"Giving them the Bird..."

[ninerman80]

There have been a lot of discussions on who will claim the top spot in the NFC West this year, and how it simply seems to be up for grabs.

Every time I say that the 9ers have the best shot, people come right back to say that it's the Cards.

Other than the fact that they eked their way to the big dance, what makes people feel this way?

I'm actually more concerned with Seattle getting a healthy Hasslebeck back, and re-bounding.

Everything I've seen and read latley on the Cards smells of disaster, and they are falling into "Hangover" mode.

They just went to the Superbowl, and ever since, have had one player after the next wanting to break outta their.

I'm looking at a team in the Cards, that just had a shake up in coaching staff, and a bunch of unhappy players. Even Warner tried to smooth things over, and they aren't listening.

All I'm saying is...when you have a bunch of unhappy players (talented or not), your not gonna get too far.

2009 NFC West
1. Niners - just as good or better then the other 3 teams, and our new coach had a head start. We didn't lose much and should look even better this season, plus, we basically gave the Cards the red carpet treatment last year.

2. Seahawks - Picked up Housh, Hasselbeck healthy, but new headcoach, question still out on QB, and defense (Peterson loss).

3. Cards - Warner would have to pull more magic out of that worn out hat. Losing key assistant coaches, buncha mad/greedy players.

4. Rams - no explanation needed, but also have a new coach.

[NinersFanatic]

Other than the fact that they eked their way to the big dance, what makes people feel this way?

Talent.

Except for front 7, they have us beat in every other area.

[ninerman80]

Talent.

Except for front 7, they have us beat in every other area.

Last years talent + This years disgruntled talent = Wash

[bruin4life]

Last years talent + This years disgruntled talent = Wash

Q was disgruntled last year so was Edge. they still produced...

Even with AZ edging their way to the big dance they still beat up nfcw foes. Last year they did not lose to a single nfcw opponent. the previous year they were 3-3 against nfcw and the year before that they were 4-2. They seem to do well against nfcw opponents even if they are 'the same ole cards' so yes I do think they have an inside track to win the nfcw giving that they win more often than they lose against the nfcw teams.

That said, If Matt H remains healthy then I'll pick the seahawks but if he doesn't I don't. I think across the board AZ is very talented and in Ken Whisenhunt they finally have a coach that will make them tougher instead of babying them and attempting to feed his own ego like Dennis Green was doing. Also in this division it truely is one of those in order to be the champs you have to beat the champ divisons and until Matt H shows that he is completely healthy and the seahawks new zone blocking takes pressure off him I'd think it's going to be hard for any nfcw team to match the Cards in points.

[Ace Matherton]

I still see seattle with the edge over everyone. Cards were hot when they needed to be they were not the best the NFC had to offer, they wont have a repeat year in my opinion they are much closer to a 500 team that they showed last year.

The QB and DB situation of the Niners really prevents one from making the leap to contender but its possible. The Rams D needs to be much improved but if its even marginal they have just as much a shot to win as anyone in the division.

[jmichura]

I see the Seahawks either drafting in the top 7 or winning the division. As for us, I expect 7-9 or 8-8.

[Max_Power]

Talent.

Except for front 7, they have us beat in every other area.

Sadly we are better at RB, TE and our ST is better in every area. But other than that, I'd say you are right.

[Max_Power]

My pick is Seattle. Too many unaddressed issues with the 49ers this offseason. Crabtree is nice but how often does a receiver completely turn around a team in a years time? Especially a rookie? Meanwhile Seattle gets their healthy franchise QB back. I don't really know what to expect from the Cards. All 3 teams should be better than the Rams though.

We don't need a complete turnaround, we just need 2 or 3 more wins. Crabtree alone might not be the complete answer, so I'd say we are banking a lot on how well Coffee plays when he spells Gore.

[BrentJones84]

I don't see why people think the Cards have much of a chance to repeat. Last season their defense was in the worst 5 in the league, and were on the wrong side of several blow outs. It was a miricle they got as far as they did last year, it the chance of winning the division again with so many holes on their team is doubtful.

