Now that the cash flow is coursing through the football's veins again we can enjoy the fruits of free agency and trades. Your Seattle Seahawks are being as aggressive as any franchise out there and boy is that exciting.
Within the first 48 hours of free agency's return Seattle has significantly upgraded some of their greatest needs. The Hawks top receiver last year was Mike Williams who finished with 65 receptions and 750 yards with two touchdowns. Not bad but not great. So the team went out and signed a marquee receiver ex-Viking Sidney Rice, who only two years ago went to the Pro Bowl with 1,300 yards and eight scores.
Rice, 24, is a physical specimen that defenses can't ignore. He stands at 6'4 and can run past the defense or just out jump them. Just think opposing cornerbacks who typically are 6 foot and under trying to defend Rice or Williams when both are at least 4 inches taller. Can you say go up and get it?
Next Seattle addressed last season's most glaring hole, or should I say lack of holes? The Seahawks offensive line was garbage for most of the year. Case in point, they finished last in rushing yards. The runningbacks could not find an avenue to run through but I have a feeling the new guys directing traffic will make a huge difference.
Robert Gallery, former 2nd-overall pick, was just signed by Seattle to play left guard alongside young stud Russell Okung. Gallery is a beast and he gets to play for the man he succeeded most under, Seahawks new offensive line coach, Tom Cable. The move for Gallery hopefully closes the revolving door the Hawks have had for years since All-Pro Steve Huchinson left. Expect runningback Marshawn Lynch to bust out his signature "Beast Mode" many times this year and punish defenses.
The previous two signings discussed above should take center-stage but unfortunately the game of football revolves around quarterback play and Seattle falls short in that department. The last ten years Seattle has looked to Matt Hasselbeck to lead them into battle but now the local legend has signed with the Tennessee Titans.
So now the Seahawks turn their attention to the incumbent and incompetent Charlie Whitehurst or is it newly acquired Tavaris Jackson? These two men will duke it out in training camp over the next month but I expect major growing pains for both. Neither men have proven much in the NFL but if there ever was a time to step up and take the reins it's now.
The Seahawks are doing their best to put a winning product on the field which is fantastic but honestly I'm just happy to see them on the field. Welcome back boys.
