Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 05 August 2008

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Photo Source: [the News Tribune]

Here are the major additions to the Seahawks' roster, and what we can expect from them in 2008

Through the Draft

Lawrence Jackson, DE

Lo-Jack should see a fair amount of playing time. The Seahawks love to cycle their linemen in, and it looks as if Jackson will be in two rotations as a DT and a DE. I think they will use him instead of Tapp in some obvious rushing downs, and he should provide good pass rush as a DT. I expect him to play a lot more DE than Tackle, but we will see him play both in 2008. Be excited: Jackson is one heck of a player.

John Carlson, TE

Carlson will be our starting tight end, barring injury. He is instantly the best tight end Holmgren has had in Seattle, and he should be a major part of the offense in 2008. Another reason why the depth at WR isn't such a large problem. Carlson will be a fan favorite by week 6, count on that.

Other

I talked about the 2nd day picks here. Only Red Bryant, assuming he recovers well from surgury, should see much time outside of special teams.

Through Free Agency

Mike Wahle, LG

That is pronounced "wall", as in "having Mike Wahle is like putting up a wall between Jones and Spencer". Wahle is a two time Pro Bowler and a near miss many more times. He is 31, still in the prime of a career for an offensive lineman. He was cut by the Panthers for cap reasons not relating to performance, and we were lucky to pick him up. Having him makes our O-Line much improved from last year.

Julius Jones, RB

Julius Jones won't look like LT, but after last year, he doesn't have to. Jones is perfect for our offense and should remind some of a young Shaun Alexander by his running style, with two differences. Jones can block well and receive well, and that is an element missing in our offense for some time. Another lock to be a fan favorite, so pick up that jersey before they raise the price.

TJ Duckett, RB

It is still unclear how we will use Duckett, but I love his style. He is a power back who can make our 3rd and short struggles a thing of the past. How big his role is depend on the amount of touches he receives, and we don't know this yet. He could be a huge part of 2008, or a blip on the radar. We will know by September.

The Seahawks had a very good offseason, and look to make another Super Bowl run as a result. I can't wait.

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Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 02 August 2008

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Photo Source: [Seahawks Blog]

Let's keep it simple. Even the best teams heading into the season have things to worry about. These Hawks, for all of their talent, are no exception. Here are the problems ranked by severity. Just because something is raked doesn't mean it will be a problem, just a possibility.

Season Killers

Quarterback depth

We have none. If Hasselbeck goes down, then we are in huge, huge trouble. I don't trust Seneca to play well in any extended time, and we have no reason to believe that Charlie Frye is the answer. We just have to hope that Matthew can just stay on the field.

Big Uh-OH's

Offensive line depth

One troubling story out of camp is Chris Spencer. Him not playing would be very bad for the Hawks. He is just much better than our backup centers, and also him missing time is bad for his potential. Add this to Jones' age and shoulder problems, and we are talking serious problems.

Serious Issues

Schedule

A lot of National Writers like to dismiss the Seahawks because of their weak division. Well, the NFC West may not be very good, but the remainder of the schedule looks brutal. With Road Games against the Super Bowl champion Giants, as well as the Cowboys, and home games against the Patriots, the Packers, and the Eagles, the non-division games won't be easy for the Seahawks. With that being said, I thought last year's schedule looked pretty tough too. Things change quickly in this league.

Nagging Problems

Wide Receiver Depth

I don't see this as a giant issue. I believe one or more of the unproven guys will step up and fill the gaps in the WR corps. Still with Branch out for probably some time, and Engram getting even older, it might be worth mentioning. Which leads us to...

Injuries

Now, when I mean injuries, I mean people who are already hurt, such as Branch and Marcus Tubbs, not everybody who could get hurt. This may not be so much as a problem as it is a possible bonus, depending on what you expect from these players, but I think its worth mentioning anyway because of what these players mean to the club when healthy. 

The possibility of having Tubbs back would be a huge thing for this team. If he gets hurt again, then it won't be a terrible thing, but it could mean the difference between a top 3 defense and a top 10 defense. Branch is our best wide receiver, and any performance from him would be a benefit to the club. Missing these guys makes us a worse team.

That's about it. 

Sure, anything could go wrong, but these are the most likely pitfalls for this team. Overall I think the Hawks are in really good shape for the season, and look poised for another postseason run.

