2012 NFL Season Preview: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

Front Office

Owner:             Paul Allen

GM:                 John Schneider

C+:      I like their direction, besides the fact they have not acquired a QB, they are moving in the right direction.  They have upgraded the OL and put together a decent defense in the past two seasons.  I like the hiring of Pete Carroll.  The only problem they have is they traded way too much for Charlie Whitehurst and I do not believe he can replace Matt Hasselbach.  I fear next season this regime will be under fire to find a QB.

Coaching Staff

HC:      Pete Carroll

OC:      Darrell Bevell

DC:      Casey Bradley

C+:      I like Pete Carroll but I do not like the assistances he has assembled with him.  When they hired Carroll it brought a wave of excitement and a refreshing feel to theSeattlefan base.  Bringing back Bevell and keeping Bradley does not do the same.  These individuals have not had a ton of success in the past and I am surprised they are Carroll’s coordinators.

QB:     C-

Matt Hasselbeck has one more productive year left.  My fear though is with the state of this team, Hasselbeck has to be excellent for the Seahawks to compete and he is past that stage in his life.  Charlie Whitehurst was brought in to be the heir apparent and I do not see that happening.  Good news is with a bad year Carroll will have the chance to draft Matt Barkley from USC to bring this team around.

RB:     C

Marshawn Lynch is okay, but he is not the guy who had the run in the Saints game….that was poor tackling.  Justin Forsett and Leon Washington can give the Seahawk running game some sparks but this team will need to find an every down back for the future.

WR/TE           C

Unlike many Lions fans, I was happy to seeMikeWilliams grow up and become productive.  He is not a fear imposing number one though.  Tate, Obomanu, andButlerare decent talents but nothing special as well.  I do think John Carlson will have a better year.  He is not dominating but solid in all phases of the game.  This franchise needs to bring in some more excitement into this offense.

OL:                 B

With the additions of Russell Okung, John Moffitt, andJamesCarpenter the Seahawks have a physical, young OL.  They also get Max Unger back from injury this year.  There are reports thatRobertGallerywill follow Tom Cable to play LG for them.  In time this will be a dominate OL.

DL:                 B

Their versatility is what makes this defense.  DT Colin Cole is both dominate in the 4-3 and as a NT in a 3-4.  Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant are capable DT and 3-4 DE’s.  Chris Clemons and Rasheem Brock can play DE or 3-4 OLB.  It is a nice group with myriad of abilities.

LB:                  A-

As stated above some of the DL also plays LB when the 3-4 is implemented.  When the Seahawks line up in a 4-3, than the starters of Aaron Curry, David Hawthorne, and Lofa Tatupu make a formidable group.  They also have solid depth as well.

DB:                 D+

I like Earl Thomas.  He is a play making FS.  After that the Seahawks have only bodies.  Marcus Trufant is on the downside of his career.  Kelly Jennings is average and a FA.  SS is up in the air.  Lawyer Milloy will not be there next year and I do not know if Kam Chancellor is ready to play the position.   This unit keeps the defense from being dominate.

Last Draft

Though I believe Carpenter should have been Gabe Carimi instead, paired with Moffitt they will form a dominate right side on the offensive line.  After those two they did not acquire much talent.  Not nearly the draft they had in year one of this regime. D

Offensive/Defensive Sleepers

Golden Tate looked lost in year 1.  In college he was known for his route running and solid hands.  He needs a shot of confidence and I believe he will get one in year 2.  While the circumstances are not in his favor: QB play and a lockout I do believe he will show glimpses for what is to become: 650 yards and 4 TD’s.

On defense I believe Aaron Curry will have his best year to date.  I think he has adjusted to the 3-4 and 4-3 hybrid and will be hungry to prove that he was not drafted WAY TOO Early.  130+ tackles, 3-4 sacks, and 2-3 int’s.

Predictions for the Season

I expect a set back this year.  They will still compete in this division due to the fact no team is that good.  I think in the end they will take a step backward which in turn will help them down the road.  It will get them in position to select a QB.  Expect 4-5 wins this year.