Unless anything significant happens I’m not planning on writing any long form articles over Christmas. I’ll have the Rams preview podcast online later this week and the traditional Christmas mock draft.
This has been a long year — one in which I didn’t have my usual break from writing over the summer. So I intend to try and enjoy Christmas with my family.
However, I wanted to say something today.
As I noted in yesterday’s podcast (see below), if you are simply happy to enjoy the wins (in any form) — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. This has been a horrible year for so many people. If you take joy from the Seahawks winning, you should cherish that. Nobody has the right to tell you to be a ‘fan’ in a different way.
But that same courtesy should be offered to the people who are viewing this team with a more critical eye.
If someone wishes to raise a concern, or multiple concerns, that’s fine. Nobody has the right to tell anyone else how they ‘should’ react to a game. Or accuse them of being spoiled because, many years ago, this franchise wasn’t very good.
Even if you don’t agree or have a different perspective, a lot of the concerns raised have been valid. Whether that was the way they used their resources in the off-season, their recent use of high draft picks, the way they handled the pass rush, the current performance of Russell Wilson, the performance of the coaching staff or other issues.
Again — you may have a different take. But it doesn’t mean other people are not raising valid concerns, or that a conversation isn’t necessary.
There seems to be an increasing intolerance on here about what should or shouldn’t be discussed — or how often something is discussed.
At the end of the day, it’s a personal blog written by one individual.
I do think this is a unique website these days. Blogging isn’t as popular as it was a decade ago. Social media, particularly Twitter and YouTube, has seen many writers turn to ‘tweeters and talkers’.
It’s not a surprise really. I have a full time job and when I get home, I spend several hours of my free time crafting an article. I have to treat this place almost like a second full-time job. Firstly, as a way to indulge my passion for the Seahawks and talking about the Seahawks. Secondly, as a hobby. I enjoy writing. I started this thing in 2008 as a means of practise in case my journalism career took me in that direction. It never did and I went into broadcasting but this short-term project has developed into a 12-year labour of love.
I don’t require any financial compensation, although I am grateful to those of you who use Patreon.
The only requirement I ask of the community is to appreciate that in exchange for the time I put into this, you’re going to get my views. I’m going to write about what I want to write about. For most of the last decade that has been very positive. This year, however, I’ve personally found a lot of things that I want to challenge.
I’m not going to avoid topics simply to dodge criticism. Thus, there could be stretches where I write articles you are not interested in. Or don’t like.
I’m afraid that’s just something you’re going to have to come to terms with. I’m not going to write articles to satisfy the needs of certain individual readers. You’re going to get my views — like them or loathe them.
I felt obliged to write this in order to try and progress forward during the decisive part of the season. I fear that whatever happens over the next few weeks — positive or negative — a storm is brewing and it could get ugly.
Let’s try to avoid that.
I do enjoy watching the Seahawks, contrary to what some people seem to think suddenly. It’s my favourite thing to do, along with talking about the Seahawks.
Sometimes though I will have a different opinion to you. It might not be the most flattering take on the team. And that’s OK.
Merry Christmas to all.
You can now support Seahawks Draft Blog via Patreon by clicking the tab below.
Thanks for the message. Well said. Merry Christmas, Rob and SDB!
Thanks Sea Mode, merry Christmas
Don’t let the snowflakes silence you.
Have a great holiday break, same to everyone that comes here.
This place is the only place I visit regularly anymore. ALL of the message board sites (and one in particular) have turned into name calling sewage pits. I quit all of them and the one I spent the most time on (since 2002) is a shell of it’s former self. Many friendships formed there…..But that is long gone.
It’s great to be able to come to this site, get great perspective from a lot of good people and showing respect to each other.
It is much appreciated. Time is valuable as well as resources, and to sacrifice for us to have a place to add our 2 cents is fantastic.
So thank you Mr. Rob
Thank you L80, Merry Christmas
Nothing but the Rams preview and one mock??!!
Freakin’ slacker………….
I kid. Merry Christmas man. This is definitely the time of year to spend with family, not a bunch of us twats online.
I am very curious how you and Robbie are going to pick the game. I’ll drop mine in that thread.
Rob, that piece had me sifting through the many quotes on freedom of speech, but I couldn’t find one that was a decent fit.
In the first place, it is, after all, your blog. But as always, great respect, my man-and I will defend to the death (okay-hopefully I won’t be called on to go that far😉) your right to whinge at will!
As to the X-mas hiatus, it has been well and truly earned, and I hope you and the fam have the best Christmas that is to be had in these crazy times we’re living through.
Happy holudays🎄🎅🎀🥧🍗🦃⚽🏈🦅
Thank you!
It’s more of a couple of days rather than a hiatus but I will be looking forward to the Rams game
Haha!
I enjoy this place, still. There are many good people in this community.
I will publish the podcast on Wednesday, new mock on Xmas Eve. I’ll do instant reaction to the Rams (plus a pod).
Enjoy the holiday with the family Rob. You sure as hell deserve it after all the joy this site has provided me and the countless others that frequent it. When you are ready to write again, I’ll be here ready to read your take.
Merry Christmas all.
Thanks Hoosier
Hi Rob,
Only been reading about your blog for the past year or so, but remember you from things like an old FG podcast a few years back when the Hawks played the Eagles. Really appreciate the work you put into this blog and while your unvarnished takes are sometimes tough to swallow but I find you’ve often been all too correct about the struggles of this team. Just want to say thank you for the dedication and critical analysis. Even though the Hawks weren’t that great yesterday, I took real joy in the Rams losing to the Jets since I hate that team with such a passion. Hope springs eternal and maybe the Hawks can finally beat LA next week. I’m never optimistic about a matchup with the Rams goddammit, it could be done. Anyways Merry Christmas, Merry New Year, Go Hawks.
Thanks Hansel, Merry Christmas
Thanks for your time on this blog Rob. Enjoy your time with family over the holidays.
Thank you!
Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays
Merry Christmas Dave
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family Rob.
We don’t have to agree with you 100% of the time to appreciate your blog. Life would be boring if we all agreed with each other all of the time.
I always love checking out the blog and love the work you do here, looking forward to it continuing in 2021, just a shame we have hardly any draft picks. 🙂
Thank you — and same to you. Have a great Christmas.
Have a great xmas Rob, this place is my favourite website there is. Check it every day. Keep doing you, we’ll keep coming back for more whenever you put it out there.
Thanks Henry, much appreciated. Merry Christmas.
Yes, the coming Rams game will show us what this team really is………….unfortunately I fear. And yes, Russ is a good part of the “problem”. I’ll mention an issue I noticed in the first Rams game. In much of the post game commentary it was oft repeated how Ramsey “shut down” DK. I was expecting a different outcome. The only time prior that DK went up against Ramsey was last season. He caught 6 for 78 yards, not a bad performance. It was especially good if you kept in mind this was a rookie against “the best corner in the NFL”. The big mistake in that game last year for DK was a rookie error; he let Ramsey get in his head and it resulted in a serious shoving match and probably cost DK some attention span. I was so hoping that DK would show the “best” what for earlier in LA. It didn’t happen, but I’m not putting it on DK……….I’m putting it on Russ. Watch the game film. Out of 30ish plays with DK out in a route, Russ only looked his way 6 times. The rest of the pass plays it’s like he was deathly afraid of Ramsey so only looked for other options from the git go. A number of folks who like to review the all 22 footage commented on the number of times DK was open, even briefly, but went ignored. Apparently Russ is afraid of burning the meal in some way when he cooks.
If that continues next weekend the team is cooked. I don’t understand why it’s happening, but it seems real.
On that cheery note; Merry Christmas to all, enjoy the season, family, and friends.
Merry Christmas Bob
Well said.
Cheers.
Cheers!
This is my “go to” Seahawks website and I want to say thank you for the time you put into this, Rob.
Your draft and combine coverage is second to none. Your in-season articles have always been entertaining for me.
Happy Holidays!
Thanks Troy, appreciate the kind words! Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas Rob, cheers.
Thanks Gerry, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all. Thank you for your service to SDB community, you deserve a break.
People suffering due to COVID hang in there.
Merry Christmas Ashish
Thank you for all the hard work Rob!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks Timon, Merry Christmas
Merry Xmas Rob! I think most of us appreciate the yeoman’s work you put into our favorite team. Just ignore the trolls. If those folks are so put out by your content, perhaps it’s time that they started their own blog that lets them craft the content in the way they see fit.
And Santa, if you’re listening, all I want for Xmas is a merciless Seahawks pass rush that has Goff flinching at shadows by the 3rd quarter. 🙂
Thanks bud, Merry Christmas. And I second your Xmas wish!
Thank you for all the hard work you put into this blog Rob. If and when you decide to hang up the cleats, this blog will be extremely missed by me. Not only for all the varied content you put in, but also from a lot of the posters on here who expand my knowledge of the game and make me think about things in a different way. Hopefully that is later rather than sooner. Merry Christmas and a safe holidays to you and your family. Go Hawks.
Thanks James, I really appreciate that. Merry Christmas.
It’s your time and intellect that has made this place such a good spot to spend time talking w knowledgeable fans.
There is plenty I don’t agree with in the conclusions – but I never ever underrate the effort that goes into it. Thanks for putting out so much content on this subject. It’s made me think, and as a Seattle expat living in LA, it’s fun and meaningful to have this community to chat with about these things that help get us through the days.
Hope you and yours have a great holiday.
Thanks pdway
I appreciate your willingness to appreciate we can disagree, debate — maybe even robustly — but ultimately we’re just talking ball. That’s all any of this is.
Rob, thanks for one of the few Seahawks sites with any real substance. I don’t always agree with you but I always learn something from your posts. Merry Christmas.
Thanks hobro
Thanks for helping me get through this year, Rob! Enjoy your holidays and the upcoming games.
Merry Christmas to you and all the SDB’ers here.
Thanks Tom, have a great Christmas
100% support you Rob! 2020 has been a challenging year. Imagine if they cancelled football!?!? It could have been far worse…
1) No football at any level
2) No pro football (like the Titans tried for)
3) A season that ended early
4) A season that started late, like baseball
Yet we have had a full season! With all the hand-wringing wins and frustrating losses!
AND…an awesome blog by a man across the pond thhat shares and feeds our mutual deep and abiding love for all things Seahawks.
Thanks Rob! Merry Christmas! and GO HAWKS!
Thank you! I appreciate you saying that. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Rob – to you and your family. I really appreciate all the writing and the high quality content of your articles. It’s been snowing and raining in Alaska, so there isn’t much to look forward to except rooting for the Seahawks on Sunday.
