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South Pender
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Here's an interesting little piece ranking the NFL teams in terms of their talent level. The Seahawks are ranked 1st.

http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014 ... 24082101=0

The video goes through 12 offensive and 12 defensive Seahawks and ranks them according to an 8-point grading system: Rookie, Not Enough Information, Poor Starter, Below Average Starter, Average Starter, Good Starter, High Quality and Elite. When the grades are tallied up, the 'Hawks come out on top of the NFL, followed closely by the 49ers and Broncos--just about what we'd all expect. As was true last year, the weak link is the O-line, but the Seahawks drafted a guy (Justin Britt) in the 2nd round who they hope can fill the shoes vacated by Breno Giacomini at RT, although Michael Bowie would have the inside track at this point being an incumbent Seahawk, There are two other 2nd- or 3rd-year guys--the aforementioned Michael Bowie and Alvin Bailey--who could toughen up the O-line. As for Carpenter, a guard, who is rated in this piece as a "below average starter," Carroll has stated that Carpenter looks much better this spring--having shed some weight (he was 321 lbs--and 6-5--last season) and moving much better than last year. So we may see him step up. The one thing the Seahawks have re the O-line is a terrific O-line coach, Tom Cable. So, all in all, we may see a stouter O-line in 2014.

Seven "high quality" of the 24, and three "elite"--Lynch, Sherman, and Thomas.
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No it means anything other than a feather in the cap but Sherman has been voted by fans to be on the cover of my favourite football video game, the 2015 version of Madden.
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A little news for Seahawks fans. It looks as if they've picked up Kevin Williams, formerly a pro-bowler with the Vikings. According to the story I've seen, he will sign for around $2M, about the same as he was offered to re-sign with the Vikes, and evidently about the same as he was also offered by the Giants and Patriots.

Although getting a little long in the tooth (he'll be 34 when the season starts), Williams is, in my opinion, a very good signing. He's enjoyed tremendous success from Day 1 and seems able to play well in several defensive-tackle alignments, even at the 5-tech position. Williams ran a 4.81 40 at his combine, an unheard-of speed for any D-tackle. He has been a tremendous inside pass rusher and will really help mitigate the departure of the three D-linemen the 'Hawks lost in free agency: Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, and Clint McDonald. Williams will be an upgrade over McDonald (Bryant was primarily a run-stopper, and Clemons the Leo-position dedicated pass rusher), and Carroll/Schneider seem to have attended to replacing Bryant and Clemons. As a result, I think the Seahawks' D-line will be strong again in 2014 (something that I had had some worries about), and their starting LBs and secondary haven't changed since their SB win.

Here's the story:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014 ... -williams/
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No doubt there are some players who won't be comfortable with this, prob many of the same ones who also aren't comfortable with Michael Sam.

Meet Sarah Thomas, who could become the NFL’s first female official

Excerpt:
Meet Sarah Thomas, who could become the NFL’s first female official
Tom Withers, Associated Press | June 12, 2014 6:43 PM ET

BEREA, OHIO — Sarah Thomas starts the day at her second job by tucking her long blond hair inside her cap, so she doesn’t get noticed.

On a football field, that’s impossible.

Thomas doesn’t consider herself a pioneer, just “one of the guys.” But as one of two female officials in the NFL’s officiating development program, Thomas has a chance to break barriers in a male-dominated profession.

This week, Thomas, a former college basketball player, current college official and mother of three whose full-time job is as pharmaceutical sales representative, worked with a crew of officials during Browns mini-camp. Like the players, she worked on improving her skills and honing her craft.
Sports can be a peculiar thing. When partaking in fiction, like a book or movie, we adopt a "Willing Suspension of Disbelief" for enjoyment's sake. There's a similar force at work in sports: "Willing Suspension of Rationality". If you doubt this, listen to any conversation between rival team fans. You even see it among fans of the same team. Fans argue over who's the better QB or goalie, and selectively cite stats that support their views while ignoring those that don't.
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notahomer
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South Pender wrote:A little news for Seahawks fans. It looks as if they've picked up Kevin Williams, formerly a pro-bowler with the Vikings. According to the story I've seen, he will sign for around $2M, about the same as he was offered to re-sign with the Vikes, and evidently about the same as he was also offered by the Giants and Patriots.

