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Seattle Seahawks Offense expects to thrive under new QB Hasselbeck
Seattle opens its training camp at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., on July 27. By Jon A. Dolezar, CNNSI.com Mike Holmgren got tired of having a crummy defense. So, he went out and bought a new one. The addition of John Randle, Levon Kirkland, Chad Eaton and Marcus Robertson should get the Seahawks out of the defensive cellar. Not to be forgotten, Seattle's offensive unit also received an infusion, starting with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, drafted by Holmgren during his Green Bay tenure. The Seahawks can make the playoffs if … Hasselbeck's first season as a starter emulates Brett Favre's first full season. Holmgren coached Favre to a 9-7 record in 1992, when he threw for 3,227 yards, 18 TDs and 13 INTs. If Hasselbeck can duplicate those totals -- which would top Seattle's combined QB numbers of last year (3,198 yards, 21 TDs, 21 INTs, 60.7 percent) -- the Seahawks likely will return to the postseason. Pivotal games: Oct. 14 vs. Denver; Dec. 23 at New York Giants. Seattle has five of its first seven games at home, but none are bigger than the Week 6 meeting with the Broncos. The Seahawks' toughest interconference challenge comes in the second last week of the regular season against the defending NFC champs. On the hot seat: Guard Frank Beede is penciled in as the starter at left guard, replacing Pete Kendall who left as a free agent. Beede will be asked to replace Kendall's run-blocking ability and also beef up the Seahawks' pass protection. The team finished 23rd with 46 sacks allowed last season. Up-and-coming: Second-year wide receiver Darrell Jackson looks to be a star in the making. He had 53 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns, putting up one of the best rookie years by a wideout under Holmgren since Jerry Rice caught 49 passes for 927 yards and three touchdowns with the 49ers in 1985. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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