As for the team itself, like all great tragedies they are both great and fundamentally flawed, all in one package. But they are doing alright considering what the are working with!
Merry Christmas Alaska, you and I have disagreed a lot over the years but you’ve never taken it personally. You get it.
Hope you have a great holiday season
Merry Christmas Rob, enjoy your family. Goooo Hawks!
Merry Christmas!
Kind of a side topic, but did you guys like those new camera shots down on the field yesterday in the end zone? I’m not so convinced. I think it would be cool for like the slow-motion highlights outros they show as they transition to commercial, but not so much for the live feed. Madden (video game) influence…?
Anyway, in case anyone is into that kinda stuff.
https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1340745493215907847
I thought they were amazing. Fantastic addition to the broadcast.
Rob – Thank you for giving the gift of your time and effort over and over and over again. It has been a hard year, and having football and all the inquisitive and thoughtful commentary on football that happens on this site has made the year more bearable, for me at least. What a gift you have given to so many of us. Enjoy your Christmas.
Thank you Sean, it means a lot to me that. Merry Christmas.
Rob I hope all the well wishes here are enough to make up for the juvenile BS you’ve contended with this year. Thanks again for all your hard work and I’m looking forward to the discussions down the home stretch.
Happy Holidays SDB!
Thanks Kenny! Merry Christmas
Rob,
As many have said before this is my go to site for anything to do with the Seahawks. I appreciate the time and effort you put into it. Especially considering the fact that you have two kids at home.
Happy Holiday’s.
Thanks JJ, really appreciate that
Happy Holidays to you and your family Rob! Thank you for all your time & passion & dedication to this blog and community. May the comments section bring you 0 trolls and lots of thoughtful conversation in 2021.
One of the things I’ve been thinking about is that this Seahawks team is both on one of the greatest runs any NFL team has been on and also is underperforming. Russ, I believe, has won more games since the start of his career than any other QB has at the start of their respective careers. It’s pretty amazing and one could say that the team has done a great job with him.
At the same time, as you’ve brought up, Russ & this team is underperforming and could be on an even better run, more capable of being a championship winning team & have another ring(s) or SB appearance(s). It’s disappointing how the Front Office handled free agency and the draft over the last few years, so instead we could be talking how this is a legitimate contender to beat KC.
I’m going to enjoy watching this team, root for injury luck, a deep playoff run, and keep my expectations at a 2nd round playoff loss. I’ll keep my hopes up that next offseason will be better and we’ll be rooting for a legit SB contending team in 2021!
Many thanks Jed, Merry Christmas to you and yours.
I think you raise some interesting points. For me, I just really want this team to not miss a great opportunity to win at least one more title. The team has got into a rut of having their season ended the same way every year. And I think their attempts to reach the pinnacle again carry so many question marks.
I desperately want them to win another SB in this era. I hope it happens. I’m not convinced they’ve gone about it very well and the next two years look particularly tricky so improving from here could be problematic due to a lack of resource. I really don’t want us to be wondering what could’ve been.
I’m right there with you. I want this team to win another SB and think it hasn’t maximized that opportunity.
They have everything you could want as a team to get there, especially coming into this season. They have the QB and head coach, which I think are the hardest pieces to get in the NFL. They had cap space and draft picks and just massively bungled this off season (and a few before), which is why this season is disappointing. If they had done a better job and didn’t win it because of injuries or a game where they just couldn’t quite beat a similarly talented team, so be it. That’s sports.
The most frustrating part of this team is the missed opportunity of being a team that could play with KC. As a fan, seeing the team through that lens, it takes away some of the fun of being 10-4 with a really good team. I’m just going to try and enjoy the good team and not be too disappointed when they bow out earlier than they could have.
Merry Christmas Rob and all others, for me this site was the nice discovery of the year and I was happy to see how easily I was accepted by everyone. Wish you all nice holidays and hope we get to enjoy long playoffs when we’re back.
Thanks Mick — and merry Christmas
As a fan who both loves this team… and gets extremely frustrated by them, I appreciate that this place allows for both the positive *and* negative perspectives on things.
Where else is there where we can fairly criticize this team, but with the underlying understanding that we are all fans, and we all ultimately want the same thing… another Super Bowl for the Seahawks?
Rob, I appreciate all the time, effort and passion you put in to this site.
Your insight is incredible and highly valuable to anyone who wishes to follow the Seahawks on more than a perfunctory level.
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks BM, really appreciate that. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Rob! I hope you and the family can have a great relaxing time. Thanks for all the work you put into this an have for so many years.
Thanks Jhams, Merry Christmas
A merry Christmas to you and yours Rob. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into the blog. It is my personal favorite place to go on the web for the Seahawks and the community you have fostered is by far the best. Enjoy your holiday!
I appreciate that pepo, many thanks. Merry Christmas
PC Show Monday 930am
[q] Congrats on 10 wins and a playoff berth? “Good days’ work and on ride home got to see the Jets get their first win.”
[q] Defense always delivers? “Real good chemistry among the group – they can rally. Great game throughout the day. Hadn’t pressured because of their quick game – so quick with the FB. All the short passes they threw, we hit guys as soon as he caught it. Now when we got down to it, the real nut-cuttin part, we got after the QB.”
[q] Penny look? “Big deal just to get back out there. 10-11 months in rehab. First real shot, even in practice we weren’t able to get him in live tackles. Will help us finish the schedule. Did fine, had a chance to get hit and knocked around, came up smiling. Did well.”
[q] Jamal Adams speed/sack play – he is awesome? “We should call those sacks ‘jamals’. QB out of pocket and he just blasts before he can get OOB. I’m calling those ‘jamals’. He has that burst that shows up so often. Flying across the field really cool.”
[q] DJ Reed INT, made a play – great instincts? “Really great play. Pushes his receiver to the safety and with vision picks up on ball. We haven’t done that well historically. Showed it weeks ago. Tremendous instincts. Really good game yesterday.”
[q] Reed confidence? “No. Opportunities. Instincts there. Just a matter of being on the field. He makes good decisions. Really aggressive. Nice play early in game, 2 deep zone, play on a scramble fade route knocks the ball away. Heck of a play, saved us there. Going to continue to show up.”
[q] Reed have chip on shoulder? “I don’t know, but he does have it. Reminds me of Doug Baldwin. Marvelous attitude that drives him. Happy to know that he knows it. Can fuel it and feed off of it.”
[q] Reed locked down CB spot or no? “Good game for us. Deserves to keep playing. Hope to get Tre back out, he’s a good ball player too. We’ll see how Dunbar does, 2 weeks of practice, best he’s been so we’ll see.”
[q] RT Ogbuehi and OL? “Really fired up about what we did up front. Game plan designed to neutralize their strength and we did it. Ran the ball well, kept QB from getting hit. Russ hit 3x no sacks. Ogbuehi confident, poised consistent. Duane did too. Cedric to step up really important for us. Not sure if Shell back this week, we’ll try. But a big step forward for Cedric.”
[q] Run game ? “Russ numbers in throwing not great, but his moving in the pocket very important. Russ doing the things he can do.”
[q] Not concerned w 4th Q offense & 3rd downs? “We didn’t make the first down! (laughs) Game really ready to be totally taken over. TD run, D gives 3 & out, that’s the opp to close the game out. Offense didn’t do it. Next drive DK flashing, centerpiece of drive, then flukey play that gets tipped. Wouldn’t be talking about it if drive goes to FG. Just didn’t accomplish anything on offense after the TD. Just unfortunate, we didn’t get 3rd down and now it looms large and you all want to know what happened. Really good game, just needed to finish one more drive and finish a perfect game.”
[q] INTs show cohesiveness of D? “I don’t know, last week we should’ve had 3 picks. Right in our hands! Coverage we put in just for this game, 2 picks in game. Sometimes it just happens. We’re flying. Only 2 missed tackles yesterday. Everybody playing consistent technique wise. Stress fundamentals as the year closes, lose your edge, try to go to other end of spectrum. Yesterday indication we’re on track. A lot of good things in that game let us keep going.”
[q] TO flukey play? “Guy made a great play.”
[q] Way teams defending offense? Can adjust? “Rushing yards. Couldn’t be more obvious. 7 yards per carry. Russ and Carlos big runs. Gotta make big plays and we did. Balance and approach that everybody’s so bored by, running the FB. It’s freakin awesome. We’re doing it. Playing a great defense this week. Phenomenal defense.”
[q] Great to have RBs back? Penny? “Looked so good in practice last couple weeks. Excited for his input. Crossed the threshold, he’s back. Those 3 guys can bring it, excited about trio.”
[q] Jamal Adams’ post game presser? “No but I heard he’s on fire.”
[q] How cool to experience playoffs? Dunlap? “New guys that come in, think this is normal. Guys been around, they appreciate it. Jamal and Carlos, that’s why they came here, now let’s do something, that’s the real point.”
[q] Dunlap? “He handled it well after being hurt, bull rushed and did fine. Made a number of errors due to lack of practice time. Get sharper.”
[q] KJ Wright call awful? Tell guys to keep playing way they play? “I’ll be interested to see how they evaluate it. KJ couldn’t do anything else, used shoulder. That was what was available. Officials do not have to consider that. Call it like they see it. Natural football thing to do. Tell KJ do exact same thing. Huge play though, getting ready to win game with less drama.”
[q] Turf bad? DK ok? “Haven’t seen him. Ugly play. Flexibility he exhibited amazing. Happened to Bo S earlier. Survived it. Field seemed ok. End zone different. Dallas did not break leg, sprained ankle.”
[q] Iupati neck? “Stinger, had in past, let you know. Has a history.”
[q] Closing stretch feel about team? “Excited. So many guys coming back healthy. Last year we called on Marshawn, but we got all 3 RBs for stretch. Real opportunity. SB year, healthiest year we had. Sometimes its fortunate to have all guys available. This week huge. Talk all the time about championship week. This is the one we’ve been waiting for. For real this week, next week too. Excited for players, put together a great week.”
[q] vs McVay game plan? “Great coach. Innovated a style of play. Impressed with put together. Lineage of it. I go back to Niners, Broncos offense, Shanahan’s style, young guys that I know really well. Fascinating to watch it unfold. Deserves a ton of credit.”
[q] Congrats on the win you’re awesome? “Thanks for that Michael. So excited about this team. See how it unfolds. See if we can win with great attitude. Proud to be at 10, playoffs. But not enough, soon as I’m done talking with you we’re diving back into it.”
[q] You’re awesome? “12s and blue wave and blue Friday gets crazy. Have as much fun as we can. We feel you, we just can’t see you.”
