SeaHawks a clear LOCK over Steelers

[FlaHawker 24]

The Pittsburgh Steelers, in the early estimation of most oddsmakers and preview magazines, are hardly the favorites to defend the Super Bowl title. In fact, the No. 1 team in the ESPN.com offseason power rankings is the Seattle Seahawks...

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor...&id=2493988

[FantasyKing 4]

Still bitter huh? Sad.

 

Steelers got one for the thumb, and you got nothing.

 

No chance of Seattle winning next year - hate to tell you. Only reason they made it last year is because they had a cake schedule. Their chance has passed.

[Parja 0]

Rankings mean nothing.

[Franknbeans 46]

You can have your ranking. We'll take the

[Captian America 0]

Just curious where were the Steelers ranked last year?

[Timinator 0]

I think the Seahawks improved and their schedule is still cake. They deserve #1 at this point.

 

But the NFL is set up to encourage competition and it's pretty tight in this league. Any team in the top 10-15 can get hot at the right time and take it all. Just like the Steelers did.

[murf74 461]

You can have your ranking. We'll take the

 

Yep It's where it's at!!!!

 

Preseason rankings

[illest 0]

No chance of Seattle winning next year - hate to tell you. Only reason they made it last year is because they had a cake schedule. Their chance has passed.

No truer words were ever said. If the seahawks were in the AFC last year they would have been knocked out in the first round as a wildcard, if that.

 

They flat out, suck. They only made it last year because they were blessed with being in the NFC.

[phillybear 366]

No truer words were ever said. If the seahawks were in the AFC last year they would have been knocked out in the first round as a wildcard, if that.

 

They flat out, suck. They only made it last year because they were blessed with being in the NFC.

 

:oldrolleyes:

 

You simply cannot win 11 games in a row, and 13 out of 14 in the NFL if you suck. You cannot win 11 games in a row when you are beating playoff teams. Teams in college have a hard time winning 11 games in a row while playing teams like North Texas and Temple. The NFL is all about ebb and flow, and it is impossible to get up for your opponent every week. Yet, Seattle went on a huge run.

 

Also, how many weeks did Seattle go without their top two WRs and still remain at the top of the NFL in total offense? They must have been doing something right.

 

I suppose the Colts sucked last year because they had an easier schedule than the Seahawks. I suppose the Eagles sucked the prior 4 years because they played in a down NFC East and their schedule was "cake".

 

:oldrolleyes:

 

That being said, I fear all the curses that Seattle has to buck this year.

[t.j 35]

Rankings mean nothing.

 

[FlaHawker 24]

Still bitter huh? Sad.

 

Steelers got one for the thumb, and you got nothing.

 

No chance of Seattle winning next year - hate to tell you. Only reason they made it last year is because they had a cake schedule. Their chance has passed.

 

 

I bet Dan Rooney and Co. love sticking the ringed thumb up Bill Leavy's arse

[Redstone 0]

No truer words were ever said. If the seahawks were in the AFC last year they would have been knocked out in the first round as a wildcard, if that.

 

They flat out, suck. They only made it last year because they were blessed with being in the NFC.

 

 

"They flat out suck." What an idiot. Goes to show any bozo with access to mom and dad's computer can register and post here.

[culboarder11 0]

No chance of Seattle winning next year - hate to tell you. Only reason they made it last year is because they had a cake schedule. Their chance has passed.

 

Are you focking joking me? Seattle has a better chance than anyone in the entire league to make it back to the SB because they are easily the best team in their conference. And yes, they did manage to stay top in the NFL in offense without their top 2 WRs. How many other teams could do that?

 

Its scary to think theyre going to be even better this year than last.

[murf74 461]

I still think Carolina is gonna win the NFC. They were down to 4th string RBs and had NO #2 WR option for that championship game. And wasn't Peppers banged up along with Morgan on defense? Not to mention they were playing their 3rd playoff game in a row on the road.

 

And Carolina with that new stud DT from Baltimore and a healthy Jenkins in the middle will make it really hard to run on them.

