NFL Frenzy Week Mostly a Positive for Seattle Seahawks

COMMENTARY | When the Seattle Seahawks were content not to pursue Matt Hasselbeck, it was a decision I was mostly happy with. Hasselbeck is a good quarterback, with flashes of brilliance, but had become subject to being just awful sometimes. It was time to begin moving on, and this year seemed as good as waiting one or two more seasons.

Tuesday, July 26

I was nervous, however, when Seattle brought in Tarvaris Jackson. To me he seems inconsistent as well. Hopefully he can settle into the Seattle system and become the dual threat the team needs. That was Tuesday; what the team did Wednesday went a long way toward alleviating my nervousness.

Wednesday

Bringing in a strong and versatile big receiver in the person of Sidney Rice, the Seahawks showed they won't be content with a rebuilding year: They wish to play for real and make another run at the NFC West. Rice is the kind of player who doesn't need the sharpest passing QB in order to move the chains.

By picking up Robert Gallery, the team found just the kind of help the offensive line needs. Gallery will help establish protection for Jackson to operate in and open up run and short pass options. He's an old-school lineman who can intimidate and overpower.

Both Rice and Gallery have had injury concerns. If they stay healthy, they give Seattle fans reason to believe another playoff appearance can happen without Matt Hasselbeck in a Seahawk uniform.

Seahawks not done

After the big news of Wednesday, Seattle kept making moves. The biggest catch of the day was former Arizona Cardinal DT Alan Branch, who is coming off his best year as a pro. Branch should add potency to the defense. The agreements and signings will continue, and fans will find themselves in the preseason in just a few days.

As a Seahawk fan, I look forward to the 2011 season with excitement, eager to see if the team can better last year's record. It won't be easy, as Seattle has a much tougher schedule this year -- and they have to jump right in. After opening on the road at San Francisco Sept. 11, they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers the next Sunday.