Bleacher Report - Articles by Aaron Linkemyer

TJ Houshmandzadeh: Please Come to Seattle

Aaron Linkemyer — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:54:55 -0500

Dear T.J,

We the people of Seattle, believe that it is in the best interest for you, as well as the 12th man, to invest a bit of time here in the Emerald City. Here are six reasons why.

1. You wouldn't have to deal with annoying personalities such as "Ocho Cinco."

Personally, I don't think anyone can get anything done with that "wanna be" Dennis Rodman around.

2. You would have a great quarter back hurling yardage your direction, which is a plus for the Hall of Fame Ballot.

3. With the No. 1 spot at wide receiver, you could open up possibilities for other receivers to get chances, thus making us an offensive contender once again.

4. Your Jersey would sell in such numbers, Ken Griffey Jr. would question his worth—No offense kid.

5. You could accustom yourself to great seafood, as well as our unique culture.

6. You would possibly be the tallest player on the team.

In reading this, we hope that you take Seattle into consideration for your next venture upon the NFL.

Sincerely,

The 12th Man.

Seattle Seahawks Roundtable: Week 13

Aaron Linkemyer — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:09:18 -0500

Welcome to the Seahawks Roundtable for Week 13, Thanksgiving Day.

Are the Seahawks going to be ready to play with only four days to prepare? How well do you think the Cowboys are prepared with Romo back and playing well?

Eddie Utah: The Seahawks have the disadvantage of having to travel to Dallas, while the Cowboys had an early home game on Sunday, which allows them more time to rest and prepare.

Mosang Miles: The Seahawks should be decently prepared, but I don't how much it will matter on the road against the Cowboys. Dallas seems to be getting back into a groove with Romo, and I think they'll be prepared and hyped for their annual Thanksgiving game. This is one game they don't like to lose.

Buddy Smith: The Cowboys showed they can score last week. The 49ers are a pretty easy opponent, but then again, the Seahawks defense hasn't been playing that well either. Detroit and Dallas get an advantage on Thanksgiving every year by getting to play on a short week at home. They have almost 20 percent more time to prepare, so they should look pretty good.

Do you think Matt Hasselbeck has used the last two games to get in sync with Engram and Branch? If he has, do the Seahawks have a chance to go blow for blow with the Cowboys offense?

Eddie Utah: As I've written before, the Seahawks don't have a Pro Bowl wide receiver like Terrell Owens, so no, I don't think the Seahawks can go "blow for blow" with the Cowboys offense. I do think Hasselbeck will play better, but they don't have the same big play capability that the Cowboys do. They'll have to be much more consistent than the Cowboys to stay in the game.

Mosang Miles: I do think Hasselbeck is becoming more comfortable after his return from injury, though he should refrain from forcing the ball and throwing INTs. He's always had great timing with Engram, while he's barely had an opportunity over the last two years to get in sync with Branch. If they can make some connections early in the game, I think the passing game can definitely match the Cowboys' attack, especially if the running game makes some strong contributions.

Buddy Smith: Hasselbeck and the offense have shown flashes of their old selves—a drive here, a few plays there. They are improving. They're going to look better each time they go out there. Hasselbeck's completion percentage is currently lower than Seneca Wallace's...that will change. He's been a 60 percent completion guy his whole career.

With our secondary getting put to shame every game this season, how many yards do you expect Tony Romo to throw for? What can the Seahawks do to prevent the Cowboys' Air Assault?

Eddie Utah: Oh, about 600. T.O. will have another 200. A hundred each for Witten and Barber, and the rest spread out to Williams and Crayton.

Mosang Miles: I think Romo will have between 225-250 yards, as the Cowboys will pound the ball on the ground to loosen up the D, limiting him from having Kurt Warner-type numbers in the end. I don't really have confidence in the Hawks preventing much, honestly.

Buddy Smith: Over 300, I can tell you that. The Seahawks should send however many guys it takes to rattle him and live with the consequences. We're the worst in the league at allowing big plays anyway. We might as well send everyone and see what happens.

What do you think this franchise will do with Matt Hasselbeck after this season, especially if any mistakes fall on his shoulders in this game? Will they keep him, or is he gone?

Eddie Utah: I think it would be unwise to get rid of Hasselbeck, just because it's so difficult to find a competent quarterback in the National Football League. However, Seattle should definitely find a quarterback in the draft, preferably a late-round gem like Brady or Hasselbeck himself. I think his back problems will push Hasselbeck out of the league before anything else.

