Seattle Seahawks 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, August 30, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Seattle Seahawks
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It has been over 20 years since the Seattle Seahawks have won a post-season football game and time is running out on former Super Bowl winning coach Mike Holmgren to work his magic. Holmgren was the toast of the football world five years ago, but has been under fire lately.

Strengths: The trio of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, running back Shaun Alexander and receiver Darrell Jackson may be the best in the NFC when they're running on all cylinders. The only knock on Hasselbeck has been consistency, as he is on the cusp of being a star at his position, but needs to come to play every week. Alexander had his finest season in 2004 nearly winning the rushing title. Jackson remains one of the most underrated pass catchers in the NFL despite putting up consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons.

The Seattle Seahawks lay claim to one of the best offensive lines in the league, and return all of their main parts. There are especially strong on the left side, led by Pro Bowl selections Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. Fullback Mack Strong adds to the effectiveness of the line by providing strong blocking for Alexander.

While much maligned defensively, the Seahawks secondary are a ball hawking group. Andre Dyson was brought over from Tennessee to replace Ken Lucas, who signed with the Carolina Panthers during the off-season. This move means that Marcus Trufant will move over to right cornerback. Safeties Ken Hamlin and Michael Boulware should continue to improve with experience. Hamlin enters his 3rd year and Boulware his 2nd.

Weaknesses: Holmgren and defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes have totally overhauled the front seven, namely bringing in OLB Jamie Sharper from the Houston Texans. Sharper is a tackling machine, but the Seattle Seahawks will also be counting on a rookie in Lofa Tatupu. D.D. Lewis should add support in stuffing the run, an area they were weak at last year.

The interior linemen, Marcus Tubbs and Chuck Darby, will have to play tougher than they did in 2004; this line was pushed around on the line of scrimmage way too much. The team made strides in upgrading at defensive end by bringing in Bryce Fisher from St. Louis. Fisher hopes to provide Seattle with a pass rushing threat they'll miss in Chike Okafor, who is now in Arizona.

Also…On special teams, kicker Josh Brown rebounded from a lackluster 2003, when he couldn't make field goals past 40 yards on a consistent basis. Journeyman punter Leo Araguz has won the punting job after being out of football this past season. Return men Bobby Engram and Maurice Morris are steady, but not spectacular.

Overall: It's hard to imagine that back when Holmgren was hired, anyone would have predicted he'd have zero post-season wins in his Seattle Seahawks career. If they fail to make the playoffs, or make another early exit, his reign could be over. As long as someone steps up at wide receiver to protect Jackson from constant double-teaming, they should put up points. Alexander will be looking to run wild in this contract year.

The changes on defense may take time to work, but Rhodes is a fine tactician. No excuse for this team not to be playing in January, considering their schedule is one of the softest in the league. 10-6 from where I sit.
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