As you probably have figured out, seahawkaddicts.com has become my new top priority in terms of Seahawks blogging, but I'll continue to keep this one breathing as I see necessary.
But enough of that. The Seahawks' opening exhibition game in Minnesota on Friday night went as well as it ever could've -- a few expected mistakes carrying the intention of working out the kinks in the system, but largely a commanding and convincing performance.
Cause for applause:
-Seneca Wallace's outstanding performance at quarterback. This was the best I've ever seen the kid play, and he showed the fans why he's being regarded as one of the top backup QBs in the league right now. He channeled some Tom Brady in the way that he spread the ball around, hooking up with unknowns Trent Shelton and Joel Filani for touchdown receptions. Seneca was also a top reason why 15 Seahawks caught passes Friday night.
-The defense. Overall, the entire unit looked damn impressive, with standout plays being made by David Hawthorne, Howard Green and Jamar Adams. Know what I love most about these names? A year ago at this time, nobody knew anything about any of them. At least, not in Seattle. But Friday night proved they're here to make an impact - literally. Just ask Maurice Hicks, the Vikings' new running back acquired from San Fran and the Seattle defense's preferred pinata of the evening. And nevermind the comparatively weak showing by the first unit - Marcus Trufant, etc. They knew they'd only be in for a few series and weren't out to hurt themselves catching anyone. Yet.
-Maurice Morris and the offensive line. Not only did MoMo have 62 yards on nine carries, but - brace yourselves, fans - he had actual holes to run through! The beefed-up offensive line, thanks largely in part to free agent pickup Mike Wahle and veterans Sean Locklear and Walter Jones, created rifts in the defense that looked like the Grand Canyon compared to last year's efforts. The truly scary part - Julius Jones didn't even have to get in on more than three or four carries for the offense to get into the red zone.
Cause for pause:
-TJ Duckett. The other member opposite Jones in the Shaun Alexander replacement crew didn't make much of a case for himself, as he fumbled the ball twice. Granted, once was due for a face mask and the other was ruled down before the ball popped out, but still. Holmgren can't be comfortable with a short yardage back who fumbles the ball a lot. Hopefully TJ won't have that problem Saturday.
-Injuries. Not the ones that happened during this game, as the worst of them were dealt out to the Vikings, but the rather long list of walking wounded currently on Seattle's roster. The total, according to a report this morning on KIRO 710, is 22.
Don't be alarmed at this, however. Most of them include guys who just need a day or two of rest, such as Hasselbeck (sore back) and Tatupu (knees.) Others, such as Logan Payne, are just going to need to let their ailments run their course and hope for the best. Cracked ribs just need time, unfortunately, but let's hope the timetable lets the guy see some action before Week 1. I want him on the roster, badly.
Overall, I like the way things are building with this team. The preseason hype has been endless, it seems, but it's always good to see the Seahawks walk the walk. Friday, I think, bodes well for things to come.
