Keeping Wide Receiver In Perspective

I'm excited to see how the battle at wide receiver shakes out. I'm hoping that at least one player emerges much the way D.J. Hackett did a few years ago - coming out of nowhere (from the national perspective, but not for us, since so much focus has been put on the "young 'uns") to make big plays. I was disappointed to see both Obomanu and Taylor without any catches. That's probably worse for Obomanu, who started camp slow needs to show more to make the team, than Taylor, who the coaches love and see a ton of upside in. Payne gutted out a couple of catches, which also hurts Obomanu (I'm on record saying I think Taylor and Kent are on the team, and the final spot, if one is available, is between Obomanu and Payne, or even Michael Bumpus, who is making a late push for a spot should neither impress).

Still, none of the young receivers has performed in a way that would make me feel comfortable (in the short term) with Branch and Engram out. It sure would have been nice to have had Hackett resigned, even if only for one more year, to offset those losses. Right?

At this late stage of his career, many expected WR Muhsin Muhammad to be, at best, a No. 3 receiver for Carolina this season, but he could end up being the No. 1 target in the team’s first two games while Steve Smith serves his suspension. He seems to have a strong relationship with QB Jake Delhomme, and his main competition, WR D.J. Hackett, has been out battling toe and knee injuries. - PFW

I loved having Hackett on the Seahawks, but the truth was he couldn't stay healthy. All that could be hoped for was that he'd help some during the season and be healthy for the playoffs. Not that my opinion means anything, but good job, Ruskell. Any one of those young receivers is better than Hackett inactive with an injury.