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Seahawks Blog |
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February 2008
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Just got back from Holmgren's Wednesday press conference. First, my thoughts and then I'll post the highlights. After listening to the coach and looking at the numbers, the Browns may be more of a challenge than I originally thought. This feels like a game this Hawks should win, especially since it's a 1 pm PST kickoff. And while we all know the old cliche, any team can win any Sunday, the Browns recent winning is due in large part to the big play. Something the Hawks have been susceptible to in recent years. Which means -- in my mind -- this game comes down to the play of the Hawks defense. Why? Get this: This year in the NFL, the teams with completions of plus 20 yards is such: NE (32), CLE (29) and then Ind (27). No kidding. TD passes of more than 20 yards? NE (11), CLE (8) and then Dal (7). In plays of 20+, the Browns are fourth. Same in plays greater than 10 yards. If QB Derek Anderson has the time to throw the ball, he has some big playmakers down the field. About Joe Jurevicius: Mike Holmgren said he really didn't want to lose the WR. That Joe was a great guy and unique in his size and the way he uses his bulk. He called Joe a sneaky player who is a load to deal with. About the Browns: Coach said he views the Browns as an explosive team on offense (I think the Browns are giving up close to 30/game on D), with big players. That their offensive line is coming together, and that an off-season acquisition and a nice draft helped. Holmgren called the Browns TE Kellin Winslow a special player (Winslow is third among tight ends this year in the NFL with 532 yards and has led the Browns in catches in three of their games. Winslow also leads the NFL in gains of plus 20 yards, with 11). And while having Frye on the team helps, coach added, it's a matter of "We know you that you know" kind of thing. On changes for the Hawks alignment (mostly offensive line): Coach said he was going to tinker with things this week in practice, "stir it up a little bit" was how he put it, and see if some different combinations produce better results. We'll have to wait and see on that one. Holmgren said plenty of time was spent during the bye-week addressing this. On the offense: Matt is still store, but will have to play through the pain. Shaun Alexander will still be wearing the cast. Hackett is a go, Deion Branch is 50/50. Pollard and Willis are the only two players out (although Holmgren intimated Pollard may improve enough to play). Holmgren again reiniterated that the running game is key, and he's more worried about that than the passing game. On playing at 1 p.m. instead of 10 a.m.: Holmgren was pleased with this, mostly because the players will be playing at their normal time. Also, because the team could leave on Friday instead of Saturday. With the later game, coaches and players will get extra sleep and be better adjusted. 1 Comments |
Does anybody read these before you post them? Spell Check maybe?