By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

The Seahawks make another investment in their offensive line.

Of all the units under question going into the season, the Seahawks’ offensive line had the most significant questions.  The hiring of   Klint Kubiak as  the offensive coordinator and John Benton as the line coach indicated the direction the team was headed

The drafting of rookie Grey Zabel brought more clarity as to which direction the team was headed. To run the ball, the team’s Head Coach, Mike Macdonald, and General Manager, John Schneider, understood the value of a good offensive line.

TRUST AND BELIEF


  The next indicator of how the Seahawks valued their offensive line was when the team picked up the fifth year on left tackle Charles Cross’ contract. The move brings both sides to the negotiating table to work out a long-term deal.  On Thursday, the team made another investment in its offensive line when it signed tackle Abe Lucas to a three-year $64 million contract extension.

The signing of Lucas to a long-term deal can be looked at as either a leap of faith or a reward. Lucas has played 13 games in the last two years due to a knee issue. In his rookie season, Lucas played all 16 games. Extensive rehabilitation enabled Lucas to return to full health for the upcoming season. That is the reward part. The leap of faith by the Seahawks is that they are hoping the injuries are behind him.

“I’m so thankful for the organization for having faith in me. This deal is a testament to how much they believe in me. Injuries suck, and they’re tough to get through, but you put your head down and keep going. I did that as best I could,”  said Lucas during  Thursday’s press conference.

GRATEFUL TO THE ORGANIZATION

Macdonald announced the Seahawks’ offensive line starters for week one: Abe Lucas and Charles Cross will start at tackles, Zabel at right guard, Anthony Bradford at left guard, and Jalen Sundell. According to the Macdonald Center, Olu Oluwatimi will be the first offensive lineman off the bench, which would move Sundell to tackle or guard.   While the current offensive line scheme is different from any type he has played under, Lucas has embraced the new style and the way Benton teaches the unit.

“He was an offensive lineman, so he understands it; he understands the mentality. The thing I love about him the most is his attention to detail. He’s good at pointing out the little things. He points out the minute topics; it’s not all general. That’s the way you get better. I’m happy about that.”

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