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It’s virtually must win if the Hawks want to stay in the division race. A win here and we roll into SF in prime time to give them their biggest test yet. Even if they don’t win the division there are a few suitors for the wild card as well. A loss here in this very winnable game could really grease the skids . I see a battle once again, 27-24 Hawks .

Arians is a master at exploiting Seattle’s offensive line. Bucs pull off the upset.

Add to that Tampa is the #1 run defsne which means PC will want to run at all cost.

What the hell Wagner? You're at home, a vet, and superstar. Why the boneheaded play? 7 instead of 3. Smh.

Russell may throw for 300+ today. Tampa's D is #1 against the rush. Russell to Lockett is off and running Today.

They ate up the yards on that drive; good play calling by Schotty.

Why are we paying this FG kicker 3 a mill a year?

4 points lost by Myers. Why is this guy so off? Otherwise glad to see the Hawks answer before the half is over.

Carson has put the ball on the ground at least three times today (I think). When you get a rep as a fumbler, they go after you that way.

Mike Evans is killing us.

So is our kicker...

This ^^. The offense, aside from that one turnover, has been spectacular. Myers should have closed the deal.

Our defense is terrible.

It shouldn't be this hard against what was a 2-5 team when we are playing at home.

It's all on Russell and he is delivering the goods this year.

No one can say Russell isn't carrying the team this year. Now if Pete can just build some semblance of a defense and Carson can stop fumbling.

Myers makes his kicks, this might not be OT.

TB got a gift with that throw in the end zone earlier as well as the Wagner "late hit"; he should have known better, even to do that.

Mike Evans is beastly, so what are you going to do?

Wilson dominated. Just beautiful.

7-2 looks better than 6-3.

Not sure I was even aware of Mike Evans before today. Not exactly a household name.

Huh? Mike Evans has been their number 1 threat for a few years now.

Since he was drafted in 2014, he's had 6000+ yds and 40 TDs. Double digit TDs two of those seasons; 1000+ yds every season. Never had a great QB or a decent team around him and I don't think TB has been to playoffs either since they got him.

Yeah I think Winston is done there, although I dont think he is the whole problem.

Mike Evans did to us yesterday what Julio Jones did to us last Sunday. Even when we knew the ball was going to him, we still couldn't stop him. We won yesterday literally by a flip of the coin that allowed us to keep our defense off the field in OT. This defense sucks, and we can't rely on the offense to score 30+ points per game against the defenses that are left on our docket (Niners x2, Vikings, Eagles). They're going to have to get their $hit together, and fast.

Yesterday was the last game where we can get by with our tendency to play down to the level of our opponent. Our schedule gets a lot tougher from here on out, rated the toughest in the league for the 2nd half of the season. Even the one supposed gimme, Arizona, is a different team than we played in September. This season could get ugly real fast if we don't play better than what we have recently. I am not filled with bubbly optimism.

Against the Niners if they cannot get to Jimmy G and nothing shows me they can, it will be a large plate of Kittle and a wipeout

Hoping Norton just hiding their real stuff LOL

RiverDog wrote:
Yesterday was the last game where we can get by with our tendency to play down to the level of our opponent.

Let's hope "down to" is not a qualifier to that tendency.

RiverDog wrote: I am not filled with bubbly optimism.

Now there's a shocker.

RiverDog wrote: I am not filled with bubbly optimism.

c_hawkbob wrote:Now there's a shocker.

Actually if you go back and read some of my comments, particularly those in response to some of Obi's hand wringing, I've been more optimistic than I have on a lot of occasions in the past, and I still think that at least on paper, we have the ability to be a legitimate SB contender.

But I have to be honest. Despite our quite admirable w/l record, our recent performances against non playoff teams combined with the ability of pedestrian quarterbacks to shred our defense and the prospect of having to endure the toughest part of our schedule has left me with this feeling of doom, like the Grim Reaper is waiting right around the corner. At some point, this sloppy defense is going to catch up with us.

The status quo isn't going to work. The defense has to get things sorted out. Maybe getting Diggs into the lineup will help.

I think if we are expecting to get to the SB, we are a year or two premature.
We desperately need a pass rush and I expect we will address it in FA and the draft.
We've added multiple players at positions of need in the past, so I expect JS to target
pass rushers in the off season.
Our Defense is dependent upon pressure from the front 4 more than some other Defenses,
so if we get that pressure, our Secondary will automatically improve, and we will become
legitimate contenders. Again.

RiverDog wrote:Mike Evans did to us yesterday what Julio Jones did to us last Sunday. Even when we knew the ball was going to him, we still couldn't stop him. We won yesterday literally by a flip of the coin that allowed us to keep our defense off the field in OT. This defense sucks, and we can't rely on the offense to score 30+ points per game against the defenses that are left on our docket (Niners x2, Vikings, Eagles). They're going to have to get their $hit together, and fast.

Yesterday was the last game where we can get by with our tendency to play down to the level of our opponent. Our schedule gets a lot tougher from here on out, rated the toughest in the league for the 2nd half of the season. Even the one supposed gimme, Arizona, is a different team than we played in September. This season could get ugly real fast if we don't play better than what we have recently. I am not filled with bubbly optimism.

