Courtney Greene: Seahawks No-Name Player to Watch in 2009

This is the first article in a five part series that will list five no-name Seahawks players fans should watch in 2009. I will start the series with rookie safety Courtney Greene, drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Greene was not a highly-rated player coming into the ’09 draft, but he will bring a lot of good traits that remind a few scouts of Indianapolis Colts FS Bob Sanders. Like Sanders, Greene is very athletic and hard-hitting, but short.

Greene has a great opportunity to make a name for himself this season because the Seahawks only have one sure lock safety, Deon Grant. At SS they have players like Brian Russell, C.J Wallace, and Greene.

Russell has been a complete bust since signing a four-year contract back in 2006. He is no longer the “hardest hitting safety in the NFL,” like Chad Ochocinco once said he was.

Wallace, still a young, is a blooming yet unproven player. He doesn’t bring as much to the table as Greene does though.

With the physical abilities that Courtney Greene brings to the table, it should allow him to really make a name for himself this season.

Seahawks History: Will This Year’s Team Be Better Than the 2005 Version?

If you ask real Seahawks fans, they will tell you that 2005 was by far the best season in Seahawks history. One main reason was their trip to SB XL.

Now unlike the Arizona Cardinals this season, the Seahawks earned a spot in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks were great on both sides of the football, having a very explosive offense and a stone-wall defense.

Now if you watched the first four games of the Seahawks’ 05 season, you would have thought that they were definitely not going to be in the Super Bowl or make the playoffs.

The Seahawks started out going 2-2, with wins against Jim Mora’s Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. They suffered losses to Jacksonville in Week 1 and Washington in Week 4.

But after that they took off, winning their next 11 straight games, and as one former Seahawk put it, “we have developed a fear of losing.” Well, let’s look at how the Seahawks won 11 straight games.

Week 5 vs. St Louis (37-31): Hasselbeck had 316 yards passing and two touchdown passes with zero interceptions. Bulger had 336 yards passing, two touchdown passes and one interception.

The difference in this shot out was the running game. The Seahawks and 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander was the better running back over Steven Jackson. Alexander ran for 116 yards at two touchdowns. Jackson ran for 77 yards and only one touchdown. So in 2005, the Seahawks had a balanced offensive attack.

Week 6 vs. Houston (42-10): Week 6 was completely different than the previous week: it was the Shaun Alexander show. Matt Hasselbeck only had 168 yards passing and one touchdown and one interception. David Carr, on the other hand actually did better than Hasselbeck, throwing for 179 yards and one touchdown, but he didn’t throw an interception.

However, where the Seahawks got the majority of their points was via the great one himself, Shaun Alexander. He ran for 141 yards and four touchdowns. Not too shabby but that’s exactly why Alexander won the NFL MVP.

Week 7 vs. Dallas (13-10): This was the least amount of points scored in one game for the Seahawks in 2005 with 13. Drew Bledsoe and Matt Hasselbeck both had one touchdown pass and two interceptions. However, Hasselbeck did have more yards passing with 224 yards, Bledsoe only had 136 yards.

But the most important thing in the game for the Seahawks was when Hasselbeck converted on his only touchdown pass to TE Ryan Hannam to seal the victory for the Seahawks, they also had a field goal that allowed them to get 10 points in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys only had a lone field goal, which wasn’t enough to get the win.

Week 9 at Arizona (33-19): Coming off their bye week, it was going to be interesting if the Seahawks would keep it up, and they completely did. Kurt Warner completely outthrew Matt Hasselbeck. Warner passed for 334 yards and had one touchdown, the big thing was that Warner had three interceptions. Compared to Hasselbeck who threw for 162 yards and one touchdown, but Hasselbeck didn’t throw any interceptions.

Once again, “The Great One” led the Hawks to another victory.  Alexander ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns compared to the trio of Cardinals running backs (J.J. Arrington, Marcel Shipp, Larry Fitzgerald (end around) and Obafemi Ayanbadejo) combine could not get over 100 yards. They got 71 yards rushing combined.

Week 10 vs St. Louis (31-16): Once again, the opposing QB outthrew Matt Hasselbeck. In this case it was Marc Bulger. Bulger threw for 304 yards and had one touchdown pass and one interception. Hasselbeck had a below-par outcome, throwing for 243 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

So once again, the Seahawks relied on RB Shaun Alexander, and once again, he came through. Alexander ran for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Alexander was the Seahawks main source on offense.

Week 11 at San Francisco (27-25): For the third straight week, the opposing quarterback outthrew Matt Hasselbeck, but this time it wasn’t as bad. Ken Dorsey threw for 249 yards and one touchdown and zero interceptions. Hasselbeck had 233 yards passing, one touchdown and zero interceptions, almost the same as Dorsey with just a tad bit less yards.

