BillT's Take On Camp So Far

Written by William P. Tomisser | 04 August 2009

 From what I hear coming out of camp so far by both fans and sports writers, Burleson is the most impressive receiver in camp bar none. Not even Housh is getting the accolades that Nate is collecting. That doesn't surprise me a bit. Nate had a very good season in 2007 when he had to step up and be the Seahawk's number one receiver due to injuries. Catching 10 TD's that year and by all accounts maturing on his route running as well as becoming a locker room presence especially to the younger receivers, Burleson was poised to take his game to the next step last year when he was most impressive in the pre-season. Then came the injury and he had to pull himself up by the bootstraps again. 

Rob Sims is having a pretty good camp after being moved back to his more natural position at left guard. His forte is pass protection and playing stout in limited space. That's more a description of the left guard than the right guard who is more the pulling guard who has to have better footwork and range.  People tend to forget that he's only started 22 games which is less than a season and a half out of his three seasons in the league. He's still learning and being healthy this season coupled with his renewed commitment to the weight room and conditioning, means Sims may yet prove to be an asset to the Seahawk's offensive line.

Kerney looks strong and fit. He's such a big key to the defense and if he stays healthy, I think the defense has a big year. Cory Redding has also been showing why Detroit made him the highest paid defensive tackle after the 2006 season. Failing to impress after being moved to defensive end for the Lions last season, he's now on a team who recognizes his talents and is designing a defense to utilize them. He's also playing for a team with a winning attitude right now and loving it. You've got to respect a guy who comes in with a huge contract, resigns for one year to a more modest deal and takes the attitude that he'll prove up first and then negotiate his contract with the Seahawks. My kind of player. No surprise that he's starting opposite Kerney so far and sliding inside on pass rushing downs which is where he won his big contract with Detroit with his pass rushing skills from the three tech position. Mora was adamant that the majority of the pass rush needs to come from the front four and he certainly seems to have the guns to do it with this season. With Jackson or Tapp, Redding, Mebane, and Kerney coming on obvious pass rushing downs and using Hill and Curry to augment when needed, Mora may just get the suffocation factor he wants out of the front line.

Everybody is talking about how good Hasselbeck looks. He's moving fluidly in the pocket and his throws are crisp and right on the money. His play looks effortless again and that's the best news of all. With Burleson tearing it up, Housh being what we thought we had, and Branch looking like where he left off last season, Hass has the best three receivers he's had yet to throw to and a trio where whoever you don't cover closely will absolutely kill you all day long. Throw Carlson into the mix and you just have to pick your poison. I think you may see a different receiver every game become the main man as opposing teams try to take the guy out they think will hurt them the most and end up opening up one of the other guys to burn, burn, burn down the house. Butler will have a hard time getting playing time but when he does, earning it from this trio will mean he's got some stuff of his own to show.

Justin Forsett obviously put some work in over the off-season to insure he doesn't get cut again from the Seahawks. Not only showing that he's a tenacious blocker, his willingness to run through bigger opponents shows his heart and toughness. Mora and Knapp both have commented on his showing at camp so far and it was said that his ability to plant his foot and change direction aka Barry Sanders will serve him well in the zone blocking system. Being able to make your decision and then make that cut as quickly as possible and accelerate through the hole is what the ZBS is all about. That's what Forsett is showing an ability to do and he's probably got the best cut and acceleration on the team. For all you Forsett fans (count me in as one of them), that's great news. It looks as if the third running back spot is now his to lose.

The only big bummer so far is Curry's continued absence. Nothing is coming out of anywhere I can find that details any of the processes going on to get him signed. The two sides are mum. I figure there's a sticking point and one that doesn't have to do with the slotting as that's pretty much in line with Sanchez's contract not being out of whack even as a quarterback. Something else is keeping the sides apart and we won't know what that is until it's over. That's the only real bad thing happening at this time and all the injuries so far are minor as far as we know. It's time for Seattle to have a charmed year again with respect to injuries. They paid their dues last year.

That's the main things that I've gleaned so far from everyone else's observations and the ones that have made me the most excited. Being three thousand miles away from training camp makes me a bottom feeder in the news department but I felt that maybe I could bring something to the table by gathering what I thought was the best of camp news so far and presenting it in one place with my spin on it. Except for Curry, I think that camp is going very well indeed and most of your camp reports have confirmed that. Keep them coming and I'll continue to scour the reports for news. 

Hasta,

BillT