So far the Rams have posted abymal defensive stats: ranking dead last in pass defense and 27th in rush defense.  So weekend warriors, which way can the Seahawks dominate in Qwest Field on this given Sunday?  It is doubtful if any reliable receivers will be out on the field, and Koren Robinson is utterly unpredictable at this point.  Julius Jones is predicted to do fairly well representing the run game, but that is not who I am choosing this week.

The Outsider's fantasy choice against the Rams is:

John Carlson

The Golden Egg winner from last week?  Ya, you betcha.  He was good last week, and is looking just as good for this week.  The Hawks have a lot of holes in the lineup right now, and they need someone out there who can plug those holes.  We are talking about flexibility on the field, someone who's role in a play can't be easily read by the defense until it's already in motion.  If he is still not snapped up in your league, and you are looking for a Hawk on your lineup, go get him while the getting is good.

Alright folks.  In the inaugural Madden 09 kickoff at the Outsider's coop, I already played the forthcoming matchup versus the 49s.  If that game is any predictor for today, we are going to see a thorough trouncing ending in a Hawks victory of 21 - 7.

Where do we go from here?

The Seahawks press release today annouced the loss of both the Seachicken's punter and one of the rooks.  With Burleson now on IR, joining Branch and Engram(and Tatupu) on the injury reports, the offensive strategy is going to have to do a complete 180 from last season.  Since the Seachicken run game was dominated by the "Shaun Show" in 07, most of the major gains were made by effective passing.  Now with those premier receivers out of the picture, Hasselbeck(if his back situation isn't as bad as has been hinted) and Co. are going to have to shift focus to the hand-off and work on protecting those runners behind the o-line.  Morris/Jones can bring home the bacon, provided they realize their role in the grand show and play it right.  The best way to avoid a hit(tackle): don't be there when it comes.  Finess is the keyword here; the ability to out-play the opponent, anticipate where they will attempt to bring you down and shift your footwork to not be there when they execute.

Easier said than done, right?