SEAHAWKS: 2010 NFL offseason dates

The NFL offseason officially begins today. Here is a look at the important upcoming dates all the way up through the draft.

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Feb. 8 – Waiver system begins for 2010 League year

Feb. 11 – First day clubs can designate franchise or transition players

Feb. 24-March 2 – NFL Combine

Feb. 25 – Deadline for clubs to designate franchise or transition players

March 5 – Start of free agency

March 15 – Offseason workouts can begin

March 21-24 – Annual NFL Meeting

Early April – 2010 NFL Schedule Released

April 22 – Round 1 of the NFL Draft

April 23 – Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft

April 24 – Final 4 rounds of the NFL Draft

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Return to glory and reading the field

The Seahawks got a nod from Popular Mechanics as the magazine placed Seattle's "loudest crowd" in their top five NFL stadium technologies list. Sports casters seemed to be crapping their pants over the Saints' 112 decibel rating a couple weeks ago. Qwest Field's open air stadium blows that through the Super Dome's roof, so to speak.

The architect fulfilled Allen's request, creating one of the league's loudest stadiums, which can get nearly as noisy as a jet plane—135 decibels—and has disrupted visiting teams enough to induce 95 false-start penalties since 2005, the most in the NFL.

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Patrick Kerney retirement rumors
King5 reporter Lisa Gangel is reportedly leaving the news station. Why do we care? Gangel is married to Patrick Kerney and some have speculated the defensive tackle is going to retire this year. Gangel's departure is adding fuel to the rumor.


Seahawks vs Giants
Eli left his 2005 visit to Qwest Field in tears, his ears bleeding profusely with a headache so piercing he had to be transported via wheelchair.


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SEAHAWKS: BREAKING Walter Jones retiring

Left tackle Walter Jones had decided to call it quits, according to a Tweet from one of the greatest Seahawks in franchise history.

I have came to the concussion it is time for me to retire from football [sic].

His retirement comes as no surprise considering he has undergone season ending knee surgery the past two years.

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The 36-year-old had previously stated this season that he would work to get back into playing shape for 2010.

I'm trying everthing I can to get back on the field, I still love the game andvi know that I can still play this game.

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MARINERS: Bedard may re-sign with M's

In the wake of pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, rumors have been muddling that the Mariners are on the verge of re-signing starting pitcher Erik Bedard.

Reports are suggesting Bedard would sign on for one-year earning $1.5 million plus incentives, which is pretty appealing for both sides.

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Ever since the M’s traded for Bedard in the offseason of 2007, fans have grimaced at the successes of gold-glover Adam Jones and All-Star George Sherrill, all while putting up with the feebleness in performance we received in return (thanks again, Bill Bavasi).

Not to mention the lack of effort and insubordinate attitude he provided in the clubhouse, the Mariners would have been better off (most starts, at least) throwing a left-handed 14-year-old in place of Erik Bedard.

Bedard missed most of the 2009 season with a shoulder injury that inevitably led him to major reconstructive surgery in July. Since then, he’s been vehemently rehabbing and has made significant progress in recovery, yet still won’t be eligible to throw until at least May. Some are speculating that Bedard may not be completely healthy until after the All-Star break in July.

Despite his lack of effort and withdrawing sufficient stats, you have to like this signing if it goes down. For a growing payroll that has already been allocated more efficiently than it has in the past five to ten years, $1.5 million is not the biggest dent in the world.

Not to mention that an incentive-laden deal is exactly what this kind of pitcher needs. Chances are, we won’t see him ducking out of games after pitching 5 innings or less when there’s an extra couple grand waiting for him at the end of the game.

In order for this to work to its potential, there are a number of factors that need to fall into place. Primarily, Bedard needs an attitude adjustment.

Reports have indicated that Bedard has pulled himself out of past starts because of teams he doesn’t want to face, or he was simply unmotivated to complete games. This might have been due to the poor management the M’s endured in recent years, which in turn led us to an overall losing team.

Given the fact that the Mariners have had the best offseason in the league, bringing back Bedard and putting him in a winning rotation might actually drive him to a winner’s attitude in return.

The next big factor is health. Most pitchers struggle returning from similar surgeries that Bedard has undergone, so expectations can’t be too high. But, again, it’s only 1.5, and this organization has puddled away much, much more than that in past seasons. Therefore, if Erik comes back and returns to his mid-season Mariners form, then he’s a sunk cost and we move on.

