The Cleveland Browns are Going to be Extra Busy

This came from the SI.com recap of the Rams/Hawks from 2 weeks ago. What's up with the Browns?

So are the Rams AND the Seahawks playing the Browns together? Or would that mean that the Browns would have to go to St. Louis to face the Rams (again), and then fly back to play Seattle on the same day?? Help me out here!

Seahawks Preview

Originally a Beat Writer Project on ArmchairGM.

Hard to believe this game is only 3 days away. If the Seahawks can win this, they are in great shape. They will have the stumbling 49ers at Qwest on November 12th, the hapless Chicago Bears on November 18th, and the currently JV league St. Louis Sheep on the 25th.

Matchup:

Seattle Seahawks @ Cleveland Browns

Where: Paul Brown Stadium

When: No one gives a damn if the Colts are playing at 1:15 PM PST

Why: Because the NFL said so.

TV: FOX

Commentators: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan

When the Seahawks Have to Pass: In all likelihood, Matt Hasselbeck will have his starting receivers in Deion Branch and DJ Hackett back after their recent injuries. Look for the Hawks to utilize that 4 receiver set, with Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, and either DJ Hackett or Ben Obomanu. Hasselbeck has thrown 11 TD's with just 6 interceptions (2 of them were dropped passes) so far. Also, notice the Hawks are using the fullback or halfback screen pass more often, and get this, it's actually working!!!! Maybe that's how Shaun Alexander can get yards. Another key is Leonard Weaver, who is also dangerous on the screens.

When the Seahawks Have to Run: The good news, the Browns defense sucks to 238 levels, the bad news, Shaun Alexander still can't run. Not a problem when you can use Maurice Morris, the speedster, and Leonard Weaver, the power runner for Seattle. The one problem for Seattle, is their constant retarded 4th and 1 stretch play. Coach Walrus must start using Matt for QB sneaks, it can't kill him. It's 36 inches!

Key offensive player: Matt Hasselbeck. If he can't go, the offense is crapola.

When the Seahawks are on defense:

1. Stop the friggin 3rd and 78 plays. Jim Mora and defensive coordinator John Marshall must be out of this world if you either play your safeties 20 yards down the field, when you know there are some tackling problems, or continue to get caught by draw plays to the running back. That's the biggest flaw in their defense, and it virtually cost them the last 2 losses.
2. Contain Derek Anderson. He's big, he's strong, and he's mobile. Last time a QB faced Seattle who had all 3 attributes, they messed up and lost 21-0 to the Steelers. Anderson seems to have months to throw back there, and the Hawks are one of the top sack leaders in the league this year. Expect Julian Peterson to make a large impact on that offensive line.
3. Stop the run. They haven't won a single game in which one running back had for at least 90 yards. If they take out the run, then the DB's can concentrate on coverage, instead of stopping RB's from going 60 yards.
4. Contain the receivers. They've done a very good job with that so far, but Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Jurevicious (former Seahawk may I add), are top guns.

Key defensive players: Julian Peterson and Marcus Trufant. Both men have had great seasons, and they need to continue their performance.

Special Teams Player: Kick the ball to Nate, he will score from 98.

I'll be back tomorrow with a Browns preview and a final prediction.

ArmchairGM Beat Writer

As you know, I cross publish articles from ArmchairGM, and from here to the Chair. Well I'm proud to announce that I am the Seattle Seahawks "beat writer" for AGM. So it is with great pleasure, that I will disappoint you with this article...

The Seattle Seahawks have not been known for their defense. As a matter of fact, I don't know everyone on the Seahawks defense. But let me show you this side.

Seattle has a 4-3 record heading into their bye week. The key to their winning record is not just the teams they are facing, but it's their defense. In 3 of their 4 wins, they did not allow a touchdown in that game (even the Bengals win, they allowed 2 touchdowns). In their 3 losses, they've allowed point totals of 23, and 21 twice (the Saints scored 28 points, but 7 came on special teams). Lets look at the strengths of this side at the halfway point of the season.

