12 thoughts on the Seahawks Offseason

1. Re-signing Michael Bennett was Huge. He even took a bit less money to play for the Seahawks, and one of the main reasons was the 12th Man.

2. It’s sad to see Golden Tate leave and play for a different team. He did so much for the Seahawks. But, the Seahawks can’t afford to pay Tate big money. Especially given the fact that the Seahawks are a run first team. If Percy Harvin can stay healthy, this loss should not be a problem next year.

3. If Sidney Rice re-signs, then I think the Seahawks are set at WR. I don’t think they would need to draft a WR. I think the WR’s will have some serious competition come Training Camp. Lots of depth.

4. Henry Melton (Rated the #2 Free Agent at the DT position) is visiting the Seahawks. This would be a huge addition for the defense. Vance Walker DT is also visiting the Seahawks. He started for the Raiders last year.

5. Jermichael Finley would help stretch the defense and would give Russell Wilson a receiving TE. It would be nice to be able to keep Miller. Might have to restructure Zach Miller’s contract for that to happen.

6. We could use a veteran DE to replace Chris Clemons. Maybe Jared Allen. But, don’t forget that Bruce Irvin could be playing a lot of the DE/LEO position.

7. O’Brien Schofield’s contract didn’t work out with the Giants because of a failed physical. It would be great if the Seahawks could bring him back. Good special teams player and can also rush the passer.

8. Re-signing Tavaris Jackson was big. One of the best backup QB’s in the league. If RW ever goes down, Jackson can step up and play without losing too much.

9. Watch for these 12 players to have breakout seasons for the Seahawks next year: Gregg Scruggs, Jordan Hill, Bruce Irvin, DeShawn Shead, Benson Mayowa, Christine Michael, James Carpenter, JR Sweezy, Ricardo Lockette, Taylor Price, Chris Mathews, Michael Bowie

10. Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport know everything about the NFL and Free Agency.

11. It would be nice if we can sign Doug Baldwin long term.

12. In Pete and John we trust. They have a plan that will make sense in a few weeks. I think they will be able to sign a few players for good prices. Players want to play for Pete Carroll and will take a bit less money to get a great opportunity to get a SB ring. Watch for a DT, WR and possibly a DE to get signed in the next couple weeks.

Go Hawks!

Media Day

Well I won’t be at Media Day, but many more reporters from all over the world will be. There will be 17 Seahawks players that have there own podium to answer all sorts of questions. Marshawn Lynch won’t have a podium and is questionable to even show up. Do you think he needs to talk at Media Day? I don’t think so. The NFL can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do. Lynch is a team player and never has made his success in Seattle about himself. I encourage you to read Michael Silver’s article titled “Marshawn Lynch’s quiet power behind Seahawks’ Super run.” Here is the link: http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/0ap2000000318651/article/marshawn-lynchs-quiet-power-behind-seahawks-super-run

Here is my prediction for the Seahawks that will have there own podium to speak on tomorrow:

Offense: Russell Wilson, Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, Russell Okung, Max Unger, Michael Robinson, Zach Miller, Derrick Coleman

Defense: Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Bobby Wagner, Kam Chancellor, Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant

Soak all of this Super Bowl fun in. It’s great to see the Seattle Seahawks achieve so much this season! Maybe one day I will be one of the reporters at Media Day. Go Hawks!

12 Thoughts on Last Night’s Game

1. Doug Baldwin is clutch and above average.
2. Steven Hauschka is both smart and productive.
3. Kam Chancellor had yet another HUGE hit on Vernon Davis.
4. Cliff Avril = strip sack.
5. Michael Bennett has mastered the skill of being in the right place at the right time.
6. Lynch showed that he can out run defenders while stumbling.
7. L.O.B. Sherman, Thomas, Chancellor, Maxwell, Thurmond and Lane all played fantastic.
8. Ricardo Lockette is a beast on special teams.
9. Alvin Bailey provided an excellent block to break Lynch free for his TD.
10. How about Warren Moon’s shriek when Malcom Smith got his big time interception
11. Richard Sherman somehow always makes a play when a play needs to be made.
12. Coach Pete Carroll and John Schneider have put together one heck of a team.

Go Hawks!!!

