Wilson to the Broncos

[Aseahawkfan]

Final post script on Russell Wilson: You look at what the Browns gave up for DW, and what we got for RW, we got took period. I think HT's attacks on him were/are ludicrous. He donated his time to charity, did it enhance his rep, yes. However, like Elvis giving away Cadillac's, its something that he didn't have to do, and very few stars before or since, were as generous with their time. RW was never a drama queen till the end. He was was always Pollyannish in nature, GO HAWKS. Were there cracks that it was somewhat of a facade, like making the guys sign a waver while having a beer at his house, sure. But numbers do not lie, HE was the winningest QB for the first 10 years in NFL history. Not to mention Passer Rating, percentage, and TD's cannot be argued with. HT Calling RW names is like Otto Adolf Eichmann, calling mother Theresa mean, he comes off looking like an idiot. IF I were RW I would have done it different, I would have come out and said hey look I love my guys they are doing the best they can but this teams needs help on the OLine. IF I were RW I would have done that after 2016 or 17. Was he traded or did he leave, that's all semantics, its like did Wayne Gretzky leave, or was he traded. Your never going to know the truth because neither side wants to be the bad guy. I think he was traded after making it clear he wanted changes, the Hawks could not allow a FQB like RW go for nothing and that is where it was headed. All that aside, NO ONE can argue that he was the greatest QB in Seahawk History.

I side with Obiken on this one. I liked having an admirable human being as a QB who was also a great QB. Never saw anyone work harder Russell and no one thought he would make it when we drafted him other than Jon Gruden and those that knew him well like his college coach. Pete and John saw in him the makings of an elite QB and they were right.

Not sure what happened and at this point it's water under the bridge. But I doubt Russ won't continue to perform at a high level. Russ is Russ. A robot who prepares and maintains the same confidence and work ethic that allowed an under-sized QB to become an elite QB and win a Super Bowl and be the best QB out of a remarkable QB class that included Andrew Luck and RG3.

I'll never forget Russell. He is the bar now for Seahawks QBs. It's a high bar to beat.

[c_hawkbob]

I'll third the last two posts.

[RiverDog]

Final post script on Russell Wilson: You look at what the Browns gave up for DW, and what we got for RW, we got took period. I think HT's attacks on him were/are ludicrous. He donated his time to charity, did it enhance his rep, yes. However, like Elvis giving away Cadillac's, its something that he didn't have to do, and very few stars before or since, were as generous with their time. RW was never a drama queen till the end. He was was always Pollyannish in nature, GO HAWKS. Were there cracks that it was somewhat of a facade, like making the guys sign a waver while having a beer at his house, sure. But numbers do not lie, HE was the winningest QB for the first 10 years in NFL history. Not to mention Passer Rating, percentage, and TD's cannot be argued with. HT Calling RW names is like Otto Adolf Eichmann, calling mother Theresa mean, he comes off looking like an idiot. IF I were RW I would have done it different, I would have come out and said hey look I love my guys they are doing the best they can but this teams needs help on the OLine. IF I were RW I would have done that after 2016 or 17. Was he traded or did he leave, that's all semantics, its like did Wayne Gretzky leave, or was he traded. Your never going to know the truth because neither side wants to be the bad guy. I think he was traded after making it clear he wanted changes, the Hawks could not allow a FQB like RW go for nothing and that is where it was headed. All that aside, NO ONE can argue that he was the greatest QB in Seahawk History.

I pretty much agree with this. Although I do think that some personal criticism of Russell is warranted, that he was untruthful and somewhat self-consumed, the name calling is way, way over the top. I understand that we all use this forum to blow off steam and that it is very low trafficked, but on the other hand, it is a public forum, and anyone can read what we write. It's one thing to criticize someone that has had a run in with the law or had many accusations levied upon them (Geno, Watson), but a whole other thing to attack someone that is literally as pure as the wind driven snow

[Hawktawk]

Final post script on Russell Wilson: You look at what the Browns gave up for DW, and what we got for RW, we got took period. I think HT's attacks on him were/are ludicrous. He donated his time to charity, did it enhance his rep, yes. However, like Elvis giving away Cadillac's, its something that he didn't have to do, and very few stars before or since, were as generous with their time. RW was never a drama queen till the end. He was was always Pollyannish in nature, GO HAWKS. Were there cracks that it was somewhat of a facade, like making the guys sign a waver while having a beer at his house, sure. But numbers do not lie, HE was the winningest QB for the first 10 years in NFL history. Not to mention Passer Rating, percentage, and TD's cannot be argued with. HT Calling RW names is like Otto Adolf Eichmann, calling mother Theresa mean, he comes off looking like an idiot. IF I were RW I would have done it different, I would have come out and said hey look I love my guys they are doing the best they can but this teams needs help on the OLine. IF I were RW I would have done that after 2016 or 17. Was he traded or did he leave, that's all semantics, its like did Wayne Gretzky leave, or was he traded. Your never going to know the truth because neither side wants to be the bad guy. I think he was traded after making it clear he wanted changes, the Hawks could not allow a FQB like RW go for nothing and that is where it was headed. All that aside, NO ONE can argue that he was the greatest QB in Seahawk History.

Love you Obi
Stow it buddy . There’s at least as many fans who see him as a phony (as a former Seahawk ) as you Pollyanna folks. He’s not what he was , who he was . His departure was a desertion but he couldn’t even be honest with that . His comments within the last week about “ mental leaders “ were as despicable as his winning city ones .

