Seattle Seahawks: 10 Big Questions Before the Regular Season Starts

The preseason is halfway over, and two games against the Chargers and Vikings appear to have brought a lot of answers to some of the Seahawks worries in 2011.

Unfortunately, it’s also sparked many concerns and raised multiple red flags.

Here are the 10 big questions, with answers, for the Seahawks before the start of the regular season.

10. Is Zach Miller Worth the Big Contract?

There’s not really much to go off of so far in the preseason.

In the Seahawks’ first two preseason games, Zach Miller has only caught one pass for 11 yards.

But it is the preseason, so we can hardly expect to see him every down.

Come September 11th. Miller will be ready to go.

Answer: Yes.

9. Can the Seahawks Limit Penalties?

The Seahawks have been absolutely ugly when it comes to unnecessary penalties.

In their game against the Vikings, the Seahawks had six penalties for 60 yards.

Then, against the Vikings, it got worse (10 penalties for 84 yards).

The Seahawks need to limit the penalties if they hope to be successful this season—especially the false start and delay of game penalties that throw the entire offense out of rhythm.

Answer: Yes. It’s just preseason football.

8. Will the Seahawks Take Pryor in the Supplemental Draft?

At Pryor’s pro day, about half the teams were in attendance. However, not in attendance were Seattle Seahawks representatives.

I posed the question a few days ago and got a slight majority favoring to not take Pryor.

Will the Seahawks take Pryor?

Answer: Probably not.

7. Is Walter Thurmond III the Other Staring Cornerback?

It’s hard to say because we haven’t seen enough of Thurmond.

He’s been gone due to an ankle injury (may play against Denver), and he’s still in a battle with Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner and Kelly Jennings.

Thurmond is the early favorite, and I don't think his "injury prone" history will take away from his capability on the field.

Will Thurmond still have the job come the start of the regular season?

Answer: A tentative yes.

6. How Serious Is Russell Okung’s Injury?

Reports are that Okung could have played against the Vikings, but that he was held out for precautionary reasons.

With how thin the Seahawks offensive line is, losing one of their best linemen could prove devastating.

So how serious is Russell Okung’s injury?

Answer: Moderate. Enough to be slightly concerned.

5. Is the Offensive Line as Bad as It Looks?

There’s no if, ands or buts about it: This offensive line has played terribly.

Take your pick of which is more concerning…

Russell Okung’s injury?

The inability to give Tarvaris Jackson any time in the pocket?

How about the numerous false start and holding penalties?

I don’t care if it is preseason. There’s no excuse. So is the offensive line really that bad?

Answer: Unfortunately, yes.

4. Is Marshawn Lynch Primed to Go into “Beast Mode?"

I’m guessing you, like me, are still watching this video with as much excitement as when it happened last postseason. I realize there isn’t actually a “beat mode," but if there was, Marshawn Lynch would be the first one to have it. Lynch has been a good back for the Seahawks, but it’s time that he steps it up to the next level and becomes the next Shawn Alexander.

Answer: Yes

3. Can the Seahawks Replace Lofa Tatupu?

Seattle’s defensive leader and centerpiece is gone.

The Seahawks cut ties with Tatupu this offseason after a contract dispute and now have the daunting task of replacing him.

Former first-round pick Aaron Curry will take an increased role being the most skilled linebacker, but collectively, the entire unit will have to get better.

Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne will likely be the other two starting linebackers, and they too will have to increase their productivity in 2011.

So can the Seahawks get by defensively without Tatupu?

Answer: Yes…but not easily.

2. Who Will Win the Starting QB Spot?

This might be the biggest question the Seahawks have yet to answer.

Tarvaris Jackson is “technically” the starter, but he’s looked shaky in his first two preseason games while competitor Charlie Whitehurst has looked much better.

Seahawks fans are split, and no one seems sure of who to go with.

Jackson is more familiar with the system (quarterback under OC Darrell Bevell in Minnesota).

Whitehurst looks better so far and appears to be the better fit, but who gets the nod?

Answer: Whitehurst

1. Can This Team Make Another Playoff Run?

I think this is what everyone wants to know.

Last season’s run into the playoffs was one of the more exciting things I’ve ever seen as a sports fan.

The Seahawks won a winner-takes-all match for the NFC West spot, then went on and beating the defending champion New Orleans Saints at home as huge underdogs.

Priceless.

But the question remains: Can this team do it again?

Answer: Too hard to tell. Ask again later…