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Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 31 July 2008

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Photo Source: [Kitsap Sun]

Although we saw Matt Hasselbeck and the receivers create a full-frontal passing attack on the offense in 2007, the Seahawks' run game last year was horrendous. For Mike Holmgren's west coast offense to work to perfection, an adequate running game must be available. As we fondly remember, the 2005 season's offense with Shaun Alexander and Steve Hutchinson led a scary good west-coast offense.

Tim Ruskell and the front office knew that fixing the running game would be on the top of their agenda for the 2008 off season. They've added a new offensive line coach, Mike Solari, a new offensive lineman, Mike Wahle, and two new running backs, TJ Duckett and Julius Jones.

Those additions along with the experience of Leonard Weaver, the Seahawks' run game looks to be vastly improved. Don't forget about Maurice Morris, who will finally get his shot at starting. But he won't be the lone starter, as Holmgren has declared the position to be employed by a running back by committee. 

Of course, don't expect a 2005 run game because a blocker like Steve Hutchinson is the only way for something like that to happen. no comments

Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 25 July 2008

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 Photo Source: [Flickr]

Jeffri Chadiha at ESPN listed the top ten most indispensable players in the NFL. The list went like this:

1. Tom Brady-New England patriots


2. Peyton Manning- Indianapolis Colts


3. Terrell Owens- Dallas Cowboys


4. Adrian Peterson- Minnesota Vikings


5. Antonio Gates- San Diego Chargers


6. Albert Haynesworth- Tennessee Titans


7. Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia Eagles


8. Joe Thomas- Cleveland Browns


9. Matt Hasselbeck- Seattle Seahawks


10. Eli Manning- New York Giants

 Here's what he had to say about Matthew:

"Yes, every quarterback is important to his team but Hasselbeck was extraordinary in 2007. The Seahawks couldn't rely on former Pro Bowl running back Shaun Alexander and they also faced multiple injuries to their receiving corps. How did Hasselbeck respond? By putting the Seahawks' offense on his shoulders and leading that team to the postseason. A performance like that deserves to be rewarded with a spot on this list."

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Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 27 April 2008

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Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 23 April 2008

Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 23 April 2008

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By James Satterberg
So, It finally happened. I honestly thought it wouldn't happen this year, that we would simply bench him for next year and release him then, when he wouldn't be such a cap hit. I guess it was better this way, for all parties involved, so we don't waste a roster spot and Shaun doesn't have to endure a whole season riding the pine. I still can't believe it happened, but there it is, on the front of every sports and news related website.

When I heard the news that Shaun had taken his physical was to be cut, I was happy. I mean, I have been complaining about this man for a whole year, I have been waiting for this moment for some time. I am ashamed to say my frustrations boiled up to the point where I joined the boo-birds at Quest on Sundays, something I regret. But he was a liability to the team, somebody who without, we might have won 13 games again. I am happy that he has played his last game in Seahawks blue.

After this impulse reaction, I felt somewhat depressed. This could mark the end of Shaun Alexander's NFL career. He apparently thinks another team will sign him, but I doubt he gets more than a preseason invite, and I would be shocked if he made an active roster. It is not a secret that Shaun was my second favorite Seahawks of all time before 2007, and probably the favorite of most of the Northwest. In his prime, he was a rusher who had few equals, and had unparalleled vision. He also had a smile that could bring a dead puppy back to life, and he was a presence in the community. He brought pride to Seattle when he won the MVP, when he got the madden cover, when he starred in commercials. He was a symbol of what was right about sports in Seattle, and I will never forget that.

After thinking carefully and letting the fact set in these two reactions blended into each other. Now, I can say that I am happy that he was cut, not only in a football sense, but because now, with no more reason to complain, I can go back to thinking about Shaun the way I tough of him in his prime. I can reflect on my memories of him without having to remind myself that he sucks now. I can think back to the games I saw, where he made a mark on me personally. I can say with no doubt in my mind that Shaun made me a football fan. On my tenth birthday, 11/11/2001, I went to Husky Stadium with my dad and saw a young Shaun Alexander destroy the Oakland Raiders with 266 yards and 3 scores, including an 88 yard touchdown run. I will always have memories of that game, and I will always have memories of Shaun. It may be decades before Seattle ever has a better rusher, and I recognize how lucky we were that we could witness his wonderful career .

Shaun, I apologize for how I treated you over the last season. I hope you know that it was nothing personal. I want to thank you for a career that brought joy to millions of football fans, including myself. You were one of the true greats that I can tell my children about in twenty years. Finally, I can't wait to be in attendance as your name and number are revealed on the Ring of Honor.

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Written by Kevin Cacabelos | 22 April 2008