Let's talk about Ken Hamlin

[BBQ101]

I have watched all three preseason games, some of them twice, but I must admit I have not really focussed in on Ken Hamlin. With Wade's 3-4, I have been totally focused on the DL and Linebackers as I watch the game. I also admit I tend to focus on Ware alot when watching. I wanted to see if he was a true monster like some reports of training camp have reported. But lets move back to the subject...

Anyway, Ken is suppose to be a key factor in letting Roy play to his strengths which is closer to the box. I have also heard he might be one of those true defensive QB type FS, where he can line up people correctly and is vocal on the field. We are hoping he is a fix for FS which has been a weak spot in this D for the last three years.

We have searched for quite a while for both an offensive QB (since troy left) and a defensive QB (since Woody Left).

Could it be possible we get both this year?

If he has a good year, how much would he command as far a salary to keep? Wouldn't it be nice if two four year safties could form a cohesive safety unit for this team for the next 4 or 5 years?

Also, why did Seattle let him go? He was a second round pick for them right? Was it all about the head bashing he took? His stats don't look to bad to me from last year.

BBQ

 

[TunaFan33]

I have watched all three preseason games, some of them twice, but I must admit I have not really focussed in on Ken Hamlin. With Wade's 3-4, I have been totally focused on the DL and Linebackers as I watch the game. I also admit I tend to focus on Ware alot when watching. I wanted to see if he was a true monster like some reports of training camp have reported. But lets move back to the subject...

Anyway, Ken is suppose to be a key factor in letting Roy play to his strengths which is closer to the box. I have also heard he might be one of those true defensive QB type FS, where he can line up people correctly and is vocal on the field. We are hoping he is a fix for FS which has been a weak spot in this D for the last three years.

We have searched for quite a while for both an offensive QB (since troy left) and a defensive QB (since Woody Left).

Could it be possible we get both this year?

If he has a good year, how much would he command as far a salary to keep? Wouldn't it be nice if two four year safties could form a cohesive safety unit for this team for the next 4 or 5 years?

Also, why did Seattle let him go? He was a second round pick for them right? Was it all about the head bashing he took? His stats don't look to bad to me from last year.

BBQ

Personally, I'm estatic over Hamlin, I think he'll be a big upgrade.

However-I feel Watkins will be our long-term FS, and Hamlin may be just a one stop gap.

I believe Hamlin has been durable, outside of that nightclub incident, that is.

 

[sago1]

I think some of it was concern over signing him to a long-term contract for some big bucks because in their view his play in 06 wasn't as good as his play before he was hurt. They also didn't see him as the great playcaller we all hope/expect him to be. So it all depends what your expectations are for a FS and, since we haven't had a real one since Woody retired, our expectations are low so even if Hamlin is just an average FS that is a big step up for us.

BTW: Before the preseason I was also on board with thinking Watkins is our long-term answer at FS once he has gained sufficient experience. He just seems to have so many great intangibles. If Hamlin has a great season, then we will sign him to a long contract UNLESS Watkins shows enough this year that we realistically believe he can truly fill the FS role as we need it to be played. Must admit I don't know how Courtney Brown plays into this dilemma down the road. If we keep Brown on the roster, then he is more of a factor then we the fans think. If he goes to the PS, which is more probable, he isn't much of a factor and probably nothing more then our #2 FS if we don't re-sign Hamlin and start Watkins in 08.

 

[Oh_Canada]

I think some of it was concern over signing him to a long-term contract for some big bucks because in their view his play in 06 wasn't as good as his play before he was hurt. They also didn't see him as the great playcaller we all hope/expect him to be. So it all depends what your expectations are for a FS and, since we haven't had a real one since Woody retired, our expectations are low so even if Hamlin is just an average FS that is a big step up for us.

BTW: Before the preseason I was also on board with thinking Watkins is our long-term answer at FS once he has gained sufficient experience. He just seems to have so many great intangibles. If Hamlin has a great season, then we will sign him to a long contract UNLESS Watkins shows enough this year that we realistically believe he can truly fill the FS role as we need it to be played. Must admit I don't know how Courtney Brown plays into this dilemma down the road. If we keep Brown on the roster, then he is more of a factor then we the fans think. If he goes to the PS, which is more probable, he isn't much of a factor and probably nothing more then our #2 FS if we don't re-sign Hamlin and start Watkins in 08.

I don't know about you guys, but it seems like everytime Abraham Elam gets on to the field he makes something happen. Do not count him out. For now I am very pleased with the addition of Hamlin and hoping he will be exactly the kind of player that the defense needs.

 

[superpunk]

BTW: Before the preseason I was also on board with thinking Watkins is our long-term answer at FS once he has gained sufficient experience. He just seems to have so many great intangibles.

Do you mean "measurables", instead of "intangibles"?

