Regular readers to SBS know it's no secret that Steve Hutchinson's defection to the Viqueens left a bitter taste on St. Ides's beer soaked taste buds. For what its worth, the conventional wisdom in the NFL seems to think that not only did Minnesota overpay for him, but that Hutchinson simply isn't as good as he used to be.
This from JSOnline's Bob McGinn:
The Packers will get their first look at guard Steve Hutchinson in a Vikings' uniform. Minnesota gave Hutchinson $16 million in bonuses this season in a transition free-agent offer that the Seahawks declined to match. "Not in a million years would I pay that guy $49 million," an opposing defensive coach said. "You can get away without having tremendous guards. He's a pretty good guard, but it's not like he comes off and mauls people. When he gets his hands on you he can block pretty good." One scout used the word "solid" to describe Hutchinson's season. "He's not playing what he was last year in Seattle," the scout said. "Whether that's a comfort level with who he's playing with, I don't know. In Seattle, he was just a road grader. He has been good, that's it. Before I thought he was outstanding. He's not what he was in Seattle."
Truth be told, Hutchinson isn't making an impact in Minnesota, and he probably wouldn't be adding much in Seattle.
Heh, thanks for posting that. ;)
ReplyDeleteA lot of people have said (and I agree) that he benefited from playing next to the person many people consider the best player in football, Walter Jones.
I've read more than one report this season saying he's not really been a difference maker. I mean, come on, he's a frickin guard. He's not blocking those speedy DEs who threaten your QB's blind side. And how many "above average" DTs are there in the league these days?
I was watching Lions-Vikings for a few plays several weeks ago, and Hutch got totally blown up on a pass rush, the rusher hit Brad Johnson, the ball fluttered out, and the Lions picked it off. That play was ALL on Hutch. And despite what some idiots might say, that 95-yard run by Chester Taylor in Seattle was NOT set up by a Hutch block.
Bottom line is offensive line play has a LOT to do with continuity and cohesion. Once Seattle gets a new LG to stay healthy and consistent in that spot, he'll look just as good as Hutch ever did next to Walter Jones.
and on top of that, He's gay
ReplyDeleteno, no, I'm not bitter this morning.......NOOOOOOOOO
Jeez, I had no idea he was gay. Well, just goes to show ya. If it makes you feel any better, I'm as puzzled by the Jets as your head coach is. OK, doesn't make you feel better. No worries, I suspect you'll be feeling fine this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteFinal thought on Hutchinson from today's JSOnline:
"At times, Vikings LG Steve Hutchinson was slow getting up and didn't seem up to par because of week-old knee and ankle injuries. Really, so what? By mid-November everybody's hurting. Cullen Jenkins beat the $49 million man up the field for a sack in 2.8 seconds. Corey Williams, back starting ahead of Colin Cole (14 snaps), made his first start since Week 6 and played 30 of his 39 snaps across from Hutchinson. Williams was late off the ball a few times and didn't always play his technique, but he also showed good awareness ruining a draw, ruining a screen and recovering a fumble."