Sorry for neglecting the blog over the weekend, but I was ordered to take a few days off to get my vacation hours down to a respectable level, and because I like being employed, I obliged.
Sometimes when I’m out surfing the net, you run into something that YOU KNOW will irritate someone you know, so this one is for you Dukeshire. The Sporting News has posted it’s first 2010 NFL power poll, and it ain’t good for Seattle, ranked 30th overall.
Again, it seems way early for something like this, but for the Seahawks they only have one direction to go – up.
The poll also includes this quote from former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander: “That’s better than I thought they would be. They’ve had two back-to-back bad seasons, two back-to-back injury-filled seasons. They haven’t carried the games, especially taking care of their home turf like they used to. I think it’s going to be exciting with Pete Carroll. He’ll bring new life.”
Looks like the Seahawks continued to fill up the 80-man roster for minicamps in a couple months, adding a familiar face to head coach Pete Carroll in former USC punter Tom Malone and CFL pass-rush specialist Ricky Foley.
Brian McIntyre of Scout.com notes that safety Jordan Babineaux reached an incentive clause in his contract that increased his base salary from $1.45 million to $2.6 million in 2010. I wouldn’t expect the bump in pay to affect the Seahawks decision whether to keep Babs around or not.
Fox Sports ranks Seattle fifth among the top 10 teams who need to draft a QB.
Chris Harry of NFL Fanhouse takes a look at the crop of offensive linemen, defensive linemen and running backs hitting free agency in March.
It’s so ridiculous the writer didn’t even dare to put his name on it. That says enough
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Lol! I just got back from the gym, saw the headline and became instantly angry. So, as I begin reading I’m forming my usual “power rankings are useless” schpiel in my head, then come to your dedication. Thanks Eric, laughed out loud. I will say this, not only did you unearth a power ranking in February but one from The Sporting News, double whammy of worthlessness. Lol. Thanks for the links and hope you had a good few days off.
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Haha, you’re a good sport Dukeshire. I totally agree with you about power rankings and was about to post a disappointed emoticon for Eric until I realized he’s gets it.
Just wanted to publicly say “Thank you Eric”. Your a man dedicated not only to your career but also to the passionate fans that have been reading this blog for years. I really appreciate how you’ve involved the fan base in your posts and articles. I must say I too enjoy you being employed by TNT.
P.S. A Shaun Alexander quote? ugh…”That’s better than I thought they would be.” Classy, I’m surprised Shaun thinks at all about the Seahawks. Way to support the team that supported your for so long.
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Eric,
That was well deserved time off.
I love reading your columns. As a guy in the military, I’m away from home and trying to stay in touch with what’s going on. Years ago, my Mom would have to send the TNT to me while living abroad, but it’s so nice to get on here and not only see these right away, but comment along too. Technology!
Oh yeah, so ridiculous to have a ranking before the draft or free agency!
Regards,
Rich Buckley
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mikew177: What exactly do you have to gain by kissing his ass?
Also, Good for you Shaun. They threw you to the curb and had 2 losing seasons right after. They released you for JULIUS JONES. Thanks for not ragging on us as harshly as you should have.
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Yes RADEoN,
Because Shaun just had SOOOOO much left in the tank didn’t he? And where is he now? Couldn’t even stay on the active roster of one team after Seattle finally dumped him and now he’s out of football.
By all means the team should have kept him…
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I will not even acknowledge reading that drivel. Nope.
My fingers are Jonesn’ damnit. No more vacationing less you arm self with portable internet.
1. Clausen likely to the Rams
2. Suh to the Lions
3. McCoy to the Bucs
4. QB Sam Bradford
Thee should be a lot of movement from here on out. Jason Campbell has played in what? Three different offensive schemes in four years and will be heading into another. I’m not a Sam Bradford fan but until I see the Redskins reposition he will be the pick IMO.
5. S Eric Berry
KC has Jamaal Charles averaging 5.9 a carry and will pass on early OL help. They will go with the playmaker in Eric Berry Or I would suggest Dez Bryant to complement Brad Cottom, JC and Brandon Albert, the tandem I had selected for the hawks couple year back. Should McCoy or Suh be here then by all means but the Chiefs likely will have filled the NT position in FA.
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2009/12/23/1212471/kansas-city-chiefs-defense-who
6. Seahawk pick is LT Russell Okung,
This is going to be a tough selection because I do believe the moments best OT will be available come pic six. I would like to INT with Berry but he is gone so why not Haden. Well because… Dez Bryant is on the board and we didn’t land a physical #1 receiver. Marshal stuck with the Bronco’s.
