Updated at 3:43 pm. Another shot fired from Sherman. (Update is at the bottom)

Here’s what got things going:

Sorry for the different formats. Not all the tweets were showing up on my normal timeline so I had to pull them off my tweetdeck. (1st world software problems)

All of this stemmed from a Q&A Sherman did 4 hours prior. Sherman was sitting in an airport and asked if anyone had any questions. There were lots of questions, but none were all that interesting.

One fan asked Sherman about who the best CBs in the league were. His list didn’t include Revis, at least not at first. Here’s the entire exchange:

There’s nothing disrespectful there in my opinion, but Revis clearly took offense, and the spat began.

My favorite part was when Revis implied that Sherman wasn’t as good because he didn’t have as many twitter followers. Clearly that is a quality means of performance evaluation, right?

Ultimately, the winner of this argument was former Tacoma News Tribune beat writer, and current ESPN blogger, Mike Sando:

 UPDATE: Just when you thought this was all over, Richard Sherman decides to keep it going:

Oct 21, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) hands off the ball to running back Shonn Greene (23) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Shonn Greene is an under rated runner, but he’s not used well by the Jets offense. Most of his carries are through the A gaps (between the center and guard); at least twice as many carries there as any other gap. While A gap runs tend to get a couple of yards reliably, it’s also the toughest gap to run through for big gains. It shows up in his stats. He’s averages just over 2 yards per rush in the A gaps, but right at 5 yards per rush in the B gaps (between the guard and offensive tackle). By forcing the runs in the center so often, the Jets are actually hurting their own offensive potential.

The passing game is as bad as advertised. Mark Sanchez has been a mess all season, but he also has very little little to work with. Losing Santonio Holmes means that the Jets have very little to work with on the outside. Rookie Stephen Hill should be good with time, but he’s suffering from the usual rookie WR problems.

Watching the game tape, I was quite surprised by Jeremy Kerley. The 5-9 receiver has a bit of Wes Welker in him, and will offer the Seahawks big challenge to try and cover. Perhaps this was why Walter Thurmond was activated early off the PUP list this week.

The offensive line remains the strength of the Jets offense. Nick Mangold is easily one of the best centers in the NFL, but he is currently hobbled by an ankle injury. There should be some concern for Jets fans with the injury. He simply didn’t look the same last week.

Defensively, the Jets aren’t as good as they think they are. Muhammad Wilkerson has been very good, and Quintin Coples is proving to be a very good compliment on the defensive line. Antonio Cromartie has played well, and he has to with Revis out for the year. Mike Devito, the 3rd member of the D line, is also having a good year.

The problem for the Jets is that the the rest of the defense is a collection of players who lack talent or are severely underperforming. The Jets coaches are forced to scheme up pressure and coverages to make up for the fact that individual players aren’t getting it done. When the schemes work, they win (or lose close games to good teams like the Patriots). When the schemes fail, they get get blown out.

The problem that I see, from a Seahawk’s viewpoint, is that the coaches coming up with these schemes are good at what they do. They find ways to bring pressure in a way that lets a guy come in free, without rushing more than 5 guys. They sell an all-out 8 man blitz then drop everyone off and only bring 2. It works, it’s effective, and it’s tough on young QBs and young offensive linemen.

1) From an outsider’s perspective, the Jets QB situation is an absolute mess. Is it any better as a Jet’s fan? Can Sanchez still be the guy long term?

The situation is a mess, in part because of how it has divided the fan base. Any move that Mark Sanchez makes is scrutinized even more than in the past, if you can believe that. He is scrutinized enough as the starting QB in the biggest media market in the world, now add Tim Tebow as his backup, and it is nuts. You have the Tim Tebow fanbase that thinks everything is going to change if Tebow comes in the game. You have the other side that feels Mark Sanchez can get it done with the right pieces. Personally, I am on the side that Mark Sanchez can be the guy. The front office has done Mark Sanchez no favors in putting this offense together, and it has shown. You can’t argue that Mark Sanchez has not played well, and until he does, the situation will remain messy. Rex Ryan is not making the move to Tebow, so it will remain a crazy situation.

2) What makes this defense tick? Can it possibly stop Marshawn Lynch?

This defense has been about as big of an enigma as I have seen. Sometimes they are world beaters, sometimes they play like pee-wee leaguers. For most of this season, the Jets defense has looked old and slow. They have improved as of late, giving young players a chance such as Quinton Coples and Demario Davis. They played well against Pittsburgh against the run, and played well for most of the Buffalo Bills game. Can they stop Marshawn Lynch? Yes, they can. Will they? I am not so sure.

