Seahawks Have to Make a Decision Now: Is GM Tim Ruskell Staying or Not?

With the Seahawks dropping to 3-6 after Sunday’s 31-20 defeat to Arizona, their season is essentially over.

There will be no return to the playoffs. The best they can hope for is to restore some pride over the upcoming weeks, starting with their next road trip to Minnesota.

With that in mind, it’s time the franchise made a decision.

GM Tim Ruskell is in a contract year. Someone, whoever is charged with that responsibility, needs to decide whether he’ll be sticking around.

What benefit is there to be gained from dragging it out until January?

The team’s fate is essentially sealed for another year. Speculation is rampant in the media about what might happen, with the inevitable mention of Mike Holmgren appearing almost daily.

Why not just put a stop to all the hearsay, supposition, and speculation and just come clean?

If you’re confident he’s the right man for the job, back him with a new contract. Make a statement that you have faith in the direction of this team, regardless of the 7-18 record since 2008.

If Tim Ruskell isn’t going to be retained, it makes absolute sense to move him on as soon as possible. Give yourself as much time as you need to get the right replacement, then allow them to access the franchise and pick a path forward.

All that’s going to happen in the aftermath of Sunday’s loss is even more speculation until this issue is put to bed. If, as has to be expected, Seattle loses next week in Minnesota, the situation only intensifies further.

It’s already getting ugly. Ruskell felt moved to offer a candid interview to the Seahawks’ official website this week, in which he all but justified his employment and made some remarks that appeared to criticize former decision makers.

The people at the very top of this franchise know what Ruskell brings to the table; they’ve worked with him for nearly five years.

Upon his arrival, he was the perfect complement to then head coach Holmgren. Ruskell was the defensive eyes to the offensive guru and it helped the Seahawks make a Super Bowl appearance in 2005.

But since then, things have not gone according to plan. The franchise faces the prospect of becoming a second-class citizen in the NFC West, a division it formerly dominated.

If Ruskell’s still the right man to be GM of the Seattle Seahawks, end the talk now and give him an extension.

Otherwise, it’s time to move on—and that decision has to be made sooner rather than later.

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Their Super Bowl: British Fans See NFL’s International Series as the Big One

New England against Tampa Bay.

A perennial contender against a winless team in the midst of a major rebuild, it was set up to be one of the more predictable encounters of the 2009 season.

And so it proved as the Patriots coasted to a 35-7 victory, barely breaking a sweat in the process.

However, don’t be mistaken for thinking this game didn’t mean anything. To nearly 85,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, it was their Super Bowl.

This wasn’t a bunch of “soccer” or “rugby” fans attending for novelty purposes. The United Kingdom has a vibrant community of NFL fans, which is exactly why a game like Pats vs. Bucs is a sellout.

Being offered the opportunity to watch the game they love in their own backyard, most seized the chance to attend.

A lot of teams have booster chapters in Europe, specifically in the UK, and you’d have spotted all 32 team jerseys amongst the capacity crowd at Wembley.

The British fans understand the critics’ concerns regarding the potential development of this series, possibly to two games as early as next year. Indeed, you’ll never escape the fact it takes away a home game from the loyal “local” fans, and the amount of travel involved is far from ideal in the middle of a difficult season.

But the NFL has become a global experience. It’s not a novelty in Europe—it’s right up there with the English Premiership or the Bundesliga or any of the other sports more traditionally associated with Britain or anywhere else.

The teams want to tap into that market, and so does the NFL—and the fans that regularly stay up until the early hours of the morning to watch the action or travel miles at great expense to follow their teams get to watch their sport.

At a time when franchises like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and San Diego Chargers are struggling to fight off blackouts, why not play a game in London in front of 85,000?

The fans will turn up, knowledgeable and with all the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve.

This is their Super Bowl, and they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

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Their Super Bowl: British Fans See NFL’s International Series as the Big One

New England against Tampa Bay.

A perennial contender against a winless team in the midst of a major rebuild, it was set up to be one of the more predictable encounters of the 2009 season.

And so it proved as the Patriots coasted to a 35-7 victory, barely breaking a sweat in the process.

