attempting to upgrade the running game by [amongst other things] replacing Shaun Alexander, I don't agree with alot of the messages on this board expressing glee in seeing the guy get cut from the team.
Shaun Alexander was a GREAT player for the Seattle Seahawks - the stats speak for themselves - and we can only hope that Julius Jones, TJ Duckett and/or any future draft pick has half the career that SA had here.
But Alexander knows this is business - just like every other guy, including Ruskell & Holmgren - and the time has eventually come to part ways. Shaun has been well rewarded for doing his business in Seattle - and the team has equally benefitted from his productivity during that time.
I trust that all concerned will act with the dignity that defines the Seattle Seahawks as the classiest team in the NFL. We are the best....
I've heard AZ is growing tired of James.
And we all know that SA pulled out his best performances agains the Cards.
Although, today Fitzgerald restructured, which shows that the franchise itself is making big strides.
Still, they could just be enamored enough with Alexander to bring him on, plus, don't discount the vengeance factor was SA is cut. You don't think he would sign on the cheap as a "prove me" kind of year to stick to the Hawks within the division?
Who knows, probably not, but, I agree, it would be great to see him go to AZ.
And we all know that SA pulled out his best performances agains the Cards.
Although, today Fitzgerald restructured, which shows that the franchise itself is making big strides.
Still, they could just be enamored enough with Alexander to bring him on, plus, don't discount the vengeance factor was SA is cut. You don't think he would sign on the cheap as a "prove me" kind of year to stick to the Hawks within the division?
Who knows, probably not, but, I agree, it would be great to see him go to AZ.
Fitzgerald didn't restructure, he signed a four year new contract that will still pay him $33 million in the first 4 years AND has a no trade clause in it. That new contract is what frees the money for Arizona. They wanted him to sign a six year deal but he insisted on a 4 year contract.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3287855
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3287855
I reckon the Jones signing came about because they asked SA to restructure and he shot them down. The reality of the NFL is that you get paid based on production and SA production over the past 2 seasons means his pay has to go down to stay with this team. Personally I like the guy and I think he has given the Seahawks everything he had to give, it might not be as much as I would have liked, but it was what he had.
I think the Allen analogies are pretty accurate. I do think he can be productive, but whether or not he will depends on him. I think he will be cut post June 1 rather than restructure. He'll probably play somewhere else for less money. Don't be surprised though if he retires if he is cut. Ricky Waters was still willing to play but couldn't find a team willing to take him on at his price. SA might find that it more difficult to find a team willing to pony up much cash for him.
I think the Allen analogies are pretty accurate. I do think he can be productive, but whether or not he will depends on him. I think he will be cut post June 1 rather than restructure. He'll probably play somewhere else for less money. Don't be surprised though if he retires if he is cut. Ricky Waters was still willing to play but couldn't find a team willing to take him on at his price. SA might find that it more difficult to find a team willing to pony up much cash for him.
Shaun is going to be fine. He's got family, religion, health AND money. He'll probably make some more money with either a restructure or a new contract somewhere else when/if we cut him.
The team has more at stake here than SA does. The FO's dealings with SA will either attract Free Agents or deter them. It's a hard sell already to get really good and great players to move (or stay like Lofa, Hill ,etc) in "East Egypt." If the FO treats their "stars" like dirt, we won't get any players in FA going forward and we won't be able to keep the ones we have.
So "if" the front office cuts SA this year, I hope they do it in a classy way so as not to scare off future signings. That's going to be hard to do with their actions and statements to date regarding SA "being here."
There is another side to this issue that I've argued many times in this forum regarding the talent that we are signing. NO WAY is JJ and TJ better than a healthy SA. They are about the same as the injured SA over the last two years. TR is absolutely lights out in getting impact defensive players from either the draft or FA, but he has consistently missed with his offensive moves. Our team is moving into a new phase of NFL play where we will start seeing low scoring defensive battles where either the defense will have to score or we will have to use an opportunistic offense. Hard to do that with a rookie kicker though.
The team has more at stake here than SA does. The FO's dealings with SA will either attract Free Agents or deter them. It's a hard sell already to get really good and great players to move (or stay like Lofa, Hill ,etc) in "East Egypt." If the FO treats their "stars" like dirt, we won't get any players in FA going forward and we won't be able to keep the ones we have.