3) A Lot of Seahawks Fans wanted Quinton Coples last April. What has been your impression of him so far? Is he going to end up being worth the high draft pick?

He didn’t get a lot of reps early in the season, after playing well in the preseason, so it was hard to get a read on him early. Of late, however, the Jets have been giving him more and more reps, and he looks very good. He is quick off of the ball, and makes his presence felt. He appears to be the guy that will be worth the high pick and then some.

4) What do the Seahawks have to do to win this game?

The Jets have been uncharacteristically bad against the run on defense. Rex Ryan defenses are typically at or near the top of the league against the run, and this team is near the bottom. For the Seahawks to win this game, they are going to need a heavy dose of Marshawn Lynch. The Jets have actually been pretty good defending the pass, despite the loss of Revis. If they try to air it out against the Jets, they won’t be successful. The Seahawks offensive line will have to win the battle upfront and dominate the run game.

5) How do you think this game will unfold? Include a prediction for the final score.

I am going to have to hedge a little bit on this. Don’t be offended, I hedge this question every week. This game is going to come down to Marshawn Lynch against the Jets front seven. If Marshawn Lynch runs wild against the Jets defense, the game will get out of hand. We could be looking at a 31-14 type of game in favor of the Seahawks. The Jets will have to throw the ball a lot to get back in the game, and it will get ugly. If the Jets can keep Lynch down to a reasonable number, the Jets will have a chance. One thing Rex Ryan’s teams do is play well against rookie quarterbacks. If the run game doesn’t go off for the Seahawks, the Jets could win a 24-17 type of game.

June 12, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) and New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) during New York Jets Minicamp at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

With the NFC East complete, our tour around the NFL stays in New York for the AFC East contenders, the New York Jets. I’m often very hard on the Jets because I don’t like their talk first, self-hyping, machismo infused way of doing things. But make no mistake, if they can get themselves focussed on football, there’s enough talent there do some damage in the AFC.

Biggest Team Need Heading Into Offseason: Pass Rush, Safety

Key Free Agents Retained: Bryan Thomas, Aaron Maybin(restricted free agent)

Key Player Additions: Yeremiah Bell

Key Players Leaving: Jim Leonhard, Plaxico Burress

Quick Thoughts on Draft: The Jets had a great draft.  The Jets needed a pass rusher and safety help desperately, and they achieved those goals.  I think whoever called the Jets draft a failure doesn’t know what they were watching.

Quick Thoughts on 2012 schedule: The hardest part of the schedule is clearly the first quarter.  If they can get through that, the schedule isn’t that bad.

Most Interesting Roster Battle: Mark Sanchez v Tim Tebow, no other battle is even that interesting

Biggest Strength Heading Into 2012: Increased speed on defense.  They got younger and faster with Quinton Coples, Demario Davis, Josh Bush, and Antonio Allen, and it’s a great sign.

Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2012: The right tackle position.  It still leaves a lot to be desired, and that competition will be very important in camp.

Biggest Question Still To Be Answered: How will the quarterback situation play out?

2012 Prediction: If Mark Sanchez steps up and plays well 11-12 wins is possible, if not, and Tebowmania takes over, 4-12

As I indicated at the top of this article, the success of the Jets will have less to do with their talent and more to do with their ability to get past the distractions. Head Coach Rex Ryan, whome I believe is the source of most of the team’s problems in that regard, promised that the team would avoid the off-field drama this year. Unfortunately, they then traded for drama magnet Tim Tebow, so clearly it was an empty promise.

Ok, it’s not that bad. It just feels like it be because of the fact that we’re force-fed that aspect of the Jets by the national media. The truth is that Rex Ryan, while obnoxious, really knows defense. That knowledge combined with above average talent on the defensive side of the ball, and you have a recipe for a team that can win a lot of games.

It will all depend on the offense. The O-line isn’t as strong as it was a couple seasons ago when they were in the AFC championships game, but it’s not bad either. As Alan said, the success of this team rests on the shoulder of Mark Sanchez. If he can’t show enough improvement to keep Tebow off the field, then this team will once against not live up to it’s talent level.

Dec 24, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

Please Welcome new 12th Man Rising Staff Writer Jason Rubin. 