[q] Step outside your house and howl just before kickoff to let you know 12s are there? “Air horns and car horn allowed.”
two things catch my eye –
“q] Not concerned w 4th Q offense & 3rd downs? “We didn’t make the first down! (laughs) Game really ready to be totally taken over. TD run, D gives 3 & out, that’s the opp to close the game out. Offense didn’t do it. Next drive DK flashing, centerpiece of drive, then flukey play that gets tipped. Wouldn’t be talking about it if drive goes to FG. Just didn’t accomplish anything on offense after the TD. Just unfortunate, we didn’t get 3rd down and now it looms large and you all want to know what happened. Really good game, just needed to finish one more drive and finish a perfect game.” ”
I mean, he’s sort of right – we’re up 20-9 in the 4th quarter and driving inside WFT territory – if that pass doesn’t get tip/picked, we likely get at least a FG, and maybe the TD, and the game is comfortably put away, and we’re all feeling pretty good about our 27-16 victory on the road, or whatever. Of course, it didn’t happen, and a lot of the good from the first three quarters is washed away by the shaky ending.
Second thing, re Jamal and his excitement – -it’s a little true that we take these playoff appearances for granted, seeing what a big deal it is to him (and Dunlap too), reminds me, that amid the frustration of ‘we almost played 4 good quarters again’, it’s still cool that we’re in this era of Hawks football. It won’t last forever.
And this is the main reason why I don’t want them to squander these years
yeah – and that wasn’t aimed at you. I’m with you in that critiques are fair game.
we’ve arrived at such a tricky point in the year, when our biggest asset has somehow lost his mojo. here’s hoping something clicks this week.
“now let’s do something, that’s the real point.”
Yes Pete, yes it is.
Rob, you know how I feel about this blog. I can say it until I’m blue in the face, but you’ve given me an outlet and a much needed distraction through the 2 worse times of my life. In particular, earlier this summer. In the mud bad. Just want to thank you for that. Stay safe my guy. Hope you have a merry Xmas 🎄
Thank you V12 — you will always be a treasured member of the community
Merry Christmas
God, ‘Bama is gonna boat race ND outta the playoffs. Same result, but why not Cincinnati? At least your rewarding the group of 5 schools that way.
Agree completely Vol. Any of the top 10 besides ND would be more interesting. I think Baha beats them by 28+
Thanks for sharing from your heart, Rob. Glad you are taking some time for the holidays. I’m sorry for being a contributing factor to your annoyance. Merry Christmas, be well, and Go Hawks.
No worries mister bunny. We’re all Seahawks fans at the end of the day.
All the best, Merry Christmas.
Dear Rob,
Your blog is always worth reading, and the work you put in is both amazing and greatly appreciated. I hope you keep on doing it for many years to come.
On a different note, I read Larry Stone in ST this morning saying the Seahawks defence is playing at an elite level. That’s the kind of magical thinking we get elsewhere!
MC
Thanks Malc, I really appreciate that.
I LOL’d at the Larry Stone line.
“.. happy to enjoy the wins (in any form) — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. This has been a horrible year for so many people. If you take joy from the Seahawks winning, you should cherish that. Nobody has the right to tell you to be a ‘fan’ in a different way”
Exactly. And well said.
Sports should be placed in its proper context – entertainment, with the outcomes of the events not consequential to our lives.
At the end of a football season, were you entertained more often than not? Do you feel like the time you invested in Seahawks games and content was waste of your time? Are you satisfied with the effort that those men gave most weeks?
As fans, we can’t control roster moves, the salary cap, hirings and firings, and outcomes. We can control how it feels and whether or not we derive more joy from wins than we do negative emotions from losses.
10 wins out of 14 opportunities so far. Clinched a playoff spot with two weeks to go in one of the leagues toughest divisions. Let’s allow joy into our lives, given everything.
Merry Christmas. Thank you as always for the free content.
I think you’ve missed the point Darnell.
What you’ve done is actually find a way to tell everyone they need to enjoy this more and not criticise as much, which is the opposite of the post.
My point is, if you want to cherish these wins then that is perfectly fine and nobody should challenge that. Yet equally, if people want to view aspects of the franchise critically, they should be afforded that opportunity too.
Merry Christmas
Rob,
I just want to say that you are by far my favorite sports writer, and I always look forward to any article you write. No matter how positive or negative, you always write with a level of reality and accuracy that I don’t think anyone else matches. Your analysis and predictions almost always end up being correct with hindsight.
It’s unfortunate that the whiners and complainers on this site have become more vocal. Fuck em. I appreciate everything you do for us Seahawks fans.
Merry Christmas!!! And thank you for everything you do.
Thanks Porter, I really appreciate those kind words. I’m glad people still enjoy the blog after all these years. The messages today have been uplifting, so thank you all.
Merry Christmas
Thanks for all you do Rob!
Merry Christmas to you and your family this holiday season. Enjoy as much time as you can with your Childers during this special time. Trust me they grow up way too fast.
Cheers
Thanks Trevor — and appreciate the advice. Merry Christmas.
I think DJ Reed has played his way into being the most critical in house re-signing this off season. He seems like the ideal CB for todays NFL and love his attitude.
Agreed.
Inside, outside, packs a punch for a smaller player, ball skills, aggressive, juice in the return game. Reminds me of peak Josh Wilson.
Good news Trevor. The Seahawks claimed him so they inherited his contract – they have him through 2021. He’s a UFA in 2022.
That is indeed good news 🙂
Thanks for all you do Rob, it is hard to find places where you can be critical as an individual thinker anywhere in our society today. I think that is why so many people flock to your blog. Don’t change.
Merry Christmas
Thanks man, I really appreciate that. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Rob! Appreciate all you do here.
Thanks Glor! Merry Christmas
been reading your articles for 10 years now and have to say(again) that this is the best seahawk site anywhere! really appreciate all you do. merry christmas all
Thanks mr peapants — it’s always good to here from you with that instantly recognisable username.
Merry Christmas
Hi Rob, as an American ex-pat living and working overseas for the past 12 years (Thailand, Myanmar, Venezuela, Morocco), it can be challenging to keep up with my beloved Seahawks. I always turn to your site for excellent content and great analysis. You are the best and don’t let the idiots get you down.
Thank you — that’s very nice of you to say. Honestly, it really means a lot. Merry Christmas.
A necessary message. Keep up the great work, Rob. And happy Christmas to all. Be safe.
Thanks Nick — Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Rob! Appreciate all your time and effort.
Wishes to SDB community.
Thanks Pran, Merry Christmas
Rob, kind of a little off topic with this threat, but have you studied Allie Green IV from Tulsa yet? Tulsa seems to have a lot of NFL talent on that defense. He plays very aggressive and has the physical size (though we obviously don’t know his arm length, he is listed at 6’3 and 205 pounds and looks like a Seattle corner). Tulsa had played Oklahoma State earlier in the year and he did a great job covering Tylan Wallace. Seems like a day 2 pick to me. Thoughts?
I haven’t, apologies. I will try to get to him for you.
Very well written and said perfectly.
Merry Christmas to all!
Thanks Bob — Merry Christmas bud
Happy Holidays to all, enjoy the break. Cheers
Thanks Matty, Merry Christmas
Cowherd just said the Rams +2 at Seattle is his favorite line of the week. 🙁
Can’t say I blame him. He figures the Rams will bounce back in a big way from losing to the Jets and he mentioned how much the Hawks’ offense has sputtered recently. Plus, tho he didn’t mention it, there’s the McVay owns Carroll factor too.
I can see his line of thinking. Personally I wouldn’t want to call this game though. I won’t be betting on it.
Rob. Don’t stop your great analysis, sharing your views and challenging things. It’s what makes drives the debates and makes this blog such a great place to share with other fans.
Really love, enjoy and appreciate your hard work
Happy holidays to everyone and hopefully enjoy those around you that much more.
Cheers Rob
Thank you — and Merry Christmas
Thanks for all your hard work Rob! I’ve had to take a break from Seahawks Reddit and Twitter because it’s almost turned into a political place in the sense that everyone must have a certain opinion or else. However, I digress. Thank you for the years of content and I hope you enjoy your family during Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you return. Merry Christmas 12s!
Thank you Chase — I really appreciate that. I’ll have a new post up on Wednesday & Thursday. Merry Christmas.
Rob, thanks again for all you do, and the honestly you show. Like many, this is one of my first go to reads each day. So many comments are worth reading, and the ones that just want to disrupt for disruption sake, i just pass by.
Have a wonderful holiday. And i wish that to all those who read this blog as well.
Thanks Jim — same to you, have a wonderful Christmas
Rob, I have to hand it to you, you have been spot on with your assessments of the Seahawks. Earlier this season I accused you of being too critical and having a negative attitude toward the moves that PC/JS have made (or did not make). For what it’s worth, I was wrong. Even as I protested and attempted to curtail my visits to your blog, I found myself unable to do so. Why? Because you address the team’s highs and lows, it’s qualities and failings, with honesty and without the hubris exhibited by so many of the “expert” analysts. Your recent article describing how and where those critical draft/FA decisions came about summed up what I’m talking about very well. Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Growler, I really appreciate you saying that. I hope I can say I was wrong and the Seahawks can win these next two games and have a good playoff run. I would love to do that. Merry Christmas.
I love reading your work and have for some time. People are idiots. Sorry you have to suffer the trolls.
Thanks OG, respect
Rob,
We love you, man.
My daily jaunt into Staton World is always a joy to me. I enjoy and respect your vibration and intelligence.
Let’s let your family enjoy it for a bit.
.
Thanks New Guy — I hope the weather is nice in Staton World.
Merry Christmas
https://twitter.com/joe_fann/status/1341109210264694787?s=21
Some of these Pete Carroll sympathizers won’t be happy to hear about this.
Love that attitude by Reed. He’s a baller. Love those guys. He would have fit in with guys like Sherman, Chancellor, Baldwin, etc.
I don’t know why you would need to say that. I bet Pete would feel the same way.
DJs attitude and aggression is severely needed on this D. Love Bobby but I think he needs Jamal and DJ types around him for this defense to succeed.
What i meant by that statement was that the people who blindly follow Pete Carroll will be quick to defend him solely for qualifying in the playoffs and being a one and done. But I have no doubt Pete Carroll believes anything other then a super bowl win is a failure. He may not say it publicly.
Hughz the point is Seahawks fans need to hear it.
He’s deflected honest direct questions, and the last 2 weeks reveled in the glory heaped on him by the local press for having a winning season and making the playoffs. The best he’s been able to manage is something along the lines of ‘we’ve still got games to play.’
Enjoy your time off. I very much look forward to your articles and your insight. Don’t always agree -(though this year we are aligned as well as recent high draft picks…)but that is the point reading well thought out articles and discussions form other points of view.