Seattle was hampered last season by injuries and a burnt out coach. With a healthy team and an invigorated leadership, they should be much better this season.

But the fact reamains that in several of the recents seasons, the NFC-W winner ended up with a record of 9-7, which isn't too far from 7-9. So overall, it's a dead even three way race between the Cards, Hawks and 49ers.

[Wikedjug]

It may have something to do with their dominance over top teams in the playoffs....

They dominated 2 teams from the overrated NFC south and barely squeeked by philly. Lets not forget they almost blew a big lead in that philly game either.

Big Ben and the pitt offense is no Juggernaut by any means and when it mattered the most the cards D flat out couldn't stop them to save their lives.

Anyone can make it to the super bowl in the NFC, people should know this by now. There hasn't been a dominant team here since the greatest show on turf ended and the Bucs D split/got old. It really means nothing in our conference if you don't win it, just that you got hot at the right time.

Anyone can win the NFCW and anyone can win the entire NFC for that matter.

[jmichura]

Sadly we are better at RB, TE and our ST is better in every area. But other than that, I'd say you are right.

Except in the ability to score TD's.

[bilwit]

Except in the ability to score TD's.

:laugh:

[keehner87]

I think the division comes down to our defense. If we get more of a pass rush, we could have a top 10 defense. I don't think anyone else in the division will have that caliber of a D. If that's the case, I would hope our O scores enough to win some games

[BrentJones84]

It may have something to do with their dominance over top teams in the playoffs....

Way to miss the point.

Dominate? Philly did take the lead in the 4th qtr.

[NinersFanatic]

Sadly we are better at RB, TE and our ST is better in every area. But other than that, I'd say you are right.

Why sadly?

I don't see why people think the Cards have much of a chance to repeat. Last season their defense was in the worst 5 in the league, and were on the wrong side of several blow outs. It was a miricle they got as far as they did last year, it the chance of winning the division again with so many holes on their team is doubtful.

Seattle was hampered last season by injuries and a burnt out coach. With a healthy team and an invigorated leadership, they should be much better this season.


Their defense wasn't that terrible. They were around the middle of the league.

I really don't see the Seahawks returning to pre-2008 form. Hasselbeck returning healthy and playing well is a big if.

[Max_Power]

Why sadly? Being better at certain areas is good!

It's sad that we are better them in several areas and they make it to the Super Bowl and we still suck.

[jackacid]

Cards will be favored all off-season, and for some reason people still believe that Seattle can be the class of the division.

Bottom line, until we get out of a season with a decent record, don't expect one ounce of respect....that is, unless you're Dallas or Houston, who's kool-aid people can't seem to lay off regardless of what they did the year before.

[NinersFanatic]

Cards will be favored all off-season, and for some reason people still believe that Seattle can be the class of the division.

Bottom line, until we get out of a season with a decent record, don't expect one ounce of respect....that is, unless you're Dallas or Houston, who's kool-aid people can't seem to lay off regardless of what they did the year before.

I don't see Houston as a team that gets too much hype. Just a team with potential who could get over the hump in 2009. When's the last time you've even heard their name on ESPN?

[REDHEAT]

What about the shakeup in your coaches...the lack of a proven QB, the OL giving up sacks. The mediocre DL and lack of pass rush.... I'm sorry but I dont see it with your team either

[J_Nelson71]

I think the division comes down to our defense. If we get more of a pass rush, we could have a top 10 defense. I don't think anyone else in the division will have that caliber of a D. If that's the case, I would hope our O scores enough to win some games

The 'Hawks have a pretty good D. They got Aaron Curry for JP, they got Ken Lucas back, resigned LeRoy Hill, still have Lofa Tatupu, Patrick Kerney and Marcus Trufant. Lawrence Jackson could come around and be a hell of a pass rusher, and added Cory Redding who is decent.

'Hawks D> Our D.

