by Kevin English
Much of the recent banter around the DS office has centered on Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Personally, I’m a huge supporter. I think he’s a top-12 guy that potentially sneaks into the top-10.
Here’s my laundry list of reasons why I believe in this former Super Bowl QB.
-Talent- For starters, I still believe in Hasselbeck’s talent. He’s proven to be a productive fantasy QB in the past. He has seasons of 28 TDs (in 2007, finishing as the QB7) and 24 TDs (in 2005 finishing as the QB6) under his belt.
- Weapons- I believe his supporting cast is quite underrated. New Seahawk T.J Houshmandzadeh will be the most talented WR Hasselbeck’s had to work with in his career, yet he’s been deemed as too old and on the decline. Simply put, Housh’s lack of production last season can be blamed on Carson Palmer’s injury. A Ryan Fitzpatrick led offense would surely derail any WRs fantasy value.
–The recovery of Deion Branch and Nate Burleson are crucial to Hasselbeck’s fantasy prospects. And admittedly, neither guy is a safe bet for the 2009 season, as both are coming off serious leg injuries. But both guys have made cameos in the preseason, a good sign for the Seahawks offense. My money is on one of the two staying healthy and producing this season, with Burleson being my guy if forced to choose between them.
–Rookie WR Deon Butler has been a pleasant surprise ever since May minicamps. He’s not built to play outside at 5’10, but his quick feet and 4.3 speed will give Hasselbeck a solid target in the slot when called upon.
–Lastly, look for 2008 rookie breakout TE John Carlson to be heavily targeted in the passing game. Carlson burst on the scene last year and became the Hawks most reliable option, accumulating a 55-627-5 line. His size (6’5 251) and skills as a blocker might be utilized more this season thanks to the O-line woes — which will be addressed later — but there’s no doubt he’ll act as #8’s safety valve.
- Offensive Philosophy- The Seahawks will throw the ball….a lot. Now I’m well aware new OC Greg Knapp has fielded a top-10 rushing attack in each of his 8 years on the job. But talk of Knapp’s rushing accomplishments is rather overrated. I mean, come on — any OC with a QB that ran as much as Michael Vick did would field one of the league’s premier ground attacks. And I don’t think Matt Hasselbeck will be rushing for anywhere near 1,000 yards this season (or any season). Once Knapp realizes (actually, I’m sure he already has) that they don’t have the kind of RBs — or run-blocking line — to have consistent rushing success, he will be forced to lean heavily on the passing game. And with short yardage specialist T.J Duckett out of the mix, Hasselbeck should do even more damage near the goal-line. Look for the 6’2 Housh to see increased looks in that area.
- Health- The soon to be 34-year old missed 9 games in 2008 thanks to a back injury. His performance suffered as a result of trying to play through the injury, throwing 5 TDs and a whopping 10 INTs. But this offseason, all signs have been positive for Hasselbeck. His personal trainer (of 4 years) said that Hasselbeck looks, “by far the best he’s ever looked since I’ve been with him.” He’s lost 8 pounds too, putting him in a more comfortable playing weight of 225 lbs. With no setbacks to speak of, Hasselbeck’s health is not something that concerns me heading into the season.
-His ADP- Hasselbeck is approaching an ADP in the 10th round. He’s currently being taken as the QB16, with guys like Matt Cassel and Eli Manning going before him. If I was Hass, I’d be insulted. In my mind, he’s as good a bet as anyone in fantasy to out produce their ADP.
- Schedule- Hasselbeck will be playing 6 games in the relatively weak NFC West. St. Louis had the highest rated pass defense among NFC West teams last season, and they ranked 19th. Add in games against Jacksonville, Houston, Tampa Bay and Detroit, and Hass has the makings of a manageable slate of games. Yes, defenses change in the NFL, but it’s comforting to know he won’t be facing defensive stalwarts like the Steelers, Ravens, Eagles, or Giants. He definitely has one of the more favorable schedules among QBs.
- Preseason performance- I know, I know. It’s the preseason. But Hasselbeck has looked pretty damn good. In Seattle’s first game, Hass played minimally and completed 3of 5 passes for just 27 yards. But in Saturday’s matchup with the Broncos, he flashed his pre-injury talent, and showed a fluent ability to move around the pocket. And the thing is, Hass rarely had to move at all. The Hawks O-line played shockingly well, despite giving up 3 sacks (all of the coverage variety). He continuously took advantage of having an ample amount of time and showed good chemistry with his WRs, throwing for 171 yards with 2 TDs and 0 INT’s (Check out some of his highlights here). Most importantly, Hass showed no ill-effects from his back injury.
-Personal Season Projection- 3,455 yards/25 TDs/16 INT
So there you have it. While there is plenty I like about Hasselbeck this year, I can’t deny one massive factor that could derail his fantasy season: the offensive line.
Here are a few tid bits about the Seahawks’ single weakest unit.
-Offensive line woes- The Hawks can’t seem to catch a break with their offensive line. In 2008, all 5 starting linemen ended the season on injured reserve. And this season, the team is suffering through a similar fate.
-Longtime left tackle Walter Jones will miss at least the first month of the season with knee problems.
-Starting center Chris Spencer suffered a thigh injury in Saturdays’ preseason game and will be out of action for 4-6 weeks.
-Veteran guard Mike Wahle was released by the team back in July after failing his physical. Whale was slow to recover from offseason shoulder surgery, and has retired.
-Tackle Ray Willis has missed significant time in training camp with knee soreness. Willis has a history of knee problems as well.
-Versatile veterans Cory Withrow and Grey Ruegamer have also missed significant during training camp.
The unit, despite playing well against Denver, is likely to be average at best in the beginning of the season. If Spencer and Jones can return within their 4-6 week timetable, then I’ll feel a whole hell of a lot more confident in Hasselbeck’s outlook. But for now, I’ll remain optimistic that the Hawks’ backups can get the job done until the injured veterans return.
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