Seattle Seahawks Position Breakdown: Linebackers

 

The Starters

Lofa Tatupu, MLB

In 2005, the Seahawks traded two fourth-round picks to move up nine slots to get him. Criticism fell upon the Seahawks’ new GM Tim Ruskell and he was widely bashed for the move. Tatupu was too slow, undersized, could not jump high enough, and was not play-making material.

Four years later, all Tatupu has done is make three Pro Bowls and become the leader of the Seahawks defense. Fellow 2005 draftee LB Leroy Hill aided him in leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl for the first time.

Tatupu can do everything from hard hits to snagging INTs. Just his presence in the middle of the field draws caution for any slot receiver. Even during a mediocre 2008 season, when he was hampered by nagging injuries, he racked up 94 tackles.

In 2009, a healthy Tatupu will lead a revamped defense and serve as a mentor to first round LB Aaron Curry. Expect another Pro Bowl season from the “slow, and undersized” LB.

 

Leroy Hill, Weakside OLB

With a fresh six-year, $38 million contract in hand, Hill is poised for a breakout season as he takes over Julian Peterson’s old pass rushing duties (Peterson is now with Detroit). In his rookie season with the same role, Hill tallied 7.5 sacks; we should see that number rise in 2009.

Hill has often been overlooked because of the presence of Pro Bowlers Tatupu and Peterson, but now he gets his chance to shine. Hill eclipsed his 2007 production by two tackles, despite missing two more games in 2008.

Hill is not a terrific coverage man and has yet to record an NFL interception. Since his job does not entail covering WRs and TEs, his weakness should be masked. He is a great tackler and knows how to fully wrap up the ball-carrier so he cannot slide away. Once in a while you will see him aim too high and a stiff-arm will leave him eating turf.

With a bigger role in the defense, I would not be surprised to see Hill making his first trip to Hawaii.

Aaron Curry, Strongside OLB

Curry completes the Seahawks’ vaunted LB unit. He was heralded by many as the 2009 draft’s top prospect and was overwhelmed with emotion when he found out he was joining the Seattle Seahawks. I have heard nothing but ranting and raving about the former Wake Forest LB.

I am excited to see what he can bring to the table. The only knock on the standout I have been able to find is his rushing abilities. But with Hill manning that responsibility, it is a non-issue.

Curry is extremely quick, posting a 4.52 NFL Combine 40 time. He brings great speed and athleticism to the LB unit, finishing off what may be the best trio in the league.

There are going to be some rookie errors no doubt; he is going to blitz the wrong hole, cover the wrong guy, etc.  But he is a bright kid who will pick up the NFL in a short amount of time. The quicker he learns, the quicker this unit can claim utter dominance over any other.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

D.D Lewis, OLB

Lewis was a starter on the 2005 Super Bowl team. He is a tremendous asset to possess as a backup. He can play all three LB positions and is a solid fundamental tackler. He has never been much of a pass-rusher (one career sack), but can cover WRs and TEs adequately.

He is the type of LB who is not fooled by play action too often and he is great at reading what the ball carrier is doing and where he is going.

With “the big three” at the starting LB spots, Lewis will serve as a mentor to incoming rookie Aaron Curry. He is a great special teams player and that is what his “starting” role on this team appears to be. Lewis would be the first in line as an injury replacement if any of the vaunted crew goes down.

 

David Hawthorne, MLB

This kid oozes with potential and a lot of Seahawks fans are excited to see what he can do in the future.

With all three of Seattle’s superb LB unit locked up for the next six years (depending on Curry’s contract) it does not appear as if he will ever crack the starting lineup here. His nickname at TCU was “The Heater” for his high-intensity play and knack for devastating hits. Hawthorne has been coached up at all three LB spots and his versatility will be a great asset for the Seahawks.

 

Will Herring, OLB

The former fifth-round pick caps off the Seahawks’ promising backup unit. He is a quality special teams player and has nowhere to go but up in terms of polishing his skills. He is an incredibly smart kid and was inducted into the National Football Foundation Honors Society for outstanding achievement in academics.

Like the rest of the backup LBs, he suffers from having such an outstanding trio in the starting capacity. He played safety the majority of his college career, so it is not surprising he is undersized for a LB (235 lbs).

Unlike the other two backups, Herring has a chance to crack the starting lineup if he would make the conversion back to S.

I would not be surprised to see current starting S Brian Russell released or demoted soon. Herring could be a potential replacement if he finds a way to fit the bill.

 

Why Jay Cutler Will Fall Flat on His Face in Chicago

The petulant child—Jay Cutler—finally got his wish, and the blockbuster trade to the Chicago Bears commenced. Chicago now has their first “franchise” QB since Jim McMahon was taking them to the Super Bowl once upon a 1985.

I still don’t understand the reasoning behind labeling Cutler a franchise QB when he has a losing record as a starter (17-20) and has exactly zero playoff appearances. What makes me smirk is that the Broncos not only made out with three high draft choices, they also get a QB who is 21-12 as a starter, who proved he can win, in Kyle Orton.

Cutler, say goodbye to your young, stud offensive line who only gave up 11 sacks in 2008. Say goodbye to that magical running game they brewed up there in the Mile High City, now headlined by rookie RB Knowshon Moreno.

As you enter Bears training camp later this month, absent will be WR’s Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, perhaps the top young duo of WR’s in the league. Along with slot WR Brandon Stokely, makes a very formidable trio you no longer have.

Say goodbye to the offense ranked second in yards, third in passing, and 12th in rushing in 2008.

At least Cutler is leaving the 30th-ranked defense in points allowed, and 26th in passing yards per game right? Well, not exactly.

