The Seattle Seahawks bolstered their WR corps by trading for Rashid Shaheed (New Orleans Saints) on Tuesday. The Seahawks further cemented their genius with the move by sending fourth- and fifth-round draft picks to grab the young talent. Shaheed arrived at the Seahawks’ headquarters early Wednesday morning prepared to go with the flow like his new team.
Shaheed’s move to Seattle is a natural fit. His comfort level with the offensive scheme being implemented by coordinator Klint Kubiak is a huge part of that success. From a technical standpoint, the fact that Kubiak was the offensive coordinator of the Saints last season helped Shaheed get up to speed with Seattle’s offensive playbook right away. He described the offense as “pretty much the same” as last year’s iteration. He’s afraid that, even though these are small changes, he’s lost his touch.
Coach Mike Macdonald had full faith that Shaheed would came in and made an immediate impact.
“Just keep attacking it. … He’s done a great job so far, and the prep won’t stop until all the way through game time.” – Mike Macdonald
In addition to growing pains, injuries have decimated the roster. This Sunday Shaheed will likely receive considerable playing time in his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals. As for the Seahawks, they will certainly be leaning on him. That’s particularly the case if Ernest Jones IV is unavailable due to his right knee injury. Jones suffered the injury during the first half on the same field a week earlier against Washington and did not return. He was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday and a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. After sitting out on Friday, his status for Sunday’s game is very much in question.
With Jones on the sidelines, Drake Thomas figures to step in as the defense’s QB. This dramatic transition in responsibilities highlights the critical need for Shaheed to take the helm. He needs to be prepared to assume the role vacated by Jones should the need arise.
And the Seahawks, prepped and focused on their game with the Cardinals tonight. They’re hoping he can make an impact from the get-go in the passing game and be a potential star in the return unit. His overall integration will be key for the Eagles to make a strong push down the second half of the season. Everyone will be focusing on what his impact will be as he takes the field with his new teammates.
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