Bill Dow- the Seattle Sports King

This is the greatest picture ever of Joseph, photo credit to Jordan.

Apparently he hates Senora’s cutout- you can tell.

If there is one guy that Seattle loves, it is Lofa Tatupu. Maybe it is because he came here at such a young age and made an immediate impact (making the city his unofficial parent), maybe it is because he was a key cog in the 2005 Super Bowl run, maybe it is because of his Samoan ancestry making us secretly crave a pina colada, or maybe it is because he is the face of the Seahawks.

If you didn’t hear, Lofa Tatupu was arrested on drunk driving charges earlier this week, and Seattle should find concern in this. Sure his only twenty-five years old, but he is a captain, a team leader, and the Hawks’ franchise player. Just this year he signed a huge contract extension, and this, along with the Rocky Bernard assault charges are not exactly stellar examples of Ruskell’s reign.

He repented over the issue today, but I am still not convinced. He is a smart guy, and I doubt it will happen again, but this is not what you want your key player to be doing (or any for that matter). He will not be a serial killer, but going into this season, unlike last, I am growing more and more uncertain about the team. Things just seem to be falling apart, and although I will always maintain a unequaled passion for the Seahawks a lasting uncertainty is disheartening.

Franchise Update - San Francisco 49ers (Audio)

Rundown:

Last Season
5-11, but with the lowest average points scored, passing yards, yards total, and in the bottom six for rushing yards throughout the league.
Alex Smith proved all the doubters correct with his sad campaign, eventually creating hope for Shaun Hill, a mobile quarterback who got his chance to play later in the season thanks to injuries.
Addition of Nate Clements, however helpful to the secondary, didn’t help propel this team into the playoffs.

Offseason Acquisitions (Top 3)
1. DE Justin Smith - Probably overpaid him (as all teams do in FA), but he will show the Bay Area that he is more worthy of a player than his two 2007 sacks show him to be.
2. QB Shaun Hill resigned - Usually don’t do resignings, but locking up this kid could be the key to future success for a team troubled by a poor Alex Smith.
3. RB DeShaun Foster - A solid back who will bring depth to a team that has been hurt by Frank Gore’s injuries in the past. He can also help propose a two-back system, which is becoming hallmark in the NFL.

What Were They Thinking?
1. Signing Issac Bruce - I, like most, see him as two old. Sure he can run a route and provide leadership, but having this guy as your number one receiver when your coach is trying to save his spot- is plain dumb.

Looking to the Draft
One of the most interesting prospects in this draft is WR Early Doucet out of LSU. He runs crisp routes and is an excellent punt returner. Although he does not have the speed or athleticism that some have, he reminds me of a young Bobby Engram.

San Francisco Sleeper
If the 49ers can grab Joe Flacco in the early second round, he could come out in the next couple of years and put up extraordinary numbers. He is like a young Joe Montana, especially with that bullet arm.

Franchise Update - St. Louis Rams (Audio)

Rundown:

Last Season
3-13, with mid-season wins off the Saints, 49ers and Falcons.
Marc Bulger played poorly with 11 TDs and 15 interceptions.
Steven Jackson also fought the injury bug reeling in just over 1,000 yards on the year.

Offseason Acquisitions
1. G Jacob Bell (Underrated player coming from Tennessee, should help bolster a weakened OL)
2. K Josh Brown (Solid under pressure, and in the Edward Jones Dome)
3. WR Reche Caldwell (Solid slot receiver who made some big plays for the 2006 Patriots)

What Were They Thinking?
1. Releasing WR Issac Bruce - guy is a future Hall of Famer, though cap-heavy
2. Signing QB Trent Green - solid player, but contract was too big and he is far too injury-prone.

Looking to the Draft
Rams have the #2 selection in the draft, and seem to be very interested in picking up Jake Long, who would be an immediate addition in the spot of Hall of Fame LT Orlando Pace. If he is selected by the Dolphins, they will likely go after DE Chris Long from Virginia. He’s a solid defensive lineman who can replace the now-retired Leonard Little.

Sleeper Move
If the Rams can get a second or third round bruiser in the center of the defensive line, they could help plug up some problems they have had stopping the run.