Following the 2007 NFL season, the Seahawks were known for winning the NFC West for the past four consecutive seasons. However, since then, they have managed a mere 9 wins in 32 games. It’s clear they are in a rebuilding phase this off-season and while they may have fixed the quarterback position (or at least Pete Carroll and John Schneider think so) with the signing of Charlie Whitehurst, they still have a number of key needs remaining to be fixed in the draft and in the second-half of free agency. In this article, I will discuss those key needs:

• Offensive Tackle – The reality is, the offensive line has needed fixing ever since the 2007 NFL off-season. The loss of All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson has rendered the Seattle running game near uselessness for the past three seasons. However, the foundation of a good running game (and as a matter of fact, passing game) is a good offensive line, and that hasn’t been there. Now, not only is Hutchinson gone but future Hall of Fame tackle Walter Jones announced his retirement earlier this off-season. Reality is, I’m all for completely rebuilding our offensive line, but with all the other needs we have on this team, that isn’t an option. Last season, we resorted to having to sign no-names like Damion McIntosh and Brandon Frye in free agency to form a patchwork offensive line. If this team is ever going to work offensively, we need better blocking, period. Fortunately we have a deep offensive tackle group in this year’s draft class and we should find a capable future starter with one of our first three picks.

• Runningback – As stated earlier, just as our offensive line hasn’t been the same since our Super Bowl bid in 2006, neither has our running game. You can thank the downfall of a former MVP (Shaun Alexander), a number of stupid decisions made by former GM Tim Ruskell (e.g. overpaying useless backs T.J. Duckett, Julius Jones, & Edgerrin James), and just a bottom line neglect of trying hard to address the running game woes. While  it’s clear Julius Jones is NOT the answer, we caught a break last season by discovering a gem in Justin Forsett. The diminutive back showed he can contribute much more than what Jones ever did and the stubborn Jim Mora continued to remain loyal to Jones until the tail end of the season. Thank god that guy is out of town! Nonetheless, unless Forsett can prove he can be an every-down back, he’ll likely be more of a complement back. Considering that, we should target a guy in the draft. I’d be all for getting C.J. Spiller with our 14th overall pick. Spiller is a big-time playmaker who could fit the mold of a guy like Chris Johnson. Another option is drafting more of a power complement to Forsett, someone like Ryan Mathews, although he would be a reach with our 14th pick while he likely won’t still be around with our 2nd round pick.

• Defensive End – I may sound like a broken record, but a big reason for our struggles in the past two seasons is the defensive line. Simply enough, they have not been generating enough pressure. Defensive end Patrick Kerney was a sackmaster when he first arrived in Seattle, however his sack totals each season have dropped to 14.5 to 5.0 and 5.0 in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively. At the age of 33, it’s clear he is no longer that Pro Bowl pass rusher he use to be. Sad thing is, he is still arguably the best guy we’ve got on our line right now. We just traded Darryl Tapp to Philly, a questionable move in my mind, but worth the risk. In addition, former 1st round pick Lawrence Jackson has looked anything but good in his first two NFL seasons. He had four fewer starts this season then his rookie year and has recorded a mere 6.5 sacks in 2008 & 2009. Thanks Tim Ruskell, another wasted draft pick. If we don’t make a move for some other position, a guy like Derrick Morgan could be an option with our 14th overall pick.

• Safety – Honestly, I think our safety position was pretty solid back in 2007 (our last memorable season) with Deon Grant and Brian Russell, both newcomers. Reality is I think they played pretty well, for some reason, we dumped Russell in favor of aged Lawyer Milloy. Well that experiment failed big time as he made just one start all season. He was eventually benched in favor of “Big Play Babs” Jordan Babineaux. Babineaux has been a utility kind of player for us his entire career and finally he showed us his full potential last year finishing with 104 tackles and 2 picks. I think he is our answer at free safety. However, we recently released fan-favorite Deon Grant, our starting strong safety for the past three seasons and a team captain. While he was an important player for us on defense, from another angle, he was an aging guy whose contract was becoming a burden for the Seahawks. While safety is not as big of a need as some of our other positions, there’s a good chance we could fix this position with our 6th overall pick. Reason? Eric Berry. I think he is the second best player in this year’s draft behind Ndamukong Suh, if he’s still there at the 6th spot, I say definitely get him.

– Ian L

http://fantasyguru.sportsblognet.com/

In continuing my series chronicling players entering training camp, I focus this article on the captain of this team:  Matt Hasselbeck.

Matt Hasselbeck has been what has gelled this offense through the Mike Holmgren era.  Although his first couple of years were rocky in Seattle, this team would not be what it is today without Matt Hasselbeck.

He came to the Seahawks in 2001 after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round in 1998.  His reception in Seattle wasn’t the best to start out a career, as his arrival forced out fan favorite Jon Kitna and his erratic play for several years led to his benching.