If Bedard comes back with his semi-powering fastball and phenomenal curve, the Mariners will have one of the best rotations suited for the postseason (Felix, Lee, Bedard, and then go back to Felix in Game 4). We have to make it to the postseason first, though. Is it Opening Day yet?

Reach Jacob Kehle at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: All quiet on Seahawks front as Carroll's crew convenes to evaluate players

Carroll will be taking a look at the offensive
side of the ball and almost certainly make
changes at the line.

There's been nothing to report the last few days as far as Seahawks developments, but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on behind the scenes at the VMAC.

New Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll met with his entire coaching staff together for the first time Feb. 1. Carroll had been in the process of evaluating the defense and now it was the offense's turn.

Carroll recently said they were going to take a long look at the offensive line to determine if they have the proper personnel for the zone blocking scheme they'll be running under new OL coach Alex Gibbs.

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Gibbs is considered the godfather of the scheme, having perfected it in Denver in the late 90s.

The zone blocking scheme assigns linemen a zone to block. This differs from the traditional power running game, which Mike Holmgren mostly ran, where linemen are assigned specific players.

Carroll said he didn't know much about the wide receiver situation so he couldn't elaborate on making changes there.

Here's the entire coaching staff from Seahawks.com:

Offensive Coaches

Jeremy Bates
Offensive Coordinator
*
Jedd Fisch
Quarterbacks
*
Alex Gibbs
Offensive Line
*
Pat McPherson
Tight Ends
*
Sherman Smith
Running Backs
*
Kippy Brown
Wide Receivers
*
Art Valero
Assistant Offensive Line
*
Luke Butkus
Quality Control - Offensive Line
*
Dave Canales
Quality Control - Offense

Defensive Coaches

*
Casey Bradley
Defensive Coordinator
*
Dan Quinn
Asst. Head Coach / Defensive Line
*
Ken Norton, Jr.
Linebackers
*
Jerry Gray
Secondary
*
Kris Richard
Assistant Defensive Backs
*
Rocky Seto
Quality Control - Defense

Other Coaching Staff

*
Brian Scheider
Special Teams
*
Jeff Ulbrich
Special Teams Assistant
*
Chris Carlisle
Head Strength & Conditioning
*
Mondray Gee
Assistant Strength & Conditioning
*
Jamie Yanchar
Assistant Strength & Conditioning


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SOUNDERS FC: 2010 schedule released

The MLS announced their 2010 schedule today. So without further ado read on for the full schedule from MLSnet.com.

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date	opponent	time (PT) / result		TV, Radio / attendance
March
03/25 - Thursday	Philadelphia	6:30 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
April
04/03 - Saturday	New York	8:00 p.m.		FSC, FSE
04/10 - Saturday	at Real Salt Lake	6:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
04/17 - Saturday	Kansas City	12:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
04/22 - Thursday	at FC Dallas	5:00 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
04/25 - Sunday	at Toronto FC	11:00 a.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
May
05/01 - Saturday	Columbus	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
05/08 - Saturday	LA Galaxy	1:00 p.m.		TeleFutura
05/15 - Saturday	at New York	4:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
05/22 - Saturday	San Jose	12:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
05/29 - Saturday	at Colorado	TBD		DK, MLSnet.com
June
06/05 - Saturday	New England	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
06/10 - Thursday	D.C. United	7:00 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
06/27 - Sunday	at Philadelphia	1:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
July
07/04 - Sunday	at LA Galaxy	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
07/11 - Sunday	FC Dallas	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
07/15 - Thursday	at D.C. United	5:00 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
07/25 - Sunday	Colorado	8:00 p.m.		FSC, FSE
07/31 - Saturday	at San Jose	7:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
August
08/08 - Sunday	Houston	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
08/14 - Saturday	at Chivas USA	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
08/28 - Saturday	Chicago	7:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
September
09/04 - Saturday	at New England	4:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
09/09 - Thursday	Real Salt Lake	8:00 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
09/18 - Saturday	at Columbus	4:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
09/25 - Saturday	at Chicago	5:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
October
10/02 - Saturday	Toronto FC	12:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
10/09 - Saturday	at Kansas City	5:30 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com
10/15 - Friday	Chivas USA	8:00 p.m.		ESPN2, Deportes
10/23 - Saturday	at Houston	1:00 p.m.		DK, MLSnet.com

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Ljungberg returns to practice

Feddie Ljungberg returned to practice yesterday after missing the first week of training camp while snowboarding in Europe mulling over reported deals from multiple other clubs.

