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Ruskell Chimes In, Calls Future Bright
Published by Seahawkfanatic on January 8, 2009
Renton – Seattle Seahawks president and general manager Tim Ruskell emerged from a season-long, self-imposed silence Thursday to discuss the state of the franchise.
With a new coach in Jim Mora, a No. 4 overall draft choice in the upcoming April draft and adequate salary-cap space to make offseason moves, Ruskell hopes to right the ship following Seattle’s 4-12 record in Mike Holmgren’s final season as coach.
“We’re going to get an influx of some really young energy, and guys that we think can play for us,” Ruskell said.
“We’ll have strategic use of free agency as well, and re-signing our own players. So I incorporate all that when I say we’re pretty much there in terms of the people we have right now staying with us on the roster. You’re not going to see a major overhaul.”
Ruskell said it was intentional that he had not talked to reporters all season because he didn’t want to be seen as looming over Holmgren in his last Seattle campaign.
“I know I’ve been accused of being silent this year, but that’s really been a philosophy that we’ve had since I got here,” he said.
Ruskell was forthcoming during a 45-minute question-and-answer session with reporters. Among the wide range of topics discussed, Ruskell cleared the air regarding speculation that franchise quarterback Matt Hasselbeck would be traded, saying the starter isn’t going anywhere.
“Matt’s our quarterback,” Ruskell said. “I’m very happy that he is.”
Ruskell also said the Seahawks will make it a high priority in the offseason to sign free agent linebacker Leroy Hill, and that the team would consider using the franchise tag, at a cost of over $8 million, to retain Hill’s services.
With Mora in charge, Ruskell said the Seahawks will rely on the energetic head coach to create an enthusiastic atmosphere and a change in attitude to get players to perform better.
Agreeing with Holmgren, Ruskell acknowledged injuries played a major role in the team’s poor 2008, which resulted in its worst record since a 2-14 mark in 1992. However, he also said Seattle’s impact players did not perform well – something that can’t happen again if the Seahawks want to turn things around in 2009.
“I think 4-12 will be the absolute motivation,” Ruskell said, “certainly on our players’ part to say, ‘We are better than that, and we know that, and we will do everything that we possibly can, starting immediately to make sure that doesn’t happen again.’ ”
Ruskell discussed several other topics involving the team:
• Hiring offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is the only coaching change made so far. Reports of Tampa Bay linebackers coach Casey Bradley becoming defensive coordinator are premature. Of the current assistant coaches, Jim Lind and John Jamison have retired, offensive line coach Mike Solari, who has a contract for next season, will remain.
Longtime offensive coordinator Gil Haskell is considering retirement but could be retained as an offensive assistant or consultant. Ruskell said he and Mora are collaborating on the coaching staff, and it might not be complete until the end of the month. The Seahawks will interview Cleveland defensive coordinator Mel Tucker today.
• On free agency, along with re-signing Hill, Ruskell said he would like to keep Bobby Engram, and the veteran receiver would like to finish his career with the Seahawks. Ruskell said he would also wants fullback Leonard Weaver and running back Maurice Morris to return.
Ruskell also complimented the play of wide receiver Koren Robinson, particularly his downfield blocking, and said keeping him is an option.
• Ruskell did not divulge his draft strategy, however he said having the No. 4 overall pick has invigorated the scouting department. Ruskell said he’s not keen on selecting an offensive lineman with a high draft choice, but he did not rule it out.
Ruskell said he thinks he can get a talented player later in the draft, and the success of an offensive line has more to do with its cohesion than individual talent. He pointed to guys such as Ray Willis, Rob Sims and Mansfield Wrotto, all guys Seattle drafted in the fourth round, as examples of good finds later in the draft.
• As far as a change in coaching scheme, Ruskell said defensively he expects Mora to bring more pressure because that fits Mora’s aggressive nature. “That’s his M.O.,” Ruskell said.
Offensively, with Knapp in the fold, Ruskell expects a greater focus on the running game, and said he thinks that’s how championships are won.
“I’m very much a believer in the run game, as is Jim (Mora),” Ruskell said. “And if you get the run game going, and the defense, you look at a lot of these playoff teams, that’s how the formula works.”
However, Ruskell said, both coaches will adjust their schemes to fit the team’s personnel.
© 2009, Seahawkfanatic. All rights reserved.
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Posted by Ed Barber on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 2:21 AM
Let’s Hope mr Allen does not get cheap with his fat wallet to bring us home a great team in 2009!