It's finally here. The wait is over. We made it. The long off-season of Mariner highs, Mariner lows, and getting our hearts ripped out by David Stern's pompous ass is over. The 2013 Seahawks are upon us. The sexy pick of all the four-letter network shows have big expectations to live up to for the first time in years, and frankly, it's weird as hell being the hunted. It's going to be quite a roller coaster ride, one we can only hope keeps rolling all the way to New York in February. Now as much as we all want to flash forward and see Wilson holding up the Lombardi, the fun is just beginning, starting with the preseason.
The training camp leading up to this first preseason game with San Diego has been one unlike any other I've witnessed. There is youth in many places, and just the right amount of veteran presence. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year players fill prominent positions across the board, and they have a head coach that has the stones to trust them. Although most would be completely content with rolling out the same starting 22 as we did last year, there are still some question marks on this team. The question marks may not be huge, may not be vital, and there may not be a wrong answer, but they are there. Going into this game with San Diego, there a few numbers to keep an eye out for on Thursday:
Benson Mayowa #95/Pos: Leo End/Exp: Rookie/Height: 6'3"/Weight: 252
Mayowa has been more than a pleasant surprise this training camp. After winning the staff over during mini-camp, he has done nothing but seize the opportunity he created. Looking at just the numbers, you can see why Mayowa was undrafted coming out of Idaho. He barely achieved double digit sacks during his four years in Moscow, and frankly, playing in the Kibbie dome doesn't get you much exposure either. Mayowa looks the part of a player who can blossom at the right time, not having a stellar college career, only to make the most of his talents in the NFL. Benson is definitely benefiting from extra reps with Avril and Clem being sidelined and the move of Irvin to LB. He should get plenty of playing time against the Chargers, and should open a lot of eyes to what he is capable of.
Walter Thurmond III #28/Pos: Cornerback/Exp: 4th year/Height: 5'11"/Weight: 190
Seeing Thurm dominate the way he has this training camp proves what most people that follow the Hawks already know: the dude can flat out ball. An elite talent coming out of Oregon, he lasted til the 4th round in 2010 only because he was coming off a devastating knee injury that tore 3 ligaments. He has the skill set and physical talent of a first-rounder, and has flashed that potential in regular season games. He is not a question mark, he is a known quantity, and he is ready to make the jump this year. He has great size for a corner at 5'11" 190, even though he may seem small next to the twin towers of Sherm and Browner. However, Thurm has traits that set him apart from his behemoth CB brethren: he has elite speed, extremely fluid hips, and can play inside and out. This will be the year that Walter seizes opportunity by the throat, and takes it all the way back to the house.
Jermaine Kearse #15/Pos: Receiver/Exp: 2nd year/Height: 6'1"/Weight: 209
Any one who has watched Husky football at all during the past 5 years knows who Jermaine Kearse is. The top target for the likes of Jake Locker and Keith Price, Kearse had a very productive career at Montlake. He racked up over 150 receptions, 2000 yards, and 20 touchdowns in his four years there, and many, including myself, saw him as a late round talent. Kearse went undrafted last year, but caught on with the Seahawks and won a roster spot for the regular season. He saw limited action, hauling in only 3 receptions for 31 yards. Kearse has created alot of hype so far this year with his performance in camp. He is more consistent, has a better grasp on the offense, and isn't dropping balls anymore. Kearse is a name to watch for the 4th receiver spot that became available when heralded off-season acquisition Percy Harvin underwent hip surgery. He has performed well thus far, and it should transfer over to the San Diego game.
There are many more story lines that will branch off as the pre-season progresses, but Kearse, Mayowa, and Thurmond seem to be the winners of training camp thus far. The San Diego game is a big step, as things often change when the bullets start flying. These three have a lot on the line, but seemed poised to meet the challenge this year. They are definitely more than capable of making the coaching staff pay attention to them, and will do some head turning tomorrow night.
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