Mosang Miles: I think Hasselbeck will be around a couple more years, but I think the Hawks will make a point to get a young backup, whether in the draft or otherwise, who they will groom to replace him. I don't think either Seneca Wallace or Charlie Frye is that guy, so Seattle needs Hasselbeck for a bit longer.

Buddy Smith: He's the quarterback for a while here. What are we gonna do? Bench him like Andy Reid did Donovan? He's the franchise guy, and for the next few years we live and die with him. We could do much worse.

With the season being as sad as it has been, what are some of the positive things you have seen this season with the Seahawks?

Eddie Utah: K-Rob is the first that comes to mind. He's still dropping too many balls, but he actually looks like a legitimate number two NFL receiver. It'd be nice to see him have a breakout year next year.

I've also seen the offensive line show flashes of good play. Group continuity can often be more important than talent on the O-line, so hopefully they can all stay together for another year or two, though I still hope the Seahawks invest early and often in linemen (both offensive and defensive) in the draft.

Mosang Miles: It's nice to see Branch actually playing. The running game has had a few good showings. The 12th man is still out in force. Hey, what can I say? It's been dismal.

Buddy Smith: John Carlson's play has been a bright spot. Julius Jones and Maurice Morris have run hard. Koren Robinson has played well for a guy who was out of football in September.

Thanks to Buddy, Mosang, and Eddie for contributing to the Seahawks Roundtable. I hope everything goes well in Dallas. Happy Thanksgiving!

Now What for the Seattle Seahawks?

Aaron Linkemyer — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:13:33 -0500

The Seahawks did have a winning record. They were 2-1 against NFC West opponents before Sunday afternoon. Now, the day after, the Seahawks' last chance at optimism is long gone. Seattle is now 2-8 and gave Arizona a chance to clinch the NFC West next Sunday.

Since 1999, Mike Holmgren is 84-70 with the Seahawks. He has led them to six playoff appearances, four NFC West titles, and a trip to the Super Bowl. In his last year in Seattle, the Seahawks are off to their worst start since 1992.

How disappointing for a Seahawks fan. The last year with a Hall of Fame coach, and we get nothing out of it.

Yes, it is unfortunate that we have had a lot of serious injuries and haven't started with a healthy roster. The fact is, even with a healthy roster, teams have figured out our offense. Not only that, the defense is so small that teams would still be able to make big plays against them, especially with the pass.

It is absolutely embarrassing when opposing teams can average 265 yards of passing offense alone per game. Maybe it is because Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson, and Marcus Trufant are all under six feet tall and are easy to beat in a toss-up against any starting receiver.

For every pass, there is a run play. The Seahawks only have 1,083 yards in 257 rushing attempts. Every time we couldn't complete to one of our receivers, we ran the ball, even if it was a third and long situation.

The Seahawks have thrown for 10 interceptions on the season and average only 145 yards of passing a game. When Matt Hasselbeck has started this season, he has thrown seven of the 10 interceptions and has completed only 75 of 147.

This is mainly because of the lack of targets, and with the lack of targets, there comes a lot of pressure on a single receiver, which helps to make the offense even more predictable than it already is.

I think the question now is, what's next? During the offseason, the Seahawks should consider letting Julian Peterson go for more cap room and have Leroy Hill step up. Then maybe dismiss Deion Branch and try to acquire Anquan Boldin, who is looking for a change next season. Don't forget about the possibility of a great draft position.

With Mora becoming head coach next season, we can look forward to more aggressive defensive play calling, and hopefully we will be able to pick up some serious talent in our secondary for him to work with.

NBA All-Time Best Player-Rapper Team

Aaron Linkemyer — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:23:28 -0500

I read Diana Allen's article on "NBA All-Time" teams and I decided to write one: The All-Time Best Player-Rapper team.

Although there is only a small amount of NBA players that have tried to hop into the studio and become the next Tupac or Will Smith (depending on their moral value). There are five that stand out to me as making the best all-time team.

Center

None other than Shaquille O'Neal.

His first album in 1993 was produced by Erik Sermon, which is impressive. Songs included: "I Know I Got Skills," "Shoot, Pass, and Slam," and "I'm Outstanding," which has a hilarious music video.

In the video, Shaq is walking on a treadmill with a green screen behind him, which makes it appear like he is walking through projects.

Don't forget his freestyle rap earlier this year that disrespected Kobe Bryant.

