Come on in!
Danny's recent post about the general rules and guidelines of Field Gulls (and the litany of comments afterward) got me thinking back to the time before I started writing for the site. I had been reading Field Gulls for a few years and never even created a profile, generally content to sit back and read the articles and occasionally peruse the comments section. I wanted to join in, but was a little intimidated so I just chilled.
It was kind of like peering in on a family through their living room window. The lights were bright, there was always something going on, and although normal family tension certainly existed, there was a sense of community there that looked like it would be fun to be a part of.
Sometimes, when I'd peer in through that window, I could see everyone laughing and drinking and playing board games, while other times I'd peek in and they were arguing. Typical family stuff, but even though it wasn't particularly cold where I stood, I could sense that there was a warmth in there.
Eventually, I was given a formal invitation to join the party and I'll admit straight up that I was a bit terrified to do it. It's difficult to put yourself into new situations, particularly when those situations are comprised of people that already have some degree of understanding of each other. Semi-reluctantly, I created a profile and pushed myself into this community; and I can tell you now, with zero hesitation, that I'm glad I did.
Even though I write for this site, the majority of my interactions come in the comments sections and FanPosts like this one -- stuff any SBN member can do. Danny is a hell of an Editor / Lead Writer and he's helped engender an atmosphere that is by and large conducive and encouraging to reader-interaction. Every day, this site gets thousands of unique visitors, yet there are far, far fewer actual SBN profiles registered on Field Gulls than that. There are so many people who take part in consuming the content on FG, but there's still plenty of room for more people to start contributing as well.
Signing up is easy, quick, and rewarding. I'd love to see some new faces screen names in the comments section or on FanPosts and FanShots; and I know that the rest of the family would too.
I guess the point of all this is to say, come on in and grab a seat. If you need someone to talk to, I'll be the one who's Hammer-Time drunk at the end of the table telling made-up gambling stories. Welcome.
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Great invitation for new members.
I definitely read for a long time before finally joining, and even after joining (I still don’t post much) it can still be intimidating to post because of the immense amount of knowledge this community has to offer.
by johnnieday on Jan 25, 2012 11:07 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
That's very well said.
Contributing to a knowledgeable and (sometimes over-)enthusiastic community opens up the possibility for criticism and being wary of that only makes us human. I can say, however, that while I began contributing with the anxiety of criticism on my shoulder, I’ve honestly had my Seahawks acumen sharpened by the Field Gulls populace and I’m eager to see more of that happen.
One harsh remark can outweigh a litany of kind ones in our minds, and I’ve had to remind myself of that at times when I read responses to my posts and comments, but the vast majority of our readership seems eager to hear new ideas and to respond openly and honestly.
I've got ridiculous upside.
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Follow @JacsonBevens
by Jacson Bevens on Jan 25, 2012 11:15 PM PST up reply actions
Constructive criticism is always more productive.
As is intelligent debate.
I don't have a damn clue about football, I really don't
I understand how it works and who plays and the like, but I couldn’t begin to grasp the depth that some of the others here do. So I talk about how I feel, what i think the team should be, and why I don’t like actually like Pete Carroll. The point is, there’s no reason to be intimidated as long as you present yourself as yourself. Come in, learn a few things and ask questions or make opinions known. Everyone who respects the community gets treated well here.
The hallmark of knowledge is acknowledgement about what we don't know.
Flat, unfounded assertions are the stuff of ESPN boards. For a long time I felt, the more I know about football, the less I feel like I know. I don’t feel that way any more, it’s become a bit demystified for me, which maybe makes this sound like I’ve figured it all out, but I definitely haven’t. But I just wanted to say, the folks who know their knowledge is limited, usually add the most value in a discussion.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Jan 26, 2012 7:31 AM PST up reply actions
One of the main reasons to join.
I think my first post on Field Gulls was in regards to this, but the site is significantly easier to navigate after joining. Marking each post and then being automatically sent to the next one by hitting Z is reason enough to join. You can use your yahoo or facebook account to join too. Well worth it.
by bigtrain21 on Jan 26, 2012 12:29 AM PST via Android app reply actions 5 recs
After the duck bombing on Dawg Pound
I was surprised how many people didn’t know about the “z” feature. I’m surprised more places don’t offer that ability. But then again, some forums are absolutely a terror to browse through. Basically, I am a huge fan of SBNation and tell people about it in person every chance I get.
