Hawks Offseason, Brief Mariner Buzz

Can you feel it? I mean, it's been what, almost 8 years since the last time anything resembling excitement happened in the Emerald City? It's been overdue, (Sorry Chicago, Buffalo, Kansas City, San Diego, etc. fans...) but it's so, so sweet.

What I happen to be rambling about is our Seattle Seahawks. A third round quarterback that in all reality should have won Rookie of the year. A defense that has been regarded as the most feared defense to face. A running back who causes earthquakes, and a homefield that supplies them. The disappointing loss to Atlanta only fuels this fire, and boy it's been fun to be a part of it. The biggest question heading into the offseason isn't if they can do it again, but who will they add or subtract. As a very biased fan, I would be content with adding absolutely nobody and resigning everyone. While that wouldn't be very smart, my Madden gameplay sure would like it.

Everyone seems to be talking about Percy Harvin as a possible acquisition this offseason. Not only do I hate the idea, I am 90% sure it won't happen. Harvin is a player that will demand top dollar to play, and although Seattle has the money, the absolute need for wide receiver isn't there to pay the man. Tate, Baldwin, Rice and company have all played well enough to possibly keep the core and perhaps draft a WR for the minimum salary. Not saying Harvin isn't a ridiculous player, I just don't see the Hawks paying the money. Also, the Vikings are trying to trade him, and one can only imagine the asking price. Pete Carroll and John Schneider have been draft wizards, so I would be surprised if they tried sending out picks for him. Just don't see Harvin donning a Hawks jersey next year.

I saw an article where Monte Kiffin, the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, mention that he plans on making the Dallas defense resemble the Seattle defense. When was the last time a Seattle group was commended so much that other teams wish they could be them? My only advice to Kiffin, "good luck man." Why?

Defensive numbers in 2012, NFL Rank in parenthesis. Stats provided by ESPN.com
                                                 Seattle:                                Dallas:
Yards Given Up:                      4899 (4th)                           5687 (19th)
Passing Yards Given Up:      3250 (6th)                            3684 (19th)
Rushing Yards Given Up:      1649 (10th)                           2003 (22nd)
Points Allowed Per Game:   15.3 (1st)                               25.0 (24th)

The most important stat is obviously points allowed per game. I could care less if Seattle was the worst team in terms of yardage, as long as they win the points game. Dallas, see they ranked about as far back as they could without being called the Cleveland Browns. Oh wait, Cleveland ranked 19th in points allowed... weird. Now, it's understandable that you want to emulate the best team, that makes sense. But Kiffin, you have a few years to go before you can mention Seattle's defense in the same sentence as the Dallas defense, without saying "Seattle's is CLEARLY better than ours, like we have no business even mentioning them."

But, like I said, it's cool finally getting some attention.

In Mariners news, Felix finally put pen to paper on his new contract extension. Very exciting, especially how dedicated he is to the Mariners. That says a lot about the type of person and player he is. Sure am glad he didn't LeBron it and leave for South Beach. As more news of his contract come out, I will be sure to comment on it.

Spring Training has begun, and as it continues I will makes sure to comment on the roster. Bummer we didn't make much of a splash in the offseason (Jason Bay would have been cool like 6 years ago, and Morales might be something later on) but as long as Houston is now in the AL West, I can confidently say last place isn't where Seattle will land.

Bold prediction: LA Angels will be overrated, much like last year. Look at the Lakers this year, I don't care who you sign, on paper is a whole different thing than on field. Should be interesting.

Excited to see how the offseason plays out for the Hawks, excited to see how Spring Training ends up for the Mariners. Gotta love this city!