Backed By Solid Draft Class, Pete Carroll Eyes Fresh Start With Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll admits he's a changed man since his last head coaching stint in New England, and he better hope he's right. There's a big difference between motivating college players and NFL players, and a successful run at USC (NCAA sanctions notwithstanding) won't add much credibility in the eyes of Seattle's players.

Here is a glance at the Seahawks in the second part of NESN.com's 32-day series that will take a lap around the NFL.

2009 Record: 5-11 (missed playoffs)

2010 Schedule Difficulty: Their opponents went a combined 116-140 (.453 winning percentage) in 2009, which is tied for the third-easiest schedule in the NFL.

Key Additions: Tackle Russell Okung (draft), safety Earl Thomas (draft), wide receiver Golden Tate (draft), running back Leon Washington, cornerback Walter Thurmond (draft), quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, tight end Chris Baker

Key Losses: Tackle Walter Jones, quarterback Seneca Wallace, wide receiver Nate Burleson, defensive end Patrick Kerney

Burning Question: Is this Matt Hasselbeck's last stand? The 12-year veteran has been on the downside of his career for several seasons, and he's played in all 16 regular-season games just twice in the last six years. If the Seahawks had more confidence in Hasselbeck, they wouldn’t have acquired the unproven Charlie Whitehurst for an absurd price. Hasselbeck, 34, is in the final year of his contract, and it's probably his last season in Seattle. If Hasselbeck doesn’t have a good year, it could also be his last year in the NFL.

2010 Outlook: The Seahawks have a decent amount of talent, particularly at linebacker, and they're coming off a really good draft. Carroll's initial excitement might get his younger players to buy what he's selling, and that’s a good thing for the Seahawks. If they can create some early momentum, they could contend in the weak NFC West, but a 2010 division title or playoff berth don’t appear to be in the cards.