If you don’t know already, training camp for the Seattle Seahawks begins later this month. (18 days to be exact)

Feel free to RT this! Actually #JUSTDOIT ! 18 days till #Seahawks training camp folks!

— Northwest SportsBeat (@NWSportsBeat) July 10, 2012

And while the season is just a short distance away, training camp always has many exciting stories that unfold.

Here are five things that I am looking forward to come training camp, and hopefully my questions will be answered by the end.

Will Tarvaris Jackson remain the starter for Week 1?

This has been the talk the whole offseason.

When Matt Flynn got signed, his contract convinced everyone that he is the new big deal in Seattle. But not so fast – returning starter Tarvaris Jackson will be taking first-team reps in training camp.

It will be interesting to see if Flynn can work his way to the top of the depth chart.

I am also curious to see how much Russell Wilson will improve once he gets used to the offensive system.

Not sure I’m a fan of splitting all the QB reps, but I have a feeling it won’t last lone. Someone will stand out early.

Watching Sidney Rice return from injury

As inconsistent as he may be, I am a big believer in wide receiver Sidney Rice. After missing many games last year due to injuries, Rice is ready for a big comeback year.

In 2012 the Seahawks placed Rice on injured reserve, ending the year of Seattle’s $41 million free agent pickup.

At least that was the case in Minnesota when he was plagued by injuries but made personal records the next year. Sidney has played in only 15 NFL games in the last two years.

The Seahawks are desperate for a true No. 1 receiver, and Rice has everything it takes as long as he can stay on the field.

The Seahawks are desperate for a true No. 1 receiver

He is easily the #1 man on a “not so special” wide receiver group heading into 2012.

The striving secondary

When everything seems so inconsistent and just plain old average, I look at the secondary to give me signs of hope. After a strong finish last season, the Seahawks had the core of a playoff team – thanks to Earl Thomas and the rest of the boys in coverage squad.

It’s pretty special to have three Pro Bowlers from your secondary.

Brandon Browner, Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Roy Lewis and Marcus Trufant are as deep and talented as any secondary in the NFL.

I am excited to see them work hard to get better and make it even tough for teams to be successful in the air.

If only the rest of the team would ask them how they do it.

What players will step up?

Of all the teams in the NFL, the Seahawks are one of the most consistent with players that come out of nowhere to become successful starters (wide receivers Mike Williams and Doug Baldwin).

The same should happen this year, and training camp is where it all begins.

Who will make a name for themselves and prove that they deserve a starting role?

Expect a lot of this to happen at many different positions.

Tension and competition

Every team has it.

The competitiveness of the team, when every play is trying to look his best for a spot on the roster, is at an all-time high this time of the year.

There are roster battles at almost every position and the pressure that it brings put everyone in a state of unease.

There have already been minor instances where things got a little too rough and players needed to be broken up.

With all of this comes something great – the bonding of a team.

Mike Holmgren used to hold bowling competitions. Pete Carroll holds a Home Run derby.

Watch what the Seahawks do in 2012 and remember the NFL football season is right around the corner!

Can you smell it?

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Not all of my unanswered questions have been answered yet, and it puts me in a state of unease as the season is set to begin in a few months.

As a Seahawks fan, I am always worried about one thing or another.

Here are five things that I am worried about for this upcoming season, and hopefully we will answer some of these questions as the season drags along.

Is Bruce Irvin going to live up to the hype of being a 1st round draft pick? (photo zimbio.com)

Is Bruce Irvin really the big deal?

Bruce Irvin was drafted with the 15^th pick of the draft – leading many to believe that he is exactly what is needed on a defense line with a poor pass rush.

All reports for the OTA’s say that Irvin has met standards and more, and training camp will be the final opportunity to evaluate him before the preseason starts.

It is not often that rookie players shine their first year – but if Irvin can strive at the defensive end position it will create a lot of opportunities for big plays that could change the outcome of a game.

That sounds like a big “if” to me.

Inconsistency at linebacker

I give praise to the Seahawks defense, especially the secondary.

The defensive line has acquired some key additions to improve, but what about the linebackers?

This is definitely the most inconsistent area on the defensive unit.