So now I ask you, who is going to lead this team to another win? Shaun Alexander. Alexander rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, compared to the 49ers running back Maurice Hicks, who had 83 yards and one touchdown. So yet again, Alexander wins it for the Seahawks.

Week 12 vs New York Giants (24-21): For the fourth straight week, Matt Hasselbeck was outthrown by the opposing QB. This time it was Eli Manning, who threw for 344 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Hasselbeck, on the other hand, threw for 249 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. So they had the same TD and INT amount but Manning threw for way more yards.

For once this season, the opposing running back rushed for more yards than Alexander, and that RB was Tiki Barber. However, Alexander had one touchdown and Barber did not record a touchdown. So this time, Hasselbeck and the Seahawks defense led them to a win.

Week 13 at Philadelphia (42-0): Coming into this Monday night game, a lot of people thought it would be a great, high-scoring game but that the Eagles would win. That was clearly not the case. The Seahawks offense scored 35 points in the first quarter. Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks offense didn’t have to do anything because the defense led by Lofa Tatupu recorded four interceptions. That’s all they needed.

Week 14 vs. San Francisco (41-3): For the second straight week, Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks defense led them to 11-2 record at the time. Matt threw for 226 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. But the Seahawks defense, for the second straight week came up big allowing only eight first downs to the Seahawks 31.

Week 15 at Tennessee (28-24): Matt Hasselbeck really stepped up, throwing for 285 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Opposing QB Steve McNair threw for 310 yards but only two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

So once again, it was up to SA to earn the MVP award, and he did by rushing for 172 yards and one lone touchdown. That’s all that was needed for the Seahawks to get their 10th straight win.

Week 16 vs. Indianapolis (28-13): In what really was a Payton Manning-less game Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander led the Seahawks. Matt threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander added 139 yards rushing and two touchdowns. That’s all that was needed to win their 11th straight game.

The Seahawks lost 23-17 in week 17 to the Green Bay Packers which snapped their 11-game winning streak.

Let’s look at the tail of the two Seahawks teams. The 2005 Super Bowl team and the 2009 fired up and aiming for a Super Bowl team.

In 2005 the Seahawks had QB Matt Hasselbeck (still here in 2009), RB Shaun Alexander (now replaced by Julius Jones), WR’s Joe Jurevicius and Darryl Jackson and TE Jeremy Stevens on offence. They scored 452 points in 2005.

For 2009 the Seahawks will have QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Julius Jones (OC Greg Knapp will make him great), WR’s T.J Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson and TE John Carlson.

Comparing the two offences, it looks like the 2009 offence should be better. Mostly because they have a lot better WR’s and a great TE in John Carlson. And who knows maybe offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will make Julius Jones the next Shaun Alexander, I think we all would love that.

In 2005 the Seahawks had DE Grant Winstrom, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Marcus Trufant, Andre Dyson and Michael Boulware as the key players on defense.

For 2009 the Seahawks will have DE Patrick Kerney, Tatupu, Hill, Curry, Trufant, Lucas, Grant and possibly Mebane.

Comparing the two defenses, if the trio of LB’s in Hill, Curry and Tatupu all do great and the defense stays completely healthy, then I think that the 2009 defense will be better. But its more of a “can they stay healthy.”

In 2005, the Seahawks head coach was future HOF Mike Holmgren who was more of a dictator and a “bend but not break” team. While in 2009 the Seahawks head coach is Jim Mora, who has learned from Holmgren the past two season. Mora is more of a players coach and a aggressive type of coach.

I have to much respect for Mike Holmgren to say that Mora is the better coach. Sense this is his first season as the head coach, the Seahawks will have to prove that they can play Mora’s style of play.

I think they will but Mora has some big shoes to fill from Holmgren, who spent 10 seasons in Seattle and led them to their only Super Bowl. I think Mora has the chance if everything goes right to lead Seattle to their second Super Bowl this season.

But they are going to have to earn it.

Seahawks History: Will This Year’s Team Be Better Than the 2005 Version?

If you ask real Seahawks fans, they will tell you that 2005 was by far the best season in Seahawks history. One main reason was their trip to SB XL.

Now unlike the Arizona Cardinals this season, the Seahawks earned a spot in the Super Bowl. The Seahawks were great on both sides of the football, having a very explosive offense and a stone-wall defense.

Now if you watched the first four games of the Seahawks’ 05 season, you would have thought that they were definitely not going to be in the Super Bowl or make the playoffs.

