wide receiver

12th Man News: New Seattle Seahawks Players Will Compete to Play

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SEAHAWKS: State of the Wide Receivers

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Of Course It’s Largent, But Who’s Number 2 And 3?

After revieiwing my last few articles about the NFL lockout and how ridiculous both parties look at this point, I have decided to try a change of attitude by writing something a little more positive. 

All-Time Great Seahawks. 

I know this is a little cliche’.  Actually it’s ridiculously cliche’, but if I keep writing about the lockout I am going to give myself a concussion from beating my head against the wall.  Please indulge me in this positive pursuit and feel free to chime in with any grievances. 

I think the best way to begin is by position.  Wide Receiver it is then.

As I looked through the stats, filed through memories, watched youtube videos, and asked some various fans, I found myself using primarily three criteria to measure one player up against the next.  The criteria is listed in order of importance. … [visit site to read more]

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Was That Pass Interference on Ben Obomanu?

It was hard telling through binnoculars, but on the replay it looked bad.  I would be the first to admit that objectiveity sometimes becomes irrelevant during the heat of the moment, and this game was a super nova.  Just wondering what everybody else thought about that play. 

And just for the record, I have heard many fans complain about his key drop in the 4th qrt.  This was a clutch catch that could have costed the Hawks the game.  I would like to point out the fact that Obomanu seperated his shoulder, had it put back in place, and finished the game. 

It was a big drop.  I will grant you that, however, you can’t fault the moxxy of the guy.  In the end, and after the win, I say we give him that one.  He has outperformed expectations all season long and I highly doubt that it will ever happen again in such a crucial moment. 

Obo-Wan-Kenobi remains a jedi in my book.

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Deion Branch Deal is Great for Seattle

Yesterday, the Seattle Seahawks traded wide receiver Deion Branch to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick. Not a conditional late-round pick or garbage compensation, but a fourth-round pick.

What a coup for General Manager John Schneider and Seattle’s front office.

When the Deion Branch-to-New England rumors first started, it was assumed Seattle would receive no more than a late-round pick in any trade. Considering Randy Moss was just acquired by the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick, anything more than a sixth- or seventh-round pick would be ludicrous; Moss dwarves Branch in career accomplishments, late-career potential, physical size, overall skills.

Seattle’s incentive to trade Branch was to get the younger receivers more opportunity to play. Branch hasn’t been dominating or overly effective, so his exit only means players like Deon Butler and Golden Tate will receive additional opportunities on the field.

Like Houshmandzadeh’s departure, this deal is like addition by subtraction for the Seahawks.

In any trade for Deion Branch, it was obvious Seattle was going to try and recoup third- and fourth-round picks lost when the team acquired Charlie Whitehurst and Marshawn Lynch in separate deals.

When the rumors first started, a fourth-round pick or higher seemed ridiculous. The best the team could possibly hope for would be a conditional late-round pick that could become a fourth- or fifth-round pick based on player performance.

To obtain a fourth-round pick, it was assumed the Seahawks would undoubtedly need to include one of their own late-round picks with Deion Branch to make any deal attractive.

Instead, Seattle waited for a deal they wanted, in no rush to move Deion Branch without adequate compensation. When New England cooled on Branch, it was reported that the Seahawks were reaching out to other potential trading partners.

The Seattle Seahawks and John Schneider played this scenario like a genius.

The fourth-round pick won’t compensate for the first-round pick lost several years ago when Seattle acquired Branch, but these are separate deals. They cannot be compared with each other; Seattle probably overpaid to add a proven receiver to a competing playoff team, and New England slightly overpaid for much-needed veteran leadership and depth at the position.

I wish Deion Branch the best of luck in New England. In Seattle, he was often the recipient of harsh criticism – some warranted, some not.

In Seattle, he rarely impressed in the box score and never dominated opposing players, but Branch had never done that in his career prior to arriving in the Northwest.

In New England, he never started sixteen games in one season or compiled 1,000 receiving yards. He never caught double-digit touchdowns or over 100 passes in a single season. But he was a proven winner, excelled when games mattered most, and was a decent acquisition for the Seahawks when they were a real competitor in the NFC every season.

Markets change. Value changes. Players depreciate as they get older, just like any other asset. Seattle wasn’t going to get a first-round pick or anything close in return for Deion Branch. They did get a fourth-round pick, however, and kudos to John Schneider and the front office for pulling off such a magnificent deal for a franchise desperately needing draft stock.