[New-Era]

You all seem to forget that we have owned the Hawks for the past two season... Under NoWin to boot... Singletary has this team in position to win the west. I say the 9ers go 11-5 and get to sit out of the first round... We have a good team finaly, show some pride...

[ThE_DaVe]

The bird like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_TfvFftf4s&feature=related

[NinersFanatic]

What about the shakeup in your coaches...the lack of a proven QB, the OL giving up sacks. The mediocre DL and lack of pass rush.... I'm sorry but I dont see it with your team either

You're a Cards fan?

[ninerman80]

2008 Defense
Niners - #13
Seattle - #30 - only Chiefs & Lions were worse.
Rams - #28
Cards - 19

2008 Offense
Niners - #23
Seattle - #28
Rams - #27
Cards - #4

We win on D, and even though the Cards ranked high on O, we were able to contain them both games, both games we played them coulda gone either way, then add in the trainwreck we had at coach and QB.

Now, did Cards improve on O from last year? Nope.

The Division is up for grabs, just like last year, and it wasn't that far out of our reach, even with the JTO show.

[Max_Power]

Now, did Cards improve on O from last year? Nope.



Umm...Chris Wells? 1st round pick?

[Blue Bird]

I see the Seahawks either drafting in the top 7 or winning the division. As for us, I expect 7-9 or 8-8.

The irony is that given the fact that they own the Broncos pick, there is the potential for both. :laugh:

[Blue Bird]

You all seem to forget that we have owned the Hawks for the past two season... Under NoWin to boot... Singletary has this team in position to win the west. I say the 9ers go 11-5 and get to sit out of the first round... We have a good team finaly, show some pride...
:spit:

In what world is being beaten (soundly) 3 out of 4 times and winning once in OT "owning" another team?

2007 - first matchup
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29251&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2007&week=REG4

2007 - second matchup
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29338&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2007&week=REG10

2008 - first matchup
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29552&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=REG2

2008 - second matchup
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29642&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=REG8

[Blue Bird]

...
I really don't see the Seahawks returning to pre-2008 form. Hasselbeck returning healthy and playing well is a big if.
He's already healthy and he's got more receiving talent than he's played with in years. Big "if"? I see it differently...

[KingOfTheHill]

You all seem to forget that we have owned the Hawks for the past two season... Under NoWin to boot...

any point you have made in the past, or any point you will attempt to make in the future, is now void because of this comment.

in 07 we got mauled in both games. the first game alex got flattened and dilfer stumbled through the day. the second game an obviously hurt smith ran the team into the ground and we lost easily.

in 08, we got a miracle win from JT and company, but then got dominated in the second game when hill replaced JT.

49er fans embarrass me sometimes.

[KingOfTheHill]

He's already healthy and he's got more receiving talent than he's played with in years. Big "if"? I see it differently...

really? im shocked... :rolleyes:

[Blue Bird]

any point you have made in the past, or any point you will attempt to make in the future, is now void because of this comment.

in 07 we got mauled in both games. the first game alex got flattened and dilfer stumbled through the day. the second game an obviously hurt smith ran the team into the ground and we lost easily.

in 08, we got a miracle win from JT and company, but then got dominated in the second game when hill replaced JT.

49er fans embarrass me sometimes.

Now THAT is getting owned. New-Era FTL! :laugh:

[Blue Bird]

really? im shocked... :rolleyes:

:shades:

[Ronin 49er]

Cards have Warner. So they always have a shot at this division.

[Blue Bird]

...
I really don't see the Seahawks returning to pre-2008 form. Hasselbeck returning healthy and playing well is a big if.

Lookin' pretty healthy so far... :shades:

Even before the team came together for stretching in a practice last week, he’d thrown probably 50 passes to receivers, tight ends and backs. Each time, he took a precise drop, planted the back foot, turned and stepped into the throw. Of the 50 or so, in a variety of routes, perhaps one throw was slightly misplaced.