Last year they failed to make tackles and cover receivers. The zone defense was poor and everything looked like a mess.

Luckily the rest of the defense picked up the slack and Seattle finished the season with one of the top ranked units in the league.

If the linebacker corps can produce this year they’ll be even better, but just how likely is that to happen?

Marshawn Lynch meeting expectations and his importance

Last year was a great season for Lynch – he exceeded expectations and proved everyone wrong that he didn’t have the consistency to be a top running back in the league.

As the next season gets closer (56 days!), we need to think about how important his role will be for the team and if he will continue his high marks from last season.

It is already known that the Seahawks favor the run and rely on it to keep them in the close games, and Marshawn Lynch did just that last year.

If he can’t produce, will the passing game come through?

With new contract in hand, will Lynch continue to be the big game playmaker for the Seahawks?

Tough division rivals

The 49ers were tough last season, but there not the ones I’m all worried about.

The up and coming Arizona Cardinals have restocked their lineup through the draft and revamped a team with a lot of potential. The one-two punch of Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd is threatening, along with their skillful secondary.

If the St. Louis Rams can also stay healthy then they will be fierce competitors as well.

With a young roster and a talented quarterback in Sam Bradford, they don’t have what it takes to win the division just yet but Coach Jeff Fisher will get this team on the right track.

The quarterback situation

It’s really up in the air about who is going to start behind center for the Seahawks come Week 1.

Matt Flynn’s contract almost confirmed him as the number one guy, but recent reports state that he has yet to prove that he has what it takes to be an NFL starter.

In comes Tarvaris Jackson, the returner who I should feel more comfortable about. But even if Jackson starts, is his mediocrity enough to bring the ‘Hawks to the playoffs?

Will the inexperienced Matt Flynn be any better?

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Injuries are always a big concern, especially when the injured player has a big role on the team. The Seahawks saw a lot of their roster fall to injuries last season.

As these players rehabilitate and prepare to come back, will they be able to perform at the same level they once could?

I make predictions on five of the returning players:

John Moffitt (Guard)

After being drafted 75th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, John Moffitt was a large presence on the offensive line before being injured in Week 13 of last season.

He played a big role in the Seahawks running game, as they were coming off back-to-back-to-back 100+ rushing yard games.

He had the normal struggles that most rookies go through, but he showed real progression in the last half of the season.

The season-ending surgery has been successful, and Moffitt will be all ready once training camp begins. He will need to step right back onto the field and get to work. A successful season for him this year can be a big benefit.

Last year’s offensive line was plagued by injuries and a healthy Moffitt means a more more productive running game and better pass protection.

Prediction: Will play 16 games. Will collect 8 massive pancake blocks.

The Seahawks are looking forward to getting John Moffitt back to help with the run game in 2012

Sidney Rice (Wide Receiver)

There was a lot of hype surrounding Sidney Rice and how he could help the struggling Seattle offense when he joined the team for the 2011 season.

He played particularly well after missing the first two games of the 2011 season with 32 receptions for 484 yards in nine games.

He then suffered two concussions in a three-week period, and his season was officially over on November 30.

Rice is a player with a lot of talent that has the ability to make a difference for the team.

However, he is also very injury prone – he has a history of foot and knee problems along with his concussions while playing for the Minnesota Vikings.

Rice has said that he will be the healthiest he has ever been for the 2012 season, and he will be active in the team’s training camp.

Prediction: Will play 15 games. 900 Yds, 6 TD’s.

Kris Durham (Wide Receiver)

Durham, a rookie last year, had only three receptions for 30 yards before re-injuring a torn labrum on his shoulder.

He suffered the same injury in college while playing for Georgia. Surgery seemed like the safest bet – a way to let him heal and get him back in good condition as he is in the early stage of his NFL career.

Durham has worked with the team  in the OTA’s.

Although Kris Durham is almost completely healthy, he has a tough road ahead of him for a starting role. The Seahawks currently have a lot of options at the position, including breakout stars Mike Williams and Ricardo Lockette.

Prediction: Will play 14 games. 450 Yds, 3 TD’s.

