Nice upgrades, but thin spots worrisome
Published 12:01 am Thursday, September 6, 2007
On paper, the argument is easy that the Seahawks are better and more talented than their Super Bowl XL team.
In the offseason, they shored up weaknesses in the defensive line. Most important in the upgrade is end Patrick Kerney, plucked in free agency from the Falcons. Tackle Brandon Mebane, a rookie from Cal, has shown favorable pass-rushing skills in addition to being a prime run-stuffer. Late acquisition Jason Babin, traded by the Texans for safety Michael Boulware, should be a nice fit because of his quickness.
Good thing for the Seahawks, because their run defense allowed a league-worst 4.6 yards a carry in 2006. And the fact that Marcus Tubbs re-injured his surgically repaired knee means the team will rely heavily on its new-found depth.
The secondary, which gave up several damaging deep passes last season, has a new look with safeties Deon Grant, free agent from the Jaguars, and Brian Russell, same from the Browns. In addition, rookie cornerback Josh Wilson showed great instincts in preseason and showed versatility as a return man.
They are one year removed from the disastrous defection of All-Pro offensive guard Steve Hutchinson. The front five of All-Pro Walter Jones and Sean Locklear at tackles; Rob Sims and Chris Gray at guards; and Chris Spencer at center give the Seahawks a solid offensive line. Sadly, the depth represents a big drop-off, so the starters must stay healthy.
Which brings us to the skill guys, who carry a lot of questions on their backs.
Tailback Shaun Alexander is 30 and for as much work as he’s done over the years (an average of 367 combined rushes and pass receptions from 2001 through 2005), you have to wonder about a fall.
Was Alexander’s broken foot last season, which caused him to miss six games, an indication of an aging back on the edge of breaking down or was it a fluke? That’s the biggest question the team has this season. Alexander says he’s in the best shape of his life. Time will tell whether that’s enough for him to get back into 2005 form.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck missed four games last season because of a sprained knee. Plus, his non-throwing shoulder required off-season surgery. That’s what happens when you’re sacked 34 times, which is more reason for the offensive line to stay healthy.
Tight end Marcus Pollard replaces problem child Jerramy Stevens at tight end. Early returns were favorable, but Pollard is 35 and there is little depth behind him.
I never liked the trade that sent wideout Darrell Jackson to the 49ers. Yes, they had to jettison him because his drops and attitude were more harmful than he was worth. But San Francisco beat the Seahawks twice in 2006 and figures to contend with them for the division title. That’s the last team I’d have traded him to.
The Seahawks have to hope they’ll get more production out of Deion Branch and Nate Burleson at receiver. D.J. Hackett is ready for a breakout year. They also need Bobby Engram to stay healthy.
The Seahawks linebackers are the heart of the team, but even they need more help from the defensive line. Julian Peterson had a great year on paper, but a closer look reveals that his production tailed off as the season went on. Because of demands put on him, a symptom of problems up front, he wore down in the second half of the season.
Are the Seahawks ready for another run at the NFC title? A lot of things have to go their way, things that have to do with age, health and luck.
They can go 12-4 or 4-12. On one hand, they look fine on paper. On the other, they’re paper-thin in so many spots.
Sports columnist John Sleeper: sleeper@heraldnet.com
