There are some big questions going into the 2009 season for the Seattle Seahawks. Some big concerns, and some big opportunities for this team to return to form and reclaim its rightful place atop the NFC West.
Overall, I'm optimistic going into this year. Matt is back, and he's healthy. We will have to win more than 4 games if he stays in the line up all year. No knock on Seneca Wallace, but we need to start a healthy Matt Hasselbeck on all 16 games if we want to make it to the playoffs this season. The addition of T.J. Houshmanzedah could completely electrify this offense. Matt works best when he get into a rhythm, we've seen him at his best in the past, when he consistently could convert 1st downs on 8-15 yard gains to Bobby Engram. Engram is now with the Kansas City Chiefs, but what the Seahawks have in T.J. is a B.Eazy on steroids( not literally!) T.J. in theory will be that same go-to guy, except this time he will be of a #1 WR caliber.
The question remains, can Houshmanzedah handle being the #1 guy, or was his success in Cincinnati largely due to Chad Ochocinco drawing double teams on the other side of the field? This won't be a concern however if Nate Burleson can stay healthy and step up this season, he is a viable threat to opposing teams.
Lets break down all sides of the ball and address the Strengths and Weakness' :
Offense:
Pro's- Matt is healthy, the addition of T.J. and a healthy Nate Burleson, as well as the young exciting receivers ( Butler, Taylor, etc.) will make the passing game something to watch this season. That is if the offensive line, who is missing the NFL best left tackle in Walter Jones, can provide enough protection for the passing game to develop.
Con's- The makeshift offensive line, has 3 men starting that were not on the starting roster going into the preseason. Walter Jones and Chris Spencer need to get healthy quick before the momentum of this season is lost on multi- sack games. Also, the running game is still mediocre at best. The Seahawks will need to address their running game in the off season by either a trade or preferably in the draft. I don't see James or Jones having a big season. Justin Forsett can be a nice spark every now and then however.
Defense:
Pro's- Will the implement of a new Defensive scheme revamp a defense that was 31st in passing Defense? That's the question. Aaron Curry looks like could be not only the rookie of the year at the LB position, but also could have a probowl season ahead of him in his first year in the NFL. What I've seen from him in the preseason excites me! We do have the best linebacking core in the NFL with Tatupu, Hill, and now Curry. We should be able to get pressure on the opposing QB consistently this season.
Con's- Injuries once again are the biggest cause for concern. The Seahawks pass- defense was 31st in the league last season, and with Marcus Trufant out for at least 6 games with a injury to a disk in his back, this could prove to be a weakness again this year. Corner Ken Lucas is back and needed at the corner position. Also, they released Safety Brain Russel which is a good move, if nothing else it shows that they are not content to just put back on the field the same players that failed last year.
Special Teams: Punter Matt Ryan has had a very impressive preseason, if he can continue his preseason success into the season that could prove to be a small aspect with a big impact on football games. After all, field position is everything. We need better coverage on kickoff and punt returns, too many missed tackles. Its about time we step up our return game as well. The new rules the allow only a 3 man wedge on returns doesn't help, but I'm not writing off our return game just yet. The few missed field goals in the preseason shouldn't haunt to regular season.
Coaching: Jim Mora Jr. has something to prove. With his reputation as a "player's coach" he strove to command respect during training camp and preseason this year by working the team hard. Did it work? or are they player's too tired going into the start of the season?
Seahawk fans have a nagging pit in their stomach with the departure of Mike Holmgren, reminding them of when Lou Pinella left the Mariners. Sparing a string of losing season's and multiple managers since his departure. The situation with Mora is different however, and I think Mora will get the time he needs to prove he is deserving of the head coaching position.
I am most interested to see how the addition of Greg Knapp as a Offensive Coordinator will affect play calling this season. This is a year where the coaches are as much a story as the player's.
GAME 1 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 VS. ST.LOUIS RAMS
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams, 17
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