7. Cleveland selects CB Joe Haden
Browns Mr. Mike is again without a TE. Heck, one look at the roster, Holmy realizes this is one big bone to chew.
8. Raiders go LT Anthony Davis
9. Bills WR Dez Bryant
10. Jags DE Derrick Morgan
11. Bronco LB Rolando McClain
But in FA have traded Pre Bowl WR Brandon Marshal to the Seahawks for ILB Lofa Tatupu. So change that up with DE Carlos Dunlap.
12. Dolphins LB Rolando McClain
T Dan Williams
13. 49ers RB C. J. Spiller
14. ? DE Everson Griffith
USC connection and a position of need.
Hopefully RB Jonathan Dwyer falls to the Hawks 40.
This was more difficult than I had expected. I was not excited about a LT at 6. Would rather choose one (Brown?) later and select a playmaker early (Bryant, Berry).
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If the Seahawks don’t redo their O line that #30 ranking might be pretty close. It isn’t just left tackle. The whole interior of the line collapsed way too often resulting in tackles for loss and sacks.
After the combine it wouldn’t surprise me if Brian Bulaga emerged as the premier LT in the draft.
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Excile, if You are right about Okung falling to us at # 6 , I may be fine with that…but, still like the trade down — if possible.
From the article above I can see there are many possibilities : “Squilers” Casey Hampton or Richard Seymour in the middle and ” The Freak” Kearsey or/and Kampman at DEs are UFAs and won’t be so expensive as Peppers & Wilfork and almost as good. Kearsey may be getting old and could be hard to handle by OC Bradley… but, he’ll produce for at least two-three more years. Kampman could easily turn into another Kerney with his injury issues…
Anyway, there are bunch of great UFAs at the DT/DE position.
I am not very impressed with the UFA list of OL or RBs. I would NOT trade this years draft picks for anyone. (Next year I’d like to see us make total effort to get Locker or Mallett and sign Donkies’ Elvis and Ravens’ OLT Gaither.)
For now, we can do well enough with MacIntosh and Frye for LTs if we can’t find anyone worth spending big bucks. Considering the WAST improvement
in our coaching staff , we can rest a bit easier this year.
I still stand by my posted opinion that with better coaches, last year we would have been no less than 7-9. We have some good players to work with.
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The Seahawks have stunk the past 2 years – among the worst 2 non-expansion back to back years in franchise history. I don’t know if 1992-1993 was worse or not. The 1992-1993 teams had to face QBs like Elway and Montana and didn’t have the Rams to beat up on.
What else was Shaun Alexander supposed to say?
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This is what it is. If the ranking was higher would we be saying these rankings are bogus I think not. The fact that we have no one to franchise says it all the team needs new better players and some young players to really really improve there game before anyone could say this team is not one of the worst.Still S. A. is one of the reasons we are in this mess, How sad we dont have Huch and had to pay Shawn all that dough. In this ranking which team is below us?rams ? detroit?
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Oceanic is likely right. Bulaga or another may be considered higher after the combine which means that if Carrol and Schneider already have a LT chosen waiting until 14 isn’t out of the question. Indy of late has not chosen an OL higher than the second round. Other than Freeney some 8 years ago they have chosen offensive skill positions. Not a bad team to imulate.
I’ve heard mentioned on this blog that the scouts were having a look at DE prospects. Morgan may already be targeted but again many mocks have him mid 1st round. So they may feel waiting until 14 will deliver.
FA. Seymour isn’t going anywhere. Oak gave up a future 1st in 2011 for him. FT at worst.
Schneiders Packer ties with Aaron Kampman along with recent ACL injury plus difficulties adapting to 3-4 make him a possibility. Don’t/won’t get my hopes up.
MacIntosh and Frye I doubt will make the roster. Wikipedia doesn’t show them now -
63 Trevor Canfield G
64 Mike Gibson G
71 Walter Jones T
75 Sean Locklear T
60 Max Unger C/G
69 Steve Vallos C/G
74 Ray Willis T
66 Mansfield Wrotto G
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Being that this is a FEB “Power ranking” for all it’s worth….. well, it’s a good laugh….. IMKO, 30 is the legacy of the much maligned (by me) era of tr (I won’t capitalize even his initials.. he’s THAT lame in my book!)
