Why would anyone be complaining?

[Chapow]

Your point is valid, most complaining and criticism is backwards facing; looking at the past. There are two groups of people; those who dwell on the past, and those who embrace the unknown future with enthusiasm.

I think anyone that thinks there are only 2 types of people is probably wrong.

It's entirely possible to be excited to see how this all works out while still thinking there's room for improvement in some areas.

 

[OneLofaTatupu]

Your point is valid, most complaining and criticism is backwards facing; looking at the past. There are two groups of people; those who dwell on the past, and those who embrace the unknown future with enthusiasm.

Amor fati

 

[Wsumatt1982]

I think anyone that thinks there are only 2 types of people is probably wrong.

It's entirely possible to be excited to see how this all works out while still thinking there's room for improvement in some areas.

I look at it like every single season 32 teams have to improve. I know 1 team wins the Super Bowl but that team loses coaches and players from teams dying to get some of that. With a salary cap it’s always a giant jigsaw puzzle managing not just the current season but 2-3 years down the road too. We haven’t been to the mountain top for a while but always competitive. People take for granted how good we actually have it. Frustrated or not, at least we have a team that has a chance almost every week. Some teams can’t say that honestly.

 

[cymatica]

-Darnold isn't an upgrade. Lateral move at best.

-Kubiak and Benton are oft-recycled coordinators along the lines of Darell Bevell.

-Kupp is good, but now we have two slot receivers. JSN is not an outside guy and I'm really hoping people realize that Bobo is a JAG.

-MVS was a drop machine in Kansas City.

-I do expect some improvement along the OL with even bog-standard coaching. Grubb and Huff were entirely out of their depth.

-The draft and defense situations I am definitely enthused about.

So. Mixed bag. Schneider made the best out of a bunch of bad decisions, saved us some money, and snatched some draft picks into the bargain. Not bad at all given what he had to work with. But our only Super Bowl shot in 2025 is with a newly drafted QB becoming a rookie sensation, which I don't see happening.

You really have no clue if Darnold is an upgrade or lateral move. if he was a lateral move then it was a win since he is you.ger, cheaper, and got a draft pick from Geno. He could very well break out next season with a higher ceiling, there was no hope of that from Geno.

JSN can play outside.

DK was a drop machine if he was covered. MVS can play the same role and might even be better at route running.

 

[Pickly]

I think next year we field a top 8 D. If JS can shore up the O Line and at least have it average (15-20 range) that gives the weapons we already have a solid chance to establish themselves in Kubiaks system on O. I feel JS is just trying to keep fans engaged and the franchise relevant until Jody sells the club and he can hit on a QB if ever while not bottoming out. Tough sell but I’m here like a majority of you will be to see it through.

 

[CallMeADawg]

-Darnold isn't an upgrade. Lateral move at best.

-Kubiak and Benton are oft-recycled coordinators along the lines of Darell Bevell.

-Kupp is good, but now we have two slot receivers. JSN is not an outside guy and I'm really hoping people realize that Bobo is a JAG.

-MVS was a drop machine in Kansas City.

-I do expect some improvement along the OL with even bog-standard coaching. Grubb and Huff were entirely out of their depth.

-The draft and defense situations I am definitely enthused about.

So. Mixed bag. Schneider made the best out of a bunch of bad decisions, saved us some money, and snatched some draft picks into the bargain. Not bad at all given what he had to work with. But our only Super Bowl shot in 2025 is with a newly drafted QB becoming a rookie sensation, which I don't see happening.

Darnold is younger and knows Kubiak’s system. For 2025 that’s an upgrade.

Kubiak is still growing as an OC. His first stint as OC was in 2021. Not really sure he qualifies as oft recycled based on his coaching resume.

JSN played inside and out in his time. He is not only a slot receiver.

MVS has drop issues, but also has elite speed that will draw defenders to honor it. DK also has drop issues. MVS runs better routes, but that’s not hard to do vs DK.

This is what is exhausting. The flow of completely inaccurate or half assed statements that could easily be avoided with a small amount of research or willingness at all to engage with responsibly. This offseason has been plagued by them.

When I can go read bad takes on Reddit and come here and see the same crap verbatim, that’s when it’s clear there’s a parroting of misinformation going on and it’s not good nor helpful for that to be going on.

 

[Chukarhawk]

DK not elite? 2 pro bowls and a 2nd team all pro might disagree with that statement. DK didn't just randomly claim he wanted a trade out of no where. JS screwed this team by not being a listener and making adjustments. Make DK happy or trade him for a first...but be smarter than to let DK request a trade and cost the team.

