In my first preview of the Seahawks’ season, I previewed the offensive line and running game. In this column, I’ll preview what the Seahawks’ passing game might look like in 2008.
The most important aspect of the passing game, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, returns, but there are some big questions with the wide receiver group. D.J. Hackett left for the Carolina Panthers via free agency. Hackett had trouble staying healthy, but he was still a great weapon for the team when he was healthy.
The teams’ most reliable receiver, Bobby Engram, missed early workouts because of a contract dispute that is ongoing. A lot of the depth at this group depends on Deion Branch’s recovery from a torn ACL he suffered in the playoffs last season. If Branch suffers any sort of set-back and Engram and the team don’t get the contract issues resolved, the team could possibly have a starting duo of Nate Burleson and one of the team’s young receivers (Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu, Jordan Kent or Logan Payne).
Burleson was solid, not excellent as a go-to option while in Minnesota (a68 receptions, 1,006 yards, nine touchdowns), and has been productive while in Seattle. Each of the younger receivers has talent, but each has drawbacks. Most notably, lack of experience. Getting Engram to practice as soon as possible would be the best thing for this group.
One big hole in the passing game last season was the tight end position. The Seahawks drafted John Carlson out of Notre Dame with the seventh pick in the second round. The team sees the 6-foot-6, 255-pounder as an NFL-ready player, but that remains to
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be seen. Also on the roster is veteran Jeb Putzier.
After enjoying two productive season in Denver in 2004 and 2005 (73 catches for 1,053 yards and two touchdowns), Putzier spent two seasons in Houston, where he caught 19 passes total. In 2007, Putzier played in eight games for the Texans. He caught six passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.
Once training camp gets into full swing (July 25), it’ll be easier to tell how the receiver positions will shake out. Right now there’s plenty of talent, just not much experience.