And the draft stuff is amazing!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Years and hopefully the haters will find somewhere else to troll…
West Seattle Steve
Thanks Steve, much appreciated. Merry Christmas
Hey Rob
From when I discovered your wonderful blog three + years ago I have read every word you have published here. After every game your summary is the first I look to. As an avid fan of how the drafting process works I have found your insights informative and fascinating. I have never written to say thank you, but I join the ranks of your fans for all the time, effort and passion you put in.
And I feel you’ve been right all season – the Hawks largely failed to address their needs this offseason. And you’re right, we look much more like a paper tiger. Feels like the Rams game will help reveal whether there is hope yet against more toothsome opponents.
And since I’ve never commented before…. I will slip in a request. You often include that the Hawks were “out coached” in their game plan. That’s an insight I would love for you to unpack sometime, as the conjunction of in-game coaching and on-field success (or lack there of) is not always clear. I’ve always wanted a better handle on what that means.
Regardless, thanks again for all you share here. It’s a great resource and I enjoy it immensely. May you have a great holiday with your family.
Jim, I really appreciated this post. It was so nice to read. Thank you, it truly means a lot.
Merry Christmas
I’ve only been following the blog every day, year round (even when I know Rob is on his summer vacation from the blog), for about three years. To me as a Seahawks and Draft fan this site is spectacular.
I have, from my first visits, considered this to be Rob Staton’s PERSONAL diary on all things Draft, Draft/Seahawks and Seahawks. I have considered it a privilege to be allowed to not only get his factual inputs but also his reasoning. BUT – the bombshell massive plus – is that Rob allows us to question him, and each other, and state our factual submissions and our views.
I am very comfortable living within the order and guidelines he feels are necessary to maintain control of the direction HIS blog takes.
Rob, thank you for your year round gift to me, especially in this year of Covid. I wish you and your family a Spectacular Festive Season and a healthy, prosperous, and memorable New Year!
Thank you Roger. I’ve been blown away by some of these messages today, including yours. Merry Christmas
A bit of a bummer that you have to even cover things in an article like this but I guess it just comes with the territory. Well put nonetheless Rob, hopefully many read it and get the point – we can all agree to disagree if need be and above all be thankful for your efforts and insights within this great blog.
Enjoy the break and Merry Christmas to you and you’re loved ones.
Thank you! Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, man! Take a little break – you definitely deserve it!
Thanks man, Merry Christmas
Always enjoy the site and the analysis – thanks for putting it out there! Merry Christmas, and here’s to a great finish to the season!
Thank you Ryan, Merry Christmas
Great site to follow the Seahawks, the draft and draft prospects, and share my thoughts with like-minded fans sharing theirs. Much appreciate this space, especially this year being cooped up and more isolated than usual and fighting a slew of health issues. Online has been a lifeline this year in so many ways, and this online community has been a nice place to duck into.
Anyway, Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. I appreciate the time you put into this, and enjoy your passion and your well thought out and expressed insights.
Thanks Paul, merry Christmas
Very good reminder to all who read the blog Rob, everyone needs a reality check now and then. I personally love the opportunity to express my own opinions, and occasionally have a brief discussion with you and several others. You are doing a fabulous job knocking out great content and providing this safe place to discuss the Seahawks and football (sometimes even some other topics)!
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Thanks Simo, I really appreciate that. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the time and effort Rob. I am dumbfounded by the trolling and crap messages you have shown us. I wouldn’t imagine doing that to anyone. Nor do I see the point in it. I’m sure a while back I may have come across as trying to give you ‘advice’, certainly wasn’t my intention though. Apologies. This year for me has been busy and hectic, I deal with my own customers who try and offer me ‘advice’. Good or bad, I just don’t ever want to hear it. I do what I do, and what I offer simply isn’t available anywhere else in my town. My own view is essentially, take it or leave it. So, I should’ve known better. And everyone should know better. It’s the differences that we all have which adds that ‘flavor’ to life and just makes things more interesting. Merry Christmas
Well said. Merry Christmas Joe
Rob – it’s been a tough year all around. Like the majority here, I read your views in the manner they are intended. As a fan. We’re all Seahawks fans. We all want to win. We all think we can coach and GM. Reality is we can’t. But that doesn’t mean your opinion is wrong or someone else’s is right. Our views are similar. I just don’t have to knowledge (or time) to articulate them as well. Also to have you there as the figurehead for this community to be able to ask the questions directly to the organisation when the opportunity arose, is amazing.
I appreciate you taking your time out to write and respond. We need to stick together not only as 12’s but as a race wherever we are in the world. As we’ve seen this year there’s a lot worse going on in the world without arguing over a matter of opinion.
Thanks Rob. Enjoy your time off over Christmas.
Brilliantly said Chris. I hope you are well my friend. Merry Christmas, I hope you and your family have a great one.
Rob, I have enjoyed your work here for years but have never commented. This had been a challenging year on many fronts but the criticism you have gotten for your well thought out opinions have been over the top. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hopefully we can rise to the challenge this weekend and finally play a complete game against the Rams.
Thank you! And I second your final sentence, fingers crossed. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Rob! It’s been such a long year. You should take great pride in all your work here. For me and others your work was necessary for getting through this year. Appreciate all your work man. Enjoy this time with the fam
Thanks man, that’s really nice of you to say. It’s nice to know the blog has been useful to some this year. All the best and Merry Christmas
Love the blog Rob , and the people who contribute.
Happy Christmas to all of ya.
Thanks Peppa
Monday Press Conf w PC
“Looking ahead, this was a big weekend for us. Real happy w game we put together, and whole approach worked out well. Got win we were looking for and got help too with Jets in their game. Sets up a really big opp this weekend coming up. Fortunate way defense continues to play good ball. So much better than earlier in year – you guys have been asking about it – can get better. Coming along, so much more to do. Still looking to put that game where it all comes together.”
“Game, offensive plan to play a great defense. Kicking game fantastic. Cody Barton and Nick Bellore in coverage, really fantastic. Gives us flexibility to approach game, balance is pleasing.”
[Jen] DJ Reed technique noteworthy? “Explosively quick athlete. Really good instincts, toughness, smarts. All over anybody he’s playing right now. Aggressively playmaking because he’s in position. All over it FB player just happens to be 183lbs. No problem with me. 3 breakups, beautiful game.”
[maz veda] TE contributions run/pass, Olsen update? “Will crucial blocker on edge for us. Come-through catcher, solid as a rock. Jacob nice job for us all year. In backfield and in routes, speed and quickness, big TD catch. Olsen returning this week. If he makes it through the week, guy to add to it. Really excited to have a guy that contributes. Colby very good, very good position group for us.”
[corbin] Alton Robinson seen to this point? “Alton natural pass rusher. Feel for it. Hands, lean, quickness. Good motor demonstrated too. Make yourself available when you get your shot. Hoping he can continue to get shots. Rushes off L side, hard to give him all the reps we need. Very good first year w us.”
[joe fann] Cheesecake for Ugo? “No, order ready to be placed. Cheesecake factory.”
[joe] Gordon this week? “Yeah, I do. Get him on practice field. Been working hard. Watched his workouts on video. Good shape, big and strong. Planning this week like he’ll contribute.”
[art thiel] Week 10 RW 6 sacks, 3 TO’s, what improved? “Continues to focus on plan to win game. Right on it. Dedicated as ever. Been able to emphasize rhythm that Russ is really good at when it fit. Having a great season.”
[john boyle] Balance in offense good? “Process, been an interesting year. Lighting it up, throwing it down the field, now we’re back to balancing, back on track. Feels great to hand off to Carson and Hyde, now Penny back. Opposite of that this time last year. Feel like we can do what we need to do. Whatever the game brings us. Find the aspect, run or throw necessary to win.”
[brady] Approach from DK when gets lot of attention from top CB? “He loves the matchups. Nothing about it he doesn’t like. Great attitude about it. Opps for him to get better, challenged by really good players. Past game, all over the field, routes, concepts, slot, edge, blocking. Developing a wide range of skills. Going to need every bit Sunday to find space.”
[brady] Health ok? “He’s OK. Extraordinary flexibility. A little better than mine.”
[Curtis crab] Cedric Ogbuehi handled WFT game/Shell available? “Came through w fantastic game for us, run and pass, front side, back side. Really fired up about that. Great next step for him. If Shell isn’t available, Cedric’s ready to go. Much cleaner than first game. Poised, composure, solid technique through whole game. Duane played well on other side. Helps us going forward.”
[tim booth] Last year Lynch out of retirement, add depth this offseason priority? “Hyde a thought we wanted to have a couple guys who bring same approach to game. Committed to being physical and running the ball. Takes more than one guy, necessary. Lost all guys right in a row. Always trying to keep position healthy. Collins ready on PS. Solid position group, strong right now.”
[Jackie] Penny provide down the stretch? “Big play ability inside or outside. Biggest back we have maybe the fastest, combo bodes well for us. Very fortunate got to play in this game, couple carries. Not going to dump everything on him, but ready to take the next step. Accomplishment after a long haul. Great mentality in rehab, very consistent.”
[Jackie] Myers consecutive FGs, what makeup? “Terrific athlete, flexibility, explosion that a guy needs. Work ethic and habits, mentality too of course. Has all of it. Lucky to have him.”
[bob condotta] Gordon – watch workouts, hit ground running? “Yeah. Our guys practice at a really high clip. Impressive athlete, anxious to see how he moves quickness wise with everyone else. I’ll be surprised if he’s not like that. See what happens.”
[bob] Deejay Dallas? “Similar ankle sprain to Collier but not as severe, hoping a few weeks.”
[Gregg bell] RBs better equip to play Ram D this time? “Terrific D. Ahead of everybody in a bunch of major categories. Run well, rush well, going to have to be very flexible in this game. Running game, pass pro, catch some balls. Best defense we’ll play. Great challenge for us.”
[Gregg] Rams loss vs Jets, which team show up this week? “No, not going to mess us up. Good game to watch and we’ll learn from it.”
[Curtis] Dunbar knee now vs earlier this year? “Way ahead of where he was earlier. Something to deal with offseason. Important week for him, Tre working to come back too. See how it goes. Really hopeful Dunbar gets a chance to play. Savvy FB player, great awareness. Hope the chance comes for him.”
Thanks Cha! I’m hoping that Gordon flashes this week and makes some outstanding plays. I know, it’s been a year since he last played, but all he needs is one clutch catch and it will have been worth the wait!
Myers: NO JINX!
Really well said, as always. Thanks for all you do. Especially in such a difficult year, it’s been a blessing to have this team and this place as a distraction.
Enjoy the time with your family!