Even though they’re separate deals, I suppose one could say the Seahawks swapped Deion Branch in exchange for running back Marshawn Lynch (both acquired for fourth-round picks). Lynch is only 24 years old and a former first-round pick – drafted the same year Branch was traded to Seattle.

Of course, you should never compare separate deals. But if wounds from 2007 have yet to heal, feel free to pretend the Seahawks never acquired Deion Branch and drafted Marshawn Lynch.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Deion Branch Trade Rumors

If you haven’t heard by now, there are several trade rumors involving the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Deion Branch.

The rumors surfaced following speculation from the Boston Herald, and continue today — although recent reports suggest any trade talks are preliminary and nothing more.

Ian Rapoport, a beat writer for the Boston Herald who covers the New England Patriots, fueled speculation earlier this morning via Twitter:

Patriots always in discussions with teams. Considering they lost a WR, that’s a focus. 1 team on preliminary talks is Seahawks

Rapoport followed up his initial report on The Boston Herald with an article published today:

But it may be time to add another familiar face to the discussion. The Patriots have been having preliminary talks with the Seahawks concerning former Pats receiver Deion Branch, I’m told.

At this point, the talks are not close and nothing is imminent. It’s more exploratory than anything. But there is no doubt that, within the team, this would be celebrated.

The Branch-to-the-Patriots discussions have been kicking around for a while, with Branch even saying he’d welcome a return recently.

“I still love Coach Belichick,” Branch told the Herald in February, “and if the opportunity presents itself to come back, I would love to be there.”

Stay tuned.

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Seattle Seahawks Decide Not to Pursue Vincent Jackson

Through the offseason and into the regular season, Seattle’s new front office has been quite difficult to figure out, to say the least.

When Tim Ruskell was in town, his moves were sometimes predictable. Predictable isn’t a great trait for a general manager, but Ruskell was egotistical and very disciplined in his philosophy on building a football team.

Ruskell wanted to obtain players who had won before. He wanted determined players with experience against the best competition, a team-first attitude, and a relentless work ethic. Most importantly, the player had to be of high character, a stand-up citizen, and well-behaved off the field.

Ruskell’s philosophy landed players like Deion Branch, Patrick Kerney, and Julius Jones. In the NFL Draft, Ruskell opted for experienced, “safe” picks like Kelly Jennings, Lawrence Jackson, and Aaron Curry.

We knew what to expect when Tim Ruskell was in charge. The new regime, however, is still somewhat mysterious.

We had no idea what to expect in last April’s draft. Some people thought John Schneider would submit to Pete Carroll and favor players from Southern California and the Pac-10 Conference. Others assumed the Seahawks would significantly reach for a quarterback like Jimmy Clausen or Tim Tebow.

Those who were eventually correct with their predictions will tell you even they weren’t certain what was going to happen.

As the offseason progressed and training camp opened, it was obvious the Seahawks were seeking a big-time playmaker at wide receiver. The team pursued Brandon Marshall, but was eventually outbid by the Miami Dolphins.

When the San Diego Chargers began fielding offers for Vincent Jackson, the Seahawks quietly joined several other franchises in pursuit of the disgruntled wide receiver. Jackson was holding out for a new contract and refused to play without one; the assumption was that San Diego would be willing to part with him for adequate compensation. Desperate for a big, physical wide receiver and obvious playmaker, the Seahawks showed serious interest.

The team was given permission by San Diego to discuss contract details with Vincent Jackson and his agents. One would have to assume the Seahawks had at least lightly discussed trade compensation with the Chargers as well.

Landing Jackson, while still possible but quite unlikely, would have been a huge acquisition for Seattle’s new front office. If Tim Ruskell were running the show, however, the Seahawks would have never even considered trading for Jackson.

Though he is a talented player, Jackson has a questionable off-field record. He is already facing a suspension this season for his second DUI, and investing so much in a repeat offender would be a huge gamble.

Schneider and Carroll were apparently willing to take a chance on Jackson. Until, that is, Braylon Edwards was arrested and charged with DUI earlier this week.

According to John Clayton, the Seahawks decided not to pursue Vincent Jackson any further when they found out about Edwards’ DUI. Because of Jackson’s two previous DUI charges, the team apparently decided they’re unwilling to take a chance.