I pretty much despise him at this point as a former Seahawk like the thousands when his face popped up in the sue bird memorial who booed the little carpetbagger remorselessly . I don’t feel like an idiot . I feel like you are all deluded and weak . Don’t tell me how to feel . You support a traitor . I cannot wait till the first big sack . I will never support him or pull for him again .

[c_hawkbob]

You're truly delusional if you think the fan base is 50/50 on this.

[RiverDog]

You're truly delusional if you think the fan base is 50/50 on this.

At the stadium, it's going to sound like 90 or 95% simply because people that boo make a lot more noise than people that don't.

I just thought I'd pre-empt HT's claim after Russell receives a round of boo's Monday night.

[Hawktawk]

You're truly delusional if you think the fan base is 50/50 on this.

I think think they are moving my way everytime he opens his mouth and says more incendiary crap . Many are women who make a huge portion of his fan base . Are they as hard as me ? Not too many are but I know some . But leave and lie about it is one thing and when it calms down throw shade in the press to stir the pot . He’s like selfie guy that can’t quit sharing . A lot more then you think feel this way after what he’s said post departure .
I have no idea what to expect at lumen , lots of puke orange for one thing as the fair weather fans took the money . Boos? I expect a lot . I will not Boo him during introductions . It will be his last game ever here , probably last against Seattle . I will heckle him till my voice is gone like any enemy . Russ needs to be humbled . It would be sweet to see it at the hands of Geno Smith

[Agent 86]

Hmmm........perfect timing for this report to surface eh.....

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10047977-report-russell-wilson-blamed-pete-carroll-for-holding-him-back-in-2019-nfl-mvp-race

[NorthHawk]

From Peter King in his MMQB column :

The reason Wilson and agent Mark Rodgers worked so hard with GM George Paton and cap guy Rich Hurtado to get the five-year, $245-million extension done last week is that Wilson, as he went through training camp, was positive he’d gotten to the right place to spend the rest of his career. He knew because of sessions like he had last Monday—when he and coach Nathaniel Hackett spent a couple of hours inside the Denver facility in an office together, just the two of them, watching tape, scribbling plays and formations and adjustments on a white board. Together. In Denver, Wilson feels he has a bit of authorship with someone he considers a football savant, Hackett. It’s the kind of relationship he’s wanted with his play-caller and play-author.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2 ... eter-king/

All pro athletes have egos and those that want to be the best they can be get very resentful if coaches hold them back. It's a big part of why Russell wanted to move on.
It's Pete's way to limit the Offense and not permit the Offensive players to become what they could be if it doesn't fit Pete's 1980's Offense. It's why he tried to turn Graham
into an inline blocker. Imagine that, trading for a player who's special quality is catching the ball and trying to limit him in that scope. But that's the world of Peteball.
I'm concerned that if we get a top QB in the draft, Pete will ruin him if he's not mentally strong enough by putting him in a box like he did Wilson. Mahomes should be thanking
his stars we didn't select him in the draft. He wouldn't be the QB he is today.

[TriCitySam]

Hmmm........perfect timing for this report to surface eh.....

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10047977-report-russell-wilson-blamed-pete-carroll-for-holding-him-back-in-2019-nfl-mvp-race

I (we) don't know how this is going to play out, but I'm sure you've all heard the reports that RW is "calling the shots" in Denver, his "team" has unlimited access, even this week that Hackett "answers to RW" - and I fully understand why any head coach would not want it. There was reported dissention with players in Seattle because Russ wasn't held accountable.....so if RW is calling the shots (even on players some say), how do you think this will play out with the locker room? I would want no part of it.

[Hawktawk]

The Pete ball offense went to back to back Super Bowls . Russ has something most men who play the game never had . A ring .
Forget your second year . He threw 20 TDs in 2014 but that last pick ended our hopes of a dynasty . We will see how our crap defense does when it’s not bomb punt or sack .
My bottom line Pete made him a star, Seattle made him the twice highest paid guy in the league . With all the news breaking it sounds like Russ was making trouble the last half decade one way or another bowing his back and focusing on personal goals like an MVP rather than winning football games . That was before his last deal .

Then he blamed Seattle and Pete . Good riddance buddy . See you Monday night .

[Aseahawkfan]

And Tyler Lockett said he and Wilson are still great friends and will wish him well before the game. I have not heard any players talk poorly of Russell Wilson other than to call him "too square." His work ethic is unquestioned. Everywhere Russ goes all I hear from his teammates is positive things.

Seems more like players were getting tired of Pete, so he got rid of all of them. Now he has a bunch of younger players he'll sell on his way and if it works, he gets to the accolades. If it doesn't, he'll be gone. That's the way these things are decided. Both Russell and Pete will be directly measured by how well each team does on the field. We'll get to see that play out.

It don't matter how much rumor mongering occurs or what fans like hawktawk think or say. It just matters how each performs individually and how well each team does. That's all that matters. That's all that will be checked at the end of the seasons and careers.

[RiverDog]

And Tyler Lockett said he and Wilson are still great friends and will wish him well before the game. I have not heard any players talk poorly of Russell Wilson other than to call him "too square." His work ethic is unquestioned. Everywhere Russ goes all I hear from his teammates is positive things.