The Seahawks started out going 2-2, with wins against Jim Mora’s Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. They suffered losses to Jacksonville in Week 1 and Washington in Week 4.

But after that they took off, winning their next 11 straight games, and as one former Seahawk put it, “we have developed a fear of losing.” Well, let’s look at how the Seahawks won 11 straight games.

Week 5 vs. St Louis (37-31): Hasselbeck had 316 yards passing and two touchdown passes with zero interceptions. Bulger had 336 yards passing, two touchdown passes and one interception.

The difference in this shot out was the running game. The Seahawks and 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander was the better running back over Steven Jackson. Alexander ran for 116 yards at two touchdowns. Jackson ran for 77 yards and only one touchdown. So in 2005, the Seahawks had a balanced offensive attack.

Week 6 vs. Houston (42-10): Week 6 was completely different than the previous week: it was the Shaun Alexander show. Matt Hasselbeck only had 168 yards passing and one touchdown and one interception. David Carr, on the other hand actually did better than Hasselbeck, throwing for 179 yards and one touchdown, but he didn’t throw an interception.

However, where the Seahawks got the majority of their points was via the great one himself, Shaun Alexander. He ran for 141 yards and four touchdowns. Not too shabby but that’s exactly why Alexander won the NFL MVP.

Week 7 vs. Dallas (13-10): This was the least amount of points scored in one game for the Seahawks in 2005 with 13. Drew Bledsoe and Matt Hasselbeck both had one touchdown pass and two interceptions. However, Hasselbeck did have more yards passing with 224 yards, Bledsoe only had 136 yards.

But the most important thing in the game for the Seahawks was when Hasselbeck converted on his only touchdown pass to TE Ryan Hannam to seal the victory for the Seahawks, they also had a field goal that allowed them to get 10 points in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys only had a lone field goal, which wasn’t enough to get the win.

Week 9 at Arizona (33-19): Coming off their bye week, it was going to be interesting if the Seahawks would keep it up, and they completely did. Kurt Warner completely outthrew Matt Hasselbeck. Warner passed for 334 yards and had one touchdown, the big thing was that Warner had three interceptions. Compared to Hasselbeck who threw for 162 yards and one touchdown, but Hasselbeck didn’t throw any interceptions.

Once again, “The Great One” led the Hawks to another victory.  Alexander ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns compared to the trio of Cardinals running backs (J.J. Arrington, Marcel Shipp, Larry Fitzgerald (end around) and Obafemi Ayanbadejo) combine could not get over 100 yards. They got 71 yards rushing combined.

Week 10 vs St. Louis (31-16): Once again, the opposing QB outthrew Matt Hasselbeck. In this case it was Marc Bulger. Bulger threw for 304 yards and had one touchdown pass and one interception. Hasselbeck had a below-par outcome, throwing for 243 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

So once again, the Seahawks relied on RB Shaun Alexander, and once again, he came through. Alexander ran for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Alexander was the Seahawks main source on offense.

Week 11 at San Francisco (27-25): For the third straight week, the opposing quarterback outthrew Matt Hasselbeck, but this time it wasn’t as bad. Ken Dorsey threw for 249 yards and one touchdown and zero interceptions. Hasselbeck had 233 yards passing, one touchdown and zero interceptions, almost the same as Dorsey with just a tad bit less yards.

So now I ask you, who is going to lead this team to another win? Shaun Alexander. Alexander rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, compared to the 49ers running back Maurice Hicks, who had 83 yards and one touchdown. So yet again, Alexander wins it for the Seahawks.

Week 12 vs New York Giants (24-21): For the fourth straight week, Matt Hasselbeck was outthrown by the opposing QB. This time it was Eli Manning, who threw for 344 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Hasselbeck, on the other hand, threw for 249 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. So they had the same TD and INT amount but Manning threw for way more yards.

For once this season, the opposing running back rushed for more yards than Alexander, and that RB was Tiki Barber. However, Alexander had one touchdown and Barber did not record a touchdown. So this time, Hasselbeck and the Seahawks defense led them to a win.

Week 13 at Philadelphia (42-0): Coming into this Monday night game, a lot of people thought it would be a great, high-scoring game but that the Eagles would win. That was clearly not the case. The Seahawks offense scored 35 points in the first quarter. Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks offense didn’t have to do anything because the defense led by Lofa Tatupu recorded four interceptions. That’s all they needed.

Week 14 vs. San Francisco (41-3): For the second straight week, Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks defense led them to 11-2 record at the time. Matt threw for 226 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. But the Seahawks defense, for the second straight week came up big allowing only eight first downs to the Seahawks 31.

