Training Camp Wrap-up II

After taking in my first training camp at the VMAC, I first want to say what lovely grass they have there.  If you have not gone yet, do so because sinking your toes in the grass is worth the bus ride over.

As far as the Seahawks go, here are the things I saw from the 3rd day of camp:

• I first watched the linebackers do some read and react drills.  Hill looked good and Tatupu looked amazing, both looked quick and look to already be in season form.  The guy who impressed me the most was David Hawthorne. Quick with exceptional hands, Hawthorne could be a fixture of the linebacking core if they can find a place for him.
• Best play of the day:  With the first team offense battling the first team defense in the two minute drill, Matt Hasselbeck made a picture perfect play action fake to hit T.J. Houshmandzadeh to score the touchdown.  The defense tried to get the crowd to help them stop the offense, but Hasselbeck looked flawless on the drive, completing all his passes and taking them down to score using only one timeout.
• Best ‘Oooh and Ahhh’ play of the day:  This one was a classic, the Seahawks ran a reverse to T.J. Houshmandzadeh who then set up to pass downfield to Nate Burleson.  The play got many gasps only to have Brian Russell pick off the wounded duck Houshmandzadeh.
• Chris Spencer:  Didn’t see anything wrong with his blocking technique.  He looked fantastic today during the two minute drill.  Could finally be ready to emerge as the center the Seahawks need.
• Jamar Adams:  Absolute stud.  He picked off a Matt Hasselbeck pass that floated a little to Deion Branch.  Adams got beat pretty bad by Branch, but caught him and out wrestled the ball out of his hands.  What looked like a sure touchdown ended up being an interception.
• Jeff Rowe looks like a guy I go to grad school with, no joke.  I swear I saw Rowe take some pictures, snap the ball, and try to get interviews with the other players.
• Patrick Kerney is not human.  Looked great on the line and when he stood next to Craig Terrell (a DE) Kerney dwarfed him.  The Seahawks need him to have a big year.
• Max Unger:  Looked extremely well at both right guard and center.  He looked more comfortable at the center position running with the third team.  Blocked very well against Cole, Redding and Lawrence Jackson.
• Speaking of Lawrence Jackson, he doesn’t look like the same player as last year.  A couple of times he broke into the backfield to sack the QB.  He also deflected a pass and looked leaner and quicker.  Look for him to also break out this season.

I will be attending two more practices and will let you know how these players look later in TC.  So far, so good.