Although getting a little long in the tooth (he'll be 34 when the season starts), Williams is, in my opinion, a very good signing. He's enjoyed tremendous success from Day 1 and seems able to play well in several defensive-tackle alignments, even at the 5-tech position. Williams ran a 4.81 40 at his combine, an unheard-of speed for any D-tackle. He has been a tremendous inside pass rusher and will really help mitigate the departure of the three D-linemen the 'Hawks lost in free agency: Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, and Clint McDonald. Williams will be an upgrade over McDonald (Bryant was primarily a run-stopper, and Clemons the Leo-position dedicated pass rusher), and Carroll/Schneider seem to have attended to replacing Bryant and Clemons. As a result, I think the Seahawks' D-line will be strong again in 2014 (something that I had had some worries about), and their starting LBs and secondary haven't changed since their SB win.

Here's the story:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014 ... -williams/
One talking point on NFL AM today was background grumblings that Lynch feels since everyone else seems to be getting paid, he wants a big more 'scatch' too.... Guess we'll see where that leads.....
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notahomer wrote: One talking point on NFL AM today was background grumblings that Lynch feels since everyone else seems to be getting paid, he wants a big more 'scatch' too.... Guess we'll see where that leads.....
Right. That's been the big story out of Seattle the last couple of days. Of course, you can never overestimate the ability of the media to blow the tiniest story up into a headline! It seems to be a story that Lynch and his entourage have leaked to give him some leverage in getting more money. He seems to have let it be known (or maybe it is all made up) that he will miss next week's mandatory Seahawks minicamp. If he does, it will cost him an automatic $70K, probably pocket-change to an NFL starter. Actually, he doesn't have a legal leg to stand on. He's coming into the third year of a 4-year extension that will pay him $5.5M in 2014 and 2015. He agreed to this in 2012. He has also leaked it that he may consider retirement, but most don't think this is much of a possibility. Evidently, he's choked at how much Sherman and Thomas just got paid (more than twice what he'll make in 2014) and wants some of the dough. Missing minicamp will be his way of "holding out," I guess.

In a way, it's an interesting story. For the past few weeks, Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell have been gushing about the progress of running back Christine Michael, the 2nd-round draft pick from the 2013 draft. He's pretty much a physical twin of Lynch--5-10, 220 with 4.43 speed (Lynch is 5-11, 215, with 4.46 speed), but may have slightly-greater agility (he turned in a 4.02 sec. 20-yard shuttle, which is phenomenal; Lynch had a 4.58-sec. in 2007). This pumping-up of Michael may have been done in anticipation of Lynch's feeling overlooked with the big salaries paid this year. The Seahawks' braintrust may want Lynch to fully understand that the team is very deep at the RB position (there's also Robert Turbin, 5-10, 222, with 4.42 speed, who was a 4th-round pick in 2012).