Seriously. The release is so consistent and the spiral so tight, he resembles a baseball pitcher with perfect “command” of all his pitches.

When the Seahawks gathered for their team stretching drills, I saw one contortion that would convince even the most skeptical fan that Hasselbeck is fully recovered.

The players lay face-down on the grass, arms out to the side. They lift their left leg back up into the air and rotate it around to touch the ground on the right side of their body. Then they roll back and do the opposite with the other leg. It looks impossible for any vertebrate mammal other than yoga instructors.

The fact that Hasselbeck executes the stretch without becoming knotted or tearful is testimony to his health.

In one of the earlier practices, he took off running on a play and sprinted well enough to beat a defender to the corner of the end zone. And during one of the team drills the past week, he needed to throw a hard liner through a small window to a receiver racing up the sideline.

So, it looks like he’s got the throws and the mobility as well.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/1043/story/754596.html

[KingOfTheHill]

Lookin' pretty healthy so far... :shades:


http://www.thenewstribune.com/1043/story/754596.html

lets see how it looks once the action is live.

[Blue Bird]

lets see how it looks once the action is live.

Probably stands as much of a chance as any other of staying healthy.

[49ersCatch]

My pick is Seattle. Too many unaddressed issues with the 49ers this offseason. Crabtree is nice but how often does a receiver completely turn around a team in a years time? Especially a rookie? Meanwhile Seattle gets their healthy franchise QB back. I don't really know what to expect from the Cards. All 3 teams should be better than the Rams though.

There's a lot more changes on the offense than Crabtree.

We've had a winning record since Singletary/Hill took over.

We have a OC that will play to our strengths (Running the ball, quick passes that Hill is very good at, and use of TEs) instead of our weaknesses like Martz did.

Coffee should be able to help Gore and keep him healthy and fresh. Moran Norris should be able to help Gore.
Better Oline with the addition of Marvel Smith and subtraction of Jonas Jennings
Plus Morgan will be healthy and able to play a lot more this season.

[SemperFi49erFan]

12th MAN cant save you this year Blue

[Blue Bird]

I'm looking forward to watching the NFC West this year.

[KingOfTheHill]

Probably stands as much of a chance as any other of staying healthy.

speaking more of his mechanics and such. when you feel real pressure, it can force you to change mechanics to compensate, which he may not be able to do.

[KingOfTheHill]

I'm looking forward to watching the NFC West this year.

just this year?

[MontereyNiner]

If Warner stays healthy the Cards definitely are in the race between Seahawks and Niners for the West. In fact they're the favorite. However, If Warner can't stay healthy like what has happened with him for most of his career I don't see Leinart leading this team anywhere

[johnm]

I say Seahawks will win it this year, unless Mora stinks it up. They have a ton more talent this year, and their defense is good enough (when their players are healthy).

[Blue Bird]

just this year?

In particular because I think the matchups will be better than other years. Every year is obviously a given.

[Blue Bird]

speaking more of his mechanics and such. when you feel real pressure, it can force you to change mechanics to compensate, which he may not be able to do.

This is a pretty seasoned veteran we're talking about here... I'm pretty sure he knows how to cope with those things. No?

[KingOfTheHill]

This is a pretty seasoned veteran we're talking about here... I'm pretty sure he knows how to cope with those things. No?

has he ever missed so much time with injury though? im not a hasselbald follower so i really dont know.

[jackacid]

Talent.

Except for front 7, they have us beat in every other area.

On paper, yes and this is where the speculation comes from concerning who is the favorite to win the division.

That said, we play the Cards tough no matter what, and that will probably be true when the day comes that we have more talent and they are back in the valley of mediocrity.

[BleediNineRed]

Here's a couple of posts I wrote at the Cardinals MB that has to do with the Cards chances to win the NFC West. The Superbowl Loser Hangover is real.


Originally Posted by psbasu
Joe Montana is not walking through that door... Jerry Rice is not walking through that door....Steve Young is not walking through that door....


