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TweetPhiladelphia Eagles sign Darryl Tapp to contract
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed newly acquired defensive end Darryl Tapp to a three-year contract. Read more...Bleacher Report Tue, 03/16/2010 5:23 AM
TweetNo Safety in Seattle: Seahawks Start Shaking Things Up
As expected, the Seahawks are starting to make some moves. Two days after signing tight end Chris Baker, the Seahawks cut starting safety Deon Grant, signed reserve receiver Ruvell Martin, signed defensive end Darryl Tapp to his tender and Read more...Bleacher Report Tue, 05/26/2009 10:40 AM
TweetNFL Week One Head-to-Head: Aaron Curry vs. Jason Smith
The Seahawks and Rams meet at Qwest Field on opening weekend with two rookies set to square up on their professional debuts. Aaron Curry will have an early chance to get acquainted with the 12th man in Seattle, whilst Jason Smith will be manning the ever important left tackle position for the visitors. Curry's role in Seattle The Seahawks selected 2008 Butkus Award winner Curry with the fourth overall pick as a direct replacement for the traded Julian Peterson. The former Wake Forest linebacker will line up as part of an exciting trio alongside Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. Last season, former defensive coordinator Jim Marshall used his linebackers heavily in blitz, often relying on Peterson's outside speed-rush threat especially when the Seahawks lost Patrick Kerney to IR after week seven. With Jim Mora taking the reins in 2009, a greater focus will be placed on the defensive line to create pressure and take up blocks—freeing the linebackers to make plays. Curry in particular will be used as a disruptive force in the running game, with greater coverage responsibility in the featured Cover 2. His pass rush duties are likely to be more limited than Peterson's previously, but he's still expected to put his hand to the ground on third down. Smith's role in St. Louis Jason Smith was drafted second overall by St Louis to be the focal point of a rebuilt offensive line. The Rams also added center Jason Brown during free agency as Steve Spagnuolo's new regime look for an immediate improvement in the trenches. The rookie head coach is likely to shape his offense in a similar form to his previous employers. The New York Giants enjoyed success the past two years (including victory at Super Bowl XLII) with a dominant ground game and a quarterback who can keep things ticking over. In Steven Jackson, the Rams have the kind of back they can lean on. Like Eli Manning, Marc Bulger is capable of managing things behind center. Smith's objective as a starting rookie will be to create plenty of holes for Jackson, while keeping Bulger upright in the passing game. Curry on tape Curry has an excellent build at 6'2" 252 lbs., bringing the kind of size and athleticism not previously seen in Seattle at the linebacker position. He is a capable blitzer, who looks like a heat seeking missile when running through inside traffic, while showing the necessary balance to get to the ball carrier. He has the speed (ran a 4.56 at the combine) and sudden burst to get upfield and shoot gaps. Curry is very good at beating the tight end in the running game, using his hands and strength to push his man backwards. This helps him stack and control at the line of scrimmage and, again, his balance is at the required level so he doesn't get knocked off his blocks. He was often used by Wake Forest deep behind the line of scrimmage, but arguably, he was at his best when closer to the line in order to use his burst to get into the backfield quickly. His coverage skills are debatable, on tape this looks like his greatest need for improvement. However, as a junior he registered four interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), which tied a NCAA record. His 226 return yards were a Wake Forest school record in 2007. He is a good tackler but sometimes goes high when he should go low, but he is strong enough to get the job done usually. Smith on tape Smith is a tall, lean offensive lineman (6'5" 309 lbs), who comes across as a very intelligent young man, who graduated prior to his senior year. This will no doubt aid his ability to pick up the playbook quickly as an immediate starter. He is an athletic specimen without really owning the kind of eye-catching qualities seen in other 2009 first round offensive tackles (for example, Eugene Monroe). He shows solid balance, which is crucial but also has the kind of required fluidity and quickness. Explosive from the snap and shows above average strength, but lacks a powerful hand punch. His technique is very raw and in need of polish, and he is susceptible to making poor cut blocks and liable to get in front of a defensive end without latching on. Smith has shown a nasty attitude, which is perfect for the running game. Physically dominant, he shows the instincts to immediately get to the second level and look for a linebacker to punish. At this early stage in his development, his run blocking is marginally stronger than his pass protection. With Smith on the line, Baylor averaged 195.8 rushing yards per game in 2008, including 29 touchdowns—the school's highest statistics since 1994. As part of the Bears' spread offense, he has never played in a three-point stance. Seahawks vs. Rams recent history The Seahawks have previously been able to smother the Rams at Qwest Field using great defense. By creating sufficient pressure up front, Seattle's linebackers have been able