"Star Wars" or Smash Mouth Football?

by: Michael Steffes

In a way, this is the big question this week. Who are the Seahawks now? What will they be going forward?

Mike Holmgren said yesterday that to expect "Star Wars" out there now that Deion and Bobby are back, well, "it doesn't really work that way."

Besides, the Seahawks are currently the owners of the NFL's 3rd ranked rushing attack. Julius Jones is piling up 100 yard games, and the team has been effectively moving the chains. So could we see Ground Chuck this weekend?

The confusion about the Hawks seems to be working in their favor. Take a look at this Newsday article. The Giants aren't sure what to expect either. I wish I could help.

The common perception is that Mike Holmgren likes to throw the rock around the yard when he can. But this is not necessarily supported by the facts. From '03-'05, the Seahawks became more of a traditional I formation, use the run to set up the pass team. This was because they had a found a special back in Shaun Alexander. He is gone now, but the success the team had with a balanced attack did not go unnoticed by Coach Holmgren. He continues to say that balance is the goal.

What I expect is that the Seahawks' offense will take shape this weekend based mainly on the game situation. If the run is working, then the Hawks will most certainly rely on it. It has been their most effective weapon so far this year. Running the ball effectively will do wonders for keeping the Giants' ferocious pass rush at bay.

If they fall behind, expect them to take it to the air. They will have to.

But if this game is tight then pay attention, because we will learn a lot about where this team is headed. Holmgren said the temptation to pass will be there, but one has to wonder if they are ready to take the training wheels off the passing game yet. It would be nice if that were the case.

So, in other words, our best bet is to run the ball effectively, but don't count out "Star Wars" either, not when the Walrus is calling the plays. ~END~