Seems more like players were getting tired of Pete, so he got rid of all of them. Now he has a bunch of younger players he'll sell on his way and if it works, he gets to the accolades. If it doesn't, he'll be gone. That's the way these things are decided. Both Russell and Pete will be directly measured by how well each team does on the field. We'll get to see that play out.

It don't matter how much rumor mongering occurs or what fans like hawktawk think or say. It just matters how each performs individually and how well each team does. That's all that matters. That's all that will be checked at the end of the seasons and careers.

Yeah, I saw a quote on Facebook from Tyler Lockett saying that Seattle ought to cheer loudly for Russell when he's introduced and thank him for all he's done. I couldn't agree more.

[obiken]

Man the guys are right Hawk talk, you really do hate Russ. You GIVE THE BALL TO LYNCH!! You do not have a 5-11 qb throw a SLANT Pass! A roll out right or left, I could have lived with, but slant pass. Belichick jumped the route because they used it over and over. Sorry that's not on the players, that's coaching.

[Aseahawkfan]

Man the guys are right Hawk talk, you really do hate Russ. You GIVE THE BALL TO LYNCH!! You do not have a 5-11 qb throw a SLANT Pass! A roll out right or left, I could have lived with, but slant pass. Belichick jumped the route because they used it over and over. Sorry that's not on the players, that's coaching.

That's why I don't want to read his posts any more. I normally can take quite a bit, but I'm tired of reading "all the teams woes" are Russell's fault like Russell drafts players, coaches the team, plays defense, decides when he's healthy enough to play, runs his own offense, and Russell is somehow the dictator that made Pete trade him. It's ridiculous.

Eventually hawktawk will have to accept that Pete is the HC and he has the power and decides just about everything. He has to accept the good and the bad. No more excuses for Pete. Only chip I see Pete has left to play is asking for a new GM. I hope he doesn't do that as Pete and John seem like great friends. It's not worth the friendship. Better for Pete to just admit he can't get back to where he was and move on if he can't turn it around at this point.

[NorthHawk]

Russ gave us the best decade of QB play in team history. That's simply the fact and though he felt they system hindered his development and stifled one of his goals
he still came to work every day and gave everything he had to try to win. We can't ask anything more from a player than that, but he did provide more - in the community.

I'll be really sad if most people boo him on Monday. It shows they don't know much about football and what it takes to give it your all every week, day in and day out.
Unfortunately the Twitter crowd seems to gin up that type of short thinking and poor behavior. It's the bravery of anonymity and being out of range, I guess.

[Agent 86]

Russ gave us the best decade of QB play in team history. That's simply the fact and though he felt they system hindered his development and stifled one of his goals
he still came to work every day and gave everything he had to try to win. We can't ask anything more from a player than that, but he did provide more - in the community.

I'll be really sad if most people boo him on Monday. It shows they don't know much about football and what it takes to give it your all every week, day in and day out.
Unfortunately the Twitter crowd seems to gin up that type of short thinking and poor behavior. It's the bravery of anonymity and being out of range, I guess.

Yeah I feel the same, he deserves a nice warm welcome when first introduced for what he did here for 10 years, including help bring the ultimate prize to the team, city, and fans. I would be disappointed if he were to get boo'd when that happens.

Not to say I don't agree with some of the things Hawktawk has brought up, I really feel like the timing was right for the trade, both parties wanted to move on, and I think Russ played a huge part in that with his actions in the 2021 off season. He has always worked his butt off and I think the only difference last season was I think he did it for Russell Wilson, and not the Seattle Seahawks. I really believe that locker room was affected by everything and needed a fresh start whether it be new coach or new QB. I can't control that so I accept what happened and Pete stayed. I have no ill will towards either of them, but I will never cheer for Wilson again cause he ain't wearing our colours anymore. Once you're gone, you're gone and always logo over player.

Monday's game has a tonne of underlying emotion. You know that 'Hawks locker room will have Pete's back and will give it their all knowing this game has extra meaning. And Russ will want to probably hang at least 4 TD's on Monday night on this defense. His players will have his back as well. Should be great entertainment.

[Hawktawk]

I saw Lockett made those comments . He’s a hell of a guy . I’m aware he and Russ are friends , DK as well . I also shared Lockett saying he was” excited for a fresh start “.
I won’t boo Russ nor will I cheer him . I will not be able to whisper after the game as usual as I am not a nice fan to the opposing team. I won’t judge anyone who boos . Or cheers .
But I don’t need lectured about what a great qb he was . I’ve defended him more then most over the years including when he lost 49 with a bad read and throw . I always figured he would get back . But when you start talking about needing championships and you have exactly 1 playoff win as a Seahawk without the lob in your career it’s cavalier to talk about championships . Disrespectful to how hard it is , how fortunate he was to be drafted here .

I’m sure my anger will diminish in time . But it’s ok to recognize the greatness and still see the problem with his actions and how it hurt the team .

Addition by subtraction in Seattle

[Aseahawkfan]

Russ gave us the best decade of QB play in team history. That's simply the fact and though he felt they system hindered his development and stifled one of his goals
he still came to work every day and gave everything he had to try to win. We can't ask anything more from a player than that, but he did provide more - in the community.

I'll be really sad if most people boo him on Monday. It shows they don't know much about football and what it takes to give it your all every week, day in and day out.
Unfortunately the Twitter crowd seems to gin up that type of short thinking and poor behavior. It's the bravery of anonymity and being out of range, I guess.