Strengths:

1. The secondary has been solid this season. They have not allowed a passing play of 50 yards or more all season, and that includes QB's like Drew Brees, Ben Rotseiljftsdljfsdljgberger Carson Palmer. Marcus Trufant leads the team in interceptions with 3, while new additions Brian Russell and Deon Grant have made big impacts, with Russell picking 1 off, while Grant has picked 2.
2. Linebackers Julian Peterson and Darryl Tapp have been sensational. Peterson has one interception, to go with his 7 sacks, second in the league to Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants. Darryl Tapp had a career high 4 sacks last Sunday against the Rams (then again, everyone can have a career day against the Rams), and a forced fumble. Overall, Tapp has 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this year. Expect both of these men to be Pro Bowlers at season's end.
3. The pass rush for Seattle has improved from last year. The team has sacked the QB 23 times, earning a top 10 ranking in the NFL.

Pretty good for Seattle. But.......

Weaknesses:

1. The pass rush is inconsistent. Save for the Steelers game, all of their losses have resulted in the lack of a pass rush on the QB.
2. Stopping the run is still a problem. Again, in their losses, they have not been able to stop the run. They are 4-0 without allowing a RB to run over 90 yards.
3. 3rd and 40. In virtually every game, they continue to allow 3rd and 10 or more to be converted. They continue to expect the deep ball, have their DB's way too far down the field, and allow a first down. That is inexcusable for a supposed contender. The 3rd downs in general have been awful for Seattle. They cannot continue to let their defense stay on the field, which was the reason why Pittsburgh pulled away.

So who is the current defensive MVP for Seattle? Julian Peterson without a doubt.

Overall Grade: B-

Look for some more reviews over the next few days for the offense and special teams.

Seahawks Obliterate Sheep

There is bad, and then there is really bad. The Rams, looked horrific.

Seahawks 33 Rams 6: The 2 game losing skid is over for Seattle, as the Hawks romped over St. Louis 33-6 to send the Rams to 0-7.

Recap: Matt Hasselbeck started great, cooled off, then finished strong as Seattle took a 10-3 halftime lead, and turned it into a blowout. Hasselbeck finished 18-35, with 2 touchdowns to backup tight end Will Heller, and one interception. After St. Louis went three and out on their opening possession, Seattle drove right down the field on a 11 play, 71 yard drive that lead to the easy one yard Heller TD catch. St. Louis responded, but could only contribute 3 points 2 drives later. Hasselbeck and Bulger each had a pick in the 2nd quarter, Seattle kicked a FG and the Hawks, who dominated the 1st half, had just a slim 7 point lead. That gave me that "We're going to throw away another easy game at home" feeling.

Opening kick of the 2nd half, Nate Burleson, who returned a punt for a TD last year in their 24-22 win over the Rams, returned the ball 91 yards for his 1st career KO return for a touchdown. So it's 17-3, game seems to be shifting further away from the Rams. They march down the field, kick a field goal.....those were the last points they would get. The Rams turned it over 4 times in the 2nd half, and 5 in the game, and that prevented any comeback. So Seattle continues this field goal binge, until another interception, this one by Julian Peterson, keyed another TD pass to Heller, to seal the game, and make it 33-6.

Shaun Alexander Watch: Uhhhhhh....

By the numbers:

• 5 turnovers by St. Louis (3 picks, 2 fumbles), and all of them were caused by Marc Bulger.
• 7 sacks on Bulger. Seattle had 16 sacks all season, and they get 7 in a game.
• 4 sacks by Darryl Tapp. The 2nd year player out of Virginia Tech had to wear a cast because of an injured right hand, but he had 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and a deflected pass.
• 47 rushing yards by Shaun Alexander on 19 carries.
• 42 rushing yards by backup Maurice Morris on 10 carries.
• 2nd in the league in sacks is Julian Peterson, who added to his total with one today.
• 4 inches that Seattle couldn't make on an early 4th and inches play. Walrus calls a stretch play, loses a yard with Morris, St. Louis kicks FG after that.