Will Sidney Rice finally be the receiver in 2012 that the Seahawks hoped they signed?

Walter Thurmond (Cornerback)

After playing in 14 games during the 2010 season, cornerback Walter Thurmond played in only six before he was lost to a broken fibula.

After being placed on the season-ending injured reserve it was expected things would go well and he would be able to play this year.

A recent setback now requires a second surgery, and it is likely he will start the season on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

His lack of playing time before his injury had to do with the talent the team already has at the cornerback position.

Two surgeries puts Thurmond at a huge disadvantage and a long time off the field. The sooner he makes it back the better, which could be sometime later this season.

If the starting secondary stays as strong as it was last year, then don’t expect to see much of him.

Prediction: Will play 6-8 games. Possibly 1 INT.

Matt McCoy (linebacker)

Matt McCoy was put on the season-ending reserve very earlier last season after attempting to make a tackle while covering a punt against Atlanta.

After the season it was unclear whether or not McCoy would be with the team in 2012, but he has recently signed a one-year deal to rejoin the Seahawks.

McCoy has participated in the OTA’s with the team, and he is an important player for the Seattle linebacker corps.

There is barely any depth behind him and with David Hawthorne now with the Saints, it is up to him to become a leader this year.

Prediction: Will play 15 primarily on ST’s. Could be a team leader in ST tackles.

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I have already examined the 5 toughest games on the schedule, now here are the 5 easiest games.

These five are the ones that the team must win if they are looking for a shot at the playoffs.

Good teams are able to beat the weaker ones, and the Seahawks must take advantage of the easy matchups in 2012.

Here are the five easiest games on the 2012 season:

Week 4 at Rams

Although the Rams have improved a significant amount this offseason, there is no reason the Seahawks should lose to this division rival.

Sam Bradford has shown a lot of talent, and it will be up the strong Seattle secondary to put him in his place.

Marshawn Lynch should have an easy time with the run defense of the Rams, who gave up a whopping 4.7 yards per carry last season.

Week 9 vs. Vikings

The Vikings are a team who is having a hard time getting any better.

Christian Ponder has already been announced the starter, and another sub par season for his team is looking more than likely.

Their weak defense won’t put up stops every play, and it all comes down to whatever team can score the most times (duh!).

The games that matter most are the divisional games, and the Seahawks need to beat the Cardinals this year.

Week 10 at Jets

The Jets are a team on the rise, but so are the Seahawks.

With games against the NFC North and the rest of the AFC East, this is in fact one of the easier games on the schedule.

The fact that the game is played in New York makes things even trickier, for their home field advantage is one of the best in the league.

But just how good will Mark Sanchez play?

This game will surely result in fans chanting for Tim Tebow because the Seahawks are sure going to make it tough to score.

Week 12 vs. Cardinals

Another divisional rivalry here, and this time it is against the team that placed above them in the division after the very last week of the season.

This time the stakes have changed, for Seattle has trust in a new face (Matt Flynn) and Arizona is still stuck with Kevin Kolb.

Their defense finished the season hot – but will they be hot enough to stop a new type of attack that has been practiced this offseason?

It might be a close one, but this is definitely a game that the Seahawks can win.

Week 15 at Buffalo Bills

This game might not even be that easy. For a team with a tough schedule, this is a must-win game.

Buffalo has a strong defensive unit that was much underrated last year.

While this might pose a threat to Seattle’s mediocre offense, finding ways into the end zone through the air will tear apart Buffalo’s defensive scheme.

If the defense can’t stop Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills, well…

Seahawks 2012 NFL Schedule

Agree? Disagree? What is the easiest game on the schedule in your opinion? Comment below.

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Height: 6’o″
Weight: 216 lbs
DOB:  November 26,  1981
POB: Regina,  Saskatchewan, Canada

Seahawks.com Player Profile

Jon Ryan began his football career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Punting had been his thing ever since high school and in college at the University of Regina. After averaging just over 50 yards per punt, talk swirled about Ryan’s talent and the NFL caught the buzz.

NFL Start

In 2006 Ryan signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he played for three seasons before being signed by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008.

