The recent re-signing of star running back Shaun Alexander shows Seattle has every intention of remaining an elite team.
Keeping Alexander – the NFL MVP in 2005 – was the right decision for the Seahawks. If Seattle stays together, it will remain one of the better teams in the NFL and will have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Weeks after losing Super XL to Pittsburgh, the feeling among the Seahawks organization is that Seattle blew the game to the Steelers, and it can be in Miami next February vying for the Lombardi Trophy.
The Seahawks are clearly the best team in the NFC. While the John Fox-led Carolina Panthers always will be dangerous, the Seahawks have to be considered the favorite to win the conference in 2006 if they stay healthy.
This is a stable, young team with few glaring holes. Add the fine coaching of Mike Holmgren and this team can stay around a while, especially with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck entering his prime. Seattle recognized its opportunity to stay on top and secured Alexander with an eight-year contract before he could hit the open market. The team may be rewarded for its vision with a few more trips to the Super Bowl.
Lewis fits the scheme
Keep an eye on Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis. He could end up a Bronco.
Denver will not make a ton of free-agent moves, but the few it does make will count. Lewis could be one of those acquisitions.
For weeks there has been speculation the Broncos may consider either Lewis or Indianapolis’ Edgerrin James if the price is right. Lewis may be a more likely acquisition because of money. But with an excess of running backs available, the salaries may be driven down.
If James is too pricey, Denver would be happy with Lewis. Like James, Lewis fits Denver’s system. Lewis, who will be 27 in August, is 5-feet-11, 245 pounds and the big, power back Denver favors.
There is some risk, though. Lewis’ production and health have declined since he rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003. This is a player with some mileage on his legs. But Denver’s system has a way of reviving running backs, and Lewis could succeed here for two or three years.
If Lewis were to sign, the Broncos still would likely use a first-day draft choice on a running back to bring along, but Lewis would surely be the featured back.
Keep an eye on Woodson
There was a mini-stir in Denver last week when Oakland free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson was seen downtown. One thing led to another and … nothing. Woodson was in town for business, but not Broncos business.
Woodson’s situation will be interesting. In a market where big money could be fairly sparse, he could be a bargain for a team looking for a veteran cornerback, or perhaps a player who could be moved to safety. Woodson, who is unlikely to return to Oakland, isn’t going to be a big-ticket purchase for any team.
The former Oakland franchise player has slowly declined the past couple of years. Woodson, who will turn 30 in October, still can be a productive player.
He is looking for a winning team as he searches for his first championship. Among the teams that could show interest are Kansas City, New England and Miami.
Best there is
While the labor negotiations may have been less than scintillating, they served as a reminder why the NFL is the most effective of the major sports leagues.
The NFL is operated with an urgency other sports lack. Amazingly, this labor discord unfolded with the possibility of a work stoppage two years away. This has all been about making sure the NFL stays strong, which is why owners and the players’ union have worked nearly around the clock the past month.
With other sports, the urgency comes into play on the eve of a work stoppage. While both sides made some mistakes in this process, they have shown the greater interest of the NFL is at the heart of the matter.
