Tim Ruskell’s Resignation: Seattle Seahawks Must Avoid Knee-Jerk Hire

Today, Seahawks President and General Manager Tim Ruskell announced his resignation effective immediately. This move isn’t very shocking, considering the Seahawks have been 27-32 since falling short in Super Bowl XL.

The Seahawks now face some uncharted territory, finding the successor to the only GM to help lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, although opinions may vary on how it was done.

The rumor mill has churned out many different names to replace Ruskell. But the obvious choice that has been whispered has been a reunion with beloved former head coach Mike Holmgren to help right the ship that has sailed off course this season, as the Seahawks are staring at an abysmal 4-7 record.

The Seahawks are also coming of their worst season since 1992, with a record of 4-12 last year.

I caution the Seahawks, however, in making Mike Holmgren the general manager right away. Although many people believe he is the candidate that best replaces Ruskell, the Seahawks need to avoid this tenuous hire by searching for other options.

The Seahawks would be foolish to not offer this position to some of the greater current GMs in the league, like Bill Polian of the Colts, or Kevin Colbert of the Steelers. Although they are long shot hires, this position could present another challenge for these already established GMs.

Seattle is a wonderful city, with one of the best owners in the league, and a newly built tradition of winning. Another possible lure would be the opportunity to build the franchise from the ground up, possibly with the selection of a franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft. They have the opportunity to establish a much needed identity for a team that has lacked one since the ’05 season.

The possibility of bringing a championship to a city starved for success could be a lure for these GMs that have already brought them to their respective cities.

After all, stranger things have happened.

When it’s all said and done, I would be surprised if the Seahawks are able to land any of these candidates, but the Seahawks would be foolish to wear blinders in the search for the new leader of their organization

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Seattle Seahawks In the Huddle: Matt Hasselbeck

In continuing my series chronicling players entering training camp, I focus this article on the captain of this team:  Matt Hasselbeck.

 

Matt Hasselbeck has been what has gelled this offense through the Mike Holmgren era.  Although his first couple of years were rocky in Seattle, this team would not be what it is today without Matt Hasselbeck.

 

He came to the Seahawks in 2001 after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round in 1998.  His reception in Seattle wasn’t the best to start out a career, as his arrival forced out fan favorite Jon Kitna and his erratic play for several years led to his benching.

 

He finally started winning fans over in the final three games of the 2002 season, when the Seahawks went 3-0 to close out the season 7-9.

 

As he entered the 2003 season, he became the starter and led the Seahawks to a 10-6 record, earning them a birth in the NFC Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers where he infamously made the proclamation “we want the ball, and were gonna score” call in the OT.

 

The Seahawks were finally gaining respect, being the team chosen by SI as the team to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl

 

2004 also happened to be another good year for the quarterback as his team flew out the gate to a 3-0 record.  However, a late collapse against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4 really disrupted their season.  They went on to finish 9-7 and lose to the Rams in the NFC Wild Card game.  Hasselbeck finished with 3,382 yards and 22 touchdowns.

 

He really flourished in 2005, guiding the Seahawks to the Super Bowl and starting the 2005 Pro Bowl.  He threw for3,459 yards and 24 touchdowns.

 

His best season statistically came in 2007, where he passed for 3,966 yards and 28 TD’s.  The Seahawks again lost to the Packers in the playoffs that season, and Hasselbeck unfortunately kept his mouth shut.

 

It has been extensively covered that Matt Hasselbeck had a herniated disk last season, allowing him to only play in seven games.  For the first time in his career, Hasselbeck heads into training camp with his health in question.

 

Although we have good reason to question if Hasselbeck is healthy, (can you name one guy who came back to play QB in the NFL after blowing a disk in his back?) Hasselbeck wants to silence his doubters.

 

As we enter training camp everyone’s eyes will be on Hasselbeck.  So far he has looked good, but what will happen in the opener against St. Louis? 