I want Darnold to succeed more than anyone...but he plays at the level of his team. If the team rocks, so does he...if the team sucks, so does he. Darnold isn't elevating the team...but with the pocket crashing, I thought at times, Geno did.

So far JS has picked up the All-Injured team of 2025. "Are you old, missed games last year, past your prime...perfect, sign right here"

Yeah, maybe 5 years ago Cupp would have been a splash, and 8 years ago for the new DE...but now it's a desperation move by a fading GM trying to hold on to the last days of his job. Don't go away mad John, just go away

DK isn't even a top 10 receiver much less elite. Nobody was ever giving up a first for a receiver that is not in the top 10. Cupp's role is as WR 2 or 3 they are paying him $15M a year and that is good value even if he can only give you 12 or 13 games.

 

[Chukarhawk]

It’s just not built for success. Let’s sign players 31, 32,33 years old. Let’s not address our biggest weakness with IOL and pay the same money for an aging DE. So dumb. This team will NOT be better

you seem to be suffering under some illusion that there is a magical O-lineman store you can just buy great ones and fix your problem. That doesn't exist, you were never going to fix your Oline in FA this year so your whole premise is flawed.

 

[FrodosFinger]

I’ve seen more approval than complaints over Schneider’s moves and rightfully so. He’s added quality at quarterback, receiver and O and D line. Also added a couple of high end draft picks in the process. Geno is old and stinky in the red zone and in the head. DK got shipped out due to attitude and we replaced his ass with Kupp.

 

[ViktorNix]

Some people aren’t happy unless they’re mad about something.

-Last half of the year we had a top 5-7 defense with everyone coming back with experience in the system and with an off season together.

-We have a strong running back crew that can all catch the ball as well as break one off

-We have 2 receivers that run elite routes and will be open, we have a deep threat to open it up and a tight end that can block and work the middle and seams

-We have an athletic and young oline who should take steps this year with a room full of experienced coaches

-We have 10(!) picks in the draft without any real glaring needs (outside of maybe guard) and will be able to take BPA most of the draft and enough picks to move around if we want to

-We signed incredible veterans that bring a lunch pail type work ethic that are pumped to be here and will be amazing mentors for our younger players to look up to

What’s not to like?

 

[stang233]

you seem to be suffering under some illusion that there is a magical O-lineman store you can just buy great ones and fix your problem. That doesn't exist, you were never going to fix your Oline in FA this year so your whole premise is flawed.

I actually think signing Dalman and Fries would have gone a long way to making this the best line they have had in a very longtime.

 

[Hotchy]

I don't think we should talk about MVS anymore. He's nothing more than a TV breaker. So make sure there's nothing around you to launch.
Pretty sure we'll draft a couple wrs that should bury him anyways

 

[CelticWolf12]

I have read the back and forth about what Seattle has/has not done, but I feel optimistic as hell about the upcoming season…especially right now compared to last year at this same time.


Is there any question that the Seattle defense RIGHT NOW is better than last year’s defense? Points to consider:

- Returning players have now seen, are familiar with, played in and experienced the Mike McDonald defense…they will be much more instinctive with it.

- Earnest Jones seems to excel in this defense AND he wants to be here.

- Tyrice Knight & Byron Murphy are no longer rookies and should both improve.

- Coby Bryant seems to fit this defense perfectly

- The addition of Demarcus Lawrence…paired with the Big Cat, Reed, Hall, Mafe, etc. is a very solid and stout line.

- I think Jobe looked excellent at times last year. Paired with Spoon, Riq, Love, Bryant, Pritchard, etc. should also improve as they develop and learn this defense.


All of this...AND this is before the draft!!!


I think there are more question marks on the offensive side of the ball, but wasn’t that the case this same time last year? I believe Seattle has improved AND IS BETTER right now offensively than last year:

- Klint Kubiak is a better OC than Ryan Grubb, and it isn’t even close! The Saints (before all of their injuries) were balling last year AND using lots of 12 personnel and 21 personnel grouping (FB/TE/Hybrid).

- Sam Darnold is at least the same, if not better than Geno Smith right now…especially playing in this type of offense. Sam Darnold played in a similar offense last year and was successful. Plus, Darnold is younger and MUCH MORE mobile than Geno. There is a reason why Sam Darnold was the third overall pick in the draft as he has all of the physical tools. Its his development from the shoulders up that has taken some time.

