First of all, let me address the O-Line and the problems there. The problem with the O-Line is squarely on Tom Cable and Pete Carroll.

Pete has allowed Tom to cook with this philosophy that Cable is SOOOOOOOOOOO good that he can turn your average short-order cook at Denny's into a quality left guard. The shit ain't working, and I think it's fine to wonder how smart Cable and Carroll are in this regard. I say THAT because Pete is OBSESSED with the run. He really doesn't wanna throw the ball. He wants to smash you in the face until you submit. Because this is true, he is intricately tied into Cable, and because he is ultimately the head coach and ultimately in charge he has allowed Cable to have a say in the run game via who Cable has "coached up" and what they are good at. Now, sadly, our O-Line isn't good at anything...so...the lack of a run game is not on Bevell. It's squarely on the shoulders of Pete Carroll and Tom Cable. It's not because Bevell calls bad plays. It's because we have bad players trying to block the run. Now, the problem only becomes exacerbated when the RBs on the team are not the most talented bunch. Now you've got poor RBs trying the run the ball through a line that is even worse than they are.

As far as Russ and how the O-Line struggles have affect him, I'll say this: CLEARLY, there are too many times when the O-Line just fails to block the pass rush adequately, which causes Russ to scramble (maybe he completes it, maybe not), or to have to throw out of bounds, or worse - get sacked. Beyond that, Russell's problems lie with Russell. John Schneider and Pete Carroll always had this belief that, despite his height, Russ would develop into a passer who climbs the pocket and reads the defense similar to Drew Brees. Much to their dismay, Russ doesn't climb the pocket and we're 5 years in. Watch Russ in the pocket...even when he's protected he retreats, retreats, retreats because he's setting up his scramble in case he doesn't see open targets. Because he's so jittery and ready to run, he sometimes puts the O-Line in trouble because although they are doing an okay job, unbeknownst to them he's running around behind them and putting them in positions to get holding calls and whatnot. Also, Russ hasn't really proven that he's reading defenses that well. Most of his bread gets earned when shit breaks down and then his WRs are able to shake free and he completes passes. But watch him closely and see where he stands in there, reads the coverage and finds guys (especially throwing through tight windows or complete passes into tight coverage). It's just not there as much as it should be in year 5.

With all that being the case, the team is at an existential crossroads with Russ trying to figure out what the team IS and what the team can or should be. There's some rumblings that they should trade Russ now when his value is still high and use the picks and money saved to start rebuilding and looking for a more traditional passer. While that may seem a little crazy, the team has point blank just gotten old. We're gonna have to do some moderate rebuilding simply because of that so you really do have to evaluate if you wanna overhaul. Because, if you can find a talented, traditional pocket passer (not easy to do) then you might also find it easier to build a line around that type of guy.

As for everyone hating Russ in the locker room? I think that shit is overblown. I think a few years ago it WAS a problem but at this point, from what I know, it's not like that now.

Sherm will be fine and Earl is still a stud. Avril and maybe Kam are done. Mike Bennett has looked very average this year. Jimmy Graham is gone. Hawks will likely move on from Jeremy Lane as he's been injury prone and outplayed by younger, cheaper players. Our LBs are still good and Frank Clark and Sheldon Richardson (if he re-signs) are quality on the front line. We may have found a rejuvenated jewel in Dion Jordan.

We need to draft Saquon Barkley if possible. We also need O-Line, DB, RB and WR depth. Let's not forget that our kicker cost us THREE (THREE, YO!!!) wins this year so we'll err on positive side and say that won't happen next season. I mean, if he makes those kicks and we have those 3 wins then this discussion gets postponed for another season. I'm kinda happy we're having to have it happen now.

Anyways, fuck every other team. Go Hawks. And if you want a great follow on Twitter who breaks down this shit w/ more detail, sources and depth than I ever could, follow: https://twitter.com/DavisHsuSeattle