Taylor's House Of Hawk-Talk
By Taylor Gombos 
2006-2007
Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5, Article 6, Article 7,
The good news: The Seahawks are 3-0, and are playing pretty well on defense (minus their crappy performance in the 4th quarter VS the Giants). The Seahawks also really impressed me on offense with their new 4 wide sets, if all their WR's learn how to catch (cough cough Nate Burleson) then this unit can really shine throughout the season.
The Bad News: As if giving up 27 points in the 4th wasn't enough the Seahawks found out that Shaun Alexander will miss a "few weeks" due to a broken foot.
My take on Alexander's injury: This is a major blow to the Seahawks but I believe Mo Mo is ready to handle the duties for a couple weeks. Here is a strange and crazy theory on the injury to leave you with for this week: I believe that with the Hawks having a bye week next week and then facing the Rams on Oct 15th Alexander will get two weeks to rest up for that game and he will be ready to play the Rams. Crazy theory? That’s up to you.
That’s all for this week folks I will be back to discuss more from Seahawks Land next week.
If you have any questions or comments about this piece don't hesitate to e-mail me Utayo2003@yahoo.com
Taylor Gombos
Back to the SOS
By Taylor Gombos
Seahawks looking like the same mediocre teams of the past.
Well Hawk Fans here we sit after another letdown game by our beloved Hawks. The Kansas City Chiefs beat our Hawks 35-28. The final score of this one is a bit deceiving because in my opinion the Seahawks got absolutely dominated in every aspect of the game. From the first snap to the last the Seahawks got eaten alive. Ok let me be more specific; the Seahawks Defense got eaten alive, giving up big plays and not being able to get off the field on 3rd downs. Most of the 3rd down conversions that were converted on this defense were on 3rd and long. Is not being able to get off the field the Defense’s biggest problem? Let’s just say it is one of the main problems facing this D, the other problem is the inability to stop the big play. All these problems need to be solved immediately or else this team will be no better than 4-12. Ok enough of the doom and gloom let’s get onto the bright spots (yes there were some bright spots) in this game, here they are:
1. Seneca Wallace: Wallace with all things considered he played the game of his life; he did a heck of a lot better than what I thought he would do.
2. Deion Branch: So some of you Seahawk fans thought that this move was so terrible, well do you still feel that way? Even though Branch didn’t make a huge impact reception wise (2 catches for 45 yards). He did make one of the biggest plays that I have ever seen in my history as a Seahawk fan. After Wallace had thrown what I thought was the game ending interception to Chiefs DE Jared Allen, Deion Branch darts up the field and snatches the ball from Allen’s grasp keeping his feet in bounds to give the Hawks the ball back. Deion Branch was well worth the first round pick we gave up to get him.
Overall: Being the optimist I am, I believe the Seahawks will be just fine. If the offense can continue to produce and the defense can get its act together then the Hawks can make a run even without their star players. If not then it could get very ugly in the PNW.
Back on Track?
By Taylor Gombos
Well everyone the Seahawks are 5-3 at the mid-way point in the 2006 season. 5-3 to me is not that bad of a record considering all the injuries the Seahawks have endured this season. I probably could write a book about all the injuries the Hawks have had but I will just list the key ones and what kind of impact they are having on the Seahawks:
1. Shaun Alexander (Broken Foot\crack in his foot): The running game has been downright awful for the Seahawks this season, even with Alexander in the games the Seahawks still could not “Run worth a darn.” Mo Morris needs to step it up big time, his 138-yard night against the Raiders was a start, but they are a team on the decline. Morris needs to put up those types of numbers plus a few touchdowns until Alexander returns. Shaun Alexander scheduled return date: Nov 19th @ 49ers
2. Matt Hasselbeck (MCL Sprain): Seneca Wallace has really stepped it up in Hasselbeck’s absence, making some good decisions. I think the only knock on Wallace is that he is inexperienced and that shows at times during the game. Anyone watching can see why Matt Hasselbeck will still be the starter once he returns, but all things considered Wallace did pretty well. Hassebeck scheduled return date: Nov 19th @ 49ers
3. Bobby Engram (Thyroid condition): While this illness hasn’t been very damaging to the Seahawks, it still warrants at least some mention in this list. Deion Branch and DJ Hackett have filled in very nicely for the Hawks.
