wide receiver
Deion Branch and His Last Chance at Redemption
When Deion Branch came to Seattle for the 1st round pick (24th) in 2006, nobody seemed to mind.
The words, “Super Bowl MVP” just floated out of fans’ mouths, Tim Ruskell couldn’t wait to get his hands on, what seemed to be, a key component of the unstoppable New England Patriots’ offense, and Branch was equally excited to get paid after posting career numbers in receptions (78) yards (998) and touchdowns (5) in 2005. Fans collectively held their breathe and watched… knowing what was about to come… waiting for him to explode… any minute now…
Four seasons later, fans are no longer waiting. The only thing they have demanded as of late concerning Deion Branch is that he be traded or released. The Seahawks and their fans made a time honored mistake by giving too much credit where it had never been earned. They organization took a gamble on what looked to be the MAKINGS of an elite wide receiver only to wake up to the reality of the last four seasons.
Deion Branch has never been an elite wide receiver in the NFL. Not with New England and certainly not with Seattle.
Granted, Branch has had some big games when it counted. In 2 consecutive Super Bowls he caught 21 passes (3rd all time) for a total of 276 yards. And in his last game as a Patriot, a Divisional playoff loss to the Broncos, he racked up 153 yards. But if you look at his career statistics during the regular season, especially as a Seahawk, he starts to look a lot less spectacular:
Branch has never had a 1000 yard season.
Branch has never had more than 5 touchdowns in a single season.
Branch’s highest reception total for a season is 78. His next highest is 58.
Branch has only played in 33 of Seattle’s last 48 games.
The problem is that Seahawks fans thought they were getting a Franchise guy. They thought they were getting someone who was closer to Steve Largent than he was to Darrell Jackson. Unfortunately, Branch lost sight of Largent and fell right past Darrell Jackson into a pool of overpaid obscurity bearing the judgment and harsh criticism of the majority of Hawk fans.
Deion Branch is the classic Ruskell guy in that his personality and work ethic are off the charts. He’s the type of guy that will have the younger players over for dinner. He helps acclimate new players to life in Seattle. He has the biggest smile in the locker room, and he never misses anything regarding his job.
But when it came to his job, he never got any better.
Branch has been one of the most overpaid wide receivers in the NFL since coming to Seattle. The Patriots knew what they had in Branch: a hard working, intelligent, and well liked receiver who was capable of coming up huge from time to time in a big game, but by no means was he ever going to accumulate the type of seasons Randy Moss has put together since becoming a Patriot. New England decided to “Franchise” Branch, even though he was not a “Franchise” player, in hopes that some other sucker in the NFL would give him a nibble.
Tim Ruskell swallowed the whole hook signing Branch to a contract which has paid him over 27 million concluding the 2009 season.
At this point, the expectations placed on Branch changed immensely. Fans looked at the contract before they looked at the statistics. They looked at his contract after each of his many injuries. Regardless of any reason Branch did not perform on a given week, fans pointed to the contract.
One of my all-time favorite wide receivers in Seahawk history will always be Bobby Engram. He had big moments in big games. He seemed to be the anchor for his position as well as his team at times. I hated to see him go, but understand why he is gone. In more ways than one, Engram may be a window into how New England fans felt about Branch. Two players with similar salaries always giving us just a little bit mor than we payed them for.
That all changed for Branch from the minute he and his salary arrived in Seattle. Seahawk fans would never be allowed the luxury of taking him for granted.
I looked up statistics on both players. In Engrams case, I only used his 8 years in Seattle. In Branch’s case, I averaged his career numbers (8), as well as his numbers in Seattle (4) and New England (4).
Engram vs. Branch
Deion Branch
Careers Averages:
49 receptions per year
623 yards per year
3.5 touchdowns per year
Patriots Averages:
53 receptions per year
686 yards per year
3.5 touchdowns per year
Total Salary: 2.64 million
Seahawks Averages:
44 receptions per year
558 yards per year
3.5 touchdowns per year
Total Salary: 27.46 million
Bobby Engram
50 receptions per year
607 yards per year
2.25 touchdowns per year
Total salary: 10.01 million
* it is important to note that Engram’s total salary is over the course of 8 years while Branch’s is over 4 years. In other words, a more fair comparison would involve cutting Engram’s Total salary down to 5.05 million.
There is absolutely no way Branch could ever give as much as Bobby Engram did to the Seahawks at this point in his career. The hole many fans have thrown Deion into is a dark cavernous place where expectations go to die. If you listen closely enough, one can sometimes hear the occasional scream from the likes of Dan McGwire, Lamar King, or Marcus Tubbs.