to flourish. In last season's 37-13 hammering, Julian Peterson recorded a sack and a forced fumble as the defense in general won the battle up front. In 2007, the Seahawks won, 33-6, with the defense totalling seven sacks, including one apiece for Peterson and Leroy Hill. On opening weekend this year, Seattle will be hoping to extend an eight-game winning streak against St Louis, stretching back to January 2005. Head-to-head: Curry vs. Smith Smith gets a baptism of fire during his first game in the NFL—he'll have to deal with the noisy 12th man in his debut. The Rams will look to establish the run early—the Seahawks defense allowed 110.5 rushing yards per game last year. Having released Torry Holt in the offseason, the Rams will be relying on younger receivers like Donnie Avery. Running the ball effectively early offers the best opportunity to open up the passing game. Aaron Curry will likely be Smith's main opponent at Sam linebacker. His ability to run through traffic and get to the ball carrier will make Steven Jackson an easy target, and it's up to Smith to pick up the linebacker in the second level. The Seahawks may put Cory Redding at right defensive end in order to create further problems for Smith—the former Lions' bulk taking up blocks to allow Curry extra running room. In 2008's encounter, Jackson was shut down after a bright start, totalling 66 yards on 23 carries. He did however, play a key role in St Louis' passing game—adding 62 yards on five receptions. Curry is very good at reading the screen pass, using his vision and instinct to run through traffic to locate the ball carrier. In this situation, it will again be up to Smith to explode off the line, push his first man back, and then find Curry quickly. Smith was credited with 96 knockdown blocks during his college career, a Baylor record. In passing situations, the main pass rushing responsibility will rest with Seattle's defensive line. Smith is more likely to face up to Darryl Tapp (4 sacks vs St Louis, 2007) or Patrick Kerney, depending on which side either start. On third down passing situations, Redding is likely to move inside with Curry pushing up to the line creating a Smith vs. Curry face-off. When the two engage on the field, Smith's best bet is to attack Curry from the side where he is susceptible to being blocked out of the play. If Curry can get good hand placement (and with Smith lacking a real power punch), he can use an arm swipe to break off and get around the lineman. Read more...Bleacher Report Mon, 05/25/2009 12:02 PM
TweetThe Tim Ruskell Years (2005-2009)
Since Tim Ruskell was appointed General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks the franchise has been to its first Super Bowl, cut a former NFL MVP and replaced a future Hall of Fame Head coach. Never a dull moment in the Ruskell era. Coming off a disappointing 4-12 season, the latest challenge is proving the 2008 season was merely an ill-fated one off. In reviewing Ruskell's tenure with the team, we can look ahead and judge just how important the upcoming months will be for the Seahawks. The perfect start Appointed GM in 2005 to replace the departing Bob Whitsitt, Ruskell couldn't have asked for a better first season in charge. Although most of the credit will rightly be offered to Mike Holmgren and the NFC champion roster, Ruskell deserves his fair share of praise. Upon arrival, he shipped out six starters who had previously featured in an under performing defense. In their place, a handful of key free agent signings and a A+ draft class - trading up in the second round to take Lofa Tatupu (who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie) and stealing Leroy Hill with a third round compensatory pick. Having laid out the tools, Seattle subsequently recorded a 13-3 record before reaching Super Bowl XL - the first in franchise history. Defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Detroit put an end to the fairy tale beginning, but the franchise had set the tone for future success. The years after XL Seattle continued to make the post season in 2006 and 2007 as NFC West champions. Injuries unsettled the team in '06, Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander both missed time. However, a 9-7 record was enough to break the Super Bowl curse - the Seahawks became the first team since the 1999 Titans to make the playoffs after losing the big one. Injuries continued to hamper the team heading into the off season and after a dramatic home victory over the Cowboys, Seattle eventually succumbed to the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks controlled the NFC West in 2007 and after a 10-6 regular season, defeated the Washington Redskins in the Wild Card round. A toothless display at Lambeau Field the following week again ended Seattle's hopes of a Super Bowl return - but with four consecutive NFC West titles and five successive post season appearances, football in Seattle had inherited a winning mentality. Until 2008. The 4-12 campaign that followed has been blamed on injuries and the proposed departure of Mike Holmgren. Approaching the 2009 season we'll discover if this truly was an unfortunate one off, or if there are deeper issues that need resolving. Ruskell the risk taker Tim Ruskell likes his players to be low risk on and off the field. It's ironic perhaps that the Seahawks GM has rolled the dice a few times himself over the years. The obvious example is the Steve Hutchinson situation. Choosing to use the transition tag instead of the franchise tag in 2006, Ruskell didn't bank