Im filled with bubbly curiosity like I have been since the first game last year with all the departures on D. Then losing ADB this year. If someone had told me we would be 7-2 Id be elated. If I had watched some footage and then been told that I wouldnt believe it. But here they are, in control of their destiny in the division after 9 games. A loss yesterday would have been a disaster and they knew it and Russ did it for them along with some great catches, timely plays to pick up a terrible kicking performance and swiss cheese defense.I guess though when you have had all world receivers have career days and you still win how can it really get any worse the next 7?

I just have no idea what to expect but it's all in front of them after 9 weeks. Ill take it

Definitely pretenders this year. Pass rush is the biggest issue. Tired of watching qb’s stand in the pocket and pat the ball waiting for the 3rd option to come open. Meanwhile hawks are playing predominantly 3 linebacker sets and expecting LB to cover with no pass rush. Norton has shown no creativity in developing blitz packages to help the situation. Can’t remember the last time the Hawks ran a corner or safety blitz. Just the SOS of blitzing a LB up the middle and they get caught up in the wash. Clowney is playing run well for the most part, but he doesn’t seem to be able to play under control consistently, thus missing tackles for loss on running plays and potential sacks. Pete won’t change the scheme, so we will continue to see mediocre QB’s tear apart the zone coverages. With the exception of his one boo boo yesterday, Jameis was looking like an MVP candidate. For the most part I think the secondary would be serviceable if there was some semblance of a pass rush, but looks like that may not happen this year. Oh well, here is to one and done if the Hawks can manage .500 in the last half.
Cmon Hawks prove me wrong.

The Pope

RiverDog wrote:Mike Evans did to us yesterday what Julio Jones did to us last Sunday. Even when we knew the ball was going to him, we still couldn't stop him. We won yesterday literally by a flip of the coin that allowed us to keep our defense off the field in OT. This defense sucks, and we can't rely on the offense to score 30+ points per game against the defenses that are left on our docket (Niners x2, Vikings, Eagles). They're going to have to get their $hit together, and fast.

Yesterday was the last game where we can get by with our tendency to play down to the level of our opponent. Our schedule gets a lot tougher from here on out, rated the toughest in the league for the 2nd half of the season. Even the one supposed gimme, Arizona, is a different team than we played in September. This season could get ugly real fast if we don't play better than what we have recently. I am not filled with bubbly optimism.

The defense is terrible. I don't see us going to the SB this year unless the defense gets hot a the right time. If we don't take Frisco in the first game we play them, they taking the division. We're a wild card at best.

The defense is terrible. I don't see us going to the SB this year unless the defense gets hot a the right time. If we don't take Frisco in the first game we play them, they taking the division. We're a wild card at best.

I agree ASF, this is the new normal, with his giant contract. I would rather ship off RW and hope for the best with the new batch of qB's coming out every year. Its better than riding this train to being a B or B+ team every year.

obiken wrote:I agree ASF, this is the new normal, with his giant contract. I would rather ship off RW and hope for the best with the new batch of qB's coming out every year. Its better than riding this train to being a B or B+ team every year.

Probably the silliest notion I've heard from you yet Obi, Russ is the ONLY chance we've got to stay above average, let alone maintain a chance at another championship.

Let’s see, in the last 3 years the Hawks have spent 2 high picks to assist the pass rush. One is totally out of the league and the other is a non factor this year. Sure Collier missed training camp, but since he has come back he hasn’t shown any ability to get on the field and contribute anything meaningful. Little early to label him a bust, but he is headed that way. Russell’s contract hurts the ability to stockpile quality depth, but it is not the reason defense sucks. The reason the defense sucks as I see it is (1) poor drafting In the early rounds for pass rush help (2) a stale defensive scheme and lack of vision in scheming to produce a pass rush. When was the last time the Hawks blitzed a corner or safety. It can be risky, but obviously whats happening now ain’t gettin it done. Sometimes the straight up talent to dominate the LOS and create a pass rush isn’t there. Sometimes the coaches need to figure another way to get it done.

Pope out

Probably the silliest notion I've heard from you yet Obi, Russ is the ONLY chance we've got to stay above acerage, let alone maintain a chance at another championship.

NO question CB, maybe you are right. However, I understand now how some people voted for Trump rather than settling for Hillary. Its like buying a lottery ticket. No one I ever knew won the lottery, but at least there is some hope. Riding RW I just dont see any losing seasons or championships.

c_hawkbob wrote:
Probably the silliest notion I've heard from you yet Obi, Russ is the ONLY chance we've got to stay above acerage, let alone maintain a chance at another championship.

He's been waiting for ever to say that. Lol sure let's trade him, and HOPE we can draft a decent QB, HOPE we can get another HOF defense, HOPE we can find a other RB since Carson will be gone. HOPE the other players will not want out, HOPE other players will want to come here after showing we dont plan on winning anytime soon. Lots of Hope's. Lots of 4 or less wins in the future of this suggestion.

Of course thankfully smarter heads prevail so they will do what they should do, and build around Wilson and build up the defense.