Although the chance for Branch to earn his money has passed, the chance for him to earn the respect of his fans, teammates, and organization may still hang in the balance. Branch is suited best for the slot position, especially when considering his height, 5′ 9“. His experience will be more important than his athletic ability, and he just looks a lot better when matched up against a nickel corner (For the Seahawks that would be Kelly Jennings) than a team’s number one. (Marcus Trufant).
I find myself waiting for Deion Branch one more time this season, however, my expectations have evaporated into one last mist of hope. I don’t expect 1000 yards, but I am hoping for a dependable 1st down target. I don’t expect 10 touchdowns anymore, but I sure hope he can stay healthy.
Will he ever earn the money he received? No.
Will he be more succesful in his new role? Yes
Will he have enough time to untangle a portion of his relationship with Seahawk fans?
Tags: Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, football, injury, National Football League, NFC West, nfl, Opinion, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Tim Ruskell, wide receiver
Posted in: Seahawks | 2 Comments »
Seahawks to Vincent Jackson: Thanks, but No Thanks
After the Miami Dolphins acquired Brandon Marshall, they rewarded him with a five-year $47.3 million contract. Marshall, considered by many to be an elite receiver, has averaged 102 catches, 1,237 yards, and 8 touchdowns per season since 2007.
Earlier this week, John Clayton reported that Vincent Jackson is asking for a similar five-year deal worth $50 million with $30 million guaranteed. According to Clayton, the Seahawks basically told Jackson thanks, but no thanks.
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported a similar number, saying that Jackson’s agents want compensation comparable to Marshall, Lee Evans, Roy Williams, and Roddy White.
From Cole’s article:
All four of those other wide receivers, whose stats are comparable to Jackson’s at the point where they got a new contract, received deals that included at least $27 million in the first three years. Marshall, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins this past offseason, received the most recent and most lucrative deal among that quartet with $28.5 million.
The comparison to Marshall also is important because Marshall has a long history of off-field problems. Jackson has been suspended for the first three games of this season after pleading guilty to a second charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Prior to getting a new contract, Marshall was suspended earlier in his career, and has had at least four run-ins with the law. Among those are a domestic violence charge and a DUI charge.
To acquire Vincent Jackson, the Seahawks not only have to give him a huge, long-term contract, but they will also have to compensate the San Diego Chargers. And while it is uncertain whether the Chargers are seriously considering trading Jackson, A.J. Smith will not undersell one of his most talented assets.
Jackson is talented and productive, but bringing him to Seattle would require a huge investment.
The decision makers in Seattle’s front office are wise enough to make the correct choice; investing so much in another wide receiver may not be the best option right now.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: A.J. Smith, Brandon Marshall, contract, contract details, football, John Schneider, Lee Evans, nfl, Roddy White, Roy Williams, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, trade, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Seahawks Still Interested in Vincent Jackson
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly been granted written permission by the San Diego Chargers to discuss contract terms with wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
This doesn’t necessarily mean a trade is imminent – several sources have indicated that Seattle and San Diego are still far from completing a deal – but it could be the smoke that signals fire. And the news is definitely refreshing for anyone who wanted to see the Seahawks acquire Vincent Jackson.
For much of the offseason, the Seahawks have supposedly been interested in acquiring Vincent Jackson. They reportedly considering signing him as a restricted free agent, but Jackson never signed his tender. The San Diego Chargers have never made it clear if Jackson is available via trade, either.
Jackson, 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, is the type of playmaker the Seahawks desperately need to help their offense. The San Diego Chargers were trying to retain Jackson with a long-term deal, but both sides became somewhat disgruntled through difficult offseason negotiations.
When Jackson refused to sign a one-year tender of $3.268 offered by San Diego, the team reduced the value to $583,000. To make things even more difficult, San Diego told Jackson he would be placed on the Roster Exempt List if he didn’t sign the reduced tender by yesterday. The designation means Jackson would be ineligible to play for three games following the day he signs and that he has to report by Week 8 in order to get his six games and accrued season.