How original is that. I've heard that so many times. The 49ers don't need any of those guys to be competitive. The 49ers played your Cards competitively last year and we didn't have anyone close to the caliber of Rice, Montana or Young. Really?

It's going to be so rewarding to knock you off your pedestal this year. We all know what has happened recently to the Superbowl loser. Major tankage. Do you really think your team is good enough to withstand the pressure that they will be facing each and every week. I don't. You've had about 7 years to do some damage in the NFC West w/ the 49ers having some really horrible coaching. Last year was your chance, and you guys **** the bed. Let's take a look at how the teams that lost the Superbowl over the past 10 years have fared in the following season.

2008 Patriots: 11-5 (missed playoffs)

2007 Bears: 7-9 (missed playoffs)

2006 Seahawks: 9-7 (lost to Chicago in Divisional Rd)

2005 Eagles: 6-10 (missed playoffs)

2004 Panthers: 7-9 (missed playoffs)

2003 Raiders: 4-12 (missed playoffs)

2002 Rams: 7-9 (missed playoffs)

2001 Giants: 7-9 (missed playoffs)

2000 Titans: 13-3 (lost to Ravens in Div. Rd.)

1999 Falcons: 5-11 (missed playoffs)

2009 Cardinals 8-8 (missed playoffs) my prediction

Only 2 out of the past 10 Superbowl losers have made the playoffs the following year. Not so promising is it? Are you Card fans optimistic enough to believe that its just coincedence? This is just one of the reasons why I think the 49ers will win the West.

The 49ers are on the rise and to think otherwise is just denying reality. You can hate all you want, it's humorous. Enjoy your recent success while you can, the chances of the Cards winning the West again are slim. Good luck...history shows you'll need it.


Originally Posted by Jjoe (card fan)
"I love your logic, you forgot to add that Fitzgerald will break his leg in week 1 once he's on the cover of Madden..."


How is it bad logic. First off, you don't believe that losing in the Superbowl has negative effects psychologically. C'mon man. 2nd, many players on a Superbowl team have agents that are looking to get paid which ends up in players wanting to hold out for more cash. It's happening somewhat to the Cards right now. 3rd, your success last year is going to paint a big target on your back and this upcoming season teams are going to play you guys harder than they did last year. If you have ever played sports than you know what I'm talking about, unless you aren't the competitive type? I could go on and on about how losing the Superbowl has more negative effects on a team than positive. I'm not saying that the Cardinals can't win the Division again, I'm just saying that it's going to be much more difficult than last year. If you think the recently trends of the Superbowl loser is bad logic then you are just in denial.

As for the Fitz on the Madden Cover, I'm not a believer in curses. I do believe that there is a high possibility that Warner will go down this year though. If so, Leinart is going to have to step it up big time because it's not like you guys have a good enough defense or running game to take pressure off of him. That's just my opinion though, what do I know? I'm just a 49er fan living in the past right?

[Blue Bird]

has he ever missed so much time with injury though? im not a hasselbald follower so i really dont know.

No, he hasn't. But less experienced QBs have missed far more time and been fine. He only missed half the season. It's not like he's been on the shelf for a year nursing a torn ACL or something.

[Blue Bird]

Here's a couple of posts I wrote at the Cardinals MB that has to do with the Cards chances to win the NFC West. The Superbowl Loser Hangover is real.
...

:laugh: I bet you think you owned them, don't you?

[BleediNineRed]

:laugh: I bet you think you owned them, don't you?

No, because the reality is the Cards still have the bragging rights, but at least I think it created a little doubt. I honestly believe either us or the Seahawks will win the division. I really don't give the Cards a chance.

[ninerman80]

No, because the reality is the Cards still have the bragging rights, but at least I think it created a little doubt. I honestly believe either us or the Seahawks will win the division. I really don't give the Cards a chance.

The problem is, their not taking advantage of the opportunity to brag, which they should, considerding they've never been able to till now.

Reality is, they haven't had a chance to, because they've been too busy bichin, and wanting to abandon ship. You'd think that what they did last season would make them stronger as a team.

