Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) runs for yards after a catch against the St. Louis Rams during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s game features the Seattle Seahawks flying east to the nation’s capital to do battle with an explosive Washington Redskins team led by superhuman rookie quarterback RGIII. The Seahawks are the favorites heading into this game on the strength of their superior record and the way they closed out the season with a notable victory at Chicago followed by three blowout wins (including one over the #2 seed San Francisco) and a final win last week against St. Louis. 5 wins, 4 of them of the impressive variety, is nothings to sneeze at and it’s no surprise the Seahawks are being labeled as a dangerous team right now. The thing that people seem to be glossing over is that the Redskins won their last 7 games which is an even more remarkable feat. They can’t be taken lightly in this game but nor are they an unstoppable force. The Redskins are the sort of team you’d expect to play in wildcard weekend, a good team with some issues. One of those issues today is Robert Griffin’s knee. Although RGIII is an accomplished passer without his trademark speed he loses a dynamic aspect of his game. However, since it’s hard to discuss the matchup of the Seahawks defense vs. Robert Griffin’s knee without sounding like Gregg Williams I’ll have to turn my attention elsewhere. Instead we will focus on whole players rather than individual joints in the first ever playoff edition of “matchups of the game”.

Matchup #1: Russell Okung vs. Trent Williams

I’ll start here by saying that I am aware of the basic principles of football and the fact that these two LT’s will never see the field against each other. The comparison of the two Pro Bowl tackles in this game is what interests me. Not only were Okung (drafted 6th overall) and Williams (4th overall) compared ad nauseam during the 2010 Draft process but they likely will be during their careers. Most observers at the time saw Okung as the #1 LT prospect available but the Redskins chose Williams instead as he was a better fit for their scheme. Both teams have been rewarded with quality players. Both players are making their first Pro Bowl appearance in their third years in the league after having some trouble staying healthy in their first two years (23 starts during that period for Williams, 22 for Okung). Okung and Williams are both protecting very mobile quarterbacks which, on the surface, seems like a benefit as their quarterback’s legs can bail them out of trouble. In reality scrambling quarterbacks can be infuriating to block for because although they are a moving target to defenders they are the same for blockers and their unpredictability of movement can turn an excellent block into the wrong block in no time at all. Both the Seahawks’ and Redskins’ defenses will be keying on the oppositions running game and as a result there will be opportunities for shots down the field in this game. Whichever one of these men is able to keep their quarterback safer and in a position to hold the ball and make the deep throw might well see their team emerge victorious.

Matchup #2: Richard Sherman vs. Pierre Garcon

I’ve highlighted this matchup mainly for the reason that Richard Sherman already declared that he wasn’t worried about Garcon and I’d like to see him back up that kind of talk. I admire Sherman’s confidence and acknowledge his skill, but to be honest Garcon is the type of receiver worth losing a little sleep over. Garcon played in only 10 games this year, very few of them completely healthy, and put up 633 yards or 63.3 per game. Over a full year that average would have resulted in 1012 yards for Garcon and that’s without considering to what degree he played hurt. Given that 1000 yard receivers don’t grow on trees (there were 19 this year) Sherman will have to pay attention today. Garcon has electric down the field ability and Sherman would be wise to bully him at the line of scrimmage as much as possible. The reason that shutting down Garcon is so essential is that there is such a drop off between him and the next best receiving option in Washington. The Redskins other starting wideout, Joshua Morgan, has put up 31.9 yards a game and a far from intimidating 10.6 yards per catch. Logan Paulsen, the starting tight end, is averaging 19.3 yards per game. The bottom line is if you shut down Pierre Garcon you can cripple the Washington passing game and the Seahawks will be allocating arguably their best player to that exact assignment.

Matchup #3: Golden Tate vs. Josh Wilson

The battle of Seattle’s 2010 2nd round pick and their 2007 2nd rounder should be a doozy. Even though Sidney Rice isn’t 100% (1 catch for 14 yards in his last 2 games) he will still likely draw DeAngelo Hall leaving two “mighty mites” to duke it out on the other side of the field. Tate actually has the height advantage in this one, a luxury he rarely has access to, which might make it easier for him to reel in a jump ball or two down field. He has really emerged this year with 45.9 yards per game, almost twice his career high of 23.9 yards per match. Tate has finally turned his strength and short area quickness into tangible production and is beginning to look the part of a starting WR. If the Seattle passing game is really going to get going Tate will need to be involved but that’s easier said than done against former Seahawk Josh Wilson. Wilson has emerged as a viable starting corner over the last two years in Washington starting all 32 games and averaging 2 INT and 14 PD per year. Adding in a knack for creating fumbles (3FF this year) and the fact he is immensely dangerous with the ball in his hands (you may recall he led the league in kick return yardage for the 2008 Seahawks), Wilson is a nifty player and a formidable opponent. However, he is a formidable opponent Tate will have to best because unless Rice finds his stride again Tate is the #1 option for Russell Wilson today.

