January 2, 2025 • 39 mins
Dave Wyman, Michael Bumpus, and Stacy Rost preview Week 18 vs. the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Today’s Show: Season Recap and Jarran Reed Interview (00:13), Jaelon Darden Interview (10:29), Opponent Preview with Rams PxP man J.B. Long (18:53), Steve Raible Interview and Final Thoughts (28:29).
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Hoddlehilo.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Every Thursday from noon to two.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
The Huddle.
Speaker 3 (00:09):
You are listening to the Huddle.
Speaker 4 (00:10):
We're live from Virginia Mason Athletics Center. Just a one
hour huddle today.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Here's what's in store for you.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Michael Bumpus, Dave Wyman, and myself Stacy Ross are going
to be joined by Jaren Reed in just a couple
of minutes as practice wraps up. H Jalen Darden is
going to join us after that, at twelve fifteen, we're
going to take an opponent preview. We'll look at the
rams as this team gets ready to head to Sofi.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
JB.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
Long is joining us at twelve thirty, and then the
voice of the Seahawks, Steve Rabel, is joining us at
twelve forty five to wrap up final thoughts. Rather than
look back just at that Bears game, what we're gonna
do is take a look back at the season itself.
This is, unfortunately the final game Seattle is going to
be playing this year.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
And whyman, I'll start with you.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
They could still get to ten wins in Mike McDonald's
first season. Unfortunately that will not come with a trip
to the playoffs. Do you consider though the year a success,
and if so, in what ways?
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Well, I think everybody's disappointed, right, you know, and when
you have to rely on other teams to win, it's
I don't know, the notion that you could win ten
games and not getting the playoffs kind of frustrating a
little bit, but you know so, But yeah, I mean,
I think once the sting of not making the playoffs,
especially if they win this game, I think it's You're
(01:20):
going to look back on this as a pretty interesting year.
I mean, lots lots of adversity, you know that they
had to overcome. They had a center that retired, They
really never got their offensive line right, we had Abe
Lucas was hurt. We were down to our fourth string
right tackle. I mean, there was a lot of things.
You had the wrong two inside linebackers in there for
(01:41):
half the season. So yeah, I mean I felt pretty
good about this. I'm trying to keep it positive, but
it is incredibly disappointing that they didn't get a chance
to get in, especially if they have a chance to
win ten games.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Which they do.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Bump.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
What about you similar questions just kind of how you
see the season as a whole, whether you feel like
they can walk away proud of something.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
What's left to work on?
Speaker 6 (02:01):
Well, you're proud of the turnaround this defense had, for sure,
and the linebackers that you have hopefully will be here
for the next two to three seasons minimum. Looking to
see if Ernest Jones it gets extended. That's gonna be
big this offseason. Yeah, I think that's what you can
be proud of. You're more disappointed on the ups and
downs of the offense. Man, It's like they could never
just be on a steadiest sin. You start off three
(02:22):
games and you're good, and then things start to happen.
But at least you can identify the problem. I think
the biggest problem, and I think that is what makes
me optimistic about the offseason, is that, all right, we
pretty much know what the biggest problem is. How are
you going to address it? But then there's contracts and stuff.
So I would say that this season for me, I
said the other week with satisfactory, I'd said nineteen games
(02:44):
they'd win this year. Didn't know if they'd make the
playoffs or not. But when you get the taste and
they tease you would a playoff appearance.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
That's why I heard so much, Wyman. It was great
to see.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Obviously, as Bump mentioned, the defense improved and Mike McDonald,
defensive coordinator for the Ravens formerly Michigan, was brought here
to fix the defense. So check, is it fair to
say he stays here by figuring out how to fix
the offense?
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (03:09):
I think that that's that's a big part of it.
And I think that what you're referencing, Bomp is offensive line.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, pretty much.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
We did a thing on our show, like you know,
and Bob had a you know, like a quiz, you know,
what's what are the four things that are the biggest problem?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Sure, Jared Reid joining us right now, and we will
get back to this conversation a little bit later in
the show when Steve Brabel joins.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Us at twelve forty five, we'll jump right back in
Jared Reid joining us right now. Hey, Jaren, how's it
going fantastic?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Obviously, it's a tough one for you guys heading into
a week in which you could get ten wins with
a victory over the Rams, but the playoffs aren't in
line anymore. As a player, what's your mentality entering this one?
Speaker 7 (03:53):
We get to true you light Championship.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Football, Jared off every time you get a sack.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
Now you got the And when you first did that,
I think it was because Michael Bennett was being introduced
out there was that possibly like an homage.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I did it last year, you did it last year
as well.
Speaker 7 (04:15):
Okay, so I think the first time I did it
last year was well, we played Carolina uh at home,
because that was like the tenth tenth year reunion for
the Super Bowl. I say, I thought it'd be cool
to do it then. And at the end, you know,
it kind of takes some talk with Mike, like I
said previously before.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Take your own.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
You're like, it feels too good to do.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
I can't give this up.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
You're just doing two though, right to do the fatal
third one?
Speaker 6 (04:49):
Hey, thanks for coming out and saying just go get
the tenth WAM because I'm sitting there going back to
with these listeners and they're like, oh, they should lose
the game ago, y'all don't understand how this works, like
no more goals out on the football field, ter And yeah, exactly,
So I appreciate that too. How's it feel, man, big
cat get snub for the Pro Bowl? Man that got
me just this furious man. He's having something a great year.
Has he talked about that?
Speaker 7 (05:09):
Have y'all acknowledged it or is it just well, you know,
of course the emotions are there. I thought he deserved
it as well as first team All Pro whenever that
comes out. But having the head of a season, man,
and you know sometimes politics fans playing too that you
never know everybody.
Speaker 8 (05:24):
Was lost.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
When you guys kind of walk away from this season.
I think one of the things that you can definitely
hang your hat on and go that was great was
the improvement for the defense. I mean, starting out obviously
on a three game losing streak, but then it was like,
all right, now we got to figure this out because
now we're running into some tough teams and you guys
did it. You're finishing out as I think a top
ten scoring defense, I think nearing top ten and yards
(05:47):
certainly total. But what to you clicked like for you
your own journey this year? What clicked and when did
it click for you?
Speaker 7 (05:56):
I think settling into the scheme and what they were
asking us to do. You antime, you bring a new
defense in especially a defense like this is it's.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
A lot of moving parts.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
It's a lot of communication and sometimes you know, training
can may not be enough. You got to get you know,
with loud bullets flying and our tickets a little minute.
You know, we had to change some pieces to the puzzle,
and I think you know when we put it together,
you know, everybody was yelling and rocky.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Yeah, Jared, you guess we're talking about this before you
came in faced a lot of adversity this year. I mean,
you guys overcame a lot of stuff and part of
it being, you know, the defense just not having the
right guys in there. You got the right linebackers in there.
You guys got to be particularly proud of that. Did
you did you feel that? I mean, I think for
most football players, when you get adversity, you get like
(06:41):
a chip on your shoulder.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
That was that the case, Yeah, definitely, because we knew
what kind of defense that we could be and we
made those changes and we started rocking. Man, I think
everybody you know could taste and feel it. But I
think you know, we set the standard from here and
from now on of this defense needs to look and
you know, just everything, the standards we hold, the way
(07:04):
we practice, the way we communicate how physical we want
to play. I think, you know, we put that out
there at the standard, and I think it's only gonna
get better from here. I definitely think that, you know,
we could be the number one defense in the NFL.
Speaker 6 (07:18):
Obviously, still got a game on Sunday. But you're a veteran,
so you know what you like to do. What What
does an off season look like for you? Like your
first week? What does that look like for you?
Speaker 7 (07:27):
All kind of tough. It's like, get out of here
and go home. And sometimes I just sit around for
a little bit and just take a break. I don't
feel like packing, no baths or anything. But I'm conorary
to see my kids and uh, you know, just chill
out with them. Yeah, usually watch football. Course i'd rather
be playing. I think we should still be playing. But
(07:49):
you know, neither here nor there.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
This is a random question.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
I know that for certain players they cut out a
lot dietary restrictions and stuff all the season. Is that
the same for defensive lineman?
Speaker 3 (07:59):
What are you to eat? What's first up?
Speaker 7 (08:02):
I want to get a double cheese burder. I gotta
have beef bacon because I don't eat four. I want
a double cheese burder and the like, probably like some
bacon cheese fries.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
I just want something just so this would be like
the most immaculate cheap day ever. Like I'm going to
go through four drive throughs.
Speaker 7 (08:18):
Man that part like eat some fast food. He got
worried about fried food and caps? Excuse me?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
We got it done? Button, We're going in.
Speaker 8 (08:30):
I can't wait.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Do you ever look at do you ever look at
other players?
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Like?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Is it younger players or maybe offensive lineman? Like who
do you look at? Where you're like? You can eat what?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (08:39):
The dvs for sure?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Eating whatever pizza and can and stuff. That's exactly that
type of body.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I already know that Rek Wallan's eating a whole pizza
by himself.
Speaker 8 (08:51):
I can just five pounds, that's the crazy part.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
So how disciplined are you as far as that goes,
as far as the eating?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
I mean, or do you really really stick to that?
Speaker 5 (09:05):
Or is there like one day a week where you
allow yourself to Yeah, so.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
Schedule, I'm on now it's on Tuesday. It's a Saturday.
I'm meaning pretty good. Monday is like a day where
I could eat what kind of like something different. I
don't try to do too bad because I don't want
no body inflammation on my stuff or anything. So those
are really kind of my days. And someday I don't
really eat. I can't eat before the game because it
(09:31):
makes me feel bad. I feel kind of heavy, so
I just do like a shape and after the game
sometimes depends.
