Hawk Talk highlights: Percy Harvin’s motivation

By Brady Henderson

The timing of receiver Percy Harvin’s activation off the Physically Unable to Perform list added another element to what was already one of the biggest Seahawks storylines this season.

Harvin is now on Seattle’s 53-man roster and is eligible to make his long-awaited Seahawks debut Sunday against Minnesota, the same team that drafted him in 2009, employed him for what by most accounts were four drama-filled years and traded him to Seattle in March.

So if Harvin does indeed play Sunday, will he have extra motivation given his acrimonious relationship with – and departure from – the Vikings? That was among the topics discussed during the latest edition of “Hawk Talk” with Danny O’Neil. You can read the full transcript here. Highlights are below.

Jeff asked whether Harvin will want “revenge” against the Vikings for not wanting to pay him.

Danny: It’s simpler than that. If you see an ex, don’t you want to look your best? No matter what. Regardless of whether you were the dumper or the dumpee.

CanadaHawk chimed in with this: “Don’t ever want to see my ex.”

Danny: No? Not even to show how happily successful and thriving you are? Playing on a team with one loss and entertaining Super Bowl ambitions. Meanwhile, your ex is trying to decide which pair of jeans hides the 50 pounds she has gained best, the Freemans or the Cassels or the Ponders.

Brandon asked whether it’s possible that Harvin has less “fire” now that he received a huge contract from Seattle.

Danny: I truly don’t think that’s possible. I think there are points – when a season goes south or wavers – that players get distracted or start thinking about self preservation. But when your team is 9-1, and you’ve got an opportunity to showcase yourself on this kind of stage, how would an athlete like Percy Harvin not want to showcase himself?

Hawkguy suggested Seattle signs Dolphins tackle Jonathan Martin, noting his pedigree as a former second-round pick and the team’s “good environment”.

Danny: I heartily endorse that sentiment. You could get a heck of value because if he was a second-round pick, what is he worth now? Then again, he will have to go through waivers.

ejohnson asked whether Michael Bennett or fellow pass rusher Cliff Avril has been more effective this season and whether the Seahawks will be able to re-sign Bennett, who is playing on a one-year deal.

Danny: I think Michael Bennett has had the better, more versatile and more consistent season. Can they keep him? I don’t know. I can bet they’re going to want to, and remember, the free-agent market isn’t expected to be that much more lucrative this offseason.

Johnny asked whether Danny thinks quarterback Russell Wilson is an MVP candidate.

Danny: Yes, I do. Three weeks ago, I couldn’t have said that. A couple of qualifiers: Seattle has to not only finish 15-1, but Russell Wilson has to clearly outplay Drew Brees in that Monday Night game. The second thing is that Peyton Manning’s performance must worsen.

Beast asked how Danny could consider Indianapolis Andrew Luck a better quarterback than Wilson yet consider Wilson – and not Luck – an MVP candidate this season.

Danny: Depends on how you phrase the question, right? Is Russell Wilson having a better season than Andrew Luck? Right now, I say yes. Is he a more viable MVP candidate? Right now. I think I can say fairly definitively that the NFL MVP is going to be one of three players: Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. Jamaal Charles will get mentioned and merits consideration, but he’s not winning this award. Andy Reid gets Coach of the Year and will thereby siphon off some support.

PacoPOA asked whether Seattle, Carolina or Kansas City has the NFL’s best defense.

Danny: Man. Tough. Right now? I’d vote KC’s. Better pass pressure, and while the Chiefs allowed 200 yards rushing to Buffalo, Seattle allowed 200 yards rushing in back-to-back games.

Max From Sydney AU asked about the likelihood that Seattle will re-sign Breno Giacomini – whose contract expires after this season – and noted that the right tackle has “come into his own since he’s been in Seattle.”

Danny: I think this answer will depend on the market. Yes. He has come into his own. He is an important cog who brings some toughness to this line. Having said that, Michael Bowie is promising, and we’re also about to reach the point where Seattle faces tough choices. It won’t be able to retain everyone it wants.