Jackson has developed into one of the more productive deep threats in the National Football League, averaging over 17 yards per catch last season. San Diego seemed hesitant to pay him like a premier receiver, possibly due to minor problems off the field. Jackson has twice been charged with driving under the influence and is facing a three-game suspension whenever he plays again for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Like most premier players, however, the off-field issues may be worth dealing with if Jackson is productive. The last two seasons, he has averaged 64 catches, 1,133 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
In 2009, Seattle wide receivers averaged 11.5 yards per reception and caught only 8 touchdowns as a group. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who had the most success statistically, caught 79 balls for 911 yards (11.5 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns. It is obvious that Seattle desperately needs a playmaking wide receiver who is capable of stretching the field vertically, and Vincent Jackson would immediately add credibility to an offense that averaged only 17.5 points per game last season.
Like any valuable asset, however, the San Diego Chargers will probably demand lofty compensation for their disgruntled wide receiver. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith already received a nice package from Seattle for Charlie Whitehurst, so expect him to accept nothing less than face value for Jackson.
Of course, the most reasonable comparison to Vincent Jackson is Brandon Marshall, who cost the Miami Dolphins a pair of second-round picks in consecutive years. Marshall is a more legitimate playmaker and one of the best receivers in the league, but acquiring Jackson will probably cost Seattle a similar fee.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: A.J. Smith, Brandon Marshall, football, John Schneider, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Popular, Roster Exempt List, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, trade, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Golden Tate Signs Contract
Praise God!!! Terms and conditions have been reached for the seattle seahawks! Let’s play ball!
Thanks to Golden Tate via Twitter, we have learned the rookie wide receiver has been signed to a four-year deal and will be present on the first day of training camp.
According to sources, Tate’s contract is worth $3.261 million, and includes a $1 million signing bonus. Overall, $1.471 million of the deal is guaranteed.
I suppose a maple bar joke is appropriate here ($3.261 million can buy X amount of donuts), but I’m just happy to hear Tate has been signed.
Russell Okung and Earl Thomas, Seattle’s two first-round selections, remain unsigned.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: contract details, football, Golden Tate, News, nfl, rookie, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, training camp, wide receiver
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Dez Bryant: Just Carry the Pads
Just about a year ago, I remember watching the conclusion of a practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. It was Jim Mora’s first training camp, and Aaron Curry’s first practice.
Curry, who had been drafted fourth overall only months earlier, was a late arrival to training camp because of contract negotiations. For the fans, it was a pleasant sight when number fifty-nine finally ran out of the building and onto the practice field.
At the end of practice, Aaron Curry lugged the equipment of four or five players – both shoulder pads and helmets – to the fence line where fans had lined up. Dropping the equipment momentarily, Curry met with fans and signed autographs before he was summoned back to the training facility. Looking like someone who had enjoyed his brief exposure to the National Football League, Curry retrieved the equipment of his teammates and jogged off the practice field.
Curry was a rookie in the National Football League. Traditionally, rookies carry equipment off the field for the veterans.
Earlier this week in Dallas, however, rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant refused to follow tradition.
Are you kidding me? Dez, pick up the damn pads and stop complaining. As a rite of passage, more talented prospects and higher draft selections have done it before you.
I suppose we’re watching the next prima donna wide receiver develop before our eyes.
I understand carrying the shoulder pads of a veteran player is somewhat silly. Especially unreasonable in Bryant’s situation, where the pads belong to someone who you’re competing with for playing time. But it is tradition, and Dez Bryant is not more deserving or special than other rookies in the league.
Like Aaron Curry, Bryant’s accomplishments in college don’t matter anymore. His status as a first-round draft pick is irrelevant. In the NFL, Bryant is unproven; sometimes rookies need to be reminded of that after they’re compensated like superstars.
Since I don’t care much for the Dallas Cowboys, I don’t mind that Dez Bryant is averting tradition. I hope the Cowboys invested a first-round draft pick in a selfish, prima donna wide receiver who is talented, but problematic. Maybe there is a reason why so many other teams passed on Bryant, who was supposedly more talented than any other wide receiver in the 2010 draft.
But I also wouldn’t mind seeing Bryant dumped into a cold tub of ice or experience some additional rookie hazing since he avoided the easier route.
Some people will defend his actions, but I don’t see what his problem is. Amongst his peers in the NFL, Dez Bryant is just another guy who needs to prove his worth at the professional level.
Pick up the pads and get over yourself.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Aaron Curry, Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant, football, Jim Mora, National Football League, nfl, NFL Draft, pads, Pete Carroll, rookie, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, training camp, VMAC, wide receiver
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San Diego Chargers Willing to Trade Vincent Jackson
It could be time to start thinking about Vincent Jackson again.
While I don’t think it will – or should – happen, the Seahawks have shown interest in acquiring Jackson this offseason. And the Chargers, who were originally opposed to dealing their productive receiver, have apparently opened up to the idea of a trade.
