2007 season recap
Seahawks win NFC West: The Seahawks maintained their dominance over the NFC West, winning a fourth consecutive division title. Seattle rallied to defeat the Redskins in the opening round of the playoffs, but fell at snowy Lambeau Field, losing to the Packers.
Key camp questions
Who will catch the ball for the Seahawks?
Receiving has long been perceived as a problem in Seattle, and there are more questions this season. Bobby Engram led the team with 94 receptions last season, but there are whispers about a possible holdout. Deion Branch is coming off ACL surgery and likely won't be available early in the season, if at all. That opens the door for Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne and Ben Obomanu to get some playing time. The team is hoping that one of these young receivers will step up to become the player they have been counting on.
Can Mike Solari invigorate the offensive line?
Shaun Alexander lost his effectiveness and eventually his job. The offensive line is partly to blame, so the Seahawks hired former Chiefs offensive coordinator Mike Solari to revamp the unit. The Seahawks also signed guard Mike Wahle to help fill the void that has yet to be filled following Steve Hutchinson's departure. Wahle is a former Pro Bowl player who should work well with Walter Jones on the right side. The key will be Rob Sims who moves to the left side, and the return of center Chris Spencer.
Is the NFC West catching up to the Seahawks?
The Seahawks have won four consecutive NFC West titles, a near eternity in the parity-ruled NFL. Only New England (five) and Indianapolis (five) can boast longer streaks. But can that trend continue forever? The Cardinals have long threatened to make a move, the 49ers were the trendy pick to unseat the Seahawks in 2007, while St. Louis was felled by numerous injuries to the offensive line last year. The gap is getting closer, so it's important for the Seahawks to filter in a new blocking scheme, not to mention some key skill players on offense if they want to stay on top. The Seahawks welcome some new coaches on offense, including Solari and quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor who replaces Jim Zorn. The coaches need to get up to speed quickly in training camp if the Seahawks hope to hang on.
Key position battle
RB Julius Jones vs. RB Maurice Morris vs. RB T.J. Duckett: The Seahawks have a lot of options at running back. Unfortunately for them, not many of them are very good. Or at least they aren't up to the lofty standards set by Shaun Alexander who was selected as the NFL MVP in 2005. Jones will likely battle Morris for playing time, with Duckett and Leonard Weaver being counted in short yardage situations. Look for the Seahawks to employ the popular "running back by committee" approach until somebody takes control of the position -- if, anybody does. Jones certainly has the talent, but he has to prove it.
Rookie spotlight
TE John Carlson: The Seahawks gave up a third-round pick to move up 17 spots to nab Carlson. Tight end has long been a trouble spot and coach Mike Holmgren anticipates Carlson starting. Carlson battled a hamstring injury during offseason workouts, but showed promise in the closing weeks.
Player on the spot
DT Marcus Tubbs: Tubbs is battling back from a knee injury and his presence as a run-stuffer would help the Seahawks who struggled against the run last season. Tubbs is expected back at training camp, but if he can't go, then Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, Craig Terrill, Larry Tripplett and Red Bryant will fight for playing time. The Seahawks front-line gets much better if Tubbs is able to come back.
Fantasy focus
RB Julius Jones: The running back by committee is never popular with fantasy players. Especially on a team that once had a dominant running back. Most fantasy footballers are likely hoping that Jones steps up and wins the starting job outright. Jones has the potential, but the key is making it happen.
