Projections (9/02/03)

Passing Stats

Rush Stats

Receiving Stats

Fantasy

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Quarterbacks
Starter - Matt Hasselbeck
Backups - Trent Dilfer, Seneca Wallace

Starting Quarterback: During the 2001 preseason, many fantasy 'experts' had Matt Hasselbeck to be the 'Surprise Player of the Year' but he was horrible out of the gate and was replaced by Trent Dilfer early on. Last season, nobody expected anything from Hasselbeck but he got his chance to shine thanks to a Dilfer injury and he lit it up. Now going into this season he is expected once again to put up big numbers but unlike the 2001 season is better prepared to handle the pressure. From week nine on last season, Hasselbeck was very strong. He threw for 308 yards per game and threw 1.5 touchdowns per game. He had seven games with over 250 passing yards and was great down the stretch will three outstanding performances. He has a great receiving core, a good running game and a solid offensive line. He will be a serviceable starting fantasy quarterback and an outstanding backup.

Backup Quarterback(s): Trent Dilfer is a great insurance policy for the Hawks. Unlike 2001, he won't see the field unless Hasselbeck suffers a serious injury because of the growth in Hasselbeck's game. Dilfer has a strong arm, experience and is a team player who won't whine for playing time like too many backups in the NFL. He is just what the doctor ordered for Seattle but his fantasy potential is small for 2003. If something happens and he becomes the starting quarterback, don't hesitate to pick him up immediately.

Update - 8/28: Dilfer missed three weeks of practice due to a pulled muscle in his side. He has returned and is slated to backup Hasselbeck this year.

Running Backs
Starter - Shaun Alexander
Backups - Maurice Morris, Tellis Redmon
Fullback - Mack Strong

Starting Running Back: Alexander is the focus of the Seahawks' offense, and has scored just over half of their touchdowns the past two seasons. After taking over for an injured Ricky Watters in 2001, Shaun Alexander has been one of the most dominant backs in football. In 2002 Alexander had five two touchdowns games, and a five touchdown performance against Minnesota on Sunday Night Football. 5-11, 229, Alexander is one of the best runners in the league, and has fantastic hands. Expect another huge year out of Alexander, on a Seattle offense that has fantastic potential. Alexander is considered inconsistent, but an unsettled offensive line hurt Alexander in the early part of the season. The only downside to Alexander is the talk of involving young Maurice Morris more, but even if the plan was brought to fruition, it would do little to hurt Alexander's value. Alexander has worked on his speed in the offseason, and the big back may see his value increase if his desire can stay at a premier level. While some considered Alexander's 2002 season mildly disappointing, he ended with slightly more fantasy points than he scored in 2001.

Backup Running Back(s): Despite getting only thirty-two carries last year, Morris brought some excitement to Seattle. In addition to a 97-yard touchdown kickoff return, the 5-11, 202 lb rookie averaged 4.8 yards per carry last year. Coach Holmgren stated a desire to draft Morris last year for three reasons: 1) depth, as Seattle had no other tailbacks besides Alexander; 2) to push Alexander, as Holmgren feels Alexander needs to be pushed to get the most out of him; 3) to possibly be the third down back on the team. Morris is sure handed and speedy, and would likely be a valuable player if Alexander went down with an injury. His fantasy value is pretty low, and there's little proof that he'll significantly hurt Alexander's value. Redmon (5-11, 210) had a brief stint with the Ravens, and is currently playing in NFL Europe. He hasn't shown any NFL ability to date, so Seattle wouldn't play a committee if Alexander was injured.

Fullback(s): Strong is the senior Seahawk, and 2003 will be his tenth season with the club. Strong is a punishing blocker, and has paved the way for three different star RBs; Shaun Alexander, Ricky Watters and Chris Warren. In Strong's nine years, Seattle has had a top ten fantasy back seven times, and a top five RB four times. In the last game of 2002, the 6-0, 245 lb FB powered Seattle to an overtime victory, by rushing five times for twenty eight yards after Shaun Alexander suffered a high ankle sprain. Strong has never been used much as a receiver or runner, but his great blocking and strong locker room presence makes him one of the more valuable fullbacks in the game.

Wide Receivers
Starters - Koren Robinson, Darrell Jackson
Backups - Bobby Engram, Alex Bannister, James Williams

Starting Receiver(s): Seattle has one of the best young WR tandems in the NFC with Darrell Jackson and Koren Robinson. Last season was Robinson's coming out party, when, as second year player he racked up 1,240 yards and 5 scores averaging an impressive 15.9 yards per reception. Robinson will be a solid top fantasy option this year, and we believe that a top 10 finish is entirely possible. One word of caution, Robinson MUST improve his concentration this year, he dropped 15 passes, or 15% of his opportunities in 2002.

Alongside Robinson is fourth year receiver Darrell Jackson, whose ascent up the receiver rankings stopped abruptly last year due to some nagging injuries and a career threatening concussion. However, Jackson returns fully healthy, and should enjoy plenty of single coverage with Robinson lining up on the other side of the field. If you can target Jackson as your third receiver, there is an excellent chance that he'll deliver value over the season.

Backup Receiver(s): Sure handed possession receiver Bobby Engram will be the third receiver, and should see a fair amount of action given Holmgren's preference for multiple receiver sets. While Engram isn't much of a fantasy prospect, he is a steadying force on 3rd down for the inexperienced QB Matt Hasselbeck. Alex Bannister and James Williams should fill out the roster, with each using this year's training camp to stake a claim at the 4th WR slot.

Update - 8/28: The two big guns have been status quo this preseason. Veteran James Williams was given his release, after falling behind Alex Bannister for the fourth receiver slot.

Tight Ends
Starter(s) - Itula Mili, Jerramy Stevens
Backup - Ryan Hannam
Stevens legal problems make this a murky situation. Stevens may be suspended for two to four games at the start of the season. Given the chance to play, Stevens produced well last season, including being a favorite red zone target. However, Mili quietly set the Seahawks season record for grabs by a TE. Mili will be the lone starter until Stevens return, but both can be expected to see the field plenty through the rest of the season.

Update - 8/28: Stevens has been quiet lately. Both he and Mili are nursing injuries.

Place Kicker
Josh Brown: The Seahawks allowed Rian Lindell to leave for Buffalo in the offseason. They drafted rookie Josh Brown to replace him from Nebraska. If the Seattle offense lives up to its potential this season Brown could be a steal late in most fantasy drafts.

Update - 8/28: Brown has had a very good preseason.

Offensive Line
C-Robbie Tobeck; G-Steve Hutchinson; G-Chris Gray; T-Walter Jones; T-Chris Terry
Last year the Seahawks had a major contract hassle with Jones and it affected his season. He is very important to the success of the Seahawks and they need him on the field. Also, Hutchinson must be healthy and ready to play. Hutchinson is already one of the best guards in the NFL. Tobeck is not an athletic center but he is tenacious and fights hard on every play. Gray and Terry aren't world-beaters but they won't hurt the team.

Update - 8/28: The team has ended contract talks with LT Jones. He now has two options: take the 1-year $5.7 million deal or sit out the season. This is bad news for the Seahawks offense.