Week 15 at Tennessee (28-24): Matt Hasselbeck really stepped up, throwing for 285 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Opposing QB Steve McNair threw for 310 yards but only two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

So once again, it was up to SA to earn the MVP award, and he did by rushing for 172 yards and one lone touchdown. That’s all that was needed for the Seahawks to get their 10th straight win.

Week 16 vs. Indianapolis (28-13): In what really was a Payton Manning-less game Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander led the Seahawks. Matt threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander added 139 yards rushing and two touchdowns. That’s all that was needed to win their 11th straight game.

The Seahawks lost 23-17 in week 17 to the Green Bay Packers which snapped their 11-game winning streak.

Let’s look at the tail of the two Seahawks teams. The 2005 Super Bowl team and the 2009 fired up and aiming for a Super Bowl team.

In 2005 the Seahawks had QB Matt Hasselbeck (still here in 2009), RB Shaun Alexander (now replaced by Julius Jones), WR’s Joe Jurevicius and Darryl Jackson and TE Jeremy Stevens on offence. They scored 452 points in 2005.

For 2009 the Seahawks will have QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Julius Jones (OC Greg Knapp will make him great), WR’s T.J Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson and TE John Carlson.

Comparing the two offences, it looks like the 2009 offence should be better. Mostly because they have a lot better WR’s and a great TE in John Carlson. And who knows maybe offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will make Julius Jones the next Shaun Alexander, I think we all would love that.

In 2005 the Seahawks had DE Grant Winstrom, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Marcus Trufant, Andre Dyson and Michael Boulware as the key players on defense.

For 2009 the Seahawks will have DE Patrick Kerney, Tatupu, Hill, Curry, Trufant, Lucas, Grant and possibly Mebane.

Comparing the two defenses, if the trio of LB’s in Hill, Curry and Tatupu all do great and the defense stays completely healthy, then I think that the 2009 defense will be better. But its more of a “can they stay healthy.”

In 2005, the Seahawks head coach was future HOF Mike Holmgren who was more of a dictator and a “bend but not break” team. While in 2009 the Seahawks head coach is Jim Mora, who has learned from Holmgren the past two season. Mora is more of a players coach and a aggressive type of coach.

I have to much respect for Mike Holmgren to say that Mora is the better coach. Sense this is his first season as the head coach, the Seahawks will have to prove that they can play Mora’s style of play.

I think they will but Mora has some big shoes to fill from Holmgren, who spent 10 seasons in Seattle and led them to their only Super Bowl. I think Mora has the chance if everything goes right to lead Seattle to their second Super Bowl this season.

But they are going to have to earn it.

Minnesota Vikings: Brett Favre-Not Your Saving Grace

The Hollywood star turned NFL future Hall of Famer QB Bret Favre is continuing to show his movie in all American cities and on the Internet.

OK, its a joke but the framework still stands and the Bret Favre saga still is on going.

Since being released from the NY Jets there have been countless articles on B/R and by varied sources across the Internet, and reports about Favre’s MRI and the Vikings trainer.

We all know that Bret Favre will be a Minnesota Viking, but I think everyone is seeing a Favre signing as the ticket to a Super Bowl for Minnesota.

That’s really not the case.

Bret Favre is a great QB yes, but look what happened at the end of last season in New York. Favre’s shoulder just wasn’t there.

Now yes, he had surgery but can the shoulder hold up for another 16 games?

The Vikings know that the NFL is a quarterback driven league.

That’s why they went out and traded for QB Sage Rosenfels and still have Tarvaris Jackson.

The Vikings are not going to be lead by Favre though. This is still Adrian Peterson’s team, and its lead by Peterson and the defense. Not the QB, whoever it is.

Favre, if his shoulder is 100 percent could possibly throw for 3,000 yards, but because of Peterson I doubt he will.

Favre, Cutler, Stafford and Rogers.

Three great young QB’s and the NFC North version of Kurt Warner, without the top two WR’s.

Bret Favre will be wearing Minnesota Viking purple.

And I will be too be if he signs on Aug. 5.

Class of 2010: Possible Free Agents on Defense and Where They Might Go

Continuing part two of my two part series on the 2010 class of free agents, we turn the attention to the defensive side of the football.

The class of 2009 was headlined by DT Albert Haynesworth who signed a 100 million dollar contract with the Washington Redskins this off season.

Now looking at the class of 2010 again a top DT/NT will be the headliner with Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork.

Lets take a look at some of the top names for the class of 2010 on the defensive side of the football.

 

DT/DL:

Casey Hampton—Hampton has been a key player in the Steelers great defense in the last few seasons and will command the money that Albert Haynesworth got. Hampton is the best defensive player in the 2010 class and much like the headline QB’s for 2010, I don’t see Hampton leaving after this season.

