Field Gulls

Lofa Tatupu issues an apology

12thman — Wed, 14 May 2008 01:33:28 -0000

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu has released the following comments regarding the events of this past weeked.

"I want to apologize to my family, teammates, the Seahawks ownership and organization, and the fans for making a poor decision and putting myself in a bad situation. I take seriously my role as a leader on this team, and in the community, and because of that I'm disappointed and embarrassed by the level of poor judgment I used last weekend. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. This will never happen again, and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."

I believe this may end up having a positive effect on the entire team. Lofa knows he is in the doghouse with the coaching staff, management, and especially the fans. I bet he's really ashamed of himself right now. What better way to put this behind him than to redouble his efforts and put even more focus into football.

I'm almost hoping he has to miss a game for this. This is a serious problem, and we cannot have public figures and role models for young athletes going out and making these kind of mistakes. I would like to see Lofa talking to children about the dangers of drinking and driving in the future. A single game suspension would send a clear signal as to the gravity of his mistake.

Maybe D.D. can have one start this season...

Lofa Tatupu Allegedly Arrested For DUI

primetime 07 — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:26:20 -0000

I can't find many details on this yet. There's no confirmation so it's just a rumor at this point, but apparently Lofa was arrested on a DUI .

He apparently blew a .15.

This would be a pretty terrible situation. Goodell is getting rough on players who are violating rules. Especially rules that have a system in place where they should never happen. Teams have drivers available to all the players. Maybe it's just something I will never understand.

Anyone else have anymore details about the arrest?

The Real West Coast Offense

silkybrown — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:47:25 -0000

I am really excited about the upcoming season because I think baseball sucks and I don't really care who I offend when I say that. (No offense)

I don't like the fact that we let DJ Hackett get away. With Branch recovering from a major knee operation, I think we are too thin at wide receiver. We are one more injured receiver away from a disaster that could derail our season. But....who really knows if Hackett could "hack-it" and stay healthy for an entire season.

Many were upset and frustrated when Ruskell traded D Jax to the San Francisco From Behinders, but now he looks pretty smart for doing so. Hopefully he'll look smart again, though I wish D.J. the best.

On to my point. I think this year has the potential to be the most exciting year on offensive that we will ever see during the Holmgren era in Seattle. The reasons are simple. We will see the most complete version of the West Coast Offense since Holmgren arrived here.

Reason #1.

Our offensive line has improved drastically in both guard positions by only adding 1 player in Mike Wahle. He is a big upgrade at LG, while Simms replacing Gray is addition by subtraction. I like Chris Gray and appreciate what he's done for this team, but he just isn't quick enough and doesn't have a good burst anymore.

Reason #2.

We have a player at the running back position who is a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. This is why Julius Jones was really signed, in my opinion. I don't think people realize how many more offensive plays and options we now have because we have a guy with reliable hands in the backfield. Teams didn't have to scheme against that when Shaun Alexander was in the game, the way teams would have to if they were playing against someone like a Michael Westbrook of the Eagles. Julius Jones probably won't run great between the tackles, but if we can throw the ball to him in the open field in a one-on-one situation, I like the odds of him making his defender miss and turning it into a big play. I imagine he can probably block better than Shaun Alexander....shoot, I'm pretty sure he can block better than Shaun Alexander. We will also be able to run more screen plays. T.J. Duckett can run between the tackles when needed.

Reason #3.

Our tight-end position is hopefully taken care of for the next 10 years now. I believe John Carlson will be the real deal. I truly trust the coaching staff and the front office with this pick. If he is as good as the coaches think he'll be, teams better look out. Why? BECAUSE IF TEAMS ARE FORCED TO DEFEND THE FLAT AGAINST JULIUS JONES, WE WILL BEGIN TO SEE THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD OPEN UP....completed passes to the tight-end for 18 yards.....I love the thought of that.

