NFL Predictions 2009: The Seahawks went from the penthouse to the door of the outhouse last year, finishing with a 4-12 record in Mike Holmgren's last season with the franchise. Injuries derailed any hope that Seattle might have had of winning a sixth consecutive NFC West title and relegated them to third place in the final standings. With the club seemingly healthy heading into the 2009 season, Sportsbook.com is looking for a rebound. The team's regular season win total is set at 8 with the over a -145 favorite in the online bookmaker's Seattle Seahawks NFL Predictions 2009.
Mike Holmgren retired at the conclusion of the 2008 season and handed the head coaching reins over to Jim Mora. Mora, who compiled a 26-22 record as the head coach of the Falcons from 2004 to 2006, has served as the defensive backs coach for the Seahawks since being dismissed by Atlanta.
Mora appointed Greg Knapp to run the offense and Casey Bradley to oversee the defense. Knapp served as Mora's offensive coordinator in Atlanta while Bradley has been the linebacker's coach in Tampa Bay the past three seasons.
Knapp takes charge of an offense that averaged just 21.2 points and 311 yards per game in 2008. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck played in seven games last year and produced a miserable five touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He missed most of the season with lower back and knee problems. The veteran passer is reportedly ready to roll this year, though, and if he can post 2007-like numbers, the offense should be much improved.
Hasselbeck was not the only Seattle player with injury issues as wide receiver Nate Burleson tore his ACL in week one and Deion Branch missed eight games with knee problems of his own. The return of both players, along with the acquistion of former Bengal wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh and development of tight end John Carlson, gives Hasselbeck no shortage of quality targets.
Seattle's defense fell hard and fast last year, finishing 22nd in points per game allowed, 30th in yards per game allowed, and 32nd in passing yards per game allowed. The injury bug also hit the Seahawks defense as defensive end Patrick Kerney missed part of the year with a torn labrum.
Kerney had 14.5 sacks in 2007 and should provide a boost, along with defensive tackle Cory Redding, who was acquired in a trade with the Lions. Cornerback Ken Lucas was also brought over from Carolina to help shore up the weak pass defense.
The linebacking core is solid with Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and first round draft pick Aaron Curry. Julian Peterson is gone, but Curry's upside will ultimately make up for the loss.
Seattle begins the year with an NFC West matchup against the Rams on September 13th at Qwest Field.
Sportsbook.com Seattle Seahawks NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Seattle Seahawks Regular Season Win Total:
Over 8 (-145)
Under 8 (+115)
Seattle Seahawks Odds to Win the NFC West:
+175
Seattle Seahawks Odd to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
+1400
Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+3000
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