Seattle Perspective on Hamlin
by Yasusada on May 6, 2007 9:47 PM CDT
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PrintJerry Jones and Wade Phillips say they brought Ken Hamlin here as a guy who can quarterback the secondary. It's one of the key reasons he's expected to be the starting free safety. But it's clear Hamlin didn't use Seahawk defensive coordinator John Marshall as a reference. According to Marshall, "We were missing that element [that new free safety Deon Grant brings]. We've never had our safeties communicating as well as we do right now."
Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips say they brought Ken Hamlin here as a guy who can quarterback the secondary. It's one of the key reasons he's expected to be the starting free safety. But it's clear Hamlin didn't use Seahawk defensive coordinator John Marshall as a reference. According to Marshall, "We were missing that element [that new free safety Deon Grant brings]. We've never had our safeties communicating as well as we do right now."
Grant goes on to say, "the talking part just comes naturally. Whatever I'm seeing, I'm going to make sure everyone sees the same thing. That's always been a strong part of my game." Then the Seattle reporter summarizes: "It's something that had been missing the past four seasons when former second-round draft choice Ken Hamlin was the free safety. It's the reason the Seahawks signed Grant and [Brian] Russell in March and showed no interest in re-signing Hamlin, who eventually accepted a one-year contract from the Dallas Cowboys."
On a more positive note, we learn that Hamlin has a nickname: "Hamlin's hard-hitting ways made him a favorite with the 12th Man at Qwest Field and earned him the nickname 'Hammer.' Some can't fathom why the Seahawks gave up on Hamlin, 26, in favor of a player who is two years older."
Source: seattlepi.com
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I figure they brought in Hamlin for competition
for Watkins, that may be one of the reasons they signed Hamlin to a one year deal. They could have very well signed that bengals FS, but I think our coaching staff believes in Watkins.
by Burt D @ Blogging The Boys on May 6, 2007 10:08 PM CDT reply actions
It was more for the experience I'd say
Hamlin was a heck of a player, very smart, but not without personality flaws. I hope he's learned to stay away from alcohol and control his temper off the field. I think he'll be a solid, if not pro bowl caliber FS, and also help with the development of Watkins (who does have the ability and intelligence to be our ball hawking FS of the future).
thats why I wanted Nelson so bad
I have a feeling Hamlin will be just another Marcus Coleman, just a guy to push Watkins, who I pray really comes into his own this year. If he doesn't, I think we could be in trouble with Hamlin at FS.
I appreciate your perspective
Hamlin is either going to be the leader/defensive QB or he will be finished here after one year. You are correct that he was brought here to do this. Perhaps a new environment and a new defense who knows it needs that leadership will be different than Seattle. In any case he can provide mentoring to Watkins and Elam, a strength seemingly not demonstrated by Roy Williams. I do not think we are without support. we have:
- Watkins and Davis are still here. Yes they had breakdowns last year but got better against Seattle.
- Defensive secondary relies on a strong pass rush to minimize the QB decision time. Last year that was lacking after Ellis went down. This year with both Carpenter and Spencer we have quality depth and with Coach Phillips' attacking style we should see that decision time drastically reduced, helping the safeties and corners cover.
I find it interesting
to read old press releases from all these "terrible players" like Davis and Hamlin. Until he got hurt, Hamlin was a fan, blogger and columnist favorite. Same with Davis. But a soon as they left their respective teams, suddenly Ham can't play his way out of a paper bag and Leonard whiffs on every block.
Hamlin is a big improvement over Keith Davis
and gives Watkins another year to develop or fail.
No, it's not
but Watkins is the constant back there, meaning Hamlin essentially replaces The Bullet and competes for playing time with Watkins. That and another year under Watkins' belt has to be an improvement. Add any benefits to better defensive coaching and assumed QB pressure, and it's gotta be better.
I'm hoping Watkins
turns out to be the real deal. If so, our defense shouldn't give up more than 10 - 14 pts per game.
He has the physical tools
so now it's the "football IQ" part - knowing his and others' positions, reading offensive formations and adjusting on the fly. If he can handle that part of the job, they really will be a top 5 defense.
Watkins is really smart
I can see him becoming the QB of defensive backfield.
He's also very mature. He shook off his early miscues and subsequent benching to come back and play much better at the end of the season.
its not
at all, but davis was our starter last year...so just cuz its not saying much at all, it still needed to get done......god forbid I see Davis start another game at FS.....put me on suicide watch
is he!!!!
Under your theory that you threw out he a month ago was that you can get good special teams players off the street.
If if came down to Davis or Elam which it probably will, I'd keep Elam, he's cheaper and has some upside, we already know what Davis is.
Elam
If Elam shows a lot at camp, I could see Dallas trading Davis to a team like Houston or NO for a late round pick.
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