Today I had an opportunity to speak to Brian Baldinger about the Seahawks, the draft, Jadeveon Clowney and the NFC West. Unfortunately, only four minutes of the interview recorded properly — basically all of the stuff discussing Jordyn Brooks.
I’ll try and review what else we talked about here. Baldy compared Darrell Taylor to Cameron Wake and noted that he’d heard a different team were very interested in Taylor, so he’d done a lot of work on him pre-draft. He said he’d talked to Clowney earlier in the year and due to a lack of a proper off-season in 2019 — he could be even better this year with a full camp (if possible due to Coronavirus). He noted he liked B.J. Finney having watched him at Kansas State. We also talked about Baldy’s Breakdowns — one of the best things about the NFL on Twitter.
Apologies to you all that I’m unable to provide you all 12 minutes of the conversation we had. Here’s the bit that did record on Brooks…
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Thanks Rob.
Did he expand any more on your question about how to utilize all 3 premium LBs?
Man that sucks… Awesome that you continue to interview such great guests. Thanks for all the work Rob! Very thankful for your work
So what are we looking at on base defense Week One with our roster as is?
Something like this?
Early Downs
DT-Poona and Reed
DE-Collier and Green and mix some Mayowa in at LEO
MIKE-Wagner
WILL-Wright and mix some Brooks in
SAM/Nickel-split of Irvin for SAM and PC Mystery Man for Nickel
Pass Rush Downs
DT-Reed and Collier
DE-Green and Mayowa at LEO
Branden Jackson, Darrell Taylor get some rotational snaps
Is that generally where the Hawks are at this moment in time?
I think Irvin wont play SAM at all.
Apparently they told him he would be back in his previous role of LB/3rd down pass rusher.
Obviously that was before we drafted Brooks, and before the Clowney saga continued for another eternity.
Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.
You might be right. Facing the reality of no Clowney makes me sick and that D line just feels so bad.
That’s a whole lot of Collier. I’m hoping for improvement, but if he’s on the field that much we’re probably in trouble.
Probably pretty close. I would think the DE on early downs would be Green/Collier at 5T with Mayowa at LEO mostly. Mix in a bit of Taylor at LEO, but mainly use him and Robinson as 3rd down rushers. Could have Bruce on the opposite side on 3rd down with Reed and Green/Collier kicking inside.
If they go with 11 players DE/LB (they usually do that) who do you see as odd man:
Collier, Green, Jackson, Mayowa, Irvin, Taylor, Robinson, BWagz, KJ, Brooks, Barton, BBK, Shaquem…
You would need to cut 2, and if they sign new DE then its 3…
I think Jackson is 99% gone(if no injuries) and one of BBK and Griffen (but prolem is they are both great special team players)…
I dont know who would be third…probablybRobunson, but if he showbhebis worth of 53 roster apot during august then i really dont know…
Maybe they would go with 12 in that case…
Robinson was a bit of a steal in the 5th, I can’t see him getting cut unless he shows absolutely nothing like Jennings last year. If they sign Clowney, I really don’t think its unrealistic for Mayowa to go. Jackson is an easy answer, and then one of BBK/Shaquem would have to go as well.
Mayowa has a $2.5M dead cap hit, so I’d be very surprised if he got cut unless he is completely ineffective.
I am really sorry Rob.
I can just imagine how you felt when you found it out.
While we do not always agree, I think what you provided us all here at this time was invaluable. An Island of normalcy where thing we know and love kept happening. You do not deserve it.
Sorry man.
Thank you. It did bother me quite a bit when I found out I’d lost most of it.
Random question, why don’t teams use sub offensive lineman packages in specific plays.
Example, say Fant was much better in pass protection than Ifedi, why not sub him in on 3rd and long situations. You’re already using other sub packages that identify you’re most likely to pass in those situations. There’s something to be said for continuity along the offensive line but if used enough it would help build up depth.
I think this is something we’ll eventually see
I think the main reason is that OL’s generally rely on continuity and consistent reps to perform. Subbing them in cold for one snap in the middle of a drive might be a recipe for disaster.