So… from #30… and NO ONE will change the Rams rating….. the Hawks have no where else to go but UP!!! Yea!!!!!
GO Hawks!!
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Duke – what do you hate worse, power rankings or mock drafts? Eric’s dedication was pretty funny.
In all honestly, I hope we don’t take anyone at #6. I’d love to trade down 2-5 spots, trade down again, move down 2-5 spots, trade down again, and let the pattern repeats itself. Same with our #14 pick. I would have no problem with not actually making a pick until the 2nd round. I don’t like playing fair. I like unfair advantages and I’d love to have a whole bunch of 3rd/4th round picks this year and a bunch of 2nd/3rd round picks next year. There’s no guarantees we’ll always have a trading partner 2-5 spots away, but history has shown the chances are pretty good.
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Would you like a big VERY fast running back next year?? One who can outrun LB’s and most DB’s, One who can Run over alot of would be tacklers, One who could hit the hole and run through grasping DL Arms break into the second teir and make his own daylight. One who defenses would have to plan for letting our young O-line time to gel. A guy who can beat up a one on one situation breaking into the secondary!!?? Some one with Curries size and Spillers speed (well maybe close to Spillers Speed) Someone who would surprise the league and be a rookie probowl pick!! would you take this guy at 14 if you could get him. Well Ive been seeing a guy alot like this in alot of Videos could this guy be Dwyer???? Dang I think this guy could be the real deal!! What do ya think this may be a reach but will he be around at 40???? Serious thought though If I was king I maybe would take this guy!! Up side could be worth the reach what do ya think!!
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excile, Interesting mock draft, but maybe we should just wait to see what happens at the combine next week. All the rankings are about to be rewritten.
I can’t see taking Okung at #6. He is one of the best OTs this year, but watching him I have yet to see why he’s a top-ten pick in mock drafts. if he was in last years draft I think he might have been a 2nd rounder. I think the O linemen may shuffle a bit after the combine.
If we end up choosing between Okung and Dez Bryant at #6 I would take Bryant. A big impact WR will do more for our team than an average OT. I like your thinking and I hope we still get an OT or two in the draft, but not Okung for that high price.
Best bet, trade that #6 pick! Stock up on offensive players in the second and third rounds!
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Stevos, I have seen Okung and Trent Williams in many games and Dez Bryant in two games. Of all three Okung is the best at his position, Trent Williams is the most versatile ( good LOT, good OG and awesome ROT). Yeah, Dez Bryant is good WR but not as good as Crabtree was at TTU.I have seen Bulaga only once
that was enough to like him.
I haven’t changed my opinion about trading ( up for Suh, or down as far as we can make it).
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I still like Anthony Davis, but Stevo is right on; it will all change after the combine.
Bobby – Good question. I find that both of them have the same level of importance and relevance; absolutely none. Especially power rankings 6 months from seasons beginning and mock drafts for NEXT years draft, when next to no one can get the upcoming one right. lol.
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Personally, I like mock drafts and the speculation that goes along with it, but to have a 2010 power ranking before FA, trades (if any), and the draft is rather absurd.
I’m all for trying to get Suh, too, but if we did, we’d need to replenish the picks with as many trade down scenarios as possible with the remaining picks we’d still have. That’s gonna make it harder to improve the OL though. Damed if you do, damned if you don’t.
Although this is a long way away, I hope we have a live chat during the first round of the draft. Eric, what do you think? I know how I’m going to spend that particular Thursdaynight.
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Imko, maybe it means we have enough players locked up for this year that we don’t need to use a franchise tag.
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I think it’s al the speculation that drives me nuts. And then there’s all the wild trade scenarios… No more, clearly everyone knows how I feel at this point. lol.
A live chat during the draft is a pretty good idea, if Eric has the time. He may be busy during that period. I would volunteer to host it is that was helpful. Might not fly with the good folks at TNT though.
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Mr Williams:
Jason La Canfora had Hawks ranked 25th – I’d almost like Sporting News’ ranking better. Hawks might then be closer to getting Jake Locker.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81666dbf&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
excile:
Your mock is mighty interesting, and hope it’s close come April 22, but still have some questions.