[FlaHawker 24]

I still think Carolina is gonna win the NFC. They were down to 4th string RBs and had NO #2 WR option for that championship game. And wasn't Peppers banged up along with Morgan on defense? Not to mention they were playing their 3rd playoff game in a row on the road.

 

And Carolina with that new stud DT from Baltimore and a healthy Jenkins in the middle will make it really hard to run on them.

 

 

[Bandits47 0]

"They flat out suck." What an idiot. Goes to show any bozo with access to mom and dad's computer can register and post here.

 

See: FlaHawker

Someone stick a friggin' pacifier in your mouth already. Maybe they make a ringpop that looks like the Lombardi trophy for poosays like you. Just be sure to lick all 5 Steelers Championships extra hard, to finally get a taste of something you'll never have....

[FlaHawker 24]

See: FlaHawker

Someone stick a friggin' pacifier in your mouth already. Maybe they make a ringpop that looks like the Lombardi trophy for poosays like you. Just be sure to lick all 5 Steelers Championships extra hard, to finally get a taste of something you'll never have....

 

 

A pacifier? Why? Because I bait clowns like you into these threads You Steeler fans are like red ants attacking andro. All I have to do is sprinkle a few Super Bowl Bill Leavy comments and you all come running out making a Chinese fire drill look orderly. I just sit back and laugh. C'mon now don't disappoint me. Respond ASAP

[football_scooter 0]

I think the Seahawks improved and their schedule is still cake. They deserve #1 at this point.

 

But the NFL is set up to encourage competition and it's pretty tight in this league. Any team in the top 10-15 can get hot at the right time and take it all. Just like the Steelers did.

 

They improved by losing Hutchinson and adding Burleson?

[t.j 35]

I think the Seahawks improved and their schedule is still cake. They deserve #1 at this point.

 

But the NFL is set up to encourage competition and it's pretty tight in this league. Any team in the top 10-15 can get hot at the right time and take it all. Just like the Steelers did.

They improved by losing Hutchinson and adding Burleson?

 

Good call scooter, because those were the only offseason transactions the Seahawks made.

[FlaHawker 24]

They improved by losing Hutchinson and adding Burleson?

 

Good call scooter, because those were the only offseason transactions the Seahawks made.

 

 

Well, not only did the Hawks bring in Nate Burleson to replace JJ, they also brought in Tom Ashowrth formerly of NE for O-Line depth to help replace Hutch. Defensively, they brought in Julian Peterson, drafted CB Kelly Jennings of Miami and DE Daryl Tapp of V-tech, and will hopefully be getting a healthy Ken Hamlin back. So, the defense is much imporved. Burleson could easily give the hawks what JJ gave them last year. In fact, it was reported that right after Burleson signed, Brad Johnson called Matt Hasslebeck and simply said, "Yards after the catch!" As it stands, even without Hutch, the Seahawks top to bottom are a better team than they were last year. I don't think anyone will look back on the 2006 season and say that the hawks didn't do this or do that because Hutch left. If the Hawks struggle it will be beacuse the defense somehow doesn't play up to standards or they have some crippling injuries on offense. If all stay healthy there is no reason this team will not contend for another Super Bowl appearance.

[culboarder11 0]

They improved by losing Hutchinson and adding Burleson?

 

You can tell this guy knows his football...

[football_scooter 0]

posted by Scooter

They improved by losing Hutchinson and adding Burleson?

Good call scooter, because those were the only offseason transactions the Seahawks made.

 

certainly the most relevant.

 

FlaHawkerWell, not only did the Hawks bring in Nate Burleson to replace JJ, they also brought in Tom Ashowrth formerly of NE for O-Line depth to help replace Hutch. Defensively, they brought in Julian Peterson, drafted CB Kelly Jennings of Miami and DE Daryl Tapp of V-tech, and will hopefully be getting a healthy Ken Hamlin back. So, the defense is much imporved. Burleson could easily give the hawks what JJ gave them last year. In fact, it was reported that right after Burleson signed, Brad Johnson called Matt Hasslebeck and simply said, "Yards after the catch!" As it stands, even without Hutch, the Seahawks top to bottom are a better team than they were last year. I don't think anyone will look back on the 2006 season and say that the hawks didn't do this or do that because Hutch left. If the Hawks struggle it will be beacuse the defense somehow doesn't play up to standards or they have some crippling injuries on offense. If all stay healthy there is no reason this team will not contend for another Super Bowl appearance.

