Quarterback Question for the Seahawks

Photo by Mr. I via Flickr.

Today's Seattle Times sports poll asks: "What is the number one problem with the Seahawks offense?" You can choose from "not enough time to jell," "the line," or "the quarterback." While most people seem to think it's a lack of quality bonding time that ails the squad, there have been rumbles of discontent surrounding the quarterback situation since Hasselbeck left.

Here's where we stand.

1) Tavaris Jackson. A second round draft pick in 2006, Jackson spent five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. You may remember him as the backup quarterback to Brad Johnson, Gus Frerotte, and Brett Favre. That's not to say he didn't start, he had moments of promise and showed that he was a good scrambler, but his tendency to throw interceptions, occasional injuries, and often inconsistent play kept him on the bench or vying for second rather than starting. Seattle is his fresh start. He's been the favorite to be the Seahawks first-stringer since we signed him to a two-year contract this month. However, Jackson appears to be a man on the run, employing his scrambling talents to save plays. Which has prompted some fans to chant "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie..."

2) Charlie Whitehurst. Also picked up in the 2006 Draft, Whitehurst was a third round pickup for the San Diego Chargers. As a third-stringer, he played two games for the Chargers before coming to Seattle last season to play backup for Hasselbeck. He's supposed to be the second-string QB this season too, but in the preseason play we have seen so far, it's Whitehurst, not Jackson, that has looked more like the starter.

So, should those "Charlie" chants be heard? Should Whitehurst be under center in tonight's third preseason game? We're leaning toward no. It's still just the preseason, and those Seattle Times poll responders are right, this team simply hasn't had enough time to jell. Jackson has more experience as an NFL starting quarterback and familiarity with our new offensive coordinator. However, his time to prove that he's earned the title is ticking away. If he plays well in tonight's game, it should squash most of the Charlie chants. However, if he can't pull it together, and Whitehurst is able to makes things happen, things could get tricky.

Tonight's preseason matchup is with Denver, who is embroiled in some quarterback issues of their own. Kickoff is at 6pm.

Who do you think should be the Seahawks starting quarterback? Let us know in the comments below.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Annie Durkin in Sports on August 27, 2011 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

anniedurkin

The way Jackson played in last night's game did nothing to resolve the situation. He was sacked 5 times, and, while that is not all his fault, it shows some serious issues with our starting offense in general. Jackson went 13/22 for 93 yards, Whitehurst went 5/8 for 53 yards. There were eons of time in there where Jackson couldn't get anything going. Not saying Whitehurst is the answer to all our problems, but Jackson clearly doesn't fit the bill either.

Tigrrrl

Whitehurst looks good and deserves a shot at the starting job. Whatever happened to "Always Compete"? Jackson didn't; he was anointed.

Bo2012

Tavares Jackson has not impressed me. Pete Carroll told the players that Jackson was going to be the leader before he even saw him play in a Seahawk uniform. Why? I have yet to see what they see in Jackson and after researching his career, I am even less impressed. The Tennessee Titans have both of our quarterbacks now. We should have done everything we could have to get Jake Locker. Carroll doesn't understand the way we roll in Seattle. Drafting Jake Locker and keeping Hasselbeck would have excited the fans and sparked a renewed interest in professional sports. Now, the Seahawks are depressing this year. There is nothing to be excited about when I think of them.