There are enough hawtawk's in the world to boo Russ when he returns. HT will be at the game booing Russ. You can bet on that.

Russ is a good guy. One of the best on and off the field to ever wear Seahawk Blue. I hope enough fans remember that to offset the boos with cheers.

I feel a great deal of pride Russell Wilson was a Seahawk. I hope he always remembers Seattle fondly even if he and Pete had whatever falling out they had. Maybe some day they get along again and bury whatever happened and remember what they did together here in Seattle.

[RiverDog]

Russ gave us the best decade of QB play in team history. That's simply the fact and though he felt they system hindered his development and stifled one of his goals
he still came to work every day and gave everything he had to try to win. We can't ask anything more from a player than that, but he did provide more - in the community.

I'll be really sad if most people boo him on Monday. It shows they don't know much about football and what it takes to give it your all every week, day in and day out.
Unfortunately the Twitter crowd seems to gin up that type of short thinking and poor behavior. It's the bravery of anonymity and being out of range, I guess.

There are enough hawtawk's in the world to boo Russ when he returns. HT will be at the game booing Russ. You can bet on that.

Russ is a good guy. One of the best on and off the field to ever wear Seahawk Blue. I hope enough fans remember that to offset the boos with cheers.

I feel a great deal of pride Russell Wilson was a Seahawk. I hope he always remembers Seattle fondly even if he and Pete had whatever falling out they had. Maybe some day they get along again and bury whatever happened and remember what they did together here in Seattle.

I think you're going to hear a lot of boos Monday night when Russell is introduced. It won't be a high percentage of the fans, perhaps 15-20% max, but they will be a very, very vocal minority, and given the acoustics in that stadium, 5,000 people booing will sound like 50,000. There will be those fans that will politely applaud as I would if I were in the stadium, but the obnoxious 10% always shouts down the more polite majority.

[Hawktawk]

quote="NorthHawk"]Russ gave us the best decade of QB play in team history. That's simply the fact and though he felt they system hindered his development and stifled one of his goals
he still came to work every day and gave everything he had to try to win. We can't ask anything more from a player than that, but he did provide more - in the community.

I'll be really sad if most people boo him on Monday. It shows they don't know much about football and what it takes to give it your all every week, day in and day out.
Unfortunately the Twitter crowd seems to gin up that type of short thinking and poor behavior. It's the bravery of anonymity and being out of range, I guess.[/quote]

There are enough hawtawk's in the world to boo Russ when he returns. HT will be at the game booing Russ. You can bet on that.

Russ is a good guy. One of the best on and off the field to ever wear Seahawk Blue. I hope enough fans remember that to offset the boos with cheers.

I feel a great deal of pride Russell Wilson was a Seahawk. I hope he always remembers Seattle fondly even if he and Pete had whatever falling out they had. Maybe some day they get along again and bury whatever happened and remember what they did together here in Seattle.[/quote]

Listen Asea . I’ve got issues with Wilson starting with his game and presser after his lousy game in the divisional in 2016 . It got worse from there . But if I say I’m not booing I’m not and so you can kiss it buddy . I’m not a liar . I’m tired of you putting words in my mouth , talking crap about me in the third person and your wild ad hominem rants accusing me of being a bad person for taking my side in this political as much as sports issue.
Not sure who you you think you are talkng down to me .

[NorthHawk]

Why is this a political issue?
It's about sports and players at odds with the coaches philosophy.

[Hawktawk]

Why is this a political issue?
It's about sports and players at odds with the coaches philosophy.

Its become political or maybe polarizing. I haven't seen the fan base so split. Its undeniable and what it did to the fanbase Im sure it did to the locker room to some degree.
Once more. Russel became obsessed with personal awards such as MVP and leading the league in passing. He complained after wins if he didn't get to throw the ball enough. This is breaking news last few days . Coaches began to wonder if he wanted to win the MVP or games more.Russ has scored 40+ in this offense many times,50+ second to last game , 38 last game in this stale offense based on running to throw.
And hes going to an offense that likes to pound the ball with 2 backs and throw chain moving passes. Can you break down the big difference in Petes offense and Hacketts?

Russ wanted control and he reportedly has it 100% there. So no more excuses about Pete holding him back. Lets just see. He was reportedly asked to leave the NC state program by coach Obrien due to not seeing eye to eye and his continual absences due to baseball related functions. Went to Wisconsin and came out almost smelling like Roses. Lets see if history repeats itself. I think he will really regret this move as will denver.

[c_hawkbob]

Its become political or maybe polarizing. I haven't seen the fan base so split.

Not the least bit political. Pure sports. And the fan base ain't split man, it's you. You're more freaked out about this than anyone. Bringing it up in every single thread, calling us all names for not agreeing with you. It's like Star in reverse, he was as out of whack and defensive about sticking up for Shaun Alexander as you are about hating on Russell Wilson. You need to unclench a bit, you could blow a gasket.

[Hawktawk]

Its become political or maybe polarizing. I haven't seen the fan base so split.

“ CHawk Bob Not the least bit political. Pure sports. And the fan base ain't split man, it's you. You're more freaked out about this than anyone. Bringing it up in every single thread, calling us all names for not agreeing with you. It's like Star in reverse, he was as out of whack and defensive about sticking up for Shaun Alexander as you are about hating on Russell Wilson. You need to unclench a bit, you could blow a gasket.[/quote]

You greatly underestimate the amount of vitriol in the Seattle fan base . Virtually every social media outlet has some ruthless fans . The sue bird tribute booing was a canary in a coal mine . My guess at least half the fans will boo lustily .

