Seahawks notes: Holmgren says QB's struggles aren't just because Zorn left

By Frank Hughes | The News Tribune • Published October 09, 2008

RENTON – With Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck experiencing career lows in completion percentage and passer rating, and with Washington coach Jim Zorn experiencing unexpected success with the Redskins this season, the argument could be made that Hasselbeck badly misses his former quarterbacks coach.

But while Seattle coach Mike Holmgren acknowledged that Zorn and Hasselbeck were extremely close and that the franchise's first quarterback unquestionably had a positive impact on Hasselbeck's career, he said it is too simple to make the correlation between Zorn's departure and Hasselbeck's struggles, which includes a 57.7 efficiency rating.

"I think every good quarterback coach ... develops a relationship with your players," Holmgren said. "The quarterback is so important to your football team, that's just how it works.

"Having said that, Bill Lazor is an outstanding football coach. I know there's going to be comparisons; I think they've already started. And it's a little bit unfair to Matthew, I think, because of the situation. It's really odd this year, really different. And so ... I'd stay away from that one for a while. Let's see what happens in the end."

Holmgren, of course, was referring to the Seahawks losing six of their wide receivers at different points this season, and the effect that has had on Hasselbeck's ability to develop any sort of rapport or rhythm that is essential for success.

Lazor said he probably does not have as close a relationship with Hasselbeck as Zorn did, nor is he trying to replicate that. He deferred to Holmgren, however, to explain Hasselbeck's rating.

Hasselbeck, who did not practice on Wednesday because of his hyperextended knee and did not speak to the Seattle media, told Green Bay's media that the revolving door of receivers has been difficult to adjust to.

"It's just been one of those years," he said in a conference call. "It's been a very tough thing at that position, but I think we've handled it pretty well. The numbers don't support that necessarily, but I think we've done a good job of just staying together."