Klint Kubiak appears underwhelmed by latest sneaky-good Seahawks move
Like all good coaches, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator is good at taking the players given to him and turning them into a productive unit. Kubiak doesn't make the roster moves, of course; general manager John Schneider does. But Kubiak knows what his role is and does it well.
Kubiak also understands that his team needed to add a running back. Seattle has Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, and until recently had George Holani. Unfortunately, Holani has not been able to consistently stay healthy since his college years and hurt his hamstring in Week 12. He might be out for the rest of the regular season.
To replace him, the Seahawks signed veteran Cam Akers. The move does a couple of things. One gives Seattle RB depth, of course, but the other is to get even more of a feel for the Vikings' offense. Akers was part of the Minnesota organization in the past two seasons.
Klint Kubiak not prepared to answer how Cam Akers will help the Seattle Seahawks
Kubiak, though, seemed underwhelmed by Seattle acquiring the 2020 second-round draft pick. Akers has never played up to his relatively high draft status.
Just days ahead of the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings' Week 13 matchup, the offensive coordinator was asked about adding Akers to his offense, and he gave the most coach-speak answer. He was certainly nonplussed.
Kubiak told reporters, "We're happy to have him. I just met him. Saw him on the practice field. I have a lot of respect for what he's done throughout his career. With us having an injury, I think it's a great pickup, and excited to see what he can do for us. To be determined."
It is those last three words that speak louder than others. Almost literally. Kubiak was so deadpan when answering the question that no real excitement was detected. Perhaps the OC was simply not prepared to answer the question because he wasn't ready for Cam Akers to be part of his offense all of a sudden.
Still, Kubiak's energy level might tick up quite a bit should Akers prove to be more productive in terms of yards per carry. His career average is 4.0, but he's never been better than 4.3 in any season. That doesn't imply he will be the rotational sparkplug that the Seahawks could use.
While the Seattle Seahawks' yard per carry has been 4.4 over the last three games (compared to 3.7 on the season, third-worst in the NFL), that number still ranks 12th in the league. For a team that wants a run-pass balance, the run aspect must be better. Can Cam Akers help with that? To be determined.
Giants' Future Hinges on Re-Signing Key Free Agents: 'It’s Not Just a Choice, It’s a Necessity'
As the New York Giants head into the offseason, the team's management faces a pivotal decision that could shape the future of the franchise. With several key players approaching free agency, it’s become clear that keeping the core of the team intact is not just a strategic move, but an absolute necessity. The Giants' front office understands the importance of re-signing their most valuable free agents to continue building a winning team and capitalize on the momentum that’s been established.
"The future of this team lies in keeping the core intact. Re-signing our free agents isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity if we want to keep building something special," a Giants insider shared. This sentiment resonates deeply within the organization, especially as the team looks to build on a promising foundation and make a legitimate push for playoff contention in the coming years.
Building for the Future
The importance of re-signing key players cannot be overstated. In a league where continuity is often the difference between success and failure, keeping the core of the roster intact provides the stability and chemistry necessary for long-term success. Several key free agents, who have been integral to the Giants' success, are entering the final years of their contracts, and the front office knows that retaining these players is essential to maintaining the team's competitive edge.
By re-signing these key players, the Giants are not only locking in talent but also sending a message to the locker room — that the team is committed to building around its strongest assets. The Giants have a strong core of players who have been performing at a high level, and their continuity could be the cornerstone of future success.
A Winning Formula
The Giants have made significant progress over the past few seasons, and much of that success can be attributed to the strong leadership and playmaking ability of their core players. The front office understands that they cannot afford to disrupt that chemistry. Keeping the key free agents ensures that the team doesn’t start from scratch, instead allowing for a more seamless transition into the next phase of their development.
"I think we’ve built something special, and now it’s about taking it to the next level. Retaining these guys is crucial for us to continue that growth," said a Giants team leader. This move is not just about talent, but about building a team that has the right mix of veterans and young players who can push each other to greater heights.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Giants’ front office to see how they approach these contract negotiations. Fans and analysts alike are hoping that the team will make the necessary moves to keep its best players in the fold. The Giants are in a prime position to make a legitimate run in the NFC, and re-signing key players is a critical piece of the puzzle.
The future of the Giants rests on their ability to make smart decisions, retain key players, and continue building upon their recent successes. As the offseason progresses, the clock is ticking, and the decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the team is poised for greatness or left with another rebuilding year.