Reason #4

Though I have my doubts, I hope Holmgren will take more chances since this is his last hurrah. He has nothing to lose. I have to give Mike credit though, as he has gambled on a lot more 4th and short type plays than he used to....and I have to say I pretty much agree with almost every gamble he made. It's just too bad our rushing attack for the last 3 years has been such a joke. Our crappy line play and just as crappy rushing desire made Holmgren's decisions look bad. (See playoff loss to the Bears because we can't convert 1 yard plays.) My beef with Holmgren has always been that he can be too predictable and conservative with his play calling. Now that he has some more viable options, perhaps that will change.

I would still feel better if the Seahawks could pick up a solid veteran Wide Receiver before the season starts. That would remove practically any doubts I have about the success of our offense this year.

The sky is the limit Seahawk fans. What do you think?

Great Article about Paul Allen

SeaTownBlueDevil — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:54:21 -0000

For anyone who hasn't read it yet, this is an old article about Paul Allen from a Sports Illustrated issue from last year that I thought was pretty cool. It basically just talks about the crazy rich guy that is our beloved owner.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/the_bonus/11/27/paul.allen1203/index.html

And this may or may not be news to some people, but SI.com's Seahawks page is nice if you're looking for up-to-date articles about the Hawks from different news sources. Let me know if anyone has any better sites.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/seahawks/

Acknowledging a struggle

jimmimoose — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:55:26 -0000

So I'm curious. For many, many years my sports allegiance ran first and foremost to baseball, and the Seattle Mariners. I lived and died with baseball, and the thing I wanted more than anything in the sporting world was a World Series victory.

I've by no means given up on the Mariners as a franchise, I love baseball, and I'll never stop pulling for them. But over the last few years, watching a shrewd and resourceful front office like the Seahawks possess artfully construct a competitive team, I've really come to love and watch football with a much greater passion than I ever thought possible.

This isn't all about winning and making the playoffs, though I'll readily admit that that plays a part. But I'm so tired of the horrid steps and jumps backwards that the evil and charismatic Mr. Bavasi makes as a matter of course. With this Mariner season already likely on the skids, I find myself still watching and following the team, but already shifting a little interest over to football. I'm anticipating the 'Hawks so early this year....

I guess I'm just slowly shifting priorities. I'll never abandon either franchise, I'm not saying that at all. I'm just looking forward to the Seahawks so much more than the Mariners that it isn't really even a competition anymore. Is anybody else going through this transformation? Obviously we're all Seahawks fans (seattlesucks notwithstanding!), but I'm curious how passionately people follow one sport or the other, and how that might be different than 5 years ago. Do we have any other converts from die-hard baseball fans to revelers of the fusball?

Damn, I just can't wait to watch our defense this year....

Owen Schmitt to Cover NCAA Football 09 for PSP

ASUBoyd — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:05:01 -0000

Just like the title says, our boy with the Mohawk will be one of the cover athletes for this year's game.

Pretty awesome, and only another notch to add to the belt of the growing legend of Owen Schmitt. Haha..

Here is a link with the press release and the picture of him

http://psp.ign.com/articles/871/871827p1.html

Gotta add some filler to this to make it the correct length so here it is.

And now some bad news

Strang — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:03:47 -0000

Frank Hughes is reporting that Bobby Engram held out of minicamp yesterday because he's unhappy with his contract. It's the last year of his deal (he's making 1.7m in salary).

I'm a little surprised but I guess that's mainly the fannish knee-jerk reaction of "how could you do this to us?!" when he's a 35 year old wide receiver who was the leading receiver at his position on the team last year... and who is on a team that is pretty much counting on him to contribute heavily again this year.

I hope this is worked out for both parties. It seems like the sort of thing that Ruskell wouldn't jive with... and with a new head coach coming in next year...

Fred Davis a no show at Redskins camp

xSAMx — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:11:38 -0000

Good thing we didn't draft Davis. He missed the third day of camp. He apparantly missed the third day's practice because he over slept . They had send security to go find for him. I don't know how someone could miss something that is so life changing by over-sleeping. All I can say is good thing Ruskell didn't draft him.

Zorn is also having some trouble with Shaun Spring too because of some on the field antics. I wish Zorn some good luck because it sounds like he is going to need it.