 

If the Seahawks plan to play their way back into the post season they will need their leader to have another Pro Bowl caliber season.

 

 

This article can also be found at:  Seahawks Sideline

Seattle Seahawks In the Huddle: Patrick Kerney

I have decided to begin a series chronicling several Seattle Seahawks before the start of training camp. My series begins by looking at the importance of Patrick Kerney’s return to the Seahawks defense.

 

Patrick Kerney came to the Seattle Seahawks in 2007 after spending his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons. Kerney was drafted 30th overall by the Falcons in the 1999 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.

 

His three year college career as a Cavalier saw Kerney earn All-ACC honors in 1998, as well as All-America honors.

 

Kerney then signed a five-year $5.6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. In his first two years, Kerney recorded only five sacks.

 

However, 2001 was a breakout year for Kerney, as he tallied 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. Kerney then became a staple of Atlanta’s defensive line, recording 42 sacks from 2001-2004, and making the Pro Bowl in ’04 after racking up 13 sacks.

 

In 2006, Kerney tore his pectoral muscle nine games into the season, requiring season-ending surgery.

 

Kerney then decided to opt out of his final two years of his contract, and signed with the Seattle Seahawks for six-years and $39.5 million.

 

Kerney did not disappoint in his first year in Seattle, racking up 14.5 sacks and earning NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

 

Unfortunately, Kerney was lost seven games into a dismal 2008 season, as he hurt his shoulder that he had surgery on in the offseason. Kearney would have a second surgery, ending his season.

 

As we near training camp, Kerney’s return to the defensive line has not been discussed at length, but could be one of the biggest moves in the NFC West this season.

 

Kerney gives the Seahawks many options on the defensive line. Kerney takes pressure of Cory Redding, who could have a break out year for the Seahawks. Kerney’s presence should also take pressure off the right side of the defensive line.

 

Kerney also allows for more blitzes by the linebackers. A healthy Kerney usually demands double teams, allowing for free roaming linebackers to be left one on one with either a running back or full back. This could lead to a Pro Bowl season for Leroy Hill.

 

Kerney also brings solid leadership to this team. His intensity, high motor, and refusal to quit resonate through the entire defense. 

 

If Kerney can return to his 2007 form in ’09, the additions of Curry, Redding, Cole, or Lucas will not be the story of the defense this season.

Will the Seattle Seahawks Back Up TJ Houshmandzadeh’s Guarantee?

Normally, I am not one for paying attention to guarantees. Most of the time when a player makes a guarantee, it feels forced.

 

For example, Mo Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers guaranteed the Cavs were going to win their series against the Orlando Magic, which didn’t happen.

 

Players, more often than not, shove a fatal nail into their team by using guarantees.  It’s a death sentence, a way of ensuring your team will not fulfill those lofty promises your big mouth spouted off early into the season. 

 

No way a player on any of my teams would do that, ever.

 

Then this past week, Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh made a guarantee that the Seattle Seahawks will go back to the post season and he and Matt Hasselbeck will go to the Pro Bowl as a tandem.

 

As I read his comments, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I thought I was having a heart attack. No way did he just jinx the Seahawks by “guaranteeing” a playoff spot. 

 

But the more I thought about it, the more I loved his prediction. 

 

The Seahawks needed a player like this.

 

Finally, they have a player with some swagger. A player who makes predictions and who, we know, will go out and back up what he said.

 

This team was in desperate need of that type of player. Now will the Seahawks back it up?

 

Seattle has the ability to make the postseason this year. After stubbing their toe in the 2008 season, the 2009 version of the Seahawks have key components coming back from injuries this season.

 

Deion Branch and Nate Burleson are back to compliment Houshmandzadeh, Patrick Kerney is back to shore up the defensive line, Walter Jones and Mike Wahle are back to help jump-start the running game, and Matt Hasselbeck is ready to take back the reins in Seattle.