This game has the makings of a memorable contest. The Seahawks take to the road looking for their first road win since 1983 (a stat that just keeps coming up this week) against a team that is likely inferior but only slightly so. With the Redskins holding home field advantage I’d say this one is about dead even. An absolute dogfight is in order with two powerful RB’s, two Pro Bowl LT’s and two rookie sensations leading the way at QB. The difference in this game is that Seattle has the elite defense and Washington doesn’t (the Redskins allowed 1144 yards and 143 points more than Seattle over the course of the year). I have faith that Seattle can put some points against a Washington defense that is fairly unimpressive, so all they really have to do is stop RGIII and company. That sounds so simple. I’ve got this sneaking suspicion it’s easier said than done. Whatever the case may be Seahawks fans are in for an exciting day, and with any luck, an even more exciting night.

The most unexpected move of the day came when Josh Wilson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional fifth-round pick.

“This is an opportunity for us that came along to us because of our depth,” Pete Carroll said, regarding Wilson. “And our situation at the cornerback position that we’re very happy with, with the play of Tru and Kelly Jennings, Walter Thurmond and Roy Lewis. Josh is a great kid and we love him and all of that. But this is a team that really came after him, and it happened very quickly.”

John Schneider, Seattle’s general manager, mostly agreed with Carroll: “Josh has been a factor here for several years now, and has done a great job in the community and everything. He’s very well respected. This was a team that was very aggressive in coming after Josh. They have a situation where they have a strong need. And as Pete said, it has more to do with the way Walter has stepped up, and the way Tru is playing and some of the younger guys.”

Surprisingly, the front office seems excited about the deal.

“It was one of those deals that comes along,” Schneider told reporters. “We get calls on players and we don’t do everything. But this was one of those deals we felt like we couldn’t pass up.”

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Wilson always seemed to be fighting for a starting job during his time spent in Seattle. Pitted against Kelly Jennings, Ken Lucas, and other defensive backs, he always managed to earn playing time and overcome any competition.

While he certainly isn’t an elite defensive back, Wilson is a very good football player. Not many Seahawks are untouchable, but to dump Wilson for a late-round draft pick seems absurd. No doubt the Baltimore Ravens are happy to acquire him for such a bargain price.

Maybe the team is looking to build a group of larger defensive backs. But Josh Wilson played more physical than most of Seattle’s defenders and overcame his physical limitations on the field. Wilson frequently showed off sub-4.4 speed and playmaking ability to make up for his lack of size.

The emergence of young prospects played a role in Wilson’s departure, but I still don’t like letting him walk for a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick.

Roy Lewis and Walter Thurmond have both looked impressive in training camp and exhibition games, and the team probably won’t carry more than four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. Marcus Trufant is healthy again, and Kelly Jennings is playing good enough to start on the opposite side.

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Wilson has started 24 games for the Seahawks since they selected him in the second round of the 2007 draft. Since Seattle traded its 2007 first-round pick to New England for Deion Branch, Wilson was the first player the Seahawks selected that year.

In three seasons, Wilson has recorded 130 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6 interceptions. Despite his lack of size – he is only 5-feet-9 and 192 pounds – Wilson developed into one of Seattle’s only playmakers on defense last season. Two of his six interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

Only 25 years old, Wilson will likely have an opportunity to compete for a starting job with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were reportedly very interested in acquiring Wilson, who played at the University of Maryland in college.

One can only hope Baltimore’s interest means a fourth- or maybe third-round pick for the Seahawks. Anything less seems like a bargain; Wilson is a capable starting cornerback and occasional playmaker at the professional level.

UPDATE: The Seahawks will reportedly receive a fifth-round pick from Baltimore in exchange for Josh Wilson. The pick could become a fourth rounder, depending on how many games Wilson starts.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Justin Griffith:
Will likely miss 3-6 weeks after suffering a sprained MCL.

Sean Locklear:
Suffered a high-ankle sprain; will probably miss at least six weeks. Brandon Frye filled in for Locklear after the injury. The team will not rush Walter Jones onto the field because of the injury.