I’ve always been one hell of a ruthless fan from day one . When you are no longer helping my team win GTFO. When you don’t want to be here GTFO. That’s it , very quick and simple .

And I’ve dug deep on the backstory and this disruption from the highest paid Seahawk in history didn’t start in 2021.we will never know what effect it had in those years .

I’m wound fine Bob . Just about an intense devoted Seahawks fan as you will find . When I look back and see clearly that the man was “ checked out” last year for 35 million wile I was watching my team lose it pisses me off as much as it did Jodi Allen and she was the one paying him well in excess of 150 million in his time here . No love lost here whether we win or lose. Every lousy Wilson performance in a loss I will celebrate till he’s out of the league which won’t be when he’s 40 btw .

[I-5]

I was firmly with Russ, until the aftermath of that debacle wildcard playoff loss to the Rams. It was certainly a team loss - it always is team in my book - but hearing Russ going on talk shows afterward and complaining about being hit, wanting more say etc was a turnoff. Did he think his linemen wouldn't see that video clip? To me, you just don't do that in public. Then when his agent leaked that list of teams Russ would be ok going to, that just cemented it for me.

I won't be at the game, but I would be one of the ones booing for sure. I'm happy for Russ that he found greener grass, but he's just an enemy now. I'm sure I'll feel a little different after he's retired, but not right now.

[Aseahawkfan]

I was firmly with Russ, until the aftermath of that debacle wildcard playoff loss to the Rams. It was certainly a team loss - it always is team in my book - but hearing Russ going on talk shows afterward and complaining about being hit, wanting more say etc was a turnoff. Did he think his linemen wouldn't see that video clip? To me, you just don't do that in public. Then when his agent leaked that list of teams Russ would be ok going to, that just cemented it for me.

I won't be at the game, but I would be one of the ones booing for sure. I'm happy for Russ that he found greener grass, but he's just an enemy now. I'm sure I'll feel a little different after he's retired, but not right now.

Russ went on one talk show and answered questions by the host about being sacked and hit 400 times or something and suddenly he was going on "talk shows." The wanting more say was based on rumors. His agent did a team list. But most of what happened was rumors.

This is the article many of the rumors were based on a bunch of sources that never came forward. In sports writing, you don't need confirmed rumors because it isn't important enough as long you can sow drama that people will buy.

https://theathletic.com/2409212/2021/02/25/russell-wilson-trade-seahawks/

Some of you took one interview and turned it into "Russ was going to from show to show complaining." That is just BS. He went on one show, answered a question, and now he's the bad guy, even though Russ getting hit and our bad O-line has been a topic of discussion amongst Seahawks fans for years. It's crazy what people build up in their head even when something has been an issue long before the QB was asked a question in an interview on a single show or is asked a question based on that show and comments we have to clean it up. Suddenly he's complaining about the something the entire Seahawks fan base already knew they needed to clean up and talked about many years during the draft.

[RiverDog]

I was firmly with Russ, until the aftermath of that debacle wildcard playoff loss to the Rams. It was certainly a team loss - it always is team in my book - but hearing Russ going on talk shows afterward and complaining about being hit, wanting more say etc was a turnoff. Did he think his linemen wouldn't see that video clip? To me, you just don't do that in public. Then when his agent leaked that list of teams Russ would be ok going to, that just cemented it for me.

I won't be at the game, but I would be one of the ones booing for sure. I'm happy for Russ that he found greener grass, but he's just an enemy now. I'm sure I'll feel a little different after he's retired, but not right now.

The "I'm getting hit too much" comment did come out wrong. Anytime someone starts saying "I" or "me" instead of "us" or "we", a red flag goes up. What he should have said was something like "we need to do a better job of managing the pass rush" as that would have indicated that he had some degree of responsibility for 'getting hit too much' as do the linemen and running backs. As we saw in the Pittsburgh game when Drew Luck missed an obvious hot read which ended up being a strip sack, a quarterback can be just as liable for 'getting hit too much' as any one of the offensive linemen. Whether Russell said that knowing what the implication was, if it was a Freudian slip, or if he accidentally misspoke, who knows. But after hearing the criticism, he should have corrected himself if he didn't intend for it to be interpreted as a selfish remark, and that I am disappointed in him for.

Has Russell become a little self centered? I think so. But that seems pretty commonplace in the NFL. Both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are horrible, self centered pricks IMO. So was Peyton Manning. But they win football games, and their teammates seem to have accepted them for who they are or were. The game has created these 500 pound gorillas. The question is how much of Russell's ego can or could be tolerated by the team, and I saw no evidence that his comments had affected his or his team's ability to work together. I would have much rather seen Russell stay and Pete go.

As far as the rest of Russell's career goes, I could care less one way or another. Although I'll always be grateful for his contributions to the greatest period of Seahawk football in franchise history, at his point, he's just another professional athlete to me.