Offensive player of the game: Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks defense really won that game, but he has 11 touchdowns versus 6 picks (2 were deflected in the Bengals game) on the season.

Defensive player of the game: Darryl Tapp. 4 sacks, 1 deflected pass, 1 forced fumble, he was just brilliant.

Special teams player of the game: Nate Burleson. Need I say more?

What's Next: Seattle @ Cleveland (11/4), St. Louis vs. Cleveland (10/28)

Previewing Seahawks/Sheep

Who: St. Louis Rams (0-6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

When: 4:15 PM EST/1:15 PM PST

Where: Qwest Field

TV: FOX Sports, Matt Devlin and JC Pearson are your commentators

Rundown: The Seahawks are reeling from back to back losses to Pittsburgh and the once winless New Orleans Saints. This will be their last game before the bye week for Seattle, while the Rams will face the 3-3 Browns on the 28th of October.


Why the Rams Could Win: Earthquake, Mount St. Helens, some natural disaster Mike Holmgren's predictable playcalling. Other than that, they have nothing. Torry Holt and Issac Bruce are old, Marc Bulger is hurt, and because that offensive line is crapola, Gus Fuerotte better be ready. The only danger I see in them is rookie Brian Leonard from Rutgers.

Why the Rams Could Lose: They haven't won a game, they have no defense, they turn the ball over all the time, no offensive weapon, this list is so long that I could write a novel about it.

Key player to look for: Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers. With Stephen Jackson out, Leonard has been a good replacement for the Rams, and recorded his first one hundred yard game against the Cardinals in a losing effort to the Arizona Cardinals.

Why the Seahawks Could Win: They have sputtered, but the Rams are so bad, that this defense will dominate St. Louis. The one thing with Seattle, is that Matt Hasselbeck has had a good start so far, and the Rams defense is allowing even the Ravens to score. DJ Hackett is reportedly coming back from his ankle injury, which could help the depleted wide receiver spot. As for that running game, that's a piece of work.

Why the Seahawks Could Lose: Mike Holmgren.

Shaun Alexander Watch: This guy is doing an awesome job of tackling himself. He will not be a factor in any game until he stops being so soft.

Key Player to Look For: Julian Peterson has been phenomenal since making his trip to the Pacific Northwest. Expect him to be a big part in that Seattle defense.


Final Thoughts: The Rams suck, we all know that, but the Hawks haven't been great by any means. Seattle doesn't make anything easy so....

Seahawks 24 Rams 13.



Other predictions will come up next post.

Seahawks Loss Falls Solely on Mike Holmgren and his Defense

From ArmchairGM:

Yes, that's kinda the old statement, but this time I'm fed up with this guy. It's not that he's not a great coach, but he seems to be lost in clock management situations. He's too conservative, wanting to punt the football with 9:00 to go and down by 18. The Seahawks are the only team in the NFL that could throw away gimme games like that (okay, and the Bears too, heyyooooo!). It started out bad, and ended worse. The bad snap by Boom Stutz, then Reggie Bush runs right through us, then Drew Brees is good again, then I'm tempted to break the TV. What is going on with this team? If they can't beat the Rams, this season is over. Who is to blame here? Of course you can blame the players themselves, they really do have some blame, but this is COMPLETELY on Walrus.

He doesn't get it does he? Shaun Alexander had 35 yards on 14 carries, Leonard Frickin Weaver had a carry for 37 yards, and he's our fullback!! Shaun is aging, he's too slow, he has the blocks but can't make it there. I don't understand why Mo Morris isn't used more often. When Alexander was injured he really picked it up. The only thing Morris doesn't have is power.

Another thing is the playcalling. I've never heard of being down 11, and at the opposing team's 7 yard line, on a 3rd down with no timeouts, AND RUN THE FOOTBALL!!!!! Didn't get the first down Leonard Weaver did. Okay, so they can run out and kick the field goal. He makes Hasselbeck throw it and the ball is knocked away by Mike McKenzie. That is the most retarded, messed up, idiot minded play call I've ever seen! Whether or not we would've gotten the onside kick is one thing, but we still should've had a chance to win.

