Who Are Matt Hasselbeck's Passing Targets?
Some critics have questioned if there is one standout who could be considered the “go to” receiver for Seattle. A response would be that if there are a number of talented receivers on the field that the best thing Hasselbeck would have going for him would be variety.
Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will need skilled play from his wide receivers if the Seattle Seahawks’ offense is expected to succeed in Coach Pete Carroll’s debut season.
In place of defenses anticipating that one receiver more than others would be the likely candidate for a Hasselbeck pass in a key situation, much can be said for the strategy of keeping defenses guessing by spreading the ball around.
Veteran Achiever
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Deion Branch was a superstar with the New England Patriots who came through when the chips were down, meaning in Super Bowl competition.
The 31-year-old veteran, a second round choice of the Patriots out of the University of Louisville, was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005 after tying former San Francisco wide receiver great Jerry Rice and former Cincinnati tight end Dan Ross for the Super Bowl reception record.
Excellent Pedigree
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A third round draft choice, Butler in his rookie season of 2009 snagged 15 passes for 175 yards and an 11.7 average.
Virginia born Deon Butler came to the Seattle Seahawks from fine pedigree. He starred for college coach legend Joe Paterno at Penn State. Butler became Penn State’s all-time receptions leader in his senior season.
In the Seahawks’ first two exhibition games Butler has made four catches, two each against Tennessee and Green Bay.
Coming Back Home
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Houshmandzadeh as a Cincinnati Bengal from 2001 to 2008 had 586 receptions for 6,693 yards and 40 touchdowns.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is coming back home to the Pacific Northwest where he starred at wide receiver at Oregon State. In his sole season as a starter for the Beavers Housh grabbed 42 aerials for 656 yards and six touchdowns.
In his first season with Seattle in 2009 the rangy 6-2, 203 pound receiver had 79 catches for 911 yards, an 11.5 average, and six touchdowns. He has two grabs in the first two Seattle exhibition games this season.
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Notre Dame Record Setter
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After winning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award his senior season and being named to the AP All-American Team he was selected on the second round by the Seahawks. Pete Carroll knew Tate well and had experienced many anxious moments when he faced the coach’s USC team in matchups with the Fighting Irish.
With Notre Dame’s long football tradition it is no small achievement to become a record setter there, but such was the case with speedy Golden Tate. The Tennessee born and bred Tate established Notre Dame records for passes caught and yardage gained on receptions.
Tate is being counted upon to stretch opposing defenses and present a threat in the long passing game.
Reuniting With Carroll
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The pro career did not go as smoothly as the USC days. Between 2005 and 2007 Williams went from Detroit to Oakland and finally Tennessee. Meanwhile he suffered from weight problems.
Mike Williams was dazzling as a receiver under Pete Carroll at USC. The Floridian was said to long for home and be dissatisfied with Los Angeles life and before the coach knew it, his star receiver had moved on after two great seasons in 2002 and 2003. In Williams’ sophomore season the Trojans won a national title.
Williams has resurfaced in Carroll’s career during his first year at Seattle. Now he has the weight in check and a new attitude. At 6-5 Williams make an imposing target. He also has the speed to take a reception all the way.
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