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Really interesting read
Excerpts...
There are many applicable examples from McCloughan’s past, and one underrated key is a knack for building around the quarterback. This is different from identifying a franchise quarterback early in the process and then finding the proper pieces to complement that guy. That’s the traditional and preferred model for everyone, including McCloughan. But how does a team rebuild in a timely manner if it isn’t fortunate enough to acquire that special creature or if that young quarterback takes more time than expected or if finding Mr. Right requires a few swings and misses?
Since arriving in January, McCloughan has explained the thinking several times, often in response to questions about Griffin. His words have been taken more as a cop-out than a team-building strategy, but when he talks about wanting to give Griffin more time and focuses on improving the talent around the quarterback and relieving some of the burden, he isn’t dodging the issue. In San Francisco and Seattle, this approach worked.
Griffin is often criticized for not being a strong leader, and Wilson is often praised for that trait. But the truth is, with the way the Seahawks are built, Wilson doesn’t have to do much leading. The team covers some of his youth and immaturity. Wilson is just asked to play well within the parameters of a quarterback-friendly system. His talent elevates the Seahawks, but they can survive his struggles.
After a 7-25 record over the past two seasons, the fastest route to respectability is through Griffin’s redemption. So it’s easy to define the upcoming season’s expectations by his performance. But if McCloughan truly gets to build the team his way, this year is much more about Brandon Scherff, Preston Smith and the rest of the 10-player 2015 draft class.
Excerpts...
There are many applicable examples from McCloughan’s past, and one underrated key is a knack for building around the quarterback. This is different from identifying a franchise quarterback early in the process and then finding the proper pieces to complement that guy. That’s the traditional and preferred model for everyone, including McCloughan. But how does a team rebuild in a timely manner if it isn’t fortunate enough to acquire that special creature or if that young quarterback takes more time than expected or if finding Mr. Right requires a few swings and misses?
Since arriving in January, McCloughan has explained the thinking several times, often in response to questions about Griffin. His words have been taken more as a cop-out than a team-building strategy, but when he talks about wanting to give Griffin more time and focuses on improving the talent around the quarterback and relieving some of the burden, he isn’t dodging the issue. In San Francisco and Seattle, this approach worked.
Griffin is often criticized for not being a strong leader, and Wilson is often praised for that trait. But the truth is, with the way the Seahawks are built, Wilson doesn’t have to do much leading. The team covers some of his youth and immaturity. Wilson is just asked to play well within the parameters of a quarterback-friendly system. His talent elevates the Seahawks, but they can survive his struggles.
After a 7-25 record over the past two seasons, the fastest route to respectability is through Griffin’s redemption. So it’s easy to define the upcoming season’s expectations by his performance. But if McCloughan truly gets to build the team his way, this year is much more about Brandon Scherff, Preston Smith and the rest of the 10-player 2015 draft class.