Now the defense, it's time for your lumps. I can understand that it's hard to stop Reggie Bush, so I'll let that one slide. But, the secondary got picked apart! Drew Brees looked like a legend out there. The fumble by David Patten, 4 SEAHAWKS ARE THERE, and NOT ONE could simply land on the football. Saints got it, touchdown New Orleans by Eric Johnson. No pressure on Brees, 3rd and 56 plays are converted, it's inexcusable. They played so well against Cincy, who has a high powered offense, and now they couldn't stop a team that hadn't scored more than 14 all year long.

This team is in a state of emergency, 3-3 in the NFC West means you are really good, but these guys are atrocious. At this point, if Seattle fails to make the playoffs, this season is lost, and I believe Mike Holmgren is lost. Fix this problem now, and I think you guys should rethink about Shaun Alexander's mega contract.

Boom Goes the Dynamite

Photo from Rod Mar from the Seattle Times

21-0, no offense, tiring defense, but hey, the next 2 opponents don't even have a win!

The 49ers are Officially a Mess

Written over at ArmchairGM,

So what happened to that guarantee by many experts that the 49ers would overtake the Hawks in the NFC West? Many folks on AGM said the Hawks would finish 2nd or even last. Both teams were 2-1, headed into their division matchup at Bill Walsh Field at Monster Park in between some Candlesticks. Alex Smith gets pounded immediately, and is out for the game. Seattle sacks backup QB Trent Dilfer 5004 times, and take a 13-0 lead into halftime. The 49ers try the onside kick, recover it, and get intercepted by Marcus Trufant on the very next play. That obviously tells you something about the QB they have in Dilfer. They try and run the ball with Frank Gore, and only get 79 yards on 14 carries (1 lost fumble). Hasselbeck throws a TD to Marcus Pollard for a 20-0 lead. They trade FG's and the game is over.

We witnessed an utter collapse after playing well in the first 2 games. This was supposed to be a close game to determine 1st place in the NFC West. Now we know who is the weaker 2-1 team, because Alex Smith, Vernon Davis, and Manny Lawson aren't the entire team. Because it's not just the fact that Dilfer was at the helm. They were lost on defense, and lost on offense. Even if they were at full strength they would've lost by a similar score. That's how bad they were. Now they are 2-2, facing the Ravens at home, this could be their season right here if they don't beat the now mediocre Ravens.

As for the Hawks, that was what we were waiting for. A dominating game all around, and a great team effort put out there. No one would care anyway, because Seattle has to win 89-3 over the best team in the league (the best team is healthy) to get any notoriety.

Seahawks WIN!

Hawks 24 Bungles 21: Wacky game, dumb play calling, one goat. This game wasn't 56-55, but it was just as good at 24-21.

Offensive Player of the Game, Seahawks: Nate Burleson. Although Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker chastised him to no end, he still caught the winning touchdown with 60 seconds, and had 6 catches overall for 76 yards.

Offensive Player of the Game, Bungles: TJ Houshyourmama. 12 catches, 141 yards and a TD speaks for itself doesn't it?

Downright Offensive, Entire Game: Rudi Johnson. Maybe it's not his fault because of those stupid toss plays that never worked, but 17 carries, for 9 YARDS!!!?? Kenny Watson saved the day for them.

Defensive Player of the Game, Seahawks: Deon Grant. He not only picked Carson Palmer, he knocked down a touchdown pass and recovered the fumble that sealed the game.

Defensive Player of the Game, Bungles: Dhani Jones. Not much to say here, he dominated us, and why the Eagles let him go is beyond me.

Turning Point: On a 4th and 1, the Hawks finally converted a short yardage situation, and Shaun Alexander ran for 14 yards to set up the winning play.

Next Game: Seattle @ San Francisco, Cincy vs. New England.