Speaker 8 (09:38):
On where you ass like what they have to eat.
Speaker 7 (09:40):
I don't know, but after, especially after home games, my
go to has been dairy Cooeene's chicken tenders.
Speaker 8 (09:47):
Ask me pretty good, it's one by my house.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
I only have like one big cheat day a month
for like eating. So is someone where it's like all
like at five days. As I inch towards it, I'm
like that, I'm happy. I'm praying for you. Yeah, well
sometimes I'll let myself have little things, but like it
is truly like the best ever to just be.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Like, I don't care all right now. So I'm so
excited for you, exactly.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
I know that your primary choice would be in the playoffs,
and you're right, you guys have played.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Your record would would normally be that.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I'm so I'm hoping for this tenth win, hope for
a big game for you, and I'm mostly hoping for
you to be able to get all the food that
you want.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
So that's fantastic, he is, Jaren Reed.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Thanks so much for joining us. We appreciate it all right,
don't go anywhere this thanks.
Speaker 5 (10:30):
He is the huddle every Thursday from noon to two
on Seattle Sports.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
You are listening to the world famous huddle with Dave Wyman,
Michael Bumpus, and Stacey. You're o special teamer Jalen Dard
and go and join us in just a couple of minutes.
We're also going to have JB Long jumping on for
an opponent preview at twelve thirty. We already know a
ton about the rams, but we'll kind of check in
on who will and won't be playing some important questions
heading into Sunday with JB again. JB's going to hop
(10:57):
on at twelve thirty, and then Steve Rabel is going
to join us at twelve forty five. Jalen Dart and
joining us right now on the huddle. Hey, Jalen, how's it.
Speaker 8 (11:05):
Going y'all doing?
Speaker 3 (11:06):
What's your uh, what's your transition and journey here?
Speaker 4 (11:09):
Ben like, because you kind of jumped into action action later,
so what was that experience.
Speaker 7 (11:15):
Like overwhelming a little bit, just getting off the plane,
making sure I'm locked in and died in on the
game plan and making sure I'm just jumping in right
on board and trying to do as.
Speaker 8 (11:27):
Best as I can to help the team. So, I
mean it was.
Speaker 7 (11:29):
Kind of a little hectic, but overall, I've been doing
this almost my whole life, so all of that goes
away once you get out there and catch your first
plant or whatever the case may be.
Speaker 8 (11:39):
So I was fine after that.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
At what point do you not that you're not scared
anymore of running up I mean, I always felt like
the returners are a little bit crazy.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Man.
Speaker 5 (11:50):
You're running up there, You're going full speed. I mean,
I guess you're just used to that, right, Yeah, you.
Speaker 8 (11:55):
Gotta have a couple of loose screws back then.
Speaker 7 (11:59):
It's definitely been a challenge just coming to the league,
just understanding the game and slowing it down for myself,
knowing how to make things easier for me, knowing when
to jump a kick, knowing the kickers approach, and things
of that nature to simplify the game for me. So
I'm not out there thinking as much because you don't
want to be out there thinking you're going to just
go out there and play care free for real. So
(12:19):
I be just trying to make sure I'm honing in
on all those things during the week, so now on
Sundays or whenever we have to play, I'll be ready
to just go out there and execute.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Also returning myself.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
And I tell people pump returning might be like the
second hardest thing to doing football, right they understand, like
once that nose dies, the wind could push it. You're
trying to check it coveras make sure I'm good. Like
everything happens so fast, right, and you make it And
if you call your first punt, I go all, we're
good because you attracted, you were smooth back there. When
did you realize, like this is something that I might
(12:51):
be able to do for.
Speaker 7 (12:51):
A while, honestly, Like I don't even know when to
say that, Like how that has been being in the league,
Like it's just been my job. So it's more so
like I just take pride in it because that's my
way of getting on the field.
Speaker 8 (13:06):
My coach kind of like explained.
Speaker 7 (13:08):
How to catch the ball and things of that nature
when I first got in the league because I didn't
play a point turn coming out of college for real,
like I mean, I did, but I didn't, so I
really wasn't coached how I should have been. So when
I got in the league, I got I got really
coached by coach Keith or Strong, and he really taught
me how to catch the ball, get under it, judging it,
knowing my elements, throwing the grass up, making sure the
(13:31):
wins blowing left of right. So nah, I no, Okay,
he's alrighty. Then the ball's going such and such. He's
a lefty, and the bass is going such and such.
So it was just knowing the small things to be
able to help the big things, which is on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Where are you from?
Speaker 8 (13:42):
Houston?
Speaker 2 (13:43):
All right?
Speaker 6 (13:43):
So when I was growing up in Cali, we played
a game called kill the career. They call it different
things and different places, so pretty much you just have
the football and everybody's just trying to tackle.
Speaker 8 (13:54):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
That's where I realized I could make somebody mess all this.
Did y'all play that?
Speaker 7 (13:59):
Yeah, we used to call it hot ball, so you
got to throw the ball up. Whoever catched the ball
the ball hot so you got you gotta do what
you gotta do.
Speaker 8 (14:06):
But yeah, yes, sir, definitely. That definitely did help me though.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
For sure playing all those years, I hear Baldwin was
a big person. You studied a lot. What about his
game really spoke to you? Resonated kind of his.
Speaker 7 (14:19):
The statue that he has is not as big, but
is not as small, being able to get in and
out his breaks, has great hands. So I mean those
things you have to be more better at because of
my my size and my statue, things of that nature.
So I just picked up some stuff I've seen and
just added in to my game. I really watched a
(14:39):
lot of people, so I mean I could say I
got a lot of stuff from a lot a lot
of people.
Speaker 8 (14:44):
Honestly, what are.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
The rules for you as far as part return goes?
You know, and I know it's changed. It used to
be back in the day. It was like you put
your heels on the ten yard line, you don't back up.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
But as far as Jay goes.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Jay Harball and how he's coaching you, did you give
you a little bit of room to just kind of say, hey,
use your best instincts or how's that go?
Speaker 9 (15:05):
Uh?
Speaker 7 (15:06):
For when I say you just got a new football,
for really, you just got a no situational football, because
sometimes you don't need the kids punts. Sometimes you don't
need the return punts. Sometimes I just gotta field the
ball for Gino to have it. Sometimes I just need
to have a great field position to be able to
help the offense. It just depends on how the game's going. Honestly,
I can't really just say my main job is to
(15:26):
kiss the ball. I mean, I mean, I can give
you the key points hands, but the eyes, eyes through
the hands stay squalled low the back foot. That's kind
of all the key jobs. I mean key points to
catching the actual football.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Yeah, get the ball to the offense.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Man.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
My spells team coach like bump, get the ball to
the offense.
Speaker 7 (15:43):
That's what Tom Brady used to tell me that That's
one thing I'll never forget. Hey man, at the end
of the day, just get the ball back to the quarterback.
That's the most important thing.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Man. You got a bunch of records in college.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
Man, what's your What was your favorite aspect of being
a receiver?
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Did you like to working in the outside? You got
a favorite route, I'll.
Speaker 7 (16:04):
Say inside more, But like since I've been in the league,
I've been playing outside, so I'm starting to like outside more.
But wherever you put me. I mean, I'm just trying
to make a play, but inside more.
Speaker 8 (16:13):
For sure.
Speaker 7 (16:14):
I didn't really play outside like that at un T
only like on fade balls and stuff like that.
Speaker 8 (16:18):
But other than that, I was in the slot. That's
my favorite position on that.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Can I easily get the ball from the slot too?
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Too?
Speaker 4 (16:24):
Can I ask both of you a question about returning
It's more like a trip down memory lane, bump. You
can probably guess where I'm going to go with it,
because I want to know inside the mind of a
punter in the moment where you're like, something went wrong, right,
what's a moment when something went wrong either you made
a mistake, the ball didn't go the way you thought,
Like walk me through how it felt, what happened.
Speaker 7 (16:43):
More so, just like it's really those when your your
heels on the eight, just knowing when the judge just
the ball, knowing when to let it go, knowing when
to catch it because I mean sometimes like okay, if
I take a step back, I might catch the ball
on the four. But at the end of the day,
the ball is to get the ball back to the offense.
I mean that's kind of the key point. It's kind
of trying to keep the main thing the main thing.
Speaker 8 (17:04):
With planning your rules, if that makes sense. I don't
know how else.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Yeah, I had a couple of things go wrong.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
I had I kind of putting the end zone in
college one time, or right in front of the end zone.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
I realized where I was at.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
My buddy was looking at me, like come on.
Speaker 7 (17:21):
Yeah, I really haven't had none of those moments, like yeah,
as far as just like damn, but like I do
have moments where I'm like, oh, I shouldn't have caught that,
Like coachable moments where I'm coaching myself or my coach
is coaching me, like hey man, like we don't mind
you letting that ball go because it might bouncing the
end zone and get a touch back. So it's just
those small things, honestly.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
When every.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
Let me switch it up. Now, I don't like I'm
a return I don't like that bad. Give me your
best moment as a returner back there.
Speaker 7 (17:50):
I'll probably say my rookie year verse Chicago, I had
a good little return, like a thirty yarder. Yeah, I
was kind of like still trying to Like I said,
I was trying to get my feet wet, understanding how
to return plants, knowing Okay, now I'm playing against good plumbers.
They're going to try to peel me outside. So only
the only thing I can do is get vertical. I
can't reverse few I can't because we in the league.
Everybody fast, so things like that. But uh, Chicago probably
(18:13):
was my best return.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Both you guys are crazy.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I'm not doing Dave.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
What was your craziest moment in a game where someone
would be like that guy's insane?
