NFL 2006 Preview
Quarterback- Matt Hasselbeck proved doubters wrong last season by leading Seattle to the Super Bowl and in 2006 he will improve as a quarterback with the confidence of a successful season behind him. His accuracy and heady play on the field give Mike Holmgren some pride as Hasselbeck developed from a solid backup to a Pro Bowl quarterback. Holmgren is also trying to groom backup quarterback Seneca Wallace into his West Coast system and Wallace is developing nicely into a reliable reserve quarterback. As well, third quarterback David Greene has great football intelligence and if Wallace falls out of the backup spot, Greene would fill in nicely as Hasselbeck’s backup.
2006 NFL Grade: B+
Running Back/ Full Back- The Seahawks’ running game is in good hands after the massive contract signed by Shaun Alexander in the offseason. Alexander is an explosive back who is capable of some more great seasons in the future and in 2006 will give another NFL MVP type performance. Backing up the prolific Alexander will be Maurice Morris, who is a good backup option, and returner and third down back Josh Scobey. Full back Mack Strong is one of the best blocking backs in the league and will continue opening holes for Alexander and company in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: A
Wide Receiver/ Tight End- Tight ends Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili give Shaun Alexander an opportunity to run outside and gain valuable yards along the side lines. Stevens, however, had a tough Super Bowl and needs to shake off several dropped passes and regain confidence in the 2006 season. New addition Nate Burleson gives the Seahawks a legitimate receiving threat in 2006, while Bobby Engram, Peter Warrick, and DJ Hackett are good supporting receivers that aided the Seahawks in their Super Bowl run last season.
2006 NFL Grade: B+
Offensive Line- The Seahawks’ offensive line is a solid unit overall without any major stars stepping out from the group in 2006. While Walter Jones is an outstanding tackle, he is aided by full back Mack Strong, their strong tight end group, and the rest of the offensive line. Centers Robbie Tobeck and Chris Spencer and guard Chris Gray are solid contributors on the line and will allow Hasselbeck and Alexander to flourish for another season.
2006 NFL Grade: B
Defensive Line- The defensive line for the Seahawks performed well last year and in 2006 they will improve as a unit. Overall, the defense will become much more fluid and their youth will start to fade as they become a cohesive unit. Defensive ends Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher are outstanding run stopping ends and Wistrom especially can rush off the edge and get the quarterback. In the middle of the line, Rocky Bernard and Marcus Tubbs will stuff the run once again, freeing up the middle of the defense to make plays in the pass game and cause turnovers in the run game by ganging up on stalled runners.
2006 NFL Grade: B+
Linebacker- The Seahawks’ linebacker corps is one of the best in the NFL in talent and last year they were integral to the defensive success of Seattle. Especially important to the Seahawks defensive success in 2006 will be Isaiah Kacyvenski and Lofa Tatupu who were outstanding play makers throughout most of their NFC championship season. In addition, Julian Peterson and Niko Koutovides are outstanding talents that will provide support in the defense of the pass.
2006 NFL Grade: A-
Defensive Back- The Seattle secondary is outstanding talent wise and they are really developing into a good unit overall. In two to three years, if all these pieces stay together, they will be one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Cornerbacks Marcus Trufant, Kelly Herndon, and rookie Kelly Jennings provide speed at the corner positions and Holmgren is beginning to get comfortable with this young group. The safety spots are in good hands and there is some depth at the two safety positions, with Ken Hamlin, Jordan Babineux, and Michael Boulware all contributing to the team’s pass defense.
2006 NFL Grade: B+
Kicker/Punter- The Seahawks have a reliable kicker in Josh Brown but will have to see if rookie Ryan Plackemeier of Wake Forest will be up to snuff in the NFL. Brown gives them security at one specialist position but rookie punters sometimes have problems adjusting to the NFL game and the need for more technique than in the college game. However, Plackemeier has talent and the Seahawks won’t hesitate to get a veteran punter to mentor the rookie in the preseason and early on in his career.
2006 NFL Grade: B
2006 NFL Projection- The Seattle Seahawks will win the NFC West again in 2006, though the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams will give them a run for their money. Look for an 11-5 or 12-4 season for the NFC champion Seahawks.