 

1. JJ > Burleson - maybe Burleson has "upside" but it has yet to show up consistently.

2. Hutch >>>>>>> Ashowrth or whoever they stick in there when he gets hurt again.

Quick - how many games did Hutchinson start last year?

A: 16

How about 2005 and 2004?

A: 16

A: 16

 

Now, how many did Ashworth start last year?

A: 11

How about 2005 and 2004?

A: 6

A: 13

 

Yeah - real anchor of an O-line there. you guys can really count on him to replace Hutch. Not.

 

3. citing players returning from injury as a reason for improvement is somewhat misleading. They still have to play and show that they're as good.

 

which is a nice segue to

4. Peterson and the ridiculous amount of cash heaped upon him. 82 tackles and 3 sacks. Wow - am I impressed. Word in SF is that he lost his speed - which was his best attribute. He also took plays off, and is a total cancer in the clubhouse - especially after a loss, or when he feels he's not getting paid enough. I am still of the opinion that if Nolan and Singletary, two of the best LB evaluators in the NFL, sitting on a pile of cash didn't think he was worth the $, then he wasn't worth the $. That they didn't pursue him at all tells me he's not the same pro-bowl caliber player he once was.

 

Hey, maybe I'm wrong and Peterson was a bargain - time will tell. But given his production last year, Seattle overspent on him this year.

 

They would have been far better off preserving that O-Line and handing the pile of $ to Hutch instead. One man's opinion.

 

I don't see the Seahawks as an improved team.

[NOSRAC247 0]

The Pittsburgh Steelers, in the early estimation of most oddsmakers and preview magazines, are hardly the favorites to defend the Super Bowl title. In fact, the No. 1 team in the ESPN.com offseason power rankings is the Seattle Seahawks...

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor...&id=2493988

 

 

Yeah, I think I rmember last year SI and ESPN both picking the Cardinals to go to the SuperBowl. These preseason numbers that ANALYSTS come up with, are, for a majority, useless

[TD Ryan2 316]

 

Seattle is the fifth NFC team in six years to lose the Super Bowl (Tampa Bay beat Oakland in SB XXXVII). All six NFC champions, including the Bucs, failed to make the playoffs the next season. In fact, all were under .500.

 

[FlaHawker 24]

Good call scooter, because those were the only offseason transactions the Seahawks made.

certainly the most relevant.

1. JJ > Burleson - maybe Burleson has "upside" but it has yet to show up consistently.

2. Hutch >>>>>>> Ashowrth or whoever they stick in there when he gets hurt again.

Quick - how many games did Hutchinson start last year?

A: 16

How about 2005 and 2004?

A: 16

A: 16

 

Now, how many did Ashworth start last year?

A: 11

How about 2005 and 2004?

A: 6

A: 13

 

Yeah - real anchor of an O-line there. you guys can really count on him to replace Hutch. Not.

 

3. citing players returning from injury as a reason for improvement is somewhat misleading. They still have to play and show that they're as good.

 

which is a nice segue to

4. Peterson and the ridiculous amount of cash heaped upon him. 82 tackles and 3 sacks. Wow - am I impressed. Word in SF is that he lost his speed - which was his best attribute. He also took plays off, and is a total cancer in the clubhouse - especially after a loss, or when he feels he's not getting paid enough. I am still of the opinion that if Nolan and Singletary, two of the best LB evaluators in the NFL, sitting on a pile of cash didn't think he was worth the $, then he wasn't worth the $. That they didn't pursue him at all tells me he's not the same pro-bowl caliber player he once was.

 

Hey, maybe I'm wrong and Peterson was a bargain - time will tell. But given his production last year, Seattle overspent on him this year.

 

They would have been far better off preserving that O-Line and handing the pile of $ to Hutch instead. One man's opinion.

 

I don't see the Seahawks as an improved team.

