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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • NFL Predictions 9/11/09 • Seahawks Burleson ready to provide some spark if needed 9/11/09 • Seahawks’ defense is has been retooled, but is it better? 9/11/09 • Seahawks 2009 schedule 9/11/09 • Seahawks veteran kicker Orlando Mare outlasts his younger competition 9/11/09 • Seahawks’ Mora is an optimistic head coach, but can he turn that optimism into victories? 9/11/09 » More 2009 SEAHAWKS SPECIAL SECTION stories >   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, September 11, 2009 Seahawks special teams By John Boyle Herald Writer Special teams were something of a mixed bag for the Seahawks last year. On one hand, they were strong in the return game, ranking second in the NFL on kickoff-return average — the pessimist could point out that the 4-12 Seahawks had lots of practice — and 12th in punt-return average. Stopping those returns was another story, however. The Seahawks were worse than every team in the league but one in kick coverage, and were 21st in punt coverage. Olindo Mare beat out Brandon Coutu for the place-kicking job, and gives the Seahawks a strong leg that will help compensate for kick coverage problems. He also was accurate on field goals last season. John Ryan spent the preseason booming punts, and that position appears to be a strength for coach Bruce DeHaven’s special-teams unit. One adjustment the Seahawks seemed to struggle with in the preseason was the rule change regarding kick returns. Teams are no longer allowed to form three- and four-man wedges to block on returns, and the four-man wedge was part of Seattle’s success in that category last season. The Seahawks hope the talents of Josh Wilson and other returners will compensate for any blocking struggles. WHERE THEY RANKED IN 2008 A look at how the 2008 Seahawks finished among NFL teams in several special-teams categories: Punt return average: 12th (10.1) Kickoff return average: 2nd (25.3) Punt coverage: 21st (10.1) Kickoff coverage: 31st (25.6) Punt gross average: 8th (45) KEY SPECIALISTS IN 2009 K Olindo Mare Held off second-year player Brandon Coutu in large part thanks to his booming kickoffs. P Jon Ryan Saskatchewan native replaced Ryan Plackemeier last season, and enjoyed an impressive preseason this year. KR Josh Wilson Speedy cornerback has been a big-play threat in his first two years in the league. PR Justin Forsett Second-year player was solid on returns last year. May give way to Nate Burleson in key situations. LS Kevin Houser Signed by the Seahawks in the offseason after eight seasons with New Orleans. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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