The Chargers are facing tough personnel decisions with offensive tackle Marcus McNeil, Jackson, and perhaps linebacker Shawne Merriman becoming holdouts. Merriman should be a little easier to deal with, but McNeil and Jackson could become ugly holdouts that last well into the regular season.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith recently said he might be willing to trade Vincent Jackson, but Marcus McNeil probably isn’t going anywhere.
It is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on; the rumor mill identifies Seattle as one of San Diego’s likely trading partners (probably because of an admitted interest in acquiring Jackson). But what franchise, if the price is right, wouldn’t want to add a Pro Bowl talent to its roster?
The Seahawks were interested in trading for Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason. They were linked to T.O. rumors before head coach Pete Carroll abruptly shot them down. They invested a second-round pick in the NFL Draft on Golden Tate, a talented prospect out of Notre Dame.
It seems obvious the franchise would like to upgrade its group of wide receivers. But at what cost?
To acquire Brandon Marshall, the Miami Dolphins sent two second-round picks to Denver and rewarded the disgruntled wide receiver a huge, new contract. But Miami is a possible contender, and the Seahawks are clearly rebuilding.
Parting with second-round picks in consecutive years would be counterproductive for a rebuilding team; spending cash on skilled positions is pointless when you’re thin in the trenches. A rebuilding team needs to focus on acquiring as much young talent as possible, and in my opinion, should build from the inside-out.
I don’t think the San Diego Chargers want to get rid of their Pro Bowl talent. They’d probably prefer to retain Vincent Jackson and other potential holdouts.
But if A.J. Smith is willing to deal Jackson, don’t expect the price tag to be any cheaper than Brandon Marshall’s.
If Smith was able to play the market and receive compensation greater than the tender for Charlie Whitehurst, do you really think he’ll except anything less than what Jackson is worth? Jackson isn’t as productive as Marshall, but their value should be similar in a trade.
If Vincent Jackson is available, would you want the Seattle Seahawks to pursue him? And at what cost?
Now that the Chargers are reportedly willing to at least consider trading Jackson, expect the rumors to pick up steam again. And for no other reason than previous interest, the Seahawks will probably be the first team mentioned.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Brandon Marshall, Charlie Whitehurst, football, Golden Tate, holdout, Marcus McNeil, Miami Dolphins, nfl, Pete Carroll, Pro Bowl, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Terrell Owens, trade, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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The Seahawks Won’t Sign Terrell Owens
It seemed like the T.O.-to-Seattle rumors would never die. Not until he signed with another team, at least.
Last month, general manager John Schneider said the team was not actively pursuing Terrell Owens. Confident in their current receivers, Schneider said T.O. would only be a consideration under drastic circumstances.
But the Seahawks remained a possible destination in the rumor mill.
John Clayton of ESPN.com wrote earlier this week that if T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Deion Branch take a step backward with their health, the first call will be to Terrell Owens. According the Clayton, Owens remains on Seattle’s radar in case of emergency.
The rumors continued. This offseason, the Seahawks failed to land a premier wide receiver like Brandon Marshall or Vincent Jackson. No one considers Terrell Owens an elite receiver anymore, but the Seahawks seemed desperate for help. Rumormongers claimed Owens wouldn’t be the answer, but a suitable alternate for a desperate football team.
According to Adam Schefter via Twitter, Drew Rosenhaus (Owens’ agent) is very confident Terrell Owens will have a new deal within weeks. We have heard this nonsense from Rosenhaus before, but this statement put Seattle fans on high alert.
Could Terrell Owens be close to a deal with Seattle? Are the rumors true?
Will the same receiver who stole Seattle’s spotlight on Monday Night Football in 2002 return to Qwest Field as a Seahawk?
No. And barring drastic circumstances, this rumor is dead.
Yesterday on 710 ESPN in Seattle, Pete Carroll said the Seahawks would not sign Terrell Owens. Carroll likes Owens, but the Seahawks are apparently comfortable with their current group of wide receivers.
Citing confidence in the experienced receivers and eagerness to develop younger players, Carroll confidently shot down the T.O.-to-Seattle rumor.
“That’s not the right guy for us at this time,” Carroll said on the Kevin Calabro show yesterday.
Crazier, more unexpected things have happened, but don’t expect Terrell Owens to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Brandon Marshall, Deion Branch, Drew Rosenhaus, football, John Schneider, nfl, Pete Carroll, Rumors, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, T.O., Terrell Owens, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Best of the NFC West: Wide Receivers
Three wide receivers will be selected to represent the NFC West. Feel free to share your opinion, and don’t forget to vote!