Josh Wilson:
Also suffered a high-ankle sprain; was replaced by Kelly Jennings in the second half.

Lofa Tatupu:
Should return next week after injuring hamstring against St. Louis. Tatupu left the game early yesterday because there was risk for additional damage.

Brandon Mebane:
Did not play after straining a calf in practice in the middle of last week. Should return against the Chicago Bears at home.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck suffered a rib injury, tackle Sean Locklear left the game with a leg injury, Lofa Tatupu injured his hamstring, and Josh Wilson left with an injured ankle. Am I missing anyone?

I hate to create excuses for losing in San Francisco, but the Seahawks were hopeless with so many starters out. Imagine the 49ers without Frank Gore, Shaun Hill, Patrick Willis, and others; the Seahawks are 2-0 and probably would’ve won big.

Hopefully, the injured players can recover quickly and we won’t have to endure anything like last season.

But excuses aside, the Seahawks lost to the 49ers 23-10.

Here were my keys to victory, and how the team fared:

Protect Matt Hasselbeck.

Of course, this key was assuming that Matt Hasselbeck was going to play the entire game. But the offensive line wasn’t at fault for Hasselbeck’s injury. He left the pocket, scrambled towards the end zone, and dove just inches shy of the goal line. Linebacker Patrick Willis applied an explosive shot on Hasselbeck’s exposed back, leaving the quarterback injured and short of a touchdown.

The offensive line actually performed quite well, even with the injuries. San Francisco’s only sack came in an obvious passing situation in the first quarter.

Grade: B-

Take care of the football.

The Seahawks did a decent job of avoiding turnovers, which kept the game close until the fourth quarter. The lone turnover came on a Seneca Wallace pass that was deflected off the hands of Nate Burleson and caught by Dashon Goldson.

Unfortunately, Seattle was also unable to move the football effectively or convert on third downs. And the defense didn’t create any turnovers.

Grade: C-

Limit San Francisco’s playmakers.

Frank Gore had two runs of 79 and 80 yards and finished the day with 207 yards on only 16 carries. The 80-yard run was the first play of the second half.

Frank Gore has made big games against the Seattle Seahawks an annual habit; three of his top-five rushing games have come against Seattle.

If Seattle had any chance of beating the 49ers on the road, they had to limit the effectiveness of Frank Gore. Unfortunately, they did anything but. The Seahawks played with eight-man fronts, but Gore was still able to break loose for a 200-yard day.

Oh, and linebacker Patrick Willis had the most important hit of the day, knocking Matt Hasselbeck out of the game at the goal line before halftime. Willis didn’t have a standout performance yesterday, but his lone shot on Hasselbeck could impact Seattle’s entire season.

Grade: F

Original prediction:

Seahawks 24, San Francisco 20

Actual score:

Seahawks 10, San Francisco 23

Apparently I was a little too optimistic after Seattle destroyed St. Louis at home. But I also wasn’t expected Seattle to play most of the game without so many starters.

Obviously, I still think that the Seahawks are a good football team. However, the big question is if they can stay (and get) healthy.

Trufant reportedly suffered a back injury at some point in the offseason, and was unable to practice when he reported to training camp. He has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since the opening of camp.

Trufant failed a physical earlier this week, and it was revealed that he has an injury similar to the one endured by Matt Hasselbeck last season. The team is confident that Trufant will play again this season, but will approach the injury with caution and won’t rush him into playing too soon.

From head coach Jim Mora, as quoted by Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times:

“Because of the history that we have with backs here, we’re very careful.

“It’s not anything that will need surgery. It’s good that we found this out now rather than in the middle of the season and tried to push him through it because now we can make some decisions how to move forward.”

The team hasn’t been very specific about the injury, and very few details have been released.

We do know that it is a disk issue, however, and there is a very real possibility that Trufant could miss several games during the regular season.

Based on the limited information I’m aware of, I would guess that Trufant will remain on the physically unable to perform list when the season opens, making him ineligible until after the sixth week of the season. This is a best case scenario, of course, and assumes that Trufant will be completely healed and ready to go by then.

In Trufant’s absence, Josh Wilson has returned to the starting lineup opposite Ken Lucas. Although Josh Wilson has developed nicely as a defender, his strengths were most suited for nickel packages as the third cornerback. With Trufant out, Wilson has been “forced” into a starting role.

Depth is a minor concern, as reserves Kelly Jennings and Kevin Hobbs haven’t shown much through camp and the opening preseason game against San Diego. Veteran Travis Fisher was brought in to compete during Trufant’s absence, but it is unlikely that he’ll make an impact this season.