Shaun visits with Bengals

ender_dace — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:39:23 -0000

From the story "Alexander to visit ":

Alexander, who turns 31 after the last preseason game, isn't the same back that led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl a few years ago and any deal would be contingent on a physical. He broke his wrist in last season's opener and after he twisted his knee and ankle in Week 9 he finished with 716 yards rushing on 3.5 per carry. He became the eighth player in history to rush for 100 career touchdowns in the season finale.

His strengths are that he's a solid guy, adds another dimension in the passing game with terrific hands, has had tremendous production in the past, and his wrist is apparently healed.

!!!

New Hawks Get Their Numbers

lemonverbena — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:19:42 -0000

The new numbers are here !! The new numbers are here!!1!

3 Reggie Hodges

This number is permanently ruined by the 2nd-worse QB ever taken with the 2nd overall pick in the draft (worst: see Leaf, Ryan ). Still have a #3 Mirer jersey somewhere? Lose one turn.

7 Brandon Coutu (pronounced "Ca-TOO")

Gale Gilbert never did jack shit with it, Catooo, so knock yourself out.

Ditto Kitna and his dorky bible-thumping handwarmer.

9 Dalton Bell

I have a slightly better chance of making the roster than this guy.

10 Olindo Mare

So they just give #10 to any-freakin'-body? McGwire, Feagles... now an ex-Dolphin kicker. Nice respect.

16 Michael Bumpus

Great training camp number. See you in the CFL, Coug.

17 Anthony Russo

This one time, Krieg fumbled the ball out of his little hands (again), recovered his own fumble on the run, and threw a touchdown to Paul Skansi. Or was it Danny Greene? I'm pretty sure it was a Husky. Shit, I was there and I can't even remember.

OK it was Greene , and it was a botched extra point.

18 Travis Brown

Who knew this guy was still in the league... teammates voted him "Most Likely to Be Selling Insurance come September".

Update: apparently this was a WR Travis Brown, not the journeyman QB. Whatever. Neither of them are in camp as of Monday.

22 Julius Jones

Julius wore 21 with Dallas but Kelly Jennings has it here, so JJ honors the late Dave Brown's digits.

28 DeMichael Dizer

Warner's number in no danger of seeing regular-season action.

29 Donovan Alexander

The New Alexander is #29 in your scorecards, #0 in chances of making the roster.

30 Justin Forsett

Forsett's shorter than the kicker. Didn't Bobby Joe Edmonds wear #30? Go Sproles 2.0!!

31 Omare Lowe

Seattle native, with his 6th team in 7 seasons, is one of three Huskies trying to win a spot. Gilbertson influence?

33 Kelin Johnson

U of Georgia chicks are hot.

Oh yeah, Doornink ! and Darryl Williams.

35 Owen Schmitt

That's not a ponch under the numbers, it's Fire in the Belly.

36 Jamar Adams

Early favorite to be the undrafted FA that makes the 45-man, if anyone, but probably they only carry 4 CB (Tru, KJ, Wilson, Babs) and 4 SS (Grant, Russell, Green, Wallace/Adams). Right?

40 Dan Curran

Kerry Joseph is a league-MVP quarterback for the Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders. Curran? Coming soon to an Arena League team near you.

41 Eric Wicks

"...his below-average measurables are bound to catch up with him in the NFL."

44 David Hawthorne

Boz's career was doomed when they wouldn't let him wear Fo Fo. Dude couldn't run through a cardboard box in Michael Jackson 's old number.

45 T.J. Duckett

I'll see Kenny Easley every time he touches the ball. Do that number proud, son.

47 Zac Alcorn

Boooo... motherfucking GB castoffs are bad juju.

48 Tyler Schmitt

Fight on and on ye Aztec men
Sons of Montezuma
We will win again
Keep your spirits high
Never bow a knee
We will fight till victory

Fight on and on ye Aztec men
Proudly raise your banners high
For it's the Red and Black
Hail to our team
San Diego Aztecs fight!

49 Matt Castelo

Wha? Fooball?

53 Wesly Mallard

57 Nick Jones

01/17/08 - C Nick Jones (released by Giants 8/28) signed with Seattle.

8/22/07 - C Nick Jones (released by Seahawks 7/20) signed with the N.Y. Giants.