Rams @ Seahawks: That’s right it’s that time again where the Seahawks face-off against the much hated Rams. I believe the Seahawks defense will have a hard time stopping Marc Bulger and the Rams offense. If I remember correctly, Marc Bulger torched the Hawks defense for 350 yards passing the last time these two teams met in St Louis. Offensively for the Hawks not a lot has changed except the fact that Matt Hasselbeck is out for this game. Seneca Wallace has to have a balanced game to give the Hawks a chance to win. In addition, the Defense, coming off a 9-sack performance from Monday night has to build on that and knock Bulger around
Final Score prediction: After it is all said and done, it will be 28-14 Seahawks.
That is it from me for this week; I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts.
The Seahawks barely escaped with a win last time they visited San Francisco. What will happen this time around?
Note: This piece will be a lot shorter than my normal stuff
Well everyone the Seattle Seahawks have popped off two straight wins including a sweep of their division rival St. Louis Rams. Now it is time for the Hawks to face off against their real threat in the NFC West. That’s right I said their “real threat in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. Last time the Seahawks headed down to San Fran they narrowly escaped with a 27-25 victory. This time they have a different situation, QB Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander may or may not play in this one, plus the Hawks defense is a different unit this season. One thing this years defense has that the 49ers wish they still had is LB Julian Peterson. Peterson has brought a different attitude to this young defense. I am going to wrap this piece up a little early, by saying that I think it will be a pretty close game but in the end I believe the Hawks will win it.
Keys to the Game:
Hawks Offense:
1. Whoever is starting at QB has to be effecient and effective throughout the whole game
2. Must establish the running game early and keep it up throughout the whole game
Defense:
1. Eliminate the big play
2. Don't let the 49ers get momentum.
Final score prediction: Hawks 20, 49ers 17.
Heading in the right direction
Hawks win in rare Seattle Snow game.
It was a rare snow game at Qwest Field the Seahawks got a very important win over the Green Bay Packers 34-24. Shaun Alexander had 201 on 40 carries in only his second game back from a foot injury that forced him to miss 6 weeks. It seems from what I can see that the MVP is back on track and is ready to lead this team on a run to the playoffs. Matt Hasselbeck I am a little worried about however. Why? Well I know it was his first game back and of course he was rusty but I saw nothing different from Hasselbeck then when he left. He was still forcing the ball into double coverage he was trying to do too much, he was attempting to win the game by himself which is what any leader would try to do but it just didn’t seem to have been working early on, he picked it up and when it was all said and done Hasselbeck had a pretty solid game
What does this win mean for the Hawks? This win coupled with a 49ers loss kept the Seahawks in first place by 2 games in the suddenly wild West. It also keeps the Seahawks (7-4 in the thick of things in the NFC.
On to Mile High: The Seahawks have a huge game on Sunday Night when they travel to Denver to face the Broncos (7-4).
Keys to the game:
NO Turnovers: The Seahawks have to stop turning the ball over or “being their worst enemy” as Holmgren would put it. Denver is no Green Bay so if the Hawks turn the ball over 4 times they will get blown out.
Pressure Cutler: Rookie Jay Cutler is making his first ever career start in this game, if the Hawks defensive staff is smart they will blitz the hell out of Cutler and make him feel uncomfortable all night.
Score prediction: I think this will be a pretty close game, Shaun Alexander will go nuts in another primetime game. Hawks 31, Broncos 24
Hawk Struggles: Will they ever stop?
The Seahawks have many problems going into their battle with the Chargers on Sunday.