Say “Hello” to the 21st-ranked passing attack, 24th-ranked rushing attack, and a team who ranked in the bottom quarter of scoring.

Say “Hello” to the 30th-ranked pass defense, and to a unit who gave up 334.4 yards per game, ranking in the bottom third.

Cutler should help raise that offensive passing number higher; that was what he was brought into do. The only problem is, who is going to catch his passes?

The Bears’ Devin Hester is the No. 1 WR, in 2008 he brought in 51 passes for 665 yards, and three TD’s, compared to Broncos No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall who had 104 catches for 1265 yards, six TD’s. Marshall at least doubles Hester in each category.

The Bears’ No. 2 WR is Rashied Davis. He hauled in 35 catches for 445 yards and two TD’s, compared to Broncos No. 2 WR Eddie Royal, who grabbed 91 balls for 980 yards and five TD’s, almost tripling Davis’ output.

The Bears’ No. 3 WR is Earl Bennett, who has yet to catch an NFL pass, compared to Broncos No. 3 WR Brandon Stokely who had 49 catches for 528 yards three TD’s. I think there’s a pattern emerging.

The Bears did do themselves justice by grabbing Juaquin Iglesias in the bottom of the third round. I would not bank on a third-round WR to jump start an entire unimpressive WR unit.

It’s not like the Bears had an incompetent QB leading their team either; Kyle Orton can win games. It’s not like this team was rushing more then Denver, they were ranked 12 slots lower in running the ball.

Cutler will have two reliable TE’s in Desmond Clark and Greg Olson though. They combined for 95 catches, 941 yards, and six TD’s, fairly similar to the output he got in Denver.

I am sorry to break the news, but you probably wont be successful in attempting to lineup your TE’s as the WR’s the entire game.

The Bears made a bold move, a move that has taken Chicago by storm, and has the entire city saying the words “Jay Cutler.”

They sacrificed a lot to obtain their franchise QB; in many eyes, too much.

They even went out and got Pro Bowl T Orlando Pace the same day to protect his blind side for the next three years.

That’s all great except when you have no one to throw to. When teams start doubling Hester and blitzing every single play, Cutler is not going to have the luxurious security blankets he had in Denver.

The first time Rashied Davis drops a 30-yard TD pass, or a five-yard slant pattern, he is going to truly miss that guy named Brandon Marshall, and that team called the Denver Broncos.

Looking Ahead: The Potential NFL Free-Agent Class of 2010, Part One

I have recently been evaluating the top free agent talent to be had in latter stages of the signing period.

With training camp looming, there are sure to be a flurry of signings to fill rosters and replace sustained injuries. 

With roster turnover affecting 33 percent of the average NFL roster, wading into free agency cautiously is vital. A few mishaps, and a team can turn its salary cap into a three-headed monster that makes life unpleasant. 

Just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2007, they won a gritty playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two six-year, $30 million dollar deals with wide receiver Jerry Porter and cornerback Drayton Florence later, a 5-11 2008 record ensued. Both players, who were expected to be major contributors, flopped and were cut this offseason. 

Other teams strike gold.

The Atlanta Falcons landed a franchise running back in Michael Turner. The Seahawks landed their best wide receiver in 20 years in TJ Houshmandzadeh. The Saints landed top quarterback Drew Brees on the open market a few years ago.

With things simmering down, it is never too early to begin speculating about next year. The day after the draft, ESPN already had a 2010 Mock Draft up, so why not begin to examine the top potential free agents that can hit the market in 2010?

First, let’s dive into the top quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers that can be had. My subject material will definitely become more appealing. 

Signability does play a factor, which is the reason why a guy like Philip Rivers will be kindly left out of speculation.

 

Quarterback

 

Chad Pennington

He will be 34 when his contract is up. With young quarterbacks Pat White and Chad Henne waiting in the wings, the Dolphins may choose not to retain the veteran signal-caller beyond this season.

Since Pennington’s game is all about accuracy, he will be in high demand for teams who do not need a quarterback to heave the deep ball on every drive.

If the Vikings/Favre saga falls through, look for Minnesota to make a play for him in the 2010 offseason.

 

Kyle Orton

Next season is a tryout for Orton to see if he can be a franchise quarterback with all of the weapons that surround him in Denver. He was a great game manager for Chicago, but he never had a Brandon Marshall or an Eddie Royal to throw to.

Orton has a career 21-12 record, which is actually better then that Jay Cutler guy (17-20).

If Orton fails to perform, the Broncos will probably select a quarterback in the earlier rounds of next year’s draft. If he can throw for 3,500 yards and 25 TD’s, then Jay Cutler becomes a headache worth getting rid of. 

If he hits the market, teams that could be looking for a quarterback next season are San Francisco, St Louis, Washington, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Seattle.

 

Jason Campbell

Perhaps the best quarterback that could be had next offseason.

Campbell has taken some heat from the Redskins’ front office, in addition to the team attempting to trade for Jay Cutler and then trying to move up to get Mark Sanchez in the draft.

Campbell is obviously not Washington’s first choice at quarterback, and I would not be surprised to see them cut him loose.

Despite all the negativity, he has put up decent numbers in his short career, tossing for 7,242 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions with an 80.4 quarterback rating. If we were to expand his stats out for three full 16-game seasons, he would have 9,532 yards, 50 TD’s and 32 INT’s.

Not bad for the first three seasons, either way you look at it.

With a quarterback-loaded 2010 class, look for Campbell to hit the market and garner some serious interest.

A team like the Seahawks could take a serious look at him as the heir to Hasselbeck, depending on what they do in the draft with guys like Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow on the board. With Seattle stacked at the wide receiver position, Campbell would finally be able to break away from mediocrity.