Speaker 5 (18:29):
Well, I mean yeah, there were some explosives and things
like that. It was always towards an offensive guard because
offensive lineman cheap they hold.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
Didn't you intercept Marino?
Speaker 8 (18:39):
Yes, that's all right.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Jalen, thank you for joining us. Have fun out there
on Sunday. We appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Don't go anywhere this This is the huddle every Thursday
from noon to two on Seattle Sports. Joining us now
on the huddle for an opponent preview. It's JB long
Rams play by play man, JB.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
How's it going?
Speaker 10 (19:07):
Hi fancy, Hi bomb, Happy New Year to you.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Happy New Year.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
I'm going to start JB with a few players that
we're going to see in this one that we normally wouldn't.
Sounds like Jimmy g at quarterback instead of Matthew Stafford.
Tell me a bit about Jimmy and any other important
changes ahead of this one in terms of even some
play calling duties.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Maybe.
Speaker 9 (19:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 10 (19:27):
Here we are Thursday of game week, and I'm still
trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the Rams,
by virtue of winning last week, earned the right to
start Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback against the Seattle Seahawks and
spared themselves the tension of rooting for the forty nine
ers on Monday night football against the Lions. We know
that didn't go San Francisco's way, so maybe this is
(19:50):
the way it was all meant to be. But he's
been a solid person, a solid backup. I think you
supported Matthew Stafford really nicely all those years, though he
tormented the ram you know, with Kittle and Tebow and McCaffrey.
It'll be interesting to see what he looked like in
orange for the first time at full speed, albeit in
what will probably resemble more of like a preseason type
(20:12):
game plan, at least offensively against the Seahawks.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Hey, JB.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
You got a couple of great rookies on defense, Braiden
Fisk and Jared Verse.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Tell us about what those two guys. Verse just looks like.
Speaker 5 (20:25):
He's been playing in the league for ten years, But yeah,
just tell us about the impact those two have had
and how was that unexpected or is that something that
they thought they were going to get out of those
two young fellows.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Yeah, I mean Rams colored lenses here, but I actually
think Jared versus closer to being the defensive player of
the Year league wide than any other rookie is to
be NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year relative to him.
That's how consistent and productive and dominant he's been, and
I think is nearest competition might be in house in Fisk.
(20:58):
There's a lot of pre and post draft narrative about
what a tandem they were and from the Rams standpoint,
why it made sense to trade up in the second
round to get both, because Brayden had the potential to
be a force multiplier for Jared. I think a lot
of that just felt like April and may fluff, But
now that I've seen it in person in real time,
(21:20):
I get it. I think they actually do compliment each
other in that way. And I think if you zoom
out the fact that the Rams just put together a
sixteen game regular season with far more balanced and dominant
pressure than they had in the last year of the
Aaron Donald era, that they could retire the greatest player
(21:40):
in franchise history and get better on defense. I'm not
sure there's any words that I could offer you that
would say more about the impact of those two than
then that reality.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
JB. I forgive you.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
I said we couldn't be friends if we got into
this situation. But I've healed and I'm.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Ready to move on, so that's fine.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
Hey man, Obviously there's a rough start to the season
for the Rams. Did you all did you feel like
this whole time, if they were to just get healthy
and be consistent, you would be in this in this
moment or was there a game or two where it
clipped and you started to believe in the rams chances
of making the playoffs again?
Speaker 10 (22:20):
I mean, I think that's it at the fundamental level.
You know how it is, bump. You build a team
in an offseason with a vision in mind for how
they're going to play and what they might be. What
your floor is and what your ceiling is. And unfortunately,
for the first month, the Rams were playing right on
their floor, if not below it, because of the personnel
they were missing. I'll say this, other than one game
(22:42):
against Buffalo, I still don't know that we've seen the
ceiling with respect to the offense in particular, but getting
the offensive line intact, getting Cooper Cup and Pukainakua in
the mix, those were essential ingredients. And so it would
have been a real shame to have to bail on
this season and even this window of time with Stafford
(23:03):
at the switch before you got to look at what
the real potential of the twenty four group that you've
built was capable of. I'm also sensitive, especially speaking to
your audience, to acknowledge there is very very little separate
in the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams at
twenty four. The reason the Rams are where they are
is because of some short yardage defense, a fourth down stop,
(23:25):
and a thirty nine yard game winning touchdown in overtime.
If you switch any of that, the Seahawks are the
Rams and the Rams are the Seahawks, and you're probably
playing this one for all the markets.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Jab I want to take like a macro. Look at
the answer you just gave, because I definitely have this
feeling with the Rams of like they can't keep getting
away with this, like for another year they're entering the
by you know, at five hundred or with a losing
record or struggling, and then they turn it around. I
mean they started this season was it one in four?
I mean I was convinced. I was like, man, it's
just it's not their year. They're going to trade Cooper Cup,
maybe they'll move on from Stafford. You know, it's it's
(23:59):
really such a shame, and then they end up turning
it around. And I really appreciate your point about like, look,
these were some of the specific plays that kind of
saved their season and ended up winning them these games.
But if you were to take a step back and
look at the big picture of who the Rams are,
maybe it's coaching, maybe it's a player or two, but
(24:19):
is there a reason that for a second consecutive year
they've done this. Yeah.
Speaker 10 (24:23):
His name is Sean McVay, and he's the winningest coach
in Rams history. And I've spent much of my tenure
talking about the Aaron Donald window and how long you
can keep that open, and then the Matthew Stafford window
and how long you can keep that open. I think
this year, as much as any, gave evidence to the
fact that what the Rams are living in right now,
it's a Sean McVay window. Because when you have a
(24:45):
head coach who can impact scheme and play calling just
as much as culture, I think that has stained power.
And I think this year is probably hard to argue
as Sean mcvay's best season, but I think it was
his most complete because he touched all three phases offense, defense,
and special teams, and he matured in a way in
(25:09):
embracing this as a surprisingly productive and clutch defensive team
and a much improved special teams group collectively than anyone anticipated.
And instead of being slow or reticent to embrace that,
instead of being frustrated at the offense's inability to put
up thirty and lead the way, he just settled into
(25:32):
what this team was and gave them the time and
the space to win games with takeaways and stops and interceptions,
and to do just enough on offense to carry them
to the finish line. Now, I'd say that in all humility,
and I think he would too. The way they got
to ten wins was largely decided by one possession games,
(25:52):
and in the NFL that flip flops year to year,
the pendulum swing. So while they won the West by
being clutch, they know internally that that is not sustainable
and it's not the way they're going to be able
to advance.
Speaker 9 (26:05):
In January, Hey, JB.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Tell us about Ernest Jones.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
I remember hearing from you know, some of the players
down there that he was kind of the leader and
the defenses in his hands. I think Aaron Donald said
something about that. And then he gets.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Traded away and now here.
Speaker 5 (26:25):
In Seattle, I mean, he's pretty much his arrival here
is pretty much coincided with the defense entirely turning around.
Tell us about Ernest Jones and what he meant there.
Speaker 10 (26:37):
Yeah, it's hard not to respect and admire that and
to celebrate that. From the day Ernest was drafted until
the one he was traded, I never heard any RAMS
employee say a foul word about him. I mean, he
was one of the most highly thought of individuals in
my time with the organization, and the only thing he
was was a victim of their team building model, which
(27:00):
fortunately does not often have ever include investing in off
ball linebackers. And I'll give you another familiar example, and
that's Bobby Wagner. So I think was pro football focuses
number one greated off ball linebacker in his one year
in Los Angeles, and that was the worst Rams year
by record under Sean McVay. That wasn't Bobby's fault. I
think it just influences their thinking on what influence is
(27:23):
winning most, and with him coming up on a contract
year with some knee injury history, I think they just
made the very hard decision to allocate their resources differently
and to hopefully do right by him as the single
season tackling leader and captain to help him find his
next right home sooner than later. Now maybe that was
(27:44):
a two step process. We'll see whether he sticks in
Seattle beyond this season. But there's no one wearing royal
and soul who thinks anything other than good for Ernest
Jones for proving everyone wrong and having the season he
did in twenty four is.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
Play by play man JB.
Speaker 9 (28:01):
Long.
Speaker 8 (28:01):
JB.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Thanks so much for taking the time, man, We appreciate it.
Happy New Year, and you Sorr.
Speaker 10 (28:07):
We always have these conversations while I'm stuck on the
four O five. But such his life here in the
South plan.
Speaker 3 (28:12):
No, thanks, JB.
Speaker 4 (28:15):
Bump, I'm glad that you and JB could save your friendship.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
Yeah, you know, he's uh.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Some things are bigger than the game.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
They are, and I got to work with him, so
keep it good.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
Another play by play man, Steve Rabel Boys the Seahawks,
joins us.
Speaker 3 (28:28):
Next.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
This This is the Huddle every Thursday from noon to two.
Speaker 10 (28:33):
On Seattle Sports.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
You are listening to the Huddle getting you guys ready
for the Seahawks regular season finale. The voice of the Seahawks,
Steve Rabel, joining us. Now, Hey, Rabes, how's.
Speaker 9 (28:43):
It going good? Guys? How are you?
Speaker 1 (28:46):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (28:46):
Fantastic?
Speaker 4 (28:47):
I think a question that I'll probably ask my co
host as we wrap this up later in about ten
minutes is what I'm going to throw to you now,
which is what to you is the biggest thing you
learned about the Seahawks so far this year?
Speaker 9 (29:00):
Oh gosh, let's let's start with a nice softball.
Speaker 3 (29:04):
Right, Yeah, just an easy one.
Speaker 1 (29:05):
Let's go, l let's go wake up?
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Man?
Speaker 9 (29:09):
What have I learned about this?