Ljungberg said he wanted to make sure there would not be an MLS lockout before returning to his team.

"I can't sit a year and not play football," he said. "So that's why I was waiting. And now it looks like it's going to be resolved. At the same time, lots of clubs have been very interested, which is nice."

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Upon arrival, Ljungberg had some fences to mend with team captain Kasey Keller, who went on record voicing his displeasure over Ljungberg's first week absence.

"To me personally, that's what you take internally," Ljungberg said. "That's disappointing, someone talking like that."

Ljungberg said that he and Keller talked the morning before practice and that everyone was "on the same page" now.

The Sounders fly down to Arizona for the next three days for some rest. They'll then fly out to Spain.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Team ranks among top 10 in games lost due to injury

Jones missed the
entire season.

The Seahawks ranked in the top 10 in the NFL for games lost due to injury for the second year in a row, according to Football Outsiders.

The 2009 Seahawks were ranked sixth in adjusted games lost as measured by the Football Outsiders. They were fifth in 2008.

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In 2009 starters missed an estimated 75.6 games due to injury. Remember how bad 2008 was? It was only 3.2 games worse.

The results are a disturbing reminder that even if we were a decent team there would still be many hurdles to overcome. Many of our key starters missed multiple games, severely limiting what the team could and couldn't do on the field.

Some of the players who missed game time: Matt Hasselbeck, Lofa Tatupu, Marcus Trufant and Waler Jones. All Pro Bowlers.

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SEAHAWKS: Uncapped 2010 won't cause owners to buy big in free agency

As an uncapped 2010 season approaches fans might be clamoring for the super-rich Seahawk owner Paul Allen to buy, buy, buy in free agency.

But while an uncapped season would seem to cause a severe unbalancing of the talent in the league, the owners have put in several new provisions in anticipation. These provisions will limit who enters free agency in a way that hurts the players far more than the owners.

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New free agency rules in the event of an uncapped season

1. Players can only enter free agency after six seasons in the NFL rather than the four currently stipulated.
2. Teams will get an extra transition tag and can use the two transition tags with their franchise tag, rather than choosing one or the other.
3. The teams that finished amongst the final four in the playoffs cannot sign an unrestricted free agent until they lose one free agent of their own.
4. The next four teams will have restrictions of their own in free agency, so they cannot afford any of the elite players in free agency.

This last rule was enacted this year but will carry over to the uncapped season.

5. A player's base salary can't raise more than 30 percent from one year to the next.

All this adds up to a major detriment for the players, who will no longer be able to make the same kind of money they made even in a capped season.

In discussing these provisions, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said:

So I feel better about our ability to operate without a cap and keep our league competitive and keep the game progressing, moving forward, than any way I could have felt when we were in a capped structure.

The owners voted to opt out of the current collective bargaining contract in May 2008. One of the major reasons was to implement a rookie salary pay structure, limiting what rookies can make. The union opposes this change.

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MARINERS: Breaking: Mariners agree on one-year deal with Ryan Garko

The Seattle Mariners added another utility man to the roster as they agreed to terms with infielder Ryan Garko, ESPN.com reports. The incentive-laden deal is reportedly one-year worth $550,000 as the Mariners continue to address their need for a right-handed hitter. The deal comes only two days after signing veteran outfielder Eric Byrnes on January 29th.

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Ryan could double his salary if he is to become a regular in the Mariners lineup and achieve over 600 plate appearances, with incentives beginning as soon as he reaches 325 appearances. He is only two years removed from his career-high in plate appearances (563) with the Cleveland Indians in 2008, when he hit .273 with 14 HRs and 90 RBI.

Garko, who just turned 29-years-old at the beginning of the year, primarily provides an option off the bench for manager Don Wakamatsu as a pinch-hitting right-handed hitter for late innings. On top of this, he’s provided defensive competency for prior squads, which enables Garko as a legitimate option to start at first base behind newly-acquired Casey Kotchman for a day off. Ryan may also provide offensive prowess in the DH position, splitting time with Ken Griffey, Jr.

In 2009, Ryan Garko began the regular season in Cleveland before being traded at the deadline in July to San Francisco. He concluded the season with the Giants, hitting only 12 RBIs in 40 games, before they released him for unrestricted free agency in December.

Reach Jacob Kehle at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: A return to glory

Two years of NFL irrelevance have understandably left some 12th Men and Women jaded and lost. It's important to not forget that these hard times have defined much of the Seahawks' existence. If it weren't for the pick sixes in overtime of the playoffs or two win seasons, moments such as winning the NFC Championship at home wouldn't be quite so sweet. The fact is, decades of futility define our fanhood and sometimes it's hard to remember the good times.

