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Seahawks hold early hopes for playoffs

NFL teams, like stealth bombers, are most productive when flying below the radar. Which is why Mike Holmgren`s flyboys are in perfect position to soar this season where no Seahawks have gone in 20 years. To the second round of the playoffs..

Of course, this wildly optimistic prediction is accompanied by one large caveat. If Matt Hasselbeck gets hurt for any significant length of time, all bets are off. That",s the risk the Seahawks run by heading into their season with a backup quarterback whose next regular-season snap will be his first.

If success starts at the top, this Seahawks squad at last has harmony -- and a much clearer plan -- from CEO Tod Leiweke to new general manager Tim Ruskell to returning salary-cap negotiator Mike Reinfeldt to old coach Mike Holmgren. Give that group time and good things will happen.