 

So then basically you are saying that Hutch's departure will basically be the reason the Seahawks are not successful this upcoming year, correct? Well, then using that argument, because Hutch went to the Vikings they should be Super Bowl contenders, right? Do you really think a guard will have that much impact on two teams? i don't; nor did Tim Ruskell that is why the Seahawks didn't dump impact money on the guard position. But we can yak back and forth all day. I don’t feel a guard, even an all world guard will ultimately decide a team's fate. Mark Schlereth (sp) a pretty good guard in his day and a Super Bowl winner has said that (and I understand he was over exaggerating the point here) that a team could go out on the street before a game to bring a guy in to play guard and the offense would not miss a beat. His point is simply that the guard position IS NOT an impact position. Hutch will be missed but like I said, the Seahawks barring injury will not miss a beat.

[pittnthat 0]

guard play seemed pretty important in the superbowl when faneca pulled and made the seahawk linebackers his ###### on fwps 75 yard td. the only play of the game flahawker dosent complain about.

[FlaHawker 24]

guard play seemed pretty important in the superbowl when faneca pulled and made the seahawk linebackers his ###### on fwps 75 yard td. the only play of the game flahawker dosent complain about.

 

 

Actually credit Bill leavy for not calling the OT's hands to the face of Lofa Tatupu that prevented him from filling the gap. Faneca is a great guard but let's give Bil leavy his due!

[football_scooter 0]

So then basically you are saying that Hutch's departure will basically be the reason the Seahawks are not successful this upcoming year, correct?

 

No, I'm saying that Hutch's departure is the reason that the Seahawks are not an improved team. The point I was disputing.

 

The statement was made and I disputed it. You presented Ashworth as a counter to that, and I pointed out that he's not started more than 13 games in 3 years, and not more than 11 in 2.

 

In fact, I think the Seahawks will be a very good team - perhaps the best in the NFC (aside from CAR, who I thought was better than the Hawks all season until they were decimated by injuries). I don't think you can quote me here saying that the Seahawks are "not [going to be] successful". But hey, if putting words into my mouth makes it easier for you to debate, knock yourself out?

 

Since the rest of your post is predicated on this fallacious inferrence, no need to respond to it - save to say that I don't think it was a coincedence that 80% of Alexander's TDs went to the left.

[Erb047 0]

Great points scooter. I was about to say the same thing. I just dont see how the Seahawks are an improved team with the loss of Hutch, and a very quality, underrated WR in JJ. Yes you hawks fans can play the We lost our top 2 WRs card, but while I give you credit with Djax, you guys still had pretty good WRs and the best RB and LG/LT tandem in the league to rely on....

 

 

Seattle has a better chance than anyone in the entire league to make it back to the SB because they are easily the best team in their conference.

 

How do you figure they are so easily the best team in their conference? StL and AZ have made some very big strides to improve this year, and Seattle has taken two steps back IMO. They may not even be the best team in their division this season.

 

 

I still think Carolina is gonna win the NFC. They were down to 4th string RBs and had NO #2 WR option for that championship game. And wasn't Peppers banged up along with Morgan on defense? Not to mention they were playing their 3rd playoff game in a row on the road.

 

And Carolina with that new stud DT from Baltimore and a healthy Jenkins in the middle will make it really hard to run on them.

 

I agree with you here. I think Carolina wins the NFC this time around. They still have most of their starters, and improved on offense with Meshawn and D. Williams. Defense is a bit of a question mark, but I think they can be a solid group. They have some good young talent again this year...Just need them to stay healthy. Kemoeatu is a monster but Jenkins neeeeeeds to stay healthy and show what he can do...

[FlaHawker 24]

No, I'm saying that Hutch's departure is the reason that the Seahawks are not an improved team. The point I was disputing.

 

The statement was made and I disputed it. You presented Ashworth as a counter to that, and I pointed out that he's not started more than 13 games in 3 years, and not more than 11 in 2.

 

In fact, I think the Seahawks will be a very good team - perhaps the best in the NFC (aside from CAR, who I thought was better than the Hawks all season until they were decimated by injuries). I don't think you can quote me here saying that the Seahawks are "not [going to be] successful". But hey, if putting words into my mouth makes it easier for you to debate, knock yourself out?