I wonder about Rams taking Clausen over Suh (or McCoy). Bulger is supposedly healthy as is Boller, and although SW played as good as Bulger last season, and Boller was worse in relief, I still can’t see Clausen being better(?) http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/qb Meanwhile, ’09 Rams DL was not much good vs the run and was bad vs the pass (like Hawks were). STL’s Dorell Scott 6-3/312 played almost as well as Mebane last season, but Clifton Ryan 6-2/310, and LaJuan Ramsey 6-3/291 were barely better than Terrill. DEs L.Little and C.Long just might be more effective pass rushers with Suh (or McCoy) in between. STL’s DL was not good all the way along the LOS vs the run. Either Suh or McCoy could help that too. I hope you’re right about STL taking Clausen.
About KC taking Berry @ #5. Could see it maybe happening, but Cassel scrambled alot and was sacked 46 times last season, and by looking at open field rushing yds rank (#7) vs OL’s adjusted line yards rank (#30), you see KC’s rushing yards are in spite of poor OL performance. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol Football Outsiders (FO) takes their stats from NFL and replied they aren’t sure if Mid/Guard means just lt & rt A gaps or both A & B gaps, as the NFL statisticians aren’t consistent. Other sites refer to runs to LT as to the C gap between the LT and the TE-L. If you look at FO’s ’09 OL LT column in table 2 for KC it looks like B.Albert is the best run-blocker in the NFL, as it looks like KC’s RT R.O’Callaghan is the worst. If you look at game-by-game run charts, it looks like L.Johnson and T.Castille ran inside and J.Charles did most of his damage to the outside (RE & LE – D/E gaps) as well as some good runs to the rt A gap. Point is B.Albert looks like a guard converted to a LT. He gave up 7 sacks, 10 hits and 18 pressures in pass-pro, as well as getting 13 penalties. RT R.Callaghan was worse, with 9 sacks, 6 hits and 24 pressures, though he only got called on 2 penalties. Mike Goff is done at RG, and though W.Smith came on better at the end of their season in relief of Goff, KC could improve it’s OL (and Cassell’s performance) if it took Okung and moved Albert to LG.
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/2/15/1311520/why-left-tackle-isnt-such-a-bad
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If USC’s RB Stafon Johnson is fully back to health (from his barbell accident last season), does anybody see PC drafting him like in the 4th?
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Eric, what are your thoughts about Seattle’s compensatory picks? I imagine they’ll get 3 in the 7th (Engram, Weaver and Pork Chop). Does that sound about right?
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Ruskell wouldn’t draft anyone with charactor issues. I wonder if that changes now.
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Rumor has it that we made an inquiry about Brandon Marshall about a month ago. If that’s true, it should tell us all we need to know about character and this new regime. Has anyone heard a confirmed report on this?
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These things are useless, BUT interesting. It is good to see what people outside our group think of our team. Sometimes it is the same and sometimes different.
I am still convinced that we will be waiting on OL guys and getting Gibbs Guys later on in the draft. Maybe late first but probably 2nd/3rd type. Still good players if scouted correctly, just not as glamourous.
Can’t wait to see what FA and the Draft hold for us, mainly just to see how this current staff is going to shape this team!!!! (and Franchise for that matter)
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KLM – I was reading the following on Clausen. Not Walter in particular but the adjacent story of an intriguing fan. #1 write up…
http://walterfootball.com/draft2010.php
That about Albert is a little dis ingenius. We both know he moved to tackle in college after injury with Eugene Monroe.
An exciting blend of size and athletic ability, Albert emerged as a standout his freshman season and went on to start all 36 games for Virginia before leaving after his junior year. A former basketball player who has only played football since his junior year of high school, Albert has rare quickness for a man of his size to block at the second level, and features the size, strength and hand placement to generate movement at the point of attack. An all-conference selection each of the past three seasons, Albert will be graded by some teams as a tackle prospect after fairing well at left tackle in two starts due to injury to starter Eugene Monroe.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/branden-albert?id=660
Walter Jones had played TE. Success beats failure. Unlike TR, I look learn from mistakes. How that buster remained… Hawk Emperor. U gents of the TIT cult need a MRI head exam. What treasures you must hold… please share -
13-3
9-7
10-6
4-12
5-11
Oh fuch! Save it!
Long story short… Albert was out all of Jamaal and last year (Larry Johnson began the year at RB). He is a bad man who was MIA one year ago. Jamaal is a second level… unlike SHAUN ALEXANDER he reaches on his own. No excuses. Not a wuss avoiding contact. He runs through the wood be
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Looks like Ruskell may have found a home:
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/ruskell-shapes-up-as-good-fit-for-bears.html
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excile – I’ve read your post 3 times and am as confused as ever. How does Jamaal Charles fit in to all of this? I think you may have an interesting point but I’m a little lost.