Speaker 8 (29:11):
Well?
Speaker 9 (29:11):
That's you know, that's that's a very big question. There's
a couple of things I think that we learned and
and I don't know if it's something that was you know.
I mean for those of us who who've kind of
been around this game for a long time or who
have played, the expectation is as professionals, words like you know,
(29:32):
I don't quit, and those kinds of things don't really
need to be said out loud. Your job is to
go out there and perform every week until the season
is over. But this team, the swings up and down
the start and then losing five of six, then coming
back and winning four straight, and then dropping two straight,
the swings have been such that, you know, it would
(29:55):
test anybody, coaches, general managers, players, their faith in what
they're doing, their faith in themselves. I never have had
the sense this entire season that anybody had any question,
at least those inside the organization had any questions about
where they were going and the direction they were going
in and how they were going to get there. And
(30:15):
it was just a matter of can we do it
all this year? It's going to take maybe a little
longer than that. So I think the philosophy is sound.
The basis that this team has built on the players.
The core of this team is sound, and that's not
a surprise really, That's what you expect out of the
(30:39):
Seahawks that we've been around for the last how many years,
especially with you John Schneider at the top and first
beat and now Mike. So you know, I just I
couldn't be more positive about the direction that the team
is heading in. I don't know if that's something that
had to be learned, but it sure is. It is
(31:00):
nice to kind of feel that way, even though, yes,
I know the season's coming to an end and all
that stuff, but but I just feel, really, I feel
really good about that.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
Rabs.
Speaker 5 (31:10):
You got a chance to talk to Mike McDonald every week.
Would you say that everything was pretty steady or did
you see him evolve as far as you know, some
of the things that he talked about and his philosophies
and things like that. Did you kind of see him
grow into being a head coach? What were some of
the things you noticed about him his personality?
Speaker 9 (31:33):
Well, it's the first thing you talked about there, Dave.
His steadiness. You know, we've all been around a lot
of coaches over time, and you know, some coaches can
be you know, kind of wild swings back and forth,
and some coaches can be you know, se seemingly kind
of a dour most of the time.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Uh.
Speaker 9 (31:51):
And you know, Hardley Krack a smile. They're all business.
You know, this guy is a he's first of all,
he's a young guy, and so he identifies I think
with the player is certainly more than guys as old
as day than men identify with them. He can you know,
he speaks in their language. He understands what is attractive
to football players when it comes to an organization and
(32:13):
how they can become better players. Let's face it, they're pros.
So you become a better player, you play on a
winning team, you have a chance at maximizing what few
years you have in this league. And I'm talking about
not only recognition but pay as well, because that's part
of the deal. So yeah, that steadiness has been I
think they're all along and I think his ability to say, hey,
(32:38):
this isn't good enough and we're going to make some
changes right now. Yes, we're midway through the season, and
that's okay because I know we can be better and
here's how we can be better, and between he and
John and the personnel staff, they figured that out and
they got themselves a couple of guys. I'm thinking on
defense as we talk about a lot right in the
(33:00):
middle of the defense that have really done their jobs
and done them well. So yeah, he's been steady, but
he's also willing to make hard decisions and make him
on the spot. And I think you've got a great
future ahead of him, and I expect it's going to
be here for a long time.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
Graves, what's the significance of this game?
Speaker 6 (33:19):
I know there's no postseason obviously, but you still can
win ten and I think it's important they go out
on a high note.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
What do you think their approach is for this one.
Speaker 9 (33:29):
I think that's the thing that as I remember too
when I played, you know, and it was I know,
it was back in the dark ages, but you always
felt better if you could win that final game. And
this goes back to every level that you play. It
just makes the off season better. You feel better about
(33:50):
yourself when you're not saying darn, you know, we just
lost that game and we ended on a bad note,
and now I got to live with this for the
entire offseason until we get started next year. So that
part of it is just great. It just makes you
feel better. It also gets you off on the right foot.
We're in twenty twenty five now. The next time we
play football after this, for when it counts, is still
(34:10):
in this calendar year. So we're starting this new year,
but hopefully on the right foot by winning a football game.
And oh, by the way, it's double digit wins in
his first year as a head coach. If you can
win this for Mike and for the team ten wins,
that's pretty darn good for a guy just coming in
and making all the changes they made. And oh, by
(34:31):
the way, it's over the Rams if you can beat them,
because we just flat don't like them. So what's not
to like about this whole scenario other than the fact that,
you know, a couple of times this season you had
a chance to take control of your own destiny and
you just weren't able to do it and you had
to depend on, you know, other guys the teams to
do it and they didn't come through for you. That's
(34:52):
the only negative. If the positive is is there's a
lot to be said for going out and winning this game.
Speaker 4 (34:58):
Now, Tyler Lockett is obvious under contract for next season.
Speaker 3 (35:03):
The team's not come out and said like we're moving on.
Speaker 4 (35:05):
But I think that the conversation around Lockett has been, well,
what's going to happen? I mean, it wasn't the biggest
year for him, He's getting a little bit older, they've
got wide receivers, and so I think naturally Steve, as
you know, there are some fans going am.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
I watching Tyler Lockett's last game?
Speaker 4 (35:20):
I hoped that we're not, But I was hoping to
just kind of ask what you've taken away from his
career and just kind of obviously you've talked to him
a million times, stand up guy, Just tell me a
bit about Lockett.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
As we wrap this up.
Speaker 9 (35:32):
Well, he's just the best, you know, having had the
opportunity to play with large and to probably not appreciate
as good as he really was until toward the end
of his career when the numbers just started stacking up,
and then pretty soon you're talking Hall of Fame for Steve,
and well deserved by the way. Of course, I ran
a lot of clear out routes to help him make
(35:53):
those catches. But still I don't hold any grudges because
of that, but Lockett is you know, I was reading
today in fact, and he is. He is very likely
going to see the team record for catches in a
season to Jackson Smith and Jigba this last game. And
(36:15):
he was the first one to tell Jack's hey, I'm
all for you.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
Do it.
Speaker 9 (36:19):
Go break it, break the hundred catch mark and put
your name in the record books. And I had to
look back and see that. Well, Bobby Ingram was one
of the guys that held that record, and then Doug Baldwin.
All terrific people, great football players, but better people. And
that's how you describe Tyler Lockett. You know, I trust
(36:41):
my wife implicitly when it comes to her ability to
judge people, and she absolutely adores Tyler Lockett and has
from day one. So if missus Rabel says he's the guy,
I'm all in favor. Aside from the fact that he's
had some of the most spectacular catches and the steadiest
career of almost any Seahawk that's ever worn that jersey.
(37:02):
So I love the guy to death. I hope it's
not his last year either, if there's a way. I
think as far as the salary cap and all that
stuff has to work out, but I would think, hey,
he still physically got it, so why not bring him
back unless he wants to say, you know, I can
make more money selling houses, which he probably could.
Speaker 1 (37:21):
I wonder what Sharon thinks about me now I'm worried.
I'm really axed.
Speaker 9 (37:26):
Yeah, well, when you retire and go into the Hall
of Fame, we'll we'll have that discussion. Until then, she
asked me. Until then, she asked me. Now, who is
that guy you work with?
Speaker 4 (37:38):
He is the voice of the Seahawks, Raves, Thanks so much,
Happy New Year, Thanks Raves.
Speaker 9 (37:43):
Hey guys, Happy New Year to you. See on the
plane there, Big Dave.
Speaker 4 (37:46):
All right, buddy, guys, about a minute left for us here.
Just to kind of round out, I wanted to get
both of your thoughts. Similarly to how I asked Steve,
I'm going to ask a different version so that you
are stuck making the most of your thirty or so seconds.
But what's sticking with you about the season in terms
of like I feel good about this, or maybe I've
(38:07):
learned this, or they need to address this, Like what
will be the message you're kind of telling yourself after
this year?
Speaker 2 (38:12):
Dave.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
I'll start with you and then Bump give you the
last word.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
Yeah, I guess it'll be maybe this is just too narrow,
but like conquering the whole offensive line problem, I mean,
I do think that that's and I don't think it's
just the Seahawks that have a problem.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
I think it's league wide.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
You know, we talked to Ray about it all the time,
and it's like it's like an endemic of you know,
there's just not good offensive line playing. It doesn't get
developed earlier on and yeah, I mean, guys aren't getting
in three point stances in college. And I feel like that,
you know, if John Schneider can conquer that.
Speaker 1 (38:46):
I mean, and you.
Speaker 5 (38:46):
Ask him and he'll say, well, I'll just go out
to the the tree in my backyard, yeah, and pick
a guard or whatever.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
But yeah, I mean I feel like that might be.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
I think that's fair.
Speaker 1 (38:56):
Might be the one thing.
Speaker 8 (38:57):
What do you think, bum?
Speaker 2 (38:59):
I think.
Speaker 6 (39:01):
Jsin creates good problems and interesting questions that need to
be answered this offseason. If he doesn't have the year
that he has, then what is going to happen during
the offseason might look a bit different. DKs has to
get extended. Lockett has to restructure his deal. If Jayson
doesn't have that year, then I think we're a bit
(39:23):
worried about this room and who's going to be back
and just the talent mess.
Speaker 4 (39:27):
And I like that it's like the good to come
from it, but also the domino effect to come from
a big year from your young wide receiver. All Right,
he is Dave Wyman, Michael Bumps. You can hear more
from Bump on the Seahawks pre and postgame show, and
then obviously Wyman is going to be on the call
with Rapes for Sunday Seahawks regular season finale against the Rams.
This is the Hoddlehilo.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Every Thursday from noon to two.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
The Huddle.
Speaker 3 (00:09):
You are listening to the Huddle.