07/20/07 - C Nick Jones was waived by Seattle.

58 D.D. Lewis

A rook done took your number, man.

61 Dustin Dickinson
63 Pat Murray
64 Chris White

68 Mike Wahle

I think we're really going to like this guy.

73 William Robinson

Three Aztecs (potentially) on one NFL team? Be still, my still-beating heart...

79 Joseph "Red" Bryant

Rookie defensive tackle Red Bryant was asked how long it took before he knew who his fiancee's father was. "Two years," he said. Two years? I asked. I didn't really understand the full explanation, but he said something like Jacob Green would come out to practice, but he was very low key, and he didn't go over his fiancee's parents house for two years and he never put it together.

He also said he didn't want to wear Green's No. 79, but Green insisted that he wear it.

88 Jeb Putzier

Putz walking in John Clune and Itula Mili's mighty footsteps.

89 John Carlson

When Brian Blades was the best WR on the team, we... sucked. Don't shoot!

91 Chris Cooper

Losing your number is the minimum punishment for portraying a gay, sadistic ex-Marine in American Beauty. And for being an Arizona Cardinal.

95 Lawrence Jackson

"Why you touchin me dude..."

96 Larry Tripplett

Tez is an un-enshrined Hall of Famer. At least retire his fucking number, Seahawks. Note: the number was previously assigned to one Jonathan Lewis, who was cut when Pork Chop was re-signed, one day after these numbers were announced . At which point the number-less Tripp vultured 9-6, according to the Seahawks . Hughes is no Mike Sando. But you knew that.

Update:

14 Joel Filani

Camp-fillerani.

60 Kevin Brown

Any and all DT's have a shot in this camp.

Go in peace, thy noble Hawk fan; represent the colors with pride and dignity.

Amen.

I want some stuff

Chickadee — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:07:10 -0000

How bout links to other seahawk websites, I miss that from the old site format, that little block of links at the bottom left. Also there is no emails listed of the authors of this website, john, shrug. That'd be a nice thing to have around. Just my 2 cents.

My fanpost is only 51 words long. It must be at least 75 words long. I hate that fact. It really grinds my gears. Like the Boston Redsox grind my gears, that bad.

Wow, I love this picture

Strang — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:41:49 -0000

Seahawks.com has a bunch of minicamp pictures up. Some good stuff. I was shocked by the Jones signing and I'm still not sure how it'll turn out, but the dude looks like he's got some hands.

Frank Hughes also has a writeup of the day's practices. I'm skeptical that changing o-line coaches can make that big a difference, but it sounds like people are very impressed with Solari.

Tubbs has right knee cleaned out

The Ancient Mariner — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:43:23 -0000

via the scope, as per ESPN; doesn't sound like reason for concern, but I did think it ought to be noted here. He'll miss minicamp in consequence, but is still hoping to be in the lineup to start the season.

Personally, if he can stay healthy going forward, with Bane and Rocky starting and Tripplett added to the squad, I think we have a heck of a rotation at DT; barring injury, I'm betting Red Bryant winds up on the practice squad this year to watch and learn.

Some good news in Hawks Land

MFAN — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:04:42 -0000

Holmgren was on KJR this morning (at least that's what I hear through the grapevine and seahawks addicts, since I don't live in Seattle.) Holmgren mentioned some things that are very encouraging for the Hawks in 2009.

1. Rob Sims is the likely starter at RG. I know John and most of us have been Sims supporters.

2. The Hawks will be going with a running back by committee! No running back will get more than 25 carries a game and Morris should factor in heavily. Sounds like Morris will be a hawk next season! I personally expect Duckett to fill Weaver's role before Strong got hurt last season.

3. sounds like Lawrence Jackson (LoJack) will be the starting DE with Tapp coming in as a situational pass-rusher. This is probably for the better as Jackson is probably a more complete DE. Tapp seemed to struggle down the stretch last year and should benefit from this.