However, don’t be mistaken for thinking this game didn’t mean anything. To nearly 85,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, it was their Super Bowl.

This wasn’t a bunch of “soccer” or “rugby” fans attending for novelty purposes. The United Kingdom has a vibrant community of NFL fans, which is exactly why a game like Pats vs. Bucs is a sellout.

Being offered the opportunity to watch the game they love in their own backyard, most seized the chance to attend.

A lot of teams have booster chapters in Europe, specifically in the UK, and you’d have spotted all 32 team jerseys amongst the capacity crowd at Wembley.

The British fans understand the critics’ concerns regarding the potential development of this series, possibly to two games as early as next year. Indeed, you’ll never escape the fact it takes away a home game from the loyal “local” fans, and the amount of travel involved is far from ideal in the middle of a difficult season.

But the NFL has become a global experience. It’s not a novelty in Europe—it’s right up there with the English Premiership or the Bundesliga or any of the other sports more traditionally associated with Britain or anywhere else.

The teams want to tap into that market, and so does the NFL—and the fans that regularly stay up until the early hours of the morning to watch the action or travel miles at great expense to follow their teams get to watch their sport.

At a time when franchises like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and San Diego Chargers are struggling to fight off blackouts, why not play a game in London in front of 85,000?

The fans will turn up, knowledgeable and with all the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve.

This is their Super Bowl, and they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Seattle Seahawks: The NFL’s Jekyll and Hyde Franchise

There are two sides to the Seattle Seahawks.

We’ve seen both in the last two weeks.

The 34-17 defeat at Indianapolis and the 41-0 victory over Jacksonville pretty much summed up how two-faced the team has become.

At home, they’re a match for anyone. On the road, it’s a different story.

Undoubtedly, the Seahawks own one of the better home-field advantages in the NFL. Since the team moved into Qwest Field in 2002, they’re a combined 41-18 at home in the regular season.

During the same period, they’re 24-33 on the road.

On paper, that’s not so terrible.

But since 2007, they’re 5-13 away from home. Of those five wins, four have come against NFC West rivals St. Louis and San Francisco. The only other victory was a 28-24 win against a Philadelphia Eagles outfit starting A.J. Feeley at quarterback.

The Seahawks have had two road games in 2009. In week two, Frank Gore stomped all over the team’s defense whilst Patrick Willis and co. simply outfought a struggling offense that famously lost Matt Hasselbeck to broken ribs.

A fortnight later, it was Peyton Manning’s turn to burn the Seahawks. He was practically untouched in a 353-yard, two-touchdown master class. A Seneca Wallace-led offense had no chance of keeping up.

Seattle’s defensive line was virtually anonymous in both games, leaving the secondary exposed and failing to have much of an impact against either pass or run.

Compare that to the team’s defensive performance at home: two shutouts in three games, an average of only 209 passing yards conceded, and an average of only 66 rushing yards given up.

That’s not half bad considering they’ve faced Matt Forte, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Steven Jackson.

The Seattle Seahawks are clearly a different beast at Qwest Field.

The intimidating atmosphere created by the “12th man” offers a clear advantage that the team has been able to exploit. The noise level matches (beats?) most other stadia in the country, including indoor domes.

It’s no surprise that more false start penalties occur in Seattle than anywhere else. It also gives the Seahawks’ defensive line a split-second advantage at the snap—potentially crucial when you’re trying to get into the backfield.

Take away that advantage, and the same defensive personnel have struggled. Without the crowd noise, without the familiar surroundings, they just don’t have the same impact.

They coughed up 256 rushing yards at Candlestick Park, including touchdown runs of 79 and 80 yards to Frank Gore. The Colts cruised to 431 total yards at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quite a contrast.

You get the impression fans from other teams recognize this inconsistency.

A long road trip to Seattle is probably viewed with some trepidation. Hosting the Seahawks, however—well, it’s a home banker, right?

Looking at the schedule ahead, this could become a familiar trend.

Seattle’s remaining home schedule includes the Cardinals this weekend, followed by Detroit, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Tennessee. They currently own a combined record of 6-18.

All those games have to be considered winnable.