During the offseason, we'll revisit the glory days via NFL Films. This week, we'll go back to one of the more recent miracles in Seattle sports history as Tony Romo bobbles the potential game winning field goal.

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Feel free to suggest futures vidoes in the comments section or relive your favorite moments.



Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Hutchinson and Jones recognized as best left side of 2000s

Jones, a Seahawk for life,
has been called one of
the best left tackles of all time.

Seahawks likely fondly remember the Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson duo dominating the left side of the offensive line, paving the way for record settings seasons for Shawn Alexander and a first ever Super Bowl appearance.

This weekend the two, who combine for 15 Pro Bowl will be recognized as part of the all-decade NFL team for the 2000s. The all-decade squad will be announced prior to the Pro Bowl on Sunday.

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Clare Farnsworth has a great write-up over at Seahawks.com detailing Jones' and Hutchinson's chemistry.

Peter King of SI.com, one of the selectors for the all-decade team, offered this assessment of “Big Walt” and “Hutch” in making his choices, “You can argue that the left side of the Seattle offensive line from 2001-2005 is the best side of a line in history.”

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SOUNDERS FC: Around the Pitch - Few changes, more chemistry

Hopefully team unity
will lead to more of this.

The Sounders FC entered 2010 training camp with the same 11 starters returning from the inaugural season. The only difference is that most of the players have a year's worth of MLS experience and have become more acclimated to each player's style.

It all adds up to better team chemistry and an improved product on the field.

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"We were competing against some teams, like Houston, that were together for four, five, six years,” [defender Taylor] Graham said. "We’re trying to compete against players who know their individual nuances and personalities from the beginning."

The only notable absence from last year is midfielder Sebastien Le Toux, who was picked up by the Philadelphia Union in the MLS expansion draft.

Seattle will face off against Le Toux's new team in the year's opener at Qwest Field on March 25.

11-on-11 practice

Jose Romero recorded video of Friday's practice where the team competed 11-on-11.



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MARINERS:BREAKING Seattle signs OF Eric Byrnes to 1-year deal

Byrnes, a career .260 hitter, agrees to a one-year deal with Seattle today.

The Seattle Mariners and 33-year-old Eric Byrnes have agreed to a one-year deal pending a physical, according to a Tweet from Ryan Divish of the Tacoma News Tribune.

Byrnes was cut from the Arizona Diamondbacks after posting .218/2.71/.382 in just 482 plate appearances in the previous two seasons. Byrnes was in the third year of a three-year $30 million extension he signed prior to the 2008 season.

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Although he may sign with Seattle, Arizona will still be responsible for the $11 million owed to Byrnes this season while Seattle will most likely have to pay league minimum ($400,000).

Byrnes offers the Mariners a speedy left field option and if healthy Byrnes could be another steal for Jack Zduriencik and Seattle.

In 2007 Byrnes took 11 MVP votes while with Arizona. In 626 at bats, Byrnes hit 30 doubles, 21 home runs, scored 103 runs, drove in 83 RBI's, and stole 50 bases. It's hard to imagine Byrnes, who turns 34 Feb. 16, can get back to those numbers but as Zduriencik told MLB.com's Jim Street, "We think Eric is a great fit for our team. He is a high-energy player with a veteran presence. We look forward to him competing for a spot on our roster when Spring Training starts."

Last season Byrnes hit .226 in 84 games with 14 doubles, 8 home runs, 31 RBI's and was 9-12 in stolen bases while with Arizona.

To make room on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated Tommy Everidge for assignment. Everidge was claimed off waivers by Seattle from Oakland just 14 days ago.

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MARINERS: Griffey anxious to begin Spring Training

Recovering from his latest knee surgery in October, Ken Griffey Jr. is anxious to begin spring training and get the 2010 season started. After re-signing with the Mariners in November for a one-year deal worth up to $2 million, Griffey returns to the dugout for another season with an uplifting attitude and a bounce in his step (almost literally).

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In his first season with Seattle since 2000, Junior hit .214 with 19 homeruns and 57 RBIs. Most notably, though, Griffey provided a clubhouse presence that was unmatched and essentially led the Mariners to one of the biggest one-year turnarounds in franchise history.

To maximize Griffey’s potential and impact on the squad, he will need to maintain this positive attitude as well as focus on production at the plate. Although his numbers were particularly “down” last year in comparison to starting Designated Hitters around the league, it would be hard to argue that signing Griffey last season was a bad move.