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life is like a box of chocalate’s – Duke
LMAO
KML was in disagreement on the chiefs selection of a playmaker over OL. 1st round Albert was out most last season… NO! He is a bad Mo Fo… NO! He will be back… NO?
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chocolates lol
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I’m more for reading than being read… dolt ya know! lol
Bare with me
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Got it. Man, you’re a live wire lately. Lol
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excile -
I hope you’re right about KC’s #5 pick, so Hawks can take Okung (if Gibbs will) @ #6. That would be sweet.
Not sure what you’re meaning, but B.Albert and J.Charles both played Wks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17. I tried to post this with links for backup, but the board filter musta dumped it. Maybe if I’m allowed to just post one link, you can review the others at leisure? http://profootballfocus.com/gstats.php?tab=by_team&season=2009&gameid=1398&teamid=16&stats=r&playerid=
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excile -
About Clausen to Rams @ #1 (‘steada Suh or McCoy). I don’t know what a 2010 QB’s gonna get salary-wise drafted #1, but it’s probably gonna be $$$huge. During capped years teams were given a ‘rookie pool’ number that their combined rookies salaries had to be under. Then that salary could only be increased by a percentage of that 1st yr number each year during their rookie contract. Without a cap, in a year where FAs will be mostly restricted, what’s that #1 rookie salary gonna ballon to? I’m also wondering how long of a contract can be written for a rookie in 2010? Before the SB Peyton Manning was supposed to get an extension sometime in the near future of $66M for 3 yrs. Could Clausen’s agent for the Rams to pay him 5 yr/$75M? Is he that good, really? Bulger is due $8+M next season, and nobody’s gonna trade for him at that amount. Rams’ll have to cut him. Could Clausen be the Ram’s Sanchez, and just hand off the ball to S.Jackson for 2 out of 3 plays? Not really, the Jets OL is very, very good, Ram’s isn’t. Clausen to Rams looks like Harrington to Lions. It’ll be interesting how the new owner of the Rams looks at the options open to him.
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. . .Clausen’s agent for(ce) the Rams. . .
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KLM – my bad. Knew Albert had been out early in the season but KC is not my team. A quick check here
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AlbeBr20.htm
Threw me off.
I should have had a look here
http://footballdb.com/players/branden-albert-alberbr01
Or the link you posted was very detailed.
They have LG Rob Sims ranked 8 overall and Max Unger at 52. Center Chris Spencer 20 moved to G late. I would like to see how he and Unger graded out after the switch. Their performance seemed to excel afterward. And here it is… Spencer weekly
Not as promising as I had first thought including Unger weekly
Note: Unger was a rookie. We may have seen the last of Spencer as a Hawk.
Ray Willis wouldn’t seem to be the answer at LG either after a look at 2008
Mike Wahle 58 in 2008 was dismal according to this. Floyd Womack 64 it would seem was a good release.
So the Hawks have LG Rob Sims to build around and C Max Unger the new comer. What a loser… that Tim Ruskell. DA Bears er nuts. Just proves that it helps to have friends. Our wives (Sea gals) no more about football… did I just print that? Lol
Bulger was once, his first five years, one of the finest the league had to offer. His QB rating of 71 the past 3 years is horrible. Under pressure Bulger cannot perform. Not many do. Warner who Marc replaced has rebounded in Arizona. Is a new surrounding needed for Bulger as well? I know some weapons at the WR position wouldn’t hurt. Da Bears are lacking here and Bulger looked completely frustrated. TE Greg Olson was his primary target. That isn’t a Tony Gonzalez.
Is Clausen the answer for the Rams? I think not but to early to go with a WR and they just chose DT and OL. Think I would prefer to trade back. Any takers?
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sorry for the missing links in the above post. I couldn’t get them through.
And here it is… Spencer weekly
http://profootballfocus.com/by_player.php?tab=by_player&season=2009&lastname=Spencer&surn=Spencer&playerid=2243
Not as promising as I had first thought including Unger weekly
http://profootballfocus.com/by_player.php?tab=by_player&season=2009&lastname=Unger&surn=Unger&playerid=4972
Note: Unger was a rookie. We may have seen the last of Spencer as a Hawk.
Ray Willis wouldn’t seem to be the answer at LG either after a look at 2008
http://profootballfocus.com/by_player.php?tab=by_player&season=2008&surn=W&playerid=2322&group=1
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