Preseason Schedule Announced
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The National Football League has released Seattle’s 2009 preseason opponents. None of the games are set to be nationally televised, and exact dates are to be determined. Coincidentally for the Seahawks, the four preseason opponents are their old rivals from the AFC West.
Week 1: August 13-17
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The Chargers won the last meeting 18-17 in the 2008 preseason. The Seahawks started strong, as Charlie Frye hit Nate Burleson for a 68-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game. The Seahawks, however, were unable to slow 5-foot-8, 181 pound Darren Sproles, and lost a rather close contest. Billy Volek completed a pass late in the game to 6-foot-5 Malcom Floyd, who out-jumped 6-foot-1 cornerback Omare Lowe for the two point conversion and the lead.
Week 2: August 20-24
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These two clubs last met during the 2006 regular season, with the Seahawks winning an extremely close game thanks to the leg of kicker Josh Brown. Quarterback Jay Cutler’s rookie debut was spoiled when Brown nailed a 50-yarder with four seconds remaining to put the Seahawks on top, 23-20. Fellow rookie Darryl Tapp gave Cutler his first career interception, returning it for 25 yards and the touchdown.
Week 3: August 27-31
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The Seahawks last faced Kansas City in the 2006 regular season as well, losing at Arrowhead Stadium by a touchdown, 35-28. The Seahawks made several mistakes, giving up too many big plays and allowing Larry Johnson to torch them for 155 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Seneca Wallace was making his first NFL start in place of injured Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks, already missing their Pro Bowl quarterback, were also without reigning league MVP Shaun Alexander, wide receiver Bobby Engram, starting guard Floyd Womack, and starting right tackle Sean Locklear (suspension).
Week 4: September 3-4
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Last preseason, the Seahawks barely edged the Raiders 23-16. T.J. Duckett proved his value, rumbling for 71 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. A game that saw only three starters, it was truly an exhibition match-up featuring rookies and players competing for a roster spot. Although the Seahawks were triumphant, the victory came at a cost; wide receiver Ben Obomanu was lost for the season with a broken clavicle, an early symptom of the rash of injuries the Hawks would experience at wide receiver (and elsewhere) last year.