- Our receiving corps will be just fine. In this Kubiak offense, the ball is spread out. Lots of RB and TE touches. JSN with MVS, Kupp, Bobo, White, Fant and let’s not forget Barner who looks to be excellent! I really liked DK, but not for the type of $$$ he wanted. Plus, WR’s do not determine if a team goes deep into the playoffs/SB. WR’s are a dime a dozen, meaning there are plenty of quality WR’s on the FA market every year.

- We have a stable of running back and will probably add a FB/TE/Hybrid in the Draft. Lots of possibilities with 21 personnel. I would love to see Charbonnet and K9 out there together at times…

- Our O-line RIGHT NOW is better than what it was last season. Abe Lucas is healthy! New O-Line coach! Haynes/Laumea have a year of experience under their belts. I understand the frustration of not signing a top tier OL (I feel the same). With that said, Teven Jenkins will get a look and is a real possibility! Also, there are several quality IOL players in the draft.

I feel really good about what Seattle has done. I am excited for the draft where I expect Seattle to address the IOL and WR/TE, etc. This is a young team that has some older vets on it that are hungry and want to win. EJ, Williams, Reed, and Lawrence are leaders and dogs that demand commitment and results! Kupp is a GREAT locker-room guy and leader!

Again, I just don’t see the regression people are talking about.


Go Hawks!

 

[EverydayImRusselin]

I am excited even if I am also a little worried. The team has been stale and stuck in mediocrity for years since ~2015 season. First the made a coaching change and now they are starting to make personnel changes.

I think they have begun bringing in Mike's guys and it will pay off. Starting with the mid-season trades/cuts, they are showing that they mean business.

Geno is getting old and hasn't shown enough to justify the $45m contract he supposedly wants so getting a pick and finding a similar QB for $10m less is a win IMO. For what it's worth, Darnolds season last year was slightly better than Genos first year as the starter. Geno regressed each year after that season. Hopefully Darnold doesn't do the same, but again, he is younger, cheaper and we got a 3rd rd pick now.

DK wanted out and I think it was fairly obvious halfway through last season. So many times he just didn't seem like he was running the right play. It's sad to lose a guy like that, but again, he also wanted a huge contract and instead we have a 2nd rd pick and a chance to draft a replacement.

Overall the off-season has been a refreshing. I hope they address the OL early in the draft and maybe take a swing at finding the young QB if they see someone they like. I would also love to see them draft a defensive weapon for Macdonald to scheme around and help the defense approach the elite level.

 

[Njla]

I'm just curious why anyone would be complaining with the moves in the last couple weeks. DK and Geno were not elite, but we got a 2nd and 3rd while saving a ton of cap space and possibly upgrading with Darnold while getting younger. MVS might be a downgrade from DK but gives a similar play style. Cupp is probably an upgrade from Lockette if you factor in the run first offense while JSN can play inside and outside. Kubiak and Benton are significant upgrades from Grubb and Huff which might help the oline tremendously, which is a young group that can still improve. Added draft picks + comp picks might equal a really good draft. AJ Barner looks like a stud in the making and the RB room might be one of the best in 2025. Tank as a rotational player helps the D-line no matter how you look at it. Knight and Jones great LB combo and they have a full season under Macdonald.

I'm more excited about this team than I've been in a decade. I think 10 wins is the floor. I really don't understand the criticism, this is one of the best off-seasons I've seen. I think Darnold is a perfect match with Kubiak especially with the receivers, RBs, and Barner. Oline will only be better with this play style. Anything less than 12 wins is a disappointment, this team looks special

I don’t necessarily see reason to complain. But, in fairness, we don’t really know if much of what you stated is true-aside from Darnold being younger than Geno.

Kubiak has never had a sustained run of success as an OC. Kupp is injury prone and older. Darnold is not close to as good as Geno under pressure based on metrics from last season. And more.

I hope things work out and I’m ok with the moves.

But I understand the apprehension of many.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

No doubt. Def reason for optimism, all while being skeptical.

 

[Hawknight]

If you think 10 wins is the floor than I don't know what to tell you.