Lynch probably believes he deserves more money because of his central role in the Seahawks' success, and to some extent he's right. Still, the RB position doesn't command the same over-the-top salaries that corner, for example, does. Lynch is very well-paid for a RB, falling behind only Peterson, McCoy, Forte, and Foster. The 'Hawks don't have to alter his contract. For Lynch, walking away would cost him $8.5M--which includes something on the order of $3M in bonus money. So, I don't see this happening (but you never know with Lynch). It's also very doubtful he'll play for another team in 2014. In my view, it would be wise for John Schneider to pony up another, say, $500K for Lynch for 2014--just to keep him happy and productive. However, we'll know more next week when he doesn't (or does) show up for the mandatory minicamp.
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South Pender wrote:......
Lynch probably believes he deserves more money because of his central role in the Seahawks' success, and to some extent he's right. Still, the RB position doesn't command the same over-the-top salaries that corner, for example, does. Lynch is very well-paid for a RB, falling behind only Peterson, McCoy, Forte, and Foster. The 'Hawks don't have to alter his contract. For Lynch, walking away would cost him $8.5M--which includes something on the order of $3M in bonus money. So, I don't see this happening (but you never know with Lynch). It's also very doubtful he'll play for another team in 2014. In my view, it would be wise for John Schneider to pony up another, say, $500K for Lynch for 2014--just to keep him happy and productive. However, we'll know more next week when he doesn't (or does) show up for the mandatory minicamp.
I can hear where he's coming from to a point too but it is hard to feel too bad for a highly paid player. Like you said, he's in the top 5 of RB's...
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Nice little piece (by Dilan Ames of Bleacher Report), with pictures, of the Seahawks' lineup of receivers for 2014. The consensus seems to be that the team won't miss Golden Tate. One guy missing from this piece is Chris Matthews (late of the Bombers), who, in my view, could contribute this season (if he can crack the roster), particularly in the red zone, given his size.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2098 ... receiverpp
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Don't believe everything you read!

One of the really annoying failings of the media is trying to make news when there isn't enough to report. My main source for all things NFL is Pro Football Talk, with most of the articles written by Mike Florio. But PFT is no exception to this unfortunate tendency of the media. Case in point: Last week, PFT (not to mention all the other reporting sites like Bleacher Report) was all abuzz about The Beast (that would be Marshawn Lynch) likely not showing up for mandatory minicamp, and paying a $70K fine. These reporters had no real evidence that he wouldn't show up (neither Lynch nor the Seahawks had said anything about it), but they floated the story anyway--maybe to get 'Hawks fans roiled. Well, he did show up. Pete Carroll had something to say about Lynch's attendance, explaining that Lynch wouldn't be required to actually take part physically. This I can understand, given the terrible beating an every-down running back takes in the NFL. In any case, here's a report by Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com:

http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/a ... 0529fc3f7e

My guess is that Schneider/Carroll might just sweeten The Beast's salary a bit for 2014 to keep their main man happy. The Seahawks do, however, have two very capable backups behind Lynch: Robert Turbin and the second-year guy, Christine Michael.
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Terry Bradshaw showing no class:

Bradshaw on Peyton: If you like losing Super Bowls, he’s your guy
Posted by Michael David Smith on June 19, 2014, 12:17 PM EDT

Former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw says current Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is great — as long as you stop watching after the regular season ends.

Bradshaw said during his his one-man show, America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde, that he views Manning as a regular-season star and a playoff choker.

“Peyton Manning, considered the best quarterback to play the game today. Nobody would argue with that — if you like winning good during the season and losing Super Bowls, that’s your guy,” Bradshaw said, via PFT Commenter.

Bradshaw rarely misses an opportunity to say that quarterbacks are judged based on winning Super Bowls, a viewpoint that may be slightly self-serving considering that Bradshaw, with four Super Bowl rings, is tied with Joe Montana for the most for any quarterback.

Of course, Bradshaw won those Super Bowl rings because he was on the best teams, not because he himself was the best quarterback. Although Bradshaw does have two Super Bowl MVPs to his credit, the 1970s Steelers won Super Bowls first and foremost with their defense. People forget that in 1974, the year the Steelers won their first Super Bowl, Bradshaw was only the starter for half the regular season, and the Steelers actually had a better record in the games he missed than the games he started. People forget that if Bradshaw hadn’t played so badly in so many playoff games, the Steelers could have won more than four Super Bowls: Among Bradshaw’s postseason stat lines were a 5-for-10, 80-yard, one-touchdown, two-interception game in a loss to the Dolphins, a 12-for-25, 167-yard, two-touchdown, three-interception game in a loss to the Raiders, a 14-for-35, 176-yard, zero-touchdown, one-interception game in another loss to the Raiders, and a 19-for-37, 177-yard, one-touchdown, three-interception game in a loss to the Broncos.

For a guy who has a reputation as a clutch performer in big games, Bradshaw sure did turn in a lot of multiple-interception games in playoff losses.

