Year-end press conference highlights
Mike Holmgren just finished his season's-end press conference. First off, Holmgren said that Deion Branch will have surgery on his torn ACL soon, by Dr. Andrews in Birmingham. Holmgren thought that the injury could have a nine-month recovery period, maybe longer for a player who is dependent on speed and cutting. He compared this injury to the same one Bobby Engram had. Also, Shaun Alexander will get his wrist repaired, and Walter Jones will likely have his shoulder repaired. Holmgren admitted he has yet to see the final reports from the year-end physicals.
Holmgren also said Jim Mora would fly out tomorrow to interview with the Redskins. He called Mora an excellent coach with great enthusiasm. Mike also met with Nolan Cromwell this morning, shook his hand and wished him good luck with Mike Sherman and the Texas A&M offensive coordinator job.
Big picture, Holmgren said he was frustrated with the running game. He said this would be addressed in the off-season, but that it wasn't only Shaun at fault. Holmgren liked the pass protection, but was not happy with lack of being able to run the ball. He noted that he believed Shaun still has the physical skills to be a good running back in this league. He took it onto himself for all the losses after going into the fourth quarter with a lead. Mike also admitted he wants to add a "big honker" on the defensive line in the off-season. He's talked to Trufant about coming back, and hopes Josh Brown returns next year, too.
On the positive side, he said the Seahawks have a solid nucleus: a fine quarterback in the prime of his career. Because of Matt and his encouraging WR corps, he likes the team's chances. Also, defensively the core group is coming back. Although he would like to see more consistency, he said at times the players had great games. Holmgren also appreciated the team's ability to come back after some early season inconsistency.
About whether or not he'd come back as a head coach, Holmgren joked that reporters were trying to usher him out the door. He reinterated that he would meet with his wife Kathy in the next few weeks and that they would talk and hash things out. Holmgren said, "I like these guys, I like how they played...I like how they approach things. I like my coaches. The organization is in good shape. We have to add, we have to shore up a few things."
Words (and pronouns) that sound to me a lot like Holmgren will be back as head coach next year.
Comments
Really nothing surprising here. I don't think it was really a question whether Holmgren would be back. Glad to see him give it his likely final year. Especially since they're letting Mora interview elsewhere.
He addressed the obvious issues and backed the current roster (Shaun). Though it won't surprise me if he's released or traded this offseason, hence "He noted that he believed Shaun still has the physical skills to be a good running back in this league." Pretty general if you ask me.
Hopefully Branch can make it back 100%, otherwise it's a complete waste of a first-rounder. A small receiver like Branch needs to slash and cut in his routes to get open.
A couple of big linemen on both sides of the ball, and a decent RB in the draft should allow the Seahawks to be great in '08.
Posted by: Ken | January 15, 2008 4:12 PM
I am hoping beyond hope that he comes back. The Seahawks are a better team with Holmgren as their head coach. He will be in the Hall of Fame one day and that speaks volumes in itself. Holmgren knows how to win and he will do it here. Besides that, name one available head coaching candidate that can even compare to him...there isn't any, period. We need you to come back coach. Thinking about the situations in Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco and Detroit scares the crap out of me. Getting a new coach means getting a new play book, football philosophy, attitude and personell and I do not think that is conducive to reaching the Super Bowl next year and if the Hawks want to reach the Super Bowl next year, Holmgren gives them the best chance.
Posted by: Hawker37 | January 15, 2008 4:16 PM
If holmy comes back we will be the best team in the weak divsion we are now in and won't beable to win the superbowl with our good not great qb. rb and ol.
Posted by: JBR | January 15, 2008 4:51 PM
I agree with JBR. I'm a Green Bay fan through and through, but have landed here in Seattle due to employment. The packers have a ton of new guys and they bring alot of enthusiasm to the team, as well as the "we don't know any better" attitude to pressure in the playoffs.
One thing I have noticed is the current state of the Seahawks division. They are "decent" team in a CRAPPY division. All you guys need is a good RB and you have to just win 3 games to be Super Bowl champs.
Those games being the playoffs of course. Your regular season line-up does not (yet) offer any real competition for the most part. Just like 2 years ago, you guys pull a "NY Giants" and there you are.
I think its best to keep Mike and grab some new blood. The Seahawks could get to the Superbowl almost as-is...almost. They better hurry though, teams like the 49er's and Dolphins won't suck forever.
Posted by: ColeSeavers | January 15, 2008 8:22 PM
Holmy has to go when he does not trust his team with 4th and 1. 22 down in a play off game win or go home he punts because he's afriad that they might score and It might make him look bad. Nots best for the team but him he's got to go!!!! He's lost the drive to win at all cost!!!!
Posted by: JBR | January 15, 2008 8:50 PM
I'd love to have Holmgren back. A new coach would amount to starting over, the team learning the new system etc. It would take a couple of years to accomplish. Paul Allen needs to spend some cash and get the obvious holes filled, running back, tight end etc.
If I was King...I'd tell Hasselbeck to wear his hat on straight, He's one of Seattle's best known athletes, he doesn't need to mess with all of his "look at me" antics. Either that or if he insists he needs to wear it backward, I'd make him wear his friggin' helmet backward. I think he learned it from Favre, another "look at me" quarterback.
Posted by: Jiffyjet2 | January 16, 2008 12:34 AM