The Big Guys Up Front

Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant are two of the most intimidating athletes in the NFL, and they lead the Seattle Seahawks defensive charge every game. They are the longest-tenured Seahawks on this year’s team and have brought their full effort since day one. Mebane possesses the NFL’s best belly roll sack dance and plugs up running holes. Red Bryant is the defensive captain and fires up his teammates with his inspiring speeches before every game. Both of these players were a big part in holding the Rams to only 13 total rushing yards last week

Mebane was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL draft and the Seahawks have gotten more than they bargained for. A true testament to the hard work that Mebane has put in throughout the years is the fact that Coach Pete Carroll kept him when he was hired as the Seahawks coach. Carroll basically cleaned house, but obviously saw something that he like in Mebane. In fact, Mebane is the only player still on the Seahawks from the 2007 draft class. Brandon Mebane has been a solid run stopper as well as providing an interior rush that isn’t to be messed with. All he has done is consistently produce for a Seattle Seahawks defense that has struggled at times, but now, after many years, the Seahawks are the NFL’s #1 defensive team and a big part to do with that is the outstanding play of Brandon Mebane.

Lining up next to Mebane is the heart and soul of the defensive line, Red Bryant. Bryant played his college ball at Texas A&M and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 4th round of the 2008 NFL draft. Bryant plugs up running lanes, but also puts pressure on the quarterback. No quarterback wants to see all 323 pounds of Red Bryant coming after him. But, quarterbacks saw more of Bryant after Pete Carroll and his staff decided in 2010 to move Bryant from defensive tackle to defensive end. Not many teams are able to have such a versatile player who is that big and athletic. Bryant took the transition in stride and plays the position exceptionally well. The passion and emotion that Bryant plays with is a key factor in keeping the Seahawks defense playing at a high-level.

Both Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant will have a huge impact in the playoffs. They are a great duo on the line and will continue to give Seahawks fans something to cheer about. They are also two of the most respected players on the Seahawks team, having been with the organization for so long. In fact, John Schneider has already awarded both Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant with significant contract extensions. The 12th man can look forward to watching these big men dominate on the Seahawks defensive line for years to come. Here’s to hoping we get another Brandon Mebane belly roll during the playoffs.

Will the Real Luke Willson Please Stand Up

If you haven’t heard of Luke Willson, then you better start paying attention. No, I am not talking about the actor, the one that’s the brother of Owen Wilson. I am referring to the backup tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, who was the fifth round draft pick in 2013 and has exceeded expectations during his rookie year.

All Canadian Seahawks fans should know about the real Luke Willson. Willson grew up in LaSalle, Ontario and was a natural athlete as he played many different sports. He played high-level ice hockey, but decided to quit when he got offers for football. Willson also played for the junior national Canadian baseball team and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. And, of course, Willson played football at Rice University.

At Rice, Willson was overshadowed by San Francisco’s 2013 second round draft pick tight end, Vance Mcdonald. But, the Seahawks saw something in Willson that they really liked and made a great decision by drafting him. In fact, this year Luke Willson’s numbers are superior compared to Mcdonald’s. Willson has 20 receptions for 272 yards and 1 TD. Mcdonald, on the other hand, has only 8 receptions for 119 yards and 0 TD. This is a true testament to the hard work that Luke Willson has put in and it is most definitely paying off.

Anthony McCoy, who was this season’s projected number 2 tight end for the Seahawks, went down with a torn Achilles tendon before the season had started. Willson, all of a sudden, had to step up and learn the playbook quickly while still playing at full speed. He did just that, and Seahawks fans have been pleasantly surprised by the production that Willson has put up. He has made many excellent catches and has blocked very well. His first touchdown came in a huge game against San Francisco. On that play, Luke Willson used his top notch athleticism to beat pro bowl linebacker Patrick Willis and caught a nicely thrown ball by Russell Wilson, and didn’t stop running until he reached the end zone.

After that game fans got to see a bit more air time on Luke Willson. He responded well to all the attention and stayed humble throughout the process. He dressed for success in interviews and he stayed positive, even after the disappointing loss to the 49ers. Willson also has been actively involved in the community, recently volunteering at Tent City 4, which is a homeless encampment. Luke Willson is a great role model for young fans and continues to put smiles on their faces through his play, both on and off the field.

Pete Carroll has been impressed with the production of Willson. “To play so early and contribute in such a variety of ways, and he’s really just getting started. He’s a tremendous prospect for us for the years to come.” Carroll is obviously excited to watch Luke Willson as he continues to improve throughout the years in a Seattle Seahawks uniform.

Watch as Willson plans on quickly coming back from his high ankle sprain that he suffered in the last game of the season. Luke Willson tweeted this on January 1, “I’m all about the Canadian quick healing blood.” Seattle fans can count on Willson being a difference maker as the Seahawks continue to compete for the final prize. So, will the real Luke Willson please stand up, and put all of your fingers on each hand up. And, catch another touchdown pass, from your quarterback, Russell Wilson. Touchdown Seahawks! Wilson passes to a wide open Willson! A last name worth mentioning twice, in one sentence.

