Monday, July 13, 2009

History Isn't in 34 Year Old Hasselbeck's Favor

by: Aaron Weinberg

There's no Seahawks news, but there's been a ton of Sounders stuff over the weekend, which has kept me busy and away from SA. But don't worry, I'm back.

Today we're taking a look at Matt Hasselbeck and, more importantly, his age. He'll be 34 by the start of the season. Jeff over at my site compiled stats from QBs age 34 and older. There turned out to be 55 QBs that fit the criteria. The stats weren't too bad until you took out Brett Favre and Rich Gannon, who between them account for half the Pro Bowls and more than 1/3 of the playoff appearances.

13 Pro Bowl appearances
342-344 regular season record
15-14 playoff record
15 playoff appearances
3 Super Bowl appearances
1-2 record in the Super Bowl

Only quarterbacks that were actual starters for their team were included, not just those who got the start due to injury. However, if the player did come off the bench but then cemented himself as the clear-cut starter, such as the Titans' Kerry Collins last season, he made the list.
So why do we care about this? Quarterbacks aren't like fine wine; they don't increase in value with age. Hasselbeck may appear to be and say he is 100%, but history tells a different story. 34-year-old QB's just get injured. And with recent back, knee and rib injuries, the chances of Matt suffering another season-ending injury are high.

What do I think? I think he'll play 19 games this season, but I'm completely irrational when it comes to the Seahawks.

END