As for the Seahawks...everybody keeps saying that Hasslebecks being healthy all the sudden makes them strong contenders again. I don't deny that him coming back helps, but the niners have a much better shot than they do at our division.

Hawks have no D, and lost the one their impacts in Peterson. No run game, and because the niners have shut down the run, we will be able to handle Housh.

[BleediNineRed]

The problem is, their not taking advantage of the opportunity to brag, which they should, considerding they've never been able to till now.

Reality is, they haven't had a chance to, because they've been too busy bichin, and wanting to abandon ship. You'd think that what they did last season would make them stronger as a team.

As for the Seahawks...everybody keeps saying that Hasslebecks being healthy all the sudden makes them strong contenders again. I don't deny that him coming back helps, but the niners have a much better shot than they do at our division.

Hawks have no D, and lost the one their impacts in Peterson. No run game, and because the niners have shut down the run, we will be able to handle Housh.

Housh doesn't scare me one bit. He's a possession receiver and doesn't have the speed to be a game changer. I'm not knocking his ability as a WR, for he is arguably one of the best possession receivers in the game today. I just don't think that he will be that dangerous especially since Seattle doesn't really have a true deep threat.

[Blue Bird]

...
As for the Seahawks...everybody keeps saying that Hasslebecks being healthy all the sudden makes them strong contenders again. I don't deny that him coming back helps, but the niners have a much better shot than they do at our division.

Hawks have no D, and lost the one their impacts in Peterson. No run game, and because the niners have shut down the run, we will be able to handle Housh.
Housh doesn't scare me one bit. He's a possession receiver and doesn't have the speed to be a game changer. I'm not knocking his ability as a WR, for he is arguably one of the best possession receivers in the game today. I just don't think that he will be that dangerous especially since Seattle doesn't really have a true deep threat.
The bigger picture is lacking in both of these posts.

Ninerman80, the epitome of homerism is pointing out the faults of another team and saying nothing of your own. Despite not having a proven player at QB (only the most important position on the field), you still feel they have a "much better shot than they do at the division." Even most hardened Niner fans would say that's lofty to say the least. And while you point out that the Seahawks "have no D", they gave up less than 1 point more per game than the 49ers. I guess the 49ers have no D either, eh? You go on to point out that we gave up Julian Peterson but say nothing about the fact that we drafted an apt replacement. We also added a veteran corner and two veteran defensive linemen. Did the 49ers make any significant additions on defense?

BleediNineRed, have you been watching the Seahawks the past 5 years? We haven't had a reliable deep threat in that entire time (Jackson, Engram, Jurevicius, Branch, Burleson, etc...) and yet we've had one of the best passing games in the league through that time (save for last year when Hasselbeck was out). Your post implies that it's necessary to throw the ball deep to be successful, something that Hasselbeck has frankly never been very good at anyway. The Seahawks live and breathe by the west coast offense - slants, hooks, and outs - not the deep ball. That said, getting "possibly the best possession receiver in the league" is a pretty significant addition. Tell yourself the addition of Houshmandzadeh is "no big deal" but if Branch, Burleson, Houshmandzadeh, and Carlson can create some real match up problems. I doubt the 49ers will see the addition of Houshmandzadeh as "no big deal" as some of the fans.

[BleediNineRed]

The bigger picture is lacking in both of these posts.

Ninerman80, the epitome of homerism is pointing out the faults of another team and saying nothing of your own. Despite not having a proven player at QB (only the most important position on the field), you still feel they have a "much better shot than they do at the division." Even most hardened Niner fans would say that's lofty to say the least. And while you point out that the Seahawks "have no D", they gave up only 11 more points all year than the 49ers. I guess the 49ers have no D either, eh? You go on to point out that we gave up Julian Peterson but say nothing about the fact that we drafted an apt replacement. We also added a veteran corner and two veteran defensive linemen. Did the 49ers make any significant additions on defense?

