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.
