Entering camp, Seahawks keep an eye on the prize

By Eric D. Williams | Tacoma News-Tribune • Published July 25, 2008

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KIRKLAND, Wash. — For Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Lawrence Jackson, the first day of training camp on Friday was the beginning of what he hopes will be a long, productive NFL career.

For Mike Holmgren, entering his 10th year as head coach of the Hawks, the day signaled the beginning of the end as the long-time head coach will retire at the end of this season.

But for both, and others like quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and receiver Bobby Engram, the first day of training camp was the beginning of what they hope will be reaching the elusive goal this franchise has been chasing since its inception in 1976 — a Super Bowl ring.

"For us, it’s business as usual," Hasselbeck said when asked about the impact his coach retiring will have on this season. "We’ve got goals this season. We’re focused on those goals, and we’ve got a lot invested in this personally — never mind for him. So I don’t think this is anything new for us."

Perhaps that comment shows how much Hasselbeck and his teammates are focused on earning their fifth straight NFC West title, and with that a chance to make another deep postseason run. Many of the same faces return, including All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones, sack master Patrick Kearney and perhaps one of the best linebacker trios in the league in Lofa Tatupu, Julian Peterson and Leroy Hill.

But stalwarts like running back Shaun Alexander and kicker Josh Brown are gone, and Seattle will have to rely on a new wave of fresh, young faces to step in and make an impact this season.

One of those wide-eyed youngsters is Jackson, a USC product. The Hawks’ first-round pick signed a five-year, $11.25 deal on Friday, including a $6.1 million signing bonus, just in time to make the opening day of camp.

At 6-foot-4, 271 pounds, Jackson is expected to push Darryl Tapp at left defensive end, infusing the defensive line with some quickness and energy off the edge.

"He’s a really good player and we’re counting on him," Holmgren said. "He’s one of the young guys we have a role for and we expect to play right way. So had he missed (practices), and had it been a prolonged thing, that would have hurt him."