Hot_Toddy
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 682
- Reaction score
- 766
I previously lived in Seattle and was force-fed more Seahawks than I wanted to see. However, there was one bright spot; I got a first hand look at Ken Hamlin's play and his incredible leadership and spark (which is what we have also lacked) I couldn't be happier that our Cowboys picked him up. IMO I think he'll be lights-out for us this season and in no way could I agree with some of the negative I have heard about him after just watching him play (even in 2006).
But that's just my first hand opinion. I have collected tidbits of info for you guys to make your own judgements (2004-2007), I was just hoping to find video for you guys to actually see what I'm talking about.
Therefore, here's some tidbits (some fact and some opinion)..You make the call.
One of the first site's I came across seemed to echo my own opinion. This one's by some Seahawks fan..Article from 2004:
http://www.beckys-place.com/hamlin.html I'd recommend clicking on the link for the whole game by game and pics but here are some tidbits:
Notebook: Lost opportunities disappoint Hamlin
By Greg Bishop and José Miguel Romero
Seattle Times staff reporters
After 10 tackles and one sack, after three pass breakups and one forced fumble, Ken Hamlin used one word to describe his performance yesterday.
Disappointed.
That's what happens when your personality falls under perfectionist. And while defensive backs around his locker praised the second-year free safety for his play, Hamlin was more disappointed with the two potential interceptions that he dropped.
Gotta love that one
.................................................. ..................
Hamlin has called out teammates in practice. Hamlin also noted that too many players have been out of position.
"He will be able to be that guy in the secondary," Holmgren said. "All of our linebackers are just trying to figure out how to line up and stuff, you know? Hamlin is the one that jumps out on defense."
Hamlin said he hasn't been approached to take on that kind of role. He has yet to become a dominant presence in the locker room, but he doesn't deny being vocal.
"I don't think I sit there and just try to go out of my way to be a leader," he said. "I go out there and play hard, and whatever happens, happens. I think we have a lot of great leaders out there, but some aren't as vocal as others. I'm going to hold you accountable, and the coaches, and all the other players should hold everybody else accountable as well."
Ahh...The true vocal leadership spark that we have been missing (For you Hos)
.................................................. .......
In another post it was mentioned about hamlin stopping Julius for a TD in the playoff game. Here's more from the 2004 game that I didn't remember:
Week 12: Seahawks 39 - Cowboys 43
I thought Ken Hamlin had the play of the game. Late in the fourth quarter when the Cowboys were moving downfield, Hamlin snagged an interception! We had about 3 minutes in which to hang on to the ball to win the game! I definitely thought Hamlin was a candidate for Madden's horse trailer as the player of the game!!
Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. After a series of blunders the Cowboys regained the lead and went on to win. I still think Hamlin's interception was sensational. He also had an incredible tackle to prevent Jones from an early touchdown. As it was Jones gained 53 yards on the running play. He'd still be running if not for Hamlin's speed. He chased him from behind and laid out a perfect tackle! I can't say enough about his performance this week! WAY TO GO, KEN!
.................................................. ............
OK quick tidbits from other sites:
http://seahawks.scout.com/2/573805.html 2006 player of the month...First Seahawk since 1998. Very productive, some say he didn't play well in '06 but I didn't see any decline personally. Also, his stats are almost identical to his 2004 season which you'll find here http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/395977
It was also mentioned that he was penalized alot..NOT TRUE, here's a great article to debunk that theory entitled Mythbusters: The Hamlin "Problem" http://seahawks.scout.com/2/604148.html
.................................................. .............
Good overall Hamlin article from 2005 also mentioning his coverage abilities: http://seahawks.scout.com/2/465627.html
Seattle’s second-round draft pick in 2003 out of Arkansas, Hamlin has become a rising star in a short time. Known for his fierce on-field demeanor, brutal tackles and ever-improving coverage.
And for what it's worth, he even has own very own Roy Williams' blessing in regards to his coverage/deep balls:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2899261
The addition of former Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin, another hard hitter who can provide pass coverage, also allows the Cowboys some leeway in shifting Williams around.
"Ken has a lot of range, playing deep balls and his communication back there," Williams said. "It's really beneficial, and I appreciate us bringing him in."
...........................................
Also interesting: Google preview but link doesn't work (sorry):
touted as the best defensive player in school history since Steve Atwater (1985-88). Wade Phillips likes Hamlin's leadership skills and has said the hard-hitting veteran reminds him a little of Steve Atwater.
They played from the same school and will now be under the same coach...hmmm??
...........................................
O.K. there you have it. If you want any more cons then you can Google in something like "King 5 Ken Hamlin" they were the frontrunners of the Hamlin Bias IMO.
Although I do admit I didn't watch every Seahawks game in 2006, I did see enough to wonder why anyone was down on him (except some Seattle media which I believe stirred the pot).
Regardless, this is Win-Win for us. If Hamlin brings to the table everything I think he will..Great! If not, then perhaps some of his vocal leadership should at least rub off and Watkins can gain from it.
