2001 RAIDERS
	Ricky Watters is still going strong in Seattle.
	Head coach: Mike Holmgrem (3rd year). 2000 record: 6-10. AFC West finish: 4th. 2001 preseason: 1-2. Season opener: Sept. 9 at Browns. Schedule | Depth chart

The clock is officially ticking for Seahawks head coach/general manager Mike Holmgren.

With nine seasons as an NFL head coach under his belt, Holmgren has never faced a situation in which there was an ultimatum to win. But after regressing to a 6-10 record in 2000 and then going on a spending spree to acquire aging defenders such as John Randle, Chad Eaton, Marcus Robertson and Levon Kirkland, as well as talented but untested quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, he knows the time is now to make a move up the standings.

"We had some things we had to fix, and I think we fixed them," Holmgren said. "But now our record has to reflect a move in the right direction. I know that. That's part of the deal.

"I believe I can still do this."

The Seahawks' ownership would like to believe it too.

Offense
Quarterbacks: After three years in the Packers' West Coast system, it would be fair to assume that few things will surprise Hasselbeck within the framework of Seattle's offense. Hasselbeck's predecessor, Jon Kitna, never felt as though he had Holmgren in his corner last season. But the opposite is true with Hasselbeck, a passer handpicked by Holmgren to run the show. Hasselbeck has not had a lot of time to work with his inexperienced receiving corps due to various injuries at that position during minicamps and the preseason, and Holmgren did acquire Trent Dilfer as insurance after Hasselbeck's shaky start in training camp. But make no mistake, Hasselbeck is Holmgren's guy, and the third-year quarterback progressed as the preseason wore on, showing the ability to improvise and the self-confidence that made him a favorite of Holmgren's in the first place. Third-year pro Brock Huard, who started four games last season, was battling for the backup role with Dilfer at presstime.
Grade: B-minus

Running backs: Homgren has the type of problem every coach in the league would love to have: finding enough playing time for two talented and versatile running backs capable of being every-down performers. Eleven-year veteran Ricky Watters continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. He has six consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and has managed at least 40 receptions in eight of his nine NFL seasons. His yards-per-carry average of 4.5 last season was his highest since 1993. Waiting in the wings is Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks' first-round pick in 1999 who averaged 4.9 yards per carry himself last season. Third-round pick Heath Evans strengthens the fullback position and is expected to challenge for the starting role by midseason. Starter Mack Strong is coming off his best season as a pro, however, and won't give up the job without a fight.
Grade: A-minus

Receivers: The inexperience at wide receiver could be the only thing that holds back Seattle's offense early on. Darrell Jackson caught 53 passes as a rookie last season, but with the release of veterans Sean Dawkins and Derrick Mayes during the offseason, he becomes the Seahawks' most proven receiver. Supertalented Koren Robinson, the ninth overall pick in this year's draft, missed most of training camp with a sore hamstring, but he has shown flashes of play-making potential since his return. Karsten Bailey, a former third-rounder with good hands, serves as the team's No. 3 wideout, but he has yet to make much of an impact. At tight end, Christian Fauria is a solid competitor who gives a lot of effort when blocking and has decent hands. Backup Itula Mili sees a lot of playing time and has more speed than Fauria, but he is not as good a blocker.
Grade: D-plus

		The Seahawks need a strong effort from the defensive front seven, which has added John Randle and Levon Kirkland. Can they stop the running game and put pressure on the starting quarterback? You can talk all you want about Matt Hasselbeck and their offense. But their defense has to stop somebody. Last season Mike Anderson ran for more than 195 yards and 131 yards in his two games against the Seahawks' defense, which hasn't had the talent up front to slow down a running game. Their system must be to play good team defense. If they can't do that, the Seahawks are going to lose games, no matter how good the offense is.

Offensive linemen: Losing offensive guard Pete Kendall to free agency was a big blow to the Seahawks, who have not returned the same starting offensive line in consecutive seasons since 1988. However, the early returns on first-round pick Steve Hutchinson may make the Seahawks forget all about Kendall soon enough. Hutchinson has much more talent than Kendall and works just as hard at his trade. Quick feet and excellent balance have helped Walter Jones quietly become one of the league's better left tackles. Robbie Tobeck assumes the starting center role after missing most of last season due to injury. Last year's center, Chris Gray, beat out Floyd Wedderburn for the right guard spot and is difficult to keep off the field. Overall, this group is a strong and bruising unit that boasts a nice mix of young talent and veteran leadership.
Grade: B-plus

Defense
Defensive linemen: The Seahawks, in need of a major overhaul on a defense that ranked dead last in the league in 2000, decided to start on the defensive line. Seattle said goodbye to defensive tackles Cortez Kennedy and Riddick Parker and hello to free agents Randle and Eaton. Both have provided the Seahawks with some much-needed energy, attitude and a warrior mentality in the trenches, but a lot will be asked of Randle, who is entering his 12th NFL season. Defensive end Lamar King has developed nicely for the Seahawks and could be a very good player for a long time. On the other side, Michael Sinclair has looked only marginal in the two seasons since he led the NFL in sacks and is not the same pass rusher he once was.
Grade: B-minus

Linebackers: A run-stuffing middle linebacker was one of the major things Seattle was lacking last season. Holmgren is hoping the 280-pound veteran Kirkland can help fill that void and then some. If Kirkland can shed blockers like he did in Pittsburgh and hasn't lost too much in coverage, he could make the Seahawks' LB corps one of the best in the league. Anthony Simmons moved from the middle to the weak side last season and was terrific. If he's protected and allowed to use his speed to flow to the football, he could become a great one. Chad Brown, who was a terror during the preseason, is another quality playmaker and a very good pass rusher on the other side.
Grade: A-minus

Defensive backs: Cornerbacks Shawn Springs (hamstring) and Willie Williams (broken forearm) will miss the beginning of the season because of injuries, and there is a real concern because of the amount of time it took for Springs to shake the hamstring troubles that hampered him for most of last season. Strong safety Reggie Tongue returns to the starting lineup after being benched last season. Despite having lost a step or two in coverage, former Titan Robertson was a welcome free-agent addition at free safety. While Holmgren didn't plan on having to start both of them in the opener, he's glad he invested his last two second-round picks in big, talented cornerbacks Ike Charlton and Ken Lucas. The duo will be asked to contribute immediately with Springs and Williams out.
Grade: D

Special teams
Special-teams coach Pete Rodriguez has improved this unit dramatically over the last three years. Kicker Rian Lindell made 15-of-17 field-goal attempts in 12 games last year and was particularly accurate from long range and in the clutch. Punter Jeff Feagles won't be among the league leaders in terms of gross average, but he is good at placement and directing the ball. The Seahawks' coverage units took a few hits after ranking second (covering punts) and fourth (covering kickoffs) a year ago, but they should still be strong. The small and shifty Charlie Rogers is a dynamite punt and kick returner.
Grade: A-minus

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