Aloha

UW: For those of you that don't know, "aloha" means hello and goodbye. And I'm fairly certain Husky Head Ball Coach Tyrone Willingham will be saying goodbye to the Husky program after the Dawgs came up short to the Rainbows on the Island of Oahu late Saturday night. Yes, Udub finished the season with more wins than the last 2 years combined, but when that total comes to 4, it's still not enough.

Thinking Tyrone will get canned is the truth. Don't hate on me for thinking it. No, it's not a good thing for Tyrone, for more than a few reasons. First, he got fired after only three years at Notre Dame, only to get the same treatment in Montlake. In addition, it's never a good thing when a great guy, recruiter and top-shelf motivator like Willingham gets pointed the door. But quality character doesn't equal wins in this instance. And the program needs some new energy and new coordinators, and I'm afraid Tyrone is loyal to a fault and won't fire his staff.


But the most important reason the time is now is down the road in the form of the Seahawks assistant head coach and defensive backs coach Jim Mora Jr. It's his dream job, he's proven successful in the NFL, and he'd be coming back as an alumnus. Not unlike the background of Lorenzo Romar. Make it happen, UW.

IN OTHER NEWS: Nice work by the Seahawks closing out a feisty Philly Eagles team on Sunday. Also, kudos to Liverpool for moving into 3rd in the table and six points out of Seatown's first place Arsenal squad. SAF's keeping Ronaldo and Vidic out of the match last week really hurt them in the standings. Especially considering the Champions League match didn't matter after already qualifying. Usually SAF makes the right moves, but that was sketchy. Your thoughts?

I'll leave you with this amazing video of Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog". Not sure why it's on ESPN's video page, but anything this quality for free, the Lodge will gladly accept.

So Long Mack...You Will Be Missed

Wow....this just hurts on so many levels. It was just announced that Mack Strong suffered a season ending neck injury against the Steelers...and he has just officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

I think I can speak on behalf of all of us in The Lodge when I say that Mack Strong epitomizes class and toughness, and I am glad that he can walk away from the game with his long-term health intact...I simply wish that it was under better circumstances.

Seattle PI link here.

Mixed Bag

The Big guy...spotted passing several people on the way to winning his age group at the annual Skywalker Ranch 5-K. I am forced to wonder if there are any other up-and-coming runners that will ever be in Chewbacca's "age group". How old is he anyway? Incidentally, that guy he's passing looks a bit demoralized...

Another random news story today, I was very surprised to read this story from down under. I always assumed that Mrs. Potatohead was the shady one. Is it surprising that this was a shipment from Ireland? This may explain how those crazy Irish are able to eat raw potatoes whenever necessary.

Since the Lodge headline and POD already cover a little CL news of the day, we might as well stay in that region of the globe and enjoy the Celtic triumph over Milan last night.

The video below is a highlight of the final goal. Celtic ended up scoring near the end of the match to go up 2-1 which was a big upset in terms of this game. Apparently both teams played a pretty intense matchup last season for a trip to the semifinals and AC Milan won that game in the final minute....so you know what payback is huh? However, after the goal is scored and the Celtic fans basically tear the stadium down. Some douchebag decided to jump from the stand and go after Dida. By go after, I mean to barely touch Dida in the neck while running by. Dida then takes about 5 steps and looks like he was shot, or that fan knew the 5-point exploding heart technique from Kill Bill.

Are you fricking kidding me? This is the kind of crap that I have to deal with when I explain soccer to people. Incidentally, the guy ended up turning himself in to authorities and has been banned from Celtic matches for life....but it's the behavior of that frickin' Brazilian goalie that I can't stand.

I'll quote GWB when I say that in an attempt to make this post even more "multi-topical", we'll bring it back to the mainland for a quick preview of this weeks Seahawks matchup against the Pittsburgh Stealers. I know that I picked the 'Hawks to lose this game in my prediction post (we can always root for a little reverse jinx action), but I have just one comment to make on this because it's the first time in awhile that I can honestly say that Mike Holmgren has truly impressed me as a coach. Why is this? #15 - Seneca Wallace.

Just by including him in last week's win against SF, he has forced the Pittsburgh coaching staff to gameplan for him in case he is brought into the game. Will he pass? Will he catch? ...maybe neither...maybe he comes in and Shaun Alexander breaks one off in the other direction. We have been waiting for Holmgren to take Seneca out of his shiny wrapping and unleash the potential that we all know is there....and here we go. Whether or not the guy actually touches the ball or not, the simple fact is that just having the idea planted in opposing defenders' minds, could potentially open up the offense in a way that we haven't seen before. Hats off to the Walrus....and GO HAWKS!