So "if" the front office cuts SA this year, I hope they do it in a classy way so as not to scare off future signings. That's going to be hard to do with their actions and statements to date regarding SA "being here."
There is another side to this issue that I've argued many times in this forum regarding the talent that we are signing. NO WAY is JJ and TJ better than a healthy SA. They are about the same as the injured SA over the last two years. TR is absolutely lights out in getting impact defensive players from either the draft or FA, but he has consistently missed with his offensive moves. Our team is moving into a new phase of NFL play where we will start seeing low scoring defensive battles where either the defense will have to score or we will have to use an opportunistic offense. Hard to do that with a rookie kicker though.
TR does not operate in a vacuum. You don't think Holmgren gives input on offensive players. Ultimately, TR makes the decision on where to go, and How much money to spend but the coach gets input. (Yes, I left this for you whiners to bring up the disaster, but you were going to do that anyway).
also, it takes 2 to tango, if you will. Josh Brown left for more money and a dome - oh yeah "and for a better chance of winning . . . " Whatever. The only thing that was going to keep brown in Seattle was More $$$. and he is not worth overpaying when we already have cap issues.
NE, Dallas, and many other teams have done fine with no name kickers and we can too. (yes we need a long snapper - but I didn't say will, I said can)
Maybe we should just get a new "video" guy and not worry about who we have on the team and just cheat our way to the top!!!
also, it takes 2 to tango, if you will. Josh Brown left for more money and a dome - oh yeah "and for a better chance of winning . . . " Whatever. The only thing that was going to keep brown in Seattle was More $$$. and he is not worth overpaying when we already have cap issues.
NE, Dallas, and many other teams have done fine with no name kickers and we can too. (yes we need a long snapper - but I didn't say will, I said can)
Maybe we should just get a new "video" guy and not worry about who we have on the team and just cheat our way to the top!!!
Oh, I think they do - in some sort. but that's why I suggested a NEW video guy. Ours must not be up to snuff.
And hey they don't count against the cap. So maybe we can get a whole Mission impossible team and never get caught. Well at least deny any knowledge of them!!
And hey they don't count against the cap. So maybe we can get a whole Mission impossible team and never get caught. Well at least deny any knowledge of them!!
The only thing all this clears up for me is that we can't rely on anything Ruskell tells us.
At least not about what we may yet do ... if he tells me what we've already done or perhaps why we've done something his credibility may remain intact but his "we're not planning on cutting Alexander or even asking him to restructure his contract" lie seemed disturbingly natural for him. It's also one that I still can't figure any advantage to be gained by having told, so evidently there needn't even be good reason for lying to us.
Now don't all you Ruskellites go getting your panties in a wad, honesty is not after all a prerequisite to being a good GM, it's just something we're going to have to get used to.
An adjustment to my BS-o-meter was clearly in order.
At least not about what we may yet do ... if he tells me what we've already done or perhaps why we've done something his credibility may remain intact but his "we're not planning on cutting Alexander or even asking him to restructure his contract" lie seemed disturbingly natural for him. It's also one that I still can't figure any advantage to be gained by having told, so evidently there needn't even be good reason for lying to us.
Now don't all you Ruskellites go getting your panties in a wad, honesty is not after all a prerequisite to being a good GM, it's just something we're going to have to get used to.
An adjustment to my BS-o-meter was clearly in order.
Just me,
Yes, NE and Dallas have done fine with average kickers, but if you are a GM that is restructuring your team to play defensive - low scoring battles on Sunday like this team is being built, you put more weight on your kicker to make those few opportunities that you get. I'm not advocating keeping Josh. What I am saying is that TR has been moving this way for the last 3 years, so he's had time to address that position with the right guy an lock him up for a long time. We didn't do it.
Bob,
BS-o-meter. Took a few minutes to clean my screen off but that was great. I just sumitted mine to the calibration shop also.
Yes, NE and Dallas have done fine with average kickers, but if you are a GM that is restructuring your team to play defensive - low scoring battles on Sunday like this team is being built, you put more weight on your kicker to make those few opportunities that you get. I'm not advocating keeping Josh. What I am saying is that TR has been moving this way for the last 3 years, so he's had time to address that position with the right guy an lock him up for a long time. We didn't do it.
Bob,
BS-o-meter. Took a few minutes to clean my screen off but that was great. I just sumitted mine to the calibration shop also.
