Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who coached Percy Harvin in Minnesota and Seattle, expressed disappointment this week that the mercurial playmaker didn't work out as planned for the Seahawks.
Retired wide receiver Sidney Rice, who played alongside Harvin in Minnesota and Seattle, believes the Seahawks made the right move in trading his former teammate to the New York Jets.
Rice points out that "the league has never seen a player like Percy Harvin," noting that it's tough to lose a star possessed of unique talent. But he also seconded NFL Media analyst LaDainian Tomlinson's contention that Bevell's offense lost its identity in trying to manufacture touches for Harvin at Marshawn Lynch's expense.
"There are certain things you've got to do to get the ball in his hands and it's tough," Rice explained, via ESPN.com's Terry Blount. "It takes away from what this team was built upon and that's Marshawn Lynch. I think now they will get back on track. I think it will end up being the best thing for both Percy and Seattle. I'm sure there's no bad blood."
That might very well be true. But regaining a smashmouth identity isn't as easy as jettisoning Harvin.
With middle linebacker Bobby Wagner and the Legion of Boom at less-than-peak strength, Pete Carroll's defense no longer inspires awe in opponents.
The Seahawks will end up facing the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers four times over a five-game stretch beginning in late November. They have a month to recapture Super Bowl form.
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