But while Manning’s passing stats dwarf Bradshaw’s, and Manning’s regular-season accomplishments (including five MVPs and seven first-team All-Pros) far surpass those of Bradshaw (one MVP and one All-Pro), Bradshaw does have those four shiny rings on his fingers, while Manning only has one. That’s something Bradshaw will continue to remind audiences of, every chance he gets.
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This sucks IMO. Completely unnecessary and lacking any class. Why does Bradshaw need to say this? I doubt that anyone in his right mind would put him in the same class as Manning in terms of overall greatness at the position. Bradshaw has a career passing rating of 70.9; Manning, 97.2. You know, when Bradshaw joined the Steelers, he had the rep of being dumb. Maybe this confirms that! :wink:
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And more on Bradshaw:

Bradshaw’s decision to skip Noll services ruffles feathers in Pittsburgh
Posted by Mike Florio on June 19, 2014, 7:58 AM EDT

Despite having a strained relationship with Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw has said flattering things about the man who died last Friday at 82.

But Bradshaw didn’t back up his words with actions, reportedly.

According to 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Bradshaw failed to attend Noll’s viewing on Sunday and Monday or his funeral on Tuesday, even though Bradshaw was in the Pittsburgh area Saturday night to do his one-man show, America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde.

Former Steelers P.R. executive Joe Gordon told 93.7 The Fan that Bradshaw also made no contact with Noll’s widow, Marianne.

“He’s the most insincere person I’ve ever known,” Gordon told 93.7 The Fan in a quote that Gordon specifically asked Joe Starkey of 93.7 The Fan to use.

While it’s unclear how many fans have been alienated by Bradshaw’s perceived failure to show respect to his head coach, Starkey and co-host Chris Mueller had some strong comments about Bradshaw on the air. It’s unclear from the link or the whether 93.7 The Fan attempted to reach Bradshaw or his primary employer, FOX, for a comment.
___________________________________________________________________

Hard to know what to make of this....
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One Month Until Training Camps Open

It will be a quiet time now in the NFL, with minicamps and OTAs over and still a little over a month until the opening of training camps (on or about July 25). At least that's the way the 32 head coaches would like it to be. I think it will be a period of worry for most coaches, each losing sleep over what shenanigans their players may be up to. This seemed clear in the messages given by both Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh to their teams at the dissolution of minicamp this past week.

Here's what Carroll said:

"'They’re on their own now. They’ve worked so long together. We’re encouraging our guys to work out together and find each other and get in groups and make sure that they’re staying with their conditioning.

'Our guys have worked so hard, I can’t imagine that they’ll lose their conditioning over this time. But we want them to maintain and improve if they can.'"

And Harbaugh to the 49ers (nicely avoiding a sentence ending with a preposition):

"Beware with whom you associate. Very important to know your surroundings. Friend or foe? There always seems to be a foe present."

You have to hope someone has reminded each and every player: (a) do not be in bars after 10 p.m., (b) do drive under the influence, (c) do not do any drugs at any time, (d) do not get in street fights, (e) do not beat up any women (or men for that matter), (f) avoid all traps set by people trying to cash in....
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Just ran across this piece on Russell Wilson by Michael Schottey of Bleacher Report:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2101 ... uarterback

The author ranks Wilson the best of the young NFL quarterbacks. Interesting read....
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South Pender wrote:Terry Bradshaw showing no class:

Bradshaw on Peyton: If you like losing Super Bowls, he’s your guy
Posted by Michael David Smith on June 19, 2014, 12:17 PM EDT

Former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw says current Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is great — as long as you stop watching after the regular season ends.

Bradshaw said during his his one-man show, America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde, that he views Manning as a regular-season star and a playoff choker.

“Peyton Manning, considered the best quarterback to play the game today. Nobody would argue with that — if you like winning good during the season and losing Super Bowls, that’s your guy,” Bradshaw said, via PFT Commenter.

Bradshaw rarely misses an opportunity to say that quarterbacks are judged based on winning Super Bowls, a viewpoint that may be slightly self-serving considering that Bradshaw, with four Super Bowl rings, is tied with Joe Montana for the most for any quarterback.