He finally started winning fans over in the final three games of the 2002 season, when the Seahawks went 3-0 to close out the season 7-9.

As he entered the 2003 season, he became the starter and led the Seahawks to a 10-6 record, earning them a birth in the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers where he infamously made the proclamation “we want the ball, and were gonna score” call in the OT.

The Seahawks were finally gaining respect, being the team chosen by SI as the team to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl

2004 also happened to be another good year for the quarterback as his team flew out the gate to a 3-0 record.  However, a late collapse against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4 really disrupted their season.  They went on to finish 9-7 and lose to the Rams in the NFC Wild Card game.  Hasselbeck finished with 3,382 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He really flourished in 2005, guiding the Seahawks to the Super Bowl and starting the 2005 Pro Bowl.  He threw for3,459 yards and 24 touchdowns.

His best season statistically came in 2007, where he passed for 3,966 yards and 28 TD’s.  The Seahawks again lost to the Packers in the playoffs that season, and Hasselbeck unfortunately kept his mouth shut.

It has been extensively covered that Matt Hasselbeck had a herniated disk last season, allowing him to only play in seven games.  For the first time in his career, Hasselbeck heads into training camp with his health in question.

Although we have good reason to question if Hasselbeck is healthy, (can you name one guy who came back to play QB in the NFL after blowing a disk in his back?) Hasselbeck wants to silence his doubters.

As we enter training camp everyone’s eyes will be on Hasselbeck.  So far he has looked good, but what will happen in the opener against St. Louis? 

If the Seahawks plan to play their way back into the post season they will need their leader to have another Pro Bowl caliber season.

I have decided to begin a series chronicling several Seattle Seahawks before the start of training camp. My series begins by looking at the importance of Patrick Kerney’s return to the Seahawks defense.

Patrick Kerney came to the Seattle Seahawks in 2007 after spending his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. Kerney was drafted 30th overall by the Falcons in the 1999 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.

His three year college career as a Cavalier saw Kerney earn All-ACC honors in 1998, as well as All-America honors.

Kerney then signed a five-year $5.6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. In his first two years, Kerney recorded only five sacks.

However, 2001 was a breakout year for Kerney, as he tallied 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. Kerney then became a staple of Atlanta’s defensive line, recording 42 sacks from 2001-2004, and making the Pro Bowl in ’04 after racking up 13 sacks.

In 2006, Kerney tore his pectoral muscle nine games into the season, requiring season-ending surgery.

Kerney then decided to opt out of his final two years of his contract, and signed with the Seattle Seahawks for six-years and $39.5 million.

Kerney did not disappoint in his first year in Seattle, racking up 14.5 sacks and earning NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Unfortunately, Kerney was lost seven games into a dismal 2008 season, as he hurt his shoulder that he had surgery on in the offseason. Kearney would have a second surgery, ending his season.

As we near training camp, Kerney’s return to the defensive line has not been discussed at length, but could be one of the biggest moves in the NFC West this season.

Kerney gives the Seahawks many options on the defensive line. Kerney takes pressure of Cory Redding, who could have a break out year for the Seahawks. Kerney’s presence should also take pressure off the right side of the defensive line.

Kerney also allows for more blitzes by the linebackers. A healthy Kerney usually demands double teams, allowing for free roaming linebackers to be left one on one with either a running back or full back. This could lead to a Pro Bowl season for Leroy Hill.

Kerney also brings solid leadership to this team. His intensity, high motor, and refusal to quit resonate through the entire defense. 

If Kerney can return to his 2007 form in ’09, the additions of Curry, Redding, Cole, or Lucas will not be the story of the defense this season.

The Seattle Seahawks came into the 2009 offseason looking to improve a team that ranked 28^th in total offense and 30^th in total defense.  The Seahawks knew they needed to make vast improvements in their roster if they wanted to prove that last season was just an aberration.

Many fans felt that Tim Ruskell really needed to have a stellar offseason in order to appease the masses.  In essence, Ruskell potentially had his job on the line. 

In light of that, Ruskell and the Seahawks have really plugged many of the holes surrounding this team after the 2008 season. 

The first move by the Seahawks in free agency was signing WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a five year deal, a move that really bolstered a receiving core that was decimated by injuries last season.

Houshmandzadeh brings great hands and a big body, perfect for a red zone target for Matt Hasselbeck.  Houshmandzadeh has blossomed into one of the league’s best pass catches, snagging 294 over the past three seasons.

The Seahawks then looked towards improving the defensive line.  Looking for a wide body to command double teams and help seal offensive lineman, they signed free agent Colin Cole from the Green Bay Packers.

Cole fits the bill nicely, weighing in at 330 pounds he provides the run stuffing ability the Seahawks were desperate for last season.

