Seattle Seahawks: 4 Veterans Who Have Disappointed This Preseason

The Seahawks have become one of the youngest teams in the league and have shown throughout the preseason that youth will get the chance to prevail with this organization. The veterans are here to bring stability and fill holes. 

Unfortunately, some of Seattle's veterans have had a disappointing preseason, but to varying degrees. 

Given the makeup of the roster, a "veteran" player for the Seahawks may not be a veteran for other teams. For this piece, a player in their third year will be considered a veteran.

Here are four, first-unit veterans who haven't quite played up to par.   

Aaron Curry

Curry's passion and energy make him a player that fans want to root for, especially given the high expectations as a top-five draft pick.

But, his play over the course of his career hasn't done enough to convince; now, he is being regarded as a player potentially in need of a make or break type season to stay with the Seahawks.

Curry had a decent game in San Diego, showing a new role dropping into coverage and registering a hard hit, failed tackle in the backfield. He also saw time at the weakside linebacker spot. The Aaron Curry experiment proved it would continue. 

Heading into last week's game, I highlighted the positive dialogue spoken by both Pete Carroll and in particular Gus Bradley about the improvement Curry has made this offseason. Bradley noted improved consistency and that he looks ready to take the next step.

Curry then responded with a zero tackle performance in which he drew a 15 yard penalty for acquiring another players helmet and tossing it. 

Early in the game, Curry pursued too hard down the line on a heavy run formation and play-action, allowing fullback Jim Kleinsasser to sneak out behind him, wide open into the flat. On the rest of the drive, Curry did better maintaining containment, but at times was not in the play.

Curry also saw time rushing off the edge and though he was unable to get to the quarterback, he did apply enough pressure to force an errant McNabb throw on a third down in completion in the red zone. On the whole, not one of his finest performance—the main positive being his blown dead, fumble recovery on special teams. 

The contract restructuring he agreed to—which apparently happened before the lockout—is something that many fans, myself included, thought could be a wise decision. The Seahawks were clever enough to find a way to be able to release Curry after 2011 potentially scotch-free; at the least, he becomes easier to trade if need be.

The team also signed former Ram David Vobora for versatile, veteran depth and special teams, a player that could replace Will Herring. He could see extra time depending on Curry's struggles and injuries.

A disappointing start to the preseason for Curry after what was thought to be a solid camp. Hopefully, he will show the consistency and improved play his coaches spoke of and get a chance to succeed in a new role; this year potentially his last shot at solidifying a spot on the defense. 

Robert Gallery

Gallery was brought to Seattle because of his experience with Tom Cable, a veteran who could be the rock of a young offensive line; Seattle chose continuity and attitude over a recent injury history and arguably declining play. 

Through two games, Gallery's play has been rockier than many fans hoped for. It must be acknowledged that coming to a very young offensive line as a longtime veteran is not an easy task for Gallery.

Also, Russell Okung went down early in Week 1 and second unit tackle Tyler Polumbus struggled at times; if he was a member of the first team, not the second, going into Week 1, he'd potentially be on this list as well. It's also something to note when talking about Gallery.     

But, Gallery's struggles started at the very beginning when he got thrown straight to the ground on the first play of the preseason. One thing that stood out was he might not be in top football shape—a similar observation noted here—as he looked winded getting up from some plays; something that many football players are struggling with. 

A concern was his consistency in pass protection. On a handful of occasions, he came off the snap, failed to engage anyone and remained largely out of the play—sometimes recovering to double team with a late block. 

Whether it's because the Vikings decided to go away from Gallery or if the line was having alignment and assignment issues, he struggled finding targets and sometimes looked lost.  The positive is when he came off the ball and locked on,  his blocking was pretty strong.

In the running game he made some solid blocks, but at times he simply appeared over-matched. When he'd chip or block low, he sometimes looked out of position; he got called for tripping on a screen against Minnesota, an odd call. 

In general this is a situation that can improve as a whole unit, as Carroll noted Tuesday. Gallery is a smart, tough, hard worker and as long as he stays healthy, Cable will rely on him to set the tone and be an example on the field.

Gallery needs to play consistently so this line can gel and improve, especially if there is going to be concern at the left tackle position.  

Kelly Jennings

Jennings was a surprise re-signing to many fans; given Seattle's focus on drafting defensive backs, their depth of the corners on the practice squad and the fact that they re-signed Roy Lewis and Kennard Cox, most assumed these were all signs the Jennings would be gone. Personally, I didn't think he'd be back.

But Seattle needed more experience at a position that is perhaps the youngest on the roster, and they know Jennings. He reportedly turned down multi-year deals to come back to Seattle for one year. 

Unfortunately, his performance this preseason has done nothing to change fans' perceptions. He is clearly undersized at 5'11" and doesn't fit the style of play Seattle looks for in a starting corner. 

Against San Diego, Jennings got flack for not being able to cover Vincent Jackson nearly 50 yards downfield; the play was more a result of the blown assignment by a safety, but Jennings was also unable to be stout in run support, or generally defend his side of the field in limited time with the whole first unit.

Versus Minnesota, he lacked awareness, in particular on a Michael Jenkins' catch. Jenkins keyed the ball was coming his way by looking at McNabb and Jennings failed to respond, Jenkins adjusting for the solid catch. The next play they went Jennings' way again, this time taking advantage of his lack of physicality coverage, the receiver creating separation for an easy throw and catch. 

If there wasn't legitimate depth to test behind Jennings, this would be less of an issue. Brandon Browner has performed well and the Seahawks have young, physical players that need to see the field. I'm not convinced the Seahawks will cut Jennings even as many fans call for that to happen, but there is certainly depth behind him that fits better in the scheme and deserves a chance.

Seattle may plan on keeping Jennings as a slot sub package, off-coverage and backup corner; he can run and cover versus smaller receivers. With Walter Thurmond now back at practice and Roy Lewis recovering on the PUP list, it's unclear where Jennings ultimately will stand.  

Michael Robinson

Robinson is on the list because of his importance for both the offense and special teams, and the expectations for his potential impact—watch the video to the left, no pun intended. 

On the whole, he's had a decent preseason, so the goal here isn't necessarily to highlight him as a disappointment in general. He's converted a fourth down run, was solid on special teams versus the Vikings and also had a catch—an area he struggled with last season.

The disappointment comes from the fact that bulked up to 240 pounds this offseason, as a way to fulfill the organizations' need for a bigger, more bruising fullback in the backfield; but to this point, his added power hasn't consistently stood out.

He hasn't looked fully confident or comfortable as a lead blocker, partly because of the discontinuity in the offensive line, notably early in the game versus Minnesota. Against San Diego he had a major breakdown in pass protection, as a linebacker ran straight through him for a sack.

I do wonder if he has to adjust to the added weight, as he was in the 215 range in college and listed at 223 on NFL.com. The point is the Seahawks brought him back in favor of pursuing other options, partly because of his special teams leadership and locker room continuity; Leon Washington in particular wanted him back. But, there are expectations he will produce. 

The Seahawks need him to get more comfortable and consistently physical for the running game to improve. Even though he has contributed in other ways, it would be disappointing if he is unable find a rhythm and help this offense—as well as a transitioning special teams unit--along in it's early stages.