Also, putting a WR or a RB in on a passing/running down, doesn’t necessarily trap you into having to run that type of play, but putting in a situation specific OL probably does.
We all know we need to add more, but let’s just appreciate what we do have:
I’m so tired of Bobby living in the shadow of Kuechly. Bobby is the better player as far as I’m concerned…and yes, I’m biased!
Yes. And with Keuchly retiring we are now in the years where Bobby pulls away.
No disrespect to Keuchly though as he had nothing to do with outshinging Bobby from a national perspective, much like it was never Luck’s fault that Russ was overlooked. Those just became the two that Hawks fans often targeted in defense of their own.
Bobby’s resume is unreal, verging on top 3 all-time Seahawk territory.
Given how many high picks the Panthers plowed into the DL, Kuechly always played with more support than Wagner. Cleanest LB in the league. Wagner has done a good chunk of his work with the Seahawks pulling DTs off the street in June.
I would guess Jackson and Griffin would be out.
Baldy sounds like K.J.”Wagner” could be a cap casualty as he point out that there is a chance Brooks will take over the weak side this season.
KJ isn’t going anywhere. This might be his final year as an active Seahawk but he will be in the ring of honor alongside Bobby, Russ, Marshawn, Kam, Earl and Richard. Hope they have the space for all these guys!!! 🙂
Putting him at the SAM could kill two birds with one stone. Gets him on the field but not at 100% of the snaps anymore. Also gets more speed at the WILL. Brooks just needs to show he is ready. If there is no or limited preseason it might not happen until mid season.
KJ is my favorite player, but does paying a SAM at 10 mils makes any sense? Most teams play more nickel CB than base D. He will have to take a pay cut soon.
He may be a restructure candidate. He’s currently injured and I’m not sure he’d have a huge market if they outright cut him. I don’t think they’d outright cut him this late in the offseason – but they may have already talked through a number of restructure scenarios with him – who knows.
In any event – KJ getting close to 100% of the d snaps doesn’t make sense at this point. Regardless of contract they need to get him (and ideally Bobby) off the field a bit more.
Yeah, I could see them restructuring KJ’s contract and spread that $10M over 2 seasons instead of one. I think KJ is worth 5M right now considering the year he had last year and there is still some gas left in the tank. Let’s them hedge against Barton as well if he doesn’t improve this year.
Love Brian!
Heat check question- if the hawks do sign clowney, how much does your super bowl confidence increase? Russ is a man I feel I can trust to get us in the playoffs, but even with JC are the hawks final 4?
https://youtu.be/aaRnzBf4Jes
maven breakdown on Damien Lewis
when Bobby wager was drafted no one from media liked the pick. After hearing the interview I love the Jordan brooks pick. Fingers crossed
Rob-I’m going to set aside the question of improvement on the defensive side of the ball for now, as it’s hard to see how that will shape up until we see how ‘the waiting game’ plays out. Also, a lot of new young faces that need to show what they can do when we can actually get them on the field.
But I would like to hear you summarize your feelings on whether or not we might be able to see even better production out of the offense this season. I’m thinking the following:
-Russ will be Russ-as long as he’s healthy.
-the tight end room is solid to improved (especially if Dissily makes it back to good form within a reasonable interval).
-obviously, they have given themselves a lot of lattitude for interesting competition on the O-line. I could see it being better than last year, though this may be one area that will depend on what any tinkering with the salary cap necessitates.
-RB will all depend on how C.C. and Penny bounce back. I am interested to see if DJ Dallas can factor in.
-WR could be really exciting, and it’s hard for me to see us putting a unit on the field that is not at least a little more dynamic still than last year, despite not adding any superstars for RW from that amazing draft.
Lastly, I know it’s hard to make a call on the post-cuts f/a market, but does your gut tell you much at this point, at least from the positional perspective?
The Baldy segment must have been frustrating, but what we did get was good! Cheers.
I think clearly the TE has been bolstered. I think the OL is a massive question mark for 2020 and I worry about the RB position which has not really been strengthened despite the injury concerns there. I also feel a bit disappointed that from this great WR draft they couldn’t dip into it earlier than round six. Seeing the Colts go WR & RB in round two is a sickener.