I realize this is more pro than con; but to be entirely honest, when I tried to find any true facts or stats that proved Hamlin was the opposite....All I could find were select few fan rants which argued both ways anyhow.
All in All...Hope this enough info for you to make your own opinions.
But that's just my first hand opinion. I have collected tidbits of info for you guys to make your own judgements (2004-2007), I was just hoping to find video for you guys to actually see what I'm talking about.
Therefore, here's some tidbits (some fact and some opinion)..You make the call.
One of the first site's I came across seemed to echo my own opinion. This one's by some Seahawks fan..Article from 2004:
http://www.beckys-place.com/hamlin.html I'd recommend clicking on the link for the whole game by game and pics but here are some tidbits:
Notebook: Lost opportunities disappoint Hamlin
By Greg Bishop and José Miguel Romero
Seattle Times staff reporters
After 10 tackles and one sack, after three pass breakups and one forced fumble, Ken Hamlin used one word to describe his performance yesterday.
Disappointed.
That's what happens when your personality falls under perfectionist. And while defensive backs around his locker praised the second-year free safety for his play, Hamlin was more disappointed with the two potential interceptions that he dropped.
Gotta love that one
.................................................. ..................
Hamlin has called out teammates in practice. Hamlin also noted that too many players have been out of position.
"He will be able to be that guy in the secondary," Holmgren said. "All of our linebackers are just trying to figure out how to line up and stuff, you know? Hamlin is the one that jumps out on defense."
Hamlin said he hasn't been approached to take on that kind of role. He has yet to become a dominant presence in the locker room, but he doesn't deny being vocal.
"I don't think I sit there and just try to go out of my way to be a leader," he said. "I go out there and play hard, and whatever happens, happens. I think we have a lot of great leaders out there, but some aren't as vocal as others. I'm going to hold you accountable, and the coaches, and all the other players should hold everybody else accountable as well."
Ahh...The true vocal leadership spark that we have been missing (For you Hos)
.................................................. .......
In another post it was mentioned about hamlin stopping Julius for a TD in the playoff game. Here's more from the 2004 game that I didn't remember:
Week 12: Seahawks 39 - Cowboys 43
I thought Ken Hamlin had the play of the game. Late in the fourth quarter when the Cowboys were moving downfield, Hamlin snagged an interception! We had about 3 minutes in which to hang on to the ball to win the game! I definitely thought Hamlin was a candidate for Madden's horse trailer as the player of the game!!
Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. After a series of blunders the Cowboys regained the lead and went on to win. I still think Hamlin's interception was sensational. He also had an incredible tackle to prevent Jones from an early touchdown. As it was Jones gained 53 yards on the running play. He'd still be running if not for Hamlin's speed. He chased him from behind and laid out a perfect tackle! I can't say enough about his performance this week! WAY TO GO, KEN!
.................................................. ............
OK quick tidbits from other sites:
http://seahawks.scout.com/2/573805.html 2006 player of the month...First Seahawk since 1998. Very productive, some say he didn't play well in '06 but I didn't see any decline personally. Also, his stats are almost identical to his 2004 season which you'll find here http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/395977
It was also mentioned that he was penalized alot..NOT TRUE, here's a great article to debunk that theory entitled Mythbusters: The Hamlin "Problem" http://seahawks.scout.com/2/604148.html
.................................................. .............
Good overall Hamlin article from 2005 also mentioning his coverage abilities: http://seahawks.scout.com/2/465627.html
Seattle’s second-round draft pick in 2003 out of Arkansas, Hamlin has become a rising star in a short time. Known for his fierce on-field demeanor, brutal tackles and ever-improving coverage.
And for what it's worth, he even has own very own Roy Williams' blessing in regards to his coverage/deep balls:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2899261
The addition of former Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin, another hard hitter who can provide pass coverage, also allows the Cowboys some leeway in shifting Williams around.
"Ken has a lot of range, playing deep balls and his communication back there," Williams said. "It's really beneficial, and I appreciate us bringing him in."
...........................................
Also interesting: Google preview but link doesn't work (sorry):
touted as the best defensive player in school history since Steve Atwater (1985-88). Wade Phillips likes Hamlin's leadership skills and has said the hard-hitting veteran reminds him a little of Steve Atwater.
They played from the same school and will now be under the same coach...hmmm??
...........................................
O.K. there you have it. If you want any more cons then you can Google in something like "King 5 Ken Hamlin" they were the frontrunners of the Hamlin Bias IMO.
Although I do admit I didn't watch every Seahawks game in 2006, I did see enough to wonder why anyone was down on him (except some Seattle media which I believe stirred the pot).
Regardless, this is Win-Win for us. If Hamlin brings to the table everything I think he will..Great! If not, then perhaps some of his vocal leadership should at least rub off and Watkins can gain from it.
I realize this is more pro than con; but to be entirely honest, when I tried to find any true facts or stats that proved Hamlin was the opposite....All I could find were select few fan rants which argued both ways anyhow.
All in All...Hope this enough info for you to make your own opinions.
