Claire Farnsworth of Seahawks.com has his running back positional preview up. As expected, he talks heavily about the switch to a zone-blocking scheme and how it should help the running backs.
The zone-blocking scheme isn't a cure-all for the running game and will take time to implement fully. Still, it should be noted that Atlanta's running game rose from 14th in rushing to first upon Jim Mora's arrival as head coach.
Danny O'Neil of The Seattle Times posted his Seahawks power rankings a couple days ago with some odd choices. His basis was to rank the top 16 players on the roster in terms of importance to the team, not overall talent.
To continue...
WR Deon Butler at 14 seems the biggest mistake. Rookie wide receivers don't often make a huge impact, especially those taken in the third round. Injuries should give him a chance though.
Here's my ranking going by importance:
1. Matt Hasselbeck - We're not going to the playoffs without him.
2. Lofa Tatupu - Still the leader of the defense, which would lack direction without him. He'll need to be a Pro Bowler again if the defense is going to improve significantly.
3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Already it's hard to imagine the receiver corps without him. He's a key part in Seattle's passing game becoming a top asset again.
4. Walter Jones - The line now has enough depth to get by without him for awhile... for awhile.
5. Brandon Mebane - The defense will need an inside push to be effective, and Mebane is the best inside man. He also has room to improve and could emerge as Seattle's most important defensive player some day.
6. Patrick Kerney - Is Seattle's most proven pass rusher, but the emergence of younger players at the position may lessen his importance.
7. Marcus Trufant - The pass defense was miserable last year. Any return to respectability will start with Trufant, the secondary's best player.
8. Chris Spencer - A breakout year from this talented player is a must if the line is to be an effective run-blocking unit.
9. John Carlson - Having a health receiver corps should lessen his impact this year, but Carlson is still important both as a receiver and a blocker.
10. Julius Jones - If Seattle's going to have a running game, it all rests on Jones' shoulders. If the holes are there, he needs to make plays.
11. Seth Locklear - The current heir apparent at left tackle needs to first lockdown right tackle and consistently show the dominance he flirted with early in his career.
12. Nate Burleson - Is Seattle's best chance for an effective sidekick to Houshmandzadeh this season. Hasselbeck needs his explosion.
13. Ken Lucas - Has immediately become Seattle's biggest and strongest corner since signing. He'll be vital against the larger receivers Seattle has struggled with.
14. Lawrence Jackson - Has the ability to rush the passer and be effective against the run more than anybody else. A breakout year from him would be huge for the defense.
15. Aaron Curry - If he can make the immediate impact expected, Seattle's defense should have the flexibility to be a scary unit. He needs to prove he can be a pass rusher first. At 250-plus pounds though, that may not be a problem.
16. Leroy Hill - We gave him big money for a reason. Having two great linebackers beside him lessens his impact, but he's still a beast against the run and should get more opportunity to rush the passer.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Posts