Speaker 4 (00:10):
We're live from Virginia Mason Athletics Center. Just a one
hour huddle today.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Here's what's in store for you.
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Michael Bumpus, Dave Wyman, and myself Stacy Ross are going
to be joined by Jaren Reed in just a couple
of minutes as practice wraps up. H Jalen Darden is
going to join us after that, at twelve fifteen, we're
going to take an opponent preview. We'll look at the
rams as this team gets ready to head to Sofi.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
JB.
Speaker 4 (00:29):
Long is joining us at twelve thirty, and then the
voice of the Seahawks, Steve Rabel, is joining us at
twelve forty five to wrap up final thoughts. Rather than
look back just at that Bears game, what we're gonna
do is take a look back at the season itself.
This is, unfortunately the final game Seattle is going to
be playing this year.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
And whyman, I'll start with you.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
They could still get to ten wins in Mike McDonald's
first season. Unfortunately that will not come with a trip
to the playoffs. Do you consider though the year a success,
and if so, in what ways?
Speaker 5 (00:56):
Well, I think everybody's disappointed, right, you know, and when
you have to rely on other teams to win, it's
I don't know, the notion that you could win ten
games and not getting the playoffs kind of frustrating a
little bit, but you know so, But yeah, I mean,
I think once the sting of not making the playoffs,
especially if they win this game, I think it's You're
(01:20):
going to look back on this as a pretty interesting year.
I mean, lots lots of adversity, you know that they
had to overcome. They had a center that retired, They
really never got their offensive line right, we had Abe
Lucas was hurt. We were down to our fourth string
right tackle. I mean, there was a lot of things.
You had the wrong two inside linebackers in there for
(01:41):
half the season. So yeah, I mean I felt pretty
good about this. I'm trying to keep it positive, but
it is incredibly disappointing that they didn't get a chance
to get in, especially if they have a chance to
win ten games.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Which they do.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Bump.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
What about you similar questions just kind of how you
see the season as a whole, whether you feel like
they can walk away proud of something.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
What's left to work on?
Speaker 6 (02:01):
Well, you're proud of the turnaround this defense had, for sure,
and the linebackers that you have hopefully will be here
for the next two to three seasons minimum. Looking to
see if Ernest Jones it gets extended. That's gonna be
big this offseason. Yeah, I think that's what you can
be proud of. You're more disappointed on the ups and
downs of the offense. Man, It's like they could never
just be on a steadiest sin. You start off three
(02:22):
games and you're good, and then things start to happen.
But at least you can identify the problem. I think
the biggest problem, and I think that is what makes
me optimistic about the offseason, is that, all right, we
pretty much know what the biggest problem is. How are
you going to address it? But then there's contracts and stuff.
So I would say that this season for me, I
said the other week with satisfactory, I'd said nineteen games
(02:44):
they'd win this year. Didn't know if they'd make the
playoffs or not. But when you get the taste and
they tease you would a playoff appearance.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
That's why I heard so much, Wyman. It was great
to see.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Obviously, as Bump mentioned, the defense improved and Mike McDonald,
defensive coordinator for the Ravens formerly Michigan, was brought here
to fix the defense. So check, is it fair to
say he stays here by figuring out how to fix
the offense?
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (03:09):
I think that that's that's a big part of it.
And I think that what you're referencing, Bomp is offensive line.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Yeah, pretty much.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
We did a thing on our show, like you know,
and Bob had a you know, like a quiz, you know,
what's what are the four things that are the biggest problem?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Sure, Jared Reid joining us right now, and we will
get back to this conversation a little bit later in
the show when Steve Brabel joins.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Us at twelve forty five, we'll jump right back in
Jared Reid joining us right now. Hey, Jaren, how's it
going fantastic?
Speaker 4 (03:40):
Obviously, it's a tough one for you guys heading into
a week in which you could get ten wins with
a victory over the Rams, but the playoffs aren't in
line anymore. As a player, what's your mentality entering this one?
Speaker 7 (03:53):
We get to true you light Championship.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Football, Jared off every time you get a sack.
Speaker 5 (04:01):
Now you got the And when you first did that,
I think it was because Michael Bennett was being introduced
out there was that possibly like an homage.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I did it last year, you did it last year
as well.
Speaker 7 (04:15):
Okay, so I think the first time I did it
last year was well, we played Carolina uh at home,
because that was like the tenth tenth year reunion for
the Super Bowl. I say, I thought it'd be cool
to do it then. And at the end, you know,
it kind of takes some talk with Mike, like I
said previously before.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
Take your own.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
You're like, it feels too good to do.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
I can't give this up.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
You're just doing two though, right to do the fatal
third one?
Speaker 6 (04:49):
Hey, thanks for coming out and saying just go get
the tenth WAM because I'm sitting there going back to
with these listeners and they're like, oh, they should lose
the game ago, y'all don't understand how this works, like
no more goals out on the football field, ter And yeah, exactly,
So I appreciate that too. How's it feel, man, big
cat get snub for the Pro Bowl? Man that got
me just this furious man. He's having something a great year.
Has he talked about that?
Speaker 7 (05:09):
Have y'all acknowledged it or is it just well, you know,
of course the emotions are there. I thought he deserved
it as well as first team All Pro whenever that
comes out. But having the head of a season, man,
and you know sometimes politics fans playing too that you
never know everybody.
Speaker 8 (05:24):
Was lost.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
When you guys kind of walk away from this season.
I think one of the things that you can definitely
hang your hat on and go that was great was
the improvement for the defense. I mean, starting out obviously
on a three game losing streak, but then it was like,
all right, now we got to figure this out because
now we're running into some tough teams and you guys
did it. You're finishing out as I think a top
ten scoring defense, I think nearing top ten and yards
(05:47):
certainly total. But what to you clicked like for you
your own journey this year? What clicked and when did
it click for you?
Speaker 7 (05:56):
I think settling into the scheme and what they were
asking us to do. You antime, you bring a new
defense in especially a defense like this is it's.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
A lot of moving parts.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
It's a lot of communication and sometimes you know, training
can may not be enough. You got to get you know,
with loud bullets flying and our tickets a little minute.
You know, we had to change some pieces to the puzzle,
and I think you know when we put it together,
you know, everybody was yelling and rocky.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Yeah, Jared, you guess we're talking about this before you
came in faced a lot of adversity this year. I mean,
you guys overcame a lot of stuff and part of
it being, you know, the defense just not having the
right guys in there. You got the right linebackers in there.
You guys got to be particularly proud of that. Did
you did you feel that? I mean, I think for
most football players, when you get adversity, you get like
(06:41):
a chip on your shoulder.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
That was that the case, Yeah, definitely, because we knew
what kind of defense that we could be and we
made those changes and we started rocking. Man, I think
everybody you know could taste and feel it. But I
think you know, we set the standard from here and
from now on of this defense needs to look and
you know, just everything, the standards we hold, the way
(07:04):
we practice, the way we communicate how physical we want
to play. I think, you know, we put that out
there at the standard, and I think it's only gonna
get better from here. I definitely think that, you know,
we could be the number one defense in the NFL.
Speaker 6 (07:18):
Obviously, still got a game on Sunday. But you're a veteran,
so you know what you like to do. What What
does an off season look like for you? Like your
first week? What does that look like for you?
Speaker 7 (07:27):
All kind of tough. It's like, get out of here
and go home. And sometimes I just sit around for
a little bit and just take a break. I don't
feel like packing, no baths or anything. But I'm conorary
to see my kids and uh, you know, just chill
out with them. Yeah, usually watch football. Course i'd rather
be playing. I think we should still be playing. But
(07:49):
you know, neither here nor there.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
This is a random question.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
I know that for certain players they cut out a
lot dietary restrictions and stuff all the season. Is that
the same for defensive lineman?
Speaker 3 (07:59):
What are you to eat? What's first up?
Speaker 7 (08:02):
I want to get a double cheese burder. I gotta
have beef bacon because I don't eat four. I want
a double cheese burder and the like, probably like some
bacon cheese fries.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
I just want something just so this would be like
the most immaculate cheap day ever. Like I'm going to
go through four drive throughs.
Speaker 7 (08:18):
Man that part like eat some fast food. He got
worried about fried food and caps? Excuse me?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
We got it done? Button, We're going in.
Speaker 8 (08:30):
I can't wait.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Do you ever look at do you ever look at
other players?
Speaker 4 (08:34):
Like?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
Is it younger players or maybe offensive lineman? Like who
do you look at? Where you're like? You can eat what?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (08:39):
The dvs for sure?
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Eating whatever pizza and can and stuff. That's exactly that
type of body.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
I already know that Rek Wallan's eating a whole pizza
by himself.
Speaker 8 (08:51):
I can just five pounds, that's the crazy part.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
So how disciplined are you as far as that goes,
as far as the eating?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
I mean, or do you really really stick to that?
Speaker 5 (09:05):
Or is there like one day a week where you
allow yourself to Yeah, so.
Speaker 7 (09:11):
Schedule, I'm on now it's on Tuesday. It's a Saturday.
I'm meaning pretty good. Monday is like a day where
I could eat what kind of like something different. I
don't try to do too bad because I don't want
no body inflammation on my stuff or anything. So those
are really kind of my days. And someday I don't
really eat. I can't eat before the game because it
(09:31):
makes me feel bad. I feel kind of heavy, so
I just do like a shape and after the game
sometimes depends.
Speaker 8 (09:38):
On where you ass like what they have to eat.
Speaker 7 (09:40):
I don't know, but after, especially after home games, my
go to has been dairy Cooeene's chicken tenders.
