Season-in-review team reports — AFC
West
As published in print Feb. 6, 2002
2001 record: 9-7 |
| Overview |
| After an offseason spending spree that included the addition of proven
veterans such as John Randle, Levon Kirkland and Marcus Robertson, a lot was expected of
the Seahawks in Mike Holmgren’s third year in charge. But constant controversy seemed
to surround the team — Trent Dilfer outplayed Holmgren’s handpicked choice for
quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck; Ricky Watters surprisingly got his job back after Shaun
Alexander had carried the team for much of the season; and CB Shawn Springs was suspended
late in the season for violating the NFL’s policy on steroids and related substances.
In the end, the Seahawks narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. |
| Turning point |
| The Seahawks looked to be going into the tank early after getting
trounced by the Eagles and Raiders in successive weeks. But they were able to bounce back
vs. Jacksonville and Denver to pull to 3-2 and eventually won three of their last four to
nearly make the playoffs. |
| Offensive MVP |
| Alexander certainly warrants serious consideration with the way he
performed in his second year as a pro, but OLT Walter Jones emerged as one of the
league’s best tackles and was a dominant force all season long. Jones is one of the
best pass protectors in the league and was the one constant when the rest of the offensive
line was having trouble with new blocking schemes at the beginning of the season. He also
helped to protect Hasselbeck’s blind side and pave the way for Alexander’s 1,318
rushing yards. |
| Defensive MVP |
| OLBs Anthony Simmons and Chad Brown were big producers on defense, but DT
John Randle, the longtime Viking, gets the nod with a great all-around performance in his
12th season in the pros. His attitude, hustle and consistent level of production provided
a huge upgrade over the departed Cortez Kennedy, and opposing quarterbacks had to be aware
of the inside pass rush, which allowed Randle’s teammates to make plenty of plays
elsewhere. |
| Biggest surprise |
| Willie Williams, a man who was let go by the Seahawks and had to come
crawling back to them for less money, turned out to be the most consistent performer at
the CB position. The Seahawks suffered through a lot of injuries and inexperience at
cornerback, but Williams was a steady performer throughout, leading the team in passes
defensed and interceptions. When the more talented Springs was bothered by a hamstring
injury and later suspended, Williams took on more of a leadership role and proved to be a
valuable commodity for a secondary that could have easily fallen apart. |
| Biggest disappointment |
| The way the Seahawks’ offense was overwhelmed by opposing defenses
at times, especially early on, was particularly disheartening for Holmgren and his staff.
Hasselbeck and the offensive line didn’t seem prepared to handle all the blitzing
they faced, and consequently, Hasselbeck took a beating both mentally and physically.
Holmgren put a lot on the line with his decision to trade for Hasselbeck as his
quarterback of the future, but Hasselbeck’s poor decision-making and lack of accuracy
had Seahawks fans calling for Dilfer early on. |
| Rookie recap |
| The Seahawks believe they have a solid foundation to build on with their
rookie crop of 2001. WR Koren Robinson, the ninth overall pick, failed to make much of an
impact but did show potential. Holmgren thought OG Steve Hutchinson should have made the
Pro Bowl. Ken Lucas got a baptism by fire with injuries at the CB position, but he has the
tools and got the experience he needed. |
| Free-agent/trade review |
| The Seahawks’ desire to add seasoned veterans paid off big-time. DTs
Randle and Chad Eaton, along with FS Robertson and MLB Kirkland, helped shore up a shaky
defense. Although Hasselbeck didn’t quite pan out — yet — Dilfer took
advantage of his limited opportunities and was 4-0 as a starter. |
| Team leaders |
Rushing — Shaun Alexander, 1,318 yards on 309 carries, 4.3 avg., 14
TDs.
Passing — Matt Hasselbeck, 176-321 attempts for 2,023 yards, 7 TDs, 8 interceptions,
70.9 rating.
Receiving — Darrell Jackson, 70 receptions for 1,081 yards, 15.4 avg., 8 TDs.
Scoring — Shaun Alexander, 96 points on 16 TDs.
Kickoff returns — Charlie Rogers, 50 for 1,120 yards, 22.4 avg., 0 TDs.
Punt returns — Charlie Rogers, 25 for 244 yards, 9.8 avg., 0 TDs.
Punting — Jeff Feagles, 85 for 43.9 avg., 36.4 net, 7 TB, 26 inside 20, 1 blk., 68L.
Interceptions — Willie Williams, 4 for 24 yards, 6.0 avg., 0 TDs.
Sacks — John Randle, 11. |
| Results |
Pointspread Shown Refers to Seattle.
| Date |
Opponent |
Spread |
Score |
| Sept. 9 |
At Cleveland |
(-3) |
9-6 |
| Sept. 23 |
Philadelphia |
(+2.5) |
3-27 |
| Sept. 30 |
At Oakland |
(+10) |
14-38 |
| Oct. 7 |
Jacksonville |
(+3.5) |
24-15 |
| Oct. 14 |
Denver |
(+6) |
34-21 |
| Oct. 21 |
BYE |
|
|
| Oct. 28 |
Miami |
(+2.5) |
20-24 |
| Nov. 4 |
At Washington |
(-2.5) |
14-27 |
| Nov. 11 |
Oakland |
(+6) |
34-27 |
| Nov. 18 |
At Buffalo |
(-3.5) |
23-20 |
| Nov. 25 |
At Kansas City |
(+1.5) |
7-19 |
| Dec. 2 |
San Diego |
(-3) |
13-10* |
| Dec. 9 |
At Denver |
(+6) |
7-20 |
| Dec. 16 |
Dallas |
(-5.5) |
29-3 |
| Dec. 23 |
At New York Giants |
(+3) |
24-27 |
| Dec. 30 |
At San Diego |
(+2) |
25-22 |
| Jan. 6 |
Kansas City |
(-3.5) |
21-18 |
* Overtime |
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