Of course, Bradshaw won those Super Bowl rings because he was on the best teams, not because he himself was the best quarterback. Although Bradshaw does have two Super Bowl MVPs to his credit, the 1970s Steelers won Super Bowls first and foremost with their defense. People forget that in 1974, the year the Steelers won their first Super Bowl, Bradshaw was only the starter for half the regular season, and the Steelers actually had a better record in the games he missed than the games he started. People forget that if Bradshaw hadn’t played so badly in so many playoff games, the Steelers could have won more than four Super Bowls: Among Bradshaw’s postseason stat lines were a 5-for-10, 80-yard, one-touchdown, two-interception game in a loss to the Dolphins, a 12-for-25, 167-yard, two-touchdown, three-interception game in a loss to the Raiders, a 14-for-35, 176-yard, zero-touchdown, one-interception game in another loss to the Raiders, and a 19-for-37, 177-yard, one-touchdown, three-interception game in a loss to the Broncos.

For a guy who has a reputation as a clutch performer in big games, Bradshaw sure did turn in a lot of multiple-interception games in playoff losses.

But while Manning’s passing stats dwarf Bradshaw’s, and Manning’s regular-season accomplishments (including five MVPs and seven first-team All-Pros) far surpass those of Bradshaw (one MVP and one All-Pro), Bradshaw does have those four shiny rings on his fingers, while Manning only has one. That’s something Bradshaw will continue to remind audiences of, every chance he gets.
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This sucks IMO. Completely unnecessary and lacking any class. Why does Bradshaw need to say this? I doubt that anyone in his right mind would put him in the same class as Manning in terms of overall greatness at the position. Bradshaw has a career passing rating of 70.9; Manning, 97.2. You know, when Bradshaw joined the Steelers, he had the rep of being dumb. Maybe this confirms that! :wink:
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And more on Bradshaw:

Bradshaw’s decision to skip Noll services ruffles feathers in Pittsburgh
Posted by Mike Florio on June 19, 2014, 7:58 AM EDT

Despite having a strained relationship with Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw has said flattering things about the man who died last Friday at 82.

But Bradshaw didn’t back up his words with actions, reportedly.

According to 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Bradshaw failed to attend Noll’s viewing on Sunday and Monday or his funeral on Tuesday, even though Bradshaw was in the Pittsburgh area Saturday night to do his one-man show, America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde.

Former Steelers P.R. executive Joe Gordon told 93.7 The Fan that Bradshaw also made no contact with Noll’s widow, Marianne.

“He’s the most insincere person I’ve ever known,” Gordon told 93.7 The Fan in a quote that Gordon specifically asked Joe Starkey of 93.7 The Fan to use.

While it’s unclear how many fans have been alienated by Bradshaw’s perceived failure to show respect to his head coach, Starkey and co-host Chris Mueller had some strong comments about Bradshaw on the air. It’s unclear from the link or the whether 93.7 The Fan attempted to reach Bradshaw or his primary employer, FOX, for a comment.
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Hard to know what to make of this....
That is very disappointing. :dizzy:

Noll was such a mature individual. And Bradshaw has always been the opposite of that, even in his 60s.

Putting down Peyton Manning is so naively self promoting. For much of his career, Bradshaw was a passenger, despite his tremendous physical talent. On a middle of the road team, he would have done nothing in his career. And, as a fan, I supported him, especially in the one Super Bowl versus the Cowboys, where he was pretty much in tears on the bench, wallowing in self pity and doubt, but then threw what I seem to recall as a high risk pass for a TD. High risk? Can't remember, or maybe it was one of Swann's or Stallworth's glorious catches.

Missing the service for Chuck Noll, while he was in town? :dizzy: So much for the rapprochement. So much for sincerity. I would have to say that Noll had him pegged all along: high maintenance, self involved, immature brat. :dizzy:

So what happened, did Chuck miss Terry's birthday?