Thanks Lewis, Merry Christmas
BJ Finney can’t even get a game for the Bengals:
https://twitter.com/JoeGoodberry/status/1341170976978063361?s=20
Worst signing of the PCJS era?
Oh wait, Luke Joekel and Eddie Lacy think I’m wrong.
So it was a good trade then.
Yeah. That’s a head scratcher if there ever was one.
They signed a total incompetent and terrible player and gave him way too much money.
But then they find a taker for said player and were able to add one of their most important defensive players by trading him (and a 7th round pick).
Stunning, really.
Definitely the best/worst of Carroll/Schneider rolled into one. Kind of like passing on DK twice with lesser players only to get him in the end. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good, but sometimes you create your own luck, too.
Merriest of Christmases to you Rob,
I don’t know if you remember but a few years ago when you were in Seattle I tried to have a pint with you when you put out an all-call. If I remember right, you fell back asleep from jet-lag! I’ve learned so much from your writing and I’ve been a football fan my whole life. I’m 57 and still feel like a kid when the Seahawks play. I remember so clearly how excited I was when Seattle finally got a football team and I didn’t have to choose an out of town team to root for (back then it was the Rams for me!)
The games are special to me as I’m fortunate enough to go to the games with my best friend and my wife and my fondest sports moment (and one of my fondest moments ever) was being in the stands when Sherman tipped the ball in the NFC Championship and the three of us bear-hugged each other for so long. I was so happy. We were all crying. The Super Bowl capped it for me. I’ll admit It’s been hard for me to take their losses as hard after that season. I had always just wished for that one Championship and got it.
But I also really appreciate how intricate and intellectually interesting the game is and this Blog and your writing Rob, challenges me to think about the game In ways I hadn’t before, especially roster construction and the draft. I know so many more NFL players because of your work. Heck I had Alton Robinson, Darryl Taylor, and Damien Lewis on my Field Gulls contest and the only game I watched of any of them was the LSU Championship (and I sure wasn’t tracking Lewis!)
I know how I feel about Pete. He’s my favorite sports coach ever. I’ve actually adopted much of his mindset philosophy as a teacher and feel I’m at my best as I near the end of my career. Thinking about what makes my students special and helping them discover what they do well rather than focusing on what they don’t has been transformative in my classroom.
But I also know that Pete’s philosophy includes honest self-reflection and criticism. I just wrote to our staff about the value of Failing Fast as we all try to learn how to teach in ways we have never been asked to before.
All this to say that even though I think the Hawks are in a better position to make a playoff run than others, I really appreciate my positive thoughts being challenged. I enjoy the emotional parts of the game AND thinking critically about the team and what is the best approach to success. I grew up a Fan in the 70’s so I freely admit Pete’s approach mirrors much of what I grew up loving and still love about the game.
I think the defensive improvement and the generally excellent special teams play along with a healthy running game means the team is in position for a possible run. I think Russ got spooked with all his picks and has really pulled back.His throws look off to me because he wants to be so certain that only his receiver can catch the ball that the result is no one does. But I’ve also seen him at his best against the best so often and that he and the game plan will respond to superior offensive teams that they will be facing.
So that’s my argument. And I know Rob appreciates different points of view. I certainly am not the most footbally guy on this blog. Freely admit that. And my fandom is shaped by feeling so grateful to what Pete has brought to this team and my work and my personal joy.
And Rob, I am astounded by your dedication. It has meant a lot to me. I’ve grown as a fan. I read everything you write on this blog because I know I’ll learn and think more clearly about the team whether I agree with all your points. And yes, for me during this hard year and the least satisfying of my work career it has been a welcome respite to log in and read your considered thoughts.
I can’t wait to have that pint with you next time we are in England, my man. Best to you and your family and thanks for adding Your always interesting insights and evaluations. You mean a lot to me.
Thanks man, I really appreciate that. Let’s make sure we have that beer next time. Merry Christmas
Oh, you’re on my list, Rob. I made a gratitude list during quarantine to make sure all the people who mean something special to me know it. Plus whenever I buy a beer for someone I buy one for myself too! A true win-win!
Be well, be safe, love to you and your family.
Enjoy a Festivus with the Rest of Us 😉
Will there be an Airing of Grievances?
The Airing of Grievances will follow the Feats of Strength.
LOL
Rob, Merry Christmas to you and your family. My thoughts go out to everyone in the UK with the Stage 4 lockdown. I hope you get to spend some well deserved quality time with your family.
I join a lot of people here in saying how grateful I am for this blog and the consistently thoughtful and intelligent analysis that you provide. There are a lot of puff pieces and superficial hot takes out there, but the coverage on this blog has always been one of the highlights of the Seahawks community for over a decade, and we’re really lucky to have you. I recall years ago, when we drafted Bruce Irvin in the first round, you chastised yourself on the blog for not spending more time analyzing him as a prospect. I don’t know that anyone actually blamed you for that – we were all taken by surprise – but I think it really showed how much you cared, and that you really wanted the blog to be the best that it could be. I really appreciate it. Thank you.
Thanks Mark — for the kind words and for highlighting that Irvin moment. I know a lot of people suggest I ‘can’t ever be wrong’ these days, yet I’ve always written articles highlighting my errors. Heck, I’ve already done two podcasts this year that started with me highlighting things I’ve gotten wrong.
All the best and thank you for the kind words. Merry Christmas
Thanks for all you do Rob, enjoy the well-earned rest and have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks Seb! Merry Christmas
Jamal Adams received a 57.9 PFF grade on Sunday: https://imgur.com/a/vFMBaS2
Seahawks are tied for the league lead in pro bowl selections
Yeah but the Pro Bowl is a joke. It’s a fan vote, with players campaigning for votes throughout the season.
Case in point — Quandre Diggs is in there. Two special teamers are too — but neither is Myers or Dickson. None of it makes sense.
I think Diggs is a little underrated. He does a lot to make this scheme at all viable.
I still like the accolades and it kind of gives us a chance to talk about the quality of some of our depth pieces.
I’m always happy to talk about how phenomenal our STs have been this year and its a shame our K/P duo didnt get enough votes.
I think we’ve maybe had the best ST in the league this year and its provided a lot of hidden value. Hopefully the return game is better without David Moore.
Well he just got voted to the Pro Bowl so I don’t think underrated is the right word.
Quandre diggs is who I would point to if someone asked me what an average nfl starter looks like.
I thought fan votes only contributed 1/3 of the votes, the other 2/3 coming from players/coaches votes.
I don’t know to be honest but either way, it’s a mere popularity contest.
Regardless of how the vote is split, too much of it is based on reputation thus no Myers, no Dickson and no KJ. Props to Bellore and Ott though. I believe an argument can be made for KJ over Bobby this year.
Rob, I’ve been reading your blog for over 5 years and I consider the critical thinking a key part of what makes this site so interesting. You build your arguments well and you are consistent in your logic. Thank you for the hard work and the joy you bring to all of us every week.
Enjoy the time with your family and be safe. Merry Christmas.
Thank you Van, Merry Christmas
Love your work. Don’t always agree but that’s life. Thanks for making a quality site with clear eyed analysis about a team i love too. Enjoy your holiday
Thanks Patrick
I see the Rams game being an open offense all hands on deck adventure.
Seattle went conservative the last few weeks, but that could be a long con / rope a dope strategy. Get the Rams expecting a tight, ball control offense…. and hit them with the let Russ cook offense that was lighting up the NFL week #1-8…. not sure why I should think this, but I have this really funny feeling.
Thanks for all you do Rob. And to your family for allowing you to do it. I really appreciate your blog, this year more than ever. I think you’ve written your best stuff this year. Merry Christmas to you and your family and my best wishes for a happy and healthy 2021.
Thanks man, I’m grateful to you for saying that. Merry Christmas
Family is the most important things so enjoy your well deserved break. The amount of quality content on this site is second to none and much needed this year. Next week is truly the regular season test of whether the Hawks have taken the next step from the reset. I think we have party because of the depth (Cedric, Hollister (I was surprised they didn’t trade or renegotiate him) and Hyde coming up big in this last game), speed with Reed, Brooks and Adams (I think he is now the best player on defense), improved pass rush and run defense v last year, and getting quality players back (super excited for what Gordon can bring v Moore). I think we will be aggressive on both sides of the ball and win.
I’m not sure I agree with that.
If the Seahawks win next week, the Rams will be 9-6. Whether they’ve taken the next step will be determined in the playoffs.
Sadly that’s in line with what I saw from him. I just don’t see how he could ever truly work for the Hawks given his play style. He pretty much needs to play for a 3/4 scheme.
Jimmy G 2.0? Get a guy based on tantalizing traits and try to fit him into your roster regardless of his strengths and weaknesses. (Only instead of a 1st and 3rd and giving up a pro bowl center, it’s two 1st’s a 3rd and a capable starter).
The above was supposed to be in reply to Jamal Adams PFF grades etc.
Quandre Diggs to the pro bowl.. who would have thought?
Also, Bellore & Ott over Dickson & Myers? Really?
Myers went 20/20 , but Younghoe Koo from Atlanta was 35/36. Bigger sample size.
I don’t get Dickson not making it. He led the NFC with 52.9% punts inside the 20.
Are we going to see Josh Gordon this week?!?
Mychal Kendrick signed off Seattle practice squad by Washington.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/21/washington-signing-mychal-kendricks-off-seattles-practice-squad/
I’m actually surprised it took so long for someone to come get him.
what a big time shot by Von bell on JuJu… reminded of Kam
I have no doubt there was some extra mustard on that one due to JJSS’s idiotic Tik Toks.
He danced on the log prior to the game against the Bengals earlier this season I believe…. fired em up
He did it tonight. And spiked the ball too.
https://twitter.com/BlitzVideos/status/1341167687398006785
Ohhhhhhhhhhh…… glad he got lit up
Someone on 710 called him punk for only dancing on the logos when the players weren’t on the field. If you want to pull stunts like that, at least do it to their face or not at all.
My fav still the the Terrell Owens one (Dallas Star when with the 49ers I believe)… he manned up and did it in a game…. then got destroyed HAHAHA
They also changed the rule after that game….. no dancing / no fun league was in effect. At least they loosened up a little bit…. so guys can dance together in the endzone.
Really enjoying this Steelers/Bengals game! 🙂
Always enjoy a loss by the stealers.
Just saw this…Akers out of the game this coming weekend.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/12/21/rams-cam-akers-out-vs-seahawks-with-sprained-ankle/
Yup, just saw that too
I think Pete very much builds his offensive game plan around what he respects most about his opponent. I think with the Giants, Jets, WFT, he figured wins depended on not turning the ball over and quality of the overall team would win out.He respected their defenses most. Obviously failed with the Giants.
