Seattle Seahawks Offensive Backfield Outlook for 2007

The Seattle Seahawks will be a thorn in the side of the NFC yet again this year with a stinging running game, and a veteran quarterback that knows how to win. The combination of 2005 MVP award winner Shaun Alexander, and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will keep the Seahawks playoff bound yet another year. However, if the injury bug bites to often, there could be a crack in the armor this year.

There is no doubt that Alexander is one of, if not the best running backs in the NFL. He has proven time and time again that he can do it all. Last year, we got a glimpse of the Seahawks without him, and it was not the same team. A number of teams in the NFC will walk all over a Seahawk team that is missing Alexander. While Maurice Morris did a decent job while Alexander was hurt, (600+ yds rushing) the team was not the threat that they are with Alexander in the lineup. About the only fear for the Seahawks this year is losing Alexander to injury again. It could cripple them in a stronger NFC this year.

Hasselbeck however, was ably backed up by young superstar Seneca Wallace. Many might disagree, but a I saw a budding star in Wallace during his playing time. Wallace has a fire that I love in a football player. He has the will to win, and that is tough to find in today's "pay me" society. I think that the Seahawks are in great shape at quarterback this year as I also love Hasselbeck's gritty, no-nonsense play.

Although I feel the Rams will take back the NFC West this year, I do believe that the Seahawks will be a playoff team. Barring injury to Alexander, the Seahawks will be a dangerous team to face in the playoffs, as they seem to prove every year.