"we're not planning on cutting Alexander or even asking him to restructure his contract" lie seemed disturbingly natural for him. It's also one that I still can't figure any advantage to be gained by having told, so evidently there needn't even be good reason for lying to us."
1 very good reason- we can't cut him now because of his injury. a few years ago, I think it was Cincy tried to cut someone and either had to take them back and/or had to pay the salary and was fined by the NFL. So if we plan to cut him now and announce it. then we can be in trouble becuase of the CBA.
IDHAWKMAN - Yes our team has emphasized the defense lately - BECAUSE WE HAD TOO!!! How many times did we loose a shoot out in the last 5 years. TOO MANY - so all of us were complaining - Why isn't the defense better to match the offense. It started before TR when we hired Ray Rhodes as DC. He has continued the trend.
He hasn't had much of a chance to work on the Offense yet. but so far I agree the results aren't flattering
1 very good reason- we can't cut him now because of his injury. a few years ago, I think it was Cincy tried to cut someone and either had to take them back and/or had to pay the salary and was fined by the NFL. So if we plan to cut him now and announce it. then we can be in trouble becuase of the CBA.
IDHAWKMAN - Yes our team has emphasized the defense lately - BECAUSE WE HAD TOO!!! How many times did we loose a shoot out in the last 5 years. TOO MANY - so all of us were complaining - Why isn't the defense better to match the offense. It started before TR when we hired Ray Rhodes as DC. He has continued the trend.
He hasn't had much of a chance to work on the Offense yet. but so far I agree the results aren't flattering
No argument that the defense had to be addressed. That's why I put TRs entire past under the microscope. I can't find one Marquis offensive player that he signed in FA or in the draft. But he has done many defensive ones. That is somewhat disturbing to me. Not because I don't like defense (I actually like watching defense more than offense), but because I think we need an offense that can put together a reasonable amount of points. 27 points is what I think we need to score in every game to give us the dominant team we need. Also, that many points will continue to sell tickets. Less than that and the fans will become bored and lose interest. Loss of interest results in less willingness of the owner to spend money. Etc, etc.
I may be wrong, and actually hope I am. Time will tell and April draft is coming soon. I'll be watching to see the first 4 round selections.
As I see it, the offense has only 3 "skilled position" starters coming back with WCO experience. Hass, Burleson and Engram. Anyone else have more that I missed? That's not good when you have a playbook the size of Holmgren's. And I know a lot of us are sick of the same old predictable plays. I don't think the new guys will know more than just a couple dozen plays and I'm confident they will not have the necessary time in practice to run them well.
I may be wrong, and actually hope I am. Time will tell and April draft is coming soon. I'll be watching to see the first 4 round selections.
As I see it, the offense has only 3 "skilled position" starters coming back with WCO experience. Hass, Burleson and Engram. Anyone else have more that I missed? That's not good when you have a playbook the size of Holmgren's. And I know a lot of us are sick of the same old predictable plays. I don't think the new guys will know more than just a couple dozen plays and I'm confident they will not have the necessary time in practice to run them well.
Yep, Mack went down early in the 5th game. Weaver spent the rest of the year starting the last 11. Pretty great effort by Weaver to go from the bubble in preseason to replacing the legend known as Mack Strong. Weaver went through a steep curve there.
BTW, SA had 353 yards on 91 rushes, and 35 yards on 7 catches in those first 4 games. Dropping down to 25 yards on 11 rushes and 7 yards on 3 catches in the 5th game. He got over 50 yards only twice the rest of the season.
BTW, SA had 353 yards on 91 rushes, and 35 yards on 7 catches in those first 4 games. Dropping down to 25 yards on 11 rushes and 7 yards on 3 catches in the 5th game. He got over 50 yards only twice the rest of the season.
Maybe we can trade Alexander to Miami for Taylor, give them a 2nd or 3rd round pick to go with him and say goodbye to the tip over running back once known as Shaun Alexander...the only reason the Seahawks missed out on the last 2 Superbowls. I say good by, and if you want to stay, re-do your deal. You are getting way too much for your girly ball.
idahawk did you make this video for SA?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbJ4TkdWnzQ&feature=related
FRANK any word on JJ's EXACT base salary for the next 4 years? I'm hearing rumors that he will make just 700k this year base salary which seems somewhat odd considering LT and SA will make 7.2-7.5 base salary apx this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbJ4TkdWnzQ&feature=related
FRANK any word on JJ's EXACT base salary for the next 4 years? I'm hearing rumors that he will make just 700k this year base salary which seems somewhat odd considering LT and SA will make 7.2-7.5 base salary apx this year.
grow up? what we can't laugh around here and have a good time?
