This season, a full training camp will go miles to improved play from the former starting rookies and second string linemen that have lots of experience now.
Right tackle James Carpenter is still a question mark from knee surgery and may begin the season on the PUP (physically unable to play) list, but a move to left guard may be in his future. Before his injury, Carpenter was not progressing well at all. The team was impressed with the replacements, journeymen Paul McQuinstan and Breno Giacomini, and resigned both of them.
Despite the injuries to the youngsters, the line improved every week. Twenty-nine of the 50 total sacks came in the first seven weeks.
Okung is the unlucky injury guy so far. In 2011, he tore his pectoral muscle after getting hip-tossed by Philadelphia defensive end Trent Cole after the whistle blew. He's back to full health now and has been excellent when he can stay that way.
3. Wide Receivers: Seattle has turned into a halfway house for aged receivers now that T.O. is in town.
He looked good in his workout and first practice but only time will tell if he can handle a full season. He’s 38 years old and although physically he looks good, as Indiana Jones said, it’s not the years, it’s the mileage.
Before Owens arrived, the project receiver was Braylon Edwards, late of the 49ers, Jets, and Browns. Edwards has always had the physical tools to be a stud receiver but his hands and attitude have let him down repeatedly.
My question to these signings is: “Why?” To answer that, we have to look at the current Seattle incumbent receiver corps.
The team has three basically the same receivers in Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, and Deon Butler. All three are good. Baldwin is exceptional, Tate has progressed nicely and Butler is the fastest but spent a long time coming back from a broken leg.
Sydney Rice was the big free agent signing and has been sensational when he can get on the field. Offseason surgery on both shoulders is holding him out of the contact drills but watching him run and catch, his mobility and reach look good. It’s down to whether he can take the hits on his shoulders now.
Ben Obomanu has had some great catches but they are few and far between. His best play has been on special teams.
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