A team like Jacksonville also would be a perfect fit with their run-first mentality, depending on what they do with the high-priced David Garrard.

 

Tarvaris Jackson

If Sage Rosenfels beats him out for the starting job, the Vikings may cut ties with the bi-polar Jackson. He seems to either play like a Pro Bowler or play terribly.

He has been a disappointment to the majority of Vikings fans, and he had a dreadful playoff showing against the Eagles this season.

A team like the 49ers could make a play for the unproven quarterback, depending on how Shaun Hill does as starter. 

If for some reason the Giants and Chargers cannot resign Eli Manning and Philip Rivers (the apocalypse would have to strike), they would easily garner the largest contracts in NFL history if they were to hit the free-agent market. 

 

Running Back

 

Ronnie Brown

He has not proved he is a true franchise-type running back, but he has posted a solid 4.4 yards per carry average in his first four seasons.

At 27, Brown should be entering his prime and is poised for some career years running the ball. He has had to split the load even since his college days, and if given the bulk of the carries, he could become the next Michael Turner. 

I predict San Diego could make a run at him, because the Chargers learned from their mistake of letting Turner go by putting the franchise tag on Darren Sproles.

With LaDainian Tomlinson getting up there in age, if Brown were to hit the market, they may view him as more of a feature back than the dynamic Sproles. A move like this would lead to the phasing out of Tomlinson

 

Leon Washington

With both Jets running backs demanding $5-6 million annual salaries, it is unlikely they will keep both running backs beyond 2010.

And with Thomas Jones leading the AFC in rushing, Washington will have to turn it up a notch to warrant his desired salary. 

If he were to hit the open market, he would be a highly sought-after player. He would likely get his desired salary even if he did not have a breakout season, and he would be able to land the bulk of the carries for another team. 

Look for a team like Cleveland to go after him if current running back Jamal Lewis fails to up that 3.4 yards per carry average from last season. 

 

Darren Sproles

I love this guy. He is one of my favorite running backs because he can do everything for a team.

Even though he is small, he has some power and will bull right through you. 

My only knock on him is that his size is not capable of lasting through 16 games of constant pounding as a team’s feature back. But he would be an excellent change-of-pace back for a team using a power runner. 

He would mesh perfectly with a team like St Louis, the New York Giants, or Cincinnati. Putting Steven Jackson and Darren Sproles in the same backfield would be a matchup nightmare for any defense.

 

Chester Taylor

Poor Chester.

He had no idea when he signed with the Vikings that Adrian Peterson would soon become one of the NFL’s best players.

Even as a change-of-pace back the last two seasons with Minnesota, Taylor has averaged 4.8 yards per carry and six touchdowns per season. 

His path could lead one of two ways.

He could stay as a role player in one of the best rushing attacks in the league.

Or, he could test the market in search of one last big payday, and perhaps his last chance to be someones feature back.

He averages only 133 carries per season in his career, so even at the age of 29, he has plenty of production left in his legs.

If Laurence Maroney fails to stay healthy for New England, the Patriots could be in the market for a running back.

Taylor could give them the steady presence they have lacked in the backfield (Brady to Moss makes up for that) for the last several seasons. 

 

Lendale White 

This guy is a touchdown machine, and he could be the next Brandon Jacobs if given a feature role.

Much like Ronnie Brown, White has had to split the carries and the glory since he and Reggie Bush were embarrassing opponents in college.

I think he is more suited for a complement role, but if someone is willing to take a shot on him, he would seek an expanded role. 

A team like Cleveland makes sense, depending on whether or not Mangini wants a power running back. New Orleans also seems logical, with Reggie Bush and his dynamic speed a perfect complement. 

 

Wide Receiver

 

Brandon Marshall

Because of recent contract disputes and a 2010 exit ability, Marshall would be the top wide receiver in a market that could be stocked with several No. 1 options.

He is due for a huge pay raise and will command top dollar on the open market.

He has not even hit his prime yet, and at 26, he has his best years in front of him. This is the kind of guy a team would cut someone it likes to be able to grab. 

This would be the chance for the Eagles to finally give McNabb his No. 1 option they have lacked since Terrell Owens was with the team. If even half the guys eligible hit the open market, the Eagles would have absolutely no excuse to not be able to obtain one. 

If the Eagles landed Marshall, they would become the NFC favorites, and McNabb would be one happy quarterback.

 

Braylon Edwards

Another game-changer could hit the market in a star-studded wide receiver class of 2010.

If Edwards could wipe the butter off of those hands, the Browns would not even risk losing him. He had one breakout season when he hauled in 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 TD’s in 2007.

Edwards has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, mainly involving the Giants, so I would not be surprised to see him hit the open market.

Would any other teams besides the New York Giants be able to grab Edwards? If they were willing to maybe deal high draft picks to obtain him, why would the Giants hesitate if he hit the open market?

 

Greg Jennings

Jennings has emerged as a top wide receiver, averaging 1,106 yards and 11 TD’s over the last two years.

I honestly do not see him hitting the open market, but with Green Bay’s conservative stance on free agency, they may let him walk if the situation got too pricey.

A team like Miami would be a perfect destination for Jennings to thrive as the hands-down No. 1 option

 

Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers

It is unlikely the Chargers will keep both of their top wide receivers, both of their top running backs, and Rivers.

Something’s gotta give.

If they are able to retain 60 percent of those players, that should be considered a success. That likely means a wide receiver and running back will be packing their bags. 

Jackson is a terrific slot wide receiver who finally had a breakout year in 2008, compiling 58 catches for 1,098 yards and emerging as the No. 1 wideout for the Chargers.