It seems awkward Seattle would become indecisive following the news about Braylon Edwards. Without any additional knowledge of the situation, I have to assume that ownership stepped in and prevented any further pursuit of Vincent Jackson. Acquiring a player like Jackson would be wonderful on Sundays, but could quickly become a public relations nightmare for the franchise.

Seattle’s front office is still unpredictable; without any established patterns or obvious preferences, their next move is a mystery. For now, we can only hope for the best every Sunday.

Just don’t assume the obvious will happen on the following Monday.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Golden Tate Shines in Debut

Golden Tate was inactive in week one as the Seahawks rolled past the San Francisco 49ers at Qwest Field. Watching from the sidelines was obviously frustrating and Tate, like most athletes in the National Football League, is not used to riding the bench on game day.

Instead of resentment, however, Tate responded. He wasn’t critical of the coaching staff or didn’t rip the decision through the media. Tate waited for his opportunity and made the most of it.

“For me it was kind of a lesson learned. Don’t ever relax,” Tate told the media last week.

Tate’s debut on Sunday was a statement. Following a demonstration of big-play potential, it will be hard for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.

Despite only two targets and one catch, Tate led the Seahawks in receiving yards. He displayed amazing athleticism and ball skills on his lone 52-yard grab, almost single-handedly bringing Seattle back into the game. The Seahawks eventually turned the ball over on downs that drive, but it would have only been a two-score game had they put points on the board.

On his first touch in a regular-season NFL game, Tate returned a punt 63 yards to put the Seahawks in scoring position. Game-breaking ability was showcased as he made several defenders miss and dodged additional would-be tacklers. After Tate’s impressive return, the Seahawks drove a short field and scored their first touchdown of the day.

Tate returned another punt for 19 yards and averaged 41.0 yards per return. Unfortunately for Seattle, he was not the returner to open the game; Walter Thurmond muffed a punt earlier that gave Denver an easy scoring opportunity and eventual lead.

Head coach Pete Carroll has already announced that Golden Tate will return punts for the Seahawks moving forward.

Tate was one of the few bright spots from yesterday’s loss and offers potential moving forward. If the Seahawks are going to win, they need to give Golden Tate at least five touches per game.

He may be young, but Golden Tate is a playmaker. He is only going to get better.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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What Went Wrong With TJ?

I hate giving unproven free agents huge contracts based on one “break out” season.  I prefer the sure thing:  A guy who has a good 3 year average stat line.  That was supposed to be Tj Houshmandzadeh.  He averaged 98 catches, 1042 recieveing yards,  and 8 touchdwns a season for the Bengals over the last 3.  Those numbers dropped tremendously when TJ came to Seattle last year: 79, 911, 3.  So what happend?

1.  He was a Ruskell guy.  This has become a phrase I find myself stating a lot this off-season.

2.  I am not a salary cap expert, in fact, I find it quite confusing at times.  But I can’t help but think the Hawks are clearing his salary for the future.  My understanding is the Seahawks will face a significant cap penalty (as they are paying Housh $6.15 Mill to play for Baltimore) this year, but then will be better off the following season.

3.  Bad Attitude.  This guy never felt like a Seahawk to me.  He never took credit for his own mistakes, and he made sure to point out everyone else’s.  The only consistency he demonstrated was complaining about anything he was asked.   Every Time I think of him, an image of him throwing his arms up on the field pops up into my head.  I would much rather see an upcoming WR who is hungry to show what he can do rather than an overpaid ego who throws the rest of his team under the bus.

4.  He is not a #1.  During his days with the Bengals, Housh thrived because of the attention given to the opposite side of the field.  Really great wide recievers demand double coverage and are able to play through it.  When Housh came to Seattle, he was expecting to be one of those guys, and he wasn’t.  Notice that he will not be the featured reciever in the Ravens line-up.  He has learned his lesson.

I will not miss Housh one bit.  I struggle to find anything positive that came out of his single season with the Hawks.  I don’t despise him, as I did Steve Hutchinson, for leaving, but I am glad to see him go.  I don’t wish him luck or  failure.  I guess that as far as I am concerned, Housh was never really on OUR team.  He may have worn the colors for a year, but his brief stint in Seattle will soon be forgotten as each party moves forward into the future.  Expect for Housh to bad mouth Seattle through the upcoming season, especially if he experiences any success in Baltimore.