So I think it has potential to be similar to a year ago but not necessarily better.
As for cuts —- I think it’s a bit too early to say.
I am not Rob but I would like to add something:
I am in no position to say if the 3 new Olinemen (possibly 4) will represent an upgrade or a downgrade from last year.
As far as RBs, I can see Dallas playing a secondary roll as a 3rd down/fast pace back with his pass protection skills and his WR background. However, the quality of the RBs will depend on a healthy Carson when the year starts and Penny later on.
As far as pass targets, I see a major improvement.
The Seahawks started last year with Lockett, Dissly, rookie DK, Moore, Brown, Turner and Vannett. Basically, it was Lockett & Dissly + the rookie.
They are likely to start 2020 with Lockett, 2nd year DK, Dorssett, Dissly and Olsen as the prime targets allowing them to play a very effective 2 TEs sets and lightning fast 3 WRs sets. Having those reliable 3-4 targets is a major advantage over what they had last year. They can field smart veterans with understanding of zone defenses (Olsen, Lockett, Dorssett) and players with speed/size miss match advantage (DK, Dorssett, Parkinson). That extra quality 3rd/4th target is something that breaks defenses when used effectively and you can trust RW to do it.
Once a team is able to enforce it’s will at any facet of the game it causes a chain reaction. Teams will need to account for those targets and we will not see that many 7-8 players in the box.
In short, adding a little here and there to an already good unit makes a big difference.
Eran; I’m with you-I think the array of targets Russ will have this season is looking mighty interesting. I just got done watching Dorsett’s highlight reels (both from the ‘Canes’, and the Pats) and was really liking that speed, and what looks to my untutored eye like some nice versatility. Mayhaps somebody with a better football mind than mine would care to weigh in on the secondaries of our various divisional opponents and what kind of match-up issues we will be able to bring this year.
I still like the idea of Ursua, and am hoping he at least gets salted away on the practice squad, or maybe even makes the active roster. And have my fingers crossed for Sullivan to the practice squad as well.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29153708/sit-last-meetings-dk-metcalf-advice-rookies
hi rob,
what is it about taylor’s game that’s got baldy thinking he’s got cameron wake-like potential?
would be amazing if true.
Are you guys seeing redditt? Probably BS, but the guy who posted it broke the Britt getting cut news well before it was official.
Rumor I’m seeing is maybe Miles Garrett. Would be huge. Can’t think of anyone on our team that we would trade that would be big besides McD or KJ (don’t see KJ getting traded right after the surgery news).
Rob- thoughts on Miles? Wonder if we would have to give him in a new contract? He in the last year of his rookie deal, but there is the 5th year option.
All of a sudden our d-line would look way better, and so would our defense as a whole.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Seahawks/comments/ghfl7a/something_is_happening/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
The rumor was also confirmed by another guy who apparently has a “source” that allowed him to call 4 of our draft picks in 2019. Said we would be “so happy” today. We’ll see. I’ll wait until it’s official.
And I hope it’s not Myles Garrett.
I’d sure take Myles Garrett… his “slip up” was on another team, in the past, etc. and we would be his fresh start. Plus, now he knows he’s on thin ice with the league anyways, so he should be more cautious.
Anyways, not gonna get my hopes up for him, but I sure would be happy to see the Seahawks make any kind of big move soon.
Why? Wasn’t that incident a blip (no history)? Not rationalizing what he did, but that does not seem like a deal breaker for our regime.
Plus he is just what we need. Big DE that also gets sack production.
There is no news on any other site, not big follower of Twitter so not sure there. Is this just a rumor??
Just random dudes claiming to have contacts close to the team. Only good for grasping for straws during quarantine. We’ll see if something actually happens today.
Yup, gives us something to spitball though. No harm in that. Other name rumored besides Garrett is JuJu. I’d rather have some help on the DL, but JuJu would be fun. You’d have to extend either guy. Lockett has 2 years left, so you could theoretically plan for JuJu and Metcalf to be the future.
Yeah, I saw that. I guess that would be interesting. He would only have a $1m cap hit this year, but the question is how high of a pick would it take to get him and would PIT really let him go and have Big Ben’s only targets this year be Claypool, James Washington, and… Amara Darboh?