On the road, they travel to Dallas, Arizona, Minnesota, St. Louis, Houston, and Green Bay.

Clearly, if the Seahawks want to get rid of their “Jekyll and Hyde” tag, they’ll have to get better on the road. Even with a distinct improvement, a win in any of the games above will have to be earned.

Winning seven games at home won’t be enough on its own to return to the postseason.

The focus this week will be maintaining that good form at Qwest Field with another tough test against arguably the best passing offense in the league.

After entertaining the Cardinals, they’ll have a fortnight to prepare for their next road trip and a first visit to Cowboys Stadium.

Becoming a tough team to beat on the road won’t be easy for Jim Mora and co., but its imperative for any success they hope to achieve this year.

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Jim Mora, Seahawks Facing Must-Win Weekend

When Jim Mora was announced the new Seahawks Head Coach, no doubt he had visions of making the playoffs.

He probably didn’t expect to be playing playoff football in Week Five, however.

That’s the situation facing Seattle ahead of a must-win game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

If the Seahawks lose, any talk of a postseason berth will all but distinguish. Three successive defeats have put a dampener on Mora’s new era in the Northwest.

Expectations were suitably raised after an unbeaten preseason and a shutout victory over the St Louis Rams in Week One.

But you only have to ask the Detroit Lions how much stock you can take from a 100 percent record in preseason.

That’s the record they owned prior to a 0-16 slump in 2008.

Injuries have undoubtedly played their part once again in the Seahawks’ early-season struggles and they’re likely to remain without Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones on Sunday.

Leroy Hill, Marcus Trufant, Patrick Kerney, Sean Locklear, Rob Sims, and Josh Wilson will all definitely miss out with long-term injuries.

But getting to the bye week at 3-3 has to be the target for Coach Mora, whoever suits up.

The Jaguars travel to Qwest Field on the back of a comfortable 37-17 victory over the winless Tennessee Titans. David Garrard recorded three touchdowns for an impressive 323 yards, following up another eye-catching win at Houston in Week Three.

Based on the form book alone, it’s hard not to make the Jaguars big favorites.

But despite Seattle’s well publicized struggles on the road, they remain a different proposition in front of a noisy 12th man.

That’s what the Seahawks have to lean on for the next couple of weeks. In some ways, Qwest Field is Seattle’s MVP. An equalizer of sorts, despite the team’s recent poor form.

Failure to take advantage and the Seahawks face a long season ahead.

But what can they do to hit back?

For starters, they need to establish a running game. Greg Knapp has organized solid ground attacks in the past, but Seattle’s hasn’t caused too many problems under his leadership to date.

With Hasselbeck’s continued absence likely to stretch into a third week, the Seahawks might be best taking the pressure off backup Seneca Wallace and putting more responsibility on the shoulders of Julius Jones, Edgerrin James, and Justin Forsett.

In two games starting, Wallace has thrown an incredible 89 passes. That’s far too much for a team missing its franchise signal caller.

It’s also time for the defensive line to show up.

Patrick Kerney won’t be there, but the rest have to make life difficult for David Garrard, whilst restricting the running lanes for Maurice Jones-Drew and Rashad Jennings.

This will also free up linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry to make plays, something they were unable to do against the Colts due to the amount of time Peyton Manning had in the pocket.

A victory will lift the spirits after last weekend’s demolition in Indianapolis. The message will be “bring on the Cardinals” with a goal of breaking even before the bye very much achievable.

A defeat and nobody will be looking forward to the visit from Larry Fitzgerald and company

Much was expected from the Seahawks this year. Changes in coaching, changes on the roster.

Defeat on Sunday and all that expectation will have disappeared. Season ending? Quite possibly.

Playoff football is back in Seattle this weekend.

It’s just not how the Seahawks intended.

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Slumping Seahawks Need an Identity

Who are the Seattle Seahawks?

Currently they’re a 1-3 team that hasn’t made the start most were hoping for.

Jim Mora says his team is “excited” about having the opportunity to bounce back from three successive defeats.

They sure didn’t look too excited during their most recent 34-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Slumped on the sidelines, the looks on their faces told quite a story.