In 2007, he kicked a 72-yard punt in the fourth quarter, which is the longest punt in Green Bay since 1965.

Ryan finished his first year in Seattle with 78 punts at an average of over 45 yards.

His average has stayed around that mark, and last year he had 95 punts for an average of 46.6 yards.

Style of play

Have boot will travel. Canadian born punter Jon Ryan has made a name for himself in Seattle (photo seahawks.com)

Punters are actually an important part of the game. They have the ability to make teams start very close to their own goal line.

A good punter can perform what is called a coffin corner, where the ball is booted out of bounds within the opponent’s 10-yard line.

This leaves them with limited room to run plays and a bigger chance of the defense coming up with a safety.

Also, a punter who can send the ball far is always important when the opponent’s goal line is too far away.

It is key to give opposing teams more distance from the end zone, allowing your defense more opportunities to stop the offense..

This was one of Ryan’s specialties.

Looking back to the final game of the 2010 season against the St. Louis Rams, Ryan put the Rams at their own 2-yard line when the game was close.

Later that game, he also put them within their own 10-yard line.

More often than not, Ryan will perfect his kicks and leave opposing offenses with no room to run. His punting skills are similar to those of Jeff Feagles, who was one of the former punters before Ryan arrived.

While Feagles was more of an accuracy guy, Ryan produced almost five more punt yards on average. Both were players that you wanted in key situations.

It is not only his stylish hair that makes him an important player on the Seahawk’s roster.

He has ranked high in the league in punting yards the past few seasons, and his career-long punt of 77 yards just shows the amount of power that he has.

With one Pro Bowl appearance under his belt, he looks for another in the 2012 season.

He is currently signed to a six-year contract, so he shouldn’t be going anywhere soon.

And that is a comforting thing to know for a team who has to punt a lot.

I also feel good knowing the “athlete” that Jon Ryan is won’t let many kick returners get past him.

Jon Ryan makes another TD saving tackle. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

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The Seattle Seahawks played very impressively on defense last season.

A great season came with great marks – Seattle finished seventh in total points allowed and ninth in total yards allowed. If the defense can make big plays this upcoming season, they have the ability to carry the 2012 version of our Seahawks into the playoffs.

D-Line

The defensive line has been the biggest improvement.

The team has brought in Jason Jones check out his profile here), along with Bruce Irvin from the draft.

The team last year lacked in the pass rush department (especially on first and secon down), and Irvin was predicted to have the most talent in the draft.

Despite contract disputes with defensive end Chris Clemons, I expect he will be playing for Seattle in 2012. Defensive leader Red Bryant will also be returning, and the line will be looking as strong as ever.

If Bruce Irvin remembers which team he plays for, he’ll help the D-Line. (zimbio.com)

Secondary

Seattle’s secondary has been considered one of the best units in the NFL.

Free-safety Earl Thomas has played very well his first two seasons in the league, could we see an ALL-PRO season from him in 2012? I think so.

Fellow safety Kam Chancellor has been putting up career marks, along with defensive backs Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman.

Not to mention the return of Marcus Trufant, who will be an excellent piece in the nickel situations.

A handful of the secondary have appeared in the Pro Bowl the past few seasons.

Not only is the secondary talented, but they are also young with a lot of room to continue their growth. They have the ability to provide Seattle with a top defense for the years to come.

Linebackers

The biggest question mark would be at the linebacker position. Seattle entered the draft with this being one of their biggest needs aside from a pass rusher.

David Hawthorne has now joined the Saints, leaving LeRoy Hill and K.J. Wright as the returners from last season. Both were a bit shaky last season, failing to cover receivers consistently and their good run defense had a lot to do with the dominance of the defensive line.

Seattle grabbed Bobby Wagner in the draft, and he will definitely get his chance to make a mark in 2012 in the middle of this trio.

Looking ahead

With all that said, Seattle will face a very tough schedule in 2012.

They play the NFC North, with the offensive juggernauts Green Bay, Detroit, and now Chicago.

The team will also face off against the AFC East, including the challenging Patriots and the Bills – who quietly played very well offensively last season.

It will be up to the defense to keep the games close.

