Just a real quick entry... Lofa Tatupu, the Seahawks' excellent rookie middle linebacker I've been praising since like Week 5, has been named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for the injured Brian Urlacher. I couldn't be happier, he deserved it. Seattle center Robbie Tobeck also made the roster due to injury, putting 3 of Seattle's 5 starting offensive linemen in Hawaii. And 7 Seahawks total, tying their most ever.
And, speaking of the Seattle offensive line.... Here's a little clip of Walter Jones absolutely dominating on Sunday. His victim is Carolina defensive end Mike Rucker, generally considered a pretty darn good player.
props to Lofa.
ReplyDeleteOK - this deserves a little anonymous insight regarding Seattle's O line vs Alexander comment - and this will be controversial.
Based on my football eyes, I believe Alexander is an average to above average RB. I believe Seattle could plug ANY average RB into their system and they would put up like numbers. Their Offensive line creates the holes, and any joe schmo can run through them and wait for blocks.
Alexander, on a team with a weak offensive line, would not fair well, in fact i'd be surprised if he could run for 1000 - 1100 yards in a season.
there - said it
That's a fair argument, and one that's not as original as you might think. Hell, this line of thought is probably the main reason why they haven't locked up Alexander long-term. Why pay him millions when someone they pay a fraction of the cost can be just as effective?
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing now though.. With his numbers this year and Seattle making the Super Bowl, he's almost reached "Superstar" status and almost become the face of the franchise. And don't you think Alexander realizes himself that a large portion of his success is due to his offensive line? It's a symbiotic relationship, and I'm thinking (hoping) Alexander will take a "fair" contract to stay in Seattle.
If he stays for less, he can continue to prosper behind that line, and I'd say he's already putting up Hall of Fame consideration numbers (and don't make me go bust them all out.. trust me, he's on course for the Hall, easily right now). Not to mention the team will likely remain a Super Bowl contender for the next 2-3 years.
If he leaves for more money (with Arizona and Minnesota being the two most commonly mentioned teams interested), he could easily disappear, gain a rep for being "selfish", and will be working behind an inferior offensive line that will hurt his numbers and his legacy.
Only time will tell, but if Alexander signs elsewhere for more cash, I think he'll regret it.
I posted this earlier but it doesn't seem to be appearing. Apologies if this is a redundant post...
ReplyDeleteThat could be said of almost any great running back. You think O.J. would have done as well in Buffalo without the Bills line?
Off the top of my head here's my list of running backs that could have played behind any line with equal success: Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Peyton. Beyond that I get into a gray area. Maybe O.J., maybe Curtis Martin... so help me out. Who else goes on that list?
without a doubt barry sanders is unequaled - from what i've seen from him....
ReplyDeletethat is tough thinking of people like barry sanders...
HYPE week, Let's start some HYPE.
ReplyDeletegimme the player who you deem most likely to be caught with a transvestite before the SB.
No doubt - Joey Porter. :P
ReplyDelete