Four weeks into Seattle’s new era under Mora’s leadership, the team is suffering an identity crisis.

Injuries are having a strong affect on the team for the second year in a row. Undoubtedly, the loss of Matt Hasselbeck is a key.

Take away any other franchise quarterback and how many teams could take it on the chin?

Would the Colts be the same with Jim Sorgi pulling the reins? How about last week’s opponent, Chicago, would they be the same without Jay Cutler?

We’ve also seen the Cincinnati Bengals rise like a phoenix from the flames in recent weeks—similar to Carson Palmer’s rise from injury. 

If the Seahawks are looking for an excuse, Hasselbeck’s absence is one of the best. Never mind that they’re also missing Marcus Trufant, Walter Jones, and Leroy Hill.

Indeed all things considered, the fact Seattle are 1-3 isn’t really much of a surprise.

But there is cause for concern when you dig a little deeper.

A much vaunted defense, built through big money free agent signings and high draft picks, continues to struggle.

There was a lot of talk during preseason about a new “west coast defense” and upping the tempo. The additions of Cory Redding, Aaron Curry, and Colin Cole were expected to tip Seattle’s defense toward the top.

Instead, only three teams have fewer interceptions than Seattle. They have a modest nine sacks and give up an average of 344 yards per game.

They’ve also coughed up 247 yards worth of penalties.

But forget the stats; the proof is right there on the screen. With a greater dependence placed on the defensive line to create pressure, it just isn’t happening.

For the last two weeks, two of the league’s best quarterbacks have had more than enough time to dissect the Seahawks defense.

Coupled with the ease in which Frank Gore ran for career highs in week two, it’s pretty hard to see what the defense has done well so far.

To say the least, there’s nothing identifiable about this defense.

They don’t hit you from all angles. They don’t swarm to the ball. They don’t force turnovers or play tough in coverage.

They’re just, well, there.

Compare this to Mike Singletary and Rex Ryan when they took over the Niners and Jets, respectively.

It didn’t take long for Singletary to get his defense singing from the same hymn sheet. Ryan has done an admirable job trying to recreate Baltimore’s defense at Meadowlands.

For whatever reason, this Seahawks team isn’t playing in the mold of its new, fiery coach.

Injuries will always happen.

The Colts were without Bob Sanders and Gary Brackett on Sunday. The key to success is having a functional system so when those bumps and bruises occur, you can plug guys in.

Right now, the Seahawks do not have a system. Until they find who they want to be, they’ll continue to feel the full effect of a few missing starters.

It’s a similar story on offense.

Greg Knapp spoke frequently about the need for balance before the new season.

But even without Hasselbeck, it’s unclear what the Seahawks are doing to keep teams guessing.

On Sunday’s first drive of the game, the Seahawks ran a 50 percent pass-run split on six plays. Three short runs and three short passes by Seneca Wallace.

It’s balanced per se, but it’s hardly going to threaten a team like the Colts.

On the second drive, three more short passes from Seneca Wallace and three more runs, with a sack thrown in to end it.

Having concentrated solely on short routes and runs for the first two drives, it wasn’t exactly unpredictable when they made a token gesture deep pass to Deon Butler to begin their third drive.

By the time Indianapolis had quickly stretched their lead to twenty-five points, any gameplan going into Lucas Oil Field went out the window.

Seattle’s longest play of the game was a 22-yard pass to Deion Branch. It was one of only two plays that surpassed 20 yards.

The Colts on the other hand picked the Seahawks defense apart with a mix of deep passes to Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne, screens to Joseph Addai, and short/medium routes from Dallas Clark.

The running game complemented things nicely, but only after the pass had set it up.

In trying to keep things balanced, the Seahawks are becoming a bit predictable. 

They might be best served focusing more on the run, something Greg Knapp has traditionally had success with as an offensive coordinator.

It’d be a start anyway, at least going someway to ending an identity crisis on both sides of the ball.

It’s one thing when your opponents don’t know what to expect. Four weeks into the new season, I’m not sure the Seahawks do either.

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Seahawks O-Line Prove There’s Life Without Jones

It went largely unnoticed in the Seahawks’ 28-0 demolition of the lowly St. Louis Rams, but Matt Hasselbeck was untouched.