I mean your really suggesting its Wilson's fault our defense sucks, lol yup he the reason we have. Not drafted an impact defensive player in years or for that matter signed one despite having the money. Sorry I will say it, this is the stupidest thing I have heard.

Wow 7-2 and it’s still woe is me with the fans. We’re 7-2. We have a tough schedule but so do the teams with us on their schedule. Bring it on. When you have Wilson you always have a chance .

Have to play the hand were dealt.

So far the hawks have been filling inside straights

He's been waiting for ever to say that. Lol sure let's trade him, and HOPE we can draft a decent QB, HOPE we can get another HOF defense, HOPE we can find a other RB since Carson will be gone. HOPE the other players will not want out, HOPE other players will want to come here after showing we dont plan on winning anytime soon. Lots of Hope's. Lots of 4 or less wins in the future of this suggestion.

Of course thankfully smarter heads prevail so they will do what they should do, and build around Wilson and build up the defense.

I mean your really suggesting its Wilson's fault our defense sucks, lol yup he the reason we have. Not drafted an impact defensive player in years or for that matter signed one despite having the money. Sorry I will say it, this is the stupidest thing I have heard.

I have not been waiting to say lets trade RW Anthony. I have been drug there kicking and screaming. I love RW, who doesn't, but how with his and BW's salary, are we ever going to enough around them to get over the hump. Maybe we get lucky, and it happens. I really hope I am out to lunch.

To River: I am not hand wringing! is making the playoffs but not being a Championship contender really that bad, or is it really that good? All I am saying is its the new Hawk Fan reality. I am just asking the question. No doubt in the old days I was the hand wringer from hell!! Trust me IF the Ducks won a title, Trump is beaten, and Hawks just get back to the SB I could die in eternal bliss!!

Salary is not an issue. Teams can afford a few high salaries and still field a team capable of challenging for a Super Bowl.
Next year a lot of dead Cap space comes off that one report said we get in the area of $19 Million that we don't have this year.
That would pay for Clowney without increasing our salary costs. We will also have about $60 Million in Cap space to work with.
We can afford to buy a good FA or 2 along the DL next year along with re-signing some players of our own who are deemed "core".

Remember, we are only 2 years into a reset or rebuild. Some teams take 5 years or more to get back to the playoffs. We have a good
chance to make them while rebuilding.

We have a HOF QB. Book it for Canton 5 years from when he retires. Hes the MVP right now specifically because we are 7-2 BECAUSE OF HIM getting the ball to receivers, scrambling when necessary, eating it or throwing it away and taking care of the ball despite running for his life most plays. He has not missed a game or even a practice in 8 years in spite of taking a beating worse than most QBs. He's on a pace for the most wins ever in his first 8 years and has set another NFL record with 22 TD passes and 1 pick after 9 games of a season.

Love you Obi but dude you are high.We will never get rid of this guy nor should we. We can win this way, with great QB play and offense and timely defense with turnovers etc. The Colts won it all in 2006 with that formula. It can be done. And as far as guys eating up cap space how about all the defenders we paid that aren't even here anymore? Or how about Wags, clearly having a down year for him while Russ plays at the peak of his career performance. What about our first rounder Collier who can't get on the field with a team with a bad pass rush? Russ is our ray of hope right now and will be for years to come.

obiken wrote:
I have not been waiting to say lets trade RW Anthony. I have been drug there kicking and screaming. I love RW, who doesn't, but how with his and BW's salary, are we ever going to enough around them to get over the hump. Maybe we get lucky, and it happens. I really hope I am out to lunch.

To River: I am not hand wringing! is making the playoffs but not being a Championship contender really that bad, or is it really that good? All I am saying is its the new Hawk Fan reality. I am just asking the question. No doubt in the old days I was the hand wringer from hell!! Trust me IF the Ducks won a title, Trump is beaten, and Hawks just get back to the SB I could die in eternal bliss!!

LOL yeah whatever you say LOL

obiken wrote:I love RW, who doesn't, but how with his and BW's salary, are we ever going to enough around them to get over the hump. Maybe we get lucky, and it happens. I really hope I am out to lunch.

Here are the options, ranked from most beneficial to building a stable team capable of winning the SB over a multi-year span to the least beneficial:

~~~~~~
1. Have a stud QB on a rookie contract (like we got with RW's first contract)
2. Have a stud QB on a 2nd/3rd/whatever contract, because there is no position more important. The Dilfer-led Ravens team that won the SB was the exception, not the rule.








3. Have a mediocre QB on a reasonable contract (either okay rookie or journeyman game-manager)



4. Have a cheap, crappy QB.

[skip ahead an entire screen]

5. Overpay for a high draft pick or free-agent with one good year that turns out to suck.
~~~~~~

You want to stay at Options 1 or 2 no matter what your other options are. We are now at Option 2, but if we move on from RW the Hawks are MUCH more likely to end up with Options 3, 4, or 5 than to end up with Option 1. Let's count our blessings that we're many years away from needing to think about life after RW.

I'd say you've got your spacing about correct as well there Oly.