Brandon Marshall: Disappointed, Yet Relieved

I’ll admit that I was disappointed when I learned the Miami Dolphins had acquired Brandon Marshall this morning. As an eager Seahawks fan, I had anticipated the Seahawks would pull the trigger on a deal before another team upped the ante.

Now that the Brandon Marshall sweepstakes has ended, Seahawks fans can go one of two ways: become disgruntled and criticize the new front office before one game has been played, or take things into perspective and understand that the Seahawks aren’t one game-breaking wide receiver away from a Super Bowl championship.

Brandon Marshall would’ve been fun to watch. As an elite receiver, he would’ve made players like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and John Carlson better by attracting so much attention. Matt Hasselbeck would’ve been given a target he’s never had – a big, physical receiver with excellent ball skills.

But remember, Seattle’s offensive line is still questionable at best. Without a serviceable group of blockers, it doesn’t matter how many talented receivers are on the field. As it stands now, I would be surprised to see Hasselbeck make it through half of the regular season with the beating he’ll inevitably receive in the pocket.

Maybe acquiring Brandon Marshall wasn’t the best option for the Seattle Seahawks.

I was a proponent for acquiring Deion Branch a few years ago. Of course, the price may have been too high, but why not give up a late first-round pick – everyone knew Seattle would return to the playoffs – to add another playmaker to an already capable offensive unit?

Seattle is not a playoff-caliber football team. The offensive stars are getting older, and the team lacks a true playmaker on either side of the ball. This football team needs to rebuild.

The best way to rebuild is through the draft. And giving up two relatively high draft choices to acquire a luxury player is probably not the way to go. The Seattle Seahawks need to focus on rebuilding the trenches, the core of any team’s success, before they even think about adding a flashy skill-position player.

Stockpiling draft picks and rebuilding from the inside out is the way to go. If Brandon Marshall could’ve been acquired for a second-round pick and maybe an additional late-round selection, then you pull the trigger. But two second-round picks in consecutive years is too much for a team trying to rebuild its entire roster. The Miami Dolphins are a lot closer to winning than the Seattle Seahawks.

As fans, it is hard to focus on anything other than next season. In Seattle, however, we just need to be patient. John Schneider and Pete Carroll obviously have a plan, and it’ll take at least a few years to see results.

I know losing out on Brandon Marshall is disappointing, but moving on without him may be the best option for the Seattle Seahawks.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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