Hasselbeck receives a pass on passing
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Matt Hasselbeck proved himself last season with 10 wins, 26 touchdown passes and a trip to the Pro Bowl.
His reward is a get-out-of-practice card, valid until September. Hasselbeck, the Seattle Seahawks’ undisputed starting quarterback, will continue to work out vigorously. But the team saved his arm at a voluntary camp that ended Wednesday, and the trend will continue when training camp convenes in August.
“We’re really going to monitor his throws,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “He played all last year and threw a million balls and got banged up. “I just want him real fresh and ready to go when the season starts.”
The strategy requires more work from backups Trent Dilfer, Brock Huard and Seneca Wallace. Each could use the extra activity.
Dilfer was rusty last season after missing off-season workouts. Huard is assimilating back into the offense he left via trade two years ago. And Wallace needs all the snaps he can get while fighting for a spot on the roster.
Those are the ancillary benefits of an approach designed to look out for No. 1. For while Hasselbeck is sturdier than he was a few years ago, his naturally lanky frame makes him more vulnerable than some.
“Some of it was his own fault, but he got sacked (42) times last year,” Holmgren said. “Not to mention when he runs, he’s like a giraffe on ice, you know, all over the place. And he just gets killed, you know?
“So, I just want to protect him a little bit more if I can. He didn’t have a dead arm, but he was tired (late last season).”
Zoological comparisons aside, the quarterback Holmgren hand-picked in 2001 has progressed enough for the coach to feel comfortable heading into the season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of a young guy and how he has progressed and where he is now,” Holmgren said.
Notes
Two Sea Gals will help the Seahawks’ starting cornerback celebrate “Marcus Trufant Day” at the Al Davies Boys & Girls Club in Tacoma. The event, scheduled for Saturday, will include a BBQ and the unveiling of a Trufant jersey. The product of Wilson High and Washington State will sign autographs as well. … Defensive tackle Anton Palepoi rankled coaches by skipping the camp. Attendance was voluntary, but Palepoi is fighting for a roster spot. “Most of the guys are real good about it and the turnout was good,” Holmgren said. “I’m very, very pleased with the attitude of this team right now.”