Wide Receivers
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald could very well be the best wide receiver in the National Football League. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills compare with the best pass-catchers of all time. Since Fitzgerald was drafted third overall in 2004, he has averaged 87 catches, 1,178 yards, and 10 touchdowns per season (including his rather pedestrian rookie campaign).
Arizona Cardinals: Steve Breaston
Breaston has developed into a quality receiver at the professional level after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. With Anquan Boldin out of Arizona, he’ll finally have an opportunity to start full-time with the Cardinals. Though Breaston’s opportunities have been minimal, he has started 15 games in three seasons. In 2008, Breaston’s best season so far, he started nine games and caught 77 balls for 1,006 yards and 3 touchdowns.
San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree
Crabtree is best known for a prima-donna attitude entering the 2009 NFL Draft and a lengthy hold out that cut his rookie season short. But in 11 games last year, Crabtree proved he is a talented prospect and can easily develop into one of the league’s better receivers. In an abbreviated rookie season, Crabtree caught 48 passes for 625 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Houshmandzadeh came to Seattle following an impressive eight-year run with the Cincinnati Bengals; although his statistics were respectable in his first year with the Seahawks, they could have been much better. With the Seahawks, Houshmandzadeh caught only 79 passes for 911 yards and 3 touchdowns. And at 32 years old, Houshmandzadeh would probably perform best in a limited role as the second or third option. Despite his imperfections, however, Housh still is an excellent possession receiver capable of running precise routes and producing with the best of them.
Seattle Seahawks: Deion Branch
Though he has disappointed in Seattle, Branch remains a candidate for this list because of his body of work. He may not be a Pro Bowl receiver, but he is very capable and can produce when healthy. Despite his potential, however, Branch has only played an entire sixteen-game schedule once, has never had a 1,000-yard season, or caught more than 100 passes. His average size – 5-foot-9, 192 pounds – doesn’t allow him to beat larger, more physical defensive backs or press coverage. At least his Pete Rozelle trophy keeps him warm at night.
St. Louis Rams: Donnie Avery
Avery was the first receiver taken in the 2008 NFL Draft and has developed into one of the only offensive threats on a poor St. Louis Rams roster. Despite inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of playmakers around him, Avery has proven his worth at the professional level. Around a more talented group, Avery would no doubt have better production and statistics to support his talent.
Shaun Dolence’s take:
Larry Fitzgerald is a no-brainer here. He is one of the best receivers in the NFL and belongs on any team of All-Star athletes.
Steve Breaston and Donnie Avery are intriguing options, but I’m not sure I’ve been impressed enough yet. Breaston is close, but he is still playing in the shadow of Fitzgerald in Arizona.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh may not be a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver anymore, but given the list of candidates, I think he deserves a spot on a three-deep roster of wide receivers. I’m usually biased towards Seahawks players, but I sure don’t think Deion Branch deserves a nod. Maybe Deon Butler will develop into an All-NFC West receiver in a year or two.
Michael Crabtree probably gets the last spot on my roster, only because he looked very good for a rookie receiver in a short season last year. His size and ball skills are impressive, and he looks like a star in the making. His resume isn’t bad, either – the guy can really produce when given the right opportunity.
Andrew Augers take:
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Much like the blatant obviousness of the top two running backs in the NFC West, the top two wide receivers should be similarly easy to figure out.
Larry Fitzgerald not only is the clear cut No. 1 pass catcher in the West, but is in the elite stratosphere where Andre Johnson resides as arguably the top receiver in the game.
An average of 1,177 yard per season, 59 total touchdowns, four double digit touchdown seasons, three consecutive double digit touchdown seasons, and only four missed games in six seasons will do the trick.
Sitting behind Fitzgerald the second best receiver in the division has to go to TJ Houshmandzadeh based on his clear cut No. 1 status in the Seahawks offense and his recent production.
Over the past six seasons Houshmandzadeh has averaged 87 catches, and 996 yards per game to go along with 39 scores.
His “disappointing” inaugural season in Seattle resulted in a team high 79 grabs, and a team high 911 yards; his yardage totals and YPC average were both higher then they were in 2008.
Keep in mind last season could be considered disappointing for many Seahawks.
Michael Crabtree also gets the nod from me rounding out the top three based on his status as the No. 1 receiver in San Francisco as opposed to Steve Breaston being the No. 2 option in Arizona.
