Twiddling Our Thumbs (Offense)

The drought has hit folks. It comes at the same time every year. OTAs are on hiatus, free agency has come to a screeching halt, the draft has lost its sparkle, the rookies are negotiating their seven-figure salaries, and the fans collectively sit while twiddling their thumbs. We scrape the bottom of the barrel for any story to feed the fix.

I wish I had a hit story, or some tidbit of information that I could let fly. Unfortunately, as a displaced fan, I am unable to attend the OTAs and take notes to be regurgitated later. I have to rely on those able to be present at team activities and those who get paid to follow the organization and its members.   

I have to start by saying I am truly psyched for the upcoming season, as I was for the last. I know how dangerous that is, but I can't get rid of my Seahawks fever. I feel the fresh air being pumped into the organization. I understand it's the policy to remain positive, but I have high expectations coming into this season.

Recently the Seahawks removed LenDale White from the situation. I, for one, am relieved he's gone, as odd as that may seem. I am still completely behind Justin Forsett. I've read articles stating that he is too small to sustain 20+ carries a game. I would counter and say that most backs in the league aren't able to carry that load big or small. The freaks of the league manage it, but even they break down, just a few years after the normal athletes. 

I am truly hoping that by the time we hit our first preseason game we have Justin Forsett atop the depth chart at running back with Leon Washington as the change of pace back. I didn't see anything from Julius Jones that I would like to see again this year. He had his plays, but nothing more than a blown coverage.

I am really excited about the stable of receivers that we have. Competition right now is bringing out the best, but we are still missing two integral pieces (Houshmanzadeh/Branch) that need to get their reps to prove their worth. While I believe that Housh will have no issues retaining his roster spot, I wonder if Branch will defend his status. 

When he's healthy he can be a consistent receiver, but I've never seen him as a receiver worth his price. When reading pieces about how Pete Carroll is clearing out a space in the offense for him I get truly concerned. Planning any bit of the offense for this guy could be disastrous. If he stays healthy and the game plan works out we'll all be grateful for the forethought, but if he gets injured again and we're scrambling to fit someone else into his role we may end up with another lackluster season.  

Golden Tate and Deon Butler are very capable replacements to Deion Branch, and are much younger. I hope that he's imparting some of his veteran knowledge on them and will soon have a ticket out of town. I think it's time to see the youth in the organization becoming the new faces of the franchise.

Honorable mentions have to go to Mike Williams. I was pumped after the Houshmanzadeh signing last year, but the Mike Williams signing could be the phenomenal start to this new team. He's huge and, according to any article I've read, talented as well. With an already talented corps and now this monster receiver to throw to, I am getting more and more confident in Matt Hasselbeck's chances of seeing some more glory days. 

Chris Baker was another big pull from free agency. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if he's the guy I want on the line. I know that Jeremy Bates likes his two TE sets. I know that at any given time, one or both of them could break away as receivers. I also know that we had huge protection issues last year and may need to have both stay to block more frequently then expected.

The tight end experiments have been less publicized since this offseason started. We have supposedly four very talented TEs: John Carlson, the man, the myth and the future Seahawks legend, Chris Baker is the blocking specialist and a decent receiver, Anthony McCoy has all the physical tools necessary, but lacks experience, and last but not least is Jameson Konz, the dark horse.

The combine freak WR/RB/LB/...The kid did everything. I would love to know more about what he can bring to the team. I hope to see this kid prove himself in some preseason games. I hope he turns into the gem I think he may become. I'd like to see him carve himself out a spot on the 53 man roster. It would have to be earned though.

I'm behind Matt Hasselbeck 100 percent this season. I hope he can be productive for the next couple seasons and end his storied career in Seattle. That being said, I really want to see Charlie Whitehurst step up and show what he's made of. I live in San Diego and have seen the QB depth that the Chargers had. To be third on that list was not an insult. Billy Volek could step into a game for Philip Rivers and the team wouldn't decline in talent. I think Clipboard Jesus will become Hasselbeck 2.0 in the coming years.

I watched my friend, who is a Bills fan, tear his hair out game after game when J.P. Losman was their starting QB. I am still unsure of this addition, but I hope P.C. has got this one working hard, and studying harder. He has an amazing arm, but watching him operating under pressure is like watching a train wreck about to happen. You are relieved when it just goes out of bounds.

 As far as the offensive line is concerned, I just hope they can keep it together this season. Alex Gibbs will get them into shape, and tell them where to be, but I just hope it translates to actual game time excellence. I'm glad we gave up on Sean Locklear and put him back where he belongs. Picking up Russell Okung should be a big help; I can't wait to see what he can do. I think Ben Hamilton will make a great stop-gap for the next couple years, until we can train Unger or bring in a new guard in the draft next year. I hope Unger continues to get better and better. As far as Chris Spencer is concerned, I hope he finally realizes that his job is on the line and he needs to get into top form to keep it.

Please feel free to leave comments about your thoughts on the upcoming season or any good suggestions to improve my writing. Thank you for reading and I can assure you that the 12th Man stands tall here in San Diego.