Hold up…they’ve got Darboh?
No wonder JuJu is on the way out!
There’s more chance of us trading for Father Christmas than Myles Garrett.
That isn’t happening.
If it does I’ll swim the Atlantic for a second time, after my swim after the first round of this years draft.
Besides… the guy who called Justin Britt being cut. He really went out on a limb there, right? Anyone could’ve called that. We’d been talking about it for ages.
He even admits in the comments that he might be trolling.
I realize it’s a stretch, but that unfathomable? He’s not exactly a shining star for them right now. They could get at least one first from us and then turn around and sign Clowney (they have the space). I could see it being a win-win scenario. This kind of deal screams PC/JS.
If it happens, will you swim in a santa suit?
I’m reading the thread now.
He said something about a pretty big name being traded but not whether it was in or out. Which made me instantly think Shaquill Griffin to be honest.
And yes, it’s unfathomable that Cleveland would trade Garrett. One incident like that doesn’t mean you automatically trade one of the few truly elite edge rushers in the NFL. Especially when you’re a franchise desperate to become credible with a massive pressure to stop rebuilding every year and win some games for a change.
Someone mentions him way down in the thread.
I guess I could see it if the return were a bigtime pass rusher. Pretty big risk though to bank on Dunbar’s health.
The other “source” saying SEA fans would be “so happy” today kinda makes me think it would be someone coming in though. (if we’re gonna speculate based on these cryptic posts)
Who’s the other source?
(Can’t believe I’m getting sucked in… but it is kind of fun. The chances are both sources are the same bloke)
This guy: https://www.reddit.com/r/Seahawks/comments/ghfl7a/something_is_happening/fq94i41/
And I’m with you. This is about as fun as PC’s draft clues… and about as desperate…
And here’s his comment hitting on 4 draft picks and 2 UDFAs supposedly a week or so before the 2019 draft:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Seahawks/comments/beutnk/who_do_u_think_well_get_with_our_4_draft_picks/el97260/
Better than speculating on jersey numbers.
Speaking of that, TJ Watt is #90…maybe they’re keeping the jersey open for him?!?
/sarcasm/
Somewhere in Minnesota, BobbyK just dropped his coffee.
Stop
Haha I love it. All I’m hearing is
“There’s something happening here
But what it is ain’t exactly clear…”
I’m sorry but we need this after this vanilla off-season. Can’t wait for JS laughing during a press conference, “you didn’t really think we wouldn’t address it, right?” Haha.
“We had to continue conducting business…” LOL
“We’re very involved in what is coming up next. We’re not done. We have work to do. We’re excited about what’s coming up, and you guys will see, in time.”
– Pete Carroll, right before signing Ziggy Ansah
Don’t do that to us, mishima… 😷
You are the 4-pack of hard seltzers. I am the buzzkill.
Monday, Monday, so good to me.
It just better not be for Bell…
Oh good one. Hadn’t thought of that. Wonder if we could get a late 1st from a playoff team
I’d snap your hands off for a R1 for Griffin.
We need turnovers from somebody in that secondary. Diggs had a little of that.
Do you think Flowers or Griffin will ever improve that part of their game, playing the ball, takeaways? I don’t.
Hopefully Dunbar and Diggs make some plays.
They’re good hitters. I think it’s an innate ability for most players to do it at high level
Same.
Wanted them to trade/cut Wright and McDougald early in free agency, but now, Griffin makes the most sense, arguably has the most value.
If not traded, could Griffin see time at nickel CB? Part of Carroll’s ‘plan?’
Weird offseason. Chasing rumors.
Rob, the real question is…
What’s Father Christmas’ TEF?
mic drop
candy cane drop
Christmas struggled on the jumps put used his size to get a respectable 38 reps on the bench, bumping his score up.
Lol, I love it. Cookies and milk = big Claus gains
Probably did better than Demarcus Christmas.
One guy mentioned Britt and a third round pick for JJ Watt. This stuff can get out of hand sometimes but rumors are fun anyways but they usually let you down.
Another guy mentioned the player that is coming to the Seahawks has a good friend on team. Most likely all BS.