on the Minnesota Vikings making a poison pill deal to take arguably the league's best interior lineman. In attempting to save a few dollars, the team lost a key component on their offensive line. Recently Ruskell was seen taking another gamble, albeit a seemingly more calculated one. Having drafted Aaron Curry and struggling to reach a long term agreement with the franchise tagged Leroy Hill, Ruskell removed the tag essentially making Hill a free agent. If Hill had signed with another team, the Seahawks would have lost a productive starter and the opportunity to line Curry alongside two excellent young linebackers. Ruskell won this bet, signing Hill to a 6-year $38m deal just before mini-camp. By losing the hefty franchise tag cap hit (Hill would have cost close to $9m) it allowed the team to add Ken Lucas and Justin Griffiths. The move is comparable to going all-in on a hunch and taking home the jackpot. Any time you chance your arm there's an element of risk. Tim Ruskell's era as Seahawks GM is no different. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The only guarantee is that Ruskell isn't likely to become any more conservative in the future. Draft success Thirty-six members of Seattle's current roster are their own draft picks. Ruskell has mastered the art of finding gem's in the middle rounds. Lofa Tatupu was an inspired second round choice in 2005 and has made three Pro-Bowls in his four year career. Leroy Hill and Brandon Mebaneare two third round picks that have become key components in the Seahawks defense. Seattle made an aggressive trade to select John Carlson in round two last year and were rewarded with a superb rookie season from the young tight end. The likes of Ray Willis, Darryl Tapp and Josh Wilson have added solid depth to the roster. The draft is always a lottery, but nobody can deny Ruskell hasn't had his fair share of success. In his first four years, from the thirty players selected by Seattle twenty-eight have made the team the year they were drafted. Few other GM's can claim to have had that level of success in the draft. There's always another side to the argument and it could be suggested that there's room for improvement when drafting in the always important first round. Chris Spencer (2005), Kelly Jennings (2006) and Lawrence Jackson (2008) have struggled to have an impact. The Seahawks will be hoping that this year's choice, Aaron Curry, can improve their fortunes in that department. Making big decisions Shaun Alexander was named NFL MVP in 2005 and afterwards, was rewarded with an 8-year $62m contract. By April 22nd, 2008, Alexander was a free agent. After a record breaking season and leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl, it would have been unthinkable for Ruskell to let Alexander walk as a free agent in 2006. But after a torrid 2007 campaign in which he played the majority with an injured wrist, Ruskell needed to make a big decision. Could the team afford to put their faith in a running back who had reached his 30's and crucially lost that yard of quickness and ability to make people miss? The Seahawks cut Alexander in one of the most dramatic falls from grace seen in the NFL. Ruskell signed Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in replacement. Alexander himself has been outspoken on the issue. "Sometimes, unfortunately, I was only compared to myself, you know what I mean? So it's like, 'Oh, you're not doing the same thing, we're getting rid of you.' So it's like, 'OK, who are you going to bring in to replace me?' "I don't even think they (Jones and Duckett) had combined the yards I had with a broken hand, a buckled knee, you know?" -Shaun Alexander The future success of Jones and Duckett will be judged in 2009, but the decision to cut Alexander was one that needed to be made with no sentimentality. Ruskell has never shirked the responsibility of making big moves. When the team has needed improvements, he's been aggressive to fix holes. This off season has been no different. In trying to hit back from 4-12, Seattle made a big splash to land T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They followed it up with an eye catching trade swapping Pro-Bowler Julian Peterson for Cory Redding. In the draft, getting Curry adds an instant impact but the maneuveringin round two - adding Max Unger and getting a 2010 first rounder from Denver - must be applauded. Looking ahead, more big decisions will need to be made by the Seahawks' front office in their attempt to regain the NFC West crown. The future Even despite last year's struggles, a case can be made for Ruskell being one of the safest GM's in the NFL. He enjoys a strong relationship with owner Paul Allen and has only recently appointed his own Head Coach in Jim Mora. Attention has been focused on recovery, not rebuild during the off season and expectations will be high for an improved season. Extra intrigue lays ahead with the potential of an uncapped year for a team containing a cash-rich owner, whilst ageing veterans such as Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones will one day need replacing. Even in Ruskell's relatively secure position he'll know more than anyone that if the difficulties faced in 2008 become a regularity, eventually questions will begin to be asked. The challenge now is to recapture that winning mentality and make it back to the post season in 2009. With Ruskell at the helm, it's sure to be an interesting ride. Read more...Bleacher Report Wed, 05/20/2009 7:26 AM
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