Kudos must go to an offensive line missing two starters, Chris Spencer and Walter Jones.

Some will point to the fact it was “only” the Rams.

There’s no doubt that tougher tests will come in the upcoming weeks, none more so than the difficult trip to San Francisco on Sunday.

But it wasn’t a complete walk over against the St. Louis.

Steve Spagnuolo might be in the early stages of a massive rebuild, but he brought over some of those successful blitz packages from New York to keep Seattle guessing.

There were other factors that added to the impressive performance.

It was the first test for the newly installed zone blocking scheme and a debut for rookie Max Unger at guard.

Replacement center Steve Vallos was making just his sixth career start.

Sean Locklear, considered by some as the long term successor to Walter Jones at left tackle, had to show he’s capable of making the switch.

After a year on injured reserve, Rob Sims was making his return to the lineup at left guard.

All things considered, the O-line put in a much more credible performance than it initially appeared.

Reports suggest both Jones and Spencer will practice this week, with a potential return to the starting lineup as soon as this weekend.

The dilemma facing Head Coach Jim Mora is whether to stick with the guys who did so well against the Rams or recall the veterans.

It’d be previously unthinkable to keep a healthy Jones on the sidelines, but that might actually happen.

Let’s face it, the Seahawks will never know if guys like Locklear can fill the void Jones will eventually leave unless they get a chance.

Bringing the future Hall of Famer back slowly might be best to preserve his long-term health for the rest of the year, whilst in the short term, offering a vote of confidence in Locklear’s abilities at left tackle.

Any move will probably affect rookie Unger, too.

When Jones does return, Ray Willis could move from right tackle to guard.

The Seahawks aren’t used to experiencing this kind of selection problem, particularly on the offensive line.

If everyone can stay healthy, Coach Mora won’t mind having to make a few tough decisions.

Whoever starts, the importance of maintaining the Week One performance cannot be underestimated.

Hasselbeck put up solid numbers against St. Louis, despite a rusty opening.

No doubt, the Seahawks will only go as far as their franchise quarterback can take them, and keeping Hasselbeck harm-free will be vital after his injury plagued the 2008 season.

Quality play up front will also keep the Seahawks run game relevant.

Not many people have written positively about the Seattle running backs in preseason, but Julius Jones’s 117-yard effort on Sunday raised a few eyebrows. A lot of credit has to go to the blocking not only from the line, but also from fullback Justin Griffith.

Yes, it’ll be a tougher test against the 49ers. But let’s not downplay the offensive line’s performance last week.

They’ve set the bar high for the rest of the year, we’ll soon find out if they can maintain it.

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Pass Rush Priority: Seahawks’ D-Line Could Make or Break Season

What are the Seahawks relying on heading into the 2009 campaign?

The health of key veterans like Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones?

Greater balance on offense, with a new emphasis on the running game?

A honeymoon period for new head coach Jim Mora?

Undoubtedly, all will play an integral part as Seattle hopes to rebound from a disappointing 4-12 season last year.

However, it’s the defensive line that could make or break the Seahawks this year.

Mora has moved quickly to make changes to a defensive unit that was overworked and underproduced in 2008.

The Seahawks ranked dead last in the NFL last year on passing defense, giving up 259 yards per game on average.

Only the Cardinals and the Jaguars conceded more passing touchdowns.

Former defensive coordinator John Marshall, now with the Raiders, resorted to constant blitz packages to compensate for a lack of pressure created by the defensive line. 

This often involved the linebackers, leaving the defensive backs exposed.

This year almost total reliance will be placed on the front four to create a sufficient pass rush, freeing up the linebackers to make plays and support the secondary whilst allowing a cover-two system to develop.

Simply put, an expensive defense will fail to function if the defensive line cannot create any pressure.

The Seahawks have kept 11 defensive linemen on their 53-man roster, including seventh-round compensatory pick Nick Reed and undrafted rookies Michael Bennett and Derek Walker.

This comes on top of an aggressive postseason that saw Tim Ruskell make bold moves to bring in Cory Redding and Colin Cole.