[Aseahawkfan]

The "I'm getting hit too much" comment did come out wrong. Anytime someone starts saying "I" or "me" instead of "us" or "we", a red flag goes up. What he should have said was something like "we need to do a better job of managing the pass rush" as that would have indicated that he had some degree of responsibility for 'getting hit too much' as do the linemen and running backs. As we saw in the Pittsburgh game when Drew Luck missed an obvious hot read which ended up being a strip sack, a quarterback can be just as liable for 'getting hit too much' as any one of the offensive linemen. Whether Russell said that knowing what the implication was, if it was a Freudian slip, or if he accidentally misspoke, who knows. But after hearing the criticism, he should have corrected himself if he didn't intend for it to be interpreted as a selfish remark, and that I am disappointed in him for.

Has Russell become a little self centered? I think so. But that seems pretty commonplace in the NFL. Both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are horrible, self centered pricks IMO. So was Peyton Manning. But they win football games, and their teammates seem to have accepted them for who they are or were. The game has created these 500 pound gorillas. The question is how much of Russell's ego can or could be tolerated by the team, and I saw no evidence that his comments had affected his or his team's ability to work together. I would have much rather seen Russell stay and Pete go.

As far as the rest of Russell's career goes, I could care less one way or another. Although I'll always be grateful for his contributions to the greatest period of Seahawk football in franchise history, at his point, he's just another professional athlete to me.

You really have a low opinion of athletes. I wouldn't see Peyton as self-centered myself. He just wanted to win and thought he knew how to do it better than others as the central focus of the football on offense. Brady self-centered? A guy who took less money for many years to have a better team around him? Not sure that is self-centered as much as driven to win.

I'll give you Rodgers. Then again I never liked Mr. Pew Pew Discount Double Check. He's just annoying.

[RiverDog]

You really have a low opinion of athletes. I wouldn't see Peyton as self-centered myself. He just wanted to win and thought he knew how to do it better than others as the central focus of the football on offense. Brady self-centered? A guy who took less money for many years to have a better team around him? Not sure that is self-centered as much as driven to win.

I'll give you Rodgers. Then again I never liked Mr. Pew Pew Discount Double Check. He's just annoying.

In my book, professional athletes rank slightly above politicians and slightly below used car salesmen. I put them in the same category as lawyers. Just like lawyers, I don't trust a single thing that comes out of a professional athlete's mouth as it's all about money and/or fame, and Russell is a prime example.

I didn't like how Brady handled Inflategate by breaking his phone so they couldn't see his texts with other team employees. I also didn't like the way he walked off the field in the Super Bowl they lost to the Eagles without congratulating the opposing QB and MVP Nick Foles. He damn well knew what the protocol was. Manning was never about to mentor his eventual replacement. I always thought of him as being self centered. So I have my reasons.

[Aseahawkfan]

In my book, professional athletes rank slightly above politicians and slightly below used car salesmen. I put them in the same category as lawyers. Just like lawyers, I don't trust a single thing that comes out of a professional athlete's mouth as it's all about money and/or fame, and Russell is a prime example.

I didn't like how Brady handled Inflategate by breaking his phone so they couldn't see his texts with other team employees. I also didn't like the way he walked off the field in the Super Bowl they lost to the Eagles without congratulating the opposing QB and MVP Nick Foles. He damn well knew what the protocol was. Manning was never about to mentor his eventual replacement. I always thought of him as being self centered. So I have my reasons.

I don't worry about that stuff too much. I like athletes that do good things in the world like Russell, but if Russell were doing good things and sucked...well, we know how that goes. Go do charity work for a living.

Peyton, Tom, and Russ are driven to win. They make everyone around them better. That's much more entertaining to watch than what we have now with Geno Smith. I like having a QB who you know is going to go head up with a Peyton or Tom or Rodgers or Mahomes and compete.

Only things better than a great QB is a lockdown defense that can intimidate and abuse the opponent followed by a power run game that can beat up a defense. QB is third on my list of most desirable team components from a personal standpoint. I sure hate losing a competitive, quality QB. I hope we find one soon.

Thing everyone forgets about those Dilfer and Foles Super Bowls is they were one offs. One and done, then not very competitive due to a lack of good QB play even with their elite defenses. You want to compete in the playoffs on a yearly basis, you need one of them superstar, egotistical, driven QBs. If you don't have that, you'll be an up and down team hoping for one lucky shot. When I look at teams like Baltimore and Philly and Tampa Bay with their great defenses, they pretty much had one absolutely amazing year where everything came together and then were up and down playoff contenders due to terrible QB play. Whereas Indy, New England, and Seattle had great QB play and were in there every year with rare exception.

That's why this Geno Smith pipe dream is laughable. When Baltimore won with Trent Dilfer, they had have an historically great season on defense to do it. And people forget Wentz had an amazing year when the Eagles won the Super Bowl along with their top five defense. We don't have a top defense or run game to go along with our backup QB pretending to be a starter. For Seattle to compete in the playoffs this year would be unprecedented.

[RiverDog]

In my book, professional athletes rank slightly above politicians and slightly below used car salesmen. I put them in the same category as lawyers. Just like lawyers, I don't trust a single thing that comes out of a professional athlete's mouth as it's all about money and/or fame, and Russell is a prime example.

I didn't like how Brady handled Inflategate by breaking his phone so they couldn't see his texts with other team employees. I also didn't like the way he walked off the field in the Super Bowl they lost to the Eagles without congratulating the opposing QB and MVP Nick Foles. He damn well knew what the protocol was. Manning was never about to mentor his eventual replacement. I always thought of him as being self centered. So I have my reasons.

I don't worry about that stuff too much. I like athletes that do good things in the world like Russell, but if Russell were doing good things and sucked...well, we know how that goes. Go do charity work for a living.

