The following is what highlights I was able to retrieve from various sources:
Basically a no comment on why the Hawks let go of Simmons, just that they had to do what they had to do. "Probably going to make a move with Anthony [Simmons] today. The right move for both parties and we move on."
Why released? "I'm not going to get into personalities ... It's the right move to make."
Chad Brown and D.D Lewis are definitely back.
Linebacker core will be addressed through a combination of free agency and the draft. Likely to acquire a FA linebacker in the next few weeks.
Have had conversations with Chad about restructuring contract. "Not going to get into details. We want Chad back and he wants to be back."
Ken Lucas was let go because the money was out of our range, but he did give the Hawks a chance to match the offer.
Were you surprised? "We knew it was going to be tough" to get him back. Carolina went "further than we were going to go."
"You have to make tough decisions" in this game.
How to fill Lucas' spot? "We're talking with several quality free agents" and "the draft is pretty strong" at CB. 50/50 chance of a veteran corner being signed in FA.
Ruskell believes you build the defense starting at the front (D-line) and moving back (secondary). "I'm a strong believer that you build a defense from the front going backwards."
Ruskell believes that by franchising Shaun Alexander and tying him down to the Seahawks, it gives him some more time to figure out what to do with him, although he'd love to see him running for the Seahawks next season. He said Shaun is "an excellent RB" and "one of the better ones." They have not determined yet if they want to reach a long-term deal or just keep the tag on him.
There has been no trade talks regarding Alexander as of yet, but they have had some talks with his agent about a long term contract.
When asked, "who is Tim Ruskell?", he said he believes in the "team" concept and pointed at New England as a prime example of how he wants his team to be. He's into "the concept of team. . . . work together, play together, and be as one." A huge emphasis will be put on character and work ethic and "all those things" that go with being a team.
My takes:
1) Simmons was cut because he's not a team player. The "no comment on personalities" gives that away clear as day. Keep on the lookout for news about him.
2) It's good to hear some strategy about signing FA's and building defense. I have to say, I agree with his philosophy. The defensive front seven we have must drive him nuts.
3) Alexander isn't being shopped around. Sorry, Vinny. ;)
4) Ruskell is the right man for the job, that is, promoting the right attitude and not letting Holmgren have TOO MUCH authority in personnel matters.
Great thread Bluefoot!
ReplyDeleteI take a few positives out of this thing, most importantly, the same one you mentioned, his philosophy on building defenses. He's right! A defense should be built front to back. He showed his ability to do this with the Buccaneers who had a terrific front seven which made his secondary look even better.
The one negative I come away with is the idea that LBers will be addressed in the next couple weeks. Trouble is there is only one LB who would really help us left already, Hartwell, after that it's risky with guys like Bell (always hurt) and Trotter (bad knees). In a couple weeks there may not be anyone left. I don't like this nonchalant approach at all, I think a team should be aggressive in pursuing the player(s) they want, not sit on their hands.
The quote about Simmons tells us everything we needed to know, apparently Ruskell doesn't like his attitude at all, and if that's the case, we're better off without him. Like he said, it's about a team concept.
Trotter has resigned with the Eagles.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe no one is commenting on this thread, the information is very interesting and in many ways leaves more questions than answers.
ReplyDeleteI only have one comment since I agree with 99.9% of it.
ReplyDeleteHowever just because he's not being shopped doesn't mean he won't get traded, these guys aren't going to show their hand before something is inked.
I still say he's as good as gone.