Many people will look at the high-profile drafting of Aaron Curry as a key addition.

But the fourth overall pick in the draft needs the freedom to read an offense and react.

He won’t have that luxury if he’s expected to rush the passer most downs because the D-line aren’t doing their jobs.

The same goes for fellow linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill.

Without doubt Seattle owns the most expensive linebacker trio in the NFL. They won’t see the full benefit of that investment unless they’re able to be creative with the position.

Expect to see the continuation of a heavy rotation at both the end and tackle positions.

Patrick Kerney, clearly the Seahawks’ best pass rusher, will see his workload lightened as the team hopes to avoid any further injury issues.

Kerney has missed 14 games in the last three years.

Cory Redding will start across from Kerney but is expected to move inside for passing situations on third down.

It’s a big year for the former Detroit lineman. Redding reworked his contract to play on a one-year deal in Seattle, meaning he hits free agency in 2010.

Another defensive end in a contract year is Darryl Tapp. Both he and 2008 first-round pick Lawrence Jackson will be hoping to impose themselves this year.

Tapp has shown flashes of brilliance in a 15.5-sack, three-year career. He’ll get his chance to spell the two starters and needs to use his playing time well in search of a new contract—either with the Seahawks or elsewhere.

Jackson endured a frustrating rookie season in which he played mostly with an injury.

However, he’s struggled to impress either the coaching staff or onlookers during camp this year, and a second-year slump could put his future in doubt.

Nick Reed is the intriguing storyline.

The former Oregon Duck led the NFL in preseason sacks (4.5). He set school records of 29.5 sacks and 51.5 tackles for a loss in a decorated college career.

He’s undersized for a prototype 4-3 DE (247 lbs., 6’1″) but has shown a knack of finding ways to get the job done.

He’ll likely be given a role in the rotation early on to try to show his game translates to the pros. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how he copes against the bigger, faster offensive linemen in the NFL.

At tackle, underrated Brandon Mebane and recently acquired Colin Cole are slated to start.

Mebane will be given greater pass rushing duties in the three technique this year. Playing as a one in 2009, he still recorded 5.5 sacks.

Cole provides the big-bodied run stuffer lacking since Marcus Tubbs’ forced retirement.

Second-year prospect Red Bryant and Craig Terrill will come into the rotation. Like Reed, rookie Michael Bennett will likely get his chance to take preseason form into the real thing.

It’s a group with potential, but it remains reliant on the health of its key components.

Whether it can produce the kind of pressure Coach Mora is hoping for remains to be seen.

It wouldn’t surprise me if with two first-round picks in 2010, the Seahawks took advantage of a projected solid D-line class containing potential stars like Ndamukong Suh and Carlos Dunlap.

Yes, getting Hasselbeck and Jones healthy is key.

Yes, finding balance on offense is crucial.

The importance of the defensive line cannot be underestimated, though, if the Seahawks are to get the best from their defensive unit and rebound after last year’s disappointments.

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Seahawks’ recovery rests with offense

26 minutes, 38 seconds.

Per game, that was the NFL’s lowest time of possession statistic in 2008.

It belonged to the Seattle Seahawks.

The reasons why Seattle’s offense failed to function last season are well publicized.

Injuries to key veterans, a lack of punch and an outgoing Head Coach whose legendary system had, with all respect, become a little predictable.Training camp begins at the end of July and the task in hand must be to get that offense working again.Sure, there are improvements to be made on defense too.

When Patrick Kerney went on I.R. after week seven, the team failed to generate sufficient pressure up front.The secondary struggled in general whilst even Seattle’s coveted linebacker corps failed to impress.

But surely this is to be expected when your defense is over worked?

Seattle’s defense ranked 15th overall in 2007.

The team’s 15 passing touchdowns conceded was a league low, they ranked fourth in total sacks (45) and only three teams registered more interceptions (20).It’s not just a coincidence that a team retaining every defensive starter the following season saw a dramatic reversal in fortunes.

Simply put—it was an over worked unit.

Key additions have been made to the defense during the off season.Aaron Curry, Cory Redding and Ken Lucas are all expected to make an impact as high profile arrivals.But the true key to Seattle’s success in 2009 won’t be their ability to stop Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Jackson or Kurt Warner.