Assuming Trufant misses an extended period of time, the Seahawks may look to add another veteran. Just like the Walter Jones scenario, the personnel decisions made in the near future could be a telling sign of what the organization thinks of Trufant’s injury.

Even without Trufant, however, I think the Seahawks are confident in the players they have. The additional talent added to the front seven over the offseason should be able to protect the defensive backs through extra pressure on the opposing quarterback.

I have my fingers crossed that Trufant is able to return and contribute this season; when he is on the field and healthy, he is one of the better defenders on the team and an elite cornerback in the NFL.

Unlike Walter Jones, Trufant has youth and a short history of injuries that both improve his chances for a speedy recovery. The question isn’t really if he’ll return, but when.

From the interview, according to Mora, “I’m hoping that Leroy is here this weekend for our minicamp, and I have a sneaking suspicion that he might be.”

Shortly after, Mora went on to reveal, “In talking to Leroy, as much as I have, is that he’ll be wearing a Seattle Seahawks uniform next year. I feel very confident of that.”

The 12th Man seems to be collectively excited about this interview; hope and optimism for Leroy Hill’s return to Seattle is high. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I feel that removing the franchise tag from Hill was the right move and a very shrewd decision financially. I’m a big fan of bringing back Hill, but only if the price is right. Tim Ruskell’s personnel decisions over the past couple of weeks have been nothing less than brilliant.

In the interview, Mora shed light on the decision to designate Hill the franchise player, and then the thought process that resulted in the designation being withdrawn. According to Mora, “We put the tag on Leroy and we indicated at the very beginning that we did not want to lose him and that we did want to sign him to a long term deal; that we did want him to be a Seattle Seahawk. And we felt like by putting the franchise tag on him we ensured that under almost every scenario he would be a Seattle Seahawk. But that wasn’t happening, we weren’t getting anything done. Negotiations weren’t progressing.”

Mora continued by explaining the incentive to remove the franchise tag from Hill, saying, “We have an entirely new defensive scheme … and I shouldn’t say entirely new, but a majority of what we’re doing on defense, terminology-wise and assignment-wise, will be different than what Leroy has done his first four years here. So he is missing valuable time when he’s not here in order for him to be a productive football player for us on the field next fall. To ask a guy to come in in a new scheme the week before the first regular season game and be productive is a pipe dream – it just doesn’t happen.”

After hearing Mora’s comments on KJR, I’m even more optimistic that we’ll be able to retain the productive linebacker. If for whatever reason we aren’t, several options are still available: D.D. Lewis is a capable starter and Will Herring is a quality backup, and there are other free agents available. But I find myself extremely excited about the potential of seeing Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry, and Hill all on the field at once in Seahawk uniforms.

I’d like to solicit feedback from everyone. What is your opinion of the Hill scenario? Are you excited? Optimistic or pessimistic?

On another note, a few other things were revealed from the interview.

According to Mora, Ken Lucas will be the starter opposite Marcus Trufant at cornerback, but open competition will continue through camps. This isn’t a complete surprise to most, as Lucas is a proven veteran who brings size and experience to a position that has been lacking.

On special teams, Jim Mora said that the Ken Lucas signing will allow Josh Wilson to return kicks. Adding quality depth to the cornerback position makes the coaches feel secure enough to let Wilson contribute on special teams. Rookie Deon Butler, a speedy receiver drafted in the third round last weekend, will be given the opportunity to return punts.

The entire interview from this morning with Jim Mora can be found here.

The Seahawks made the official announcement earlier this week, but I wasn’t able to immediately track down the financial specifics. Ken Lucas signed a one-year deal worth $2.3 million, and Justin Griffith’s contract is a one-year deal as well, worth less than $700,000. Both bargain prices for proven veteran players who will be able to contribute immediately.

Conventional wisdom will tell you that Ken Lucas will find a starting spot opposite Marcus Trufant, and I can’t disagree. Lucas brings size (6-0, 205 pounds) to a position that has been lacking, and experience to a group of relatively young players. Last season with Carolina, the 30-year old cornerback had 60 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and 2 interceptions. Lucas is showing no signs of slowing down and is durable enough to play through an entire NFL season.

After watching bigger receivers dominate our undersized defenders last season, the 12th Man will collectively welcome Ken Lucas back to Seattle. I expect him to start and contribute immediately, but at the very least he’ll provide necessary depth and veteran leadership.