Thanks to both of you, I finally just figured it out.
I must’ve been trying CTL+Z or something else. I had heard of it but couldn’t make it work, and finally did just now, so thanks!
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Jan 26, 2012 7:33 AM PST up reply actions
Took ya long enough! :P
As for the Seahawks, they shall have stars at elbow and foot...Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again...Death shall have no dominion.
Wait, what? There are hotkeys I can use?
Heresy grows from idleness.
Why get Matt Flynn?
"Also, for what it’s worth, if we get Flynn, New England and Detroit are on the schedule!" - SSreporters
by Corax --Nevermore-- on Jan 26, 2012 10:42 AM PST up reply actions
No
Press C to tab to new comments, Shift-C to tab backwards, X to mark as read, and Shift-A to mark all read.
The best: Z will simultaneously mark and tab forward, and R will reply to the comment that has focus.
WHAAAAT?!?!?!? WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN????
Heresy grows from idleness.
Why get Matt Flynn?
"Also, for what it’s worth, if we get Flynn, New England and Detroit are on the schedule!" - SSreporters
by Corax --Nevermore-- on Jan 26, 2012 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore?
As for the Seahawks, they shall have stars at elbow and foot...Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again...Death shall have no dominion.
Gawd, I missed the frickin Elder Scrolls that were sitting right underneath my nose
So much information….
Heresy grows from idleness.
Why get Matt Flynn?
"Also, for what it’s worth, if we get Flynn, New England and Detroit are on the schedule!" - SSreporters
by Corax --Nevermore-- on Jan 26, 2012 10:58 AM PST up reply actions
If by fine you mean laced with dangerous amounts of plastic contaminant leaking from the Front-Page-Post-Factory
Heresy grows from idleness.
Why get Matt Flynn?
"Also, for what it’s worth, if we get Flynn, New England and Detroit are on the schedule!" - SSreporters
by Corax --Nevermore-- on Jan 26, 2012 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
Great post Jacson.
The number one piece of advice I’d give new comers is to not take things personally. We’re all wrong here all the time, and there are enough smart people hanging out that someone is going to correct you when you are. And that’s great, as long as you don’t take it personally. If you have a point to make go ahead and make it, but be prepared to back it up and be prepared to admit you’re wrong if it comes to that. The only times I see new commenters have problems is when they want to battle things to the death. Worse comes to worse, it’s ok to agree to disagree and move on.
by Nate Dogg on Jan 26, 2012 10:30 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Funny, that's how I talked to Beekers the first time
Agree to disagree.
Heresy grows from idleness.
Why get Matt Flynn?
"Also, for what it’s worth, if we get Flynn, New England and Detroit are on the schedule!" - SSreporters
by Corax --Nevermore-- on Jan 26, 2012 10:41 AM PST up reply actions
Agree with Nate Dogg.
At the end of the day, we’re arguing about football. We’re passionate about it, sure, but still, it’s football. Don’t take arguments personally and be prepared to concede your point if you turn out to be wrong. I have learned to do this because it happens more often than I’d like. Also, sometimes no one is right. Or everyone. Hey, where am i?
by Danny Kelly on Jan 26, 2012 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
This is the key.
Something that I notice about people that are “always right” and a lot of people back up that the moderator/writer/commenter is “always right” is that they don’t comment on Everything. When they make a comment, they support it. They don’t speak from the heart, they speak from the head (in combination with heart sometimes, of course) but the only thing that will have to community turn against you really, is a long and endless discourse in which the person asserting the point against the norm never decides to use evidence. It’s just, “HELLO! TEBOW WON THE AFC WEST!”
In return, “Valid point using statistical analysis.”
Comes back, “LOL! WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH TEBOW WINNING THE AFC WEST?!”
Everyone that comes in with some humility and makes arguments with points to back them up, will find a nice comfortable landing spot.
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Jan 26, 2012 11:04 AM PST up reply actions
That in return was supposed to mean a valid point using some evidence to support the notion, not literally "Valid point using statistical analysis."
follow @casetines
by Kenneth Arthur on Jan 26, 2012 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Or maybe they just rub Cristina the right way
by spokahawk on Jan 26, 2012 11:55 AM PST via Android app up reply actions
As someone who has written a few fanposts that have made it on the front page,
I would strongly encourage anyone on the fence to consider getting a profile if for no other reason than to give rec’s and positive reinforcement in the form of comments. The writers, and I’m assuming members who make valid points in the comments section, all appreciate knowing their work (and it is a TON of work doing what the writers do) is appreciated.
