Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.
Offseason Additions: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR); Egerrin James (RB); Ken Lucas (CB); Bryan Pittman (C); Justin Griffith (FB); Colin Cole (DT).
Offseason Losses: Julian Peterson (LB); Leonard Weaver (FB); Bobby Engram (WR); Rocky Bernard (DT); Maurice Morris (RB).
Player to Watch: Aaron Curry, LB.
Curry was the most talented defensive player in the 2009 draft and the Hawks were fortunate that he slipped to them with the fourth pick because he could have gone No. 1 overall. Curry will start at strong-side linebacker and will also see action at defensive end. He’s a gifted, versatile athlete that can play multiple positions and once he learns the nuances of the pro game, he could excel as a pass rusher. He will also have an impact in pass coverage while blanketing tight ends with his excellent speed.
Team Strength: While their pass defense is a concern entering the season, the Seahawks’ run defense is not. Veteran middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu has excellent sideline-to-sideline speed, is tenacious and excels at shedding blocks. Tatupu will be aided by the re-signing of Leroy Hill, who is undersized but also a gifted playmaker. Julian Peterson won’t be easy to replace, but Curry is certainly up to the task – even as a rookie. What Curry brings to the field in terms of pass rushing ability and athleticism should more than make up for the trade of Peterson. As long as Curry doesn’t turn out to be a bust, this is an outstanding linebacker trio.
Potential Weakness: There are major questions surrounding the health of All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones, who is 35 years old, has back problems and also had offseason microfracture knee surgery. While new head coach Jim Mora denies the rumor that Jones is considering retirement, there are growing concerns about whether or not Seattle’s top offensive linemen will play at all this season. Sean Locklear will take over at left tackle, which isn’t good considering he’s only played the position sparingly at the NFL level. Making matters worse, Ray Willis (who will fill in at right tackle for Locklear) is currently battling a knee injury and center Chris Spencer is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a torn quadriceps. Rookie Max Unger will likely replace Spencer, although the coaching staff went with smallish ’07 second-round pick Steve Vallos at center in the third preseason game, so Unger isn’t guaranteed a starting spot.
Outlook: With the return of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and the signing of free agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks could rebound from a dismal ’08 season. But can Hasselbeck stay healthy? He missed most of last season with back and knee injuries and if he can’t stay on the field, Seattle doesn’t stand a chance. Also, how will he fare now that Mike Holmgren isn’t calling the offensive plays? Hasselbeck will once again run the West Coast Offense, but it stands to reason that Greg Knapp’s version of the WCO won’t be as effective as Holmgren’s. The Seahawks also need more from their running game and maybe the signing of Edgerrin James will help. Then again, the offensive line is an absolute mess right now and will have to overcome the loss of Jones and Spencer for the Seahawks to have any offensive success this season. Defensively, the linebacker corps is solid and if Patrick Kearny is healthy again, the line should generate a decent pass rush. The Hawks will be able to stop the run, but what about the pass? Mora better hope free agent Ken Lucas can step up and Marcus Trufant will be better in a Cover 2 scheme, because the secondary looks shaky as a whole.
It isn’t inconceivable that the Seahawks will challenge for the top spot in a brutal NFC West this season. But there are way too many unanswered questions surrounding this team entering the season and given the potential problems along the offensive line, the Cardinals still look like the team to beat in the division.
2009 Prediction: Second, NFC West.