 

Since the rest of your post is predicated on this fallacious inferrence, no need to respond to it - save to say that I don't think it was a coincedence that 80% of Alexander's TDs went to the left.

 

 

I mentioned Ashoworth only as OL depth to help replace Hutch if Pork Chop Womack can't get the job done. . I'm not trying to put any words in your mouth. But not being an improved team idicates they will be the same or worse off, and since you never mentioned that they would be the same as last year I inferred that they would be worse off. Unfortunately reading requires that inferences be drawn. Thus, if the Hawks are not improved and not the same, they must be weaker, correct?

[phillybear 366]

Sigh.

 

Seattle has made the playoffs 3 years in a row. So it's not like last year was a fluke. They have been a solid team for years.

 

Hutchinson leaving hurts. But the front office used his ridiculous salary as a part of an offseason of resigning every other meaningful free agent, and adding talent and depth to many other positions. A decent tradeoff in my eyes. Matching the Vikings offer would have meant holes up and down the roster.

 

Seattle is still the best team in the division on paper, pre-injuries.

 

I'm not saying they are improved. But they aren't any worse than last year's Super Bowl team.

[FlaHawker 24]

Great points scooter. I was about to say the same thing. I just dont see how the Seahawks are an improved team with the loss of Hutch, and a very quality, underrated WR in JJ. Yes you hawks fans can play the We lost our top 2 WRs card, but while I give you credit with Djax, you guys still had pretty good WRs and the best RB and LG/LT tandem in the league to rely on....

How do you figure they are so easily the best team in their conference? StL and AZ have made some very big strides to improve this year, and Seattle has taken two steps back IMO. They may not even be the best team in their division this season.

I agree with you here. I think Carolina wins the NFC this time around. They still have most of their starters, and improved on offense with Meshawn and D. Williams. Defense is a bit of a question mark, but I think they can be a solid group. They have some good young talent again this year...Just need them to stay healthy. Kemoeatu is a monster but Jenkins neeeeeeds to stay healthy and show what he can do...

 

 

JJ was available to the entire league last year and only the Hawks stepped up for his services. Why? Not to minimize JJ's ability to cover for DJAX when he was out, but do you really think it was JJ or the system and a QB that has mastered the WCO? Let's see JJ produce like that with Charlie Frye.

 

The Seahawks are the best team in the conference until they are beaten and dethroned. AZ made huge strides last year. How many games did they win? Tell me how much you like that Ram defense. Tell me how Alex Smith and the 49ers are ready to challenge the Hawks. Give me some facts as to how the other teams in NFC west have not only caught the Hawks but passed them. As for the Pnathers, a team that you readily admit has questions and were manhandled in Seattle last year is better? Ok.

[Erb047 0]

JJ was available to the entire league last year and only the Hawks stepped up for his services. Why? Not to minimize JJ's ability to cover for DJAX when he was out, but do you really think it was JJ or the system and a QB that has mastered the WCO? Let's see JJ produce like that with Charlie Frye.

Ummm Hasslebeck is a good QB, but JJ is also a good WR. Charlie Frye is underrated and I think he'll do well with JJ this year. I really think it was JJ. What if I asked you if you thought it was really Shaun Alexander or the system getting those TDs last year? I'd say it was the system there.

 

The Seahawks are the best team in the conference until they are beaten and dethroned. AZ made huge strides last year. How many games did they win? Tell me how much you like that Ram defense. Tell me how Alex Smith and the 49ers are ready to challenge the Hawks. Give me some facts as to how the other teams in NFC west have not only caught the Hawks but passed them. As for the Pnathers, a team that you readily admit has questions and were manhandled in Seattle last year is better? Ok.

 

Umm AZ didnt make HUGE strides last year, but they made upgrades. Arrington was a bad choice and was hyped up by the situation he was in, with the RB situation in shambles the media saw the opportunity, and forgot to actually look at JJ. Edgerrin James is going to change that. The Rams are going to be better this year under Linehan and you'll see that as the season progresses, and I believe the Cards will this year as well. I didnt say jack about the 9ers. I too believe Alex Smith is a bust. Im picking Seattle to take 2nd in the West...

