Editor’s Note: This is Part III of a four-part series by Jamie Tursini on future bets for the upcoming NFL season. Be sure to get all of his picks with analysis in his discounted season package!
Part I- Arizona | Part II-New England | Part III
Seattle Seahawks -- 8.5 wins
Head Coach Mike Holmgren enters the 2005 season with what appears to be more questions than answers.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck took a step backward last season. He threw for almost 3,900 yards in 2003 completing 61 percent of his passes. In 2004 the numbers dipped to 3,382 yards passing, with a completion percentage of 58.9 percent. However, his wide receivers had the most drops in the league, but what can be expected of the group this season?
Running back Shaun Alexander remains one of the "elite" at his position in the entire league, rushing for a franchise record 1,696 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns.
The wide receivers should be a big concern for coach Holmgren. Gone is former 2001 1st round pick Koren Robinson, who was cut in the offseason. His off the field problems have put his once promising career in jeopardy. Darrell Jackson set a franchise record for receptions (87) last season. But he's really a solid #2 and nothing more. Bobby Engram and journeymen Jerome Pathon, and Joe Jurevicius make up the rest. This is a group with no identity or legit go-to-guy for Hasselbeck.
The offensive line is a solid group. The left side is arguably the best in football, manned by Pro Bowlers Walter Jones, and Steve Hutchinson. Center Robbie Tobeck and right guard Chris Gray are both 35 years old. This could be their last with the club. Right tackle Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack is better-suited at guard, but is serviceable.
The defensive line lost their sack leader Chike Okeafor (8.5) to free agency. They believe former St. Louis end Bryce Fisher (8.5 sacks) will fill that void. He'll be reunited with former Ram teammate Grant Wistrom. He needs to stay healthy after missing seven games due to a hip injury last season. In the middle 2nd year tackle Marcus Tubbs needs to bounce back after a disappointing rookie campaign. This unit isn't deep at all.
The linebackers will feature three new starters. Gone are Chad Brown, Anthony Simmons and Orlando Huff. Free agent outside linebacker Jamie Sharper is the only guaranteed to start. He'll be joined by the likes of Kevin Bentley, D.D.Lewis, 2nd round draft pick Lofa Tatapu, and Niko Koutouvides among others. All of whom are competing for jobs in Ray Rhodes' defense.
The secondary is lead by cornerback Marcus Trufant who is becoming one of the leagues best. The loss of corner Ken Lucas (6 INT's) to free agency hurts, but isn't as bad as it appears. Andre Dyson, and Kelly Herndon are a pair of solid acquisitions in their own right. Last years 2nd round pick Michael Boulware looks like he could become a star. He played linebacker as well, but strong safety is where he'll earn his money. Ken Hamlin is a hard hitting free safety who needs to play under more control. This is a young unit that could develop into one of the best for years.
The Seahawks special teams were among the worse in the league last season. Kicker Josh Brown is the bright spot. He hit 23 of his 25 attempts to lead the league in field goal percentage. Upgrades everywhere else are needed and are being pursued.
The schedule is projected to be the 3rd easiest.
They open the season at Jacksonville, and return home for back-to-back matchups with Atlanta and Arizona. Road games include division rival St.Louis, Philadelphia, and Green Bay, on January 1st to end the regular season. Their home schedule features tough opponents in Houston, Dallas, and Indianapolis among others.
With so many question marks regarding the wide receivers, new linebacking personnel, and special teams. I see this team struggling to reach the .500 mark.
Play: UNDER 8.5 wins +100
