Seattle Seahawks: Possible QB Controversy?

The focus of training camp for the Seattle Seahawks this year will be the health of their quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.  However, there is another quarterback who believes he should have the shot to lead the Seahawks to the promised land. 

I’m talking, of course, about Seneca Wallace.

Many people were skeptical of the fourth-round draft choice by the Seahawks.  At Iowa State, Wallace was more famous for his legs than his arm, much like Michael Vick or Antwaan Randle El.

His 15-yard touchdown run against Texas Tech has been highlighted many times on SportsCenter and carries the moniker “The Run.”

Much like many “running” quarterbacks, NFL teams wanted to make Seneca a wide receiver.  Wallace believed he was better suited to be a quarterback.  The Seahawks loved his athleticism, but were skeptical on his ability to be an NFL quarterback.

Many fans believed that the Seahawks drafted him to become a wide receiver, especially with both Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasselbeck on their roster. 

After Trent Dilfer departed Seattle in 2004, the Seahawks were forced to have Seneca Wallace as their backup quarterback. 

Matt Hasselbeck finally solidified his starting job after the 2005 season, taking the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL.  Wallace would remain the backup as long as Hasselbeck stayed healthy.

During his first three years in Seattle, Wallace never started a game.  In fact he played in only seven, throwing for 173 yards. 

After his 28-yard catch against the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game, many felt he was ready to make the transition to wide receiver.

But during a Week 7 bout against the Minnesota Vikings in 2006, Matt Hasselbeck suffered a knee injury, thrusting Seneca Wallace into the starting rotation.

He started four games for the Seahawks that year, going 2-2 and keeping the Seahawks' playoff chances alive.

In 2007, Seneca again found himself slated behind Matt Hasselbeck, and after Hasselbeck’s best statistical season in 2007 (3,966 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT) Wallace was again destined to forever be his backup.

Things would change again in 2008 after Hasselbeck suffered a herniated disk against the New York Giants in Week 4.  Wallace started eight games that season, leading the Seahawks to three of their four victories and almost pulling upsets against New England and Miami. 

He threw for 1,532 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

The Seahawks could head into this off-season with a quarterback controversy if Seneca continues his development and Hasselbeck takes a step backwards.  All indications are Hasselbeck will be healthy to be the starting quarterback for the Seahawks in 2009.

The question remains: What will the Seahawks do with Seneca Wallace?  With no adequate back up to either quarterback, Wallace remains the backup to Hasselbeck.

Things could change however if the Seahawks decide to pursue a veteran backup for Matt Hasselbeck before training camp begins.

Rex Grossman and J.P Losman remain available options for the Seahawks.

The other possibility is the development of Mike Teel.  If he shows signs of being a quality backup sooner than expected, Wallace could be the odd man out in Seattle.

Wallace’s future still remains cloudy going into the 2009 campaign.  If the Seahawks acquire a veteran quarterback or Teel develops, Wallace could then be used as a wide receiver, a position many Seahawks fans felt would suit his athleticism better. 

With his future in doubt, Wallace could jump to a team in need of a starting quarterback when he becomes a free agent. 

As of right now, Seneca is the Seahawks backup quarterback.  Only time will tell if he stays in that position or not.