Seahawks favored in 11 games on early betting lines. Favored in first 5 to the bye week. One game is even and four they are NOT favored.
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/early-betting-lines-are-out-seattle-favored-in-11-games-in-2020/
I’ve read the entire rumour thread on reddit.
Here’s what I think…
— If there’s anything in it, which I doubt, it’s not a massive name. A good, solid addition is the tone I’m getting from the OP.
— I’ve said for weeks and will continue to say it. Stop getting your hopes up on players like Myles Garrett and Joey Bosa. You might as well hope for New Orleans to trade Michael Thomas or the Rams Aaron Donald. Teams don’t give away elite, top-20 talents at any position. Especially not just because they bopped someone over the head in a rivalry game.
— I think it’s utter bollocks. The person who writes it seems to spend most of his time chatting about Madden, Drake and baseball games on reddit. His username is ‘everyonelovesnudez’ for crying out loud. I sense he got lucky with the Britt post and has waited for the right opportunity to have a good laugh at the people on there with a BS rumour. When someone is ‘legit’ they don’t usually drip feed clues. They just post something is going to happen and then it does. So I wouldn’t get your hopes up.
Griffen incoming
Dion Jordan
I see its party here…you are mentioning big name coming amd maybe Griffin out…
Lets injoy the party…think Chiefs have problems with CB and SC…😂😂😂
I’ll throw a name into the hat. Kareem Hunt.
That’s something I could totally see Pete doing.
We’re trading a 7th round pick for TJ Watt! LMFAO
Then we’re trading a 2nd round pick next year to get the rights to Jonathan Taylor!
Stop. LOL
I still think Father Christmas is the closest guess so far.
Ho ho ho
Christmas is already on the team.
It’s definitely a massive wind up.
He’s doing eye emoji’s at every single suggestion. From Earl Thomas, to franchise tagged players, to Myles Garrett.
Absolute bollocks would be my guess.
“everyonelovesnudez” isn’t a credible source? I’m shocked. Shocked I say!
Me too. Usually the “z” at the end makes it legit.
lol
I’ve reached my limit of free articles on the Seattle Times. If someone could post the weekly lines for the Seahawks in text here I’d appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Clear your cookies and try again. 🙂
Incognito tab.
Wow I thought was just for keeping people from seeing the porn sites you visit.
Seriously, thanks.
Baltimore continues to have a nice offseason filling holes. Fluker goes to true Superbowl Contender.
Seahawks taking a cautious non agressive approach continues to be frustrating. I guess Seattles lack of anything exciting signing wise will always cause some rediculous trade rumors. Next will be Shaquill Griffen for Myles Garrett strait up lol
Ravens are a quality org. Just remember they do have a QB on a rook contract so being aggressive is easier for them.
We had plenty of cap space at beginning of Free-agency to be aggressive.
Lamar Jackson having a cap hit that’s about $28.5 million less that Wilson makes it a bit easier to be aggressive in the offseason.
Not saying Baltimore didn’t have more flexibility to be aggressive. Just saying Seahawks could have been. They had the flexibility to do so early.
The mods have deleted all of his posts.
You’ve all been had.
Gotta love the internet.
r/Seahawks mods are pretty terrible tbh. I was involved in a mock offseason, and we had to fight tooth and nail to get it posted. Seems like the only thing they want posted are memes. SDB is the only good Seahawks website.
People really just get on and say anything.
https://imgur.com/a/V00LgOo
He still claims to be legit.
Don’t think he is, but we’ll see
He’s got a few hours.
Not a wind from any NFL sources… if a big name is involved usually something will pop up in national media.
This probably is fans needing a vent to dream given the off season activity.
“sensor”
So no Father Christmas then? Ah sh**
MAYBE HE JUST GOT TOO CLOSE THE TRUTH!!! #EPSTEINDIDNTKILLHIMSELF
/S in case it wasn’t obvious
Let’s hear it for silly, delicious speculation. No one should pay any attention. What a ruse…
Gee, maybe it’s a trade with Delano Hill for ET???
.
Ya’ll see Baldy’s breakdowns top 10 pass rushers list? 😭
* Edge pass rushers
No? Ok….
