Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.
Everyone knows what results from them. Coaches have that word on automatic response when the media inquires on what the key is to any win or loss.
Turnovers either make you or break you.
The Seattle Seahawks looked broken on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. It wasn't as if the Seahawks couldn't move the ball; the Seahawks just gave back the ball after driving into Denver territory three times and once more on a muffed punt return. They gift wrapped these turnovers as if they were just trying to be polite guests in someone's home. Denver being the gracious host that they are, showed their gratitude by handing Seattle a 31-14 beating.
Last week's hero, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, rushed for a touchdown and threw from another along with three interceptions. For those of you counting, that is 14 interceptions in his last six regular-season games. Ouch.
Hasselbeck has never been so inaccurate in his career. He has also never had such a threatening backup. Second-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst will hear his name mentioned increasingly more each week that Hasselbeck struggles.
Head coach Pete Carroll has a number of mantras he lives by and Carroll demands his football team to adhere to as well.
Earn Everything. Always Compete.
Hasselbeck knows these words apply even to him, the longest tenured Seahawk. Job security at the quarterback position has really never been in question in Hasselbeck's time with Seattle.
Since becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck has led Seattle to five playoff appearances and a Super Bowl appearance as well as being selected three times for the Pro Bowl. Pair those accolades with a "lifer" backup like Seneca Wallace who sat behind Hasselbeck every season till this year and you get very strong job security.
During Hasselbeck's dominant years he had reliable players around him. First and foremost, he was protected by arguably the greatest left tackle of all-time in Walter Jones. Jones' utter dominance gave Hasselbeck a quarterback's dream gift, piece-of-mind that his blindside was protected. When a quarterback feels comfortable in the pocket he will inevitably play with more confidence and find the open man.
Hasselbeck is trying to do too much. I don't blame him for taking risks when his receiving core doesn't scare anyone and the treadmill running game is going nowhere. But these are the toys he has to work with and a change in quarterback will not add talent to the offense. Despite the interceptions, Hasselbeck is the only player on the Seahawks that I trust.
Yet, the fans and media are crying out for answers and the only one that comes to their mind in Whitehurst. I get it. But do you really want a guy who has never started an NFL game to lead your team when Hasselbeck is healthy?
Let me breakdown Mr. Whitehurst for you. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2006 draft after two average seasons at Clemson University. You think you hate interceptions now, check out Whitehurst's decision making skills back then:
2004: 2067 yards, 7 TD, 17 INT
2005: 2483 yards, 11TD, 10 INT
Yeah, I'm sure collegiate defenses play similar to NFL defenses....
Critics of the Seahawks need to look outside the box for once and not latch onto the easy answer for the team's problem. How about the soft running game or inexperienced, injury-plagued offensive line?
The Hawks head home to their haven, Qwest Field, this weekend where they will take on the high-octane San Diego Chargers. Seattle always plays their best ball at home so I won't be surprised if the Hawks bounce back with a strong performance against the Chargers.
Expect a see-saw season from 2010 Seahawks and know that it is never just one problem.
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