I do think they will open up against the Rams because Pete realizes they will need to as he did early in the year against most teams because they needed to.
Bengals are taking it to the Steelers hard. Ben does not look 100%.
Steelers down 17 at half… wowza
The hit on JuJu was awesome… popping the ball free for a fumble.
Thanks Rob for nurturing this blog (and putting up with us knuckleheads!) I know we drive you nuts at time and this is a labor of love with little return for you. But we all appreciate it. Take some well deserved time off and enjoy the holidays with family. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Thanks Bruce, Merry Christmas
Great Article, Rob
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Peace on earth to all.
Thanks jopa, Merry Christmas
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-reveals-complete-afc-nfc-rosters-for-2021-pro-bowl
Look at all the up and coming talent represented in the Pro Bowl. Future looks bright.
I don’t follow football as much as I used to but your blog has been a daily (well, ALMOST daily) read for me for a long long time (since 2010? There’s a horrifying thought). Really appreciate your passion and unique perspective.
Merry Christmas Rob, and thank you for over a decade of awesome content.
Thanks AMartin, much appreciated!
Steelers crapping the bed. This was the week of underdogs rising up and shocking teams.
Steelers and Browns needs to be week #17 prime time game
bizrro world or twilight zone
Merry Christmas Rob and Happy Holidays to the SDB community! Rob I worked in sports talk radio for 23 years so I feel your pain. I know I speak for everyone when I say I appreciate all your hard work and dedication to this blog. Thanks
Thanks pugs1! Merry Christmas
I appreciate your forum and the debate over the Seahawks is suppose to be fun and never devolve into personal attacks. Our common bond should always be the shared love for the Seahawks. Hopefully everyone can keep civility first.
Merry Christmas Rob and safely enjoy the Holiday Season!
Merry Christmas DuceyQ
Love this sack fest (last 3 or 4 games). Hopeful that this defense is getting hot at the right time. Merry Christmas. If my optimistic demeanor has rubbed anyone the wrong way, may bygones be bygones, and I am sorry for my insensitivity. This league is so hard to be a top 3 team, and I would put us at about 5.
Merry Christmas big brew
Thanks for all that you do. Merry Christmas!
Rob, Do NOT change one thing about your blog. Your opinions are well thought out and intelligent. Do I agree all the time? Absolutely not. Do they make me think a little deeper and consider another angle? Absolutely yes. Keep up the awesome work that you do, brother. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you Martin, that means a lot. Merry Christmas
Rob,
I personally haven’t always agreed with you, but I 100% love the depth of research, thought and passion that goes into your articles. Keep it up and enjoy your family over this break!
Brian
Thank you Brian, Merry Christmas
Rob,
I have been quietly following this blog for years. I love your draft analysis and in your in-season comments. Your profound knowledge coupled with endless research are greatly appreciated. You are doing Seahawk fans around the world a great service through your blog posts. Thanks all that you do and have a wonderful holiday break.
Thank you Seth, that’s really nice of you to say. Merry Christmas
I just played around with the espn playoff machine and the playoff picture seems pretty set for Seattle. I will say that in more than 80 percent of scenarios, the winner of Sunday’s Hawks-Rams is the 3rd seed, the loser is 6th seed. And they will play again in the wild card round, either in Seattle or LA depending on who wins this game. So, you choose between a home or away game with Rams.
I can predict this outcome with greater than 80 percent chance. The other 15 percent is TB at Hawks. The rest 5% is Seattle getting 1st or 2nd seed but a lot needs to go right (GB, NO lose both remaining games) for that to happen.
So, in conclusion, get ready for a rematch with the Rams in the wild card round. I think it’s kinda the worst matchup since I believe Hawks match better with TB or Arizona but it is what it is.
So, despite being relatively “quiet” the past couple weeks, DK only needs 65 more yards to break the franchise single season receiving record.
https://twitter.com/seahawksPR/status/1341149800004165634/photo/1
Hope he can get it against the Niners… because we all know on Sunday the Seahawks will:
a.) Look to establish David ‘#1 receiver’ Moore
b.) Avoid DK like the plague because he’ll be covered by a good corner
J/K
Kind of…
Do you think there’s any chance that Russ is avoiding DK to a degree? I say this because I believe DK’s one glaring weakness is catching the ball in the air while jumping. Maybe Russ is wise to this and only chooses to throw to him if he is truly open verses letting him try to win more contested balls with a CB nearer to him. Just a thought since we are kind of left trying to figure out why they won’t force feed such a dominant receiver the ball with any regularity.
I don’t think he’s avoiding him
Yeah probably not, just trying to make sense of it all. I just hope Russ turns it on come playoff time and DK gets back into feast mode.
“David #1 receiver Moore”
SIGH
Plays designed for him make zero sense, ZERO Schotty!
Gordon playing this week will hopefully put an end to Moore’s streak as the #1 receiver (tongue in cheek). On a different note, let’s hope Jets didn’t piss the Rams off too much to be even more motivated against us. Man, losing to an 0-11 team was way worse than us losing to the Giants. Although you could argue that loss cost us the #1 seed in the conference.
No one is more deserving of a break than you Rob. Still my favorite site on the internet, even if some of the articles lately are (accurately) less rosy than I wish they were. I hope people take your message to heart and instead of bickering over this shared hobby of ours we can rejoice in the fact that we share it and that we’ve all found our way to this community. Merry Christmas to you Rob, to SDB and to all my fellow Seahawks lovers!
Thank you Michael, that’s a nice message. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Merry Christmas to all who tune in to Seahawks Draft Blog
Thanks Matty, Merry Christmas
Rob, just wanted to join in with all the others – thanks for doing what you do to make this blog what it is. I find myself coming here to see what you have written and then what the community has to say more and more…and it’s not even draft season yet! Enjoy the time with your family and just know that there are many of us that read the blog daily and enjoy the quality content you keep putting out!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Go Hawks!
Thanks Rob!
Penny Hart waived to make room for for Josh Gordon.
I’m surprised they didn’t IR Deejay Dallas instead. But oh well.
Guessing they feel Dallas can return at least by playoff time to provide depth and ST help.
Still need room for Olsen, so maybe they’ll do it then.
Merry Christmas Rob,
Thanks for all the free entertainment! Enjoy a very well-deserved break.
As for the haters, this is the best advice I can think of…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mewYpU5OSUM
Thanks bud, Merry Christmas
In the dismal year of Covid-19 Rob you have been a bright spot for me personally. Being able to check in daily for new dialogue and content on the Hawks has been a blessing! Thank you for all you do and the time you put in to make this happen. Merry Christmas! Oh just heard that Cam Akers high ankle sprain is out on Sunday.
Thanks Happy Hawk! Merry Christmas to you and yours
God jul och gott nytt år!
tack själv!
Rob
Thanks for all the fantastic work on the Blog, the research and preparation must be very time consuming. Don’t change your style, the forthright Yorkshireman approach fits the need. This is the first and foremost site for all Seahawk discussion for me.
Also thanks to Robbie, you provide a nice balance to the Podcasts and the US/GB blend works well, and always look forward to see which hat, guess there will be a new one after the Rams game.
Additionally, it’s good to have the input from Adam as the guest, provides further balance, thank you Adam
Finally, a thank you to Cha, some well thought out and explained articles, Will we be seeing you as a guest Podcaster?
Wishing you, and all Seahawks fans a very happy Christmas and Happy New Year, and hopefully a long run in the play offs
Paul
Thanks for the kind words Glasto. I fancy myself the David Moore of SHDB. I get a lot of touches and occasionally make a play.
Thanks Glasto — I love that you gave a shout out to the other guys too, who contribute so much.
Merry Christmas
Rob thank you for taking the time to make this website great. It’s my go to for all Seahawks information and commentary and although I don’t always agree with you, I think you make being a seahawk fan more fun and I’m grateful for what you’re add to the experience of being a seahawk fan. Go hawks
Thank you Oly, it means a lot to read that. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Rob, been here since the beginning, I may not always agree with you (Cable comes to mind) but always respect and appreciate what you do for us here. I log in damn near every day and many days multiple times, read damn near every comment. Go enjoy you family and of course GO HAWKS
Thank you — and thank you for sticking with it from the start. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Rob. Much deserved break.
Unfortunately, I’m relegated to ESPN 710am where Jim Jones’ secreta…I mean Danny and Paul “talk” Seahawks football. In the immortal words of Greta Thunberg – “How dare you!”
Bad jokes aside – I hope you enjoy the time. Don’t you dare think about this place or the Seahawks for a few days. While this season has not been very fun, I have thoroughly enjoyed coming here for “real dialogue.”
All the best to you and yours!
Merry Christmas Matt!
Thanks for this Rob, your passion has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. You are doing something I always wanted to do but couldn’t make the time for. Your scouting has always been top notch.
Thanks JR, much appreciated!
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: this is the best place to get critical analysis of the Seahawks. I don’t always agree with what you say (although I almost always agree), but your analyses are always very thoughtful and insightful. Thanks for doing this-I always look forward to hearing what you have to say. Happy holidays!
Thanks Leo — that really means a lot. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!
“…..this is the best place to get critical analysis of the Seahawks.”
Agree 100% Leo
Quick stat for the Seahawks defense.
First 8 games…435 total yards and 30 points per game.
Last 6 games…296 total yards and 16 points per game.
Also worth noting who they’ve played in the last six though
That for sure plays a big part in it. Played some tougher offenses in the first half as well. Were probably more like a 350-375/21-24 type of team.
Thanks for all your work this year Rob – it’s always my first stop for Seahawks thoughts and analysis. I’m also loving the podcasts, they have been a great addition this year. As always blown away by quality and quantity of content you put out. Ignore/delete the negative comments. I don’t understand why anyone would read a free blog they perpetually disagree with, let alone wage war in the comments section, but there you go. Not everyone’s going to be 100% in alignment all the time, but it’s your blog – you write what you want.
Have a great Christmas!
Thanks James — many thanks for the kind words and advice. Merry Christmas!
Love the blog and the podcasts Rob, definitely the best Seahawks site around.
Have a great Christmas with your family and enjoy the break.
Thanks pal, Merry Christmas
Rob thank you for everything you do and I wish you very happy holiday season and merry Christmas to you and your fa.mily
Thanks Robert, Merry Christmas to you and yours
It’s a tough team to cover with any definitive approach. They have made so many brilliant moves and had so much success in the last 10 years that when they now look so schizophrenic, just about any opinion can appear valid from week to week. That said – your analysis is second to none as far as I’m concerned. I don’t always agree with you and have publicly questioned you at times, but respect you and your conviction and most of all, your dedication to this forum.