His age (26) likely means if it were to come down to choosing one or the other, Chambers (30) would get the ax. 

Chambers is still a great No. 2 option, and he would generate serious attention on the open market. He could be a No. 1 wide receiver on a starved team like the St. Louis Rams.

 

Roddy White

Absolutely no way the Falcons get rid of Matt Ryan’s best option.

 

Antonio Bryant

With $50-60 in cap space, I see absolutely no way he does not sign a long-term deal to be the Buccaneers No. 1 wide receiver for years to come.

 

In my next article, I will be looking ahead to the top available tight ends and offensive linemen who can hit the open market in 2010. 

If you have not already, check out the top free agents who are still on the market this offseason. 

The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go, Pt. 3

If you have trudged on long enough you have now come to the third part of my Free Agency series.

The last article on TE’s and OL was not the greatest subject matter on the planet; luckily the crop gets fresher.

In this article, we begin to move to the defensive side as we take a look at the top three DTs, DEs, and OLB’s available on the scrap heap. 

If you have not yet already, check out the first two parts to this series for more free agent insight: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/191348-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-part-two

 

Defensive Tackle

Dewayne Robertson

He was once a highly touted prospect who came out after his junior season and got selected at No. 4 overall by the New York Jets.

Robertson came in with high expectations his first year and got a mediocre 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In his Jets’ tenure he averaged 51 tackles per season, but failed to generate much pass rush never eclipsing four sacks in a season.

He was traded in April, 2008 to the Denver Broncos for a conditional 2009 draft pick that turned out to be a fourth rounder. After the Denver stint did not turn out positive, the team cut him loose and he is currently playing football for the AF2 Oklahoma Yard Dogs Franchise. 

As it stands with what’s available on the scrap heap, Robertson has the most potential to be able to land a starters job on an NFL team. 

Now that the high expectations have been failed and are in the past, he can attempt a redemption run. He could be someone’s missing rotational guy that could push their pass-rush over the edge. He could be the guy who comes in to mesh with a run stuffing DT like Jaguars’ Pro Bowler, John Henderson.

He has shown enough to warrant someone taking a flyer on him by averaging decent 51 tackles per season as a starter. 

Plausible Destination: Houston Texans

The Texans are a great young talented team that is poised for a playoff berth this season. They upgraded at DE by adding big ticket FA Antonio Smith with a five year, $35 million dollar contract.

Not retaining Jeff Zgonina or Anthony Weaver was not devastating, but creates some depth concern. 

Adding Robertson would give them a good rotational guy who could edge projected No. 2 DT Shaun Cody. Pairing him alongside Amobi Akoye and Cody would give the Texans an interior on defense with a good blend of size, speed, and athleticism.

With Antonio Smith on the outside, the Texans have a good thing going with the front four. 

 

John Thornton

He has been a reliable starter for many years, including the last six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. With all of the roster turnover teams experience, you have to be decent to nail down the same starting job for six years. 

His play has dropped off as of late; the dismal Bengals’ defense he was playing in likely had a role.

With a better supporting cast, Thornton could be an effective starter again. 

Plausible Destination: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Peria Jerry in the first round and already possess a young talented DT in Jonathan Babinueax. Subtracting reliable veteran DT Grady Jackson leaves the need for a veteran presence in the interior, and Thornton fits the bill.

Adding Thornton would give them a veteran starter to plug in if Jerry struggles during his rookie season. 

At worst, Jerry thrives and Thornton becomes an excellent rotational tackle. 

With all of the veteran subtractions on defense this offseason for the Falcons, adding some proven depth would not hurt.

 

Darwin Walker

Plain and simple, he has been a mediocre player his entire career.

In the six seasons he has held a significant starting role, averaging 4.6 sacks and 31 tackles per season.

After he left Philadelphia, he hit rock bottom in terms of production. His average production in the past means he will probably find his way onto an NFL roster by the time training camp rolls around. 

Plausible Destination: Minnesota Vikings

With the Williams duo facing four game suspensions, the Minnesota Vikings are likely going to turn to the FA market for some short term depth.

They could go after any of the aforementioned players, but Darwin could fill their short term need. His ability to create pressure in the pocket will lead plays to their All Pro DE Jared Allen. When the Williams brothers return, he could be an effective rotational tackle along with DT Jimmy Kennedy.

 

Defensive Ends

Vonnie Holliday

I’m surprised no one has picked up this guy. He has been a quality DT and effective starter for many seasons. Holliday averaged seven sacks in the nine seasons he has held a starting job.

He was a highly sought after FA coming from Green Bay, where he averaged eight sacks per season and ended up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was recently a contributor to the Dolphins 2008 turnaround, stepping up his play, tallying 46 tackles, and 3.5 sacks.

He was cut after failed contract negotiations this past off-season. 

Someone is going to sign him and he could land a starting job on several teams. He is getting up there in age, (33) but still has enough in the tank to be a solid starter.

Plausible Destination: Seattle Seahawks

With the seven million dollars in cap room the Seahawks have not been counting the rookie pool, I would love to see them go after a guy like Holliday.

Adding him would give the DL tremendous depth and would shadow what the New York Giants are doing with making their DL rotation so deep.

Holliday would give the Seahawks additional insurance in case Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney’s shoulder begins to ail him again.

They would not have to resort to putting in rookie DE Lawrence Jackson or the bipolar Darryl Tapp.

 

Josh Thomas

In a limited backup capacity, Thomas managed to scrap together a 26 tackle average the last three seasons for the Colts.

Given an expanded role he could be gold in a rotational role for someone. He’s only 27, so he has plenty of potential upside and could blossom into a quality starter if given the right opportunity.