As the draft loomed closer, the Seahawks made a move surprising to some, dealing linebacker Julian Peterson to Detroit for Cory Redding.  Redding is a quicker defensive tackle who should compliment Colin Cole nicely.

The Seahawks then focused their attention on the draft.  With many speculating the Seahawks to choose between WR Michael Crabtree and LB Aaron Curry, some experts felt the Seahawks were going to take the quarterback of the future in Mark Sanchez of USC.

With all the smokescreens and rumors, the Seahawks stuck to their plan and drafted Aaron Curry.  Later, the Seahawks dealt their second round pick to Denver for their first round pick in next year’s draft.

The Seahawks traded their way back into the second round and drafted talented center Max Unger out of Oregon, who could supplant Mike Whale as starting left guard this season.

Seattle drafted speedy wide receiver Deon Butler in the third round, helping shore up the depth at wide receiver.

Finally the Seahawks signed free agents Ken Lucas and Justin Griffith.  Lucas, drafted by Seattle in the 2001 draft, is a taller corner who has the daunting task of trying to cover a number of tall, physical receivers in the NFC West.

The Seahawks really addressed their needs on the defensive line, wide receiver and corner.  However, there are still some glaring holes that the Seahawks could address before the start of the 2009 season.

One of those holes is at the safety position.  Brain Russell and Deon Grant were signed before the 2007 season to shore up the safety position for years to come.  However, the secondary took a step back last season ranking 32^nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed. 

The Seahawks could potentially wait one more year and draft a safety next season.  There is also the possibility to sign a veteran safety before the start of the season; however it is more likely they will enter the 2009 season with Grant and Russell battling C.J. Wallace and Jamar Adams in camp.

The Seahawks also have a need at center.  Chris Spencer has struggled through injuries and is being challenged by third year player Steve Vallos. 

The Seahawks are looking to shore up the center position after potentially converting Max Unger to guard. 

Seattle signed undrafted free agent David Washington from Oklahoma State as a potential challenger for the starting center position.  However, look for the Seahawks to look at potential free agent centers during training camp.

With the Seahawks filling these gaps this offseason, they could potentially be a surprise team in 2009.

Michael Vick is scheduled to be released from prison any day now and will petition to be reinstated by the NFL. 

Why should the NFL let him in and who will give him his second chance?

Vick has paid his debt to society whether or not we want to acknowledge it.  He spent nearly 23 months in prison for financially backing a dog-fighting ring, along with other instances of animal cruelty.

He has apologized for his actions repeatedly and has lost everything he has earned over his short NFL career.  He made a giant mistake, and he paid for it.

I do not condone dog fighting, but I do support second chances.  Vick should get his second chance.

If America is so forgiving, why not give it to him?

As it looks now, it is not if—but when—Vick returns to the NFL, who will want him?

ESPN’s John Clayton gave us four teams as possible destinations for the former Atlanta Falcon, mentioning the Seattle Seahawks as his No. 2 team.  Three of the four are from the NFC West and the other is a team needing to bring a new spark to its offense in the New England Patriots.

All four of these teams do not make sense for a Vick comeback.  However, the Seahawks could be the most intriguing team on this list.

New Seattle head coach Jim Mora has been outwardly supportive of his former quarterback.  He and Vick led the Falcons to the NFC Championship game in 2004.  In many eyes this could be a potential reunion to recreate something special.

However, I firmly believe that the Seahawks will not add Vick to their roster this season.  Tim Ruskell knows the media circus that will follow his team all year.  How bad would Ruskell look if he signs Vick when he preaches good-character guys as the backbone of the franchise?

If we look at it differently, this deal could vault the Seahawks offense up another notch.  If Vick has healthy legs, he could be dangerous in the NFL again.  The thought is intriguing only for about a minute—then it becomes repulsing.

I sincerely hope Michael Vick is offered another chance to play football again.  I believe in second chances.  I have made mistakes just like everyone and would want the same second chance.  I like to use the Golden Rule standard.

However, I do not embrace the idea of Vick getting his second chance on the Seattle Seahawks.

With the fourth overall pick in the draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected Aaron Curry out of Wake Forest. 

The Seahawks were elated to have Curry fall to them at No. 4, especially after trading Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions this offseason.

Curry presence should have an immediate impact on a lackluster defense that finished 30th in the league in total defense. However, there is one man who should benefit the most out of Curry’s presence on the defense.

That man is Leroy Hill.

The last three seasons Leroy Hill has been limited to only six sacks, which could be attributed to playing alongside Julian Peterson. In his first season with the Seahawks in 2005 Hill recorded seven and half sacks. 