And all those over the top emotional performances as a "commentator." :dizzy:

Well, I guess I am not much of a fan anymore (I loved the team, Harris, Greene, Swann, Bleier, Lambert, and of course Noll). I always viewed Chuck Noll as being so above the game, living by his high standards. I recall Swann, I think it was, and some other players went by his house on Christmas Eve one time, kind of like little children, unannounced, and Noll was so gracious.

Thanks for posting, SP.
John Madden's Team Policies: Be on time. Pay attention. Play like hell on game day.

Jimmy Johnson's Game Keys: Protect the ball. Make plays.

Walter Payton's Advice to Kids: Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.
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Two interesting equipment issues.....

http://www.nflevolution.com/article/sch ... 0000362559
By Bill Bradley, contributing editor (NFL.com)

While Schutt Sports officials are proud of their breakthroughs in football-helmet padding, there's one new product that has the company streaming and beaming.

Schutt has created the helmet camera, a.k.a. Schutt Vision. It's a full-contact helmet with a built-in HD video system that records from field-level angles.

"It has the chance to revolutionize the way football practices are run," said Glenn Beckmann, director of marketing communications for Schutt, "The entire camera fits in the nose bumper on the helmet. The electronics fit inside the cushioning. It's NOCSAE compliant. It's the first helmet with a camera you can wear in a game."

That's against NCAA rules, but about 30 NCAA Division I college football teams have been using them in practices. Schools like Clemson, LSU and Texas Tech have integrated the device into their coaching tools.

However, Schutt Vision, which was developed with Sports Video Innovations in Dallas, has been adopted by the Arena Football League, which frequently has used it during ESPN and CBS Sports Network game broadcasts.

In the NFL, Schutt Vision has been tried by the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers during minicamps and OTAs.

"You can identify the fronts and when we are pointing out (middle linebackers) and stuff like that, because usually the eyes are looking where he's pointing,” Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley told Tribune Review earlier this month. "You can see the direction the head is at the snap. It's interesting technology. It's a neat concept. We haven't done a whole bunch with it, but the technology is phenomenal. If not for anything else, it forces the player that has it on to be on his P's and Q's."..............
Sounds neat. I am always learning the game simply because I never actually got to play ORGANIZED football. This device sounds like another tool to showcase the reality of the game....

http://www.nflevolution.com/article/nfl ... 0000362472

Some of these now illegal facemasks looked cool, IMO. Like Tucks facemask almost looked like a samurai mask. Its weird how things work. They may not be allowed to wear them for safety reasons (weight for e.g.) but many of the wearers of said facemasks say they like them because it limits facemasking which is obviously had on the neck too! Can't say which way I sit on this issue, both camps make sense, IMO.........
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Good stuff, nota. I couldn't get any pictures with the article you linked.

Here's something for all you Seahawks fans (jeez, I'm a homer; I apologize)--Chris Simms and Adam Lefkoe discussing the acquisition of Paul Richardson:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2115 ... an-jackson

I think comparisons to DeSean Jackson are really premature. My concern about Richardson is his durability. In the following draft scouting report, he's listed at 6-0, 175. Seems explosive and is obviously very fast, but will he get back up after being hit by an NFL safety weighing 220 lbs.? I'd like to see the Seahawks bring him along slowly--designing a few plays for him, but not exposing him to more than 4-5 plays a game in his rookie season. I do agree, though, that having both Richardson and Percy Harvin (another burner) on the field at the same time should strike real terror into the hearts of corners and safeties (and D coordinators), and should open things up for Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, and Zach Miller in the middle. And, of course, there's always Beast Mode....

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/ds ... &genpos=WR
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I need to make amends about focusing too much on the Seahawks. I know there are a fair number of Bears fans on this board; so here's the latest news on Da Bears. My fearless prediction re the Bears is that they will be nearly unstoppable on offense in 2014 (they really fixed the O-line last season). The only question is the D, but you have to believe that they've taken concrete steps to strengthen it. The Bears should be really pretty good in 2014, and I think the NFC-N will come down to the Bears and Packers (who are also much stronger--at least on paper--than they were a year ago).

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/index.html
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