As I look back on the 2006 season to date I have to say that I am very disappointed in how the Seahawks have played to this point.
Boy, my brother wasn’t\isn’t joking when he does his chant “Seahawks Suck Seahawks Suck”. I hate to say it but as far as this season goes I have to agree with him.
The Seahawks have not shown anything to this point to combat that statement, so for now it is true in my eyes.
Does that mean I am not a fan anymore?
Of course not, I have been and always will be a diehard Seahawks Fan I am just sick of the way my team has been playing lately.
What is the root of all the Hawks problems this year?
Well if you ask me it is heart or lack of heart I should say. This team plays such uninspired football, it’s like they don’t care if they win or lose they are just going out on the field to collect a paycheck.
Another reason that the Seahawks season is going badly is the fact that they don’t have a leader on any side of the ball. I mean sure they have captains but those captains aren’t doing their job in my opinion. Obviously injuries have to be thrown in there somewhere but injuries happen to every team in the league so that can’t be used as a huge excuse for the Seahawks.
I am sure there are many other problems with the Hawks. In fact I am positive that this team has many other problems that I haven’t mentioned.
I am going to give a solution to these problems to the best of my ability: The only thing the Seahawks can do now is play their remaining two games, and hope and pray that these problems work themselves out. I have faith that this team will solve the problems that I have mentioned but it will take a huge effort on the players part.
This Sunday's game at home against the San Diego Chargers will be the toughest test yet for the troubled Seahawks but I am about to make one of the most bold predictions I have ever made: Call me crazy and label me insane but I believe that the Seahawks will beat the Chargers, this Sunday. I don’t know how it will happen but the Hawks will squeak out a win against the Chargers.
Holmgren and his future: Last week I contacted some of the local beat writers and I asked each of them the following question; I know he (Holmgren) signed a 1 yr extension but if things continue to go the way they have been going lately will the Seahawks fire him or could he possibly resign?
“He actually signed a two-year extension with one year remaining on his contract. So he's inked until 2008, that doesn't mean he couldn't be fired, but at this point, that seems unlikely to me. More likely is that he would retire or leave before the end of the extension I mean it’s always possible he could want a GM job again. There are no indications that way”
Greg Bishop, Seattle Times
“Coming off a Super Bowl year, I doubt Holmgren is in any trouble from management. I certainly haven’t heard anything to that effect, and I certainly know I would if he were in trouble. My feeling is that Holmgren deserves little blame for what’s happening now. Yes, as head coach he has final responsibility but I have to give him a pass because of the injury situation. Still, it wouldn’t completely shock me if Holmgren wanted to make a change in his life. The job is a horrible grind and he’s been doing it for a lot of years, the off-season might be pretty interesting.”
John Sleeper, Everett Herald
"My take on Holmgren’s future: I think if he is going to retire it will be after this season but firing a coach that is one year removed from a Super Bowl is not the answer for this team. Firing Holmgren would force the Hawks to start over and go into rebuilding mode, which is not something I want to see the Hawks do at this point."
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for reading.
Quotes from John Sleeper and Greg Bishop were used with their approval and consent.
Misery, ruin, oh yeah another Division title
By Taylor Gombos
The Seahawks despite all the injuries and other stuff that has happen this year have backed into a 3rd straight division title.
It has been a positive and a negative week for the Seahawks and their fans. The positive; the Seahawks have won their third straight NFC Western Division title. The negative; the Seahawks lost in typical SOS (Same old Seahawks) fashion by giving up a deep pass with 29 seconds left vs. San Diego.
Analysis of the positive: As mentioned, the Seahawks won their 3rd straight division title, but it doesn’t feel like they won it. In fact they really didn’t win the West on their own; they backed into the title with a 49er loss. I guess the sensible fan would say I’ll take it and of course I will, but it is not like last season where the Seahawks had the division wrapped up by week 11 or so. Was I expecting a repeat of 2005? Of course not, I knew this team would not win as many games as it did in 2005 but I didn’t expect them to drop this far down.