Although there are big question marks surrounding the linebackers, Seattle is continuing what could be considered one of their top defensive units in the past thirty years.

Expect new players to step up and make a name for themselves as the season moves on.

Things are looking promising in Seattle – at least on the defensive side of the ball.

To answer my own question. YES. The Seahawks will have a top 10 NFL defense in 2012/13.

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Remember this?  ”I got a shelf life of ten years, tops. My next contract’s gotta bring me the dollars that’ll last me and mine a long time. $hit, I’m out of this sport in 5 years.

What’s my family gonna live on? Huh? ”  - Rod Tidwell

Sound familiar?

The Seahawks held their mandatory three-day minicamp last week, and defensive end Chris Clemons was not in attendance.

(Perhaps he was playing his C. C. drinking game)

Not only that, but he has barely been a presence this offseason. Pete Carroll is very invested in Clemons, and has said many times that bringing him back is a “top priority”.

Clemons is due $4 million in 2012, although it has been said that he is seeking a contract extension.

According to a report by the Sports Xchange, Clemons received a new contract through 2014 that would add two more years with a base salary of $4.5 million in 2013 and $5.5 million in 2014.

Help me…help you. Help me, help you!!

The Seahawks have not received a formal rejection on the offer and they continue to negotiate with Clemons.

Clemons has started every game in the last two seasons, accounting 11 sacks each year.

He has been a major presence on Seattle’s defense as he has constantly been the only pass rusher able to constantly get to opposing quarterbacks.

This contract dispute could be a dangerous one because the Seahawks need all the help they can get on the outside of the defensive line.

Don’t worry, he’s not gonna do what you all think, you know, FLIP OUT!

Chris Clemons will be 31 next season. Although this could be a dangerous age for a defensive end, I suspect there is still a lot of talent to be seen.

Clemons has played well the past few seasons and I think it is appropriate for him to consider a new contract with the team.

The market for defensive ends around the league is a steep one.

Although the Seahawks gained a huge upgrade with the pass rush by obtaining Bruce Irvin (The same Irvin who plays for the Redskins!) in the draft a few months ago, they would still need another.

Losing Clemons due to contract dispute does not seem wise for Pete Carroll and the Seattle defense.

There has been an ongoing trend this off-season for players to holdout from camps and offseason activities due to contract disputes.

That is normally seen every year, but the rate of absent players has gone up. Clemons knows he is talented, but he is no superhero.

He needs to finish out his contract and continue to play well.

Tidwell AKA Chris Clemons. When players hit their 30′s, contracts are short-term

If he can have another great season (which is very likely), then he will have even more contract leverage.

The fact that he got Pete Carroll to offer a higher salary is absurd, for he is getting older and still has one year left on his other contract!

And now you want Arizona dollars?

“When players hit their thirties, it is common for the contracts to be more short-term!” (So says Glen Frey)

It makes sense that these players are more susceptible to injuries and fatigue, so why invest in an unstable player.

Like I mentioned before, Clemons should have a lot of gas left in his tank – at least for the next three or four seasons.

He should, however, finish out this next season before making another financial move.

I expect this dispute to resolve with Clemons agreeing to the initial salary raise, or he will finish out his last year.

Expect Clemons to be playing come Week 1 of the regular season.

Whether or not he’s making big sweet dollars, or “the QUAN” we won’t know for a while yet.

Update as of 3:55pm Friday June 29th. Dan Arkush at PFW today filed a report with “insider knowledge of the situation”. Have a read.

Agree? Disagree? Does this contract stalemate remind you of Jerry Maguire at all? Comment below.

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This upcoming season will be a battle all the way through. With tough divisions like the AFC East and NFC North, the Seahawks will be pushed to the limit.

Seattle must make big plays if there is going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. A playoff spot has their name on it – if they can finish out the close games.

Seattle will rely on its strong defense to keep other teams in check.

As football is changing into a passing-dominant game, the Seahawks schedule is packed with offensive powerhouses all the way through.

Here then is a quick look at the five toughest games on the 2012/13 NFL schedule for the Seahawks. In my opinion of course.