Not many expected Junior to return to his MVP form (much like he was during his first stint with the M’s), but rather saw the move more as a marketing ploy with improved fan involvement.

Health was a vital facet in Griffey’s game last season, as well as past ten years, restricting him to participate in only 117 games. The active home run leader in baseball had his knee drained repeatedly in 2009, and was often seen with an ice pack attached to his leg.

However, Mariners trainer Rick Griffin is stating that Griffey is “better now than he was at any time last year.” Griffin goes on by saying that the M’s designated hitter has lost about seven pounds since his last surgery, which is exactly what the club is looking for.

Now that the Kid is healthy and anxious to get started, expectations are raised not only individually, but also from a larger perspective as the team contends for a division title. No question, Griffey is the team leader; our team captain; Mr. Mariner.

His attitude and performance will be one of the major factors that this team’s success is based upon. It will certainly be a stretch that we’ll get the 1998 Jr. who led the league in homers. So long as he has the confidence and swagger from that era, then perhaps our hopes will be complacent as he demonstrates the offensive pragmatism he’s capable of.

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SOUNDERS FC: MLS and Union extend talks

The MLS and the Players Union have agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement talks through Feb. 12. The original deadline was scheduled for Feb. 1, which could have put the league in a lockout.

The deadline extension is an encouraging sign that both sides are committed to reaching an agreement.

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"While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "In the meantime, MLS Players are reporting to training camp, and preparations for the 2010 season will continue."

It's particularly important for the MLS to prevent a lockout because it's a budding league experiencing growth every year. This year the league is adding the Philadelphia Union to the Eastern Conference. Vancouver, BC and Portland are also set to join in 2011.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Warner's pending departure leaves West wide open

Warner out. Leinart in.

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner has scheduled a press conference Friday where he is expected to announce his retirement from the NFL. Warner has been one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the league the past two seasons, especially in 2008 when he led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

And, as you’re probably aware, he regularly lit up Seattle’s secondary. Torched, humiliated and massacred would also be acceptable descriptors.

Warner’s departure has a huge effect on the balance of power in the NFC West and may tip the scales in favor of the Niners or Seahawks.

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We’ll leave the Rams out of the conversation for obvious reasons.

Cardinals QB Matt Leinart has sat behind Warner for the past two seasons. Leinart has been known for many things (such as this and this) but he hasn't been known as an above average NFL quarterback.

Leinart has posted 20 interceptions to 14 TDs on 595 attempts upon 340 completions, giving him a 57.1 completion percentage.

That's not to say Leinart couldn't possibly take the Cardinals to the playoffs. Remember, he has one of the best wide receiving corps in the league and the tools to be successful physically. Leinart could terrorize Seattle's secondary similarly to Warner if given the time to develop properly.

Regardless, the Seahawks have a chance to reclaim the division sooner rather than later if head coach Pete Carroll puts back together the necessary pieces. That's not saying they will, but there is an increased possibility.

With Warner’s departure, Matt Hasselbeck becomes far and away the most accomplished quarterback in the NFC West. However, he will have to prove that his two year decline was caused by a poor offensive line, as many have speculated.

The 49ers will likely enter the 2010 season as the front runners in the division with a young and talented defense and an up and coming offense. 49ers quarterback Alex Smith fits into offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye’s spread-type offense, which could be a problem for Seattle. However, keep in mind the awful 2009 squad toppled San Francisco at home.

It's early for 2010 predictions, so we'll leave it at that.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Holmgren talks Hasselbeck as Browns decide on 2010 QB

Holmgren expects to decide on 2010's starter by training
camp.

With Mike Holmgren the head honcho of the Browns there has been some speculation at to whether he would make a move for his old quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Holmgren is in the process on making a decision on who will start under center for the Browns in the upcoming 2010 season. He said before he chooses either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson he'll look to the draft, free agency or the trade market.

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Holmgren didn't speak specifically on trading for Hasselbeck.

“He’s a bright guy," Holmgren said on the Dan Patrick show. "He understands the system. Pete [Carroll] is coming into a situation where, if Matt’s healthy, you are in a much better situation than a lot of coaches coming into teams that are down because you have a proven quarterback.”

He added that the problem with Hasselbeck last year was that he missed most of the 2008 season with the infamous bulging disc.

Holmgren said he'd like to make up his mind on the starting quarterback before training camp begins.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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