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They need all the help they can get on the front seven—it is a mess.

He has just enough size to be a 3-4 DE (280 lbs.) and could step in and be a starter for the Broncos.

He would go along side the projected starter NT Ronald Fields. A starting three of Thomas, Fields, and Dumervil is not spectacular, but should help raise their near dead last rankings in every statistical defensive category.

 

Kalimba Edwards

Recently a cap causality of the Oakland Raiders, Edwards is a serviceable starter who is a proven commodity. Just last season he racked up 48 tackles and five sacks in only ten starts.

He is only 29 years old and still has some quality years ahead of him before the tires take on too much tread.

Plausible Destination: Washington Redskins

After cutting veteran DE Jason Taylor, their options to fill his void are 13, and 12 year veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.

At the very least, Edwards gives them some depth and the potential upside to upend one of these over the hill veterans. After adding the $100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth, surrounding him with some more pieces would help stabilize the front line. 

 

Outside Linebackers

Derrick Brooks

The future Hall of Famer has gotten up there in age, (35), but still has around three years that someone can squeeze out of him.

His veteran savvy, poise, leadership, and knowledge of the game are great qualities to bring to a team. He could walk on and start for almost any team in the NFL. His age puts some red flags up in a league where youth is premium.

Brooks is most likely going to be signed when a starting LB from a team is injured. 

Plausible Destination: New England Patriots

The Patriots have not found a replacement for veteran LB Mike Vrabel whom they traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Brooks would fit the bill of Belichick preference of employing veteran players nicely.

He would be able to tutor Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jerod Mayo, and would go along nicely with veteran LB Tedy Bruschi.

Nabbing him would fill the only need on the New England roster; that team is looking great.

 

Freddy Keiaho

He is the best free agent Linebacker left on the market in terms of playing ability and upside.

In his first two seasons as a starter, he has averaged 93 tackles and has nowhere to go but up. He would be a starter for the majority of NFL teams, and I am surprised he has not been picked up yet. 

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They have nowhere to go but up on defense, and grabbing Keiaho would give them a quality starter and additional flexibility to shift things around on the front seven.

He would represent an upgrade over current starter Boss Bailey and would round out the LB unit nicely.

 

Morlon Greenwood

He is a proven starter who saw his production drop as his role was diminished with the Houston Texans. Before they began phasing him out of a starting role, he posted four consecutive 100+ tackle seasons.

He is only 30 and still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He will be in the battle for a starting role for whichever team picks him up.

Plausible Destination: Philadelphia Eagles

They don’t have the most overwhelming group of LBs, and putting Greenwood alongside Stewart Bradley would make this group formidable. Upgrading a defensive unit that was part of an NFC Championship team would only be for the better.

The Eagles two weakest links are the LB unit and their failure to provide Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb a true No. 1 WR. 

In the series finale, I will examine the top remaining MLBs, CBs, and Ss that can be had on the scrap heap.

The Zone Blocking Scheme

The Seahawks have been anything but spectacular in the blocking spectrum since the 2005 Super Bowl season. They lost G Steve “Poison Pill” Hutchinson to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2005 off-season.

This was followed by the subsequent retirement of Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobeck in 2006. Former starting G Chris Gray has not officially retired, but age and injuries have taken their toll, and retirement seems inevitable.

The Seahawks are making the switch to the Zone Blocking Scheme. The Denver Broncos are considered the gold standard of Zone Blocking.

That offense literally runs anyone (Selvin Young, Peyton Hillis?) behind their OL and produces consistently successful results.

Since 1995, the Broncos have not finished below 12th in the league in rushing.

Last season, the Broncos attained that 12th ranked rushing status while they had seven total RB’s placed on IR.

The Seahawks can relate to that type of injury plague (3 WR, 5 OL on IR in 2008, 7 total WR injuries).

With the absence of a feature RB like the great Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks are wise to be pulling some pages from the Broncos’ book of knowledge.

The Zone Blocking scheme does not require a feature back, but something more of a RB by committee approach.

The Seahawks appear to be doing that with RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, and RB Justin Forsett. Jones is expected to be the main RB, but Duckett’s role will be expanded with the arrival of his former Atlanta OC.

Duckett enjoyed tremendous success under Knapp. In the three seasons the Falcons led the league in rushing from 2003-2005, Duckett tallied 28 TD’s and had a 4.0 TPC average as a role player.

The new Zone Blocking scheme being implemented by Knapp and OL Coach Mike Solari will be critical to rebuilding the underwhelming Seahawks ground game.

Since the 2006 season, the Seahawks have finished on average a mediocre 17th in the league in rushing. The Zone Blocking scheme replaces the strategy of blocking a certain player or gap all day long.

The idea is to block a certain area on any given play, and utilize double teams to push players back into the second level. The TE’s and T’s work together, the T’s and G’s work together, and the G’s and C’s work together.

As a former OL, I loved this strategy because in laymen’s terms, it allows you to blow people off the ball at the line of scrimmage, and get to the second level extremely fast.

 

Seattle Seahawks Position Breakdown: Linebackers

The Starters-

Lofa Tatupu, MLB

In 2005, the Seahawks traded two fourth-round picks to move up nine slots to get him. Criticism fell upon the Seahawks’ new GM Tim Ruskell and he was widely bashed for the move. Tatupu was too slow, undersized, could not jump high enough, and was not play-making material.

Four years later, all Tatupu has done is make three Pro Bowls and become the leader of the Seahawks defense. Fellow 2005 draftee LB Leroy Hill aided him in leading the Seahawks to the Superbowl for the first time.

Tatupu can do everything from hard hits to snagging INTs. Just his presence in the middle of the field draws caution for any slot receiver. Even during a mediocre 2008 season when he was hampered by nagging injuries he racked up 94 tackles.

