Larry Gude said:
...does Dion Branch now make the Seahawks, who struggled against the mighty Lions yesterday, the NFC favorite?
They were already one of the top contenders, along with the Panthers, who got pounded sans their #1 WR, Steve Smith.
Their defense saved them. It is WAY early in the season to be hearing about a quarterbacks sore ribs already. He was sacked 5 times and still went 25 for 30. The lions defense looks to be top notch, but ya know, if your line can't help ya, you better learn to run. And if you are running, or on your back for most of the game, it's going to be a long, long season.
Yes, the addition of Branch to the line will open up the field for them. Right now, it looks like pass protection is going to be an issue. Sore ribs on a quarterback are a target. If not a target, a definite limitation to his abilities. McNabb found this out last year.
Dunno. Hutchinson was their big man opening holes for the run. He's gone.
Alexander was almost non-existent. Hasselbeck said in the interviews that he isn't hurt. He certainly looked like it on HD yesterday.
I guess the next few weeks will be the the telling matches. It'll take a couple of weeks for Branch to learn the offense and lingo.
Looks like they've got Arizona then the Giants, both at home then they travel to Chicago. If Seattle is going to be a contender, these 3 games should be W's with out much of an effort.