Dear Seahawks, (Can I call you that?)
For over two decades you’ve been near and dear to my heart, but you’re killing me. You were so close, so very close, to Superbowl Victory. I admit that game had some close referee calls and maybe you should have won, but you didn’t need to collapse the year afterwards in mourning. And this year…injuries I know, I know.
It’s a new year and a new season will be coming. You’ve got a few months to prepare, a draft to go through, and plenty of time to make some key trades. You’ve got a new coach with lots of potential. Let’s make this the year, eh?
First, you really need to shore up the front line. You can’t rely on Walter Jones forever. Remember when you had Steve Hutchinson? That was great. Find someone like him. We all know Hasselback (Hassel Bad Back) can’t be getting hit. (Senaca Wallace? Let him try out in preseason, eh?) Get some good linemen and you’ll find that Mo can run pretty well.
The era of the fullback is over. Mack Strong was the last of the generation. Leonard Weaver is phenomenal because he can catch and run on his own. Jones is a bit of a bum and Mo is out after this year, so use him more.
Same deal with John Carlson. He’s pretty good at tight end. Keep throwing to him.
The receiving core is solid, but definitely has room for improvement. Burleson, Engram, Obamanu, Branch. No one that good, but no one really bad. Branch is overpriced and there’s too many injuries. Get some young blood!
Defense! The defense used to be amazing. Seahawks have always had a good pass defense, but it flopped this year. Everyone is just slowing down. Even Lofa Tatupu wasn’t nearly as fast this year. Try to find a few young guys, especially fast guys for the secondary. You can test em out on special teams, which also needs a lot of work.
Finally, Kicker…losing Josh Brown was rough. He could get the ball a lot farther than this new guy. Surely you can find someone out there with a good leg? Whatever you do, don’t forget special teams. Picking up (and preventing) 10 yards here and there comes out big in the end. You don’t need Devin Hester, just someone who can push the ball and a bit farther (and defensively keep the punt returner where he stands).
You’ve got a good shot at it. Injuries took a toll this year, but you’re a good team. Arizona is finally a challenge so you’ll get some practice for the playoffs. And whatever you do, look at people’s ages. Hasselback is getting old. He’s always thrown too many picks. When you get a new player, get someone a bit calmer. Maybe a little thrower at passing, maybe not as strong, but calmer and more judicious. It’ll save us some embarrassment next time we ask for the ball and promptly throw an interception.
Best wishes,
the 12th man
