Seahawks Plug Holes In 2009

After a disastrous 4-12 campaign in 2008, the Seattle Seahawks are looking to plug some gaping holes in both their offense (ranked 28th overall) and their defense (ranked dead last in passing yards allowed).

Key off season acquisitions should shore up the WR position, with rookie Deon Butler impressing coaches so far with good hands and big play speed, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh can provide the play-making skills to move the chains on 3rd down.

The questions on offense will be, can Matt Hasslebeck stay healthy for a full season, what production will be generated at the halfback position and can the offensive line provide holes for the running game? At half back, Julius (The Other) Jones is, well, let's just say he'll never be mistaken for Jim Brown.

While Walter (The Real) Jones at left tackle is looking his age, allowing more sacks in the last two years than in all his previous years in the NFL combined. Starters Chris Spencer nor Rob Sims have yet to prove their worth as quality linemen thus far, although 2nd round draft choice Max Unger could help shore up some of the O-line weakness.

On defense, first round pick Aaron Curry will do his best to replace departed linebacker Julian Peterson, and the linebacking corps with Lofa Tatutupu and Leroy Hill returning should be the strength of this defense. The big question is, can DE Patrick Kerney stay healthy and generate the pass rush Seattle needs to compete with the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West Division crown?

With "All World" WR Larry Fitzgerald running roughshod over the hapless Seahawk secondary last year, Seattle has added some much needed height at the CB position with Ken Lucas, putting corner 5' 8" Kelly Jennings at the nickel position where he belongs.

The only weaknesses remaining for the 'Hawk Defense would be at the safety positions where Deon Grant and Brian Russell slogged through mediocre seasons in 2008. The Seahawks have added no viable alternatives in 2009 to challenge at those positions. If the D-line can stop the run this year, maybe Grant can be used to defend the pass, rather than play as an extra linebacker as he was forced to do much of the time in 2008.

Which brings us to the D-line. Adding 330 pound Colin Cole should go far in plugging run holes and hopefully, Brandon Mebane can continue to improve as well. Rotating with Craig Terrell and Red Bryant should spell the two starters enough to keep them all relatively healthy and energized for the 2009 season.

Seattle did very well in the off season acquiring the talent needed to fill some glaring needs. Only time will tell if enough holes were plugged to get this boat to the playoffs.