Glenn Holt Is My Hero!

Photo by Jim Bates of the Seattle Times

Seahawks 24 Bungles 21: Here's one way to lose a game. Recap will come tomorrow, but school preparation awaits.

We Suck 2007

Cardinals 23 Seahawks 20: Why did we lose that game? Neil Rackers kicks the winning field goal to send the Hawks reeling into 1-1, and giving Ken Whisenhunt his first win.



Why the Seahawks Lost: Lack of a running game, too much conservative play, and of course, the turnover by Shaun Alexander that set up the winner for the Cards. Also, the lack of a pass rush and a terrible secondary destroyed them. Why have the Seahawks assumed that they must be good starting at the end of the 1st half? If this were a better team, the score may be 34-10, and not this heartbreaker.


Why the Cardinals Won: The running game. Edge James ran for over 100 yards, scored a touchdown, and the O-Line dominated that defensive line of Seattle. Matt Leinart threw for 300 yards, converted on many 3rd down possessions, and made only one mistake, which was the pick by Lofa Tatupu. Plus, who was that bastard who thought the Cardinals would win (before changing his mind)?


Turning Point of the Game: The turnover by Shaun Alexander that destroyed their comeback drive.


Why the Hawks Should be Optimistic Next Week: The Bengals gave up 51 points to the Browns. THE BROWNS!!!

Why the Hawks Shouldn't be Optimistic Next Week: The Bengals scored 45 points.

Why I can't stand Terry Donahue: Every game the Hawks have had with this analyst, they've lost.

ARRRRGGHHHHH!!!

Yep, we're pretty much toast. The Seattle Seahawks thought it was great to trade DE Bryce Fisher to the Titans for a.....conditional draft pick (makes noose out of belt). To add insult to insult, they traded a 6th round pick to the Cleveland Browns (puts noose around neck), for......

CHARLIE FRYE!!!! (Lifts noose)


What kind of simpleton logic is that? We're so doomed. I think they were right in getting rid of Darrell Jackson, but wrong in the cases of Michael Boulware, Bryce Fisher, and a 6th round draft pick. On the other hand, it makes this dude, a lot happier in Cleveland.

YEAH BABY!!!! 20-6!!!!

(Photo from Seattle Times)

WE ARE ON A ROLL!!! Sadly, I've got to prepare for school, so NFL recaps come tomorrow. But to remind you, we're better than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Well of Course There will be an Injury

Marcus Tubbs was injured last night in a very useless preseason win over the Oakland Incompetent. He hurt his right knee in the 1st quarter, and was carted off the field. After listening to KJR radio this morning, the injury is not only season ending, but also career ending. So to summarize, you've potentially lost your best defensive tackle and run stuffer forever. He was the key player in their Super Bowl season. We had trouble stuffing the run last year because of another injury to Tubbs, we're dead.

I blame Mike Holmgren 100% for Tubbs' injury. It's the last preseason game of the year, you should be resting your starters (let alone letting them even play). So although this is just one injury, it's on the defensive end, the weak spot from last year, we are in big trouble this year.

Ouch

48-13 Packers over Seahawks. Seneca Wallace is starting to grow on me.

Buccaneers sign Jerramy Stevens

Jerramy Stevens, forever famous with this mugshot (which I'll continue to show until the end of time), has been signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stevens, notably with the Seahawks for several years, was released after having one drink too many in addition to his possession of marijuana. With the regular season kicking off less than 5 months from today, guess who the Seattle Seahawks have the pleasure of hosting in their home opener? If you don't know the answer, you've probably been having one too many yourself. So on September 9th, Jerramy gets to return to the great city of Seattle. The only difference is that if he drops the football (which is certain), the crowd will be cheering instead of booing.

You have to ask yourself, if Jerramy Stevens scores a touchdown in his return, will he enjoy the possibility of being showered with beer by the crazy drunk fans?

My Answer: This is Seattle fools! He'd probably get drenched with a $5.00 Double Mocha Latte from Starbucks!