Pete Carroll

A 7-9 team beat the defending Super Bowl champs. The Seahawks belonged there. Credit Pete Carroll with getting his boys ready and believing in the aging Hasselbeck.

Oh, and play of the playoffs goes to Marshawn Lynch, who activated Beast Mode on an astoundingly physical 67-yard run to seal it late. The stiff-arm he laid on Tracy Porter was epically vicious. I don’t care that the playoffs just started. That’s the play of the year. Lock it in.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

r on the job, Jim Mora was fired as head coach of the Seahawks, giving way to former USC head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll, years removed from his last NFL gig, has brought an energy to excitement to the northwestern franchise and upgraded Matt Hasselbeck's arsenal. He traded for Jets RB Leon Washington, making for a productive trio partnered with Julius Jones and Justin Forsett. They drafted Notre Dame wide-out Golden Tate to go alongside T.J. Houshmandzadeh. What's even more surprising is that Mike Williams (former USC receiver and NFL bust) looks like he's going to actually earn a spot on the roster. Tight end John Carlson isn't talked about enough and will see a lot of endzone looks from Hasselbeck. Sixth overall pick Russell Okung will anchor the offensive line for years from the left tackle position and will benefit greatly from line coach Alex Gibbs' renowned tutelage. Carroll also brought Jeremy Bates along to head up the offense, so expect some points on the board.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West"

Here's what caught my eye from day one.

-It's hard to not like what Pete Carroll and the Seahawks did with their two first-rounders. Russell Okung should be an instant mainstay at left tackle with the reported retirement of Walter Jones. Earl Thomas is a fantastic safety and maybe a better corner. They didn't take Jimmy Clausen, but they should feel comfortable with Matt Hasselbeck under center with Okung protecting him.

Continue reading "Joe's Draft Recap: Day One"