 

 

As far as your comment about the Panthers, I said the Defense is a bit of a question mark. I think the offense improved this offseason. The question mark I have with the Defense is the LBs. DBs and Dline is very good IMO. They got "manhandled" in the playoffs last year because they had no RBs and no quality WRs other than Steve Smith to throw to. Delhomme lost confidence in his other WRs. They have Keyshawn this year, and that manhandling wont happen again.

[DrJ 0]

"We want the ball, and we're going to score!"

[FlaHawker 24]

Ummm Hasslebeck is a good QB, but JJ is also a good WR. Charlie Frye is underrated and I think he'll do well with JJ this year. I really think it was JJ. What if I asked you if you thought it was really Shaun Alexander or the system getting those TDs last year? I'd say it was the system there.

Umm AZ didnt make HUGE strides last year, but they made upgrades. Arrington was a bad choice and was hyped up by the situation he was in, with the RB situation in shambles the media saw the opportunity, and forgot to actually look at JJ. Edgerrin James is going to change that. The Rams are going to be better this year under Linehan and you'll see that as the season progresses, and I believe the Cards will this year as well. I didnt say jack about the 9ers. I too believe Alex Smith is a bust. Im picking Seattle to take 2nd in the West...

As far as your comment about the Panthers, I said the Defense is a bit of a question mark. I think the offense improved this offseason. The question mark I have with the Defense is the LBs. DBs and Dline is very good IMO. They got "manhandled" in the playoffs last year because they had no RBs and no quality WRs other than Steve Smith to throw to. Delhomme lost confidence in his other WRs. They have Keyshawn this year, and that manhandling wont happen again.

 

 

You've given me no proof to support your points. Edge is going to change all that? Edge is great but Kurt Warner has not exactly been the model of a healthy QB the past few years. Remember, the best way to indicate future performance is to look at past results. Warner will most likely not be healthy at some point this season. The Oline in AZ is a bit underwhelming add a rookie in Leinart into the mix and you really think Edge by himself will alleviate those types of problems? As for th Rams all you give me is that they will be better this year. Ok but what makes you think they have caught and passed the Hawks? their defense was atrocious last year. Bulger too has had problems staying healthy the past two years, no more Marshall Faulk and an Oline that is suspect as well. the Panthers offense has improved? With an aging Keyshawn and unproven rookie RB and two new OLineman? Ok deSahun will be hurt at some point and if DeAngelo Williams is not ready, Nick Goings and Eric Shelton are in no way the answers to solve their problems. Trust me keyshawn scares no one in this league anymore.

 

Man for man not one of those teams is better than the Seahawks. Case closed

 

Ummm Hasslebeck is a good QB, but JJ is also a good WR. Charlie Frye is underrated and I think he'll do well with JJ this year. I really think it was JJ. What if I asked you if you thought it was really Shaun Alexander or the system getting those TDs last year? I'd say it was the system there.

Umm AZ didnt make HUGE strides last year, but they made upgrades. Arrington was a bad choice and was hyped up by the situation he was in, with the RB situation in shambles the media saw the opportunity, and forgot to actually look at JJ. Edgerrin James is going to change that. The Rams are going to be better this year under Linehan and you'll see that as the season progresses, and I believe the Cards will this year as well. I didnt say jack about the 9ers. I too believe Alex Smith is a bust. Im picking Seattle to take 2nd in the West...

As far as your comment about the Panthers, I said the Defense is a bit of a question mark. I think the offense improved this offseason. The question mark I have with the Defense is the LBs. DBs and Dline is very good IMO. They got "manhandled" in the playoffs last year because they had no RBs and no quality WRs other than Steve Smith to throw to. Delhomme lost confidence in his other WRs. They have Keyshawn this year, and that manhandling wont happen again.