I think he will get a decent discount from the Steelers to stay in Pittsburgh, but it will cost a lot to keep him.

Five percent chance he plays elsewhere after next season.

Vince Wilfork—Wilfork, the second best DT in the class will get close to the type of money that Hampton will get. Both players are equally important to their teams defense but both teams did draft a DT in the first and second round. The Pats took Ron Brace in the second round of the ’09 draft.

I don’t think the Pats will have Brace replace a great NT like Wilfork, and I think the Pats will spend the money to keep him.

20 percent chance he plays elsewhere after this season.

 

LB:

Shawne Merriman—Coming off a knee injury which cost him his entire 08-09 season, Merriman is looking for something to motivate him and have a break out season to get a top contract like Lofa Tatupu or Lance Briggs.

Merriman, as weird as it sounds, really has to earn the type of contract he wants this season.

Merriman is most likely not going to resign with San Diego because they have to resign Rivers and McNeill.

Merriman’s possible destination.

Tampa Bay Bucs—Having a top LB to replace Brooks is great.

Keith Bulluck—One of the greatest and most respected players in the NFL and who can still bring a lot to a defense, Bulluck is going to be a decent commodity next offseason.

Bulluck, is the key now to the Titans’ defense now that Haynesworth is gone. Bulluck will either decide to retire or resign. He will not leave Tennessee.

Zero percent chance he leaves for another team.

Ellis Hobbs—A very weak DB class will make Hobbs one of the top defensive back free agents in 2010. Hobbs was traded to the Eagles this offseason and will probably wind up testing the FA market next offseason.

Hobbs can have a solid season and get a good contract in return.

This concludes my two part series on the 2010 class of free agents.

NFL Class of 2010: Possible Free Agents on Offense and Where They Might Go

With the class of 2009 NFL free agents decided, now its a little early to look at the class of 2010 but lets examine who the top players on offense are and where they might go, or what their situation will be come next off season.

Quarterbacks:

Philip Rivers-The second best QB in the 2010 class next to Eli Manning.

Rivers, who was involved in that huge NYG-Chargers trade that for now the Giants have won, is due to make $6.5 million this season, and will most likely sign a long term contract either before the season or after the season before the free agency period begins because there is no way that they let him walk, without getting anything in return.

Now for Rivers possible destination IF HE DOES NOT RE-SIGN:

Washington Redskins (Dan Snyder will do anything for a QB)

Eli Manning- By far the best QB and player in the 2010 class. Manning, who already has a super bowl ring and MVP along with his brother Peyton will get the biggest contract, most likely from the New York Giants, just like Rivers. Both of their teams NEED them and will do anything to sign them long term.

Now for Manning’s possible destination IF HE DOES NOT SIGN:

Tampa Bay Bucs (they have the top QB need, and the cap room)

Jason Campbell– Campbell’s name, other than Michael Vick, Jay Cutler and Bret Favre has been linked to a lot of trade rumors. He’s been rumored to go to the Broncos, Chiefs (not anymore) and a few others.

The Skins front office haven’t felt comfortable with Campbell as the starting QB because of the way he played last season. Campbell, out of these three QB’s is the most likely to be known as a former (Redskin) unlike Rivers and Manning who will get the big pay day.

Campbell really has to earn the contract that he wants this season.

Now for Campbell’s possible destination:

Denver Broncos—I dont think Orton is the future

Running backs:

Leon Washington– Washington, one of the two top Jets running backs is looking for a contract extension around $5-6 million per season. Washington is a lot like Maurice Jones-Drew and he got his pay check, just like Washington will.

The Jets will sign him, basically because he’s young and Jones is old.

Ronnie Brown– The best wild cat running back in the NFL. Brown is the key for the Dolphins offense, even though Pennington is a good QB. Brown will look to get more or around the ball park that Jones-Drew landed in.

I think Parcells and the Fins will get a deal done with Brown to keep him there long term to help Chad Henne.

Wide Recievers:

Brandon Marshall– Marshall can be removed from this list if he can pull off a “Jay Cutler” move and force his way out of town. Marshall recently requested a trade and as reported before with Cutler, head coach Josh McDaniel’s denied the request.

Marshall has been one of the NFL’s top WR’s in the last two seasons. He’s has plus 1200 yard receiving seasons back to back with an 100+ catches the last two seasons.

I think Marshall will get over paid by the Broncos to get what he wants. Instead of a trade.

Braylon Edwards– Edwards, who was also amongst the tons of NFL trade rumors this season is still with the Browns. Edwards had a substantial drop off from 2007. Edwards dropped way to many balls last season and only recorded three touchdowns, one less than Deion Branch who didn’t even play a full 16 game season.