Well, it’s settled. The opponents for the 2012 version of the Seattle Seahawks have been set. The times, venues, and dates are now being met with a flurry of examination, and speculation. Whose schedule is toughest? Easiest? Can you project how many wins, or losses your favorite NFL club is going to be faced with? Is it enough for an NFL Playoff berth? And finally, has your head exploded with this assault of the unknown? Well, here’s one fan who won’t succumb to the traps of trendy prognostication. No No. Not so fast. I’m rolling the crystal ball right onto the floor, leaving it in thousands of tiny little shards of false hope . Let’s take a gander at the schedule, and apply what we DO know in the here and now….

DATE                                                 OPPONENT                

September 9^th, 2012              at Arizona Cardinals 

-          Seahawks haven’t been very successful with road openers in recent history. Add the fact they are 1-5 in Arizona’s new Glendale digs and this game could get dicey.           

September 16^th, 2012                        Dallas Cowboys

-          Ok, this is fun. So, the ‘Hawks haven’t had a lot of success playing the Cowboys over the past few seasons. All in the Big D. However, I think we all remember the last time the ‘Boys came calling at the Clink. A nail-biter of a game transpires to a close win when Tony Romo muffs the hold on the fan favorite “Big Play Babs” 19 yard field goal attempt. Plenty of new names on both rosters, but one in particular, one familiar to the 12th man, will definitely feel it from the hostile home gathering. Seattle welcomes you, Mr. Romo.

September 24^th, 2012                        Green Bay Packers

-          Once again, there’s a lovely back story to another Green Bay-Seattle matchup. Can Matt Flynn become relevant as the ‘Hawks QB, and bury his old team on Monday Night Football? Well, that story goes out the window if T-Jax is at the helm, and Flynn is holding a clipboard. But playing the Pack always carries a touch of sentiment for someone within the Seahawks organization. Oh, and it’s on Monday Night. Love it.

September 30^th, 2012                        at St. Louis Rams

-          Straight up. The ‘Hawks own the Rams. 13 of the last 14. While this team, like all of the NFC West, is up and coming (thank you RG3), they are still 1-2 years away.

 October 7^th, 2012                   at Carolina Panthers

-          Let the Cam Newton show begin for the ‘Hawks. Yes he pretty much had one of the best rookie seasons of any QB, ever. And the Panthers are a dangerous opponent. They lost how many games last year by less than 10 points? But this fan likes to think of the Panthers in one light…2005 NFC Championship game. Yep, it was 6 years ago. Yes, most of the Panthers and Seahawks rosters have been purged. But one notable name remains on the Panthers roster. One Steven Smith. I bet he remembers that day in January, not so many years ago…pull out the game tape, and let Bam Bam spy Cam all day. Greatness.

October 14^th, 2012                 New England Patriots

-          Oh boy. Here comes Gisele. New WR’s coach for the Pats. Oh, and the rest of the members of one of the NFL’s most consistent dynasties. Never an easy matchup and this one is going to be a classic. If you haven’t noticed, this schedule is offering an early litmus test for our young Seahawks. Are they ready for the big-time? Or are we still a year away? This game will answer many questions.

October 18^th, 2012                 at San Francisco 49ers

-          One of the most underrated rivalries in the NFL. This is the first game these two will play during the 2012 NFL season, but in no way is it anything but the continuation of the “Merry Christmas” game from last year. This story is still being told, and with the physical, hot-blooded rivalry that this has become, I find myself tensing up just thinking about it.  A must win to take the division back.

October 28^th, 2012                 at Detroit Lions

-          I’ve always liked the Detroit Lions. Don’t ask me why. But I’ve always been enamored. So this is a fun one for me, as I’m sure it is for most NFL fans. Watching the young, emerging Lions face a young, formidable defense in Seattle will make for a great game. Now, can the ‘Hawks offense match the effort? That will be the key to a mid-season road victory.

November 4^th, 2012               Minnesota Vikings

-          So, the Vikings are rebuilding? So what. Any chance to see our D-Line matchup with one of the NFL’s premier RB’s is enough to tune in to this classic battle. I still remember the game years ago when Hershel Walker led a monstrous comeback at the Kingdome. Always soured my liking for the Purple People Eaters. At any rate, Christian Ponder can always put this game on his resume in his bid to be a seasoned NFL starter. “Played road game in Seattle. Couldn’t hear a thing, so just handed the ball off…”

November 11^th, 2012             New York Jets

-          This game is exciting. I mean really exciting. I will be excited to just have this exciting opportunity to be excited. Oh, Tim Tebow. You and your clean press conferences. Lucky for him I’m packing all the excitement, because his will go right out the window when he steps through the tunnel at the Clink. Exciting.