In 2009 a healthy Tatupu will lead a revamped defense and serve as a mentor to first round LB Aaron Curry. Expect another Pro Bowl season from the “slow, and undersized” LB.

 

Leroy Hill, Weakside OLB

With a fresh six-year, $38 million contract in hand, Hill is poised for a breakout season as he takes over Julian Petersons’ old pass rushing duties (Peterson is now with Detroit). In his rookie season with the same role, Hill tallied 7.5 sacks; we should see that number rise in 2009.

Hill has often been overlooked because of the presence of Pro Bowlers Tatupu and Peterson, but now he gets his chance to shine. Hill eclipsed his 2007 production by two tackles, despite missing two more games in 2008.

Hill is not a terrific coverage man and has yet to record an NFL interception. Since his job does not entail covering WRs and TEs, his weakness should be masked. He is a great tackler and knows how to fully wrap up the ball-carrier so he cannot slide away. Once in a while you will see him aim too high and a stiff-arm will leave him eating turf.

With a bigger role in the defense, I would not be surprised to see Hill making his first trip to Hawaii.

Aaron Curry, Strongside OLB

Curry completes the Seahawks’ vaunted LB unit. He was heralded by many as the 2009 draft’s top prospect and was overwhelmed with emotion when he found out he was joining the Seattle Seahawks. I have heard nothing but ranting and raving about the former Wake Forest LB.

I am excited to see what he can bring to the table. The only knock on the standout I have been able to find is his rushing abilities. But with Hill manning that responsibility, it is a non-issue.

Curry is extremely quick, posting a 4.52 NFL Combine 40 time. He brings great speed and athleticism to the LB unit, finishing off what may be the best trio in the league.

There are going to be some rookie errors no doubt; he is going to blitz the wrong hole, cover the wrong guy, etc.  But he is a bright kid, who will pick up the NFL in a short amount of time. The quicker he learns, the quicker this unit can claim utter dominance over any other.

 

The Best of the Rest

 

D.D Lewis, OLB

Lewis was a starter on the 2005 Super Bowl team. He is a tremendous asset to possess as a backup. He can play all three LB positions and is a solid fundamental tackler. He has never been much of a pass-rusher (one career sack), but can cover WRs and TEs adequately.

He is the type of LB who is not fooled by play action too often and he is great at reading what the ball carrier is doing and where he is going.

With “the big three” at the starting LB spots, Lewis will serve as a mentor to incoming rookie Aaron Curry. He is a great special teams player and that is what his “starting” role on this team appears to be. Lewis would be the first in line as an injury replacement if any of the vaunted crew goes down.

 

David Hawthorne, MLB

This kid oozes with potential and a lot of Seahawks fans are excited to see what he can do in the future.

With all three of Seattle’s superb LB unit locked up for the next six years (depending on Curry’s contract) it does not appear as if he will ever crack the starting lineup here. His nickname at TCU was “The Heater” for his high-intensity play and knack for devastating hits. Hawthorne has been coached up at all three LB spots and his versatility will be a great asset for the Seahawks.

 

Will Herring, OLB

The former fifth-round pick caps off the Seahawks’ promising backup unit. He is a quality special teams player and has nowhere to go but up in terms of polishing his skills. He is an incredibly smart kid and was inducted into the National Football Foundation Honors Society for outstanding achievement in academics.

Like the rest of the backup LBs, he suffers from having such an outstanding trio in the starting capacity. He played safety the majority of his college career, so it is not surprising he is undersized for a LB (235 lbs).

Unlike the other two backups, Herring has a chance to crack the starting lineup if he would make the conversion back to S.

I would not be surprised to see current starting S Brian Russell released or demoted soon. Herring could be a potential replacement if he finds a way to fit the bill.

 

 

Holes That Need Some Plaster In Seattle

 

Seattle Seahawks: The Zone Blocking Scheme

The Seahawks have been anything but spectacular in the blocking spectrum since the 2005 Super Bowl season. They lost G Steve “Poison Pill” Hutchinson to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2005 offseason.

This was followed by the subsequent retirement of Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobeck in 2006. Former starting G Chris Gray has not officially retired, but age and injuries have taken their toll and retirement seems inevitable.

The Seahawks are making the switch to the Zone Blocking Scheme. The Denver Broncos are considered the gold standard of Zone Blocking. That offense literally runs anyone (Selvin Young, Peyton Hillis?) behind their OL and produces consistently successful results. Since 1995, the Broncos have not finished below 12th in the league in rushing.

Last season, the Broncos attained that 12th ranked rushing status while they had seven total RB’s placed on IR.

The Seahawks can relate to that type of injury plague (3 WR, 5 OL on IR in 2008, 7 total WR injuries).

With the absence of a feature RB like the great Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks are wise to be pulling some pages from the Broncos’ fountain of knowledge. The Zone Blocking scheme does not require a feature back, but something more of a RB by committee approach.

The Seahawks appear to be doing that with RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, and RB Justin Forsett. Jones is expected to be the main RB, but Duckett’s role will be expanded with the arrival of his former Atlanta OC.

Duckett enjoyed tremendous success under Knapp. In the three seasons the Falcons led the league in rushing from 2003-2005, Duckett tallied 28 TD’s and had a 4.0 TPC average as a role player.

The new Zone Blocking scheme being implemented by Knapp and OL Coach Mike Solari will be critical to rebuilding the underwhelming Seahawks ground game. Since the 2006 season, the Seahawk’s have finished on average a mediocre 17th in the league in rushing.