Ruskell at it again

man on soap box — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:17:54 -0000

According to the Clare Farnsworth, we've done gone signed Larry Tripplet (me likes), Wesly Mallard (who? but we do need a ST LB), and Dalton Bell. Good moves all around. I don't even know where Dalton Bell played in college, what he looks like, or what his favorite cereal is, but he probably isn't good enough to make Seneca a WR. Here's to hoping I'm wrong. Maybe they see Frye as a legit 2nd string and so they just need some scrub to be the official 3rd string. I don't know shit about that either though.

Love the Draft

srainier — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:40:08 -0000

For me, the draft is effectively the start of the 'football year'.

What's the football year? Basically, the football year is the 12 month period bookended by the Super Bowl. Each year, once the Super Bowl champion is crowned, I'm usually ready for a break from football - 17 regular season weeks plus 5 post-season weeks are enough to drain my football spirit. Free agency will pique my interest some, but lets be real: all too often, free agent signings are money down the drain. Free agents are getting paid for past performance (albeit good) in a different system. Free agents already have learned habits, have been tuned to function for another coach's requirements.

Nobody wants to remodel another's house. We all want to start with an empty lot and build exactly what we want.

That's what makes the draft great. The draft is about combing through hundreds of college players to find just what you need. The draft is used to build the core of your team, brings in youth which, if all goes as planned, can contribute for a decade or more (or, at least the first rounds picks will). The draft is the moment of truth for a team's GM and scouting department.

And I love having Tim Ruskell as the 'Hawks GM.

I was happy to be surprised by the Lawrence Jackson pick. I'll place trust in the John Carlson pick, that he was the best fit for their needs among the top tier tight ends. Red Bryant appears to be Brandon Mebane v2.0 (potentially with a touch of Tatupu's leadership). How do you not love Owen Schmidt? We got the best long snapper available, who didn't botch a single snap in college, can block, and can tackle.

I know we didn't get any offensive linemen, specifically tackles. Well, they all went early . Who could they have got in the fourth round or later that would be more adequate than Pork Chop? Is it worth next year's number one and one of this year's late round picks to get Sam Baker? No. Grab a tackle next year.

As for this year, I love the 'Hawks on paper.

I've heard nothing but positive comments on new O-line coach Solari. I'm hoping that translates into progress for Spencer and Sims (assuming he's the starting RG). The offense should be able to run first, get the tough yards with Duckett following Schmidt, and supplement with a possession receiving game appropriate for Holmgren's swan song.

Our defense looks equally great. A first round end and a run-stuffing tackle are the perfect medicine for the D-line. The linebackers, even with an aging Peterson, are beyond solid. Trufant will keep the left side locked down, Jennings will complement, and the safeties will provide the risk management.

And so begins the journey towards the Super Bowl.

I love the honeymoon period.

Would we have drafted Mendenhall?

ciarannh — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:04:03 -0000

Holmgen and Ruskell have both announced since the draft that Lo-Jack was the man they wanted in the first, and the fact that we didn't look at running backs in the rest of the draft would suggest that Jones, Mo-Mo and T.J have their full confidence. However Mendenhall wasn't supposed to have dropped so far, and has a tremendous combination of size and speed. Do you think if the Steelers had passed on him we would have pulled the trigger?

Poll

Mendenhall at 25?

BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Stuns Everyone, Unveils New Helmet

SSreporters — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:47:17 -0000

Pete Prisco, CBS Sportsline writer and new friend for giving the Seahawks a B+ for picking Lawrence Jackson, has some really neat inside information.

An unexpected move has seen the Seahawks change their helmet, yet they will keep the same jersey design. Here is the exclusive look at our new helmets.

via ssreporters.files.wordpress.com

That looks familiar doesn't it? This year's Thanksgiving game will be really fun for the Seahawks now.

Pretty Fucking Impressed With the Hawks' Draft

lemonverbena — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:18:18 -0000

I'm not a draft expert and don't play one on the internets, but I am Pretty Fucking Impressed with Ruskell and Co's draft. With their picks in Rounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, they appear to have drafted guys who, at the very least, are all excellent shots to make the roster. Not bad for a 4-time defending division champion sitting near the bottom of most rounds.

