Tarvaris Jackson: New Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Has Can't-Miss Opportunity

As the Seahawks preseason kicks off in San Diego, I find myself cautiously optimistic about this season's prospects. Lots of changes have taken place this offseason as the Hawks continue to evolve with a lot of money being doled out to free agents.

One new Seahawk in particular, like it or not, is going to be getting the chance to prove himself tonight with all of Seattle and the better part of the Pacific Northwest watching.

Tarvaris Jackson is the Seahawks' starting quarterback, for now. Pete Carroll said so in a scene akin to something out of an old Western, where the mayor pins a star to some poor sap's chest in front of the whole town and declares him sheriff. Meanwhile, Charlie Whitehurst continues to play the down-on-his-luck gunslinger/town misfit who no one is quite sure what his real story is, but that everyone makes sure to steer clear of. 

In fairness, I'm not expecting magic from Tarvaris his first time out given how quickly the Hawks have been assembled and with only a little over a week of camp under their belts. Nevertheless, I'm interested in seeing what he can do when given the keys to the offense tonight and over the coming weeks.

With the line improving and a decent one-two punch of Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett in the backfield, the Hawks should be able to grind out some yards on the ground.

Yet what will really help Jackson are his receivers and the fact he can't miss them, as starters Sidney Rice, Mike Williams and Zach Miller are all at least 6'4" and, with the exception of Williams, have made it to the Pro Bowl. All three are skilled pass-catchers and should be clutch in helping Jackson adjust by having a significant advantage over the average cover they will face. When in doubt, if Jackson airs it out, his man should win with his size and strength.

Beyond the starters, how do the rest of the Hawks pass-catchers who have a shot at legitimate playing time stack up?

The Old Guard

John Carlson and Ben Obomanu both possess decent size and good hands but lack the physicality it seems that the team is looking for these days. Both should make the squad, but their playing time will depend on how well they gel with Jackson and within the new system under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

If the Hawks legitimately go with a two-tight end set, Carlson's value may increase significantly, but that remains to be seen. Obomanu's value can also see a bump upward if either Rice or Williams, who both proved a bit fragile last year, is unable to consistently make it on the field.

The Lost Boys

Golden Tate and Deon Butler both are a shade under six feet tall, both hail from big-name schools, both seem to make plays in training camp and preseason games and both have yet to catch on as significant threats.

Give credit to Tate, as he seems keen on trying to break through.

"He's caught more balls than anyone on the practice field since camp started," Carroll said. "He's highly competitive, and we're going to find a way to really have him help us. I think it's a different setting for him entirely."

Right now he seems to be getting a shot in the slot position. If he can figure it out the Hawks might have a nice change of pace underneath for Jackson to work with. Otherwise he'll be returning punts.

Meanwhile Deon Butler will start his seasons on the PUP list, which is unfortunate given he actually started to get some touches last year before getting hurt.

Rookies, Free Agents and Spare Parts

This list is quite long at the moment with Kris Durham, Pat Williams, Chris Carter, Doug Baldwin, Ricardo Lockette, Dominique Byrd, Anthony McCoy, Cameron Morrah and Isaiah Stanback.

Washington Husky fans, of course, remember Stanback from his time at U-Dub, and he could be an entertaining option given his versatility. At tight end McCoy and Morrah are options that could potentially make John Carlson trade bait if they make some noise. Beyond them we will need to see what Durham, Williams, Carter, Baldwin, Lockette and Byrd can do in camp and if they make it onto the field tonight.

For Tarvaris Jackson, there is no Brett Favre, no Gus Frerotte, no Matt Hasselbeck and therefore no excuses. This is his chance, and with a revamped line, a steady backfield and his current pass-catching targets, he shouldn't miss. Let's hope he can deliver.