With training camp right around the corner there are two burning questions on the minds of Seahawk fans everywhere. With a defense as stout as any “D” in Seahawks history, led by a line-backing corps justifiably regarded as one of the best trios in the league, both concerns are on Mike Holmgrem’s side of the ball. Obviously, we trust Matt Hasslebeck behind center; the questions however are with his supporting cast. Between youth, and unproven free agents, Sqwak fans are arguing in bars and offices alike about two things. Question one, which one of the myriad of running backs will step up and fill the void left by an aging, and oft injured Shaun Alexander? Question two, which young receiver will be able to make plays on Sunday?

I don’t think there is any doubt that when camp breaks Julius Jones will be starting in the backfield. Aside from the fact that he made a career out of scorching the Hawks in Qwest Field, 310 yards, and three touchdowns in two games, he still has plenty of miles left on those legs since he split carries with Marion Barber. Jones has also proven that he can be a threat out of the backfield. This has always been a weapon in Holmgren’s offense, remember Ricky Watters? Lastly, he won’t be asked to get the tough yards. Which brings me to T.J. Duckett, the second of the Seahawks off season running back acquisitions? Duckett was brought in to move the chains, and prevent ulcers throughout Seahawk Nation. I don’t know if I would be able to stomach another season of nerve racking third and one heartbreaks. Duckett is a huge body that should be able to just fall forward and pick-up a yard. This change of pace between the two backs should provide the stability the offense needs, and take some of the pressure off of the passing game. The two backs returning from last year, Mo Morris, and Leonard Weaver are both great locker room guys, but neither should be expected to see the ball more than a handful of times combined each game. Morris in particular has proven that he is a solid back-up, but would never be confused as a game changer.

The questions about the receiving corps is far more nerve racking. Knowing now that Bobby Engram has no intention of missing training camp, and will enter the season alongside Nate Burleson as the two starters, the glaring question is which youngster will fill that third receiver role. We all know that in the West Coast offense, the third receiver is a major role player. This fact makes it essential one of the four youngsters step up. Considering the fact that the most productive of the four is Ben Obomanu who has twelve career receptions, and another, Jordan Kent, has only four years of football under his belt, even the most positive fans aren’t expecting breakout performances. Add Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne to this quartet and what we have is four receivers, with little name recognition, and even less productivity. What fans should expect however, is reliability. Making the catch when the ball is thrown their way, not being a liability during the two minute drill, making the block up the field, all of these things should be expected of a player seeing serious game time. The best part of the receiving situations may be that all four should be competing 100% both on the field and in the film room, to grab a hold of that third slot.