If the 6-8 record didn’t already tell you the Seattle Seahawks were in trouble this season, their thoughts of naming Charlie Whitehurst the starting quarterback should spell out their problems. Seattle got blitzed at home by the Falcons 34-18, gaining just 234 yards on offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck went 10/17 for 71 yards and two interceptions.
The Seahawks actually started the game off with a 12-play, 80 yard touchdown drive to go up 7-0. Matt Hasselbeck led the team to points on two of his four first-half drives, but they went three-and-out twice. It was after halftime that things turned into a disaster.
Hasselbeck was strip-sacked on his first play of the third quarter, allowing the Falcons to recover for a touchdown. His next two possessions he was intercepted in his territory leading to a field goal and touchdown. After the putrid performance by Hasselbeck, the Seahawks turned to Charlie Whitehurst.
Whitehurst entered the game with his team down 34-10 and he led them on a touchdown drive to make it 34-18. His next two drives were unsuccessful, but his ability to move around the pocket makes him an alternative for Pete Carroll. Carroll hasn’t decided on a starter for next week’s game, but based on a poll, the fans want to see a change.
Charlie Whitehurst is not the answer for Seattle but Matt Hasselbeck just is not reliable. Still, with the team still in the mix for the division title they should stick with Hasselbeck. As bad as he’s been he still gives the Seahawks their best chance of winning.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson; AP Photo/John Froschauer