Cheers. Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Merry Christmas
The Niners’ season has been like one of those 19th century cautionary tales about making a deal with the Devil. 2019 was great but 2020 the Devil’s come to collect his due.
it’s really true. . . they’ve been just hammered this year.
On the other side – – I guess remains to be seen whether they’ll make any impact – but in terms of late-season reinforcements, you could do a lot worse than the fresh legs of Rashaad Penny and Josh Gordon.
Hope they give us something.
Well, they just signed Josh Rosen to their squad…
Saw that Mullens will likely require Tommy John surgery. Could be a career ender.
Christmas time mock drafts are gifts that just keep on giving
(since the actual player ratings haven’t been added yet).
Round 3 Pick 28 (CLE): Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 Pick 29 (PITT): Zamir White, RB, Georgia
Round 4 Pick 7 (CLE): Malik Herring, DT/DE, Georgia
Round 4 Pick 26: LaBryan Ray, DT/DE, Alabama
Round 4 Pick 30 (PITT): Brenton Cox, DE/OLB, Florida
Round 6 Pick 10 (NYG): Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida
Round 6 Pick 23 (CLE): Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Round 6 Pick 26: Max Borghi, RB, Washington State
Round 7 Pick 18 (PITT): Royce Newman, OG, Mississippi
Round 7 Pick 21 (PITT): Pete Werner, ILB/OLB, Ohio State
Round 7 Pick 28 (CLE): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Hey Rob,
I just want to say that I have always enjoyed your content. Even though it is more critical now, your perspective has always been valuable. Thanks and keep up the good work!!!
Thank you.
It’s not more critical out of choice, FWIW.
No doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the more reason that it is important and appreciated. I recall you talking about drafting Russell and looking at Kirk Cousins and Brock Osweiler. Your criticisms are honest and come from a place of seeking to understand and analyze. I think that the bulk of us wouldn’t have it any other way!
Much love for the commitment to content, and at this level of quality we are spoiled rotten.
Thanks Dennis
https://twitter.com/cmikesspinmove/status/1341457342424993792
The end of this video cracked me up.
“Not that it’s important right now butIgottago!”
Wonder why more calls don’t go our way
Totally agree and well said. I hope you have a good Christmas. Also, as a glimmer of hope re: the Seahawks and the Super Bowl, you must always remember that Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League with Solomon Kalou and finished sixth in the league. Solomon Kalou!
Hey — I always liked Solomon Kalou!
Merry Christmas
This needs to be explained.
Josh Gordon isn’t eligible to return after all.
https://twitter.com/bcondotta/status/1341556302607044612
This is the 2020-est thing that ever 2020’d.
I don’t understand how the Seahawks signed Gordon in the first place 3 1/2 months before he’s even eligible to return.
Now they make an official transaction, waiving a player to open up a spot and it turns out he wasn’t officially eligible?
This is another very strange front office mishap.
At least they can rely on Philip Dorsett and Antonio Brown to pick up the slack.
And David Moore.
An old friend is still available. Just saying.
This isn’t on the front office. According to Condotta, he was off the exempt list yesterday and back on it today. The NFL screwed the Seahawks on this one.
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/a-day-after-josh-gordon-returned-to-seahawks-roster-nfl-says-he-remains-ineligible-to-practice-or-play/
Not sure how it’s the fault of the NFL that the Seahawks took a gamble on a character/drug risk.
That’s like feeling bad for the Seahawks that they have injury problems when many of them (Iupati, Carson, Olsen, etc.) are proven to be injury prone players (mainly with Olsen at his age/injury history).
An unfortunate injury is Tom Brady tearing his ACL. An injury you deserve is Chris Carson because he’s always hurt.
That’s just the way it is.
I’m just more curious about how AB got back into a uniform first. Failing a drug test (for weed…), vs. very openly melting down…
Would not be surprised if its more than weed. Gordon has been on some rough stuff- even since HS.
what a bummer
ditto
crap
Just gotta say. I am not at all surprised. Dude has had substance abuse issues since his adolescence….
AB should have been signed to this team. Relying on a guy like Josh Gordon is a joke. He’s still living off 2 early NFL years and his one clutch catch last year. Can’t count on this guy as a professional.
I think they should’ve tapped into the strong WR draft class early.
That’s not me speaking with glorious hindsight either, I said this constantly throughout the draft process.
They needed to fix the pass rush in free agency, allowing them to focus on the skill positions and OL in the draft because that was the early round strength.
Then they would have had a super cheap, talented, extra weapon with great club control for the next 4-5 years instead of hoping that Gordon would return or that they could justify a very public courting of Antonio Brown (only to miss out after creating a mini-s***storm).
100% Agreed Rob. Hawks got really lucky with the Dunlap trade working out. A 3rd WR from this rookie class would have been amazing for this team. There were a lot of good WRs available with both of our early picks last year.
I’m in the same boat Jordan. When Rob wrote his piece about a Gordon reunion back in May, I said the same thing. Gordon has demons that he just can’t kick.
I do feel bad for the guys that went out of their way to try and help him, practice with him, etc. I feel even worse for Josh, as this was likely his last chance and I fear that the next time we hear from him, it will not be great news.
From a Hawks POV (silver lining), he didn’t actually cost anything. He wasn’t incorporated in the offense and we didn’t give anything up to get him that we can’t get back.
Although I do disagree about AB. I don’t think we should have gone after him either. He’s damaged goods that will boil over at some point.
Well, great… 🤦♂️
Alright. Done with Josh Gordon once and for all. I don’t wish him ill, I wish him the best. But I’ve completely removed any emotional investment I had in him for the team. I hope the team moves on from him. Like others around here, I can’t believe we didn’t walk away with a quality receiver this last draft when so many were there for the taking.
Oh well…
Dear Rob,
I know you know this, but…
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who do and those who don’t.
You do… and you provide great content.
Those who don’t… they’re the ones who kissed your butt all those years you were complimentary to the organization and now they have turned on you – even though you’ve loved this team all along. You’re just not providing them what they want to read – even though you’re right in terms of critical thinking about what they’ve done.
It’s okay… I guess/think…
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
In draft news, 2 Oregon St Beavers declared for the draft today and they both could be on Seattle’s radar. The first you know, DE Hamilcar Rashed Jr. He had a down year statistically this year compared to last year. He was criticized last year by scouts for being too light. I think he overcorrected this, becoming too bulky and losing some speed on his rush. He was still very sound in his game despite. When he is right he has speed, violent hands, good get off, good effort and can produce (14 sacks, 20.5 TFLs). Not sure how his down year will affect him but he is likely to make it to our first pick and he is going to the Senior Bowl so we should no more.
The second guy was a surprise, DB Nashon Wright. He looks like he will fit the profile. 6’4″, 188. 49 tackles, 5 ints, 5 pbu over 2 years. JC transfer. Long armed. Little stiff sometimes but had a knack for taking the ball away and making timely plays. Aggressive, willing tackler. Pretty good in zone. In man he has the common ” tall DB” problems with quicker small guys. Good ball skills. Grew a lot over the last 2 years and has room to get better. He should be there for our 4th rounder unless he blows up at pro day.
Merry Christmas Rob. Enjoy the time with your family and let them know that a bunch of Seahawk fans appreciate their sharing nature. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.
Same goes for everyone else over the holidays. Be safe, be happy, Go Hawks!
dcd2 – Derrick
Thanks Derrick! Merry Christmas
Talk about a bummer deal, Gordon on then off the roster?
NFL should have been clearer about when he was officially eligible to play, unless he had a relapse or something ??? Very strange from the get go…. signed him 3 months ago… was on exempt list… then off it then back on it within 24 hours.
The Commish…. There is som’ e’plainin to do
The damn death start is taking longer to build than anticipated……. : /
Was looking for a full operation battle station by now…. Lord Vader
At ESPN: “Seattle Seahawks’ Josh Gordon has setback in recovery from substance abuse, with return to field in doubt, source says
SEATTLE — Seahawks wide receiver Josh Gordon has experienced another setback in his recovery from substance abuse, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The news comes as Gordon was preparing to return to the field for the first time since he was indefinitely suspended by the NFL last December, a comeback that is now in jeopardy.
Gordon, 29, is grappling with the reality that he might never be allowed to play again, the source told Fowler, as indications throughout the process of his reinstatement from his latest suspension were that this was probably his final strike.
Gordon and the Seahawks were notified Tuesday that the NFL determined the receiver had not satisfied the terms of his conditional reinstatement, another source told ESPN. That makes him ineligible to practice or play in games for the time being.”
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30585744/josh-gordon-return-field-seattle-seahawks-limbo-league-finds-wr-did-not-satisfy-reinstatement-terms-source-says
I know we just waived him to make room for Josh Gordon, but can we re-sign Penny Hart? He knows the system, and think he hasn’t been picked up by another team.
Yep, Penny cleared waivers
Haha, was just imagining that phone call in my head:
JS: “Heeeey, Penny! Ma main man, ma dawg. Remember me, the guy that just ruthlessly shattered your dreams a couple hours ago? Yeah, long time no talk, huh? Anywho, you’ll never guess what just happened…”
Now that Gordon’s not coming back I fully expect them to re-sign Penny Hart. That way, Russ can throw to him like the last time Seattle played the Rams all the while ignoring DK Metcalf. “They’ll never expect it”!
Happy Christmas!
Thanks for all you do, Rob, and for the care and concern you put into it every time.
Thank you, merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Stay safe.
What a absolute kick in the unmentionables. There’s a long winded rant about how the NFL policy maker have taken it easy on domestic abuser, while going after potheads for way to long. I’ve seen the two greatest talents of my lifetime Ricky Williams and Josh Gordon made an example of while the rest of the country has taken steps to end this stupid modern day prohibition. The Seahawks have been extremely frustrating over the past few years, moving every alpha male out of town to create a culture where the QB can be the locker room leader without challenge. While it’s easy to point a finger at RW and maybe rightfully so, if he was an active part in dismantling one of the greatest teams of all time as I believe, certainly just as much or more responsibility should go to PC and Snyder for letting him go all Yoko Ono. Between Addams and Gordon there was a feeling that they have found a happy medium of having BAMF on the team who RW could coexist with and a chance to rebuild a roster. Gordon is the only player in the last 20 years to have Randy Moss type potential or more, and what an absolute travesty for fans that once again the league has taken it on themselves to destroy his legacy. I’m pretty even keeled, and gladly pass over many talking points here when they lack credibility to what I’m observing, but am straight up PO they’ve gone after our boy Gordon again. What’s it going to take for the NFL to stay in there lane on potheads, and I don’t know maybe add a lifetime ban on domestic abuser with no second chances? This is why it’s hard to be a fan of the NFL, no matter the amount of love for the Hawks.