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T.J. Houshmandzadeh Officially Cut

Chris Mortensen is reporting the inevitable via Twitter:

Filed to ESPN on another expected move: TJ Houshmanzadeh has been cut

It is going to be a busy day for the Seahawks.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Report: Teams Have Made Offers for Houshmandzadeh

A trade still seems unlikely, but Joe Reedy of  the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, and Arizona Cardinals have all made offers to acquire T.J. Houshmandzadeh from Seattle.

Regardless of the report, most analysts are still reporting a trade won’t happen; it will be too difficult to move Houshmandzadeh’s $7 million guaranteed salary.

If you’re optimistic, however, it is a good sign that teams have made offers (if the report is accurate). If the Seahawks are truly committed to dumping Housh, trading him would be the best route. By releasing him, the Seahawks are on the hook for millions of dollars and lose their leading receiver from 2009 without compensation.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Vincent Jackson to Seattle Still Possible?

The Seahawks are moving on without T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and younger receivers on Seattle’s roster should benefit from his departure. Mike Williams, who many considered wasted talent prior to last month, will have an opportunity to start at wide receiver. Golden Tate, Deon Butler, and other younger receivers will have a lot of balls thrown their way with T.J. out of the picture.

For now, the Seattle Seahawks are supposedly committed to the young players on their roster. But with Houshmandzadeh presumably leaving town, there are widespread rumors the Seahawks will seek another younger, more capable replacement.

The Seahawks have obviously been interested in acquiring Vincent Jackson from San Diego for some time. According to rumors, Houshmandzadeh’s release could be a step towards a possible trade that would bring Jackson to Seattle.

Seattle was given permission last month to speak with Jackson’s representatives – to discuss contract details, presumably – but nothing materialized in terms of a trade. The Seahawks reportedly balked at Jackson’s request for a five-year, $50 million contract.

Could Houshmandzadeh’s inevitable release mean the Seahawks will reconsider Vincent Jackson? Not likely. But a recent article from the San Diego Union-Tribune creates a bit of intrigue.

According to the article, Jackson may be willing to accept less than what was originally reported:

The Jackson camp has made it known in various media reports the past week their price is not currently that high.

In fact, it is possible the one-year deal for somewhere around $7 million that those close to Jackson said last month that he would be amenable to could be what he eventually accepts from another team. However, such a deal would bring less compensation in trade for the Chargers and could preclude a trade from happening since Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is known to appreciate compensatory draft picks when an unrestricted free agent leaves.

Right now, there is nothing to report regarding the Seahawks and Vincent Jackson. But things develop quickly in the National Football League – like Seattle cutting ties with Houshmandzadeh – and a rumor could quickly turn into breaking news.

Whether the Seahawks are still in the mix for Jackson is uncertain, but expect Jackson to be moved soon if the Chargers can find a deal to their liking. The Chargers dealt for former Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton today and appear ready to move forward with or without Jackson.

After 3 PM on Saturday, Jackson will be suspended for six games instead of three since San Diego placed him on the Roster Exempt List. Jackson is suspended for the first three games of the season due to multiple DUI arrests, and would have to sit out three additional games after reporting if a deal isn’t completed by Saturday afternoon.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Seahawks Prepared to Cut Ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Whether he is traded or released, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will no longer be a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are prepared to move forward without Housh:

The Seattle Seahawks will cut ties with T.J. Houshmandzadeh by trading or releasing him, according to two league sources, and it will promote former Detroit first-round draft pick Mike Williams into its starting lineup for a Sept. 12 game against San Francisco.

A trade would obviously be the most preferable option for the Seahawks. By trading Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks would not only receive compensation – albeit minimal – they would also be able to dump his large contract on another franchise.

But Houshmandzadeh’s contract, signed last year while Tim Ruskell was making decisions, makes a trade unlikely.  Houshmandzadeh is guaranteed over $7 million in 2010 and has four years remaining on his original five-year deal.

By releasing Housh, the Seahawks would be on the hook for his guaranteed 2010 salary. Even though Paul Allen’s pockets seem bottomless, $7+ million is a lot to pay a player who isn’t on the team.

In addition to Houshmandzadeh’s guaranteed salary in 2010, Schefter says his contract includes offset language that makes Seattle liable to pay whatever a new team doesn’t:

So if Houshmandzadeh were to sign a veteran minimum deal of $850,000, the Seahawks would be liable for the remaining $6.15 million balance.

Seattle signed Houshmandzadeh to a five-year, $40 million contract last offseason, and Seattle will wind up having paid him $15 million for his one season with the Seahawks.

