Looking Back: Five Seattle Seahawks Who Surprised Us in 2008

The Seahawks suffered through a dismal 2008 season.  They ranked in the bottom of the league in almost every statistical category, including 28th in total offense and 30th in total defense. 

However, there were five players who managed to shine bright during the season. 

John Carlson

Carlson was one of those few bright spots on the offensive side of the ball last season.  The second round pick out of Notre Dame flourished in his first season in the west coast offense. 

Carlson showed the ability to get off the line quickly and find gaps in zone defenses that teams played against the Seahawks.  He had 55 receptions for 627 yards, and he tied the team record for touchdowns by a tight end with five.

Carlson became a security blanket for Matt Hasselbeck and he should continue this role in 2009.

Brandon Mebane

Mebane became the run stopper the Seahawks hoped he would become when they drafted him in 2007 out of Cal. 

Mebane, playing mostly defensive tackle, lined up in the Seahawks 4-3 defense and finally was able to thrive as an every down player.

Mebane was mostly double teamed, freeing up the quick Seahawks linebackers to make plays.  Still, Mebane manages to tally 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks.  He also forced two forced fumbles in the 16 games he played last season.

Mebane is expected to fill the role voided by the departure of DT Rocky Bernard, who left via free agency to the New York Giants.

Josh Wilson

Josh Wilson had his best season as a pro in 2008.  The speedster out of Maryland really came into his own as both a return specialist and corner.

He challenged Kelly Jennings for playing time throughout the season and played opposite Marcus Trufant. 

Playing in the Tampa two defense ran by the Seahawks last season, he tallied 76 tackles and 4 interceptions, including a 75 yard interception return for a touchdown against San Francisco in Week Eight.  He also was the teams return specialist.

Wilson is expected to challenge both Ken Lucas and Kelly Jennings for the starting job at right corner.

Jordan Babineaux

“Big play Babs” as he is referred to by his teammates, also had a spectacular season for the Seahawks in 2008.  Babineaux played mostly in nickel corner situations and free safety last season.  Babineaux really flourished in his nickel corner role and played very good zone defense for the Seahawks.

Babineaux tallied 57 tackles and had one interception which was returned for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. 

He also had one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in a victory over the St. Louis Rams.

Babineaux could challenge for a starting safety spot this season opposite Deon Grant.  However, the Seahawks may still keep him in his nickel corner role.

Seneca Wallace

No one expected to have Seneca Wallace start 8 games in 2008. Then on a dismal offensive day for the Seahawks, starter Matt Hasselbeckwent down with a season ending back injury.    

Seneca Wallace attempted to revive a very anemic offense.  He played very well for the Seahawks late in the season, leading them to two straight victories over St. Louis and the New York Jets. 

Wallace continued to grasp the west coast offense, throwing for 1,532 yards and 11 touchdowns including a franchise record 90 yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wallace is not expected to be the starter this season.  However, with the Seahawks lacking at depth in the quarterback position, we most likely will not see Wallace lining up as a wide out for the Seattle Seahawks.