Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Seattle Seahawks
by Rob Staton
25/6/2008
 
Overview
 
The Seattle Seahawks are aiming for their fifth consecutive NFC West title in 2008. With their dullish uniforms, geographically awkward location in the northwest and 'bald as a plucked chicken' quarterback, the Seahawks garner little attention from the American media spotlight. That's just the way they like it. Scratch beneath the surface and there's a storyline brewing that might just be worth paying attention to. Head coach Mike Holmgren will leave the team after 2008, his tenth season in Seattle. Although it isn't officially retirement, Holmgren has often toyed with the idea and a successful upcoming campaign could signal the end of the walrus. After consecutive divisional playoff defeats the past two seasons the Hawks will again rely on Matt Hasselbeck and an ever improving defense to deliver the fairytale finish everyone in Seattle is hoping for.
 
Quaterbacks
 
Matt Hasselbeck had a career season statistically in 2007, scoring 28 touchdowns and racking up nearly 4,000 passing yards. With a struggling running game failing to penetrate, Hasselbeck was forced to carry the offense with some help from favoured receiver Bobby Engram. Although Seattle will lean on Hasselbeck again in 2008, a rejuvenated running game should take some of the pressure away as Mike Holmgren aims to use a more balanced offense. The bald head and cheeky character may deny Hasselbeck the same kind of superstar attention gifted to a Tom Brady, but the fact is he ranked amongst the elite passers in the NFL. Backed up by Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye, the Seahawks have some experienced depth at the position in an emergency.
Grade: B+
 
Running backs
 
Shaun Alexander is history in Seattle. The league MVP in 2005 was cut by the Seahawks in April, bringing an end to an illustrious career in the northwest. The decision was motivated by Seattle's limp running game in 2007 and plenty of changes have been made in the off season to correct the problem. Julius Jones and TJ Duckett are signed up to compete with current incumbent Maurice Morris, whilst the Seahawks also have numbers at full back with Leonard Weaver and rookie Owen Schmidt. It's difficult to tell whether the changes will have a positive impact, but one thing is for certain – it can't get much worse.
Grade: C
 
Offensive Line
 
Strictly speaking, the Seahawks O line was often a mess in 2007. Despite granting satisfactory protection to Matt Hasselbeck for most of the year, the struggling running game was hardly helped by a plethora of errors in the trenches. In comes veteran guard Mike Wahle to stand alongside future hall of fame tackle Walter Jones on the left side, whilst Sean Locklear will continue at right tackle after penning a new deal in the off season. Big question marks remain at centre and right guard and new line coach Mike Solari will be hoping for an improved performance from Chris Spencer and Rob Sims.
Grade: C
 
Receivers
 
With Deion Branch out indefinitely, DJ Hackett now in Carolina and Bobby Engram threatening to skip training camp, Seattle could be relying on a young quota of receivers in 2008. Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne and rookie tight end John Carlson are all touted for snaps by the coaching staff, but putting so much trust in youth comes with a certain amount of unpredictability. In the end it will come down to whether or not they can solve their contract dispute with Engram and gain greater consistency from potential match winner Nate Burleson. Without their contribution to the passing game, a significant strength for Seattle in 2007 could become a weakness.
Grade: D+
 
Defensive Line
 
Patrick Kerney led the NFC with 14.5 sacks in 2007 as the Seahawks found solid production from the defensive line. Ends Daryl Tapp and first round pick Lawrence Jackson will offer support on the opposite side in 2008. At defensive tackle, Seattle has high hopes for second year prospect Brendan Mebane and rookie Red Bryant. Rocky Bernard offers veteran help in the middle, but question marks remain over the future of often injured Marcus Tubbs.
Grade: B+
 
Linebackers
 
Arguably the strongest linebacker corp in football, the Seahawks own three of the best in Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson and LeRoy Hill. Depth at the position has taken a hit with the departures of Niko Koutouvides and Kevin Bentley, but if the starters can stay healthy the Seahawks can boast real strength at the position.
Grade: A
 
Secondary
 
Much improved in 2007 thanks to future head coach Jim Mora's influence and key additions at safety in Deon Grant and Brian Russell. Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings offer a solid tandem at corner back and the depth comes from Josh Wilson and Jordan Babineaux. The secondary can be regarded as a Seattle strength rather than the hindrance it has been in the past.
Grade: B
 
Special Teams
 
Josh Wilson made a controversial switch to NFC West rivals St. Louis leaving Seattle with big shoes to fill. Olindo Mare and rookie Brandon Couto will fight it out in camp for the kicking duties. Punter Ryan Plackemeier struggled at times last year but should be aided by consistent long snapping from draftee Tyler Schmidt. Seattle have an under rated return game with Nate Burleson and Josh Wilson both returning kicks for TD's in 2007.
Grade: C
 
Coaching
 
Experience, respect and authority – Mike Holmgren has the lot. It may be his last season in Seattle, but don't expect the team to lose focus under his leadership as a 'lame duck' coach. Holmgren has been the catalyst in Seattle's change of direction from perennial underachievers to consistent challengers and he will leave a legacy in the northwest for years to come.
Grade: A
 
Outlook
 
Seattle has owned a weak NFC West for four years and will be big favourites to make it five in a row in 2008. The off season focus has been on repairing a redundant running game and any hopes Seattle has on making it to the big show will depend on their ability to run the ball. The Seahawks will also hope for improved performance on the road. Seven of Seattle's 10 wins last year came at Qwest field and any hopes of a first round bye will depend on adding dominant display's on their travels in the regular season. The Mike Holmgren storyline offers an interesting angle to the Seahawks season and a return to the Super Bowl will be the target to send Holmy off into the sunset on a winning note.