Hasslebecks' Back is Back

by Nick Andron on May 25, 2009 5:25 PM PDT

An article by David Boling from the News Tribune detailing what he's witnessed during OTAs

I'm a pretty realistic person, but it sounds like Matt is back to form. God knows what'll happen when he starts to get hit, but early indicators are very positive. Here's an excerpt:

When the Seahawks gathered for their team stretching drills, I saw one contortion that would convince even the most skeptical fan that Hasselbeck is fully recovered.

The players lay face-down on the grass, arms out to the side. They lift their left leg back up into the air and rotate it around to touch the ground on the right side of their body. Then they roll back and do the opposite with the other leg. It looks impossible for any vertebrate mammal other than yoga instructors.

The fact that Hasselbeck executes the stretch without becoming knotted or tearful is testimony to his health.

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If the linemen can do it, it can't be that difficult.

I’m having a hard time visualizing the described stretch, but I wouldn’t take much from the fact that Hasselbeck can participate in team stretches without his back exploding.

by sev79 on May 26, 2009 4:12 PM PDT reply actions

My dad had back problems for years

I know the stretch; pretty sure my Dad would be quickly calling for his mother within moments of attempting it.

It’s a very encouraging sign that his back is not hindering any of his motions or performance.

The big question (that everyone’s asking) is whether it’ll stand up to taking hits.

The demise of the Broncos in '09 is our future. Pray hard.

by Nick Andron on May 27, 2009 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Eh, fat people are a lot more flexible sometimes.

Shot putters are usually very flexible people (or at least the ones I know), and many distance runners are the least flexible people out there.

2010 Seahawks Mock: 1A: Eric Berry S, 1B: Ndamukong Suh DT, 2: Charles Brown OT, 4:Zac Robinson QB, 5: Stafon Johnson RB 6: Will Tukuafu DE, 7: Kerry Meier WR
Also acceptable, trade for Patrick Chung and draft Ed Wang so everyone can Wang Chung tonight.

by LantermanC on May 27, 2009 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions

I just can't imagine a scenario

where there wasn’t a ton of very encouraging media coverage re: Hasselbeck’s back this offseason. The only way I could take anything of substance away from all of it would be if it was less than convincing in any way, then I’d know we’re headed for trouble for sure. As it stands now, there’s nothing we can say except, we’ll see come game time.

by jacobstevens on May 26, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions

It could be perfectly fine right now.

But who’s to say if he gets drilled hard by someone like, say, Adrian Wilson, a different problem won’t arise?

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on May 26, 2009 6:13 PM PDT reply actions

Performing a controlled stretch is a touch different than getting piledriven into the ground by a D-lineman.

by BrianL on May 26, 2009 8:39 PM PDT reply actions

Of course it is.

But even people who have never had back problems or injuries can suffer a back injury while getting piledriven into the ground.

Doing stretches are an indicator that his back is fine and that he can do all the things that he does well to win, though personally, I am hesitant to alleviate my concerns by hearsay. I’d like to see for myself how his back is, but that would be impossible at this point. To talk about taking hits is an entirely different matter.

Sam Bradford, future Seattle Seahawk.

by Carl Shinyama on May 29, 2009 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions