A prediction for the record

[monkey]

You all can file this under, monkey sure is stupid, if you like, but I want to get this prediction out there for the record. Feel free to file it away and remember it so you can all make fun of me to no end, and rub it in my face, if this doesn't come true.

Every year since Pete took over the team as head coach, it seems that someone, some player who heretofore had been lightly thought of, or poorly regarded, or just sort of buried in the depth chart, steps up and takes his game to the next level. Every year someone becomes a big deal for us, who hadn't been before.
Last year, partly due to injuries and suspensions, but MOSTLY due to a re-dedication and re-focus on his craft, (he claims that he started following around Earl Thomas and doing what Earl does), that guy was #41 Byron Maxwell.
Maxwell came out of the shadows of relative anonymity, buried on the depth chart, to play at a Pro Bowl level for most of the second half of the season last year. Now there's not a Seahawks fan anywhere who doesn't know exactly who he is, and I doubt strongly there are many Seahawks fans who aren't about as happy as pigs in mud with him right now.

This year, I believe that guy will be none other than JR Sweezy.
No, I'm not joking.

In fact, I'll go ahead and make a REALLY bold claim, Sweezy may not make the pro-bowl (because of lack of name recognition) but when all is said and done, if he doesn't, we Seahawks fans will be REALLY UPSET about it! I mean, we'll be really TICKED that he got snubbed!
I predict that Sweezy will have an outstanding, PRO-BOWL/ALL PRO type of season that will have us all changing our tune on him completely, and even talking about him as the centerpiece of our offensive line along with Okung.

Why?
Hehe...not telling all my secrets, but I'll just say this much; his tape has gradually gotten better and better as he grows more comfortable with the switch to O-Line (remember he used to be D-Line). Russell Wilson has said some VERY positive things about him recently, I mean surprisingly over-the-top positive. (That's because he knows how hard Sweezy is working, and no one appreciates hard work more than Wilson). Then there's this http://www.mooresvilletribune.com/sports/super-sized-sweezy-stays-true-to-his-school/article_69e8adea-c3ee-11e3-84a4-001a4bcf6878.html

The story is nice, I liked it, but if you don't want to read a local puff piece I'll summarize to say, he's added 20 lbs. of muscle! 20 lbs. is a lot of added weight folks! Especially when it's 20 lbs. that he has gained from TRAINING, in the weight room, not just gorging himself at the buffet line.
That puts him well over 300 lbs., by my count probably close to around 320 lbs. in fact, and in top shape...

As, or maybe even more importantly though, this is the year that we, as knowledgeable fans, should have been projecting him to come into his own all along, because we knew the switch to offensive line would take a couple of years before it really, finally clicked. Remember, he was over four years behind the learning curve to start with.

Those things together, and especially the added weight/muscle plus the added year of experience, leads me to believe that this will be the year where JR Sweezy becomes a fan favorite, a star Seahawks offensive lineman.

[c_hawkbob]

Russ did you one better at his NC State press conference (they retired his jersey) when he said Sweezy was going to be in the Hall of Fame one day!

[monkey]

Russ did you one better at his NC State press conference (they retired his jersey) when he said Sweezy was going to be in the Hall of Fame one day!

Hehe, yeah Russell may have gone a bit further than I am willing to go, but I do think Sweezy is due to break out in a REALLY big way this next year.
I believe that we're about to see what it was that Cable was seeing when he said that Sweezy should play O-Line.

For a comparison to the type of growth I believe we'll see from Sweezy, think Richard Sherman.
Drafted 5th round, buried deep on the depth chart, switched from WR to CB in college and it did NOT look like a good move at the time, he had some real challenges to overcome to get to where he is today, and a lot of fans weren't sure he could make the switch, or would ever become much more than a backup. Then, BOOM, Richard Sherman!

Now, JR Sweezy.
Seriously.

[HumanCockroach]

I'll throw out that I truly believe the line currently on the roster will be considered by the end of the year to be an elite group. One of the main reasons I simply refused to agree with the panic on this board about the "quality" of the line, and the need to sign or draft non stop to "upgrade" it a few weeks ago. IMO they will ALL make a big step forward, including those that many are convinced are sub par, not just Sweezy. Many explained the learning of the position or injury problems, and were summarily scoffed at by a few that are so hell bent on "fixing" or "upgrading" the line, that they simply don't grasp that it does indeed take TIME for players on the o-line to become great, or even "good".

Jones wasn't Jones that first year, nor was Hutch HUTCH. People remember what they want to remember, and choose to forget that 2004/2005 were NOT the first year of eithers career. They weren't rookies, and NEEDED more time than 2 or 3 seasons to become what they did.

I simply am NOT concerned with many positions on the line. Bowie and Bailey will make mistakes ( it IS what YOUNG lineman do no matter WHERE they were selected or gotten) and the same folks will be on here lamenting it next off season, but as a whole I am excited to see this line this coming year.

People will FIND a reason to be disappointed, because that is their pre determined stance, but as a whole they will excel this year.

[Anthony]

I'll throw out that I truly believe the line currently on the roster will be considered by the end of the year to be an elite group. One of the main reasons I simply refused to agree with the panic on this board about the "quality" of the line, and the need to sign or draft non stop to "upgrade" it a few weeks ago. IMO they will ALL make a big step forward, including those that many are convinced are sub par, not just Sweezy. Many explained the learning of the position or injury problems, and were summarily scoffed at by a few that are so hell bent on "fixing" or "upgrading" the line, that they simply don't grasp that it does indeed take TIME for players on the o-line to become great, or even "good".

Jones wasn't Jones that first year, nor was Hutch HUTCH. People remember what they want to remember, and choose to forget that 2004/2005 were NOT the first year of eithers career. They weren't rookies, and NEEDED more time than 2 or 3 seasons to become what they did.

I simply am NOT concerned with many positions on the line. Bowie and Bailey will make mistakes ( it IS what YOUNG lineman do no matter WHERE they were selected or gotten) and the same folks will be on here lamenting it next off season, but as a whole I am excited to see this line this coming year.

People will FIND a reason to be disappointed, because that is their pre determined stance, but as a whole they will excel this year.

As long as one of those mistakes does not cost us RW, so be it. We still need o-line though as we are not really that deep right now.

[NorthHawk]

I sure hope you are right, Monkey.
We've needed serious improvement for 2 years now and a solid Guard would go a long way towards that.
I look forward to seeing the improvement on the field this year.

[Zorn76]

I'll throw out that I truly believe the line currently on the roster will be considered by the end of the year to be an elite group. One of the main reasons I simply refused to agree with the panic on this board about the "quality" of the line, and the need to sign or draft non stop to "upgrade" it a few weeks ago. IMO they will ALL make a big step forward, including those that many are convinced are sub par, not just Sweezy. Many explained the learning of the position or injury problems, and were summarily scoffed at by a few that are so hell bent on "fixing" or "upgrading" the line, that they simply don't grasp that it does indeed take TIME for players on the o-line to become great, or even "good".

Jones wasn't Jones that first year, nor was Hutch HUTCH. People remember what they want to remember, and choose to forget that 2004/2005 were NOT the first year of eithers career. They weren't rookies, and NEEDED more time than 2 or 3 seasons to become what they did.

I simply am NOT concerned with many positions on the line. Bowie and Bailey will make mistakes ( it IS what YOUNG lineman do no matter WHERE they were selected or gotten) and the same folks will be on here lamenting it next off season, but as a whole I am excited to see this line this coming year.

People will FIND a reason to be disappointed, because that is their pre determined stance, but as a whole they will excel this year.

There may be some upside to the guys remaining for the OL unit as it stands now, but in no way, shape, or form can they be banked on to improve significantly. At the very least, they need to be challenged, and the Seahawks can also use all the depth they can get, especially given what we witnessed last year.

I'd love for Sweezy to become a break out star, and hope what you say turns out to be true for the OL in general. But until further notice, this group remains the weak link on an otherwise SB calibre team. 44 sacks is the current benchmark. I would be elated if we see a ten sack improvement for that number in 2014, while seeing a noticeable increase in pass attempts per game.

We're off to a good start, IMO, by ridding ourselves of time wasters like Breno and McQ. Now the F.O. has got to finally hit on a high round prospect - or two - who can compete against the other candidates to protect RW a lot better than what we saw last season.

[HumanCockroach]

We'll see Zorn. Most units take 2-3 years of consistent play with each other before they hit their stride, this is year two or three for ALL of the players on that line. The only way I see a claim to "there is no way there can be a significant step forward" is if the unit was so good there is little room to improve ( not the case) B) they are so bad that they can't improve ( not the case) or C) or they are so old that they can't improve because they have "hit their ceiling' ( not the case. MOST offensive lineman improve MOST between years 3-5, what years are Okung, Unger, Sweezy, and Carpenter entering/

I'll gladly accept the crow if they play like rubbish. Just remember your claim that there is "no way" they can do it. There's a LOT more factors that go into line play than people will readily recognise or admit, we'll see.

[monkey]

Why do you want to see more pass attempts Zorn?
I know I don't!
The brilliance of the offense right now, the thing that is the best about it, is the fact that we run the ball first and foremost. The benefits of being a run first team cannot be approximated in any other way, not even in a "west coast offense" (though that's the closest you can get).
I'd much rather see us get even better at running the ball, with even better blocking up front.

[EntiatHawk]

Monkey, You may be right. Lineman take time, and Sweezy flipped from D to O so that buys him more time. The guy I am betting on this year is Greg Scruggs. I am hoping he makes all forget the moving on of Big Red and Clemons.

[monkey]

Monkey, You may be right. Lineman take time, and Sweezy flipped from D to O so that buys him more time. The guy I am betting on this year is Greg Scruggs. I am hoping he makes all forget the moving on of Big Red and Clemons.

Ooohhh GREAT CALL!
Loving that prediction!

While I don't see him necessarily becoming a star player, I do like Scruggs upside and potential this season. Very good call.

[Zorn76]

We'll see Zorn. Most units take 2-3 years of consistent play with each other before they hit their stride, this is year two or three for ALL of the players on that line. The only way I see a claim to "there is no way there can be a significant step forward" is if the unit was so good there is little room to improve ( not the case) B) they are so bad that they can't improve ( not the case) or C) or they are so old that they can't improve because they have "hit their ceiling' ( not the case. MOST offensive lineman improve MOST between years 3-5, what years are Okung, Unger, Sweezy, and Carpenter entering/

I'll gladly accept the crow if they play like rubbish. Just remember your claim that there is "no way" they can do it. There's a LOT more factors that go into line play than people will readily recognise or admit, we'll see.

Actually, HC, what I said was "but in no way, shape, or form can they be banked on to improve significantly."

This isn't the same thing as saying there's "no way." The operative words are "banked on", meaning that we can't count on them to improve to the point where we shouldn't have OL as a top priority in this year's draft, IMO.

I'm hoping we show big time improvement with the existing group, since they have been on the team for several years now, as you noted. The hunch here, though, is that we bring in other rooks to at least challenge for a couple of these spots, and there's even a possibility that they turn out to be better than what we have in one case or another.

I just think we increase our odds of improving by adding new bodies to the group. And, again, if nothing else, that they would be good enough to be legit #2 depth. As far as Carpenter goes, I think he's only good for 2nd string material, getting the nod only through injury. He may end up being a roster cut as it is. The guy has been underwhelming in any context since he arrived.

[HumanCockroach]

We'll see Zorn. Most units take 2-3 years of consistent play with each other before they hit their stride, this is year two or three for ALL of the players on that line. The only way I see a claim to "there is no way there can be a significant step forward" is if the unit was so good there is little room to improve ( not the case) B) they are so bad that they can't improve ( not the case) or C) or they are so old that they can't improve because they have "hit their ceiling' ( not the case. MOST offensive lineman improve MOST between years 3-5, what years are Okung, Unger, Sweezy, and Carpenter entering/

I'll gladly accept the crow if they play like rubbish. Just remember your claim that there is "no way" they can do it. There's a LOT more factors that go into line play than people will readily recognise or admit, we'll see.

Actually, HC, what I said was "but in no way, shape, or form can they be banked on to improve significantly."

This isn't the same thing as saying there's "no way." The operative words are "banked on", meaning that we can't count on them to improve to the point where we shouldn't have OL as a top priority in this year's draft, IMO.

I'm hoping we show big time improvement with the existing group, since they have been on the team for several years now, as you noted. The hunch here, though, is that we bring in other rooks to at least challenge for a couple of these spots, and there's even a possibility that they turn out to be better than what we have in one case or another.

I just think we increase our odds of improving by adding new bodies to the group. And, again, if nothing else, that they would be good enough to be legit #2 depth. As far as Carpenter goes, I think he's only good for 2nd string material, getting the nod only through injury. He may end up being a roster cut as it is. The guy has been underwhelming in any context since he arrived.

I apologise, though, a "prediction" typically isn't anywhere close to a "bank on" situation. As for Carpenter we'll see, most have written him off, which I suppose is fair, I haven't, simply because he does indeed show "flashes" of dominant play. Carpenter problem IMHO is consistency ( at least at the guard position) and I just haven't become so fed up with the inconsistencies of his game to believe that after 3 seasons ( really 2 seasons of playing due to injuries and the aforementioned inconsistencies) that he never finds it. I ain't talking about Hutch type domination, but quality starter? Yeah I could indeed see that happening ( whether it be here or somewhere else).

He struggles in pass coverage ( given) but there are indeed those moments where he simply over powers the players in front of him, embarrasses them. I'm not sure if it's a focus thing, or a technique thing, I just know what I have noticed from play to play and series to series.

I do indeed have hopes for his play to even out. While I may be all by myself on that island, it isn't the first time and won't be the last so I am simply not stressing it.

[monkey]

As one of those people who is just about ready to write him off completely, I'll say this about Carpenter; the guy can flat out run block! He really opens some huge holes at times.
Then again, just like with his pass blocking (which is very questionable at times) he's inconsistent there too unfortunately.
I'm not sure whether it's an conditioning thing, or a mental thing or what it is, but sometimes he just seems to get beaten by people he ought to be eating for lunch, even while destroying people at other times...he's just wildly inconsistent still.

If he FINALLY shows up to camp in shape, and healthy, maybe, just maybe he'll start to be the player Cable thought he could be. I see the potential, though I need to see it reflected in the work he puts in before I buy in., but it IS THERE! It really truly is there. When he's on his game, the guy is an unbelievable load, and EASILY our best run blocker. EASILY. It's just that it only comes in flashes as yet.

[Zorn76]

Why do you want to see more pass attempts Zorn?
I know I don't!
The brilliance of the offense right now, the thing that is the best about it, is the fact that we run the ball first and foremost. The benefits of being a run first team cannot be approximated in any other way, not even in a "west coast offense" (though that's the closest you can get).
I'd much rather see us get even better at running the ball, with even better blocking up front.

I'd like to see us throw more with a healthy Percy Harvin on the field, for starters, and think it would help the running game even more if we did so. You can look at it either way - the run to set up the pass, or vice versa. But with PH back in the fold, I'd expect us to use him in a feature, starting role, without having to limit his PT because of injury.

We also have to consider Lynch's health as well. The guy has been a work horse since he arrived (901 carries over the last 3 seasons). That's a lot. And there's nothing about Beast Mode's style of running that lends itself to longevity, nor would he (or us) want him to play the game any other way. But he does have some back issues to think about, and he's approaching 1,800 rush attempts for his career. At his current pace (300 attempts per), that gives him 2 years ('14 and '15) to likely be as productive as he is now.

If we can lessen his load a bit while maintaining an effective offense, I think it would be wise to do so. Not saying we should become like the Saints, Packers, etc., in terms of being pass happy, but look to open up the playbook a bit more with RW being in his 3rd season now, and fresh off of winning a Lombardi.

That said, the X-factor in all this is pass protection, and to a lesser extent, if Christine Michael gets a chance to sniff the field more than just mop up time. It's the former that really matters. That's another thing to keep in mind - had our OL been better last season, we may have ended up throwing more to begin with. Marshawn is awesome, but sometimes we had no other choice than to run in order to keep Wilson from getting killed worse in several games.

I hoping, one way or another, that Beast gets enough of a break to be fresher for next postseason. I also think that with Harvin on the field, we end up increasing our scoring average by 2-3 points per game, which is huge considering the stellar defense that should produce along the same lines as 2013.

EDIT: No worries, HC, and I hope my posts didn't come across as taking a shot at your opinion. If I sounded harsh, I apologize. You're one of my favorite people in the forum, matter of fact, along with our mastermind monkey:)

[HumanCockroach]

No offense taken ( and to be fair, seldom do I feel that way, even with those I always seem to tangle with, which isn't you. No sweat).

[EntiatHawk]

I am actually really excited to see some of the young talent that in essence got red-shirted last year. If the system PC and JS are planning on this is the way it will have to be. Always having young developing players moving up to take spots when the get the chance.

Think about Lane, Simon, Johnson, Shead as DB's, Hill, Scruggs, Williams, Mayowa as D line, Michael at RB, Bowie, Bailey O-line. If we can just keep them developing and fitting in with all the other pieces the "Win forever" could be a good long run.

[NorthHawk]

OL does take time to 'gel', the problem is they have to play together to do so and we had a fire drill on the line last year and it wasn't much better the year before.
If we get 2 starters on OL, they might take a full year to really start to perform consistently at the NFL level.
In our division, we have to jump out the gate fast otherwise we could be like SF last year and get behind early.

On the other hand, last year the Bears had 2 rookie OL with Long and Mills who are considered by some to be one of the better young Linemen combos last year. However Cutler got injured twice after being hit (groin followed by ankle), but I don't know if it was one of the Rookie's fault with either.

[Eaglehawk]

Time will tell Monkey on this prediction. I think that he does have the potential to be a lights out Walter Jones type of player. And it does appear as if the lightbulb clicked on this off season.

[RiverDog]

I'm glad some of us are optimistic. I just don't see our current group of OL's as cutting it. Even our Pro Bowlers Okung and Unger have had their problems even when they've been healthy. It's the weakest area of our team, and hopefully we'll address it here in a couple of weeks.

[Eaglehawk]

I'm glad some of us are optimistic. I just don't see our current group of OL's as cutting it. Even our Pro Bowlers Okung and Unger have had their problems even when they've been healthy. It's the weakest area of our team, and hopefully we'll address it here in a couple of weeks.

I agree with you on Unger and Okung just for overall health reasons and failure to perform at times.
But S does have a huge upside, how far, is anyone's guess. I don't think its as great as Monkey seems to think, but you never know.

I earlier said he might approach WJ, but he is bit behind WJ's game. He's got to step up his game a bit. It's not impossible but a long road to hoe.

[NorthHawk]

Are you talking about Sweezy?
If so, he's a Guard so he will never get the attention Big Walt got.
Sweezy would compare to Futch if he does take a big step forward.
I hope he does become All Pro quality, but I wouldn't bet the family jewels on it happening.

[Vegaseahawk]

I am actually really excited to see some of the young talent that in essence got red-shirted last year. If the system PC and JS are planning on this is the way it will have to be. Always having young developing players moving up to take spots when the get the chance.

Think about Lane, Simon, Johnson, Shead as DB's, Hill, Scruggs, Williams, Mayowa as D line, Michael at RB, Bowie, Bailey O-line. If we can just keep them developing and fitting in with all the other pieces the "Win forever" could be a good long run.

This, in essence, is what "Win Forever" is all about in regards to the OL. Those of you who have read PC's book have insight to this philosophy. I, for one, am all in on this. It's why PC & JS aren't chasing sexy FA's, or trading up to draft top ranked, stud OL's. The zone blocking scheme is a system whereby the Seahawks bring in raw talent with qualities that they identify & develop. This process takes time. They then hone these players to tailor the system in place, & execute the master plan. This process takes 2-3 or sometimes, 4 seasons to develop & it explains the coaching staff's relative non response to the OL situation. They have a system in place, & they are trusting the process. I hadn't thought of the ramifications of this much until I read Monkey's post. Now that I have read it, & read "Win Forever", & listened to interviews of the Seahawks Mgt., it all makes even more sense to me. Of course, if the results don't match the investment, well, let's just say that PA is a patient man. A patience given even more free reign for his coaching staff in view of the fact that the Seahawks are Superbowl Champs. We shall see my friends, ...We shall see...

[Seahawks4Ever]

19-0 Two Super Bowls wins in a row. Jumping ahead, our Seahawks will be the first team to win 3 (count 'em) three Super Bowls in a row guaranteeing that they will always be in the conversation when the "greatest" NFL teams are discussed.

[NorthHawk]

I am actually really excited to see some of the young talent that in essence got red-shirted last year. If the system PC and JS are planning on this is the way it will have to be. Always having young developing players moving up to take spots when the get the chance.

Think about Lane, Simon, Johnson, Shead as DB's, Hill, Scruggs, Williams, Mayowa as D line, Michael at RB, Bowie, Bailey O-line. If we can just keep them developing and fitting in with all the other pieces the "Win forever" could be a good long run.

This, in essence, is what "Win Forever" is all about in regards to the OL. Those of you who have read PC's book have insight to this philosophy. I, for one, am all in on this. It's why PC & JS aren't chasing sexy FA's, or trading up to draft top ranked, stud OL's. The zone blocking scheme is a system whereby the Seahawks bring in raw talent with qualities that they identify & develop. This process takes time. They then hone these players to tailor the system in place, & execute the master plan. This process takes 2-3 or sometimes, 4 seasons to develop & it explains the coaching staff's relative non response to the OL situation. They have a system in place, & they are trusting the process. I hadn't thought of the ramifications of this much until I read Monkey's post. Now that I have read it, & read "Win Forever", & listened to interviews of the Seahawks Mgt., it all makes even more sense to me. Of course, if the results don't match the investment, well, let's just say that PA is a patient man. A patience given even more free reign for his coaching staff in view of the fact that the Seahawks are Superbowl Champs. We shall see my friends, ...We shall see...

7th rounders and Undrafted Free Agents are still there because they don't have the same degree of talent as earlier selections. That's a generalization and there's always the exception to the rule both up and down, but overall if you continually select from the bottom, the upside is limited no matter how good the coaching. That's how you end up with the McQuistans and Giacomini's. High effort guys who I admire for their tenacity, but they aren't really that good. If they selected players in the higher rounds, this 2 - 4 seasons might be reduced to just over 2 instead of waiting and hoping for the 4th year.
As well, if this is their philosophy, why didn't they trade down 2 or 3 times to get a bunch of 4th or 5th round (or later) picks regardless of position?

Here's a quote from Jeff Fisher and the Bills GM Doug Whaley regarding Tackles:

"“In this league today, you’re getting the same pass rusher from both sides, so it really doesn’t matter what side they’re on,” Fisher said.

Whaley further explained why the traditional thinking that left tackle is more important than right tackle is changing, by using an example from the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

“They have a ‘NASCAR’ package. That’s a package where they have a lot of speed on the defensive line coming at you in passing downs. That is what ‘Fish’ is alluding to. You need a right tackle nowadays as athletic as your left tackle,” Whaley said. “We’re excited about the depth at that position. … As soon as someone does something and has success with it, other people are going to start studying it and start copying it.”

Whaley said the idea that a right tackle isn’t good “value” at No. 9 is misguided.

“If he can plug and play and we forget about him for 10 years, why wouldn’t you? You’d have two bookend tackles.”"

Link to the entire article:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills ... l-20140425

[monkey]

On one hand Northawk, I agree with your reasoning there. I agree that you generally tend to get better players in higher rounds, and that if you have the chance to lock down a position for 10 years, you should.
Having said that, you also have to take the salary cap implications into it.
When Pete and John were putting together the long term plan for this team, they were absolutely counting on some of those later round, and un-drafted players to respond to their coaching, and become useful players at LOWER PRICES.
You need those types of players too, to fill out your roster. A team full of high rounders won't last more than a season together, because it will quickly become far too expensive.

So I agree with part of what you say, but with the caveat that any truly good team built for the long term, MUST include players that would fall into that category of less talented over achievers you talked about.
That's where the part of Pete's philosophy that talks about coaching those guys up become paramount.
Think about what has separated the Seahawks from other teams since Pete has arrived, and you'll quickly realize that it's NOT the players who were drafted in the first two rounds...it's those players who were drafted late, or even un-drafted that have really set the team apart from all the others. The guys the Seahawks picked late, or picked up as free agents who were undrafted, or even out of the league, those players got coached up to fit into Pete's system, and then blossomed big time; and that is what ultimately propelled the team to it's first ever championship.

[NorthHawk]

On one hand Northawk, I agree with your reasoning there. I agree that you generally tend to get better players in higher rounds, and that if you have the chance to lock down a position for 10 years, you should.
Having said that, you also have to take the salary cap implications into it.
When Pete and John were putting together the long term plan for this team, they were absolutely counting on some of those later round, and un-drafted players to respond to their coaching, and become useful players at LOWER PRICES.
You need those types of players too, to fill out your roster. A team full of high rounders won't last more than a season together, because it will quickly become far too expensive.

So I agree with part of what you say, but with the caveat that any truly good team built for the long term, MUST include players that would fall into that category of less talented over achievers you talked about.
That's where the part of Pete's philosophy that talks about coaching those guys up become paramount.
Think about what has separated the Seahawks from other teams since Pete has arrived, and you'll quickly realize that it's NOT the players who were drafted in the first two rounds...it's those players who were drafted late, or even un-drafted that have really set the team apart from all the others. The guys the Seahawks picked late, or picked up as free agents who were undrafted, or even out of the league, those players got coached up to fit into Pete's system, and then blossomed big time; and that is what ultimately propelled the team to it's first ever championship.

The salary cap has to be a factor. If they have decided that it's OK to have a yearly fire drill on the OL and stack it with overachievers and hope, then we just have to live with it.
The later round selections that turn into Pro Bowlers will have to get paid somewhere in their career - look at Sherman and Wilson - what about Maxwell in the next couple of years as well? If we find a few gems on the OL, great but what about when their contract is up - do we let them go or pay them what they are worth?

My concern has always been the protections of Wilson.
Here's an excerpt from Dave Boling of the News Tribune about our OL last year, and to me it's scary to think the QB might have a worse OL this year with the loss of Breno.
Some think Bowie is better - it has yet to be proven over the course of the year so it's in doubt.

The comment (writing about Wilson):
"Last season, he absorbed 51 sacks — 44 in the regular season and seven more in the playoffs.