 

The Seahawks need to have a combination of the running game they had in 2005 and the passing game they had in 2007 in order to make the push for the playoffs this season. 

 

In 2005, the Seahawks had the third best rushing attack in the NFL. In 2007, the Seahawks had the eighth best passing attack in the NFL.

 

Houshmandzadeh has some control over that, but he doesn’t have control over the other side of the ball—the defense.

 

The Seahawks will rely heavily on their ability to generate a consistent pass rush in order to offset their lack of size. Patrick Kerney’s return to the defense should help generate a pass rush that could be in the top of the league in sacks.

 

With the ninth-easiest schedule in the NFL (Seahawks’ combined opponents’ winning percentage is .459) all signs are positive for the Seahawks’ quest to return to the playoffs.

 

I just hope Houshmandzadeh doesn’t start predicting Super Bowl wins and MVP awards.

Seattle Seahawks: Five Predictions For the 2009 Season

As we approach the start of the 2009 campaign, one cannot help but throw out some predictions for the season.  Here is my attempt to predict who could have a career year and who could surprise us all.

 

Matt Hasselbeck will throw for over 4,000 yards and 25+ touchdowns

 

In his illustrious career, this is the one thing Matt Hasselbeck has never accomplished.  He came close in 2007 when he passed for 3,966 yards and 28 TD’s. 

 

This season the Seahawks really shored up the WR core this season with additions of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and third round pick Deon Butler. 

 

Deion Branch and Nate Burleson should also be back from their respective injuries and look for them to have monster years.

 

Hasselbeck could enjoy a career year with these newly acquired WR’s.  I predict Hasselbeck throws for at least 4,000 yards and 25 TD’s.

 

 

Julius Jones will rush for less than 1,200 yards

 

I really like Julius Jones, I think he will fit well into the zone blocking scheme.  However, I just don’t see him rushing for that many yards this season.

 

The Seahawks do not have a daunting schedule, however they do face seven teams who finished better than they did in rushing defense last season:  Minnesota, Chicago, Tennessee, Dallas, Jacksonville, San Francisco, and Arizona.

 

With Jones sharing the load with T.J. Duckett and possible Justin Forsett, I cannot see him rushing for over 1,200 yards this season.  It really depends on how well the offensive line develops this season.

 

 

The Seahawks defense will be in the top five in sacks

 

The Seahawks made it a point to upgrade the defensive line this offseason, trading Julian Peterson to Detroit for Cory Redding and signing free agent Colin Cole.

 

The Seahawks were 10th last season with 35 sacks, but were missing Patrick Kerney for most of last season.  Kerney lead the team in 2007 with 14.5 sacks.

 

With Kerney coming back from shoulder surgery, the emergence of Lawrence Jackson, and consistent play from Darryl Tapp the Seahawks could have a dominating pass rush in 2009.

 

 

Only one Seahawk wide receiver will have double-digit touchdowns.

 

I do not know which receiver will have 10 or more touchdowns, but I predict only one will have more than nine. 

 

When Matt Hasselbeck is at his best, he is usually spreading the ball all over the field, giving every receiver a chance to get involved in the game.   Against the New York Giants in 2006, Hasselbeck threw for five touchdowns to four different receivers.

 

In 2007, he threw for four touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals to four different receivers.  If Hasselbeck is on his game everyone will get involved. 

 

 

Max Unger will replace someone on the offensive line four games into the season.

 

Max Unger could be the X-factor for the Seahawks this season.  The former center from the University of Oregon gives the Seahawks a versatile option on the offensive line.

 

At 6’ 5” and 300 pounds, Unger is a big body with a tenacious attitude that could bring toughness to the offensive line in ’09.  He led an Oregon rushing attack that was one of the best in the nation in 2007.

 

Both Chris Spencer and Mike Wahle better impress in the first four games this season.  The Seahawks will not hesitate to plug in Unger.

Who Benefits the Most from the Denver Broncos Troubling Offseason?

