SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2007 RECORD: 10-6

Overview: Winners of the NFC West division the last four seasons, the Seattle Seahawks look to keep in control of one of the weaker divisions in the league and give head coach Mike Holmgren, who has already stated that this is his last year with the team, a season to remember. The Seahawks made it to the divisional round of the playoffs in 2007, but eventually lost to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks are looking to bounce back this year with a solid defensive effort and a reliable and oftentimes underrated offense.

Offense: The offense of Seattle saw one big change with the release of long-time Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander, and the signing of often overlooked, but talented Julius Jones formerly of the Dallas Cowboys. The ‘Hawks look to have one of the most solid backfields in the NFL as they now have three running backs that are capable of being a starter in Jones, Maurice Morris, and T.J. Duckett. The offense has arguably the most underrated quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck, and still has a solid wide receiving corps in Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, and Nate Burelson. Not to mention a very talented, but sometimes banged up offensive line led by veterans Walter Jones at left tackle and left guard Mike Whale. The Seahawks hope to pick their season back up where they left off last year before being eliminated by Green Bay.

Defense: On the defensive side of the ball, the Seahawks are in a very good position to remain one of the top teams in their conference. The ‘Hawks have a solid D-line that is anchored by the All-Pro defensive end Patrick Kerney who is expected to have another monster season as he did in 2007. The linebacker corps that sits behind the front four may be the best in the league. Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu are coming off of Pro Bowl seasons, and from what camp reports suggest, are very excited about this season’s chances for the team. The secondary seems to be solid with Marcus Trufant as the number one cornerback on the team, and the very physical Deon Grant at strong safety.  This defense seems to be pretty well off compared to the other three teams in its division.

Rookies: The 2008 draft for the Seahawks seemed to display their desire to focus on the future of their franchise. They drafted Lawrence Jackson the six-foot-four, 274 pound terror from U.S.C., in the first round, and DT Red Bryant from Texas A&M in the fourth to help Kerney anchor the very young and athletic D-line. They also selected Owen Schmitt, a fullback from West Virginia, and running back Justin Forsett from Cal to add depth to the backfield. Overall, the Seahawks drafted like a team that wasn’t in any sort of panic mode, and just helped add depth to the skill positions.

Prediction: It seems that Seattle is in the best position to win the division for a fifth straight season. If they can stay healthy, they have the skill players to create an All-Pro type of team. With the addition of Julius Jones on offense, Hasselbeck now has another reliable target that can help make his job easier. The defense on paper is top ten caliber, but the only question for that side of the ball is if they can stay healthy through 17+ weeks of football. The most interesting story that’s panning out in front of us is how the players are going to react to Mike Holmgren’s last year with the organization. He was given a team that was in shambles, and in a few seasons, created a team that year-after-year is a divisional winner and Super Bowl contender. 2008 is going to definitely be an important year in history for the Seattle Seahawks.