Eternally looking forward to someone making a Seahawks song based off of Lil' Jon's "Shots" song named "Hawks!"
by Bobby Cink on Jan 26, 2012 11:52 AM PST via Android app reply actions 4 recs
details of our defense
since this seems to be a post for newbie’s i figure i ask here. as for the defensive scheme the Seahawks use, where are each of the special positions at? such as LEO, WILL, SAM and any others? i sometimes get lost when reading the posts because i dont know where these positions are exactly. Thank you ahead of time for responses
Enter the 37th chamber: BEASTMODE
by RunMarshawnRun on Jan 26, 2012 11:59 AM PST reply actions
Thomas can probably answer this better than I can but I'll give it a shot.
The biggest part of the Seahawks defense the way they’re currently constructed in Earl Thomas. He allows them to run a lot of the cover 1 looks that they like, he just sits over the top of the defense and plays centerfield. Conceptually, the special parts of the defense are the Leo, the 3 tech and the Will linebacker. The Leo and the 3 tech are supposed to be the best players on defense, playing the run and being a terror against the pass. Seattle has the Leo but they’re lacking the 3-tech, and that’s probably a big part of their pass rush issues. The Will is important because it’s where all the traffic is directed. He doesn’t really have to be the best player on the team, but he’s going to rack up a lot of tackles the way the defense is designed.
I refer back to this article a lot because I have a tough time keeping all the details straight in my head. Couple quotes to back up what I said above:
The open side Defensive End has to be one of your best football players. Size does not matter as much. We want an athletic player who can move around.
The other defensive tackle the 3 technique player should be your premier interior pass rusher. He is going to get a lot of one on one blocks as it is hard to double team him because of where he lines up.
The Free Safety is another player who makes a lot of tackles for us. He has to have good instincts. He is what we call a natural player. You don’t have to coach this player too much. He has to have a feel for the everything and understand the big picture.
And because I’m a stickler for the rules, please use proper capitalization in your comments. Thanks.
We don't really direct traffic towards the Will as much this year
In fact, the whole clear split between the task of the Will and Sam have kind of been diminished to the point where they do mostly the same thing, with the Will rushing a bit much. The system we ran this season was all about minimizing the impact of linebackers, as 4-3 systems often are. And they still managed to hurt our defense quite a bit.
Formerly known as Vasilii, follow me on twitter @dolgorukii
by Thomas Beekers on Jan 26, 2012 12:32 PM PST up reply actions
Our linebackers weren't bad, but aside from lack of pass rush from the DL were the worse part of our defense.
I still think that might be where we are headed, but it could be a half a year to two years down the road. Depends on what they get out of this offseason.
Nice article
Thanks for it. Just read the first part, will finish later, but exactly what i needed
Enter the 37th chamber: BEASTMODE
by RunMarshawnRun on Jan 26, 2012 12:50 PM PST up reply actions
The third quote
is, I’m guessing, why that App State guy didn’t make the team.
As for the Seahawks, they shall have stars at elbow and foot...Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again...Death shall have no dominion.
Which part of that quote do you think LeGree fell short on?
"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."
This is great.
Welcome aboard, RMR.
I've got ridiculous upside.
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Follow @JacsonBevens
by Jacson Bevens on Jan 26, 2012 2:11 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks Jacson
Its funny too, I’ve been reading at this site for about 2-3 months, and the only reason i signed up for a profile, was so i can keep track of when new comments were posted. The depth you guys discuss articles in boggles my mind, so the only thing i really post in is the Post Your Hawk threads which is always fun.
Enter the 37th chamber: BEASTMODE
by RunMarshawnRun on Jan 26, 2012 2:24 PM PST up reply actions
Were you asking where these positions are within the formation on the field?
QB
WR TE T G C G T WR
DE 1T 3T L
CB Sam Mike Will CB
SS FS
1T = 1-technique, or nose tackle, or over tackle. ‘Technique’ is an archaic football convention that corresponds to a combo of gap and alignment in relation to the offensive lineman.
