Is Seattle's Linebacker Core in Question With Tatupu's Absence?

Seattle middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu's lack of performance forced the hands of the Seahawks organization, asking the short, stalky and once formidable team captain to take a pay cut. Tatupu refused and ties were cut between the team and the player.

There's a chance he could return, but I don’t see that happening. He hasn't found a home yet but has visited Oakland and Washington. And the Bears have expressed interest. Tampa Bay is rumored to have its eyes on him too. Is David Hawthorne just as tough or even better than Tatupu?

Speaking of the linebacker position, what's the deal with Aaron Curry, our thought-to-be Pro Bowl stud from Wake Forest University? Expectations have been high as a great outside linebacker. Seattle drafted him in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Curry may have never settled into one position. He played multiple situations this past year, more like a hybrid. It worked but it wasn't completely suited to Curry’s talents. His speed caused him to overrun plays or lose field assignment.

As far as the game against Minnesota—where the Seattle's first-team offense recorded zero points in the first half—Curry did not look that great. He got into a shoving match with Ryan Cook and took off Cook's helmet and threw it right in front of an official, costing the Seahawks a 15-yard personal foul.

It kept Minnesota’s drive alive and perhaps wondering if resigning Tatupu was the right decision.

The other is Leroy hill, who had a great game and looked like a new man. He finished with two tackles, which isn't impressive. But what was impressive was how quickly he recognized plays and made tackles. Seattle's linebacker questions could be remedied if Hill gets back to his previous form.

This week the defense out-performed the offense. But that's not saying much. The more the Seahawks' defense is on the field, the more likely they will wear down.