2007 Outlook:

Unfortunately for Seattle, this year is going to be pure hell. With one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, the Seahawks will travel to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Carolina. The home games don't get any easier either playing New Orleans, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Baltimore all at QWest Field. The Seahawks will be in a dog fight with the 49ers and the Rams for first place in the division of the high-powered offenses. Seattle lost some big time players during the offseason, so the key to their season may be how the new unit gels. The team will need a solid rebound from RB Shaun Alexander in order to succeed in 2007, otherwise the Seahawks will find themselves scrounging for crumbs with Arizona. The other three teams in the NFC West have made noticeable upgrades through the draft, free agency, and/or trades, so Seattle won't be able to cruise into the playoffs as in years past. Franchise cornerstones Hasselbeck and Alexander are healthy, but the schedule is brutal.

2007 Draft Review:

Seattle struggled last year in the secondary giving up better than 190 yards per game, which was good for 20th in the league. While some speculate that it's due to the size and speed of the corners, Seattle feels that's not the case. In fact, they continued the trend by drafting yet another small, but extremely fast cornerback named Josh Wilson in the 2nd round. They also grabbed a pair of decent guards in Mansfield Wrotto and Steve Vallos. Both Wrotto and Vallos will provide ever-important depth at offensive line. Overall they selected some quality players in the later rounds as well as addressed the depth issue on the front line. They didn't have a first round pick, but the Seahawks added quality to positions of need. Draft Grade: C+

Key Acquisition:

Patrick Kerney will fill the void after Big Joe Tafoya left for Arizona. Kerney played for the Falcons for 8 seasons gathering a career 270 tackles and 58 sacks. He should fit right in to the game plan and become a major asset in run defense. Kerney is a 6'-5" 273 lb defensive end out of Virginia who's had a successful career and looks to continue his success in Seattle.

Key Departure:

Seattle let WR Darrell Jackson go after 7 great seasons as a Seahawk. Jackson is now playing for division rival San Francisco and they'll now be forced to play against him twice every year. Darrell Jackson will most likely be replaced as a starter by Nate Burleson, although DJ Hackett will factor into the equation as well.

Offensive Preview:

Not a whole lot has changed for Seattle in terms of their primary playmakers. Hasselbeck looks like he will be 100% for this year and the same can be said for Alexander. The receiving corp has some fresh faces and more depth thanks to this year's draft class additions Jordan Kent and Courtney Taylor. New tight end Marcus Pollard should not have much of a problem replacing the departed TE Jerramy Stevens. If everyone can stay healthy there is no reason why Seattle shouldn't post big time numbers in '07.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The Seattle defense struggled last year thanks to a weak secondary. Thankfully Coach Holmgren and crew added some depth and talent to both the secondary and the defensive line. Seattle would have been a top 5 defense if their secondary hadn't given up over 190 ypg in the air hurt to hurt their overall totals. With new arrival Deon Grant now in town the team looks more balanced and complete. It will be interesting to see how well the defense plays with the addition of Grant and Patrick Kerney, and they will surely be tested this year as they'll be playing one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Look for improved production over last year even though the schedule isn't in their favor.

Season Prediction:

It will be tough sledding for Seattle this year. Finishing 9-7 last year was disappointing for the Seahawk nation, but they still made the playoffs even with both Hasselbeck and Alexander missing key games. The schedule is not in their favor this year, but they have the tools to bounce back and finish strong. The defense has vastly improved and the offense has a new tight end and more depth at wide receiver. They'll be hard pressed to take home another division title in what looks to be a vastly improved NFC West.

Projected Finish

9 Wins, 7 Losses (Tied for 2nd in the NFC West)