The video is a mock man... take it for what it's worth but dont get all butt hurt bout it.
typical for the level of play he plays? wtf mate?
He's more then not going to be a starter for the hawks. I only know of rookie's that get 400-750k base salary for their first year. The question is genuine.
The video is a mock man... take it for what it's worth but dont get all butt hurt bout it.
typical for the level of play he plays? wtf mate?
He's more then not going to be a starter for the hawks. I only know of rookie's that get 400-750k base salary for their first year. The question is genuine.
Unfortunately, the answer was genuine also. Look at it this way.
1. We offered him what we could.
2. He accepted it because it was the best offer to him.
3. The money is not starter nor feature back money.
Put them together with his career stats and he's getting paid very well for his production. In 4 years he's only carried the ball 885 times. Less than 225 carries a season. He's had 18 career Touchdowns (all rushing). Elite backs usually have that in one season if not more into the 20 TD range per season. (I know there's reasons for that but that only points out the obvious even more)
So he's an average back. Building him up into something else is just not genuine. If he was an elite back, he wouldn't have let Barber come in and beat him out of his position when he should be in his prime.
Parcells knows the run game and Parcells felt strongly enough about JJ to go and draft Barber. That should raise a red flag or two if you are looking for him to come in and carry the load here.
I know, he's going to share duties with TJ Duckett, right? TJ isn't elite either though. Neither are very impressive and THAT is the biggest reason for my arguing against letting SA go. The only good thing about Barber and TJ is that their contracts were not structured so as to hurt us that much if they don't make the cut this year or next.
1. We offered him what we could.
2. He accepted it because it was the best offer to him.
3. The money is not starter nor feature back money.
Put them together with his career stats and he's getting paid very well for his production. In 4 years he's only carried the ball 885 times. Less than 225 carries a season. He's had 18 career Touchdowns (all rushing). Elite backs usually have that in one season if not more into the 20 TD range per season. (I know there's reasons for that but that only points out the obvious even more)
So he's an average back. Building him up into something else is just not genuine. If he was an elite back, he wouldn't have let Barber come in and beat him out of his position when he should be in his prime.
Parcells knows the run game and Parcells felt strongly enough about JJ to go and draft Barber. That should raise a red flag or two if you are looking for him to come in and carry the load here.
I know, he's going to share duties with TJ Duckett, right? TJ isn't elite either though. Neither are very impressive and THAT is the biggest reason for my arguing against letting SA go. The only good thing about Barber and TJ is that their contracts were not structured so as to hurt us that much if they don't make the cut this year or next.
For all the people on this thread so far that keep repeating the BS that Shaun refused to restructure his contract ... your assumption is bogus.
Shaun offered to restructure his contract on the second to last game of the season, but Ruskell wanted to focus on the season. He refused again after the season, probably because any restructuring would make it harder to cut him.
How do I know? The user DADC on the times board is one of the most respected posters around, has a close relationship with SA, who visited him recently while he was in the hospital. Anyone interested in the insight he had on the SA situation and other tidbits the link is here:
http://forums.seattletimes.nwsource.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=42668"
He's not the greatest typist in the world since he's unable to hit backspace due to carpal tunnel in his arms, but he's a great contributor nevertheless.
As it stands right now, there is cap space to be gained cutting him after June 1st. And FWIW, it's highly doubtful at this point that Shaun will remain after that.
Shaun offered to restructure his contract on the second to last game of the season, but Ruskell wanted to focus on the season. He refused again after the season, probably because any restructuring would make it harder to cut him.
How do I know? The user DADC on the times board is one of the most respected posters around, has a close relationship with SA, who visited him recently while he was in the hospital. Anyone interested in the insight he had on the SA situation and other tidbits the link is here:
http://forums.seattletimes.nwsource.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=42668"
He's not the greatest typist in the world since he's unable to hit backspace due to carpal tunnel in his arms, but he's a great contributor nevertheless.
As it stands right now, there is cap space to be gained cutting him after June 1st. And FWIW, it's highly doubtful at this point that Shaun will remain after that.
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