November 18^th, 2012             Bye

-          It’s been some time since we’ve had such a late bye week. But this will be a perfect time, as they always are, for our team to get healthy for the playoff push. What you got for our record so far 12^th Man? That’s right, 10-0! Niiiice.

November 25^th, 2012             at Miami Dolphins

-          Can’t remember many good games from the ‘Hawks when playing in Miami. 1-5 overall, I believe. Even with a rebuilding team, this is always a thorn in the side. Let’s go down to Miami, pound the ball with Marshawn, and get out of town with a solid Defensive win. We’re due Miami.

December 2^nd, 2012               at Chicago Bears

-          In what has seemingly become an annual matchup for the Seahawks, we find ourselves back in Chicago, where we’ve had relative success. The Bears are always ready for a physical game, and this will be nothing less than the sort. An early December game, in Chicago is bound to bring the elements, and a few bruises to boot. Great matchup.

December 9^th, 2012                Arizona Cardinals

-          Home stretch here. 3 of the last 4 are at home, and against NFC West opponents. Getting off to a good start to our finish is essential here. Home, against the Cards in December will create a ravenous state at the Clink, and it will be needed as we split with Arizona last year, both down to the wire. Who says the NFC West is the worst division in the NFL. I think by Week 14, the pundits will be singing a different tune.

December 16^th, 2012              at Buffalo Bills (Toronto)

-          Hello Canada!! The Seahawks find their last road game of the season at The Rogers Centre, formally known as the SkyDome in Toronto. The last two meetings between these teams have been all Buffalo. And this one gets no easier. With a formidable rushing attack and a young defense, this year’s version of the Buffalo Bills is no less potent, if not more so. A tough matchup on the road before heading home for the final 2 home games of the season.

December 23^rd, 2012              San Francisco 49ers

-          Round 2. Not to take anything away from the other two divisional opponents, but special attention has to be paid to the 49ers for 2 reasons in my opinion. The way the two clubs played each other last season, physical, violent. A massive makeover from the early days of the NFC West. And finally, the fact that the 49ers took the division from the Seahawks last year, with a cocky smirk on their proverbial face nonetheless. Why the NFL didn’t put this game on primetime eludes me. Maybe a flex consideration here. Late season matchup between two heated division rivals with possible playoff implications? At the Clink? How does the NFL Primetime saying go? “Come on Maaaan!!”

December 30^th, 2012              St. Louis Rams

-           See Week 4. 13 of last 14 go to the Seahawks. Add that we’re at home, in the season finale, against a division opponent and you would have to lean heavily for the ‘Hawks here. However, a healthy Sam Bradford for a full season, and a renewed confidence with the arrival of Jeff Fisher could catapult the Rams into relevancy. Only time will tell…

So that’s it. 17 weeks of illustrious Seahawk Football right there in front of us 12^th Man. Will tendencies, matchups, and rankings give us the answers we’re looking for? Most definitely not. They may be a great help to the Vegas line makers, but nothing will be officially told until the clock strikes 1:15pm PDT on September the 9^th.   Until then, I’ll settle for water cooler championships, and dreams of a February Parade.

Today brought people coming to his defense. First a couple offensive linemen, and then the team owner spoke out on behalf of Sanchez. Normally you’d think that was a good thing, but in this case I don’t really think it is. The Owner’s “He’s the first to arrive and last to leave” defense is already being disputed. People coming to his defense might want to stick to the truth, otherwise it only makes thing worse.

Sanchez is now the center of a divided locker room. The Jets front office must now make changes before next season, or face a year in which the off field squabbles hurt the performance on the field. A divided locker room can only lead to bad things for the franchise.

(more…)

A friend of mine (a Bears fan) started complaining to me that the Seahawks shouldn’t be playing the Bears this Sunday because they shouldn’t have had a home game in the Wild Card round. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Blah, blah, blah. I just rolled my eyes and let it slide.

Who was the only home team to win last weekend? The Seattle Seahawks.

Who was the only division champion to win last weekend? The Seattle Seahawks.

The New Orleans Saints (11-5) had a better record than the Seahawks (7-9). That’s a fact. However, EVERY ROAD TEAM last weekend had a better record than the home team. How come no one made a fuss about that?!