There have been so many intriguing story lines this offseason:  The Brett Favre saga, Plaxico Burress and Dante Stallworth’s legal problems, and of course the Denver Broncos.

 

The Broncos have had one of the more tumultuous offseasons in recent memory and it all started at the end of the 2008 season.

 

All the Broncos had to do was win one of their final three games in 2008 to win the AFC West and go back to the postseason.  The Broncos entered Week 15 with an 8-5 record.  However, they would end up losing that game against the Carolina Panthers 30-14.

 

The Broncos would collapse again in Week 16 and 17, losing to the Buffalo Bills 30-23 and in the final game against the San Diego Chargers 52-21.  They ended up finishing in a tie for first, but by virtue of a tie breaker missed the postseason.

 

The downward spiral continued when owner Pat Bowlen fired future hall of fame coach Mike Shanahan on December 30, 2008.  Shanahan was replaced by 33 year old Josh McDaniels who was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

 

McDaniels soon expressed his interest in acquiring QB Matt Cassel, which did not sit well starter Jay Cutler.  Cassel ended up with the Chiefs and Cutler then asked to be traded.

 

After months of speculation and bickering, the Broncos finally dealt their Pro Bowl QB to the Chicago Bears for Kyle Orton and several draft picks.

 

Now we hear that star WR Brandon Marshall is also requesting a trade out of Denver.  If that were to come to fruition the Broncos would lose their top two offensive weapons from last season.

 

Bowlen had maintained that Marshall will remain with the team.  Remember that Bowlen said the same thing about Jay Cutler, eventually unloading Cutler to Chicago.   

 

So who benefits the most from this turmoil?  The Chicago Bears?  They nabbed a Pro Bowl QB.  Brandon Marshall?  He may get his wish and leave to another team.  The media?  They have something to cover for all of the offseason besides Favre.

 

I argue that it is the Seattle Seahawks.

 

Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell may have orchestrated one the greatest draft day steals when he sent the Seahawks 2009 second round pick to Denver for the Broncos first round pick in 2010.

 

With all of the uncertainty surrounding the Broncos offense, the Seahawks have a chance to creep into the top ten in next year’s draft if the Broncos struggle this season.  This selection could lead to USC’s Taylor Mays or Tennessee’s Eric Berry.

 

However, many think that the Seahawks are in prime position to grab the QB of the future.  Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Texas’ Colt McCoy and Florida’s Tim Tebow are all expected to be in the 2010 draft. 

 

There are still several questions that will remain unanswered till the end of the ’09 campaign.  One thing is for sure, as long as the Broncos stay in the headlines, Seattle Seahawks fans will continue to grin.

Seattle Seahawks: Five Lingering Questions Heading into 2009

As we continue our march towards training camp, we can’t help but have questions of a team that was poised to win its fifth-straight NFC West title only to fall flat and finish 4-12. 

 

The Seahawks tried to answer many of those questions during the off-season, signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh and drafting Aaron Curry.  However, there are still questions that need answers as we head into 2009.

 

 

Can the Seahawks run the ball effectively?

 

The Seahawks have not had a decent rushing attack since the 2005 Super Bowl run. They went from third in the league the previous season to 13^th in the 2006 season.  In 2007 and 2008, they ranked 20^th and 19^th in the league, respectively.

 

The rushing attack has really stalled since the departure of Steve Hutchinson.  The Seahawks thought they had the solution this past season, but Mike Wahle only made it through 10 games after suffering a shoulder injury.

 

The Seahawks enter 2009 with a revamped offensive line.  The addition of rookie Max Unger could help open holes for this rushing attack.  However, with the regression of Chris Spencer and the inexperience Rob Sims, this rushing attack could suffer again in 2009.

 

 

Will Matt Hasselbeck make it through all 16 games in 2009?

 

Matt Hasselbeck has led us to believe his back is perfectly healthy this season.  All indications is that he is ready to come back from his herniated disk that allowed him to only play seven games in ’08.

