I realize Scotty's already got in there before me, but anyway, here's my argument

In an offense with few stars (perhaps none), Justin Forsett stood out to me as our best offensive player in 2009. Although he was stuck behind feature back Julius Jones for much of the season, Forsett made the most of the few opportunities he received.

He finished the season with 619 yards on 114 carries (5.4 YPC) and 41 receptions for 350 yards, doing this with a below average offensive line transitioning to a new scheme, an ineffective passing game, and a predictable, out-dated offensive coordinator.

Although only 5-8, 194 pounds, Forsett showed a toughness and nastiness that you might associate with someone like Brandon Jacobs. This was not only evident in the way he finished his runs, but also in pass protection where he was surprisingly effective.

Throughout the season Forsett showcased his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss. Although he doesn’t have top-end speed, he appears to be a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme. He seems to have a knack for finding holes in the line no matter how small they are.

It’s almost inevitable that we’ll pick up a new Running Back through the draft or Free Agency, but whoever that might be; I think Forsett has earned the right to have at least 10 carries a game next year. As our O-Line improves, he’s only going to get better.

His stats for the season are as follows:

Week 1 v STL- 3 carries, 17 yards                                                              

Week 2 @ SF- 5 carries, 35 yards

Week 3 v CHI- 2 carries, 4 yards

Week 4 @ IND- 0 carries; 3 receptions, 8 yards

Week 5 v JAC- 6 carries; 43 yards

Week 6 v ARI- 2 carries, 4 yards; 1 reception, 16 yards

Week 8 @ DAL- 1 carry, 6 yards; 1 reception, 14 yards

Week 9 v DET- 1 carry, 14 yards; 5 receptions, 45 yards

Week 10 @ ARI- 17 carries, 123 yards; 5 receptions, 26 yards

Week 11 @ MIN- 8 carries, 9 yards; 8 receptions, 80 yards

Week 12 @ STL- 22 carries, 130 yards

Week 13 v SF- 5 carries, 9 yards; 3 receptions, 25 yards

Week 14 @ HOU- 9 carries, 26 yards; 4 receptions, 47 yards

Week 15 v TB- 9 carries, 55 yards; 2 receptions, 14 yards

Week 16 @GB- 14 carries, 70 yards; 1 reception, 4 yards

Week 17 v TEN- 10 carries, 74 yards; 2 receptions, 14 yards

I understand if someone might view Hasselbeck as MVP. This is ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando’s justification of Hasselbeck as MVP:

Hasselbeck was the clear choice even though he tossed nine interceptions over the final three games. The veteran quarterback's toughness and resolve stood out all season. He played through injuries. He symbolized the fight Seattle needed to show during one of its darkest seasons. The production often wasn't there, but that could be said for the whole team.

But I really don’t see how you can give an MVP award based on toughness and fight alone, in ignorance of production and performance. Thinking about how he played at the end of the season, with all those interceptions, I find it hard to regard him as our best offensive player of 2009.

I’m aware that there are other arguments for Hasselbeck—I’d love to hear them, and maybe you might change my mind