Tarvaris Jackson prepares for incumbent role
RENTON – Asked this week who will start at quarterback for the 2012 Seahawks, coach Pete Carroll said he plans to stick with Tarvaris Jackson.
“Yeah, that’s where we are,” Carroll said. “… Now, that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to look at the draft really hard and all the opportunities. We’ll always do that at every position.”
The sixth-year pro will be in the second year of a two-year, $8 million contract. He’s 7-6 as a starter, passing for 2,869 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions – all career bests. He thinks he’ll be even better with a full offseason of work.
He also understands his starting spot isn’t guaranteed. Carroll made similar comments about Matt Hasselbeck late last season, only to let the veteran leave for Tennessee.
“I’m just trying to finish this season and make sure I focus on this game,” Jackson said. “And try (to be) the best I can be for this game. But next year is next year. I’ve got to get healthy and make sure I’m healthy first.
“The vote of confidence is good, but you know how fast things can change. But I understand that part of the game, and that’s not going to affect me, period.”
Jackson said the torn pectoral muscle injury he suffered in early October likely will not require surgery.
He said he’s been lifting weights for a couple of weeks, but there’s still an evaluation process he must pass with team trainers and doctors to avoid surgery.
“I’ll probably just do a couple things to help strengthen it,” he said. “And that’s good on my end because I really didn’t want to have to go through that. Four to six months after having surgery, that’s time missed with the guys in OTAs and stuff like that.”
RELIABLE HAUSCHKA
Kicker Steven Hauschka showed up five days before the season kicked off, a waiver wire claim after Denver released him, allowing Seattle to waive veteran Jeff Reed.
After his first full season as a starting NFL placekicker, the 26-year-old appears to have become acclimated to his new surroundings.
“He’s made the adjustment well,” said Seattle punter Jon Ryan, who also holds for Hauschka’s kicks. “I think he’s finally had that full season to prove himself, and he’s done that.”
Hauschka’s 23-for-27 accuracy on field-goal tries (85.2 percent) – with a long of 52 yards – puts him among the top 15 kickers this season. Hauschka is perfect on 32 extra-point attempts, and he tied a franchise high for field goals in one game by going 5-for-5 in a win over one of his former teams, Baltimore.
Hauschka replaced Olindo Mare, who left in free agency after the Seahawks applied the franchise tag to keep him around last season.
The Seahawks appeared to make the right move. Mare, 38, has struggled since signing a four-year, $12 million with Carolina.
Mare’s 21-for-27 accuracy (77.8 percent), with a long of 45 yards, caused the team to bring in free agent kicker Adi Kunalic for the final month.
Still, Mare is second in the league in touchbacks with 51.
Hauschka has only 24 touchbacks, which is tied for 23rd in the league, and that’s an area where he thinks he can get better.
Hauschka said he didn’t get to work on strength or technique during the offseason because he underwent hip surgeries.
“I really didn’t get to kick until in July,” he said. “So I’ve been kind of fighting that all year long, just getting a late start on everything and getting my body back to normal.”
Hauschka, who signed a one-year deal with a base salary of $600,000, would like to stay with the Seahawks.
“I’d love to stick around here,” Hauschka said. “Hopefully the organization gives me that opportunity to stay here for a long time.”
EXTRA POINTS
Seattle linebacker David Hawthorne and receiver Ben Obomanu did not practice for a second straight day because of knee problems. Offensive tackle Breno Giacomini (abdominal) and defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (calf) also did not practice. QB Jackson (pectoral), cornerback Kennard Cox (hamstring), defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (concussion) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (concussion) all were full participants.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437
eric.wiliams@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
