Kilroy 0 Posted March 7, 2008 They already have Alexander, who is clearly the front runner. They just signed Duckett though and may use him as a short yardage and goal line back. Morris Morris finished with some solid numbers last season, and now there is a report they've brought Julius Jones in for a look and may consider adding a RB through the draft. Julius Jones visits Seattle Tim Ruskell wasn't kidding about doing everything possible to upgrade the Seahawks' running game. So much so that the team president is leaving no running back unturned in free agency. Case in point: Julius Jones, the leading rusher for the Dallas Cowboys three of the past four seasons, began a two-day visit with the Seahawks on Thursday. While it might seem odd, considering the team just signed free-agent running back T.J. Duckett, it's just the latest indication the club will not sit through another season of averaging 101.2 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry -- the Seahawks' lowest since 1999, Mike Holmgren's first season as coach. "That is a major offseason fix," is how Holmgren put it in recapping his frustrations from the 2007 season. "Now what does that mean? You're talking about scheme; you're talking about players. The whole deal. You've got to be able to run the ball in this league better than we ran it." That's why Mike Solari was hired to be the new offensive line coach. That's why the Seahawks jumped at signing former Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle as soon as the Carolina Panthers released him last month. That's why getting right tackle Sean Locklear signed to a five-year deal before he could become an unrestricted free agent was a priority. And that's why Jones is in for a visit, two days after Duckett agreed to sign with Seattle. It certainly sounds like they want to go with a more balanced attack this season rather than being forced to air it out like they did last year. Alexander was great for a while, but he's past his prime and has a lot to prove after his dismal showing last year. I'm just wondering how the split may actually shake out there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlaHawker 24 Posted March 7, 2008 We really won't be able to tell how it will shake out unitl after the draft, especially if they take a RB in rounds 1 or 2. Rumor has it that they may try and trade SA on draft day or simply relaease afterwards. I wasn't crazy about signing Duckett because the guy has bounced around, Jones isn't really an upgrade over either SA or MOMO, so unless the Hawks go for one of the top backs in the draft I don't know how much improved the running game will be or who will be carrying the rock come August. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
worm 36 Posted March 8, 2008 Weaver looked pretty good when he got carries. Where is he going to fit in? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joey Gladstone 33 Posted March 8, 2008 Pencil Duckett in for 1,800 yards rushing and 30 TD's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilroy 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Pencil Duckett in for 1,800 yards rushing and 30 TD's. I'd love to see him finally get the chance, but if the Julius Jones signing happens (and assuming Alexander then got cut) it looks like he'll again be in a RBBC situation. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murf74 461 Posted March 8, 2008 I'd love to see him finally get the chance, but if the Julius Jones signing happens (and assuming Alexander then got cut) it looks like he'll again be in a RBBC situation. Duckett probably actually believed for a day or 2 he could be the man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kopy 570 Posted March 8, 2008 I still wouldn't be surprised to see them draft a running back and see Seattle boot Alexander/Morris and Kirtman. Morris is Holmy's guy. And now there's gonna be a new staff in town with Mora taking over. Kirtman has had 2 years to show now nothing and was probably just drafted as a favor (His parents are Holmgrens neighbores), along with the fact that they've been trying to replace Strong for the last 3-4 years. It's not out of the possability that we could be looking at a 4 person backfield. Broke down like: Rookie running back (split time, learn the ropes) Julius Jones (split time while the rook spells him) TJ Duckett (Short yardage, goal line back. Also backup FB) Leonard Weaver (FB) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joey Gladstone 33 Posted March 8, 2008 I'm almost positive we draft somebody, probably 2nd or 3rd round. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilroy 0 Posted March 9, 2008 I'm almost positive we draft somebody, probably 2nd or 3rd round. The few things I've read about the situation makes it sound like they probably will be looking to add one in the draft. Even with the signing of Julius Jones. I guess it might depend on whether a RB they really like lasts to a pick which they feel comfortable in using to select him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Groundhog 24 Posted March 9, 2008 If ever there was a year to draft a RB, this is it. The draft is loaded at RB and Seattle should see quality guys even late into round 2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cblue 0 Posted March 9, 2008 They already have Alexander, who is clearly the front runner. They just signed Duckett though and may use him as a short yardage and goal line back. Morris Morris finished with some solid numbers last season, and now there is a report they've brought Julius Jones in for a look and may consider adding a RB through the draft. Julius Jones visits Seattle It certainly sounds like they want to go with a more balanced attack this season rather than being forced to air it out like they did last year. Alexander was great for a while, but he's past his prime and has a lot to prove after his dismal showing last year. I'm just wondering how the split may actually shake out there Why would they keep SA? Sure they might keep him, but why? Looks to me, like they are assembling the pieces to replace him. What does it look like to everyone else? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voice_Of_Reason 0 Posted March 9, 2008 Julius Jones is set to make 5.5 mill this season. I kinda doubt they get one of the 1st 4 backs in the draft. More likely to add maybe a 2nd or 3rd round guy as support and to groom. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilroy 0 Posted March 9, 2008 Why would they keep SA? Sure they might keep him, but why? Looks to me, like they are assembling the pieces to replace him. What does it look like to everyone else? Well, when I made the comment that Alexander is clearly the front runner I didn't really believe they would end up signing Julius Jones. Now that they have signed both him and Duckett I'd have to think Alexander is going to be released. If they wait until June 1st to release him I think they are able to take his cap hit over two seasons however instead of taking a bigger hit against the cap all at once. That being the case they probably won't release him before that date. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