In fairness, nobody knows why the NFL have made their call.
Everyone assumes it’s just weed. The reality is none of us know.
Even the Seahawks don’t know. Gregg Bell has a source inside the org that says they’ve only been told what everyone else has. He hasn’t satisfied the requirements of conditional reinstatement.
My guess is that it’s more than weed. He has been busted for PED’s before as well, if I have my facts straight. There could be other drugs as well. We know from reading he’s a pretty severe alcoholic, though alcohol is not against NFL policy. It certainly seems that he has an addictive personality. Maybe he didn’t complete the protocols/procedures for reinstatement as he was supposed to, whatever they might be.
Bottom line is that if he wanted to get back on the field he was going to have to overcome his substance abuse and follow the NFL’s guidelines, whatever we might think of them. He can’t do it. It’s just sad.
I saw he came into team practices at a lean 238#. I really hope it was just pot, he’s such an extremely talented player can’t see why he’d mess around with any type of peds. Still just feel accosted bye not getting to see him or Ricky Williams earn there place among the all time greats, but for all their talent, the lack of professionalism is mind numbing. They both truly had goat skills and athleticism at one point.
My heart goes out to Josh. I’m so sorry his demons have destroyed his dream. I’m sorry for us fans that his demons have destroyed the “edge” his presence may have given us in our match with the Rams.
Vegas has us and and Rams at basically, 50/50(ish). Looks like one of us is going to have a disturbing reality check Sunday when Mr. Sh*t meets Mr. Fan.
Merry Christmas Rob to you & the fam!!! 🎄 Can’t believe it’s been over a decade 😯. In that time we’ve reached the ultimate sporting peak, I’ve lost hair, my near vision, some hearing, flexibility…
Here’s to a 2021 Super Bowl run!
Stranger things can & are happening. Just keep rolling 7s
Chris Carson is good
https://twitter.com/IE_NFL/status/1341826407941419012
What contract you would give to Carson? Is he good? No doubt. Durability is an issue well documented.
I expect JS to be smart re-signing where hawks is secured in both scenario when he is playing or injured.
Thoughts?
what would be good contract numbers? that was my question 🙂
Love Chris Carson. But with his injury history would not go more than Two years. John Clayton said two years at 8 mil per season. I am guessing he will get in the two years in the 10mil per season range. After all the record when Carson does not play speaks for itself. They are only a .500 team when Carson is not in the lineup.
I’d model it after Derrick Henry’s contract. Nice bonus and guaranteed money but with an out after 2 years without too bad a cap hit.
4yr $35m with a $8m bonus and $16m in guarantees. ($8.75m/yr avg places him about 8th on the RB payscale list)
2021/Age 27 year: $2m guaranteed salary / $4m cap hit
2022/Age 28 year: $6m guaranteed salary / $8m cap hit
2023/Age 29 year: $0 guaranteed salary / $11m cap hit $9m savings available
2024/Age 30 year: $0 guaranteed salary / $12m cap hit $10m savings available
After 2022 they can revisit the deal and adjust it to either protect from injury or reward a couple terrific seasons.
Thanks RWIII.
Cha that contract numbers will be win win for both sides. They should add roster bonus and performance incentives. End numbers should not exceed 8 or 9 millions over 4 years. Off course should able get out after 2 years.
I’d be all for this. Chris is important to this club and don’t low-ball him. He’s earned that right and we all know the intangibles involved with Chris. I’d rather have Chris for 12 games a year doing what he does unless they are able to get Henry, just saying.
Cha, I think he only gets a 2 years deal… with optional 3rd year… no team will sink 4 years into him due to the injury concerns.
It’s a 4yr in name only.
6M is kind of the ceiling for average imo. Maybe 3 years for 16 and a few million signing bonus? I can’t see 8M or more, since the position is so under/depressed valued now. Not to mention, every big money deal for a RB in the last 2 years has blown up in various teams faces, except for Henry.
What exactly is”first down percentage”? The percentage of his carries that went for a first down?
Right. 37 of 114 carries resulted in a first down.
Struggling to see how this stat really matters then. Seems so situational. (not saying anything about Carson, just struggling to see the value in this stat.)
I don’t have avg down and distance stats but I’d imagine it’s a good measure of determination and a good productivity stat.
I can recall more than a few critical short yardage situations this year where a Carson run was a natural choice and the Seahawks instead chose to dipsy doodle and got stuffed.
Pease enjoy the fantastic Trans Siberian Orchestra for Christmas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmXo_x_G-Gc
They are amazing in concert.
https://twitter.com/futbolguysguy/status/1341491877913178114
Interesting…
Oh great find OP.
That was fun to watch, thanks for posting
Wed Press conf w PC
(I missed the first couple questions – I imagine there was a lot of Gordon Qs)
[art thiel] Coaching in SF 95-96 interact with John McVay? Takeaways? “Wizard guru back in the day. All the background and history. Hung out with him. Significant part of success then.”
[art] Sean McVay reflects WC offense? “More Shanahan. Came out of Niner system and did stuff in Denver and Washington. More connected to that. Running game for sure. Splits and movements.”
[bob condotta] Darrell Taylor? “Sorry Joe didn’t get chance to ask that question (laugh) we’re all working together Joe! Taylor practice next week for first time. Waiting and hoping to get to this day. A lot of consutlting to get this point. Number of DRs to get confident. Jump back sooner than later. Happy to have him.”
[bob] Bellore Pro Bowl/value as ST? “Big role, smart savvy guy. Tough dude. Leader in ST since day he came. Blossomed as a great factor for us. Best he’s been playing in years. Positive and plus in helping young players understand what ST is all about.”
[ben Arthur] Greg Olsen? “Coming back, practice this afternoon. Solid week. Such a shock so good so soon, wanted to give it time. Full go today, has to make it through week.”
[tim booth] DJ Reed know much about him or JS? “Saw him flash, not studied him much. Really John’s credit and scouting dept. Great vision to see how he fits.”
[tim] Tre and Dunbar? “Dunbar stay on IR get his knee fixed. Get that taken of eventually – soon I think. Tre coming to practice, chance to return to us.”
[tim] Dunbar season over? “Yes”
[larry stone] RW last game struggled, off game, Rams doing? “We were off then. Didn’t feel same, uncharacteristic. Play across the field Dissly up the sidelines, trying hard to make something happen. Felt like we weren’t quite right. Get to play these guys again. All that’s happened is behind us in our minds.”
[Curtis crab] Mone practice, status? “Playing really good this year, by far best for us. 350lbs runs like crazy chasing the ball down. Really good in walk through. A chance to play sunday. He’s totally tuned in. Not enough info to know yet.”
[AJ] Division title game, address w team or same prep? “This week is what all that’s about. Championship opp. Each game is. Practicing that mentality so when we get here, we do exactly that again. Hopefully all lessons stick. Carry on, one day at a time, put prep together. Finished well in our seasons, a lot of good wins at end of year. Another Opp to demonstrate we get it. Nothing changes.”
[AJ] Confidence in offense getting back? “Didn’t get sacked last week, one sloppy turnover, that’s good FB. Running the FB too, keep QB clean and run the FB, success. Defense has to keep playing, haven’t done anything yet. So much better and connected more than we were. I’m not looking at numbers and stats as much complementary ball to help us to win. Last week beautiful work. Just missed a couple conversions to convert. Do that we’re hard to beat.”
[maz veda] ? “Started today with realize how fortunate we are, gratitude for one another. Safest places in the world right now. All these guys right now, need to be grateful. Showing appreciation for people around us. Season of gratitude. Mindful of that.”
Local radio said he had a positive test and they are awaiting the second test (blood work) to confirm this “positive” outcome. If this plays out that way, Gordon will never play in the NFL again.
I really wish Gordon could get the help he needs, then could turn around and show others that you can conquer your demons. When you walked in the darkness, you can guide others into the light by your words, deeds and actions. He could be a force for good, long after his playing days are truly over.
Amen, brother.
🤔 I’m… confused.
So it was an issue of Taylor not trusting it, not wanting to push it this season and demanding more opinions before accepting that he’s healthy enough to get out there and practice?
It does sound like he’d gotten to the end of his “standard course of treatment”, proclaimed healthy to practice, and just didn’t feel right. Additional steps taken to assure he is in fact OK to practice.
It looks so, Pete had enough. if he steps on to practice next week and plays a few snaps in the final week or he is done with his football career.
Is that it for Dunbar as a Seahawk? Shame he never really got going but Rob was right in pointing out he’d missed a great deal of time due to injury before coming here so it wasn’t entirely unforeseeable.
This made me smile. Even with all our reservations about the this team, Jamal Adams gives us a little bit of perspective on Sunday’s win…
https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1340784020536270850
Having a guy like that who has been in the league a long time and doesn’t take being in the playoffs for granted could be good, especially for the rookies.
Rob, Do you find that American audiences are more polarized than those in the UK? Not just in politics but also in sports blogs? If so, what do you think drives this?
The Washington Football Team fined quarterback Dwayne Haskins $40,000 and removed him from the role of team captain three days after he was photographed at an event with strippers while not wearing a mask.
“The biggest thing is we are holding him accountable and he’s been punished and he accepted it,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “As we go forward, that’s the thing that we’re looking for, is that if you make a mistake, you’ve got to step up and you have to take responsibility.”
They are in good hands now (took them 15+ years)…. football man in charge who has excellent leadership qualities. Watch out for the Redskins in the next 2-3 years…. going to be a force.
Regarding Haskins, ultimately we are all responsible to ourselves. We can conform when we have to or not. The choice is ours, as are its consequences.
Genetically, we share 98% of our DNA with the Chimps. Unfortunately, our brains, the main beneficiary of the 2% difference, swim in the same neurotransmitter soup as do theirs. Being human can be very difficult. Mastering maturity can be very difficult. Making the right decisions, even when we know what they are intellectually, can be difficult.
I hope Dewayne can master his own mind, and neurotransmitters, and achieve the success he craves. I’m 74 and have had ADHD since I was a child. I know of the challenges I speak of.
Rob,
Have a wonderful Christmas. Your straight forward and honest approach is much appreciated. Your opinion is not only valued but in my view pretty spot on. Best wishes this holiday to you and your loved ones. Look forward to your future insights on are hawks.
Late to the party, but just wanted to say that this is a really nicely worded and wise article. I hope fans will respect it. I don’t always see eye to eye with Rob but I love this place and I read different blogs/sites about the Hawks but in the last 1,5-2 years this is the only place worth visiting and I only come here also. Thanks Rob for your yearly hard work and delivering quality content. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Go Hawks!