Edwards will most likely become a free agent, but just like Jason Campbell, Edwards is going to have a huge comeback this season to get the big time contract that he is going to command.

Now for Edwards possible destination:

New York Giants

Tight Ends:

Alge Crumpler– The veteran TE, and former Atlanta Falcons great will become a free agent in 2010. Crumpler signed a two year contract with the Tennessee Titans with the intention that he would help out Vince Young in the passing game but that has been unsuccessful.

Crumpler will most likely not come back with the Titans after this season because he’s not working out and most likely wont have a huge comeback season because at his age he wont be a great TE like Tony Gonzalez.

Now for Crumpler’s possible destination:

New England Patriots

L.J. Smith– Smith, probably the best possible free agent TE in the 2010 class with Dallas Clark having been resigned with the Colts in 2008 will have to work and prove himself this season in order to get a decent contract.

Smith signed a one year contract with the Ravens to support QB Joe Flacco and if all goes well for Smith he could wind up getting a decent contract. Either an extension in Baltimore or some were else.

I think Smith will have a good season, enough to get a 3-4 year contract extension with the  Ravens and get a connection going with Flacco.

Offensive Line:

Alex Barron, OT– Barron, a first round pick in 2005 of the St Louis Rams will now have to move to RT, because of the 2009 first round pick Jason Smith.

Considering the Rams signed RT Jacob Bell to a six year, 36 million dollar deal last year I don’t think the Rams will resign him.

Barron’s possible destination:

Detroit Lions

Marcus McNeill, OT– McNeill is one of the top young LT in the NFL, along with Joe Thomas, Jake Long and others. McNeill will come at a top price.

McNeill was a second round pick of the Chargers back in 2006. Considering what top draft picks like Jake Long, Joe Thomas and Jason Smith, who received record contracts will be looking to get the same type of deal.

McNeill will definitely be resigned by the Chargers, but at what price will they go to because they also have top free agent QB Philip Rivers.

Then next part in this two part series will be the class of 2010 defense, and who will go where in the free agent market.

Seahawks Bargin List: Three Low-Cost Players With High Potential

This off-season the Seahawks made a few huge splashes in free agency, and the draft. Players like WR TJ Houshmandzadeh and Aaron Curry headline a short list of big money players.

Now the success for any team in any league depends on players you buy at a very low cost who have a huge reward in the end.

For example, in the MLB, The Seattle Mariners signed first baseman Russell Branyan to a one year $1.4 million contract, and now he leads the Mariners in HR and OBP (among other things). The Mariners spent low, and are getting a great reward.

In the off-season, the Seahawks made a lot of low-cost high-reward type signings, and also made a few draft picks that fall into the same category. Players like CB Ken Lucas, Colin Cole, Justin Griffith, Cory Redding, Max Unger, Courtney Greene, and others.

I’ve selected three Seahawks off-season acquisitions that came at a very low cost, and that will have a huge reward this upcoming season.

1) CB Ken Lucas–One Year $2.3 million

Examination: The one-time Seattle Seahawk left for the big money in Carolina, but is now back with the Seahawks organization.

Lucas, a former Carolina Panther, was cut this off-season for salary cap reasons. Before that he was nearly traded to the Detroit Lions.

There had been rumors after he was a free agent that he had worked out with the Seahawks, but they were just rumors, and nothing was concrete.

The main reason the Seahawks couldn’t sign Lucas was because they had cap problems of their own. They franchised LB Leroy Hill which ate up the cap space.

After the 2009 NFL draft, in which the Seahawks selected Aaron Curry, they decided to rescind the franchise tag from Leroy Hill making him an unrestricted free agent, and it saved them $8.3 Million in cap space.

With the acquired cap relief they went out and made two low-cost signings in CB Ken Lucas and FB Justin Griffith; all for less than three million.

Lucas, over his eight year career, has an average of 61 tackles per season. Last season Lucas recorded 60 tackles, four less than Seahawks No.1 CB Marcus Trufant. If Lucas can keep up his average of 60+ tackles this season he will definitely improve a weak Seahawks secondary.

2) DE/DT Cory Redding–One Year Two Million Dollar Deal

Examination: To some Seahawks fans Redding did not come at a low cost. The Seahawks traded pro bowl LB Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions for Redding and a fifth round pick.

Redding agreed to restructure his contract down to a one year $2 million deal.

The Seahawks have converted Redding back to DE from DT, where he had to play in Detroit.

Redding is not a pro bowl, high impact type of DE like Patrick Kerney, but he will definitely make an impact on the Seahawks D-line.

