Seattle Seahawks Preview

Pete Carroll starts the Seahawks over after two disappointing seasons and one thing is for sure-this team already looks different in many spots.

Matt Hasselbeck returns as the quarterbacking starter,but considering the time that he has missed due to injury over the last few years,one has the feeling that Carroll is waiting for the inevitable injury to move Charlie Whitehurst in as the starter.
Seattle didn't trade a 3 and flip 2's with the Chargers for Whitehurst to backup Hasselbeck for the long term.
Seattle is carrying just the pair for now at quarterback,so an injury would mean an immediate sign from the free agent list.

The running back group is waiting for someone to break out.
Justin Forsett will get his chance to start,but Julius Jones will see action and Leon Washington will likely be the third down back
Special teamer Quinton Gather completes the group.
I like Forsett and think he is the best of this bunch,but time will tell...

The pass catchers took a huge hit with the loss of T.J. Houshmanzdeh,who had to be clashing with Pete Carroll,didn't like the new offensive system or both.
You cannot tell me that the veteran was not one of the top 53 players on this team.
Mike Williams looked really good in pre-season as he attempts remove himself from the draft bust list.
Often-injured Deion Branch starts on the other side for as long as he stays in the lineup.
Second rounder Golden Tate and 2009 third rounder Deon Butler are the main backups with Ben Obomanu providing the depth.
Lots of questions here between inexperience,lack of performance and injuries with this corps of receivers.

Seattle kept four tight ends with John Carlson keeping his starting job.
Carlson could have a true breakout year considering the wideouts.
Chris Baker was signed from the Jets as the main blocker with Cameron Morrah returning and sixth rounder Anthony McCoy making the team as well.

The offensive line has huge questions after a poor year last season and constant players being shipped in and out.
Russell Okung,the first rounder from Oklahoma State will miss the opener and maybe the second game at left tackle,but will start upon his return.Mike Gibson has just three games of experience but is the starter at left guard for now.
Chris Spencer,Max Unger and Sean Locklear return to make up the rest of the line,with Locklear taking a huge pay cut to stay with the team.
Veterans Tyler Polumbus and Stacy Andrews were brought over for draft picks and will see more and more action as they get familiar with the team.
Ben Hamilton and Chester Pitts are experienced players that round out the group for depth.

The defensive line has been shaken up with Chris Clemons and Red Bryant starting at each end.
Clemons replaces Darryl Tapp in a swap with the Eagles,while Bryant was moved from tackle to end.
Colin Cole and Brandon Mebane return as the tackles with Mebane being the teams best lineman.An outside pass rush from Clemons or Bryant is almost mandatory...
Veteran Raheem Brock is a nice backup signed from the Colts and former San Francisco first rounder Kentwan Balmer will be given another chance in a backup role.
Junior Siavii was claimed off waivers at the deadline and rookie E.J.Wilson along with fellow first year man Dexter Davis round out the crew.

The linebackers look strong with the return of Lofa Tatupu in the middle after an injury shortened 2009.
David Hawthorne had an excellent season in replacing Tatupu and showed so much that he was shifted to the outside linebacker to keep him in the lineup.
2009 top pick Aaron Curry starts at the other spot after an average rookie season.
Curry will need to step his game up,especially with the pass rush if the defense is to succeed.

The secondary is solid,but took a hit with the seemingly ridiculous trade of starting corner Josh Wilson to Baltimore.
Marcus Trufant returns as a top notch corner and Kelly Jennings will step in at Wilson's former position.Aging Lawyer Milloy will start at strong safety and first rounder Earl Thomas starts at the free position.
Look for rookie Walter Thurmond to push Jennings for playing time,if not take his job as the season progresses.
Big play safety Jordan Babineaux returns as a nickel back along with rookie Kam Chancellor as the possible future replacement for Milloy.

Olindo Mare and Jon Ryan are back as the kicker and punter,while Golden Tate will be returning kicks and punts.
Walter Thurmond might get a few punts and Justin Forsett will join Tate on kickoffs to start the season.

This is a rebuilding effort and I expect another down season,likely under.500.
However,the schedule isnt excessively strong,so 8-8 is possible,but I'll say 7-9.