3T = 3-technique, then, the value of his interior pass rush having been noted above by Nate.
L = Leo. This is, so far, an exclusively Seattle Seahawk term. In New England & San Francisco, “Elephant” was the term used. He’s a pass rusher who’s smaller size (~250lbs. as opposed to ~300) theoretically provides additional quickness. He’s not necessarily dedicated to that side of the line. He could (and does) line up on the defensive left/offensive right.
Sam = Strong-side linebacker. Strong side is the side with more bodies on it, as well as the side that the QB is more likely to throw to. Right-hand QBs have their left shoulder forward, so even when their head’s forward they are facing right. They see the right side of the field better and are more accurate to the right side. This is usually why there are more bodies there, like the TE. More bodies also means it’s more effective to run to that side, meaning your better run-blocking linemen are typically on the right side, which also reinforces the “strongness” of that side relative to the other side.
Mike = middle. So, yeah, these terms are kind of stupid. Just male first-names that correspond to the first letter of the assignment.
Will = weak-side. The discussion above about how many tackles this position is bound to wind up with stems from the two basic ideas of running the ball: run to daylight and putting bodies on bodies. When teams try to put the ball in the hands of a runner in space, that’s often on the weak side. The open space means the Will doesn’t have to beat blockers in order to make the tackle, quite as much (obviously football is more complicated than this) while on the other hand, when a team tries to just cancel out each of your tacklers by blocking them out with one man apiece, football math usually leaves the Will paired with the runner, and he’s the guy to make the tackle more often than others. In those situations the Sam usually seals the edge of the line, forcing the runner to cut infield instead of continuing to run wide (in our illustration here, to the defensive left/offensive right), so Sams are usually bigger & stronger. And thus Wills have to be good tacklers, although as Thomas said there’s been some kind of change for Seattle where a lot of WLB tackles weren’t the result for us this year.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Jan 26, 2012 2:42 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
Damn! Stripped whitespace. Anyway hopefully you get the idea.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Jan 26, 2012 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Great Description
The DE is also called 5 tech or in our defense Big Red. That is really the only thing to add to your description.
It is in our defense.
In a more traditional 4-3 defense, the DE will play the 7 or 9 technique, basically on the outside shoulder of the OT, or the outside shoulder of the TE. In those roles he is primarily responsible for outside contain and pass rush. The bigger or slower of the two traditional 4-3 end will mix in the 5 technique more often than the better pass rushing end, but not be dedicated to it the way Red is. They’ll be more versitile, able to do more in a pass rushing role than Red, making the sides more balanced. Having a DE at the 5 technique as consistently as we do is more often seen in a 3-4 defense, and he is coached to play the DE position as if he was in that defense.
4-3 Defensive tackles are often separated by the technique they play before there are two of them in a 4-3 defense, and it distinguishes the differences in assignment. Defensive ends normally have more variance, playing wider or narrower depending on situation than a defensive tackle, so they are not often labelled for the technique they play. Red is a bit of an exception.
Thats more what i was lookin for
The other post was good, but this one hit it on the head. thanks for this, this will help me understand the other posts much more now since i know the description of what each position is and where and what not
Enter the 37th chamber: BEASTMODE
by RunMarshawnRun on Jan 27, 2012 7:21 AM PST up reply actions
one more question about the defense
Wuts 1 gapping and 2 gapping? any links for further details? and i only ask for links so no one has to type out so much!
Enter the 37th chamber: BEASTMODE
It's how many gaps a defender is responsible for.
A gap is the space between offensive linemen. A defensive tackle that is one gapping is only responsible for the space to one side of an offensive lineman or the other. So they might only be responsible for filling the space between the right guard and the right tackle (which, if you look at the picture, is called the B gap). A defensive tackle that is two gapping is responsible for the space on either side of an offensive lineman, like how a nose tackle might be responsible for the spaces between the center and the two guards next to him (both A gaps).
A defensive lineman with two gap responsibilites has to be able to hold ground and flow with the play before disengaging to either side of the offensive linemen to make a tackle, whereas someone with one gap responsibility is generally allowed to penetrate and get into the backfield through the gap they’re responsible for. Here’s a comment from a previous post that explains it better than I can.
And please remember to use proper spelling and capitalization.

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