I don't worry about it, either. I was simply responding to your observation that I don't hold athletes in very high regard. I don't trust what they say. Sure, Russell does a lot of fine things for charity and the work he did at Children's is unrivaled. But there's a lot of lawyers that also do a lot of good work for charity, but it doesn't mean that I believe them, either. I just don't put athletes on a pedestal or worship them as if they were a deity. They're human beings, full of flaws just like you and me. I don't respect or disrespect them any more or less than I would anyone else.

Peyton, Tom, and Russ are driven to win. They make everyone around them better. That's much more entertaining to watch than what we have now with Geno Smith. I like having a QB who you know is going to go head up with a Peyton or Tom or Rodgers or Mahomes and compete.

Agreed, which is why I would have rather kept Russell and fired Pete.

Only things better than a great QB is a lockdown defense that can intimidate and abuse the opponent followed by a power run game that can beat up a defense. QB is third on my list of most desirable team components from a personal standpoint. I sure hate losing a competitive, quality QB. I hope we find one soon.

Thing everyone forgets about those Dilfer and Foles Super Bowls is they were one offs. One and done, then not very competitive due to a lack of good QB play even with their elite defenses. You want to compete in the playoffs on a yearly basis, you need one of them superstar, egotistical, driven QBs. If you don't have that, you'll be an up and down team hoping for one lucky shot. When I look at teams like Baltimore and Philly and Tampa Bay with their great defenses, they pretty much had one absolutely amazing year where everything came together and then were up and down playoff contenders due to terrible QB play. Whereas Indy, New England, and Seattle had great QB play and were in there every year with rare exception.

That's why this Geno Smith pipe dream is laughable. When Baltimore won with Trent Dilfer, they had have an historically great season on defense to do it. And people forget Wentz had an amazing year when the Eagles won the Super Bowl along with their top five defense. We don't have a top defense or run game to go along with our backup QB pretending to be a starter. For Seattle to compete in the playoffs this year would be unprecedented.

Again, I agree.

[Hawktawk]

I was firmly with Russ, until the aftermath of that debacle wildcard playoff loss to the Rams. It was certainly a team loss - it always is team in my book - but hearing Russ going on talk shows afterward and complaining about being hit, wanting more say etc was a turnoff. Did he think his linemen wouldn't see that video clip? To me, you just don't do that in public. Then when his agent leaked that list of teams Russ would be ok going to, that just cemented it for me.

I won't be at the game, but I would be one of the ones booing for sure. I'm happy for Russ that he found greener grass, but he's just an enemy now. I'm sure I'll feel a little different after he's retired, but not right now.

Well I won’t boo. I will have a moment of silence for a dead era .
Duane Brown adressed Russels comments last season . And while he is a friend and supporter he said the comments were hurtful and wrong . “ I take pride in my craft and I thought I played well “

how could it not upset the line hearing that ?

It’s gone on post season since Atlanta , dismissive of his own play in losses and publicly embarrassing JS and Pete complaining about the roster every postseason .
Fun fact . Seattle’s line is one on the worst in allowing pressure but far from the worst in sustaining blocks 2.5 seconds . The best has been #3 in 2018 and worst #28. I’d be curious how many sacks Russ took in 2018. I saw where one of his new linemen said “ you won’t get hit too much here good luck buddy is all I got to say

[obiken]

River with the news article today that the Hawks tried to trade Russ for a #1 draft pick to the Browns come on. Hawk Talk needs a major upgrade on his definition of traitor. When Paul Allen got sick he had to give up control of the day to day and Pete took that control. HOW did word leak out to RW's agent that they were looking at Josh Allen. How did word leak out that they were looking at Mahomey, then they were trying to shop RW to Cleveland for a 1st rounder!!??? HOW THE HELL IS HE SUPPOSED TO FEEL? He takes them to two SB's and Numerous playoff runs and all this crap is divulged by a leaky outfit!! His reward is getting shipped to the worse team in the League!! THEY WERE THE TRAITORS. As CC said this morning the ONLY silver lining in the whole scenario is John S, knows what to look for in QB's. The most legitimate critique of RW is YOU and Cbob. Maybe he has lost a step, and maybe he is not as mobile as he used to be, but I think after Paul Allen died the power struggle between Pete and John is not even close to being over.

[RiverDog]

River with the news article today that the Hawks tried to trade Russ for a #1 draft pick to the Browns come on. Hawk Talk needs a major upgrade on his definition of traitor. When Paul Allen got sick he had to give up control of the day to day and Pete took that control. HOW did word leak out to RW's agent that they were looking at Josh Allen. How did word leak out that they were looking at Mahomey, then they were trying to shop RW to Cleveland for a 1st rounder!!??? HOW THE HELL IS HE SUPPOSED TO FEEL? He takes them to two SB's and Numerous playoff runs and all this crap is divulged by a leaky outfit!! His reward is getting shipped to the worse team in the League!! THEY WERE THE TRAITORS. As CC said this morning the ONLY silver lining in the whole scenario is John S, knows what to look for in QB's. The most legitimate critique of RW is YOU and Cbob. Maybe he has lost a step, and maybe he is not as mobile as he used to be, but I think after Paul Allen died the power struggle between Pete and John is not even close to being over.

