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Well, the Hawks have made their final roster moves and there are only a few surprises. First and foremost, TJ Duckett and Justin Forsett both made the roster (surprise), as did Owen Schmitt (not a surprise). LB David Hawthorne also made the team, as did DE Jason Babin and Baraka Atkins. CB Kevin Hobbs made the team as well. These guys all made it because they played well but things also kind of changed at the last minute. Jordan Babineaux and Rocky Bernard have both been suspended for game 1 of the regular season, so a few roster spots have temporarily opened up. WR Ben Obomanu broke his clavicle last night and was placed on IR today so that opened another slot. In fact, the Hawks went as far as keeping BOTH kickers. I'm assuming that will change after the first game, but I'm sure there's a reason they're doing it. Now as far as WRs go, the week 1 starters will be Nate Burleson and Courtney Taylor. I know, not really what you expected but Taylor has looked good. Branch and Engram will be back (hopefully soon), but these two should do okay in the meantime. It's the next two I'm interested in - Jordan Kent and Logan Payne. Both are unproven in the regular season, but have played well in the preseason. Payne was an interesting selection, as I thought Michael Bumpus had edged him out. However, Bumpus did make a big mistake last night that drew Mike Holmgren's attention, and that may have been enough to keep him (hopefully) on the practice squad. Anyway, this is what they have to work with going forward. It should be an interesting season! | | No comments for this item |
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The Seahawks trimmed the roster down from 80 to 75 yesterday, making a few moves that will have an effect on players currently on the bubble. The moves that were made are as follows:
CB Omare Lowe (Released)
WR Joel Filani (Released)
LS Tyler Schmitt (Injured Reserve)
OT Will Robinson (Injured Reserve)
LB Will Herring (PUP List)
These moves aren't earth-shattering, but the fact that Schmitt is out for the year means LS Tim Lindsey will likely make the team as long as he doesn't pull a Boone Stutz. Long snapping has been a problem the last few years since the departure of JP Darche, and Schmitt was drafted to fix it. Unfortunately, it looks like the Seahawks will be patching things up for another year unless Lindsey steps up. Another thing that we can learn from these moves is that LB David "Heater" Hawthorne is now likely a lock to make the roster. Hawthorne will move into Herring's slot, although I think it may have happened anyway. Hawthorne has made an impact on every game thus far in the preseason and appears to be a steal. It's good to see him make the roster after coming in as an undrafted free agent. Beyond that, these moves were largely expected. Lowe, Filani and Robinson were not expected to make the cut anyway. The final cuts to get the roster down to 53 will come this Saturday, after the final preseason game. Not sure what the point of moving from 80 to 75 is when you're going to turn around in 5 days to cut down to 53, but that's the NFL's rule. The only real questions now revolve around the running backs and wide receivers. It truly may come down to the final game for that decision to be made. | | No comments for this item |
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 The Chargers and Seahawks played a tight game on Monday Night Football, with both teams showing midseason form at times. The Chargers ended up winning 18-17, but the most important things that happened were the emergence of Charlie Frye and the continued improvement of the running game. Frye looked very good this week, completely the opposite of his last game in which he looked lost at times. He made some very nice passes and really looked like a starter. Unfortunately, he hurt his knee in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game. He'll get an MRI today, and hopefully he'll be fine. Maurice Morris and Julius Jones both looked excellent in the backfield. Justin Forsett unfortunately did not. He simply looked like a rookie. Duckett played much better, but I think the writing may be on the wall as the Hawks tried out the Weaver/Schmitt backfield a bunch in short yardage situations. It will be interesting to see what happens. Jordan Kent has got to be a lock, and I think Courtney Taylor makes the roster with his ability away from the ball. Don't get me wrong, he can catch. However, he seems to be a very good blocker and is aware of what's going on around him at all times. The rest of the receivers did nothing to convince me that they'll make the final cut.
The defense did not look very sharp, even though they didn't give up a ton of yards. The run defense looked porous at times, seemingly unable to stop Darren Sproles. The worst news for the defense was that Lofa Tatupu went down with a knee injury. He thinks he'll be better, but we'll have to wait to hear what the MRI says today. That would be a devastating loss. While we're talking about linebackers let's address the play of Leroy Hill. If he stays healthy he should be considered for the Pro Bowl. He is everywhere on the field, and the Seahawks need to suck it up and pay the man before he becomes a free agent. He's a stud. David Hawthorne continued his impressive run, making a few big hits but playing solid throughout. He's got to make the roster. The pass defense looked better if you don't count the time Deon Grant lost Vincent Jackson over the middle for a long TD. Otherwise, Trufant and the rest had a solid game in coverage. I was especially impressed with Kelly Jennings and Kevin Hobbs. The interference call on Hobbs was bogus, but I can understand why it was called considering the refs angle on the play. It looks to me like Hobbs will make the final roster with his strong play.
Overall, I think it was a well-played game. Keep an eye out to see what happens with Lofa and Frye today. And if you want, say a few words to the guy upstairs on their behalf! | | No comments for this item |
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