Justin Griffith is an experienced fullback who is familiar with the offense that Greg Knapp is bringing to Seattle. He has played in Knapp’s offense in both Oakland and Atlanta, and offers more skills than your traditional, smash mouth fullback. His skills may not be as vibrant as former starter Leonard Weaver, but his production is very similar. He is a capable veteran with excellent hands and good blocking skills. If Owen Schmitt isn’t ready (or able) to capture the starting fullback position, Griffith offers an excellent alternative. Leonard who?

A great set of additions by the Seattle Seahawks. As I have noted previously, removing Hill’s franchise tag was a brilliant decision, and we’re starting to reap the benefits from the added cap flexibility. I like the way that commenter Ed M. referred to the signings, which quickly sums up the importance of both:

The signings of Ken Lucas and Justin Griffith might seem small now, but these can make a HUGE impact next season. A lot of people argue against Griffith’s skills, but take a look at his numbers against Leonard Weaver. Griffith’s “production” skills are on par with Weaver AND he is a skilled blocker in both running and passing situations.

Lucas, well… we know what he can do. He was the stud corner when Trufant was still learning the ropes.

Jerramy Stevens was on his way out of town, and the front office signed Marcus Pollard instead of making tight end a draft day priority. Grant Wistrom’s age and contract caught up with him, so Patrick Kerney was signed to fill the hole left by Wistrom’s departure. Tim Ruskell was tired of giving up big plays, so Hamlin was allowed to sign elsewhere and Boulware was traded. Deon Grant and Brian Russell were signed to provide a quick fix in the defensive backfield.

Given their activity in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks didn’t have a glaring need anywhere on their roster. Offensive line depth was a minor need – the loss of Steve Hutchinson, coupled with Robbie Tobeck’s retirement, left the group deprived and slightly inept. Age was also creeping up on starting linemen Chris Gray and Walter Jones. As always, there was a need for help on the defensive line; Marcus Tubbs was hurting again, and there is always a need for a pass rusher.

Seattle, without a first round pick after trading for Deion Branch, wasn’t included in many simple mock drafts. Most of the mock drafts that predicted later rounds, however, had the Seahawks selecting a defensive or offensive lineman with their initial pick. Apparently, Ruskell and company had other plans. Here is a look at the players Seattle selected that year:

Pick (Overall)	Player	School	Position
Round 2
55	Josh Wilson	Maryland	Cornerback
Round 3
85	Brandon Mebane	California	Defensive Tackle
Round 4
120	Baraka Atkins	Miami (FL)	Defensive End
124	Mansfield Wrotto	Georgia Tech	Guard
Round 5
161	Will Herring	Auburn	Linebacker
Round 6
197	Courtney Taylor	Auburn	Wide Receiver
210	Jordan Kent	Oregon	Wide Receiver
Round 7
232	Steve Vallos	Wake Forest	Offensive Tackle

The Seahawks surprised some analysts again in 2007 by selecting Josh Wilson with their first pick, 55th overall in the draft. Those close to the organization and columnists familiar with Seattle’s preferences, however, saw the pick coming. Seattle was targeting a few players at 55, supposedly including Wilson and defensive tackle Turk McBride. After Kansas City selected McBride at 54, Seattle jumped on the opportunity to snag Wilson, even reportedly declining an opportunity to slide down a few picks via trade.

Wilson, a 5-foot-9 cornerback from Maryland, is another player Ruskell has coveted who may be undersized, but makes up for it with rare talents elsewhere and great work ethic and determination. Wilson has great speed (4.28 campus, 4.42 combine 40-yard dash) and is able to recover quickly from mistakes. He also has the ability to make an impact on special teams, as an experienced returner in college.

Many “experts” thought the Seahawks would’ve benefitted by selecting other players in the second round, including Florida’s Ray McDonald, Texas’ Tim Crowder, or Georgia’s Charles Johnson. Regardless of their needs on defensive line, Seattle opted to add depth to their defensive backfield and not allow needs to alter their strategy. Fortunately, they were able to find Brandon Mebane in the third round – another Ruskell player who plays hard every down and uses a strong work ethic to make up for a lack of elite athleticism.

Seattle was quite active on the second day of the draft, sending troubled (yet productive) wide receiver Darrell Jackson to the 49ers in exchange for a fourth round (124th overall) pick. With that choice, Seattle selected guard Mansfield Wrotto, whose amazing physical potential was outweighed by his inexperience at the offensive line. Although Wrotto recently played well as an injury replacement, the Seahawks passed on Josh Beekman from Boston College – Beekman started 16 games at guard for the Chicago Bears last season.