Despite playing in four less games, Crabtree was less than 100 yards away from eclipsing Steve Breastons receiving yardage from last season.
We can’t be entirely sure if Breaston was simply the product of outstanding quarterback play with Kurt Warner at the helm; Crabtree has proven he can produce with a mediocre guy at the helm.
Next up, tight ends!
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Deion Branch, Deon Butler, Donnie Avery, football, Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Crabtree, National Football League, NFC West, nfl, Other, San Francisco 49ers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Steve Breaston, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, wide receiver
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Do You Want the Seahawks to Pursue Vincent Jackson?
By now, everyone should know I’ve been a proponent of the Charlie Whitehurst acquisition. Maybe it is too optimistic, but until proven otherwise, I trust the new regime to correctly evaluate talent and pursue players they like.
I don’t want to contradict myself with this post, but I will admit, A.J. Smith and the San Diego Chargers were compensated very well for Whitehurst. In addition to a third-round pick in 2010, the Chargers also jumped into the top of the second round in this year’s draft.
All for a third-string quarterback with minimal experience and an empty resume.
But as I’ve said, I won’t be critical of the acquisition until Charlie Whitehurst proves John Schneider and Pete Carroll wrong. If he develops into a good starter in the National Football League, the entire acquisition will be a bargain for the Seahawks.
And regardless of how pleased the San Diego Chargers were with their compensation, we don’t know what Whitehurst’s actual market value was. We don’t know what other teams were offering, or if the Seahawks grossly overpaid for an otherwise unknown commodity.
A.J. Smith may have indeed fleeced Seattle in the trade, but even if Whitehurst becomes a bargain for the Seahawks, the Chargers and Smith are well known for obtaining good value for their assets.
In the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith selected quarterback Eli Manning with the first overall pick. Less than an hour later, the disgruntled quarterback from Ole Miss was traded to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and several draft picks. Philip Rivers, of course, has developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback – who some may argue is much better than Eli Manning – and the Chargers used New York’s draft picks to select players like Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.
A.J Smith may take his fair share of criticism, but he won’t undervalue his players in a trade.
To acquire Vincent Jackson from San Diego, the Seahawks are going to probably have to pay a price similar to what Miami gave up for Brandon Marshall. For those of you who don’t remember the specifics, Miami gave Denver second-round picks in 2010 and 2011 in exchange for the troubled, yet talented wide receiver.
And don’t forget, Marshall and the Dolphins subsequently agreed on a four-year, $47.5 million contract extension that includes $24 million in guaranteed money. The new deal made Marshall the highest-paid receiver in National Football League history.
The Seahawks would likely have to compensate both San Diego and Vincent Jackson, and the overall price may be terrifyingly high.
Vincent Jackson has been a productive receiver, and his physical attributes make defensive coordinators cringe. At 6′5″, 230 pounds, Jackson would add size and strength to an otherwise deprived position. And despite Jackson’s size – he weighed around 240 pounds when he was drafted – he still runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash.
Jackson has only exceeded 1,000 receiving yards twice during his five-year career, but his statistics have improved dramatically each season. Last season, Jackson finished with 68 catches, 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns.
He isn’t as dynamic or productive as Brandon Marshall, but Vincent Jackson can definitely play wide receiver in the National Football League. Marshall comparisons aside, however, if Jackson can come to Seattle and match his production in San Diego, the Seahawks would be crazy not to pull the trigger on any deal.
The question is, if you were making decisions for the Seattle Seahawks, would you be willing to pay the price to acquire Vincent Jackson?
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: A.J. Smith, Brandon Marshall, Charlie Whitehurst, football, John Schneider, National Football League, nfl, NFL Draft, Pete Carroll, quarterback, Rumors, San Diego Chargers, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, trade, trade rumors, vincent jackson, wide receiver
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Wildcat in Seattle?
There was an interesting bit the other day on the rumor mill – courtesy of ESPN.com – about the Seattle Seahawks becoming the next team to employ the Wildcat formation on a regular basis. The Wildcat rumor was derived from an article featured in the News Tribune that profiled new Seahawk Isaiah Stanback.
The article, written by Dave Boling, explores the possibility of Isaiah Stanback as the quarterback in the Wildcat formation. This scenario became more than just a possibility when head coach Pete Carroll commented on Stanback’s versatility and ability as a passer:
“He can offer some help to do some things if we needed it at the quarterback spot to salvage a few situations,” Carroll said, adding that he was “anxious to see what he offers us.”