Redding will be in a rotation at DE with Lawrence Jackson and Darryl Tapp among others. 

Redding will also play DT on third downs. If Redding can have a good, solid impact for the Seahawks defense, and record around 30-40 tackles, then he will be considered a low-cost high-reward type player.

3) DT Colin Cole–Five Year $21 million Deal

Examination: Cole is the most expensive of the group, but having only five million dollars guaranteed makes him a low cost player.

Cole is going to be the No.2 DT next to Brandon Mebane on the D-line. Cole is the Seahawks big run stuffing DT that they need.

If Cole can get 40+ tackles and have a few sack then he will be worth the contract that he received.

 

Aaron Curry: The Next Vernon Gholston or Patrick Willis?

In the 2007 NFL Draft, the San Fransisco 49ers selected MLB Patrick Willis from Ole Miss with the 11th overall pick. In the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected OLB Vernon Gholston from Ohio State University with the sixth overall pick.

This year in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected OLB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest with the fourth overall pick. These three players are the highest LB’s selected in the last three drafts. Willis in ’07, Gholston in ’08, and Curry in 2009.

Now the question for the 2009 pick, Aaron Curry, is will he be the next Vernon Gholston or Patrick Willis (this is not about position)?

Lets take a look at both Willis and Gholston’s stats, mainly from their rookie seasons.

Patrick Willis:

Tackles: 174 total tackles, 135 solo tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles in his rookie season. Willis won the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2007. He’s also a two-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler.

Willis finished off his 2007 season by being named one of the ESPN “NEXT” players along with Brandon Roy (NBA) and Joba Chamberlain (MLB).

Willis led the NFL in 2007 in total tackles, as a rookie. Not too shabby of a season and this would be great for Aaron Curry and the Seahawks if Curry turned in this kind of rookie season.

Vernon Gholston:

Tackles: 13 total tackles, five solo tackles, zero sacks, zero everything else.

There were a lot of people around the NFL that said Gholston would not translate to the NFL and well, he flat-out proved them right.

Jets fans wanted Gholston and they got him. He was drafted as a DE, hopefully Rex Ryan will do a lot better than Mangini and have Gholston turn out like a sixth overall pick should.

Jets fans also wanted Mark Sanchez. They got him now, but will he turn out like Gholston but at the QB position? Sanchez was drafted only one slot higher.

Now looking at Aaron Curry. He was the best LB in the entire draft, along with the title of the best overall and complete player in the ’09 draft. He was a tackle machine in college at Wake Forest.

The Seahawks are going to want him to be the SLB and do a lot more blitzing in the NFL than he did in college. But having Curry paired with Tatupu and Hill should help him out a little bit.

If Aaron Curry can get even close to the type of rookie season like Patrick Willis had and have maybe 130 total tackles, then he’s turned in a great rookie season. What should Seahawks fans expect from Aaron Curry? Well, let’s project what he should have for stats right now.

Tackles: 120-130 (110 solo)

Sacks: Four to six (Lofa will have most of the sacks, so that’s why it will be lower)

Forced fumbles: One to three

Interception:One to three

If Curry can have that as his rookie season then Seahawks fans won’t be calling for Tim Ruskell’s head and Curry should have a decent shot at the Pro Bowl.

Miami Bound: Three Seahawks on Defense With a Shot at the Pro Bowl

In 2010, the NFL Pro Bowl will be played in Miami Florida instead of Hawaii. Now last season, the Seahawks had one loan Pro Bowler on their roster. That player, Julian Peterson, is now in Detroit. Usual Seahawks, like Walter Jones, Lofa Tatupu, Patrick Kerney, Matt Hasselbeck, etc. have not played the entire season, and none of them made the Pro Bowl.

In my last article, I talked about three Seahawks who are key to the success of the offense. Now I have selected three players on defense who have a great shot at the Pro bowl and are key to the success on defense.

 

1) The entire LB corps (Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, and Aaron Curry)

Examination: The most expensive part of the Seahawks’ defense, and the second most expensive position on the entire roster next to WR. The Seahawks have been giving big contracts to two out of three starting LBs: Tatupu, Hill, and Curry, who, when he signs, will have a nice slice of pie to enjoy.

Lofa made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons in the NFL. Last season, like everyone else on the Seahawks’ roster, Tatupu underperformed. Lofa is going to have to prove that he is still one of the top MLBs in the NFL, and that he was worth the big bucks they paid him.

Hill has been climbing the ladder and working up to the level of Lofa, but he still has not taken that next step. Last season was the year he was supposed to, but he didn’t make it.

Now, he’s got a nice stack of monopoly greens in his back pocket, and has to, more than ever, take that next step and prove he’s worth it.