Week 3 vs. Packers

If the Seahawks plan to be playoff contenders, they will need to compete with the elite teams in the NFC. Here come the Packers, who are coming of a 15-1 season with many improvements on defense.

The Green Bay offense stays as dominant as ever, and it will be up to Seattle’s secondary to stop Aaron Rodgers. 

Will be interesting to see if we get the Matt Flynn vs. Rodgers matchup we all want.

Week 5 at Panthers

In Week 5 the team will be traveling across the country to face Cam Newton and the up and coming Panthers. Chances are that Newton will be having a strong sophomore year with a full offseason under his belt.

Not to mention that Carolina will be pushing to win more games now that they have a chance to win the division. Big plays on pass defense should keep them at bay, but don’t forget that Carolina led the league in rushing last year. 

Week 6 vs. Patriots

Facing off against the Patriots is tough for every team. Luckily, Tom Brady and Co. is heading all the way to Seattle for the game.

While the Patriots are known for struggling against cross-country opponents, don’t be so sure yet. Tom Brady swore he could win another ring, and this will be his first test of the season (unless you think the Ravens can beat him).

It will be up to Seattle’s secondary to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

Look for a revamped New England defense that will get to the quarterback much more often than last year. It is possible that their offense will be too tough to stop. 

Week 8 at Lions

Few teams are as hot as the Lions. Now that the team has just started winning, they look to become a threat in the playoffs. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a big year and wide receiver Calvin Johnson is returning with a huge contract.

Seattle failed to beat the Lions last season, but this rematch could be a playoff preview and be much more close. This isn’t the first time that these two legit NFC teams have fought for a playoff spot. 

Week 16 vs. 49ers

It is very likely that this will be the most important game on the Seahawks’ schedule. With the season two games from over, Seattle will be looking for that wildcard spot.

San Francisco’s excellent run defense should prove challenging to Marshawn Lynch, and Alex Smith is coming off of a career year. Many predict the 49ers to be serious Super Bowl contenders, and Seattle can put them in their place this week.

It will probably be a must-win situation for the ‘Hawks, too.

Seahawks 2012 NFL Schedule

Agree? Disagree? What is the toughest game on the schedule in your opinion? Comment below.

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With the 2012 season only a few months away, time is running out for players to prove themselves to the coaches in training camp. Some players are going to be  on a short leash once the season starts.

Who will take the opportunity to make a big impression for the Seahawks this season, and who will flop?

While we cannot predict the outcome, we can tell which players hold their own fate in their hands this year:

Matt Flynn, QB

If Matt Flynn is awarded the starting job, then it is his to lose. But just how clear cut is the competition?

Sources (including WR Doug Baldwin) say there is not as much separation between Flynn and former starter Tarvaris Jackson as many predicted.

https://twitter.com/Liz_Mathews/statuses/211530980165562368

Flynn’s contract  sure looked like a starter’s, but head coach Pete Carroll has already announced multiple times that pay has nothing to do with the competition.

How many games does Flynn get in 2012 to find his groove?

Assuming Flynn does start Week 1, how many games will he get to find his groove?

If Jackson is still on the roster, then not too many.

Jason Jones, DE/DT

Welcome to Seattle, Jason Jones. Check out his player profile here. After signing a one-year contract, Jones is probably here for the next 16 games. A four-year veteran, Jones excelled his 2008 rookie season with the Titans but has not played to his full potential since.

He has experience at both the defensive end and defensive tackle position, with the latter being his most realistic landing spot if he does earn a starting job.

It is a long journey for Jones, especially when Pete Carroll used free-agency and the recent draft to pick up loads of talent to improve the pass rush.

If Jones gets an opportunity to play this season, he needs to get the ball rolling right away. Maybe a new location and a fresh start is exactly what he needs.

Not to mention the 12th man on 3rd down at Seahawks Stadium. (I don’t call it Clink either!)

Bruce Irvin, DE

Bruce Irvin has been the center of attention ever since he was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. A stunner to say the least, for many fans had never heard his name before.

Many experts have said that Carroll is actually not crazy – Irvin was at the top of other team’s boards as well. With the pass rush being Seattle’s top priority this offseason, Irvin is now the face of change in that department.

