The Seahawks stumbled badly last year, hurt by Matt Hasselbeck’s nagging back injury. He seem to have recovered, and Seattle improved by adding T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but the running game is still weak.

Quarterback: With Housh and the emergence of John Carlson, Hasselbeck may enjoy the best receiving target’s he’s had in years. But can he stay healthy? He might never put up QB1 numbers again (of course, everyone said that about Kurt Warner), but I think he might surprise as a QB2 — if the back holds up.

Running backs: This situation looks like it’s headed for a running back by committee, with Julius Jones getting the bulk of the carries and T.J. Duckett vulturing some touchdowns. We’re still waiting for Jones’ super season, and I doubt 2009 will be it; expect no more than 800 yards and four touchdowns, which is low-end RB3 territory. Duckett scored eight TDs last season, and chances are he’ll get at least five this year, but the yards are simply not there to rely on him as more than an RB4.

Wide receivers: Houshmandzadeh comes over from Cincinnati and shouldn’t miss a beat — 90 receptions and eight touchdowns are realistic, even if Hasselbeck is injured. Nate Burleson is coming off a knee injury, and Deion Branch in not the receiver he once was, so don’t rely on either of them as more than a WR5.

Tight ends: In his rookie season, Carlson caught 55 passes for 627 yards and five touchddowns. He might even improve upon those numbers this season, cementing him as a low-end TE1.

Kicker: Keep an eye during August to see if Brandon Coutu beats out Olindo Mare for the kicking job. Either way, neither is more than a lower-tier K2.