The team finished out the draft with DT Red Bryant who is engaged to Seahawk legend Jacob Green’s daughter, FB Owen Schmitt (already a fan favorite with the Mohawk and instant quote ability), LS Tyler Schmitt as a surprise in the sixth round though if you saw the Seahawks long snapper troubles last year you would understand, RB Justin Forsett, and K Brandon Coutu to provide competition for those positions.
4) Figure out what to do with Shaun Alexander.
Alexander was released on 4/22/08. Despite a few workouts and interviews, he remains a free agent.
The Seahawks have moved on with Julius Jones, TJ Duckett, Owen Schmitt, and Justin Forsett as new arrivals joining Maurice Morris and Leonard Weaver in the backfield. Although it is likely one of these names, most likely either Morris or Forsett, all of these players fit the offensive scheme well.
Wide receiver, on the other hand, looks like a mess. Deion Branch is still out since having knee surgery but he should be back by the start of the season. That does not help him and Hasselbeck get their timing down. Branch has spent more time off the field than on it since coming to the Seahawks. Burleson is looking more and more like a great return man but only a decent receiver. Bobby Engram is in camp but still not happy about his contract situation. Below that, we are talking about a lot of young guys trying to make the team. Holmgren has said he is happy with how they are coming along. But did the team make a mistake letting DJ Hackett leave town as a free agent? I am not convinced that they did, since Hackett is another oft-injured player. But time will tell with that one.
5) Game planning.
This is one area I am very excited about since the game plan will no longer include a first down handoff to Shaun Alexander every time. With Alexander on the streets and Holmgren in his last year, I am looking forward to seeing him rip open the playbook and leave defenses around the league gasping and struggling to keep up. Honestly, I view these elements as major factors this year that most of the “experts” have not noticed. Do you have any idea how long it has been since the Seahawks ran a screen play? It has been so long it might have been Trent Dilfer that threw it last.
6) With that thought, become road warriors.
Home field for the Seahawks is practically always a guaranteed win. Last year they were 7-1 at Qwest Field. Lifetime at Qwest, the team is 36-11 after opening the stadium with a 3-5 record. Since that point, they’ve gone 8-0 and 5-3 twice.
The road record is much weaker, 22-26 overall for that same time period. The only time the Hawks had a winning record on the road was in 2005 when they went 5-3, the Super Bowl year. Coincidence perhaps? I think not.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice analysis. And with Holmgren no doubt hungry to go out with a ring, I like our chances this year for that little sumptin sumptin to get the foul taste of getting robbed at our last SuperBowl out of our mouths. Go Hawks!
-Glen
2 - nicolas
1. you may want to check out the other kicker they signed, OLINDO Mare.
2. how would having shockey have been any more trouble than jerramy stevens? and shockey's a much better player.
3. what does holmgren's last year have to do with playbook changes?
you told a lot, but the team you described doesn't really look a ton better than another 9-7 year
3 - Douglas Mays
they looked good last night in pre-season. really good. I am not too worried about them. this team could go all the way.
WOW. if their new practice facility (best in the league they say) is an inspiration, good!
anyway, we'll see....
4 - Russ Evenhuis
Thanks for the comments! I look forward to a very fun year. As a fan, we'll be riding this wave as long as it goes.
Nicolas, sorry for the spelling, my mistake entirely. Good catch!
To answer your other questions:
2. Stevens isn't with the team anymore and the reason is exactly the same. In the past the Hawks have put up with problem players that produced but since Ruskell took over for Whitsett (I am sure I spelled that name wrong), they have worked hard to get rid of the problem players. Getting Shockey just tells the other players that all that talk and work is meaningless.
3. I think it has quite a bit to do with it actually. Holmgren doesn't have to worry about a contract, not that they would fire him for running the statue of liberty play anyway, but I think that he's going to be looser and more creative with the play calling. Onside kick to start the second half? Why not. Now, he's not going to completely change his stripes but I feel he'll be just a little more relaxed and also more competitive at the same time to go out with another Super Bowl ring.
9-7? Really? How do you figure that? There are some tough games on their schedule for sure, but there is not one of them they can't win. Even the Patriots game because it will be in Seattle is winnable. Remember, the Seahawks almost beat the Patriots a couple of years ago on the road with an arguably weaker team that was the better team on the field that day.
Despite being a homer, I realistically put their record this year at around 12-4 or 11-5. Yes, I really honestly think they are that good.
5 - Andy Marsh
Hey - as a Superbowl Champion NY Giants fan, I have to make a complaint.
How can you call this a football preview and then talk about the Shehawks? Isn't that an oxymoron???
6 - Douglas Mays
9-7? Well, with an attitude like that, you are right.
That sort of attitude with this years Hawks would get you booted OFF the team.
Why not? 11-5 is more realistic of a record. Well, let's hope they don't pull a Mariners out of nowhere. Pre-season darlings sucking deep in the regular season.
Naw, not with Holmgren at the wheel...
I should get my SuperBowl tix today!!!