The Hawks already have three quarterbacks on the depth chart, but Carroll’s comment suggests that he might see Stanback as a possible “Wildcat” quarterback on occasion.
I love Stanback’s athleticism and versatility too, but didn’t we already go through this experiment with Seneca Wallace?
If you remember, Wallace spent more time running out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage than making a positive play with his feet or arm. A few of Mora’s trick plays – most specifically designed to exploit Wallace’s talents – resulted in positive gains, but the Wildcat formation was never regularly used during the regular season.
Maybe it was a result of poor play on the offensive line, but I thought Wallace in a “Wildcat” role was rather unimpressive. Why should we expect more from Stanback, who is far less proven in the National Football League than Wallace?
Despite hesitant support for Stanback in the Wildcat, I do like the idea of the Seahawks implementing the formation on a somewhat-regular basis. I wouldn’t mind developing the next Ronnie Brown in Seattle to run the Wildcat formation. I just don’t think Isaiah Stanback is the best option.
What about Golden Tate?
I know Golden Tate doesn’t have the passing experience that Isaiah Stanback has, but he is a better playmaker with the ball in his hands. Ronnie Brown would never excel as a quarterback, but he is more than effective in Miami’s Wildcat.
Golden Tate is an extraordinary player with a unique set of skills. He may not be the fastest receiver or possess the best hands, but his ball skills are above average and he excels after the catch.
Tate is similar to a player like Percy Harvin, who excels at multiple skill-positions despite a smaller frame (around 5-foot-11, 200 pounds). Like Harvin, Tate has played at both running back and wide receiver. Both players have exceptional abilities when they have the ball, but neither player is a traditional NFL-receiver.
Following the NFL draft, SI.com’s Peter King wrote that Pete Carroll is well-aware of Tate’s unique skills:
When Carroll called him to welcome him to the Seahawks, he told him to be ready for anything – receiving, returning, rushing … and yes, Wildcatting. Golden Tate might play Ronnie Brown in Seattle.
It appears the Seahawks will employ a number of different formations to exploit the talents of different players. Stanback may be one option for the Wildcat or a similar formation, but don’t forget about Golden Tate, the Top Pot Bandit.
Don’t believe in Tate’s skills? Check out this video that mostly highlights him running out of the Wildcat:
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: football, Golden Tate, Isaiah Stanback, Jim Mora, nfl, Notre Dame, Percy Harvin, Pete Carroll, Popular, quarterback, Running Back, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, Seneca Wallace, wide receiver, Wildcat, Wildcat Formation
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Seahawks: Terrell Owens to Seattle? Not So Fast
Last week, I posted a short piece about Houshmandzadeh’s feelings towards bringing Terrell Owens in Seattle. According to T.J., acquiring Owens wouldn’t be such a bad thing:
“I have no problem with it whatsoever. You know, it’s the NFL. [They're] gonna bring guys in and if they feel like T.O. can help us, bring him in. I’m sure he can help us.”
But of course, T.J. has been wrong before. In fact, he was wrong about another wide receiver – at least, so far – in the same radio interview.
The Seattle Seahawks parted ways with wide receiver Mike Jones last week, who was praised by Houshmandzadeh for his efforts during offseason minicamps and OTAs.
“Nobody even knows who a guy like Mike Jones is, but I think he’s done well, in my opinion,” Houshmandzadeh said last week. “And in the OTAs and camps everybody’s nobody until you get a chance to show that you’re somebody, you know? And so, if a guy can get an opportunity to say, ‘Okay, I’m gonna give Obo, Ben Obomanu, a chance to play,’ either you’re going to sink or swim. And if you swim, you got something there. And if he doesn’t, okay, let’s try the next guy and somebody’s gonna swim and make a name for them self. That’s what the NFL is about. You wouldn’t even know who a Tom Brady, Wes Welker, you wouldn’t even know these guys had they not got that opportunity. And so it’s just a matter of how you take advantage of it.”
Of course, I can say I disagree with everything Houshmandzadeh said. Actually, I agree with most of it. As a former seventh-round draft pick, T.J. knows about making the most of every opportunity in the National Football League.
But comparing Mike Jones’ situation to Wes Welker’s development may be a stretch.
This isn’t the first time Houshmandzadeh has been wrong in predicting the success of himself or teammates.
About a year ago, T.J. boldly predicted that he and Matt Hasselbeck would have a very productive year together in 2009:
“I just want to let everyone know that Matt Hasselbeck and I will be leading the Seahawks to the playoffs this season. And we’ll be going to the Pro Bowl as a tandem. We’re both goign to have top five seasons: He’ll have a top five quarterback season, and I’ll have a top five receiving season. I’ll put up stats I’ve never had before yardswise because they’re allowing me to be a complete receiver.”