It’ll be whether they can threaten teams on offense.

 

Key veterans

The Seahawks three highest earners in 2009 are Walter Jones ($9.8m), Matt Hasselbeck ($9.5m) and Deion Branch ($7.5m).Combined, the veteran trio missed a total of 19 games in 2008.

Hasselbeck and Jones in particular remain integral if the Seahawks are to bounce back from 4-12.Early reports suggest that both have put back and knee problems behind them respectively.

But at 33 and 35 years of age, there will be a few crossed fingers when training camp begins.

Branch’s time in Seattle has been blighted by health issues.Starting just 22 games in three years with the team, Branch only occasionally flashed the kind of quality that tempted GM Tim Ruskell to spend a first round pick on the former Patriot in 2006.The Seahawks need value for money from these three in 2009.

 

Better luck with injuries

Seattle’s issues at receiver last year became so critical that at one point, they were pulling guys off the street.Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Bobby Engram, Ben Obomanu and Logan Payne all missed time.

Step forward Billy McMullen and Koren Robinson.Not exactly the platform from which to emulate the 8th ranked passing offense from 2007.

It wasn’t much better at quarter back.

With Hasselbeck struggling from training camp onwards, Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye both had time behind center.By the end of the season every starter on the offensive line had been placed on injured reserve.Seattle’s passing game was decimated, allowing teams to blitz freely, stack the box and play a lot of run defense.

The end product was a passing game that troubled nobody and a running game that was completely shut down.No team could survive losing that vast quantity of starters.

Whether it’s a different approach or simply better luck in 2009, the Seahawks needs their starters fit and healthy.

 

Fresh faces, fresh ideas

Greg Knapp is the man entrusted with the keys to Seattle’s offense post-Holmgren.The West Coast philosophy remains, but Knapp is determined to strike a greater balance.The running game will get a new emphasis with a two—back system of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett and a new zone blocking scheme.

We should see more 2WR sets to keep team’s guessing, with John Carlson retaining a prominent pass catching role.Mike Holmgren placed eternal trust in his system and refused to game plan for the opposition.

The new Seahawks will likely evolve each week of the regular season.

There won’t be any seismic shifts, Knapp hasn’t revolutionized the playbook—mainly simplified it.On paper this should help the team pick up the new offense quickly.

It may just keep opposition defenses guessing.

Mora Backs Vick Comeback

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora backed Michael Vick’s campaign to be reinstated today, stating, “I believe he’s paid his debt to society.”

Currently in limbo awaiting a final decision from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Vick worked with Mora for three seasons in Atlanta.

Upon completion of a 23-month sentence on July 20th, the No 1 pick from the 2001 draft will hope for another shot in the NFL.

Speaking as the Seahawks began a final three day mini-camp, Mora was reluctant to discuss the issue in detail.

He appeared awkward when posed the question on Vick’s future and made a point of ruling out any potential second chance in Seattle.

“It’s a sticky situation, one I’m not comfortable talking about.”

“We are very happy with the quarterbacks we have on our roster. We have no intentions of adding another player to our roster at this time.”

After a moment’s thought, Mora retracted the ‘at this time’ to put an end to any speculation.

“Just cut out the ‘at this time,’ because then people will speculate for the next three months.”

“We have no intentions of adding a quarterback to our roster.”

Nevertheless, Mora lends his support to those who say Vick shouldn’t be prevented his shot at a comeback.

Recently Falcons owner Art Blank made similar sentiments.

“I believe in second chances, I believe in redemption.”

“I have indicated that I would do anything that I can do on a personal level that would be constructive and productive for Michael, and that still hasn’t changed.”

Like Mora though, Blank has made it clear Vick has no future with his franchise.

If Vick is reinstated, whichever team (if any) gives him his second chance – they’ll be taking a huge gamble.

It’s not just the enforced absence from the game; the question of whether he deserves another chance at all prominently remains.

It may be telling that both Mora and Blank have distanced their respective teams from offering that olive branch to Vick, in spite of their recent endorsements.

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