If the Seahawks are unable to generate a deal, Houshmandzadeh will be able to pick a new team of his choice. And whatever team he chooses will be getting one hell of a bargain, courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks and Paul Allen’s wallet.

By moving on without T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the front office is sending a clear message that their plans are to rebuild for future success. Seattle’s younger players will definitely play a prominent role this season.

With Tim Ruskell gone, none of his former acquisitions are safe. This is John Schneider’s (and Pete Carroll’s) team and only “their” players are protected.

“Sometimes you get a feeling when you’re that stepchild,” Josh Wilson told reporters following his trade to Baltimore. “You have feelings for your stepkids, you want to take care of them, but you don’t care of them like your own kids.”

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was Tim Ruskell’s big-time acquisition, and John Schneider is prepared to move on without him.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh Out, Vincent Jackson In?

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has an interesting report regard the T.J. Houshmandzadeh trade rumors. Of course, the Minnesota Vikings were the losers – or winners, I suppose – of the Houshmandzadeh sweepstakes last year but could have a shot at landing him if he becomes available.

Besides considering a “second shot” at acquiring Houshmandzadeh, Judd Zulgad, who wrote the article, mentions that the Seahawks could be looking to create room for another big-contract player: Vincent Jackson.

The Seahawks have been rumored to have serious interest in acquiring Jackson from the San Diego Chargers, but the price of compensating San Diego and a new contract may be too high.

From Zulgad’s article:

Now it appears the Vikings could have another shot at Houshmandzadeh – if they are interested. The Seahawks are actively shopping Houshmandzadeh, according to NFL sources. The story was first reported this afternoon by Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.

Seattle is believed to be trying to unload Houshmandzadeh because it would like an opportunity to clear salary cap space to potentially add disgruntled San Diego wide receiver Vincent Jackson in a trade. Houshmandzadeh is due to make $7 million plus guaranteed this coming season.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Seattle Seahawks Trying to Move T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Earlier this week, Brock Huard of 710 ESPN in Seattle discussed T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s future in Seattle. Huard pointed out that Houshmandzadeh may not fit in Seattle’s plans and could possibly be cut when the team trims down to 53 players this weekend.

According to Huard, Houshmandzadeh is a better fit as a slot receiver. Houshmandzadeh, however, may not be willing to accept a lesser role with the Seahawks. If his attitude becomes problematic and he doesn’t fit into future plans, the Seahawks might actually benefit from cutting him.

Last year, Houshmandzadeh signed a five-year deal, $40 million contract with the Seahawks. It wasn’t John Schneider’s deal, but the team still has a lot invested in Houshmandzadeh. Cutting him seems pointless, especially considering he is guaranteed more than $7 million in 2010.

Houshmandzadeh may be a  better fit in the slot, but he was still Seattle’s most productive receiver in 2009. Though his statistics weren’t Pro Bowl worthy, Housh did catch 79 passes for 911 yards.

If the Seahawks cut Houshmandzadeh, they would be on the hook for a ton of money and lose their most productive receiver from the previous season. Planning for the future is okay, but dumping Houshmandzadeh without compensation seems foolish.

Today, several sources have reported the Seahawks are actively shopping Houshmandzadeh. They’re only rumors now, but a trade makes sense for Seattle if they’re looking to move forward without T.J.

From Jason La Canfora, who first reported the rumor via Twitter:

SEA trying to move TJ Houshmandzadeh, but unlikely anyone takes him on. WR due to make $7M-plus guaranteed in ‘10. He’s available, though.

A trade would definitely be preferable. But as La Canfora points out, there aren’t many teams who would be willing to deal for him – especially if the Seahawks are seriously considering cutting him.

T.J. is 32 years old and his salary is guaranteed in 2010. The Seahawks will be hard-pressed to find a trading partner; youth is always preferred around the league, and most teams will stay away from large, guaranteed contracts.

If Houshmandzadeh can remain a productive component of Seattle’s offense, the Seahawks should probably just retain him. John Schneider and Pete Carroll are obviously not fans of step children, but it would be too difficult to move every acquisition from the Tim Ruskell era.

If the Seahawks part ways with Housh, the team is sending a clear sign they’re planning to win tomorrow instead of today.

It has already been a busy week for the Seahawks and the rumors continue piling up. Pay attention; the next few days could be very interesting.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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