Fantasy Football Notes: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle struggled throughout last year with injuries, namely at the quarterback position, leading to a 4-12 record. Starter, Matt Hasselbeck, only played in seven games, totaling 1,216 yards, five TDs, and 10 INTs, while only completing 52.2 percent of his passes.

Filling in for Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace was a bit better, but not spectacular, passing for 1,532 yards, 11 TDs, and three INTs, while completing 58.3 percent of his passes.

With the quarterback play pretty much MIA, the receivers went missing too. In fact, the guy who led the team in receptions and receiving yards was rookie tight end, John Carlson, who had 55 catches for 627 yards, and five touchdowns.

As for the wide outs, Bobby Engram had 47 catches for 489 yards and zero TDs, with Deion Branch tallying 30 catches for 412 yards and five TDs and Koren Robinson hauling in 31 catches for 400 yards and two TDs.

Due to the struggles of the passing game, the team’s running game took a bit of a hit.  Julius Jones came over from Dallas and only managed 698 yards and two TDs on 158 carries. Maurice Morris partnered with Jones, but got a meager 574 yards and zero TDs on 132 carries. T.J. Duckett, another offseason addition, added 172 yards on 62 carries.

He did exactly what he was brought in to do, though, which is score in the end zone, as he had 8 rushing TDs on the year.

While the offense failed to show up last season, Olindo Mare made the most of his chances when Seattle got into field goal position. Mare made 88.9 percent of his field goals for 102 points.

He only missed three field goals all season long and would have been a top kicker had he had more opportunities. The Seahawks hope to get Mare those extra opportunities in 2009 as they expect a healthy Hasselbeck to be under center and have brought in TJ Houshmandzadeh to give him more toys to play with.

KEY ADDITIONS

Jim Mora (HC)—Mora replaces Mike Holmgren as he tries to get the team back to its playoff form of the past. The pieces are there to make the turnaround easy. As long as Mora can push the right buttons, Seattle may be able to rebound quicker than expected. 

Mora has been successful in the NFL, with an overall record of 26-22 as a head coach.  He is a players’ coach and should get this team going on the right track.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR)—Houshmandzadeh will bring Seattle the big time receiver they have been wanting for years. He is a big target who does a great job of moving the chains.

He’s caught at least 90 balls the last three years in Cincinnati and will likely continue that trend with the Seahawks in 2009. His presence will also open things up for other receivers like Deion Branch and Nate Burleson.

KEY DEPARTURES

Mike Holmgren (HC)—At the ripe young age of 60, Mike Holmgren decided to hang up the whistle and retire from coaching. He leaves after being a head coach for the last 17 years, 10 of which were in Seattle, where he enjoyed much success.

In fact, Holmgren posted a 72-56 regular season record and won five division titles and one conference title with the team. No doubt, Mora will have big shoes to fill.

Leonard Weaver (FB)—Weaver signed with the Eagles this offseason after spending his first four seasons with the Seahawks. A strong fullback who helped shape the running game for Seattle, Weaver will be missed as the team tries to get the ground game going once again.

Bobby Engram (WR)—For the last eight years, Engram has been one of the more consistent players for the Seahawks, always bringing tenacity to the field. Seattle will miss his leadership both on and off the field. He was a solid receiver who looked to help the team any way he could.

Maurice Morris (RB)—Outside of the loss of Holmgren, losing Morris will be the toughest departure to swallow for Seattle. The back has been a good change of pace runner for the team and was a particular good spark in his days as the back-up to Shaun Alexander. Losing him more pressure falls on the legs of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Aaron Curry (LB)—Curry was the best defender in the NFL Draft and quite possibly the best player, which is why Seattle was elated for him to fall to them at fourth overall. He will come in, play right away, and make a big impact. Curry falls into a great situation in Seattle and will line up with Lofa Tatupu, making a strong linebacker core for the Seahawks.

Curry has great quickness and can run sideline to sideline with no problems. He will be a big upgrade to a defense needing another playmaker.

BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT

Matt Hasselbeck (QB)—Many teams run through their quarterback and there was no better evidence of that then when the Seahawks lost Hasselbeck to an injury last year. He is their leader and the man they count on to orchestrate their offense.

While he is getting older, he is still capable of putting up over 3,500 yards passing and getting at least 25 touchdowns. If he can return to form in 2009, the Seahawks’ offense should easily return to respectability.

*THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BRUNO BOY GREG WARNOCK. FOR MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIGHT AND ADVICE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW!*

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