Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Seahawks ranked ninth in our NFL power rankings, but at least one voter thinks the Cardinals will overtake them in the NFC West this season. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. ranked the Seahawks 17th, four spots behind Arizona, in balloting. The nine other panelists ranked Seattle higher than they ranked any of its division rivals. I ranked the Seahawks eighth.
Seattle has issues, no question. Its offensive line has crumbled over the last two seasons. Its top receivers are injured, aging or unhappy. The Seahawks no longer have a dominant running back (although Julius Jones expects to prove otherwise). Continuity on the offensive staff took a hit when Jim Zorn, Stump Mitchell and Nolan Cromwell took jobs elsewhere. And we can't yet know whether John Carlson will restore respectability at tight end.
Hiring Mike Solari should help the offensive line, and coach Mike Holmgren has proven his offense can function without great receivers. No Seattle receiver has played in a Pro Bowl since Holmgren took over as head coach in 1999.
I've been tempted to knock down Seattle a notch or two in past seasons, but recent history has become a reliable indicator in picking this division's winner. Seattle also has the defensive speed to harass opposing passers, particularly at Qwest Field. No other team in the league can line up with 2008 Pro Bowl starters at defensive end, linebacker and cornerback. Throw in a Pro Bowl quarterback and Seattle remains the logical choice to claim a fifth consecutive NFC West title.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.