Doug Baldwin Repeatedly Burned Darrelle Revis In Super Bowl XLIX, Singed His Image

Brian Nemhauser

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One catch. Three yards. And a vulgar celebration. That was Doug Baldwin's Super Bowl. A player who prides himself on proving doubters wrong, exited the game with less respect than he entered with. It did not have to be that way. His antics before and during the game obscured a story that should have been told. Baldwin was better than Darrelle Revis during the Super Bowl. It is true. Seattle did not take advantage of it. A team that prides itself on dictating the game to opponents willingly went away from the run on the decisive play, and away from their top receiver the whole day. The Seahawks will undoubtedly spend time at the NFL Combine this weekend looking to upgrade their receiving corps. Adding more talent will only matter if the passing game matures enough to take maximize it.

Seahawks Should Think Twice On Brandon Marshall

Brian Nemhauser

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There are no credible rumors that the Seahawks are talking trade with the Chicago Bears about Brandon Marshall, but there is some logic to the concept. Pete Carroll and John Schneider had made inquiries about Marshall in 2010 before he was traded from the Broncos to the Dolphins for two second-round draft picks. They need more talent in their wide receiver room and a bigger body who can excel outside the hash marks. The Bears new coach and general manager have a salary cap choice to make on Marshall that could lead to putting him on the market. Marshall is a legitimate number one receiver, but one the Seahawks should probably pass on.

Stephen Paea A Great Fit For Seahawks

Brian Nemhauser

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As much fun as it is to envision Ndamukong Suh wearing a Seahawks uniform and tearing a hole in the middle of opposing offenses, the probability that everything lines up to make that happen are very small. The good news is that this is a bountiful crop of free agent defensive tackles, and a number of them could make sense in the Seahawks scheme. One that jumps near the top of the list due to potential cost, fit and upside is NT/3T Stephen Paea. The former Oregon State Beaver who set a record at the NFL combine with 49 reps of 225 lbs, has developed into a versatile player who is strong enough to defend the run and collapse the pocket.

Time Is Right To Say Goodbye To Marshawn Lynch

Brian Nemhauser

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The most violent and beloved runner in Seahawks history is hurting. Marshawn Lynch held out of training camp last season due to a dispute about compensation, but his health may be the deciding factor in determining whether he returns for another year. Pete Carroll and John Schneider have been vocal about their desire to have Lynch back. Multiple sources have indicated they are prepared to double his salary. It may not be enough, and Seahawks fans should consider that it may be best for both sides for Lynch to hang up his cleats.

The Misunderstood Seahawks Offensive Line

Brian Nemhauser

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The Seattle Times ran a poll online asking fans which position group was the top priority to address this offseason. Wide receivers were not the top vote-getter. Neither was defensive line. The infamous Seahawks offensive line earned the top spot. Not only is that farcical, it demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of what Tom Cable requires of his lineman and the factors beyond line play that are impacting pass protection.

John Schneider Prepares For A Critical Seahawks Offseason

Brian Nemhauser

The NFL not only features the best action in-season, but their offseason is the best of the major sports as well. There is such little player movement during the regular season that all the action is forced to happen during this window of time. The salary cap forces priorities to be clear. It is a system that has a gravitational pull toward 8-8 for every team. Those who managed to reach escape velocity one year can find themselves dragged right back down the next. In order for Seattle to maintain their orbit high above the rest of the league, they have to know which parts are most likely to malfunction and set out to eithe replace or augment them aggressively.

Suh Me

Brian Nemhauser

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Click bait. Mention a big free agent name and the team you write about, and readers are sure to follow. Those of you who have read this blog long enough know chasing big name free agents is not only something I often advise against, but something I generally do not even like to write about. John Schneider and Pete Carroll are smart enough to know truly sustainable winning must come from solid drafting and great player development working in concert. There are exceptions, though, to every rule. Spending money on a dominant defensive tackle like Ndamukong Suh is not as outlandish as some would have you believe.

Seahawks Reinforcements From Within

Brian Nemhauser

The Seahawks were talented enough to make it back to the Super Bowl for a second straight year, but there was plenty of talent that either did not play, or played a very minor role during the season. Seattle will add to their roster through the draft and free agency. They will also benefit from organic growth and returning to health of young players already here.

Larry Fitzgerald May Wind Up A Seahawk

Brian Nemhauser

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Nothing cures the football doldrums more than rumors about great players joining your team. One realistic scenario I have not heard much about is Larry Fitzgerald winding up in Seahawks blue next year. Something tells me that last play in the Super Bowl would have ended differently if Seattle had just one more professional receiver lined up there. A few things need to happen for Fitzgerald in Seattle to come to fruition. None of them are outlandish.

I'm Back. Are You?

Brian Nemhauser

Nearly a week has gone by since the Seahawks fell a yard short of consecutive Super Bowl championships. It still sucks. I still hate the call. I still think it was the best Super Bowl I have ever seen. I fortunately had a packed week that kept me from having any time to read or listen or even think much about football. A lot has happened, and more is about to happen, so let's get oriented.