2009 NFL Football Preview - Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks finished last season 4-12 and ushered out the Mike Holmgren era in a stunning decline; Seattle had won four straight NFC West titles before the bottom dropped out. There were 14 starters on the IR at season's end, including the ENTIRE offensive line. All of the wide receivers AND THEIR BACKUPS were out at one point. So a quick rebound could altogether be possible if QB Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy. New offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will run a variation of Holmgren's West Coast, but with a bit more emphasis on running the ball. |
The secondary led the league in fewest touchdown passes allowed (15) in 2007 but last season they dropped to the bottom of the league in the passing statistics. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and new defensive backs coach Tim Lewis will work on using some Cover-2 that Bradley helped Monte Kiffin run in Tampa last year. The DB's are experienced enough that there could be a combination of zone and man defenses run to the same solid levels of effectiveness. The defense was also wrecked by injury last year, as stud DE Patrick Kerney missed more than half the season with a bum shoulder. The pass rush was far less successful, in turn, and the backers had to blitz more. Undersized corners Kelly Jennings, Josh Wilson and safety Brian Russel were vulnerable to the deep pass. As evidenced, Seattle gave up a league-worst 59 plays of 20 or more yards in 2008. A couple of defensive upgrades on the line in the offseason could go a long way.
ASK the bookie? - The Seahawks certainly merit as good of a chance at anyone in the division if they just stay healthy. A quick check of the total (eight wins, with juice to the OVER), tells The Bookie that most astute handicappers believe that Seattle will, indeed, rebound and have a chance to win the West. It looks like 8-8 from here, but don't be surprised in five or six wins, or if Mora rebounds to win 10 in his first season with a healthier bunch.
|