Shaq quotable from "I'm Outstanding,"

Remember the day, when you asked me who I wanna be, like I said Dr. J/ you said good, now you gotta go, take the damn ball and slam it to the hole.

Forwards

Chris Webber and Ron Artest.

Webber's debut album was released in 1999. He rapped under his nickname, C. Webb. The name of his first album was "Too Much Drama" and I think you can only buy the version that has been edited for it's lyrical content.

C. Webb had a great upbringing, but turned sour toward the end of his career. He was the front man for DaDa Apparel. He was busted with marijuana. Let's not forget the rape allegations.

Mad props, C. Webb.

Ron Artest proved to the NBA that he was from the streets when things got "mad outta control" against Detroit in 2004, and he had to regulate the street cred of a fan.

Shortly after, Ron took a year off from basketball and made his album "My World." It's funny: the album cover shows Artest with boxing tape on his hands.

Artest raps:

I'm prepared to let it air out/ and if I have to stomp on people on the route/ yes, I'll do that.

Halftime, go to the liquor store for a half pint/ my dude got half his life taken with a black knife

Starting Guards

Of course, Allen Iverson and Tony Parker.

Controversy has surrounded Allen Iverson his entire career. He attempted to release an album that apparently had a lot of foul content in it. So much foul content that NBA commissioner David Stern prohibited it's debut under Iverson's rap name, Jewelz.

Iverson has also been arrested for possessing illegal firearms and marijuana, as well as, urinating in public.

Tony Parker would be my other starting guard.

I haven't heard anything from his self-titled album, but I know that most of it is in French. So until we hear the translation, we can only speculate that it is horrible.

I have to thank him for making an album, because Moochie Norris would have his position right now.

Kobe Bryant would also be a good pick, but I couldn't find anything he did.

Summary

This all-time team was also selected for the athletes' abilities at the best time of their careers, seeing as some of them were not doing great when they produced their albums. It just goes to show you that people like Artest, Webber, and Iverson should have just concentrated on their game and not try to be a thug.

In hopes you don't find this article wack/ I devoted a little rhyme that might take you back/ When athletes were athletes, and not rappers/ And we didn't have to listen to ridiculous "flows" out of their yappers/ I give athletes one bit of advice, something to do for me/ If you make it on the court, stay away from the streets.

WORD!

NBA All-Time Player-Rapper Team

Aaron Linkemyer — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:26:47 -0500

I read Diana Allen's article on "NBA All-Time" teams and I decided to write one: The All-Time Best Player-Rapper team.

Center

None other than Shaquille O'Neal.

His first album in 1993 was produced by Erik Sermon, which is impressive. Songs included: "I Know I Got Skills," "Shoot, Pass, and Slam," and "I'm Outstanding," which has a hilarious music video.

In the video, Shaq is walking on a treadmill with a green screen behind him, which makes it appear like he is walking through projects.

Don't forget his freestyle rap earlier this year that disrespected Kobe Bryant.

Shaq quotable from "I'm Outstanding,"

Remember the day, when you asked me who I wanna be, like I said Dr. J/ you said good, now you gotta go, take the damn ball and slam it to the hole.

Forwards

Chris Webber and Ron Artest.

C. Webb had a great upbringing, but turned sour toward the end of his career. He was the front man for DaDa Apparel. He was busted with marijuana. Let's not forget the rape allegations.

Mad props, C. Webb.

Ron Artest proved to the NBA that he was from the streets when things got "mad outta control" against Detroit in 2004, and he had to regulate the street cred of a fan.

Shortly after, Ron took a year off from basketball and made his album "My World." It's funny: the album cover shows Artest with boxing tape on his hands.

Artest raps:

I'm prepared to let it air out/ and if I have to stomp on people on the route/ yes, I'll do that.

Halftime, go to the liquor store for a half pint/ my dude got half his life taken with a black knife

Starting Guards

Of course, Allen Iverson and Tony Parker.

Iverson has also been arrested for possessing illegal firearms and marijuana, as well as, urinating in public.

Tony Parker would be my other starting guard.

I haven't heard anything from his self-titled album, but I know that most of it is in French. So until we hear the translation, we can only speculate that it is horrible.

I have to thank him for making an album, because Moochie Norris would have his position right now.

Kobe Bryant would also be a good pick, but I couldn't find anything he did.

Summary

WORD!