Gooses Take : Shaun Alexander, Its time to draft the future

Ok. So after watch Shaun run even softer over the last few weeks and listening to KJR radio hosts say how "Gutsy" he is for running while hurt. He had altered his running style severely this year to protect his arm. Because we have no depth.

I bring this bit of wisdom to the table. Shaun Alexander needs a challenge.

I dont see Mo Morris as the future.

Its time to do 2 things.

Invest a #1 or #2 pick on a RB to take Shauns place in 2 years.

Sign a veteran RB (Maybe a former starter) as quality depth.

I'm tired of seeing Shaun run protecting his body over getting additional yardage. Im tired of leaning on a back that doesn't block or catch the ball. I think Shaun is still a quality back, not a superstar, but quality. I think getting a young hungry back in here is key. I like the multiple back approach that Indy used. I think different style backs add to a running game. Some have Speed, some are slashers, some are power. Lets sign a vet so that if SA goes down, (He's had two broken bones in less that 14 months) we have a back who can carry 24-100.

I'd like to think SA has a few good years left, however loyal the Hawks may be, they need to prepare for the future. I think a top need next year will be RB. I hope Tim Ruskell see's it my way

Thats Goose's take...Happy Friday all

Weekend Review

I'll take the reigns from Train since he's visiting Will Hunting in the Northeast. Here is a quick recap of what happened over the weekend in the world of sport.

Chelsea drew at Blackburn on Saturday... I actually watched this match while working out. Thank you, SoCal DirecTV. Bad news for the Blues in the coming weeks though... first match in the Champions League has both Drogba and Lampard out. With Pizzaro out also, that leaves Joe Cole starting. Ouch. I'm pretty sure Cole has to have set a record for most Premier League shots without scoring a goal. He should consider kicking in the NFL though, because most of his shots go over the post.

Keeping on the pitch... the 2nd best English Owen is making bold statements for Jimbo's Devils. While Seatown's newly adopted Arsenal club is sitting atop the Premiership table. Serious Ewing Theory potential with Henry bolting for France.

As the pic o' the day indicates... both the Huskies and the Hawks lost on Saturday. Locker looked like a redshirt freshman on his picks. But the Dawgs showed promise playing a solid first half and putting a temporary scare into the ranked Buckeye nation.


The Hawks on the other hand... it's a handoff people! Do we need to get Rex Grossman's 5th Grade Tutors in to teach this fundamental to the Seattle backfield? Wow. Shawn seemed to predict this loss though in his Seahawks preview post. So I'm blaming him.

By The Time I Get To Arizona

"I'm countin' down to the day deservin' fittin' for a king, I'm waitin' for the time when I can get to Arizona"

No need to read between the lines here....this is the 2007 Seahawks prediction show with our special guest, Mr. Chuck D. (For those of you that didn't realize until now....SB XLII will be played in the lovely Glendale, AZ...and if you have the means, turn on a little PE while you read on...) Sit back and relax, because we're touching each game on the Seahawks schedule. We've had some pretty good analysis of the 'Hawks offseason acquisitions, so there is no need to re-hash anything there. In fact, I'm not really looking for too much "analysis" per se....because I'm a homer, and I'm the first to admit it.
Let it be known that I am so excited for this season to begin that I can hardly sit still. I feel like it is the day before Christmas and I am positive that the large box under the tree is my very own Sega Genesis complete with Bill Walsh College Football. That being said, I'm going to err on what I feel is the conservative side of things when going through the Seahawks schedule. I think that what follows are reasonable expectations...anything below is a disappointment and anything that exceeds....well, y'know.

Game 1 vs. Tampa Buccaneers - I really think that no matter what you want to say that is positive about the Bucs....there simply may not be a worse team in the league this year. I think they are rebuilding nicely with some youth on the offensive line and defense...but I think they may struggle to improve on their 4 wins from last year. Chalk up home victory #1; Seahawks record 1-0.

Game 2 @ Arizona - I see this as a potential let down game for the team. Expectations running high after a thumping of Tampa. Lest we forget that we lost at Arizona last season...and unless we can sack Matty L about 7 times, there will be a lot of pressure on our young corners. 'Hawks lose a tough one on the road. Seahawks record 1-1.

Game 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals - Oh the Bengals....good offense, a suspect defense and a boatload of bad chemistry/criminals. This is not the recipe for success my friends...and especially not on the road against the 12th man. Seahawks record 2-1.