 

 

JJ is a serviceable receiver. Hasselbeck is an ALL-PRO. As for the Alexander comparison

[nos23 1]

i will be in vegas in sept, i am putting 300 on the ravens i beleive they are 40 to 1

[football_scooter 0]

Unfortunately reading requires that inferences be drawn. Thus, if the Hawks are not improved and not the same, they must be weaker, correct?

 

Never said they wouldn't be the same caliber team, but I do not think they've improved.

 

since they get DJax back (probably) and gained Burleson, I think they will improve their passing game.

 

since they acquired Peterson, they have a chance to improve defensively, but as mentioned, the proof is in the pudding there.

 

but since they lost Hutchinson, they have weakened on the OL somewhat.

 

Thus another inference you could have drawn would be that they neither improved nor regressed, but that by averaging out their aquisitions and losses, they remained the same caliber team.

 

However it strikes me that where they took the biggest hit was where they could least afford it (hutch) and where they gained players was already a position of strength (defense & WRs)

 

Time will tell. But they're certainly not improved over last year.

 

 

 

 

But none of that matters anyway - ever since Hasselbeck said, "we want the ball and we're gonna win!" he doomed that franchise to failure. The football gods are unforgiving like that.

[FlaHawker 24]

i will be in vegas in sept, i am putting 300 on the ravens i beleive they are 40 to 1

 

 

That wager has some potential

 

Never said they wouldn't be the same caliber team, but I do not think they've improved.

 

since they get DJax back (probably) and gained Burleson, I think they will improve their passing game.

 

since they acquired Peterson, they have a chance to improve defensively, but as mentioned, the proof is in the pudding there.

 

but since they lost Hutchinson, they have weakened on the OL somewhat.

 

Thus another inference you could have drawn would be that they neither improved nor regressed, but that by averaging out their aquisitions and losses, they remained the same caliber team.

 

However it strikes me that where they took the biggest hit was where they could least afford it (hutch) and where they gained players was already a position of strength (defense & WRs)

 

Time will tell. But they're certainly not improved over last year.

But none of that matters anyway - ever since Hasselbeck said, "we want the ball and we're gonna win!" he doomed that franchise to failure. The football gods are unforgiving like that.

 

So by not stating they would be the same caliber team and saying they were not imporved what is the logical conclusion?

 

As for your three points..I agree with all assessments. But the overall depth on the OL will prevent any major slippage. This team on paper is better, even without Hutch, than the team that finished last year.

 

OBTW Hasslebeck said, "We want the ball and we're gonna SCORE." I don't buy that football gods nonsense. I mean that was a Wild Card game and the team has now moved on to the Super Bowl so i guess the "gods" are not paying too much attention. It took balls to say that and i was the first one to cheer him on! I hope he does it again if given the opportunity.

[murf74 461]

Sigh.

 

Seattle has made the playoffs 3 years in a row. So it's not like last year was a fluke. They have been a solid team for years.

 

Hutchinson leaving hurts. But the front office used his ridiculous salary as a part of an offseason of resigning every other meaningful free agent, and adding talent and depth to many other positions. A decent tradeoff in my eyes. Matching the Vikings offer would have meant holes up and down the roster.

 

Seattle is still the best team in the division on paper, pre-injuries.

 

I'm not saying they are improved. But they aren't any worse than last year's Super Bowl team.

 

Well, you have to at least concede that your offensive line is worse off than last year's team. I think that is a given from any objectional football fan. But I would agree, the rest of your team is no worse off than last's years. But don't discount the value JJ had for you last season, especially with leadership and clutch plays. But I guess Engram just will fill that roll now so maybe you won't skip a beat.

[treat88 0]

Pre-season Seattle is as odds on as anyone else to represent the NFC in the SB. They are a quality organization that got jobbed in the Hutch contract fiasco. They are substantially improved on defense and although losing Hutch and JJ hurts I don't think it depletes the O significantly. Overall, they are a class organization in a still weak division. I don't think the lack of heart they demonstrated in the SB should be held against them, nor does it impact their odds of success this year. With the caliber of players they have it seems like more of an anxiety driven choke job than a pattern. My guess is they break the trend of recent #2's and return to the playoffs.

 

A few of their fans, one specifically, need to match the class of the organization.