While Peterson was a member of the Seahawks, defensive coordinator John Marshall used Peterson mostly as the main pass rusher. That left Hill to cover wide receivers in an attempt to utilize Peterson’s natural pass rushing ability.

In his first two seasons as a Seahawk, Peterson totaled 19.5 sacks. However Peterson only registered five sacks in 2008, his last with the Seahawks. Even though the Seahawks tallied 35 sacks last season, they failed to generate a consistent pass rush from the linebackers.

The Seahawks also had difficulties in the passing game, allowing a league worst 253.9 yards per game.

With the departure of John Marshall, new defensive coordinator Casey “Gus” Bradley will implant his version of the “Tampa 2″ defense this season. 

This new defensive scheme for the Seahawks could potentially open up more opportunities to blitz the quarterback especially given Jim Mora’s declaration of running an “attacking” defense, something the Seahawks have been lacking the past three seasons.    

Curry’s presence allows Hill to return to a more comfortable role of attacking the quarterback while Curry will drop by into zone coverage, thus giving Bradley more pass rushing options.  

One of Curry’s weaknesses is in his pass rush ability.

According to an article written on April 12, 2009, one scout said, “Curry’s only knock is that he hasn’t fine-tuned his pass rush. He understands the concepts, but doesn’t have the great experience to really match up against tight ends or fighting through double teams when blitzing.”

Another article says, “Watching Curry, it appears he lacks hip fluidity and doesn’t run so well when it’s not in a straight line. Not necessarily a game changer who opponents need to game plan around. Wasn’t asked to blitz a whole lot and doesn’t have great career sack totals. Because of this, Curry doesn’t have great pass rush moves.”

While Hill’s strength is rushing the quarterback, Curry is more apt to cover receivers in zone coverage.  

In his junior season at Wake Forest he set an ACC record with 254 return yards and four interceptions, including three of them for touchdowns.

With Curry, Hill could potentially return to his 2005 form and wreck havoc on opposing quarterbacks, which could be exactly what the Seahawks need to bounce back in 2009.

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks.

This game could set an early tone on the 2009 season. This will be a different Chicago team than the last one who came to Qwest Field. 

Last time the Bears came to Seattle, they looked to extend their winning streak to three over the Seahawks. However they ran headfirst into Patrick Kerney and the Seahawks defense which registered five sacks and two fumbles.   

Matt Hasselbeck threw for 337 yards and two touchdowns and Maurice Morris ran for 87 yards and a score. Rex Grossman threw for 266 yards and had a costly fumble with 5:00 left down 27-20. The final was 30-23 Seahawks.

Replacing Rex Grossman will be newcomer Jay Cutler, who looks to shake off a rough off season and have a hot start to this season.   

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts

The following week the Seahawks visit the Indianapolis Colts. This will be the first 10:00 AM start time for the Seahawks in the 2009 campaign.  

Last meeting saw the Seahawks beat a Manning-less Colts team in Seattle 28-13 to wrap up home field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs. Shaun Alexander scored three times to tie Priest Holmes’ touchdown record at 27.

This will be the Seahawks first trip to Lucas Oil Stadium. Awaiting them will be Peyton Manning and a Colts team who fell short in San Diego during the playoffs. Last season the Colts finished the season 12-4 and 6-2 at home.

Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys

Another 10:00 AM start time greets the Seahawks in this Week Eight match up as they look to avenge an ugly Thanksgiving Day loss last season.

Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys offense looked flawless against the Seahawks defense, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Dallas cruised to an easy 34-9 victory.

Dallas’ defensive shredded the Seahawks offense, registering seven sacks on Matt Hasselbeck. This was Matt Hasselbeck’s final game of the 2008 season.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

This is another huge road test for the Seahawks as they travel for a date with the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, AZ. The Seahawks have never won in Arizona’s new stadium since it opened in 2006, losing the first game 27-21.

The following year in Week Two, the Seahawks fumbled away their chance to steal a victory over Arizona.  Neil Rackers connected on the game-winning 42-yard field goal to win it for the Cardinals.

In the season finale of last season, the Cardinals demolished the Seahawks 34-21. The Seahawks look to finally win their first game in Arizona’s new stadium.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers

This is the Seahawks final road game of the 2009 season.  This is also the fifth straight season the Seahawks and Packers will meet in the regular season.

The Seahawks last came to Lambeau Field in 2007 in the NFC Divisional round.  Seattle pounced on the second seed Packers early, capitalizing on two Ryan Grant fumbles to stake an early 14-0 lead. However, Brett Favre and the Packers rallied to win 42-20.

Ryan Grant came back with a vengeance, running all over the Seahawks defense for 201 yards and three touchdowns.  Favre added three touchdowns of his own.

Seattle looks to finish on a high note with a December win in Green Bay. These five games could be the difference if the Seahawks look to earn a postseason berth in 2009.