Game 4 @ 49ers - Here we go with the first payback game of last season. I think that the Seahawks have a pile of chips on their shoulders after last years ass-whooping by these guys. The Seahawks will elevate their game and play old school smash mouth football on the road....and take D-Jack and Frank Gore completely out of the game. Hawks win in a walk. Seahawks record 3-1.

Game 5 @ Pittsburgh Steelers - Another big 'statement' type game for the Seahawks here. The Steelers could be great...and they could also suck....who really knows? The 'Hawks will want to prove so badly that they are the better team here....but trying to win this game on the road will be a repeat of SB XL, and we will undoubtedly end up shitting down our leg. Seahawks lose an early season heartbreaker. Seahawks record 3-2.

Game 6 vs. New Orleans Saints - (Note: see Game 3 vs. Cincy - good offense, suspect defense) In addition, it's primetime Sunday night football on NBC...and the 12th man goes completely apeshit. Seahawks record 4-2.

Game 7 vs. St. Louis Rams - I'll admit...the Rams scare me a little bit...but only a little bit. We get up big for the Rams games in the past couple years...and this is no exception. However, I think the Rams get up big to play the Hawks. Do we always need a late Josh Brown field goal to beat these guys? This time the answer is 'no'. Seahawks record 5-2.

Game 8 @ Cleveland Browns - Fresh off the bye week, the Seahawks go on the road to face Cleveland in Brady Quinn's first start in the NFL. He is subsequently eaten alive by Julian Peterson and Patrick Kerney and the Seahawks win big. Seahawks record 6-2.

Game 9 vs. 49ers - It's Monday Night Football in the Emerald City, and the 'Niners are looking to get back into the divisional race. Too bad D-Jack is on the bench nursing a sore hammy and Alex Smith is victimized by the current NFL leaders in team sacks. Seahawks record 7-2.

"I got 25 days to do it if a wall in the sky just watch me go thru it 'cause I gotta do what I gotta do. PE number one gets the job done..."

Game 10 vs. Chicago Bears - Man oh man....if there is one game that I would love to see the Seahawks win it's this one. I travelled my ass out to Chi-Town last year sporting my Steve Largent jersey and watched our team fold up the tents before halftime and get clocked by the Rex Grossman express. I worry though, that the Seahawks are riding a high at this point in the season, and they believe that they can cruise through a home game against this team with the crowd and some sense of entitlement due to last years pair of losses. I think this may be the only blemish on the Seahawks home season.....but it's a barn burner. Seahawks record 7-3.

Game 11 @ St. Louis - See Game 7 prediction. This time...we aren't in field goal range. Seahawks record 7-4.

Game 12 @ Philadelphia - As much as I hope to see a repeat performance of the 2005 game in Philly...I think that with Donovan McNabb healthy, the Eagles are going to be tough, tough, tough. If McNabb is still in the lineup...I think the Seahawks drop their 3rd straight...and all of the naysayers start popping up about how they "told you so...this team sucks...blah, blah, blah". Eff off. We are still leading the division. Seahawks record 7-5.

"This ain't no damn dream gotta know what I mean, it's team against team catch the light beam..."

Game 13 vs. Arizona - In my mind....this could be the biggest ass whooping we see all season. By now, everyone's manhood has been called into question due to the 3 game skid and we are back at home ready to avenge a divisional loss from earlier in the season. The Cardinals are subsequently relegated to D-1A. Seahawks record 8-5.

Game 14 @ Carolina Panthers - Another tough game on the road. Another tough one to predict give all that happens in 3 months of NFL action. Will Delhomme be at QB? Will they have a healthy RB? Let's assume so...and another tough road game goes in the wrong column. Seahawks record 8-6.

Game 15 vs. Baltimore Ravens - Don't get me wrong...the Ravens are solid. BUT...I am not sold on the durability of Willis McGahee as your one offensive weapon outside of Todd Heap. In addition to the fact that they somehow got 17 games out of Steve McNair last year....I just don't see the level of success that everyone assumes the Ravens attain every season. The bionic man falters, Ray Lewis loses a step and McGahee can't find any room with 8 in the box. Seahawks record 9-6.

Game 16 @ Atlanta Falcons - You will get no Vick dogfighting quips here....I'm over it. Aside from the fact that the Falcons could be this years Saints (because nobody gave the Saints a chance at the beginning of last season)....I just don't think that they will be in a position to compete this late in the season, while the Seahawks could find themselves playing for a playoff spot. Hawks win and get themselves a home playoff game. Seahawks record 10-6.

