Sunday, August 24 2008 -- In 2007, the Seattle Seahawks (10-6) were first in the NFC West. They won their initial playoff game against the Washington Redskins 35-14. In the next round, they were soundly beaten by the Green Bay Packers. This year, the Seahawks are looking to fly all the way into the Super Bowl.

Offense

The frontline is solid and that's good news. That will give QB Matt Hasselbeck (562 ATT, 352 COMP, 3,966 YDS, 28 TDs, 12 INT), who is a fine leader and skilled player, time to throw. But Hasselbeck may have problems finding receivers. WR Deion Branch is out for part of the season due to injury. While aging WR Bobby Engram (94 REC, 1,147 YDS, 12.2 AVG, 6 TDs) will try to give the team one more quality season. Nate Burleson (50 REC, 694 YDS, 13.9 AVG. 9 TDs) was a sure-handed receiver in 2007. The ground unit is attempting to rebuild.

Defense

The defense finished fourth in the NFL in sacks with 45. Defensive ends Patrick Kerney (14.5) and Darryl Tapp (7) and LB Julian Peterson (9.5) are all ferocious pursuers. LB Lofa Tatupu notched 109 tackles in 2007. He's the leader on “D.” The refurbished secondary looks primed to go and includes corner Marcus Trufant (7 INT).

Special Teams

Seattle is without placekicker Josh Brown who went the free agent route. Olindo Mare, a veteran, and rookie Brandon Coutu, from the U of Georgia, will each try to win the placekicking spot. Punter Ryan Plackemeier was inconsistent in 2007. The return units need a breakaway threat.

Overview

Head coach Mike Holgrem (86-67 with Seattle) will retire after the 2008 season, his tenth with Seattle. In a decade, the coach has guided the Seahawks to their lone Super Bowl appearance, to five division titles and seven winning seasons. Holgrem and company have their eyes on one more shot at the big game. It's possible but it won't be easy.