Seattle Seahawks: Biggest Concerns Heading into the Regular Season

For Seattle Seahawk fans, excitement is high as we near the 2012 NFL season. There's a new quarterback who has stunned everyone with his performance, a star running back and a defense on the cusp of becoming elite. But with all the positives, there are a few concerns that are prevalent as we count down to the regular season.

The first thing that raises the red flag is the health of our offensive linemen. This was one of the largest issues for the team last season, as three of our top linemen—Russell Okung, James Carpenter and John Moffitt—went down with season-ending injuries.

Although it was a year ago and they have had time to fully recover, it is hard to be confident that they will be able to last the whole season without going down. Carpenter and Moffitt suffered ACL injuries, which is no easy thing to come back from. As we have seen in the past, the team will have to be cautious moving forward if they want to keep the two young players off the IR.

Okung is also going to have a tough time staying on the field, as seen from his short career. He hasn't made it through either of his professional seasons without landing on the IR. Although he hasn't had a single injury reoccur too much, multiple injuries is something to keep an eye on.

Another concern I have entering this season is the play of our veteran receivers and tight ends. Sydney Rice joined the team last year with the expectations that he would be a star receiver. Unfortunately, he got injured and never had a chance to get on the field for enough time to make a difference with his old teammate, Tarvaris Jackson. Now he can try to make a connection with rookie Russell Wilson.

Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow will also try to regain the magic that they had earlier in their careers, both having fall outs with their previous teams. Edwards was waived by the division foe 49ers last season, but he looks rejuvenated and ready to shine as a veteran presence on the 'Hawks. Winslow didn't attend Buccaneer OTAs for "debated" reasons before he was traded to Seattle. Now he will try to join his old Browns teammate (Edwards) in a redemption effort.

Even with those few concerns, Seattle has a lot to look forward to this season. And if they can overcome these, and other minor roadblocks, this team could be in position to do amazing things.