Seahawks-Dolphins: Drop Goes the Weasel

Aaron Linkemyer — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:01:18 -0500

On Sunday, the Seahawks went down to Miami and lost a heartbreaking game to the Dolphins.

If not for a holding penalty on the Dolphins, Miami would have ran the opening kick off back for a touchdown. That still didn't stop the Dolphins from scoring touchdowns in their first two possessions against the Seahawks.

Their first being a gorgeous 39-yard pass to Ginn in double coverage, and the second, a direct snap to Ronnie Brown, who gave it to Ricky Williams for a 51-yard rushing touchdown.

In their third possession, Chad Pennington threw the ball to Jordan Babineaux for a 35-yard interception and touchdown making it a one possession game.

After the interception, the Seattle defense forced five punts and were only able to get six points from the possession changes. They had taken the ball into the red zone twice, and missed out on what should have been a touchdown, when Koren Robinson dropped a ball he should have made with ease. There was a total of five drops in the game, two of them being pretty key.

The Seahawks had about four false start penalties, one coming on a two point conversion that would have tied the game. Seneca Wallace also had a couple of miscues, especially late in the game when the score was 21-19, and the Seahawks were marching down the field to get within field goal range.

Wallace under-threw Bobby Engram, who had the Miami defense beat by at least three yards. It would have gotten the Seahawks in field goal range, if not in the end zone. It's frustrating to watch this team when the key players are not healthy.

Kudos to Miami for making that Wildcat offense work.

Seeing as the playoff chances are over for Seattle, it would be smart to give Hasselbeck, Kearney, Weaver, and Branch as much rest as possible, so that they can come back next year 100 percent healthy.

It is time to start thinking about next year, and the possibilities for the Seahawks in the 2009 draft. They should look in to getting Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree or safety Taylor Mays. We know that the Hawks could use wide receivers, a couple of tall and fast Defensive backs, and a strong Offensive lineman.

Seahawks-49ers: Seattle Asserts Dominance in San Francisco

Aaron Linkemyer — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:39:06 -0400

During a sunny day in San Francisco, something extraordinary happened. The Seahawks' offense started clicking—on the road, no less—without Matt Hasselbeck or Deion Branch.

On a day when the 49ers racked up 350-plus yards on the Seahawks, it was the turnovers and all together pressure on J.T. O'Sullivan that would change the game for Seattle.

In the first half, the defense forced two fumbles and one big interception by Josh Wilson, which was returned 75 yards for a touchdown. The 'Hawks scored 10 points off of the 49er turnovers. The defense also had three sacks in the first half against O'Sullivan.

On the offensive side of things, it was Seneca Wallace's big day. Seneca went 15-for-25 and threw one touchdown pass, which happened to be Seattle's longest offensive TD this year. Leonard Weaver also had a huge day, with 116 receiving yards, four catches, and two touchdowns. Together, Wallace and Weaver stepped up to get the West Coast offense rolling, with a little help from Koren Robinson's four receptions and a couple key runs.

After watching this week's game against San Francisco, there is definitely hope for the Seahawks this season. They do have a tough schedule ahead of them, including two games against the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals. If Seattle can win both games against Arizona and pull of a key victory at home against Philadelphia, as well as the away game against Miami, then they will be back on top of their finicky division once again.

The Seahawks: Week 8

Aaron Linkemyer — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:25:50 -0400

The recent hiring of Mike Singletary as an interim head coach has Seahawks fans wondering about Holmgren's status next year. Will he go to San Francisco, his hometown, for a head coaching position? Would he dare go to a division rival? Only time will tell.

Until then, the 1-5, injury ridden Seahawks head over to turnover-happy San Francisco. JT O'Sullivan, who has thrown 10 interceptions this year, is facing a banged up secondary. O'Sullivan is averaging 7.8 yards per pass play, while the Seahawks' defense allows about 8 yards per throw.

Defensively, the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to get in and bang up the QB. We need to put pressure on O'Sullivan, and keep Frank Gore from busting any game-breaking plays. These tasks will be tough for a defense that never gets rest, and has three players wearing casts.

So, now what? Hawks fans let us pray that our offensive line makes the holes for Morris and Jones. We also need them to hold tough so Seneca Wallace can get that west coast, short pass going.

Do you think Holmgren's mind is already in retirement mode? We should hope not, because we need some top play calling if the Hawks are determined to beat a team they should be dominating. One more loss might put the Seahawks' key home playmaker on IR—the 12th man.