Because if you didn't, I have no idea what you're talking about. So far Watkins greatest intangible asset has been his ability to make the opposing QB completely comfortable throwing in his direction.

 

[RomoIsBack]

i dont know much about him just pray he can help

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I sure hope this works out for us.......

 

[burmafrd]

Hamlin may have the intangibles that Watkins doesn't. If that is the case then the job is Hamlins for good.

 

[AbeBeta]

Teams need at least 3 good safeties. If Hamlin brings the leadership and stability that Stewart and Phillips expect then he is here long-term.

 

[Doomsday101]

Teams need at least 3 good safeties. If Hamlin brings the leadership and stability that Stewart and Phillips expect then he is here long-term.

I agree. I think this season will determine if Hamlin is a quick fix or a permanent fixture of the secondary. For me it does not matter as long as whoever is back there is producing results be it Hamlin or Watkins

 

[dontpush]

i've been impressed with hamlin....seems to a a tough, smart, fiery, guy plus he's young(i wanna say....26)?

i really expect big thing from him and roy this year, and if that happens...jerry will pay him.

 

[zrinkill]

i've been impressed with hamlin....seems to a a tough, smart, fiery, guy plus he's young(i wanna say....26)?

i really expect big thing from him and roy this year, and if that happens...jerry will pay him.

yup he is 2 years younger than Tnew

 

[dooomsday]

If he returns to pre-injury form we have a heck of a player. Last year was not his best.

But, he brings it boy! Between Killer, Roy and Hamlin we should have a few body bag games.

 

[MONT17]

Anyway, Ken is suppose to be a key factor in letting Roy play to his strengths which is closer to the box. I have also heard he might be one of those true defensive QB type FS, where he can line up people correctly and is vocal on the field. We are hoping he is a fix for FS which has been a weak spot in this D for the last three years.

What does getting people lined up correctly mean... i always hear people say this about a player and never understood what does that mean.... I'm not a defensive guy but I wou;d think if u dont know where to line up u dont know the playbook! If u dont know the playbook what the hell r u doing in the NFL!!!

 

[Doomsday101]

What does getting people lined up correctly mean... i always hear people say this about a player and never understood what does that mean.... I'm not a defensive guy but I wou;d think if u dont know where to line up u dont know the playbook! If u dont know the playbook what the hell r u doing in the NFL!!!

As the offense is making adjustment the defense is also having to make adjustments and it is important to have the FS is calling out the adjustment for the secondary as it is for the LB to make the call for the front 7.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

yup he is 2 years younger than Tnew

This is scary, lol.

As for Hamlin, I have seen him quite a bit, and have always thought of him as more of a hybrid safety. Not really a center fielder safety and not quite a SS, I hope he can fill the role we need from him.

 

[dogunwo]

Do you mean "measurables", instead of "intangibles"?

Because if you didn't, I have no idea what you're talking about. So far Watkins greatest intangible asset has been his ability to make the opposing QB completely comfortable throwing in his direction.

But, but, he can fly!!!!!!!!!?????????????? Did you see all those pics of him like 48.2 feet in the airs!!!!!???????

 

[Idgit]

I think some of it was concern over signing him to a long-term contract for some big bucks because in their view his play in 06 wasn't as good as his play before he was hurt. They also didn't see him as the great playcaller we all hope/expect him to be....

sago, where'd you see a knock on his ability to get the defense set? From everything I've heard, that's his strength and a skill our own coaches are thrilled with.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Also, why did Seattle let him go? He was a second round pick for them right? Was it all about the head bashing he took? His stats don't look to bad to me from last year.

BBQ

His pass defense stats were excellent from 2003 to 2005. They were mediocre last year and the injury may have had something to do with that. He's only 26 years old and it wasn't an injury that would slow his speed down (i.e. knee, achilles, or ankle injury), so it's quite possible he could regain his form.

He was probably asking for more than Seattle was willing to give him and they were probably put off by his dip in play after the injury. From there it kind of becomes an ego thing, with Hamlin probably feeling jaded that the Seahawks were unwilling to give him what he wanted and he decided to go elsewhere. He supposedly had other offers from other teams, but it probably wasn't what he wanted, so he signed a quick, 1 year deal with Dallas where if he plays well he knows that Jones will pay him what he wants (unless he's asking for something ridiculous) or some other team will.

I think he'll be decent. I'm not sold on him returning to his old form, mainly because he's coming to a new defense with a new coach and there's a bit of a transition there. Plus, the injury may just affect his play for the rest of his career.




YAKUZA

 

[burmafrd]

Unless there was permanent brain damage it should not affect his judgement or mental ability. There seems to be no reluctance on his part to hit people.
I see no reason why he should not do very well and keep the job for good. I do not think watkins in any way has shown the mental ability to make calls and the instinct one needs to do that job well.