1st. Lawrence Fucking Jackson, DE

Probably doesn't knock out Tapp for a starting spot, but that hardly matters since they envision a 7-8 man rotation on the line. Maybe Ruskell and Holmgren held out to see if RB Mendenhall fell to them. He didn't, so Seattle shrewdly traded down and still got their man. Other teams probably slept on him at that spot since DE wasn't a "need" for the Hawks. Well done.

2nd. John Fucking Carlson, TE

Moves right to the top of the depth chart. Ruskell and Holmgren were willing to trade away their pick in the 3rd round, a round they covet, so they think highly of this guy. If he turns into the TE they've been looking for all these years we can thank King Salmonella, or he might not have fallen to 38.

4th. Joseph "Red" Fucking Bryant, DT

Massive run-stuffer comes in and immediately competes for a starting spot, with Tubbs a perennial injury concern and Rocky acting like Jake LaMotta. Was at Jacob Green's house when he got drafted...that's got to be good juju.

5th. Owen Fucking Mask-Buster Schmitt, FB

This pick was from the Cowboys for trading back in the 1st round, so if you still want to whine about trading the 3rd rounder to get Carlson, this is your answer. My first reaction was, "FB? wtf." But if this guy turns out to be the smash-mouth pure fullback badass everyone's making him out to be, then it will be another Ruskell mid-round steal. Immediate speculation was that he might displace Weaver but I think that's very premature. Either way, he seems destined for no worse than backup FB, and that's pretty damn good for moving back 3 spots and still getting your guy in the first round.

6th. Tyler Fucking Schmitt, LS!?!

Go Aztecs!! Like fellow Montezuma Mesa alum Kevin O’Connell, had everyone saying, "Who?" when his name was announced. Even the indefatigable Mike Mayock couldn't recall if a long snapper had ever been drafted before. Say what you want about possibly being available in the 7th round, but they wanted the guy and pulled the trigger. If he pans out they've added a ST starter and young battery-mate to go with Plack and Olindo Mare/Cuotu. A welcome end to the revolving LS door since the injury to J.P. Darche.

7th. Justin Fucking Forsett? RB

Who the fuck knows? A longshot to make the roster, but it's speculated that the team will move Mo Mo out since his role is filled by Julius Jones. If so, maybe the scat-back Forsett makes the team as a KR/ST guy.

edit: This strikes me as the only throwaway of the draft. Maybe it's kind of a Darren Sproles pick and they see him returning kickoffs, as Morris has proven to be no threat as a KR. I'm still not convinced Morris has been deemed expendable so I'd be surprised to see this guy make anything but the practice squad. Was there really no O-lineman or linebacker they liked here?

7th. Brandon What-the-Fucking Coutu, K

These Bulldog coeds thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Cuoto's kickoffs and PATS, so... hmm. Will have to beat out Olindo Mare. The team really must not have thought much of the remaining available O-lineman or Linebackers. Look for a couple of undrafted FA's to actually compete for spots at those positions in training camp. People will slam the last two picks, fairly so, EXCEPT if the kicker ends up being a stud, in which case this class would be very good indeed. I'll be rooting for the kid to beat out the old man but doubt it.

update: Undrafted FA's:

S Jamar Adams , Michigan
CB Donovan Alexander , North Dakota
WR Travis Brown , New Mexico
WR Michael Bumpus, Washington State
LB Matt Castelo , San Jose State
G Dustin Dickinson, Houston
CB DeMichael Dizer, Grambling
LB David Hawthorne, Texas Christian
S Kelin Johnson, Georgia
T William Robinson , San Diego State
WR Anthony Russo , Washington
S Eric Wicks, West Virginia

Adams looks interesting, and possibly Robinson (go Aztecs!!).

Poll

How fucking impressed are you with the Hawks' 2008 draft?

Owen Schmitt Video Highlight

SSreporters — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:12:05 -0000

Owen Schmitt is a runaway beer truck.

Your FanPost must be at least 75 words long. Right now it's only 15 words long.

Words words words words words SB Nation has to stop this rule.

So what do you guys think? He's big and he could be a good backup to Leonard Weaver...

My fan post better be 75 words starting right now. Please be correct.

http://www.fieldgulls.com/posts/list?type=FanShot