This team has many problems; here is a list of them which will cover the analysis of the negative (mentioned above).
Offense is out of rhythm: That’s right the offense has been downright “offensive” for most of this season. When was the last time the Seahawks played a game where the offense was in full force, firing on all cylinders? I believe that was the Giants game, the offense exploded for 42 points, hardly anything went wrong. What’s wrong with the Seahawks offense? I think injuries have played a pretty big part in the lack of success of the Seahawks offense but all the players are back and healthily now so injuries can’t be used as an excuse anymore. Bottom line: This offense needs to get its act together quick because playoffs start in a week.
Defensive breakdowns: It seems to me that the defense plays the game for about 53 of 60 minutes, which is not something you can do on offense. The Seahawks defense will play tough and hard for most of the game like they did vs. San Diego, but at the end they seem to give up and the Hawks end up losing the game. What basically happens at the end of the game is; Mike Holmgren feels comfortable with say a 4 point lead and sends his D out to seal the game, John Marshall the D coordinator goes to a prevent type defense and that is not what he should do. All game long you sent various blitzes, and pressures why not do that in the final two minutes. It really puzzles me when the Seahawks play prevent, because when they do I know it’s a sure loss. Bottom Line: Same with the offense, this defense needs to get back on track or the Hawks could be one and done in the playoffs.
As I have mentioned previously the Seahawks are a very troubled and need to get their heads out of their behinds before it is too late. Can they do it? I believe anything is possible, this team could make a serious run in the playoffs, or lose in the first round. I guess we will find out soon.
2007-2008
So far Smash mouth defense leads the way for Hawks
By Taylor Gombos
Attention Seattle Seahawk Fans your team has a smash mouth defense. After watching for the past month I have seen the following: The Seahawks defense shut down Frank Gore and the San Francisco 49ers, plus they have given the offense many opportunities to be successful, I will get to the offense, but for now, it is the defense’s time to shine. This impressive unit is so tough it has knocked out several key players either during the game or for a longer period of time. Among the list of players, the Seahawks D has knocked out included: Bengals running back Rudi Johnson,Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia, Bucs running back Cadillac Williams and 49ers quarterback Alex Smith I am convinced that the Seahawks defense is a force to be reckoned with and they will only get better as the season progresses. The Defensive unit is lead by Julian Peterson who had a fantastic game vs. his former team the San Francisco 49ers, and Deion Grant who has me saying Hamlin who? Seattle’s defense has great quickness and is very opportunistic in the way they play. Let’s hope Seahawks Fans that, that translates in to more victories for our Hawks.
Now onto the aforementioned offense, there is not too much to say with this unit except that have not lived up to the expectations. Shaun Alexander is battling an injury again and some of the receivers have developed catching problems (aka dropping passes). The only two standout players thus far are; Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and Wide Receiver Deion Branch. Both of these players seem to bring it each week and show that they want to improve while the rest of the unit seems to be content with what they have already done, which is a whole lot of nothing. The offense so far this season has been downright offensive and needs to get things fixed soon or else it could be a long season, a team can’t rely on just one unit.
Seahawks at Steelers quick glance
I will now present some key points of what the Seahawks must do in order to beat the Pittsburg Steelers:
1. Take the crowd out of it early: If the Seahawks thought they were in Pittsburgh the last time these two teams met, then they will be in for a rude awakening. The Hawks must make the crowd a non factor by making big plays and shutting the Steelers down.
2. Play well on offense: With Key Steeler defensders expected to be out, the offesnse must take advantage of that and put up at least 30 points.
3. Defense must contain Big Ben and Willie Parker.
Score Prediction: I think the Seahawks can squeak out a win on the road and I see them winning 13-10 against the Steelers.
Back to my Seahawks and the rest of the NFL page.