Speaker 8 (09:47):
Ask me pretty good, it's one by my house.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
I only have like one big cheat day a month
for like eating. So is someone where it's like all
like at five days. As I inch towards it, I'm
like that, I'm happy. I'm praying for you. Yeah, well
sometimes I'll let myself have little things, but like it
is truly like the best ever to just be.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
Like, I don't care all right now. So I'm so
excited for you, exactly.
Speaker 4 (10:13):
I know that your primary choice would be in the playoffs,
and you're right, you guys have played.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
Your record would would normally be that.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I'm so I'm hoping for this tenth win, hope for
a big game for you, and I'm mostly hoping for
you to be able to get all the food that
you want.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
So that's fantastic, he is, Jaren Reed.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
Thanks so much for joining us. We appreciate it all right,
don't go anywhere this thanks.
Speaker 5 (10:30):
He is the huddle every Thursday from noon to two
on Seattle Sports.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
You are listening to the world famous huddle with Dave Wyman,
Michael Bumpus, and Stacey. You're o special teamer Jalen Dard
and go and join us in just a couple of minutes.
We're also going to have JB Long jumping on for
an opponent preview at twelve thirty. We already know a
ton about the rams, but we'll kind of check in
on who will and won't be playing some important questions
heading into Sunday with JB again. JB's going to hop
(10:57):
on at twelve thirty, and then Steve Rabel is going
to join us at twelve forty five. Jalen Dart and
joining us right now on the huddle. Hey, Jalen, how's it.
Speaker 8 (11:05):
Going y'all doing?
Speaker 3 (11:06):
What's your uh, what's your transition and journey here?
Speaker 4 (11:09):
Ben like, because you kind of jumped into action action later,
so what was that experience.
Speaker 7 (11:15):
Like overwhelming a little bit, just getting off the plane,
making sure I'm locked in and died in on the
game plan and making sure I'm just jumping in right
on board and trying to do as.
Speaker 8 (11:27):
Best as I can to help the team. So, I
mean it was.
Speaker 7 (11:29):
Kind of a little hectic, but overall, I've been doing
this almost my whole life, so all of that goes
away once you get out there and catch your first
plant or whatever the case may be.
Speaker 8 (11:39):
So I was fine after that.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
At what point do you not that you're not scared
anymore of running up I mean, I always felt like
the returners are a little bit crazy.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
Man.
Speaker 5 (11:50):
You're running up there, You're going full speed. I mean,
I guess you're just used to that, right, Yeah, you.
Speaker 8 (11:55):
Gotta have a couple of loose screws back then.
Speaker 7 (11:59):
It's definitely been a challenge just coming to the league,
just understanding the game and slowing it down for myself,
knowing how to make things easier for me, knowing when
to jump a kick, knowing the kickers approach, and things
of that nature to simplify the game for me. So
I'm not out there thinking as much because you don't
want to be out there thinking you're going to just
go out there and play care free for real. So
(12:19):
I be just trying to make sure I'm honing in
on all those things during the week, so now on
Sundays or whenever we have to play, I'll be ready
to just go out there and execute.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Also returning myself.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
And I tell people pump returning might be like the
second hardest thing to doing football, right they understand, like
once that nose dies, the wind could push it. You're
trying to check it coveras make sure I'm good. Like
everything happens so fast, right, and you make it And
if you call your first punt, I go all, we're
good because you attracted, you were smooth back there. When
did you realize, like this is something that I might
(12:51):
be able to do for.
Speaker 7 (12:51):
A while, honestly, Like I don't even know when to
say that, Like how that has been being in the league,
Like it's just been my job. So it's more so
like I just take pride in it because that's my
way of getting on the field.
Speaker 8 (13:06):
My coach kind of like explained.
Speaker 7 (13:08):
How to catch the ball and things of that nature
when I first got in the league because I didn't
play a point turn coming out of college for real,
like I mean, I did, but I didn't, so I
really wasn't coached how I should have been. So when
I got in the league, I got I got really
coached by coach Keith or Strong, and he really taught
me how to catch the ball, get under it, judging it,
knowing my elements, throwing the grass up, making sure the
(13:31):
wins blowing left of right. So nah, I no, Okay,
he's alrighty. Then the ball's going such and such. He's
a lefty, and the bass is going such and such.
So it was just knowing the small things to be
able to help the big things, which is on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Where are you from?
Speaker 8 (13:42):
Houston?
Speaker 2 (13:43):
All right?
Speaker 6 (13:43):
So when I was growing up in Cali, we played
a game called kill the career. They call it different
things and different places, so pretty much you just have
the football and everybody's just trying to tackle.
Speaker 8 (13:54):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
That's where I realized I could make somebody mess all this.
Did y'all play that?
Speaker 7 (13:59):
Yeah, we used to call it hot ball, so you
got to throw the ball up. Whoever catched the ball
the ball hot so you got you gotta do what
you gotta do.
Speaker 8 (14:06):
But yeah, yes, sir, definitely. That definitely did help me though.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
For sure playing all those years, I hear Baldwin was
a big person. You studied a lot. What about his
game really spoke to you? Resonated kind of his.
Speaker 7 (14:19):
The statue that he has is not as big, but
is not as small, being able to get in and
out his breaks, has great hands. So I mean those
things you have to be more better at because of
my my size and my statue, things of that nature.
So I just picked up some stuff I've seen and
just added in to my game. I really watched a
(14:39):
lot of people, so I mean I could say I
got a lot of stuff from a lot a lot
of people.
Speaker 8 (14:44):
Honestly, what are.
Speaker 5 (14:45):
The rules for you as far as part return goes?
You know, and I know it's changed. It used to
be back in the day. It was like you put
your heels on the ten yard line, you don't back up.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
But as far as Jay goes.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Jay Harball and how he's coaching you, did you give
you a little bit of room to just kind of say, hey,
use your best instincts or how's that go?
Speaker 9 (15:05):
Uh?
Speaker 7 (15:06):
For when I say you just got a new football,
for really, you just got a no situational football, because
sometimes you don't need the kids punts. Sometimes you don't
need the return punts. Sometimes I just gotta field the
ball for Gino to have it. Sometimes I just need
to have a great field position to be able to
help the offense. It just depends on how the game's going. Honestly,
I can't really just say my main job is to
(15:26):
kiss the ball. I mean, I mean, I can give
you the key points hands, but the eyes, eyes through
the hands stay squalled low the back foot. That's kind
of all the key jobs. I mean key points to
catching the actual football.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
Yeah, get the ball to the offense.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Man.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
My spells team coach like bump, get the ball to
the offense.
Speaker 7 (15:43):
That's what Tom Brady used to tell me that That's
one thing I'll never forget. Hey man, at the end
of the day, just get the ball back to the quarterback.
That's the most important thing.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Man. You got a bunch of records in college.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
Man, what's your What was your favorite aspect of being
a receiver?
Speaker 2 (15:59):
Did you like to working in the outside? You got
a favorite route, I'll.
Speaker 7 (16:04):
Say inside more, But like since I've been in the league,
I've been playing outside, so I'm starting to like outside more.
But wherever you put me. I mean, I'm just trying
to make a play, but inside more.
Speaker 8 (16:13):
For sure.
Speaker 7 (16:14):
I didn't really play outside like that at un T
only like on fade balls and stuff like that.
Speaker 8 (16:18):
But other than that, I was in the slot. That's
my favorite position on that.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
Can I easily get the ball from the slot too?
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Too?
Speaker 4 (16:24):
Can I ask both of you a question about returning
It's more like a trip down memory lane, bump. You
can probably guess where I'm going to go with it,
because I want to know inside the mind of a
punter in the moment where you're like, something went wrong, right,
what's a moment when something went wrong either you made
a mistake, the ball didn't go the way you thought,
Like walk me through how it felt, what happened.
Speaker 7 (16:43):
More so, just like it's really those when your your
heels on the eight, just knowing when the judge just
the ball, knowing when to let it go, knowing when
to catch it because I mean sometimes like okay, if
I take a step back, I might catch the ball
on the four. But at the end of the day,
the ball is to get the ball back to the offense.
I mean that's kind of the key point. It's kind
of trying to keep the main thing the main thing.
Speaker 8 (17:04):
With planning your rules, if that makes sense. I don't
know how else.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Yeah, I had a couple of things go wrong.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
I had I kind of putting the end zone in
college one time, or right in front of the end zone.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
I realized where I was at.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
My buddy was looking at me, like come on.
Speaker 7 (17:21):
Yeah, I really haven't had none of those moments, like yeah,
as far as just like damn, but like I do
have moments where I'm like, oh, I shouldn't have caught that,
Like coachable moments where I'm coaching myself or my coach
is coaching me, like hey man, like we don't mind
you letting that ball go because it might bouncing the
end zone and get a touch back. So it's just
those small things, honestly.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
When every.
Speaker 6 (17:43):
Let me switch it up. Now, I don't like I'm
a return I don't like that bad. Give me your
best moment as a returner back there.
Speaker 7 (17:50):
I'll probably say my rookie year verse Chicago, I had
a good little return, like a thirty yarder. Yeah, I
was kind of like still trying to Like I said,
I was trying to get my feet wet, understanding how
to return plants, knowing Okay, now I'm playing against good plumbers.
They're going to try to peel me outside. So only
the only thing I can do is get vertical. I
can't reverse few I can't because we in the league.
Everybody fast, so things like that. But uh, Chicago probably
(18:13):
was my best return.
Speaker 5 (18:14):
Both you guys are crazy.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
I'm not doing Dave.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
What was your craziest moment in a game where someone
would be like that guy's insane?
Speaker 5 (18:29):
Well, I mean yeah, there were some explosives and things
like that. It was always towards an offensive guard because
offensive lineman cheap they hold.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
Didn't you intercept Marino?