Go Hawks!!!

Twitter: @dstobbe11

Kam Chancellor’s Rise to Greatness

Kam Chancellor is a special player for the Seattle Seahawks and has already achieved greatness in his young career. Seahawks fans have become accustomed to seeing the big safety deliver huge hits against his opponents. He also has provided great pass coverage and even though his interception numbers are lower than those of Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, he is just as valuable. If you haven’t heard much of Chancellor, then it is time to take notice and appreciate the big time player that he is to the Seattle Seahawks organization.

In college at Virginia Tech, he switched positions many different times. He started playing quarterback, then moved to cornerback, and eventually found his true calling at free safety. Well almost, he now plays strong safety for the Seattle Seahawks. Clearly, Chancellor has a special talent and is a hard worker that can do whatever his coach asks of him and does it well.

When the Seattle Seahawks drafted Kam Chancellor, they picked up a physical, hard hitting safety. But at that time, that was about all he could do. Over the years though, he has developed into a player that can shut down receivers just as good as he can make a highlight reel hit. Chancellor has also become a team leader. He leads the Legion of Boom pregame talks and puts his teammates first, which is demonstrated by his motto, “play for your brothers.” Kam is a classy person and takes his job seriously, his fashion is off the chart and he answers questions in interviews with respect and insightful answers.

Kam Chancellor is now a pro bowl talent and leads the NFC West Champion Seahawks every time they take the field. Recently Chancellor was named a 2nd team all pro and he definitely deserves this award. He came into the league as an afterthought when drafted only in the 5th round. Everyone, except the Seahawks organization would rate the similarly built USC safety Taylor Mays way ahead of Chancellor. But, now Mays, who is playing for the Bengals is the forgotten one, and Chancellor on the other hand, has risen to the top of his position. This example shows the hard work that Kam has put in over the years, in order to be great.

Last offseason the Seattle Seahawks signed Chancellor to a 5 year extension worth up to 34 million. He earned that extension and Hawks fans should be ecstatic that he will be with the team for many years to come. Chancellor will be leading this Seahawks team, hopefully to 3 more wins this season, resulting in a Super Bowl win. But, regardless where the Hawks finish, fans can be confident that this hard hitting safety will be around Seattle for many years to come and will continue to lead the defense with excellent pass coverage and of course his bone crushing hits.

Gonna be writing about a Seattle Seahawks player every day leading up to Saturday. Learn more about this Seahawks team!

twitter: @dstobbe11

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Part 2

Seahawks fans also have something to feel good about on the defensive side of the ball. Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman are arguably the top two defensive players in the NFL. Either one of these players could receive the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The Seahawks organization made a great decision when they drafted Thomas as the 14th pick in the 2010 draft. Expectations from Seahawks fans came from comparisons to Ed Reed, the fact that he attended the University of Texas, and was rated as the number 2 safety in the draft. He exceeded expectations and has given Seahawks fans something to cheer about. Thomas will continue to fly around the field making spectacular plays and will keep making the Seahawks defense a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Richard Sherman has a very loud mouth, but he backs up every word and has had a spectacular year. This season he leads the Seahawks, and also the NFL, with 8 interceptions. The Seahawks got a bargain when they selected Sherman in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. Richard Sherman has quickly become a fan favorite and a villain to other teams. Richard Sherman leads the exciting brand of football that the Seahawks defense plays, and will continue to lead the Seahawks for many more years.

Both of these players are very smart, confident and, at times, cocky. But, in every game this year they have backed up all their talk. They have achieved greatness already in their young careers. Thomas and Sherman keep improving every single game, and if they continue to compete and stay healthy, then by the time they are done playing they will be known as the best ever at their positions.

NFC West Champs!!!

twitter: @dstobbe11

10 Seahawks Predictions for Week 16

1. Seahawks win 30 to 13 and win the NFC West.
2. Cliff Avril gets 2 sacks
3. Century Link is gonna be LOUD
4. 12th man forces Cardinals to commit 3 false starts.
5. Marshawn Lynch goes over 100 yards.
6. Zach Miller scores one TOUCHDOWN.
7. Russell Wilson throws for 3 TOUCHDOWNS.
8. Golden Tate returns a punt for a TOUCHDOWN.
9. Bruce Irvin gets a forced fumble sack.
10. Byron Maxwell keeps his interception streak going.

