Sudden changes bring uncertainty, sadness in Seattle

[Aurabolt127]

Injuries have plagued the Seahawks throughout a 2-2 preseason. Both starting defensive ends are out for at least 2 more weeks, and injuries in camp have slowed the progress of Carl Stewart and Malcolm Kelly - both projected starters.

A merry-go-round of FA signings, practicing, cutting and more have seen at least 20 FAs come and go, all in the name of getting the right people in Seattle...time will tell who develops and who fails...

With kickoff in just a few minutes, here's the roster as it stands...

QB - Hasselbeck (91) is secure as starter and mentor. Frye (64) and O'Connell (56) back him up. Frye is running as the 3 right now.

HB - Stewart gets the nod (71), with Torain (62) and Booker (73) as the backups.

FB - Leonard Weaver was a pleasant surprise find in FA, he starts (78) with Michael Bush (converted RB to FB78) backs him up and spells the halfbacks in short yardage if needed.)

WR - This is a position of worry, as injuries have limited the growth of the youngsters and only Deion Branch (78) have much of a score here. Malcolm Kelly (70), Courtney Taylor (68), undrafted Jaymar Johnson and Adrian Arrington (75s) and camp body hopeful Robert Meachem (60) fill it out. Look for a move to get made here soon.

TE - Vernon Davis (66) is a beast, and Teyo Johnson backs him up. If a 3rd TE is needed, look for Weaver and Bush to give it a go. I am sure to sign someone in between week 1 and 2.

OL - Walter Jones (94) Stacey Andrews (88) Charles Spencer (82) Mark Wahle (82) and Locklear (82) round out a decent line. Here's hoping they can become greater than the sum of their parts, or change is coming fast.

DL - Both Kerney (94) and Olshansky (86) are out for a couple weeks, but depth is the key here Abiamiri (83) and Atkins (80) will start with Tapp (79) backing them up. I'm praying for a miracle recovery... DT Mebane (84), rookie Laws (73), Gabe Watson (76) and Bryant (74) will hope to clog the middle and cause some disruption.

LBs - the 4-2-5 focuses on the MLB and RLB as the 2 linebackers, but there of course are times a third is needed. Although slow, Hill (82) mans the left side, with Tatupu (86) and Barnes (80) have the middle and right. Sledgehammer MLB Buster Davis and Tinoisamoa are the key backups.

DBS - a strong point here with Jennings (82), Green (82), Gamble (82) and Meriweather (68). (coaching staff suggestion Trae Williams failed to make the roster)

Safeties Brian Russell (86) is at Free Safety with Babineaux (72) backing him up. This is Babineaux's last chance to earn a spot on the team after converting to safety. His huge contract is worrisome - a not so good pick of the previous coaching staff...

Philips (86) and Pollard (81) are the full time starters, as the 4-2-5 keeps two SS on the field at the same time. Chris Harris (77) is a hard hitting backup

Kicking game - FA Prater (77) was signed before the first preseason game. His strong leg will hopefully be a weapon teams will respect.
Plackenmeier (88) is a great young punter.

Booker is the main returner in both kickoffs and punting.
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Overall, I'm excited at the potential - plus my roster maneuverings are far from done. I didn't want to just go for numbers and ratings here, and took some players I truly like, and some I hope to develop. A few more moves, maybe a switch in philosophy here and there and I think we can compete...

I did promise the playoffs...

My starting approval is 62. And I am thankful my first game is against the Bills -and not someone like the Giants or Patriots...

[Aurabolt127]

At Bills, Seahawks receive the kickoff.

Touchdown run by Stewart puts the Hawks up 7-0. Stewart was 4-46 on the drive. Hasselebeck hit Weaver for 2 and Vernon Davis for 26. This is really what the Sehawks needed to get past those opening jitters!

Now, to see how the D performs...

final game update to follow...

[Aurabolt127]

The Seahawks pounded the ball and the Bills 38-10 in a monsoon en route to their first victory under Coach Cotignola. Coach said postgame, "It's all about guys believing in each other and watching out for each other. We continue to do this, and victory is guaranteed."