BleediNineRed, have you been watching the Seahawks the past 5 years? We haven't had a reliable deep threat in that entire time (Jackson, Engram, Jurevicius, Branch, Burleson, etc...) and yet we've had one of the best passing games in the league through that time (save for last year when Hasselbeck was out). Your post implies that it's necessary to throw the ball deep to be successful, something that Hasselbeck has frankly never been very good at anyway. The Seahawks live and breathe by the west coast offense - slants, hooks, and outs - not the deep ball. That said, getting "possibly the best possession receiver in the league" is a pretty significant addition. Tell yourself the addition of Houshmandzadeh is "no big deal" but if Branch, Burleson, Houshmandzadeh, and Carlson can create some real match up problems. I doubt the 49ers will see the addition of Houshmandzadeh as "no big deal" as some of the fans.

My point was that Houshmandzadeh will be more effective with someone who can stretch the field. I'm saying that I don't think T.J. will make a big difference against the 49ers. The 49ers have had much better success defending possession receivers than speedy, downfield threats. I never stated that the Seahawks need a deep threat to be successful, I said that T.J. would be more effective if he had a deep threat to open up the middle of the field where T.J. does his best work. And yes, I watch as much football as any fan out there. The past 5 years you guys haven't needed a deep threat because you had one of the best RB's of his time in Shaun Alexander. The team doesn't have a great RB, and the T.J. signing isn't going to be as much as an impact as some may think.

Seattle doesn't have anybody on offense that is a threat to score at any given time, well at least that's my opinion. The Seahawks need a great RB to carry the load and until they get that then I don't think that they will sbe that successful. I think many are putting to much stock into the T.J. signing. Without a strong running game the Seahawks are going to have a tough time competing. T.J. doesn't really solve anything.

[fabie]

I think we're going 18-1 this season and lose in the superbowl! :laugh: Ok, that ain't funny but still better than a 7-9. :)

[Blue Bird]

My point was that Houshmandzadeh will be more effective with someone who can stretch the field. I'm saying that I don't think T.J. will make a big difference against the 49ers. The 49ers have had much better success defending possession receivers than speedy, downfield threats. I never stated that the Seahawks need a deep threat to be successful, I said that T.J. would be more effective if he had a deep threat to open up the middle of the field where T.J. does his best work. And yes, I watch as much football as any fan out there. The past 5 years you guys haven't needed a deep threat because you had one of the best RB's of his time in Shaun Alexander. The team doesn't have a great RB, and the T.J. signing isn't going to be as much as an impact as some may think.

Seattle doesn't have anybody on offense that is a threat to score at any given time, well at least that's my opinion. The Seahawks need a great RB to carry the load and until they get that then I don't think that they will sbe that successful. I think many are putting to much stock into the T.J. signing. Without a strong running game the Seahawks are going to have a tough time competing. T.J. doesn't really solve anything.
Wow. It'll be interesting to hear the response to that assertion about Alexander.

But that not withstanding, I don't think the Seahawks need a top notch RB for Houshmandzadeh to be effective. Hell, Engram had his best year two years ago when our running game was absolutely ABYSMAL. They just need a "good enough" running game and I think that's exactly what they'll have. While Julius Jones is clearly not special, he did have a 4.4 yard average in limited play last year while Holmgren favored his own guy (Maurice Morris) for his system. But since Mora has brought in Greg Knapp, we're switching to a zone blocking scheme that favors one cut runners like Jones.

Finally, it's hard to understand how you can call a guy "possibly the best possession receiver in the league" and then minimize his value to "not really solving anything". You're kind of talking out of both sides of your mouth when you say that you've watched the Seahawks enough to know that their scheme doesn't require a deep threat but that adding a receiver who is the exact bread and butter of their scheme does nothing.

The 49ers have struggled heavily with the Seahawks over the past two years. Help me understand how adding another big strong receiver to that corps helps things. This same offense with less weapons available has pretty much had it's way with the 49er defense the past two years.