Five Numbers, and the Seattle Seahawks That Need to Achieve Them

Well, ladies and gentlemen,

We are now one week in, and the Seahawks are 1-0.

However, this victory came against a team that many project to hold the No. 1 overall pick come April.

This is not meant to be harsh, but from what I observed, there are still improvements to be made, and I have singled out what I feel are the most pressing issues to date.

*note - the following are merely bottom-line numbers, of course I'd like to see more, but unless these numbers are met, changes need to be made...

Sixteen

Sixteen - starts, Matt Hasselbeck

That's what Seattle needs from you, Mr. Hasselbeck. (Obviously, I'd like to see 19, but as I stated, these are bottom-line numbers.)

You struggled out of the gate this week against the Rams but heated up later. Such has been the issue of late, however. Last season, you found yourself unable to maintain any momentum throughout the season, due to injuries only allowing you to play intermittently.

On the positive side, you showed the poise that most will tell you that you have, as after throwing two interceptions early, you returned to put up great numbers from there on out.

The real issue is, Seattle needs to consider searching for their long-term replacement. For their future. If you remain healthy this season, it will allow a young man next year a while to become accustomed to the playbook, as well as the game.

Eight

Eight - sacks, Lawrence Jackson

Yes, you got one against the Rams, and don't get me wrong, it was great. However, you were a first round pick, and you've failed to show why...

Darryl Tapp is in a contract year. Cory Redding is in a contract year. Patrick Kerney is, well, old and (let's admit it) has not exactly been the pillar of health.

It's time to see what the future holds.

Your rookie season was disappointing. Minicamps were disappointing. This preseason was disappointing.

It's time for you to prove that you can be a disruption. That you can draw double teams.

It's time for you to play like a first round pick.

One Thousand

One thousand - yards rushing, Julius Jones

I apologize Julius. I apologize, because, let's face it, you were not brought to Seattle to be a long-term solution, and at this point your role has decreased to the lackluster role of "interim running back."

By that I mean, you are aging. Seattle's been burned before by a 30-year-old running back, and the day will come, sooner than we'd like, that you can only take twenty or fewer snaps a game.

But you have a chance. A chance to prove that the Seahawks need not search out a running back in the 2010 draft. A chance to prove that you can be that guy a few more years.

Sure, you gained over 100 yards in the first game of the season, but if we take away the 60-plus yard run, you're left with an average of around three yards per carry. That simply will not get it done.

Less than Ten

Less than 10 - Sacks allowed, Steve Vallos

Mr. Vallos, allow me to be the first to tell you this...

You are the future.

You see, I have, for some time, been of the opinion that Chris Spencer is not the future of the middle of the Seahawks' offensive line. I also believe that Max Unger was drafted to play Guard. This leaves you.

And I believe that you are on your way. When I watch you, I see another (younger) Robbie Tobeck.

Now show everyone else.

Forty

Forty - tackles, Aaron Curry

The total may seem low, Mr. Curry, but there is good reason.

See, what the Seahawks need from you most, is for you to realize that, in the NFL, you don't need to be the entire defense. It's okay if your name isn't being called by announcers all day, as it was at Wake Forest, because now there are 11 of you.

What the Seahawks need, is an intelligent, poised, and disciplined linebacker, who just may be the best young man in the league.

This means no more offsides penalties. Just wait until you adjust to the speed of the game. Believe me, you will. Until then, just know that there are 10 other players, more experienced than you, waiting to make the play also.

It's better to give up six yards with a big hit, than to give five yards for free.