Looking back at the 2007 draft, I would probably give a B+ grade; some analysts graded Seattle as low as a D immediately following the draft. Josh Wilson is durable and has provided necessary depth in the secondary, and has developed into a starter at cornerback. Mebane is a solid starter at defensive tackle, and the additions of Baraka Atkins, Wrotto, Will Herring, and Steve Vallos have provided quality depth (especially evident after the injury-plagued 2008 season). Courtney Taylor flopped when given the opportunity to start, but is still quite raw, as well as project receiver Jordan Kent.

2007 Draft Outcome:

Josh Wilson: Played in 12 games as a rookie, and played in every game in his second season, including 12 starts. Wilson has totaled 85 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, and a sack in two NFL seasons. He will continue to compete for the starting job opposite Marcus Trufant, and it will be hard to justify keeping him off of the field. Wilson has also been a big contributor on special teams, including a 25.8 yard average on 83 returned kicks, with one touchdown.
Brandon Mebane: Has played in every game since his rookie season, including 26 starts. Mebane has developed nicely into a starting defensive tackle in the NFL, and has shown a lot of improvement since his rookie season. Mebane tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks and was a consistent force on the defensive line. Many consider him to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL.
Baraka Atkins: Atkins has played in 17 games since being drafted in the fourth round by Seattle. He has 29 tackles and 2 sacks in his short career, and contributed quite a bit down the stretch last season. To the surprise of some, Atkins was retained last fall after beating out Jason Babin for a roster spot in training camp.
Mansfield Wrotto: Wrotto is best known for his part in the Darrell Jackson trade, as the Seahawks used the fourth round pick obtained from San Francisco to select him. He was a raw player with a high ceiling coming out of college, and has developed nicely thus far. He isn’t ready to make an impact in the starting lineup yet, but offers the Seahawks good depth and flexibility on the offensive line. Wrotto made 4 starts last season as an injury replacement, and has played in 7 games in his two-year career.
Will Herring: Herring has been a regular contributor on special teams and made one start as an outside linebacker when injuries hit the Seahawks hard last season. The linebacker, who played safety in college prior to his senior season, has tallied 27 tackles in the pros. He offers great versatility and depth, playing both outside linebacker spots, and will continue to have a major role on special teams.
Courtney Taylor: Taylor had developed nicely as a wide receiver, and was supposed to play a major role on offense last season after injuries plagued the receivers. He did start 4 games, but was limited to 9 receptions for 98 yards. After his underwhelming performance, Taylor was released and re-signed to the practice squad, and later assigned back to the 53-man roster.
Jordan Kent: Kent possesses great athleticism and good size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds), but the receiver out of Oregon has yet to make much of an impact in the pros. He has spent the majority of his career on the practice squad, but did play in 9 games last season (including a start) due to injuries at the receiver position. Kent has yet to make a reception in the NFL.
Steve Vallos: Has developed into a versatile player, able to play nearly every position on the offensive line. Vallos played very well at center during the preseason and into the regular season, often replacing an injured Chris Spencer without incident. Vallos should continue to improve, and may push Spencer for some more playing time next season.

The Player: Nnamdi Asomugha

The Reason: A 6’2”, 210 pound cornerback. Need I say more? The average height of the cornerbacks on our roster is about 5’11”, and Kevin Hobbs and Marquis Floyd – special teams contributors at best – are the tallest of the bunch (both 6’0”). Of course, I’m not including Jordan Babineaux, because he is listed as a safety on the roster. But he isn’t massive either (6’0”), and it still doesn’t overshadow the size deficiencies of a couple of the other backs: Josh Wilson at 5’9”, 192 pounds, and Kelly Jennings at 5’11”, 180 pounds (on a good day). Even casual fans have noticed the overall lack of size, especially this season when they were getting exposed play after play.

Tired of watching tall receivers overshadow and outplay our smaller corners? Worried about Larry Fitzgerald embarrassing the Seahawks for years to come? Bring in Nnamdi Asomugha, a former safety in college and cornerback for the Oakland Raiders who may find himself on the open market in free agency. No one will dispute that Asomugha is one of the elite corners in the league right now; some may even argue that he is the best cornerback playing football.

Though Asomugha has only recorded two interceptions in the past two seasons, one NFL Scout told ProFootballWeekly.com that “Asomugha has been thrown to less times than any other corner I’ve seen in the last 10 years.” Interceptions and Pro Bowls are overrated. This guy is the real deal.

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