 

Although, it could prove tough for Hasselbeck once he returns to the field for the regular season.  One vicious hit could send Hasselbeck back to the IR, leaving us with Seneca Wallace running the show.

 

The Seahawks could also be in trouble if Matt Hasselbeck shows any ill effects of his back injury during the season.  Remember, the Seahawks had an opportunity to win a couple of games last season only to watch the game evaporate with an ill-timed Hasselbeck interception.

 

If Hasselbeck can play all 16 games for the Seahawks, they have a good chance to return to the playoffs.

 

 

Will Casey “Gus” Bradley’s defense make us forget John Marshall?

 

Casey Bradley has a very tough job ahead of him, as the Seahawks were an abysmal team on defense last season.  John Marshall’s defense fell to 30^th in his final season as defensive coordinator and the Seahawks felt they need a change of scenery.

 

Bradley comes from Tampa Bay, where he apprenticed under one of the best defensive minds in football, Monte Kiffin.  Bradley implements his version of the Tampa 2 this season and fans should be excited about the defense in 2009.

 

However, if the front four cannot get pressure on the QB, the ghost of John Marshall may haunt the Seahawks defense again this season.

 

 

If the wide receivers suffer injuries like last season, will the passing offense be ok?

 

Hear me out first: I do not believe that the Seahawks will suffer that many injuries to the WR core this season. 

 

But you have to wonder, if a player like T.J. Houshmandzadeh was to go down or if Branch and Burleson are unable to come back, can the Seahawks passing game survive?

 

The Seahawks need to be at least four or five wide receivers deep to help curb the issues they faced last season.

 

The Seahawks hope that Deon Butler or Ben Obomanu can emerge as that fourth or fifth option just in case the injuries start to pile up again.

 

If they are able to have a decent array of backup WRs, the Seahawks passing attack should be fine.

 

 

How many games will the Seahawks win in Mora’s first season?

 

The Seahawks are a trendy pick to be a comeback team this season. 

 

They can return to the postseason if the injuries are minimal, Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy, and the defense can return to the top 15 of the league.

 

But how many wins will they have?  If we examine the schedule the Seahawks have many games that could go either way, especially the games in the NFC West.

 

I earlier predicted a 10-6 season for the 2009 Seahawks, but I believe the margin of error is +/- 2 games. 

 

If their defense plays well and Hasselbeck returns to his 2007 form, we could see a 12 win season.  However, if Hasselbeck is ineffective this could be just a .500 team.

Seattle Seahawks: Who Starts Out of Training Camp?

In my third installment detailing the Seattle Seahawks heading into training camp, I take my shot at predicting who makes the starting lineup for the 2009 season.

 

 

 

Quarterback

 

Matt Hasselbeck is attempting to bounce back from a herniated disk that really limited him last season.  Hasselbeck was injured in the Week Four matchup against the New York Giants and really never found a groove. 

 

Seneca Wallace filled in admirably for the Seahawks, who went on to finish 4-12.

 

Look for Hasselbeck to come back with a vengeance this season.

 

Projected Starter:  Matt Hasselbeck

 

 

 

Running Back

 

This could be a running back by committee offense this season. 

 

Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett look to improve from last season and jump start the Seahawks’ rushing offense.  Jones gets the starting nod with Duckett used for short yardage situations

 

Projected Starter:  Julius Jones

 

 

 

Fullback

 

This week, Jim Mora announced that Owen Schmitt will enter camp as the starting fullback, and Justin Griffith will enter as a “mentor” to the young fullback out of West Virginia. 

 

Training camp battle could be intense, but it appears as if it’s Schmitt’s job to lose.

 

Projected Starter:  Owen Schmitt

 

 

 

Wide Receiver

 

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was the big addition to the offseason for the Seahawks and will be the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver this season.

 

Deion Branch, if healthy, should be the No. 2 receiver. 