Baltimore (12-4) had a better record than Kansas City (10-6). The New York Jets (11-5) had a better record than Indianapolis (10-6). Green Bay and Philadelphia had the same record (10-6), but if Philadelphia hadn’t won the NFC East, Green Bay would have won a tiebreaker since they had beaten the Eagles in Week 1. Yet I don’t recall hearing any complaints in the media that the Ravens, Jets and Packers weren’t playing at home. (more…) ]]> http://12thmanrising.com/2011/01/13/complain-complain-complain/feed/ 1 http://12thmanrising.com/2010/10/12/top-12-unintended-consequences-of-the-brett-favre-saga/ http://12thmanrising.com/2010/10/12/top-12-unintended-consequences-of-the-brett-favre-saga/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:20:37 +0000 http://12thmanrising.com/?p=3941

12. Ben Roethlisberger sends Brett Favre the biggest Hillshire Farm’s gourmet sausage and cheese gift basket. This is just what Big Ben needed.

11. Brett Favre finally retires… his cell phone.

10. Dozens of players who have showered beside Favre are called in to identify the suspect’s… uhm… little Favre.

9. Brett Favre’s personal cell phone number is released to the public and Favre receives thousands of pics, an unwanted taste of his own medicine.

8. Brett Favre puts the public shame of his texting to use and finally agrees to be Viagra’s pitchman.

7. Portland Trailblazer Greg Odom and Brett Favre attempt to recruit ten other sports players to put together a nude calendar.

(more…)

No big surprise there.

Last Sunday, Washington led the Seahawks to a 27-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers at home. He compiled over 250 yards on only four kickoff returns, including two returned for touchdowns. Both touchdowns occurred in critical moments during the second half of the football game.

As good as Washington was, it is almost unbelievable that he was very close to returning a third kickoff for a touchdown. While trying to make a move on San Diego’s Nate Kaeding, Washington tripped himself up and fell to the ground.

(more…)

Regardless of the report, most analysts are still reporting a trade won’t happen; it will be too difficult to move Houshmandzadeh’s $7 million guaranteed salary.

If you’re optimistic, however, it is a good sign that teams have made offers (if the report is accurate). If the Seahawks are truly committed to dumping Housh, trading him would be the best route. By releasing him, the Seahawks are on the hook for millions of dollars and lose their leading receiver from 2009 without compensation.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Eli Manning makes an erroneous read on the play and opts to throw a fade to the end zone, but running back Brandon Jacobs still thinks he will be receiving the ball. Jacobs collides with Manning, loosening his chinstrap and jarring the football loose.

As Manning works quickly to recover the ball floating in the air, Calvin Pace violently hits him from his blindside. The blow knocks Manning’s helmet off and sends him into another defender, where a nasty laceration is delivered.

The three-inch cut on Manning’s forehead required twelve stitches to fix, but Manning did not suffer any other injuries.

Fortunately for the Giants, it appears as if Manning will be okay. But the video is much more dramatic; Manning looks like he could have easily suffered a concussion, a larger laceration, or worse.

Hit the jump to see the video clip.

(more…)

According to Farnsworth, Leon Washington is working harder than anyone behind the scenes, attempting to return following a horrific leg injury last fall.

It’s after practice that Washington gets down to work, rehabbing the broken right leg that ended his 2009 season and put his promising career not only on hold but in jeopardy.

“There’s a lot going on, it’s just unseen,” Washington said.

Like running up the berm that is adjacent to the outdoor practice fields. Like pushing his 5-foot-8, 203-pound body through a battery of tests and exercises in the indoor practice facility. But instead of everyone seeing his butt-busting efforts, only the eyes of a single trainer are trained on his every move.

“I’m working behind the scenes,” he said with a smile.

According to the rumor mill at ESPN.com, Leon Washington could have a positive impact on Seattle’s running game this year. Of course, that is, assuming he can return to the football field.

The folks over at ESPN.com believe that “given the promise he showed earlier in his career, he could wind up being one of the best bargain pickups this offseason.”

The Seahawks traded fifth- and seventh-round picks (139th and 236th overall) to New York in exchange for Washington during last April’s NFL draft.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Leon Washington has continued to work hard in rehab and is now running and changing directions. Expects to be ready by the start of camp!

Considering how severe Washington’s injury was – his fractured fibula reportedly broke through the skin – it will be remarkable to see him back on the field in August. A fractured fibula requires complete immobilization followed by intense rehabilitation to recover strength.