If a 10 story building completely collapsed..the 10th story is now the floor level.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

I'm just curious why anyone would be complaining with the moves in the last couple weeks. DK and Geno were not elite, but we got a 2nd and 3rd while saving a ton of cap space and possibly upgrading with Darnold while getting younger. MVS might be a downgrade from DK but gives a similar play style. Cupp is probably an upgrade from Lockette if you factor in the run first offense while JSN can play inside and outside. Kubiak and Benton are significant upgrades from Grubb and Huff which might help the oline tremendously, which is a young group that can still improve. Added draft picks + comp picks might equal a really good draft. AJ Barner looks like a stud in the making and the RB room might be one of the best in 2025. Tank as a rotational player helps the D-line no matter how you look at it. Knight and Jones great LB combo and they have a full season under Macdonald.

I'm more excited about this team than I've been in a decade. I think 10 wins is the floor. I really don't understand the criticism, this is one of the best off-seasons I've seen. I think Darnold is a perfect match with Kubiak especially with the receivers, RBs, and Barner. Oline will only be better with this play style. Anything less than 12 wins is a disappointment, this team looks special

Well said. I'm actually quite optimistic.

I think that people VASTLY UNDERRATE the completely toxic effect of Grubb's air-raid-wanna-be-85% pass rate on exposing the weaknesses in our line.

1 month ago I never would have said that I was glad that the Three Amigos: Geno, DK and Lockett were gone. But I'm just fine with it.

Absolutely thrilled with Kubiak coming in and asking for a fullback right away. "Oline will only be better with this play style." You nailed it.

Nose has tilted up IMO. At the very LEAST we'll get to bitch about COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS AND PEOPLE in 2025. So, that will be, like, pretty refreshing

 

[glenwo2]

-Darnold isn't an upgrade. Lateral move at best.

-Kubiak and Benton are oft-recycled coordinators along the lines of Darell Bevell.

-Kupp is good, but now we have two slot receivers. JSN is not an outside guy and I'm really hoping people realize that Bobo is a JAG.

-MVS was a drop machine in Kansas City.

-I do expect some improvement along the OL with even bog-standard coaching. Grubb and Huff were entirely out of their depth.

-The draft and defense situations I am definitely enthused about.

So. Mixed bag. Schneider made the best out of a bunch of bad decisions, saved us some money, and snatched some draft picks into the bargain. Not bad at all given what he had to work with. But our only Super Bowl shot in 2025 is with a newly drafted QB becoming a rookie sensation, which I don't see happening.

Hmmm....

-Darnold isn't an upgrade. Lateral move at best.

I disagree. The fact that he's 27 (going on 28) and is in his prime MAKE HIM an upgrade over Geno.

He has more upside at this point of his career than Geno has (where he is what he is at 35 years old).

-Kubiak and Benton are oft-recycled coordinators along the lines of Darell Bevell.

Not sure about Benton but why the shade thrown at Kubiak? He is the one that is establishing a new offense that is similar to the Offense that Darnold operated in.

Yeah we don't have a Jefferson or Addison but I think JSN and Kupp can be almost as effective.

-Kupp is good, but now we have two slot receivers. JSN is not an outside guy and I'm really hoping people realize that Bobo is a JAG.

Sam needed another WR. The Hawks couldn't go into the season having only JSN out there.

Kupp is a WR that, at the very least, will help prevent teams from doubling JSN.

-MVS was a drop machine in Kansas City.

No argument there. He needs to improve his hands and work overtime with the JUGGS machine if he's going to be our Game-Breaker.

-I do expect some improvement along the OL with even bog-standard coaching. Grubb and Huff were entirely out of their depth.

Some improvement is better than no improvement. That way, at least, Sam has a chance instead of getting run over.

-The draft and defense situations I am definitely enthused about.

So am I. The draft shows plenty of promise and the Defense is going to be NASTY.

So. Mixed bag. Schneider made the best out of a bunch of bad decisions, saved us some money, and snatched some draft picks into the bargain. Not bad at all given what he had to work with. But our only Super Bowl shot in 2025 is with a newly drafted QB becoming a rookie sensation, which I don't see happening.

Fair point but the thing about the NFL season is you never know what will happen. Hell...every media talking head said that with Sam Darnold QB'ing the Vikings before last season began, they would be an afterthought and Vegas said they'd win just 6 games....and we all saw what actually transpired.
I am VERY intrigued how this season shakes out.

 

[glenwo2]

I don’t necessarily see reason to complain. But, in fairness, we don’t really know if much of what you stated is true-aside from Darnold being younger than Geno.

Kubiak has never had a sustained run of success as an OC. Kupp is injury prone and older. Darnold is not close to as good as Geno under pressure based on metrics from last season. And more.

I hope things work out and I’m ok with the moves.

But I understand the apprehension of many.

"Many" = select few on this site from what I've seen.