He has a lot of weight on his shoulders, and he could be a starter come Week 1. Wait and see what happens with the Chris Clemons holdout/contract saga.

Irvin feels like a hit-or-miss prospect with the potential to be great or to average out as many players do. He should know by now that his performance this next season strongly affects his future.

Sidney Rice, WR

After a shaky 2011 season that was plagued by injuries, Sidney Rice is back at full force. He finally has the opportunity to show Seattle fans what they have been wanting to see.

Watch for K2 in most red-zone packages

If he can keep his production up like he did while he played for Minnesota, then he can be the deep threat that the Seahawks have not had in a long time.

Rice has had limited experience in the off-season while recovering from his shoulder injury, but he is still expected to be a starter. Only time will tell, and Seattle has a lot of underrated talent to use if Rice is not playing up to potential.

Kellen Winslow, TE

Seeing TE Zach Miller and newly-acquired TE Kellen Winslow (from Tamba Bay trade) on the field together will create excitement, but that comes with a big question mark about his history of injuries.

Winslow has had several knee surgeries in his career, and has not started all 16 games in a season since 2004.

Production will surely not be a problem, as Winslow has amassed 730 receiving yards in the past three seasons.

He does have a lot of work to do when it comes to blocking the run, and he will use the 2012 season as a chance to prove that Seattle gained a valuable player from the trade.

Watch for him in most red-zone packages, and split out wide in several formations to exploit mismatches with linebackers. One thing we know. He can get separation.

I love this move.

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There is a slight problem. Most NFL teams currently have 90 players on their rosters, and by Week 3 of the preseason there can be only 75. And by the time the regular season starts, only 53 players will be on a team.

So who stays and who goes in Seattle?

Here are five players that will need to find another home come Week 1 of this season for the Seahawks:

Roy Lewis, CB

Roy Lewis has not looked very promising on the football field. The four-year veteran has only started one game in his career, and has yet to come up with his first big league interception.

More often than not, Lewis is too slow to stick with even the most average receivers.

With the return of Marcus Trufant and the addition of Jeremy Lane, Roy Lewis should expect to be packing his bags. There is very little time remaining in the off-season for him to make a difference, and no one has seen anything special yet.

Lewis will be cut early to give him time to hook on with another team. What sucks is it could be the Rams or the Cardinals who want him.

Anthony McCoy, TE

McCoy played in all 16 games last season only to tally up a mere 13 catches with no TDs. He had many dropped passes that hurt the team in key situations.

Even his blocking skills are below bar, as opposing defenses got by him more often than not. It is often wondered if McCoy stayed on the team because he was a former star at USC.

TE Zach Miller and newly-acquired TE Kellen Winslow will be the two players to watch out for next season.

For now, we’ll just call McCoy “Hands of Stone”.

Josh Portis could be the odd man out. (photo agentjr.com)

Charly Martin WR

Ever heard of Charly Martin?

Most haven’t.

Originally signed by the San Diego Chargers in 2009, he caught seven passes for 88 yards in the preseason before he was cut from the team.

His next stop was in Carolina, where he was signed to the practice squad before getting his chance to play seven games in 2009. He finished with one catch for six.

After another brief practice squad stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Charly Martin was sent to the Seattle Seahawks.

And he sure won’t stay.

Tyrell Sutton, RB

With the addition of RB Robert Turbin through the 2012 NFL Draft, Tyrell Sutton’s future is almost set in stone.

Marshawn Lynch just signed a new contract and Leon Washington remains on the team. Seattle stays strong in the running back department and Sutton is not longer needed.

He signed a future/reserve contract with the Seahawks on January 4th 2012, and that was only necessary if Seattle failed to pick up a promising prospect in the draft that could prove a reliable backup to Marshawn Lynch.

Josh Portis, QB

Josh Portis is a wonderful player with a ton of potential.

However, Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn have joined the team. This would presumably put Portis in the fourth QB slot, which most teams don’t use.

There is absolutely no reason to keep Portis on the team anymore, but his career should not be over yet. Expect teams to be interested in grabbing the second-year veteran once he is available.

Also expect to hear his name again in the future. Just not in Seattle.

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