August 7, 2009 Www.rentonreporter.com

T.J.

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Seahawks

August 7, 2009 www.rentonreporter.com

Houshmandzadeh

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While not always mentioned among the best NFL wide receivers, T.J. Houshmandzadeh has certainly been one of the league's most productive receivers in recent seasons. Houshmandzadeh hasn't finished lower than T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks seventh in the NFL in receptions since 2005 and has averaged 98 catches per season during the past three years. He tied with New England's Wes Welker for the league lead in catches in 2007, with 112. He's averaged 1,043 yards and 8.3 touchdowns per season the past three years.

aaron curry

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Considered one of the best prospects available in this year’s NFL draft, Aaron Curry should make an immediate impact on defense for the Seahawks. Curry averaged nearly 94 tackles per year in his final three seasons at Wake Forest. Aaron Curry, Seattle Seahawks He totaled nine sacks, five forced fumbles and six interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) in his career as a Demon Deacon. Curry won the Butkus Award as college football’s best linebacker after his senior year.

A quick look at some of your new Seahawks...

It’s rare that an NFL team can go 4-12, then undergo few roster changes and be expected to field a winning team the next season. But that is exactly the Seahawks’ situation. Injuries caused the 2008 season to swirl around, while underachievements flushed it completely down the drain.

deon butler

Wide receiver figures to be one of the biggest positions of change from last season. Seattle signed free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh with hopes he can carry his production to the Northwest. The team also drafted speedster Deon Butler and don’t forget the truckload of injured stars returning. That includes

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Seattle hopes the speedy Deon Butler will bring a new dimension to an offense that sagged under the weight of injuries last season. Butler contributed as soon as he touched the field at Penn State, topping 630 receiving yards all Deon Butler, Seattle Seahawks four years. He totaled 22 touchdowns in his career and exemplified ‘big play’ with his final regular-season college game against Michigan State. Butler totaled three catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

Nate Burleson and Deion Branch. On defense, the team flirted with losing linebacker Leroy Hill but resigned him. After a trade of Julian Peterson and the drafting of Aaron Curry, the linebacker group could develop into one of the league’s best. Peterson has good years left, but Cur-

ken

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ry should be better long-term. Ken Lucas should start at cornerback opposite Marcus Trufant. He will provide some stability starting, where Kelly Jennings hasn’t thrived. Jennings and Josh Wilson give the team good depth at the position.

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In adding Ken Lucas, the Seahawks added a familiar face to their defensive backfield. Lucas played his first four NFL seasons with Seattle before moving on to the Carolina Panthers for four years. Lucas is durable (started all Ken Lucas, Seattle Seahawks 16 games each of past two years), effective (averaged three interceptions per year over career) and brings more veteran savvy to the Seahawks’ backfield. Lucas should start alongside star cornerback Marcus Trufant.