Game notes:

Carl Stewart was offensive player of the week as he gained 178 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries.

Sean Locklear, the Seahawks starting T left the game early in the 2nd quarter, but is expected to be fine for week 2.

Final numbers:

Hasselbeck was 7-14 for 140 yards and a 68 yard TD to rookie Malcolm Kelly in a blustery, windy day.

Stewart was 20-178-3
Backup RB Lorenzo Booker had 11-44 and a TD, Bush had 7-53 and Weaver was 3-6. 3rd string RB Torain wasn't suited up for the game. Coach Cotignola hates rookies who complain.

Wideouts: Branch was 3-61, Kelly was 1-68-1, Vernon Davis was 2-5, C. Taylor had 1-7.

With both starting DE out, Abiamiri and Tapp started.

Abiamiri, Barnes, and Tatupu each had one sack.

Pollard had a pick.

Abiamiri had a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Rookie SS Kenny Philips forced 2 fumbles.

Run defense though gave up 117 yards and a TD to Lynch, who was a monster until the game got out of hand.

Notable Bills Rookies - S. Ellis (starter) Chris Johnson (3rd RB) and WR Dexter Jackson (3rd WR)

Approval up to 71, DeShaun Foster and Courtney Anderson were signed to fill 3rd string roles. Jonas Jennings was signed to help at Tackle until Locklear is recovered.

[Aurabolt127]

Patrick Kerney is now healthy and will start against the 49ers, Igor Olshansky had a miracle recovery and is healthy enough to start...but Coach hasn't said whether he will start or he will stay with Abiamiri.

Tough call...

I also noticed that the rain followed me from Buffalo to Seattle. Darn...

Kickoff in Seattle as the Seahawks host the 49ers...

[Aurabolt127]

Last second signing as the 'Hawks pick up WR Nate Washington to replace injured RoBert Meachem. Meachem was released.

Olshansky will get the start over Abiamiri, as Coach hates to see a player lose his job over injury. However, if Igor struggles, Abiamiri will replace him. Igor missed the last 3 weeks of preseason and week 1 with an injury.

Notable 49ers rookies

Felix Jones (start)
Eddie Royal (3rd)
Martellus Bennett (start)

[Aurabolt127]

27-7 victory makes Seahawks fans excited.

The stats: (in another rainstorm!)

Hasselbeck - 11-22 for 164 and 2 TDs

They contained Stewart as he was 18-46. Foster was 7-14 after being pressed into service when Booker (3-5) went down. Bush added 4-27 and Weaver had 4-15.

Receivers - Teyo Johnson had a big game as he caught 3-65-1. Branch was 1-12-1, Kelly was 2-25, Vernon Davis was 2-29, Weaver was 1-21, Arrington 1-7 and Washington 1-5

Tatupu was named Defensive Player of the Week and had 3 sacks.

Kerney got hurt early, but in his place Abiamiri had a sack, as did newly aquired Gabe Watson, Trevor Laws, and Antwan Barners.

Gamble, Jennings, and Russell each had a pick too!

49ers rookie Felix Jones was held to 13 yards on 8 carries, but Alex Smith ran wild with 61 on 4 scrambling out of the pocket.

An injury to Walter Jones has Coach stressed, but it should only be one game. All these injuries and people getting tired has management looking hard at the training staff...

Next up - another division rival in St. Louis!

[Sanchez_Mareno]

Looks good so far
Whats your philosophies

[Aurabolt127]

Thanks!

Right now I have it set at:

field general qb
power hb
ball carrier fb
balanced wr
playmaker te
run specialist all OL

Prototype DE
Run stopper DT
3/4 blitzer OLB
blitzer MLB (I think)
Man Coverage DB
Center Fielder FS
Run Support SS
Big Leg K
Big Leg P

I might shift a couple around, depending on personnel and injuries -
for example, if I switch WR to speed, Branch goes from a 78 to 85. But Kelly goes down to a 71. So, it all depends.

I prefer to build via FA (and LOW draft picks) year one salary issues, of course.

I did my 3rd game vs Rams. 8 INJURIES!!!! Game update later...