Against San Francisco in the NFC title game, he was sacked four times and hit 10 times — somewhat savagely, at that. Certain teams make a clear commitment to laying hits on him. St. Louis sacked him 11 times with 18 hits in two games in 2013.

In the first San Francisco game last year, linebacker NaVorro Bowman decked Wilson with a hit that should have sent him to the locker room. Versus Tampa Bay, Wilson was obviously shaken up by a hit, which was later revealed to have caused a mild shoulder injury.

Actually, there are no mild injuries to a franchise quarterback; every one has the capacity to change the fortunes of a season.

Looking back at the 2013 stats, the Seahawks were the worst in the NFL in sacks per pass play.

On the list of most-sacked quarterbacks, Wilson was tied for third (44) with Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. Only Miami’s Ryan Tannehill (58) and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco had more (48).

Most indicting about the Seahawks’ protection is that those sack numbers have to be considered in light of the fact that Wilson had 244 fewer passing attempts than Ryan and 171 fewer than Tannehill.

Football Outsiders listed Wilson with league-highs in scrambles (51) and scrambles under heavy pressure (33). And all those are with the fewest pass attempts of any regular starter in the league.

Link to the whole story:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/05/0 ... 2/585/581/

[RiverDog]

The salary cap has to be a factor. If they have decided that it's OK to have a yearly fire drill on the OL and stack it with overachievers and hope, then we just have to live with it.

The later round selections that turn into Pro Bowlers will have to get paid somewhere in their career - look at Sherman and Wilson - what about Maxwell in the next couple of years as well? If we find a few gems on the OL, great but what about when their contract is up - do we let them go or pay them what they are worth?

My concern has always been the protections of Wilson.
Here's an excerpt from Dave Boling of the News Tribune about our OL last year, and to me it's scary to think the QB might have a worse OL this year with the loss of Breno.
Some think Bowie is better - it has yet to be proven over the course of the year so it's in doubt.

The comment (writing about Wilson):
"Last season, he absorbed 51 sacks — 44 in the regular season and seven more in the playoffs.

Against San Francisco in the NFC title game, he was sacked four times and hit 10 times — somewhat savagely, at that. Certain teams make a clear commitment to laying hits on him. St. Louis sacked him 11 times with 18 hits in two games in 2013.

In the first San Francisco game last year, linebacker NaVorro Bowman decked Wilson with a hit that should have sent him to the locker room. Versus Tampa Bay, Wilson was obviously shaken up by a hit, which was later revealed to have caused a mild shoulder injury.

Actually, there are no mild injuries to a franchise quarterback; every one has the capacity to change the fortunes of a season.

Looking back at the 2013 stats, the Seahawks were the worst in the NFL in sacks per pass play.

On the list of most-sacked quarterbacks, Wilson was tied for third (44) with Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. Only Miami’s Ryan Tannehill (58) and Baltimore’s Joe Flacco had more (48).

Most indicting about the Seahawks’ protection is that those sack numbers have to be considered in light of the fact that Wilson had 244 fewer passing attempts than Ryan and 171 fewer than Tannehill.

Football Outsiders listed Wilson with league-highs in scrambles (51) and scrambles under heavy pressure (33). And all those are with the fewest pass attempts of any regular starter in the league.

Link to the whole story:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/05/0 ... 2/585/581/

Nice post, North. I agree with you completely. Those sack numbers are horrifying, and are even worse when you consider that Russell is one of the best at scrambling to avoid sacks and does a good job of getting rid of the ball to avoid a sack. We risk turning him into another David Carr if we don't get him some relief soon. We'd damn well better pick up a couple of OL's in the draft.

[Eaglehawk]

Are you talking about Sweezy?
If so, he's a Guard so he will never get the attention Big Walt got.
Sweezy would compare to Futch if he does take a big step forward.
I hope he does become All Pro quality, but I wouldn't bet the family jewels on it happening.

Yup, my feelings exactly!