All NFL players, including Russell, know that it's more than a game, it's a business. If we were out shopping around for another quarterback, BFD, teams do it all the time. The Packers used a first round draft choice on a quarterback even though they had arguably the best QB in the league under contract. Russell knows that, or if he didn't, he should have.

I do not regard Russell as a 'traitor.' That term is too caustic. He simply decided to choose another path just like anyone else that has changed jobs or employers. He doesn't owe us anything. Like I said in another thread, I don't idolize him nor to I loathe him. If I were at the stadium on Monday, I would politely applaud to express my appreciation for what he's done for our franchise.

[Hawktawk]

I saw the browns story and it’s coming straight from Wilson’s camp . It was common knowledge at the time they scouted Mahomes and Allen . Hindsight is 2020 but make me an argument you would prefer Wilson over either . They are damn good at qb evaluation . I have a hard time believing an actual trade was proposed and it was hidden 5 years and a new megs deal signed after this supposed trade . Who knows .

[Aseahawkfan]

River with the news article today that the Hawks tried to trade Russ for a #1 draft pick to the Browns come on. Hawk Talk needs a major upgrade on his definition of traitor. When Paul Allen got sick he had to give up control of the day to day and Pete took that control. HOW did word leak out to RW's agent that they were looking at Josh Allen. How did word leak out that they were looking at Mahomey, then they were trying to shop RW to Cleveland for a 1st rounder!!??? HOW THE HELL IS HE SUPPOSED TO FEEL? He takes them to two SB's and Numerous playoff runs and all this crap is divulged by a leaky outfit!! His reward is getting shipped to the worse team in the League!! THEY WERE THE TRAITORS. As CC said this morning the ONLY silver lining in the whole scenario is John S, knows what to look for in QB's. The most legitimate critique of RW is YOU and Cbob. Maybe he has lost a step, and maybe he is not as mobile as he used to be, but I think after Paul Allen died the power struggle between Pete and John is not even close to being over.

Team has to bear part of the blame. I don't think they parted well with any of their star players including Bobby Wagner who did nothing but his job for ten years. If this team has sent any message to the players it is that the team will cut them or play hardball in negotiations if they fall off at all. This is business. No loyalty shown by the team, no loyalty expected.

Some fans have a weird idea the players should be absolutely loyal, while the team can do whatever they want with no consequences. Double standard for some fans.

[obiken]

Team has to bear part of the blame. I don't think they parted well with any of their star players including Bobby Wagner who did nothing but his job for ten years. If this team has sent any message to the players it is that the team will cut them or play hardball in negotiations if they fall off at all. This is business. No loyalty shown by the team, no loyalty expected.

Some fans have a weird idea the players should be absolutely loyal, while the team can do whatever they want with no consequences. Double standard for some fans.

I agree, thats why I find Hawktalky amusing when he calls RW a traitor. Really, come on its not the NBA, they can cut these guys at anytime without pity or mercy. My question is IF you are going to such make a move do it!! There's a saying where I worked ASHF, punks talk and convicts walk. IF you are exploring such a move you tell no one but the owner! The stupider people were the Browns, the didn't deserve an arrogant boob like Mayfield, they EARNED him! Then running a smear campaign on Russ right before the big game? All they did is awaken a sleeping giant, and fill him with a terrible resolve. Oh just one more thing, can you imagine IF the Hawk fans would have found out in 2018 that Russ was on the block for a 1st rounder??!! OMGosh, Heads would have rolled!!

[Aseahawkfan]

I agree, thats why I find Hawktalky amusing when he calls RW a traitor. Really, come on its not the NBA, they can cut these guys at anytime without pity or mercy. My question is IF you are going to such make a move do it!! There's a saying where I worked ASHF, punks talk and convicts walk. IF you are exploring such a move you tell no one but the owner! The stupider people were the Browns, the didn't deserve an arrogant boob like Mayfield, they EARNED him! Then running a smear campaign on Russ right before the big game? All they did is awaken a sleeping giant, and fill him with a terrible resolve. Oh just one more thing, can you imagine IF the Hawk fans would have found out in 2018 that Russ was on the block for a 1st rounder??!! OMGosh, Heads would have rolled!!

Hawks fans wouldn't be happy if the team had made the trade first.

I figure now Russ can take his shot the MVP and seeing if he can do the high volume passing offense he wants to do. Pete gets a shot to start again with a bunch of young pups that will buy into his way.

We fans get to see if Pete can do it a second time and watch to see if Russ can do what Russ wanted to do in Denver. If he does go crazy in Denver, that will be more heat on Pete. If he doesn't, then Pete and John look like the smart kids again. First move in that match comes Monday in front of likely a sold out arena.

I'm betting money Russ is going to sell out to win. It will be like a playoff game.

[I-5]

I don’t consider any player a traitor including Russ. They’re sacrificing their bodies in a horrifically violent sport, so they should pursue the maximum amount they can get. I just thought it was cringy and self-centred to start using the first person when talking about the team’s success and failures. Sure, Dan Patrick baited him, but lots of people try to bait. Russ was feeling it, and took the bait. I believe he also talked about wanting more say in the offense in the same interview - which I was ok with. Then whoever decided to release the list of teams Russ would be willing to accept a trade to…wasn’t very smart. I’m happy for Russ that he’s on a team with leadership more aligned to him. I’m tired of the drama in Seattle which he or his agent helped propagate. You can’t blame the Hawks for looking into acquiring QB’s while they had him. They would be negligent if they didn’t look in my book.