 

The camp battle will be between several players for No. 3 and No. 4, including Nate Burleson, Deon Butler, Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, and Jordan Kent

 

Projected Starters:  T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson

 

 

 

Tight End

 

No camp battle here. 

 

John Carlson will be the starter, especially since he was one of the only bright spots last season. 

 

A wildcard for back up could be seventh round pick Cameron Morrah, who could be the blocking tight end for this team.

 

Projected Starter:  John Carlson

 

 

 

Offensive Line

 

Walter Jones looks to come back from knee surgery in the offseason. 

 

Jones and Sean Locklear are the only starters not in danger of losing their starting jobs in training camp.  Wahle could be supplanted by Unger, and Spencer could lose his job to Vallos. 

 

Rob Sims and Ray Willis battle for right guard.

 

Projected Starters: Walter Jones, Mike Wahle, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, and Sean Locklear

 

 

 

Defensive Line

 

With some new additions in Colin Cole, Cory Redding coming in, and the return of Patrick Kerney from season ending shoulder surgery, this could be the deepest position for the Seahawks. 

 

Darryl Tapp and Lawrence Jackson will battle for a starting position in camp.

 

Projected Starters:  Darryl Tapp, Brandon Mebane, Colin Cole, and Patrick Kerney

 

 

 

Linebackers

 

Barring any injuries, these three spots are reserved for Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, and Leroy Hill. 

 

This is another deep position for the Seahawks with D.D. Lewis, David Hawthrone, and Will Herring as the backups.

 

Projected Starters:  Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, and Leroy Hill

 

 

 

Corner

 

With the left side being manned by Marcus Trufant, the real battle will be between Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson, and Kelly Jennings. 

 

Unfortunately, for Wilson and Jennings, I think Lucas gets the nod because of his experience and size.

 

Projected Starters: Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas

 

 

 

Safety

 

This is probably the thinnest position for the Seahawks entering training camp.  Deon Grant probably holds his starting job as the strong safety, but Brian Russell could be in danger of losing his job as the free safety. 

 

Courtney Greene, Jamar Adams, C.J. Wallace, and Jordan Babineaux all could challenge Russell to start this season.

 

Projected Starters:  Deon Grant and Brian Russell

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Non-Divisional Games of the 2009 Season

Week 1: Titans vs. Steelers

 

Last meeting (2008): Tennessee 31, Pittsburgh 14

 

This could be one of the better games to kick off the season in the past couple of seasons. The previous meeting saw a battle for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, LenDale White stomping on the terrible towel, and a dominating Tennessee victory.

 

This meeting should be closer and should set the tone for a terrific 2009 season.

 

 

Week 3: Falcons vs. Patriots

 

Last meeting (2005): New England 31, Atlanta 28

 

Another treat in this Week 3 matchup as Matt Ryan makes his first trip to Foxboro. The Falcons take their high-flying offense to test a revamped Patriots defense. 

 

This could end up being a classic offensive vs. defensive game.

 

 

Week 4: Seahawks vs. Colts

 

Last meeting (2005): Seattle 28, Indianapolis 13

 

Week 4 offers us so many exciting games early in the season, including San Diego versus Pittsburgh and Ravens versus Patriots.

 

However, I think that the Seahawks versus Colts could end up being the game we all anticipated in 2005. Remember the possibility of having a 14-0 Colts team going into 12-2 Seattle?  

 

This could have 3-0 versus 3-0 written all over it.

 

 

Week 8: Panthers vs. Cardinals

 

Last meeting (2008): Arizona 33, Carolina 13

 

This Week 8 matchup is a rematch of the divisional round in last season’s playoffs which saw Jake Delhomme throw six interceptions and the Cardinals rout the Panthers on their way to the NFC Championship game. 

 

This game should be closer than that.

 

 

Week 9: Chargers vs. Giants

 

Last meeting (2005): San Diego 45, New York Giants 23

 

This should be an awesome matchup, depending on how well both teams are playing early. 

