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.