With six of their last nine games on the road, the 'Hawks better get out of the gate fast. They'll need to put some distance between themselves and the pack if they hope to hold on to a playoff spot. The team has a lot of youth on offense and playing on the road in December won't be easy. The big question mark will be Matt Hasselbeck. If he can perform to Holmgren's expectations, the team should have little trouble making the playoffs.
Expectations are high in the Pacific Northwest, so the pressure's on.
There's still plenty of talent wearing silver and black, but most offseason news has has taken place in courtrooms. With Jon Gruden seeking a new deal and owner Al Davis looking for still more major metropolitan areas to sue, management could be a distraction. After being a step away from the Super Bowl, this team could finish as low as fourth in the AFC West this season. But neither player is getting any younger and an injury to either would be disastrous due to lack of depth. He should do well under the guidance of Gannon, but he is by no means ready to step in and take over.