Seahawks Training Camp Round Up - July 31

Missed my first shot today, but I am scheduled for two tomorrow. Let's see what the professionals have to say about today's camp.

We'll start with Mike Sando:

Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has no reservations about Matt Hasselbeck's ability to run bootlegs, which are a staple of the new offense. I'll develop this angle later in camp, but it's important for Hasselbeck to move well -- and Bates thinks it's a non-issue based on what he's seen.

Bootlegs and naked bootlegs, along with a moving pocket, are all facets of Bates offense. 34 is by no means old and Matt Hasselbeck is a professional athlete, so I wouldn't expect Hasselbeck to send up red flags in practice. The test of his ability to run bootlegs will start in the preseason and continue after every hit, every minor injury and throughout the season.

The subtext here might be more interesting: Bates will not radically change his offense for Hasselbeck. And I do not expect him to.

From Clare Farnsworth and the home site:

Golden Tate. The coaches didn’t waste any time getting the team’s just-signed second-round draft choice into the mix. Tate was working with veterans T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch in the No. 1 three-receiver sets and also was paired with Ruvell Martin in the No. 2 base offense.

Tate’s best catch came went he went up and over a defender to snag a Hasselbeck pass.

I wouldn't be the least surprised if Golden Tate starts the season as Seattle's starting flanker. Fast-tracking him to the first unit is the first step. Tate must make the next step. He needs to stay healthy. He should get a ton of pre-season snaps. And if he maximizes his opportunities, I expect him starting the season in Bates first three wide receiver set.

Our first injury, via Greg Johns:

Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, who had been working with the second unit, pulled up in the middle of the morning practice with what appeared to be a leg injury. He was helped off the team by trainers.

The 6-5, 321-pound Vickerson was acquired from Tennessee along with LenDale White in the draft-day trade.

I'd love to see Vickerson challenge Colin Cole for snaps. It might seem minor from afar, but Vickerson can push a pile where Cole strictly controls. This is a bad start obviously, but I wouldn't make too terribly much of it. Vickerson is a veteran, and if he's healthy before the season, it think Seattle has good reason to retain him.

Surprisingly little else to report. I am champing at the bit to get there myself.

Leon Washington and Walter Thurmond are both practicing. I wouldn't worry about Washington. If he's in, he should be as good as new. That Thurmond could practice is not proof that he's close to game ready. Let's see how he responds to a few consecutive days of wear and tear. But, obviously, having Washington and Thurmond in camp is encouraging.

As reported elsewhere, Owen Schmitt, Chester Pitts and former USC cornerback Josh Pinkard start the season on the PUP list. All three are interesting in their own ways, Pinkard included.

Lots of copy given to how upbeat Pete Carroll is. For enthusiasm, Carroll is every bit the equal of Jim Mora. Luckily, enthusiasm doesn't mean a ton. Yet it surprises me the same stories are being reported just a year later.