10. Myles Garrett
9. Yannick Ngakoue
8. Frank Clark (said PC told him he’s the most explosive player he’s ever coached) *good trade coach*
7. TJ Watt
6. Cam Jordan
5. Joey Bosa
4. Danielle Hunter
3. Von Miller
2. Khalil Mack
1. Chandler Jones
IMO, Hunter and Jones, underrated, get no love.
Looks like Clowney’s decision may be coming..
Dan Sileo
✔
@DanSileoShow
The @Eagles have put a deal in front of @clownejd …The @Seahawks want him back…BUT both deals are near what Clowney thought he was going to get…stay tuned!!
Yeah, @PranSileoShow
(kidding)
lol
https://www.nj.com/eagles/2020/05/nfl-rumors-buzz-for-jadeveon-clowney-signing-with-eagles-is-growing.html
This is the same guy that said that OBJ and Brady were going to the Eagles
9ers are one lucky a** team this off season
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2020/05/west-notes-buckner-49ers-williams-wirfs-dissly-seahawks-raiders-harris
…gulp…
I mean sure the guy’s credibility is crap, but he’s got a really good point, everyone really does love nudz. Just sayin’.
lol
KJR is trying to get everyonelovesnudez on the station apparently. What is going on?
people just desperate for some excitement, that’s all!
RadioNudz… just another in what’s becoming a series of letdowns. ((kicksdirt))
OK, will go with ‘nudz.’
Did anyone see this, not sure if its credible or not. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/russell-wilson-rumors-seahawks-almost-traded-qb-to-browns-in-2018-news.110221.html
“Between his two Super Bowl appearances and the last couple of years, Wilson was struggling at times as QB of the Seahawks. So much so, that there are now rumors circulating that the team almost traded him. According to Chris Simms of NBC Sports, the Seahawks were rumored to have called the Cleveland Browns in 2018, inquiring about their first overall pick. In fact, they were offering Russell Wilson in return.”
Rob, have you spent any time looking at the drafts of other teams? Curious who you think really had a nice draft. Not necessarily grades, but teams that added a few guys you were high on. Like the Jets with Becton, Mims, Zuniga, Bryce Hall…
I was a fan of the Chiefs and Ravens in real time. Looking now, I like what the Jets, Lions & Bengals did.
I also noticed that the Saints traded away half of their picks for Adam Trautman. They only took 4 guys and dealt 130, 169, 203 & 244 to move up to 105 for Trautman. That just stuck out to me as an all-in move.
Lastly, do you have hopes for any of our UDFA’s, in particular?
I am publishing a post about the NFC West today.
Well, I just came across this FWIW:
Chris Jones spotted at Sea Tac.
https://i.imgur.com/bgeYI7a.jpg
Well played!
Getting in on the fun, saw a hint “Lannister always keeps his debts”. Lannister had one hand= Shaqueem. Shaqueem plus a 4th for Ngakoue. With the news of Clowney getting a good offer from Eagles, they are moving on. Haha
How crazy is it going to be if something actually DOES happen today?
He just answered this on reddit:
“Probably not today. The trade is still being finalized and even if its done today it probably won’t be announced until tomorrow.”
https://old.reddit.com/r/Seahawks/comments/ghsl5b/lets_hope_for_the_best/fqasab3/
It’s clearly BS
KJR is putting this guy on the radio in a couple mins
😂😂😂
I am sure you are right, Rob. Howeverrrr, the Dragon Ball Z hint, Goku is DBZ, Close to Ngakoue 🤷🏼♂️ Still fun to speculate! I can’t believe they would actually get the dude on the radio show tho.
OMG, he’s actually on
https://radiostationusa.fm/online/sports-radio-kjr
LOL, he outright said it is Miles Garrett.
😂😂😂😂😂
This is nuts! I mean, if he’s right thats awesome but come on, Miles Garrett? This guy gets on the radio?? Get someone like Rob on the radio instead!
It’s Myles Garrett… unless he’s trolling on radio…
HOLY F***** HELL
I’ll take it
KJ and Griffin + a first to Cleveland for Garrett and a ~third