Hopefully, Washington can return to his previous form and become a playmaker for Seattle’s offense. In four years with New York, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored 19 touchdowns.

Washington was never the full-time starter in New York, but he was regularly given opportunities. In his last full season, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry and reached the end zone 9 times. His elusive style of running excited spectators and should have earned him additional carries and a larger paycheck.

Unfortunately, Washington was limited to only seven games last season and his contributions were minimal. Prior to his injury, Washington was primed for a new contract and extended role in New York.

Following his trade, he’ll now have an opportunity to shine in Seattle.

Assuming, of course, Alvin Keels is trustworthy.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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They haven’t made it this far throwing the ball all over the field. They don’t have an All-Pro quarterback. Hell, they don’t even have much of a home-field advantage.

The New York Jets win football games in the trenches. Their offensive line is great, the defense is impenetrable, and they move the football on the ground. The Jets are playing the purest form of football.

How refreshing is it to watch an offensive line that overwhelms opposing defenders? The Jets know how to build an offensive line: invest a few high draft picks (D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold), bring in a couple key free agents (Alan Faneca, Damien Woody), and let them grow as a unit.

Unfortunately, under Tim Ruskell’s watch, the Seattle Seahawks failed to maintain a competent offensive line. The Seahawks nearly ignored the position in the draft and failed to build depth, acquired ineffective free agents (Mike Wahle), and  never experienced any sort of continuity due to injuries.

Remember when the Seahawks had a dominant offensive line? Their strategy wasn’t so different than New York’s; Seattle invested a few high draft picks (Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson), signed talented free agents (Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray), and started the same five players every Sunday.

With a great offensive line, the New York Jets are able to impose their will on opposing defenses. With a successful running game, the Jets control the clock and wear down defenders.  They’re a good football team with a rookie starting at quarterback.

If Mark Sanchez played for the Seahawks, he’d probably be on injured reserve by now.

Fortunately for Sanchez, there aren’t any expectations; he just has to avoid mistakes. He isn’t required to throw the football around the field, and most of his passes aren’t very complicated – a majority of his attempts are short throws off play-fakes and/or bootlegs.

If we tried that with a rookie quarterback in Seattle, we’d be no better than the St. Louis Rams. We’re not good enough offensively to insert a rookie quarterback and expect wins, so don’t chase Matt Hasselbeck out of town just yet.

The offense is going to take awhile to rebuild, but what about the defense? Will Seattle’s defense ever be great like New York’s?

I know, the Seahawks don’t have a dominant cornerback (like Darrelle Revis), and their defensive line is underachieving at best. But if the right personnel decisions are made, can the Seahawks finally shut down opposing offenses?

I’m cautiously optimistic; the Seahawks have several talented athletes on that side of the ball, and a few new components could drastically change the competency of the defense. Whether it is a lack of talent or a deficient scheme, the Seahawks are unable to rush the passer. The defensive backs appear overmatched, and the linemen appear overpowered.

Hopefully, Pete Carroll and company can identify those weaknesses and improve a 5-11 football team.

The Jets are an obvious underdog, but extremely underrated in my opinion. Their style of smash-mouth, ground-and-pound football is refreshing and enjoyable to watch. Hopefully, the Seahawks can return to prominence in the trenches and find success if the playoffs again.

Until then, I’ll admit: I’m envious of the four teams competing for an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

After 24 hours of intense negotiations, the Chiefs signed their first-round draft choice, defensive end Tyson Jackson of Louisiana State.

Several sources last night indicated that the Chiefs had signed Jackson, but they were a little premature. This breaking news is excellent for the Seahawks, who’ve yet to agree with their first-round pick, linebacker Aaron Curry.

Tyson Jackson’s contract gives both sides a better idea of Aaron Curry’s true value, and should make the negotiation process a lot easier. With the third- and fifth-overall picks coming to terms with their respective teams, Curry’s value is pretty much determined. I would be surprised if Seattle isn’t able to get a deal done with Curry by the end of this weekend.

The details of Tyson Jackson’s contract have not been disclosed, but ESPN.com’s John Clayton was apparently told that the two sides had been “working on a deal worth $57 million over five years, with $31 million guaranteed.”

Mark Sanchez, who signed with the New York Jets last June and was selected one pick after Curry, agreed to a deal worth up o $60 million with $28 million guaranteed.