Recently, T.J. maintained his confidence and forecasted a 100-catch season in 2010, despite a disappointing first season in Seattle:
“I think 100 catches, to me, should be the minimum I get this year just because of the offense we’re in.”
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a good receiver in the NFL, and I love his confidence. But sometimes he gets ahead of himself when attempting to put his self-confidence into words.
So before we assume a vote of confidence for Terrell Owens from T.J. Houshmandzadeh makes the potential acquisition fool-proof, remember that Housh has a history of getting things wrong. Maybe he is right about Owens, but he sure wasn’t about Jones (not yet, anyway).
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Ben Obomanu, football, Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Jones, National Football League, nfl, Pete Carroll, Pro Bowl, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Terrell Owens, Wes Welker, wide receiver
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh Thinks Terrell Owens Can Help Seattle
If you’ve followed the rumor mill recently, you’ve heard about Seattle’s supposed interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens.
If you’re at least a casual fan of football, you’ve already developed an opinion about Terrell Owens. And you already know whether or not you want him in a Seahawks uniform.
The rumors stemmed from “exploratory phone calls” made by Seattle’s front office with Terrell Owens’ agent. Seattle’s actual interest in obtaining Terrell Owens is unknown, but the rumored phone calls have been confirmed: the Seattle Seahawks have at least considered the possibility of adding Owens to their roster.
Terrell Owens has developed a bad reputation in the National Football League. His name is synonymous with greed, attitude, and selfishness. In fact, not including his last season spent in Buffalo, every stop Owens has made during his career has ended badly.
At his current age (36), it could be argued that bringing Terrell Owens to Seattle would be a waste of time. Acquiring a talented receiver at the end of his career is pointless for a team trying to rebuild from the ground up.
But what if the Seahawks are looking to add contributors right away? What if the new regime has injected new optimism and the franchise is ready to start winning sooner than later?
I think a majority of Seahawks fans would be opposed to adding Terrell Owens, but a few vocal players have endorsed adding the veteran playmaker.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who recently predicted he would catch 100 passes this season, openly supported the idea of adding Terrell Owens to Seattle’s roster in a recent radio interview:
“I’m all for it. If they feel like [they're] gonna bring somebody in and he can help us, I’m all for it. I have no problem with it whatsoever. You know, it’s the NFL. [They're] gonna bring guys in and if they feel like T.O. can help us, bring him in. I’m sure he can help us.”
But isn’t Housh a little concerned about Owens’ declining production? Apparently not:
“He played well last year. You know, it was probably one of his worst statistical seasons, but you gotta look at all the elements and the reasons why.”
I’ll be the first to admit: I didn’t watch one Buffalo Bills game last season and never saw much of Terrell Owens on the field. But a total of 55 catches for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns is a mere shadow of Owens’ production during his prime. Statistically, he had a better season with Philadelphia in 2005 when he only played in 7 games due to injury.
But Houshmandzadeh is right; statistics don’t paint the entire picture. Football is a complex game, and statistics are usually a poor way to measure contributions made by an individual player.
Isaiah Stanback, recently claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks, played with Terrell Owens during his time in Dallas. Stanback, like Houshmandzadeh, seems to be a proponent for bringing Owens to Seattle:
“The experience I had with him in Dallas was great. He was a great guy, he was a great teammate. All Terrell wants to do is win. Nobody is going to outwork him. He’s going to come in, he’s going to be in shape, he is going to work hard. All he wants to do is practice hard. He wants to get W’s. That’s what his passion is, and I know sometimes they show snippets, at least when I was in Dallas, of him yelling, you know, or whatever, but that was just him trying to hold everyone to the highest standard. It wasn’t him trying to down-talk anybody. He is a great guy.”
Is Isaiah concerned about Owens’ age or a decline in ability?
“If there is anybody who can play at thirty-six, it is that man right there. He got a lot of football left in him.”
You’ve probably already developed your opinions about Terrell Owens. And the rumors about him coming to Seattle are probably just that. But after hear vocal support from players currently on Seattle’s roster, are you at least slightly convinced that Owens wouldn’t be such a bad acquisition after all?
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: Buffalo Bills, football, Isaiah Stanback, National Football League, nfl, Seahawks, Seattle Seahawks, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Terrell Owens, wide receiver
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