Coffee and Cigarettes: Seahawks Links for Saturday

Weekend!!

Seahawks.com Blog | Baldwin’s beauty "
The Seahawks not only wrapped up the second week of their OTA practices today, Doug Baldwin wrapped a bow around the drizzle-drenched session with a one-handed catch that had to be seen to really appreciate. Since that can’t happen, an explanation will have to suffice.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Four Downs: NFC West
The Cardinals came into the offseason with the idea that they would get failed left tackle Levi Brown under contract at a cheaper rate, then move him to right tackle where his dreadful pass blocking wouldn't be quite as big of a liability. Arizona had a chance to draft Iowa's Riley Reiff at No. 11 overall, but instead went with Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd to help bolster a receiving corps that has been in need of a solid second option since Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston were both sent packing.

The Payne Train: What minicamps don’t tell you | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
Shutdown Corner is pleased to announce the debut of "The Payne Train," former NFL defensive lineman Seth Payne's new column about life in and out of the game. Selected in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Cornell, Seth played five years for the Jags, and five more for the Houston Texans. Since leaving the game after the 2006 season, Seth has been honing his writing skills, and has proven to be a real treat on Twitter with his football knowledge and wicked sense of humor. He'll be bringing both to Shutdown Corner on a regular basis.

A Tru transition
After nine seasons as not only a starter, but the cornerstone of the Seahawks' secondary, Marcus Trufant is working as the nickel back in a unit that can use his experience.

What do DBs look for when they break the huddle? | National Football Post
Breaking down the progression before the ball is snapped.

Cosell Talks: Is the Window Really Closing on the Cowboys, Romo? : NFL Films Blog
There has been much talk recently about the Dallas Cowboys. The discussion has focused primarily on the notion of whether "the window is closing" for this Cowboys team to compete for (and win) a Super Bowl as presently constructed. (Owner Jerry Jones seems to think it is.) This issue becomes more pressing when you remember that Dallas went 8-8 last season in an NFC East division that produced the Super Bowl champion, and maybe more importantly, lost twice to the New York Giants in the final month of the season with the playoffs on the line.

Emerging Talents: Hybrid James Casey | The Rookie Scouting Portfolio
Based on what I’ve observed about James Casey, I’m willing to bet if he weren’t a professional football player he’s the type of guy that the Universe gives him a gift as it kicks him in the ass. If you’ve lived life, you know what I mean. If you don’t, imagine driving an 12 year-old beater that you’ve been holding together with prayers and duct tape to hang onto that job or get your kid to school and it breaks down and needs $500 in repairs just you won the $520 on a scratch-and-win lottery ticket the night before.

Lesser-known Seahawks who could have big seasons - Blog - MyNorthwest.com
Alan Branch was a part-time player in four years with the Cardinals before joining the Seahawks and enjoying a solid season as a starter at defensive tackle. After identifying Branch in Blue 42 as a player who could make even bigger strides in his second season in Seattle, Brock Huard and Mike Salk discuss three more under-the-radar players who could shine for the Seahawks in 2012.

The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC East Draft | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports
With the draft over and all wrapped up, we thought it would be a good idea to get back on the phone with our buddy Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN's "NFL Matchup," and talk about the NFL by division. Who did themselves the most favors in the draft, and who came up short when addressing their roster deficits?

Older Wide Receivers - Risers and Fallers - Rotoworld.com
Are This Year's Top Wide Receivers Risky Because They're Old? A quick check of wide receiver ADP reveals that several of the top wide receivers this year are getting up there in age. Consider that Andre Johnson, Roddy White, and Wes Welker will all be 31 at some point during the upcoming season and they're all being drafted in the top 10 among wide receivers. The age of 31 may not seem that old, but in the past five years only 11 times have WRs been 31 or older while also being drafted among the top 10 players at that position. Of those 11 times, Randy Moss and Terrell Owens account for about 5 of those instances.

Larry Grant glad to be back with the 49ers - NFL.com
Instead of getting frustrated when no outside suitors emerged for his services, restricted free-agent Larry Grant gladly accepted the 49ers' offer to stay in the Bay Area.

Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech) vs Michigan " Seahawks Draft Blog

The 17-game season | National Football Post
While there has been talk about an 18-game schedule, 17 could do the trick.

Breaking down Oklahoma State RB Joseph Randle | National Football Post
What kind of prospect can he be come draft time?

Huddle Up: Brian Hoyer trade remains a possibility for Patriots – Audibles
Every year, there are one or two restricted free agents in the NFL that seem like prime candidates to break through the league’s apparent under-the-table, handshake agreement to leave RFAs alone.

Existing contracts create headaches for teams trying to get deals done - NFL - CBSSports.com
It's holdout season. Pat Kirwan explains that part of the problem is players (like Drew Brees) want deals that match current contracts (like Tom Brady's), but teams following lower franchise tag numbers won't cooperate.

Don't be fooled by Matt Ryan's lack of postseason success - NFL - CBSSports.com
Critics once knocked Peyton Manning for his playoff failures. Now they're knocking Matt Ryan, who's 0-3 in the playoffs despite gaudy regular season stats. Pete Prisco says Ryan, like Manning, will have the last laugh.