Seahawks’ off-season question marks
With minicamps over, and only training camp standing in front of the 2008 regular season, the Seattle Seahawks still have a few issues to address. Here is a look at a few of the question marks as the team eyes the Sept. 7 regular-season opener:
Who’ll carry the ball?
As of now, Julius Jones and Maurice Morris look like they’ll split time as the feature back. But T.J. Duckett and starting fullback Leonard Weaver should also have plenty of opportunities. The Seahawks are still figuring out how the post-Shaun Alexander era will unfold.
How will they block?
The Seahawks added a new starting guard (Mike Wahle) and a new o-line coach (Mike Solari), and they could be as important as any off-season addition. The Seahawks’ offensive line really struggled in 2007, particularly in the run game, and it remains to be seen whether the additions and a slightly-altered blocking scheme will be enough to turn things around. Solari’s main job is to get the best out of center Chris Spencer and right guard Rob Sims.
Who’ll catch the ball?
Deion Branch’s knee injury and Bobby Engram’s contract squabble have left the Seahawks with few experienced receivers. No one separated himself from the pack at the minicamp, meaning playing time is still up for grabs. Rookie John Carlson has yet to win the starting job at tight end.
Who’ll kick the ball?
Josh Brown is a St. Louis Ram now, so the Seahawks will have to find a new Mr. Clutch. Rookie Brandon Coutu appears to have the inside track on the job, but veteran Olindo Mare is more experienced. This battle will extend well into training camp.
Who’s in the training room?
Branch is one of several starters who missed summer minicamps. Left tackle Walter Jones has proven that he doesn’t need much practice time, while defensive end Patrick Kerney should hit the ground running as well. The big question is when Spencer will return, and how quickly he can adjust to new teammates and Solari’s strategies. The Seahawks hope Branch will be back sometime in September, but his knee injury could linger into the first few weeks of the regular season.
Everett Herald