Speaker 8 (18:39):
Yes, that's all right.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Jalen, thank you for joining us. Have fun out there
on Sunday. We appreciate it.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
Don't go anywhere this This is the huddle every Thursday
from noon to two on Seattle Sports. Joining us now
on the huddle for an opponent preview. It's JB long
Rams play by play man, JB.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
How's it going?
Speaker 10 (19:07):
Hi fancy, Hi bomb, Happy New Year to you.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
Happy New Year.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
I'm going to start JB with a few players that
we're going to see in this one that we normally wouldn't.
Sounds like Jimmy g at quarterback instead of Matthew Stafford.
Tell me a bit about Jimmy and any other important
changes ahead of this one in terms of even some
play calling duties.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Maybe.
Speaker 9 (19:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 10 (19:27):
Here we are Thursday of game week, and I'm still
trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the Rams,
by virtue of winning last week, earned the right to
start Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback against the Seattle Seahawks and
spared themselves the tension of rooting for the forty nine
ers on Monday night football against the Lions. We know
that didn't go San Francisco's way, so maybe this is
(19:50):
the way it was all meant to be. But he's
been a solid person, a solid backup. I think you
supported Matthew Stafford really nicely all those years, though he
tormented the ram you know, with Kittle and Tebow and McCaffrey.
It'll be interesting to see what he looked like in
orange for the first time at full speed, albeit in
what will probably resemble more of like a preseason type
(20:12):
game plan, at least offensively against the Seahawks.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Hey, JB.
Speaker 5 (20:17):
You got a couple of great rookies on defense, Braiden
Fisk and Jared Verse.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Tell us about what those two guys. Verse just looks like.
Speaker 5 (20:25):
He's been playing in the league for ten years, But yeah,
just tell us about the impact those two have had
and how was that unexpected or is that something that
they thought they were going to get out of those
two young fellows.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Yeah, I mean Rams colored lenses here, but I actually
think Jared versus closer to being the defensive player of
the Year league wide than any other rookie is to
be NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year relative to him.
That's how consistent and productive and dominant he's been, and
I think is nearest competition might be in house in Fisk.
(20:58):
There's a lot of pre and post draft narrative about
what a tandem they were and from the Rams standpoint,
why it made sense to trade up in the second
round to get both, because Brayden had the potential to
be a force multiplier for Jared. I think a lot
of that just felt like April and may fluff, But
now that I've seen it in person in real time,
(21:20):
I get it. I think they actually do compliment each
other in that way. And I think if you zoom
out the fact that the Rams just put together a
sixteen game regular season with far more balanced and dominant
pressure than they had in the last year of the
Aaron Donald era, that they could retire the greatest player
(21:40):
in franchise history and get better on defense. I'm not
sure there's any words that I could offer you that
would say more about the impact of those two than
then that reality.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
JB. I forgive you.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
I said we couldn't be friends if we got into
this situation. But I've healed and I'm.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Ready to move on, so that's fine.
Speaker 6 (22:02):
Hey man, Obviously there's a rough start to the season
for the Rams. Did you all did you feel like
this whole time, if they were to just get healthy
and be consistent, you would be in this in this
moment or was there a game or two where it
clipped and you started to believe in the rams chances
of making the playoffs again?
Speaker 10 (22:20):
I mean, I think that's it at the fundamental level.
You know how it is, bump. You build a team
in an offseason with a vision in mind for how
they're going to play and what they might be. What
your floor is and what your ceiling is. And unfortunately,
for the first month, the Rams were playing right on
their floor, if not below it, because of the personnel
they were missing. I'll say this, other than one game
(22:42):
against Buffalo, I still don't know that we've seen the
ceiling with respect to the offense in particular, but getting
the offensive line intact, getting Cooper Cup and Pukainakua in
the mix, those were essential ingredients. And so it would
have been a real shame to have to bail on
this season and even this window of time with Stafford
(23:03):
at the switch before you got to look at what
the real potential of the twenty four group that you've
built was capable of. I'm also sensitive, especially speaking to
your audience, to acknowledge there is very very little separate
in the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams at
twenty four. The reason the Rams are where they are
is because of some short yardage defense, a fourth down stop,
(23:25):
and a thirty nine yard game winning touchdown in overtime.
If you switch any of that, the Seahawks are the
Rams and the Rams are the Seahawks, and you're probably
playing this one for all the markets.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Jab I want to take like a macro. Look at
the answer you just gave, because I definitely have this
feeling with the Rams of like they can't keep getting
away with this, like for another year they're entering the
by you know, at five hundred or with a losing
record or struggling, and then they turn it around. I
mean they started this season was it one in four?
I mean I was convinced. I was like, man, it's
just it's not their year. They're going to trade Cooper Cup,
maybe they'll move on from Stafford. You know, it's it's
(23:59):
really such a shame, and then they end up turning
it around. And I really appreciate your point about like, look,
these were some of the specific plays that kind of
saved their season and ended up winning them these games.
But if you were to take a step back and
look at the big picture of who the Rams are,
maybe it's coaching, maybe it's a player or two, but
(24:19):
is there a reason that for a second consecutive year
they've done this. Yeah.
Speaker 10 (24:23):
His name is Sean McVay, and he's the winningest coach
in Rams history. And I've spent much of my tenure
talking about the Aaron Donald window and how long you
can keep that open, and then the Matthew Stafford window
and how long you can keep that open. I think
this year, as much as any, gave evidence to the
fact that what the Rams are living in right now,
it's a Sean McVay window. Because when you have a
(24:45):
head coach who can impact scheme and play calling just
as much as culture, I think that has stained power.
And I think this year is probably hard to argue
as Sean mcvay's best season, but I think it was
his most complete because he touched all three phases offense, defense,
and special teams, and he matured in a way in
(25:09):
embracing this as a surprisingly productive and clutch defensive team
and a much improved special teams group collectively than anyone anticipated.
And instead of being slow or reticent to embrace that,
instead of being frustrated at the offense's inability to put
up thirty and lead the way, he just settled into
(25:32):
what this team was and gave them the time and
the space to win games with takeaways and stops and interceptions,
and to do just enough on offense to carry them
to the finish line. Now, I'd say that in all humility,
and I think he would too. The way they got
to ten wins was largely decided by one possession games,
(25:52):
and in the NFL that flip flops year to year,
the pendulum swing. So while they won the West by
being clutch, they know internally that that is not sustainable
and it's not the way they're going to be able
to advance.
Speaker 9 (26:05):
In January, Hey, JB.
Speaker 1 (26:09):
Tell us about Ernest Jones.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
I remember hearing from you know, some of the players
down there that he was kind of the leader and
the defenses in his hands. I think Aaron Donald said
something about that. And then he gets.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Traded away and now here.
Speaker 5 (26:25):
In Seattle, I mean, he's pretty much his arrival here
is pretty much coincided with the defense entirely turning around.
Tell us about Ernest Jones and what he meant there.
Speaker 10 (26:37):
Yeah, it's hard not to respect and admire that and
to celebrate that. From the day Ernest was drafted until
the one he was traded, I never heard any RAMS
employee say a foul word about him. I mean, he
was one of the most highly thought of individuals in
my time with the organization, and the only thing he
was was a victim of their team building model, which
(27:00):
fortunately does not often have ever include investing in off
ball linebackers. And I'll give you another familiar example, and
that's Bobby Wagner. So I think was pro football focuses
number one greated off ball linebacker in his one year
in Los Angeles, and that was the worst Rams year
by record under Sean McVay. That wasn't Bobby's fault. I
think it just influences their thinking on what influence is
(27:23):
winning most, and with him coming up on a contract
year with some knee injury history, I think they just
made the very hard decision to allocate their resources differently
and to hopefully do right by him as the single
season tackling leader and captain to help him find his
next right home sooner than later. Now maybe that was
(27:44):
a two step process. We'll see whether he sticks in
Seattle beyond this season. But there's no one wearing royal
and soul who thinks anything other than good for Ernest
Jones for proving everyone wrong and having the season he
did in twenty four is.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
Play by play man JB.
Speaker 9 (28:01):
Long.
Speaker 8 (28:01):
JB.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
Thanks so much for taking the time, man, We appreciate it.
Happy New Year, and you Sorr.
Speaker 10 (28:07):
We always have these conversations while I'm stuck on the
four O five. But such his life here in the
South plan.
Speaker 3 (28:12):
No, thanks, JB.
Speaker 4 (28:15):
Bump, I'm glad that you and JB could save your friendship.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
Yeah, you know, he's uh.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Some things are bigger than the game.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
They are, and I got to work with him, so
keep it good.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
Another play by play man, Steve Rabel Boys the Seahawks,
joins us.
Speaker 3 (28:28):
Next.
Speaker 4 (28:29):
This This is the Huddle every Thursday from noon to two.
Speaker 10 (28:33):
On Seattle Sports.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
You are listening to the Huddle getting you guys ready
for the Seahawks regular season finale. The voice of the Seahawks,
Steve Rabel, joining us. Now, Hey, Rabes, how's.
Speaker 9 (28:43):
It going good? Guys? How are you?
Speaker 1 (28:46):
Uh?
Speaker 3 (28:46):
Fantastic?
Speaker 4 (28:47):
I think a question that I'll probably ask my co
host as we wrap this up later in about ten
minutes is what I'm going to throw to you now,
which is what to you is the biggest thing you
learned about the Seahawks so far this year?
Speaker 9 (29:00):
Oh gosh, let's let's start with a nice softball.
Speaker 3 (29:04):
Right, Yeah, just an easy one.
Speaker 1 (29:05):
Let's go, l let's go wake up?
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Man?