Aaron Curry, the Seahawks’ fourth overall pick, either can be the ’08 Jets’ Vernon Gholston or the ’07 Patrick Willis. The Seahawks are hoping that he turns out like Willis has with the 49ers, not like Gholston and his 13 total tackles, five solo.

If Curry can be the great impact player that the Seahawks see in him, then he should be a lock for the Pro Bowl.

 

2) DE Patrick Kerney

Examination: Last season, Kerney ended the season on IR with a shoulder injury. Now, he’s had surgery on it and is ready to go.

In his first season with the Seahawks, Kerney made the Pro Bowl roster, one of two seasons that he’s made the Pro Bowl.

If he can get back to Pro Bowl for this season and have at least 14+ sacks, then he will be a sure lock.

 

3) CB Marcus Trufant

Examination: Marcus had a great year last season.  But, if he can get back to the mindset he had in his contract year, then he can be a top CB in the NFL and get back to his Pro Bowl form.

Having Ken Lucas will help, but Trufant is the No. 1 CB for the Seahawks, and they pay him like it.

Now, for the secondary to be great, they are going to need Trufant to be at his best, which is 2007 Pro Bowl form.

Miami Bound: Three Seahawks On Offense Who Have A Shot At The Pro Bowl

In 2010, the NFL Pro Bowl will be played in Miami, Fla. instead of Hawaii. Last season the Seahawks had one lone pro bowler on their roster. That player, Julian Peterson, is now in Detroit. Usually Seahawks like Walter Jones, Lofa Tatupu, Patrick Kerney, Matt Hasselbeck, etc. are in contention. None of them played the entire season and none of them made the game

For the Seahawks to have success this season they are going to need all the big contract guys (Jones, Hasselbeck, Housh, Lofa) to get back to Pro Bowl form.

So this list is going to be about three Seahawks on offense who will have a great shot at making to pro bowl:

1) WR T.J Houshmandzadeh

Examination: The last Seattle Seahawk WR to make the pro bowl was 19 years ago. As TJ said in an “interview” with NFL.com, “Well then it will end at 20, a nice round number.”

TJ said it and he has the talent to end it at 20. TJ is a sure handed receiver that can go and get any ball thrown to him. He has a great shot having a QB like Matt Hasselbeck along with two other WR’s to get the attention off of TJ in Deion Branch and Nate Burleson.

Now TJ on the depth chart is the No 1 WR. Is he going to be the Seahawks No 1 WR? No, he’s most likely going to be the slot WR. You’re thinking why did they pay him $40 million to be a slot WR? Well, he will play at No. 1 but Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite target is the slot WR. Bobby Engram was the slot WR and had his first 1000+ yard season in 2007 (when Hasselbeck was a Pro Bowler). So you put him in the slot with a healthy Hasselbeck, he should be a lock for the game.

2) QB Matt Hasselbeck

Examination *If Matt Hasselbeck is healthy for all 16 games: In 2007, Matt Hasselbeck played all 16 games. Mike Holmgren went to a pass first offense. What happened? Hasselbeck took over the Seahawks, made the Pro Bowl as a starter and also had slot WR Bobby Engram have his first 1000+ yard receiving season.

That’s all it takes. A healthy Matt Hasselbeck for 16 games, and a great slot WR. As previously mentioned, TJ Houshmandzadeh is that WR if Matt Hasselbeck is healthy.

Now in addition to TJ, Hasselbeck also has Deion Branch and Nate Burleson to really open up the passing game as well as the running game with PA. Hasselbeck also has the best TE in the NFC in John Carlson. Carlson was in the top three all time for rookie TE’s. He was up there with Ditka and company, not too bad.

Hasselbeck also has something to prove. The Seahawks were close to drafting QB Mark Sanchez, but because Aaron Curry was available they selected Curry over Sanchez. Now the Seahawks have two first round picks next year. Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy will lead the 2010 class. This is his chance to show that they made the right choice by passing on Sanchez and that he can still be an elite NFL QB.

3) TE John Carlson

Carlson, the one lone bright spot on the Seahawks last season, is entering his second season with the team. Now he has Matt Hasselbeck healthy, and three great WR’s to open up the field for him.

Carlson can take that next step this season by becoming one of the top NFL TE’s (current day not all time).

Unlike TJ and everyone else, Carlson doesn’t have to have Matt Hasselbeck because he did great with Seneca Wallace.

Either way, having Hasselbeck is a bonus and this is Carlson’s chance to make himself more than just a second year rookie. 

This list does not include OL because, well, it’s really not fair. We know Walter Jones is a lock and eveyone else still haven’t proven themselves.

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