"When the blind get a mind better start and earn while we sing it. Now there will be the day we know those down and who will go...go...go...go...go..."

So there it is....10-6. Four consecutive division titles. A home playoff game....and a nice win on the road. Who knows...maybe even an NFC title game in Seatown? Believe it. This team went 9-7 last year and everything went wrong. We made some key additions to shore up the 'D'....we are back, we are rested and we are hungry. Everyone should go ahead and enjoy the ride we are about to go on here fellas....'cause it's gonna be B-E-A-utiful. GO HAWKS!

Gooses NFL Draft Review

So I decided to start my draft review with the Hometown Team. Then I give some thoughts and feedback on what I thought was a pretty interesting draft.
With the 1st pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, The Seattle Seahawks pick Deion Branch WR.
So obviously the Hawks have given up their 1st rounder for DB. I still like this trade and I think you have great depth at WR going into Camp. Look for DJ Hackett to press for the other starting WR spot opposite Branch.


2 - Josh Wilson CB, Maryland (5-9, 188);

At 1st I said. What the hell? Why draft an undersized CB when your needs are obviously elsewhere. Then I stepped back a little. This guy as a Junior ran a 4.25 40. That’s not a typo. 4.25. He is also NFL Bloodline, with his Dad being the blocking back for Earl Campbell. He is a solid player and his return skills are outstanding. I have always said. Special teams accounts for 14-20 Plays a Game for both teams (punts and kickoffs). I like the kid and think he will make a solid pro. He also provides insurance if Trufant leaves as a Free agent

3 - Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal (6-1, 305);
Big Solid run stuffer. Good value as a third round pick. If Tubbs cannot come back he adds great depth to the Dline.

4 - Baraka Atkins, DE, Miami-Florida (6-4, 308);
I scratch my head on this one. Why draft a DE this high when you have Kearney, Fisher and Tapp? Atkins is a monster specimen at 6-4 but he may have been available later

4 - Mansfield Wrotto, G, Georgia Tech (6-3, 316);



I LOVE THIS PICK. This was the Niners/Jackson trade pick. Wrotto is a HUGE Bulldozer who has a good career at GT. From what I have read he is smart, great work ethic, and loves football. His value dropped because he only played one year of OT while playing 3 at DT. Ran down a LB 40yds downfield after an interception to save a touchdown. I might go out on a limb here and say “Steve Hutchinson? Who is that?”

5 - Will Herring, LB/FS, Auburn (6-3, 226);
Big time player who is your classic “Tweener”. To big for a Safety and too small for a LB. Will need to get some size as I think you will see him more at LB. A gifted player without a position.

6 - Courtney Taylor, WR, Auburn (6-2, 204);
Taylor was listed as a Top15 WR. To get him in the 6th round is good. He was projected by some as high as 3rd round. Good Value. Should make the practice squad or catch on as the #6 WR

6 - Jordan Kent, WR, Oregon (6-4, 217);
We’ve all seen Kent play up the road. He has good size and good speed. Think Marques Colston with the Saints last year. Could have impact.

7 - Steve Vallos, OL, Wake Forest (6-3, 297)
Should add good depth to the O-line.


I still want to know why the hell they didnt draft a TE in Rounds 3-7. I know the top 3 were gone before they picked at 55. But come on. Fill a need





Now Hawks fans here is the bad news. Two teams that improved themselves greatly were the Falcons and Panthers. The Falcons got one of the top Guards (Justin Blalock, A top 5 Defensive and in Jamaal Anderson, and A top 5 corner in Chris Houston from Arkansas
The Panthers saw solid picks in Dwayne Jarret and John Beason (LB Miami)

Also having good drafts were the Bucs (Even after losing Calvin Johnson) and it hurts me to say, the Cowboys. The cowboys did nothing to improve themselves greatly this year but with two 1st rounders next year (Including a potential top10 pick from Cleveland) they are set to rebuild.

Other Random Thoughts

· Cleveland mortgaged its future for Quinn who I think will make a good pro for whomever the Browns coach is after this season
· Calvin Johnson will have more of an impact on the NFL in his 1st 4 year than Randy Moss’s 1st 4
· Speaking of Moss. Sad thing is he will clean up his image, win a Super Bowl with Tom Brady, and probably get into the Hall of Fame after being labeled as a Poor Pro Player. (See Corey Dillon). If he gets in before Art Monk I will call upon Brendon Frasiers Mummy to destroy Canton Ohio.
· “Throw me the Damn ball” was cut by the Panthers after interviewing Dwayne Jarrett and comparing Jarretts style to his own. The NFL is a Fickle little bitch.