Walter Thurmond III

Walter Thurmond III came into the league when he was drafted in the fifth round in the 2010 NFL draft. He is a cornerback who went to the University of Oregon. Some fans know him because of his flashy outfits that he wears to games and has on during post-game interviews. Others know him because of the many injuries that he has battled. Or maybe you have heard of Thurmond because of the 4 game suspension he is serving right now, due to substance abuse. But, Seahawks fans need to turn their attention to Thurmond and realize how talented he is.

Thurmond has dealt with injuries throughout his Seahawks tenure, but this season he has come and played like a pro bowl player. Unfortunately he was suspended 4 games, but will be back for the Seahawks last regular season game. He is still young at age 26 and we should be forgiving of his mistake. He has quickly become a fan favorite, and his contribution in the Legion of Boom has not gone unnoticed. Even with Browner out, Thurmond played at a high level against the Minnesota Vikings and scored a TD after intercepting a pass in the second half. He has come up in big games and made plays in pass coverage and also has providing excellent tackling when defending the run.

It is quite impressive that he is playing at such a high level considering the injuries that he has had to come back from. In Oregon he had torn three ligaments in his knee and then once he got to Seattle he was put on injured reserve with a broken fibula and high ankle sprain. But, he didn’t give up and the Seahawks organization stuck with him. You can see right away from a post-game interview with Thurmond is that he is a very confident individual, but also a polite and classy person.

Once the Seahawks get Thurmond back from his suspension he is going to be ready to go. Having Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell and Jeremy Lane playing at a high level, Thurmond will be able to step right back and excel at the nickel spot. Watch out for him as we enter the playoffs, he will come back with a chip on his shoulder and play at a high level. Go Hawks!

twitter: @dstobbe11

Will the Seattle Seahawks 2013/2014 defense go down as the best in history?

If you have followed the Seahawks this season, then you would hear the statement that they want to be the best ever. Russell Wilson wants to be the best quarterback to ever play. Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman want to be perfect in everything they do. Perfection is what they search for, but that is what makes this team and defense special.

A great defense starts upfront with the defense line. With the free agent upgrades of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett the defense has been even better than last year. Chris Clemons has come back from his ACL injury quite nicely and is still contributing well at the age of 32. The inside has been very productive from many different players. Tony McDaniel and Brandon Mebane have led the charge inside. Clinton McDonald has been a pleasant surprise as well. After being cut earlier in the year and then being resigned, he came back with a chip on his shoulder and has had the best year of his career. With these three players being so productive and Bennett being able to play inside as well as outside, Jordan Hill has been able to come through this season slowly and has been inactive for more than half the games. But, when he has been in games has played very well for a rookie.

Now we move to the youthful and athletic linebackers that the Seahawks have. Going into his second year, Bobby Wagner has left off where he finished off in his rookie year. He leads this group of talented linebackers. KJ Wright has been playing amazing and showed off his talents by shutting down Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles in the blowout win vs the Saints. Bruce Irvin has played well as the LEO end and outside linebacker position. The productivity isn’t noticed in the stats, but he has played solid both on the run and the pass. Providing excellent depth is Malcom Smith, Heath Farwell and O’Brien Schofield. Especially with KJ Wright out for 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his foot, Smith has stepped up to the challenge and has not missed a beat. Farwell has been excellent on special teams, as well as Schofield.

And finally the flashiest and most well-known position group all across the NFL is the secondary, also known as the L.O.B (Legion of Boom). This is of course led by the vocal Richard Sherman and the arguably best free safety in the league Earl Thomas. It is then complimented by the hard hitting safety Kam Chancellor. On the other side of the cornerback position, Brandon Browner, now injured and facing suspension has become the forgotten man with Byron Maxwell playing so well. The depth in the LOB is very strong. Walter Thurmond and Jeremy Lane do not miss a beat when they get on the field. At safety replacing Jeron Johnson who has battled hamstring problems this year is Deshawn Shead and on the other side is Chris Maragos. The second string is noticeable in special teams providing great kick and punt coverage. In fact the Seahawks have only allowed 19 punt return yards this entire season.

So the question is asked and will be continued to be asked. Is this the best defense in NFL history? I would have to say no, not yet. A Superbowl would help the argument and a special season next year would help this case. But, excellence needs to be continued throughout many years. And with the caliber of the starters and the deep depth at each position it is possible that in a few years this defense could be something that is written down in the history books as the best ever. But, as of now let’s enjoy watching this defense dominate and frustrate opposing offenses as they try to lead this team to a Super Bowl.

twitter: @dstobbe11