 

This one could go either way, but something tells me this game could be something special. Watch out for one last LT sighting against the mighty G-Men.

 

 

Week 10: Patriots vs. Colts

 

Last meeting (2008): Indianapolis 18, New England 15

 

This game is always entertaining as long as both these teams play each season with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at the helm. 

 

 

Week 12: Panthers vs. Jets

 

Last meeting (2005): Panthers 30, Jets 3

 

By Week 12, we could have Mark Sanchez as the starting QB for the New York Jets going face-to-face with a very talented Panther defense. This could be a rough game for Sanchez, but also for Jake Delhomme as the Jets have a solid defense as well.

 

 

Week 14: Chargers vs. Cowboys

 

Last meeting (2005): Dallas 28, San Diego 24

 

This game has playoff implications written all over it. Could this possibly be an elimination game for either side?  Romo versus Rivers could be a battle for the ages.

 

 

Week 15: Packers vs. Steelers

 

Last meeting (2005): Pittsburgh 20, Green Bay 10

 

The Packers and the Steelers in a December game? What could be better? 

 

Two teams that are both geared for the cold weather looking to put the icing on the 2009 season. Both teams could be fighting for a playoff spot as well.

 

 

Week 16: Chargers vs. Titans

 

Last meeting (2007): San Diego 17, Tennessee 6

 

Santa is kind enough to bring us a little early gift with this Christmas Day matchup. 

 

The Chargers have some pretty tough tests, but this could be their ticket to the playoffs. Tennessee could be looking to improve playoff seeding. As I write this, I notice how brutal the Chargers’ schedule is.

 

This is all up for debate of course, but I know I will be glued to my TV in anticipation for these matchups.

Seattle Seahawks: Players with the Most to Lose Entering Training Camp

In my second installment looking ahead to training camp, I look at some players who have the most to lose in training camp.  These players could potentially need a strong training camp in order to keep their starting position or potentially staying on the active roster.

 

 

Chris Spencer

 

Chris Spencer comes into the 2009 season in a potential three-way battle for center with Max Unger and Steve Vallos.   Spencer only played in only 11 games last season while struggling through both injuries and inconsistent play.

 

Spencer has not lived up to the expectations of being drafted 26th overall in the 2005 draft.  Expecting to replace long-time center Robbie Tobeck, Spencer has not developed the way the Seahawks had hoped he would.

 

If Spencer continues to show that he isn’t capable of solidifying the center position, he could be on his way out in Seattle.

 

 

Kelly Jennings

 

While Josh Wilson has earned the right to compete for a starting corner position this past season, Jennings just hopes he can challenge for playing time this season.  Jennings has also struggled in his first three seasons in the NFL. 

 

Jennings, the 31st overall pick in 2006, has not acclimated to the pro game the way the Seahawks had hoped they would.  Jennings has struggled to cover bigger wide receivers as his size seems to limit his coverage ability.

 

Jennings has a big hill to climb in training camp, battling both Lucas and Wilson for playing time.  If Jennings doesn’t show improvement in camp, the Seahawks could part ways with the former first-round pick.

 

 

Darryl Tapp

 

Darryl Tapp’s future with the Seattle Seahawks could hinge on this season.  He becomes a free agent after this season and Tapp has been up and down since the Seahawks drafted him in 2006. 

 

He had his best game in 2007 against the St. Louis Rams when he tallied four sacks and forced a fumble.  Tapp has looked like he has the potential to be a great defensive end, and other times he has looked a step slow and out of place.

 

If Tapp does not emerge in training camp this season, the Seahawks could part with him this offseason.  Tapp could have a problem finding his way onto the field in 2009, especially with Patrick Kearney coming back, the addition of Cory Redding, and the hopeful emergence of Lawrence Jackson.

 

 

In my final installment of the training camp series I will go position by position and project the starting lineup for 2009.

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