One of the big questions today is if the Seahawks defense can stop the suddenly potent Redskins offense led by ... Todd Collins. Yeah, I didn't see that coming either. There are plenty of reasons to think Seattle will win; they're playing at home, Matt Hasselbeck, and a smothering defense, particularly against the run. But the old cliché about games not being played on paper applies here, hence the 4:30 p.m. kickoff. Football Outsiders ranks Seattle's defense 11th (fourth in the NFC), and fifth against the run. A lot of that success has to do with the Seahawks' defensive line, particularly Craig Terrill, who the team just re-upped for three more years.
A sixth-round choice in the 2004 draft, Terrill enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2007, appearing in all 16 games and registering 25 tackles. The Seattle coaches use a four-man rotation at tackle and Terrill, 27, is one of the quartet's best defenders against the run.According to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, Terrill's deal runs through 2010, is worth about $5 million, and includes base salaries of $900,000 (for 2008), $1.15 million (2009) and $1.15 million (2010).
The Seahawks are seldom mentioned with the Patriots, Steelers, and Eagles when it comes to roster-building, but general manager Tim Ruskell and head coach Mike Holmgren deserve a lot of credit. From Hasselbeck to Lofa Tatupu to Terrill, Seattle has been one of the NFC's best teams over the last five seasons. And a lot of it has to do with the front office.
Taking into account that it's the preseason, many of the players sitting on the sidelines tonight would normally be on the field if it was a meaningful game. With that said, I'm sure most fans would like to know who they should expect to see this evening. For that reason, I've done by best to create an accurate injury report -- official reports are not posted until week one of the regular season.