The Zone Blocking scheme replaces the strategy of blocking a certain player or gap all day long. The idea is to block a certain area on any given play, and utilize double teams to push players back into the second level. The TE’s and T’s work together, the T’s and G’s work together, and the G’s and C’s work together.

As a former OL, I loved this strategy because in laymen terms it allows you to blow people off the ball at the line of scrimmage, and get to the second level extremely fast.

By clearing the line of scrimmage away you allow your RB to run downhill and make his one quick cut, rather then force him to dance around looking for an open running lane. It is a much more decisive approach and a better fit for the Seahawks quick, athletic OL.

CAUTION: You are about to enter the X’s and O’s zone.

A technical explanation of this scheme could be described as such:

WOLB   MLB     SOLB (Weak Outside LB) (Middle LB) (Strong Outside LB)

DE     DT   DT   DE

LT LG C RG RT TE

The strong side is set to the right because the TE has lined up there. The defense will counter with putting their SOLB on that side. For the sake of example lets say this is a toss play going off of the TE.

I know the blocking could go one of two ways at the line of scrimmage. The calls made at the line are naturally subject to the defenses personal and scheme. They could change on any given play based on the defenses alignment.

Since the play is a toss, this is the likely blocking scenario:

TE and RT double the Strongside DE.

C and RG would double the Strongside DT,

LG and LT would double the Weakside DT

The Weakside DE would be left unblocked.

 

Now let’s say an audible is called, and the play is a dive up the middle:

TE blocks the DE straight up,

RT and RG double Strongside DT

C and LG double the Weakside DT,

LT blocks the Weakside DE straight up.

 

After the play begins the OL have to adjust according to the variables the defense presents.

Typically after the initial double team of the Strongside DE one of the blockers will break off and seal the SOLB. Either the T or TE  will be the one to do this. 

Sealing off the outside allows the RB to bounce outside if the offense fails to cover the MLB.

On the inside, after the RG/C block the Strongside DT, one will break off and seal off the MLB.

This is critical because the MLB is the one keeping his eye on the RB. An NFL LB is more then capable of reading a play. If the C/G fails to reach him quickly,  The MLB could stop the play before it breaks into the secondary.

On the backside, after doubling the Weakside DT, either the LG or LT will break off and seal the WOLB. If the C/RG fail to block the MLB, they could attempt to go after him because he has a better chance of blowing up the play.

All of the scenarios would largely depend on what gap the DL is shading. An example of this would be:

The C, RG are doubling the Strongside DT,

DT is lined head up on the G, or shading the outside (right side) of the G,

C will be the likely candidate to go after the MLB.

The scheme, and the way it is run, largely depends on what skill set the OL bring to the table. All of the OL in a Zone Scheme should be quick and athletic.

The Seahawks would appear to run a more interior driven Broncos-esque scheme. In this scheme the T’s emphasis is taking care of the initial double teams and staying with them because of their larger size. The G’s are smaller in this variation, and are typically the ones who will break off to cover the LB’s because they are quicker.

The Broncos have relied on small, athletic OL to make their system thrive over the years. The Seahawks have a little more size across the line then the Broncos line does.

They have a future HOF in LT Walter Jones. He is designed to play in any scheme and will easily neutralize anyone the defense sticks in front of him. He has a massive frame (6’5″ 325 lbs) and is incredibly quick for his size. He is considered the NFL’s top LT (Ryan Clady, Jason Peters are getting there)

Mike Wahle is a savvy veteran G who possesses the necessary technique to adjust to the changes this system brings.

Chris Spencer is extremely athletic and would offset Wahle’s lack of speed (compared to the rest of the Seahawks line). Wahle could stay with the initial double team while Spencer uses his speed to break off to the second level.

RG Rob Sims is a very similar player to Spencer, smaller, and very athletic. He fits this scheme very well.

RT Sean Locklear has been a good starter so far in his career and has a lot left in the tank. He would be the best of the Seahawks right side OL and would most likely be the one to stay with the initial double team. Either Sims, or the TE, would be the one to break off to cover the LB.

From the RB perspective, you are supposed to adjust to what is opened up. You then make a decisive cut into the given hole, and explode into the second level.

Seahawks RB Julius Jones has been described as a one cut RB even before the transition to the Zone Blocking scheme was discussed. He seems to be the perfect RB to thrive in this system as the feature RB. He averaged 4.4 YPC last season, a solid stat-line.

In the example given above, Jones would be looking for the hole that develops either between the T, and the TE. He would then break into that hole, and make his cut based on what LB’s were effectively blocked.

If the defense blitzes up the middle, and become clogged by the interior double teams, you can gash the opposition all day long. If the call is a run up the middle and the same thing ensues, the clogged interior allows the RB to make a quick cut to the outside.

The Zone Blocking strategy does not always deliver the big play though. What it does do is nullify losses in the backfield because the DL is more focused with keeping up with the OL, rather then penetrating and attacking.

By grinding away at the defense with effective three-, four-, five-yard gains, it eventually sets up the deep play action pass over the top.

As is with almost everything in life, there is a flaw to this scheme.

You rely on double teams to open up holes and push the DL back and get to the LB quickly. Sometimes you even end up pushing the DL into the LB’s.

Because of this there is generally one DL, typically the backside DE, left largely unblocked. (If the play is run to the Strongside). If he is an absolute stud (like a Patrick Kerney) he could potentially blow up the play in the backfield if he reaches it in time.

With an effective scheme though, typically the T on the backside will release on his double team and will go to block said DE, if he sees this problem occur. The backside  T’s job normally it to break off on his given double team and pursue the LB’s. This would be the adjustment needed to be made to account for a game changing DE.