Speaker 9 (29:09):
What have I learned about this?
Speaker 8 (29:11):
Well?
Speaker 9 (29:11):
That's you know, that's that's a very big question. There's
a couple of things I think that we learned and
and I don't know if it's something that was you know.
I mean for those of us who who've kind of
been around this game for a long time or who
have played, the expectation is as professionals, words like you know,
(29:32):
I don't quit, and those kinds of things don't really
need to be said out loud. Your job is to
go out there and perform every week until the season
is over. But this team, the swings up and down
the start and then losing five of six, then coming
back and winning four straight, and then dropping two straight,
the swings have been such that, you know, it would
(29:55):
test anybody, coaches, general managers, players, their faith in what
they're doing, their faith in themselves. I never have had
the sense this entire season that anybody had any question,
at least those inside the organization had any questions about
where they were going and the direction they were going
in and how they were going to get there. And
(30:15):
it was just a matter of can we do it
all this year? It's going to take maybe a little
longer than that. So I think the philosophy is sound.
The basis that this team has built on the players.
The core of this team is sound, and that's not
a surprise really, That's what you expect out of the
(30:39):
Seahawks that we've been around for the last how many years,
especially with you John Schneider at the top and first
beat and now Mike. So you know, I just I
couldn't be more positive about the direction that the team
is heading in. I don't know if that's something that
had to be learned, but it sure is. It is
(31:00):
nice to kind of feel that way, even though, yes,
I know the season's coming to an end and all
that stuff, but but I just feel, really, I feel
really good about that.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
Rabs.
Speaker 5 (31:10):
You got a chance to talk to Mike McDonald every week.
Would you say that everything was pretty steady or did
you see him evolve as far as you know, some
of the things that he talked about and his philosophies
and things like that. Did you kind of see him
grow into being a head coach? What were some of
the things you noticed about him his personality?
Speaker 9 (31:33):
Well, it's the first thing you talked about there, Dave.
His steadiness. You know, we've all been around a lot
of coaches over time, and you know, some coaches can
be you know, kind of wild swings back and forth,
and some coaches can be you know, se seemingly kind
of a dour most of the time.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
Uh.
Speaker 9 (31:51):
And you know, Hardley Krack a smile. They're all business.
You know, this guy is a he's first of all,
he's a young guy, and so he identifies I think
with the player is certainly more than guys as old
as day than men identify with them. He can you know,
he speaks in their language. He understands what is attractive
to football players when it comes to an organization and
(32:13):
how they can become better players. Let's face it, they're pros.
So you become a better player, you play on a
winning team, you have a chance at maximizing what few
years you have in this league. And I'm talking about
not only recognition but pay as well, because that's part
of the deal. So yeah, that steadiness has been I
think they're all along and I think his ability to say, hey,
(32:38):
this isn't good enough and we're going to make some
changes right now. Yes, we're midway through the season, and
that's okay because I know we can be better and
here's how we can be better, and between he and
John and the personnel staff, they figured that out and
they got themselves a couple of guys. I'm thinking on
defense as we talk about a lot right in the
(33:00):
middle of the defense that have really done their jobs
and done them well. So yeah, he's been steady, but
he's also willing to make hard decisions and make him
on the spot. And I think you've got a great
future ahead of him, and I expect it's going to
be here for a long time.
Speaker 2 (33:17):
Graves, what's the significance of this game?
Speaker 6 (33:19):
I know there's no postseason obviously, but you still can
win ten and I think it's important they go out
on a high note.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
What do you think their approach is for this one.
Speaker 9 (33:29):
I think that's the thing that as I remember too
when I played, you know, and it was I know,
it was back in the dark ages, but you always
felt better if you could win that final game. And
this goes back to every level that you play. It
just makes the off season better. You feel better about
(33:50):
yourself when you're not saying darn, you know, we just
lost that game and we ended on a bad note,
and now I got to live with this for the
entire offseason until we get started next year. So that
part of it is just great. It just makes you
feel better. It also gets you off on the right foot.
We're in twenty twenty five now. The next time we
play football after this, for when it counts, is still
(34:10):
in this calendar year. So we're starting this new year,
but hopefully on the right foot by winning a football game.
And oh, by the way, it's double digit wins in
his first year as a head coach. If you can
win this for Mike and for the team ten wins,
that's pretty darn good for a guy just coming in
and making all the changes they made. And oh, by
(34:31):
the way, it's over the Rams if you can beat them,
because we just flat don't like them. So what's not
to like about this whole scenario other than the fact that,
you know, a couple of times this season you had
a chance to take control of your own destiny and
you just weren't able to do it and you had
to depend on, you know, other guys the teams to
do it and they didn't come through for you. That's
(34:52):
the only negative. If the positive is is there's a
lot to be said for going out and winning this game.
Speaker 4 (34:58):
Now, Tyler Lockett is obvious under contract for next season.
Speaker 3 (35:03):
The team's not come out and said like we're moving on.
Speaker 4 (35:05):
But I think that the conversation around Lockett has been, well,
what's going to happen? I mean, it wasn't the biggest
year for him, He's getting a little bit older, they've
got wide receivers, and so I think naturally Steve, as
you know, there are some fans going am.
Speaker 3 (35:18):
I watching Tyler Lockett's last game?
Speaker 4 (35:20):
I hoped that we're not, But I was hoping to
just kind of ask what you've taken away from his
career and just kind of obviously you've talked to him
a million times, stand up guy, Just tell me a
bit about Lockett.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
As we wrap this up.
Speaker 9 (35:32):
Well, he's just the best, you know, having had the
opportunity to play with large and to probably not appreciate
as good as he really was until toward the end
of his career when the numbers just started stacking up,
and then pretty soon you're talking Hall of Fame for Steve,
and well deserved by the way. Of course, I ran
a lot of clear out routes to help him make
(35:53):
those catches. But still I don't hold any grudges because
of that, but Lockett is you know, I was reading
today in fact, and he is. He is very likely
going to see the team record for catches in a
season to Jackson Smith and Jigba this last game. And
(36:15):
he was the first one to tell Jack's hey, I'm
all for you.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
Do it.
Speaker 9 (36:19):
Go break it, break the hundred catch mark and put
your name in the record books. And I had to
look back and see that. Well, Bobby Ingram was one
of the guys that held that record, and then Doug Baldwin.
All terrific people, great football players, but better people. And
that's how you describe Tyler Lockett. You know, I trust
(36:41):
my wife implicitly when it comes to her ability to
judge people, and she absolutely adores Tyler Lockett and has
from day one. So if missus Rabel says he's the guy,
I'm all in favor. Aside from the fact that he's
had some of the most spectacular catches and the steadiest
career of almost any Seahawk that's ever worn that jersey.
(37:02):
So I love the guy to death. I hope it's
not his last year either, if there's a way. I
think as far as the salary cap and all that
stuff has to work out, but I would think, hey,
he still physically got it, so why not bring him
back unless he wants to say, you know, I can
make more money selling houses, which he probably could.
Speaker 1 (37:21):
I wonder what Sharon thinks about me now I'm worried.
I'm really axed.
Speaker 9 (37:26):
Yeah, well, when you retire and go into the Hall
of Fame, we'll we'll have that discussion. Until then, she
asked me. Until then, she asked me. Now, who is
that guy you work with?
Speaker 4 (37:38):
He is the voice of the Seahawks, Raves, Thanks so much,
Happy New Year, Thanks Raves.
Speaker 9 (37:43):
Hey guys, Happy New Year to you. See on the
plane there, Big Dave.
Speaker 4 (37:46):
All right, buddy, guys, about a minute left for us here.
Just to kind of round out, I wanted to get
both of your thoughts. Similarly to how I asked Steve,
I'm going to ask a different version so that you
are stuck making the most of your thirty or so seconds.
But what's sticking with you about the season in terms
of like I feel good about this, or maybe I've
(38:07):
learned this, or they need to address this, Like what
will be the message you're kind of telling yourself after
this year?
Speaker 2 (38:12):
Dave.
Speaker 3 (38:12):
I'll start with you and then Bump give you the
last word.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
Yeah, I guess it'll be maybe this is just too narrow,
but like conquering the whole offensive line problem, I mean,
I do think that that's and I don't think it's
just the Seahawks that have a problem.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
I think it's league wide.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
You know, we talked to Ray about it all the time,
and it's like it's like an endemic of you know,
there's just not good offensive line playing. It doesn't get
developed earlier on and yeah, I mean, guys aren't getting
in three point stances in college. And I feel like that,
you know, if John Schneider can conquer that.
Speaker 1 (38:46):
I mean, and you.
Speaker 5 (38:46):
Ask him and he'll say, well, I'll just go out
to the the tree in my backyard, yeah, and pick
a guard or whatever.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
But yeah, I mean I feel like that might be.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
I think that's fair.
Speaker 1 (38:56):
Might be the one thing.
Speaker 8 (38:57):
What do you think, bum?
Speaker 2 (38:59):
I think.
Speaker 6 (39:01):
Jsin creates good problems and interesting questions that need to
be answered this offseason. If he doesn't have the year
that he has, then what is going to happen during
the offseason might look a bit different. DKs has to
get extended. Lockett has to restructure his deal. If Jayson
doesn't have that year, then I think we're a bit
(39:23):
worried about this room and who's going to be back
and just the talent mess.
Speaker 4 (39:27):
And I like that it's like the good to come
from it, but also the domino effect to come from
a big year from your young wide receiver. All Right,
he is Dave Wyman, Michael Bumps. You can hear more
from Bump on the Seahawks pre and postgame show, and
then obviously Wyman is going to be on the call
with Rapes for Sunday Seahawks regular season finale against the Rams.
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