After a 4-12 season, the Seahawks are doing the necessary task of overhauling their thought process. A fresh breeze is blowing through the Emerald City. Here’s to hoping that breeze does not turn into a stifling Seattle downpour.

Tim Ruskell: On Drugs

Sure, April 25th was a good day for the city of Seattle.  Not even close to best ever, but it was good…well, sort of.

We got our man, Aaron Curry, the stud Wake Forest LB, expected to complete the league’s best young LB trio.

The Sounders moved to 4-2 by beating San Jose (those two losses could even be held in question because we did not have our goalkeeper due to thinking outside the box, literally).

The Mariners almost gave it away, but hung on for a one-run win over a team who has plenty of W’s over them in recent memory.

But another event occurred on April 25th that just puts a very unpleasant taste in your mouth if you’re a supporter of the Seattle Seahawks.

Seeing the headline “Seahawks remove franchise tag from Leroy Hill”

What the f*#k were they thinking?  Honestly?

You just draft Curry, form the top trio of LB’s in the entirety of the league, then you get rid of your second stud LB from said top trio; just mind boggling

I have been very positive about the JP trade because in the long run it yielded us Curry, and a starting DE, Cory Redding, who should provide us a huge upgrade. The trade made us younger and better.

We did literally just release Hill, getting rid of a second LB from a group that was the strength of the defense, and one of the league’s best.

Sure, you have a lot of money tied up there, but that’s why it was going to be the league’s best, you don’t have the league’s best for cheap.

All for what, $8 million? Sure it’s a good chunk of money, but for the money you are saving, you just tore apart the league’s best trio of LB’s.

We also just traded our 2010 third-rounder for another tiny receiver. Seahawks, you sure do know how to go from brilliance to dud in 24 hours.

We get a rookie pool so signing Curry, Unger, Deon, and Teel is not the issue.

We have been interested in signing Ken Lucas, which would be great.  I can guarantee we could have made a less significant cut to free up the money to sign him.

Matt Hasselbeck would probably redo his contract if it meant helping to keep Leroy and sign Ken.

I would absolutely love to see Ken Lucas signed here; in fact, I have lobbied for it. At the price of Hill, and the desecration of what could be the league’s top trio of LB’s for ten or more years, no stank you.

If they sign Derrick Brooks or Freddie Keiahlo, then the move could make more sense.  Sure they’re not as good as Hill, but they’re on the same level at least.

Knowing Ruskell, the following are most likely what will happen:  He won’t sign Lucas, then sign Derrick Brooks, he will sign Lucas and not re-sign Hill, or he might re-sign Hill and then not sign Lucas.  In other words, he just won’t finish the defense.

He has to leave one hole open, of course.  Sure D.D. Lewis can start; he started in 2005.  But who would you rather have, Hill or Lewis? All of a sudden you have a liability where a strength once was.

The last time the Seahawks pulled a stunt like this, they ended up making it brilliant.  So hopefully I’m wrong, but only time will tell.

Timmy, get it right. You made my favorite coach walk, but don’t tear apart the best thing this team has going.

The Denver Broncos’ War Room: On Drugs

The Broncos committed highway robbery just a few weeks ago, yielding two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a starting quarterback in exchange for a petulant self-entitled child.

I have been blasting the Bears ever since, not necessarily for getting Cutler, who is a franchise type quarterback for the future, but for trading for a quarterback when he has no one to throw to.

The Bears did nothing to change that in the draft, actually trading back even further (thank you for Max Unger).

The Broncos made a couple of real head scratcher’s as well.

With the 12th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos select:

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia?

You sign three RB’s during the offseason, JJ Arrington, Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, and already have Selvin Young and Peyton Hillis on the roster. You trade your franchise quarterback and use one of the key picks from the trade on another RB?

I almost would not have been so critical of the move, if Brian Orakpo was not on the board.

Passing on Orakpo, who was as highly rated as going No. 5 to Cleveland, for a RB was just plain dreadful. If you sign three RB’s and have five potential starters already wearing Broncos range and blue, why a RB?

One could argue that he wasn’t a three-four end, but that’s why its called conversion and OLB, it has been done plenty of times.

They draft a DE later with Ayers, and that was a solid pick, except for the fact they passed on Orakpo.

Didn’t you notice Washington practically beamed themselves to Roger Goodell when they were on the clock, there was a good reason for that.

Their next move was my personal favorite, it was like, I can realistically see Tim Tebow or Sam Bradford in the bright green city.

They trade the second part of their previously brilliant Cutler trade, sending the Seattle Seahawks their 2010 first-round pick for the No. 37 pick.

My friend and I turned to each other and said the words, “Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow!”

Not only did the Seattle Seahawks get the draft’s top prospect, we also got a starting lineman. Thank you Chicago!

AND, We were hand fed the opportunity to draft a true franchise quarterback from a team who just traded theirs away. Oh, the irony is so magical.

This is how the Jay Cutler trade has broken down.

Broncos trade Jay Cutler, 5th round pick.

They receive: Knowshon Moreno, Kyle Orton, Alphonso Smith, and Half of Richard Quinn.

They subtracted a franchise QB for a mediocre QB, a nickel CB, a RB, who has plenty of competition, and a third string TE.  Maybe it will turn out to be OK.

Right now I think Josh McDaniel’s head is still in New England where they could afford to waste picks.

When you could have had Orakpo, Maualuga, even Josh Freeman, it’s puzzling to see a RB taken.

As a Seahawks fan, here’s hoping your defense plays in similar fashion as last season, we are that much closer to getting our own franchise quarterback and have no one else but an old rival to thank.

I never thought the Jay Cutler trade would pay the Seahawks dividends. You never know what the day will bring!

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