NFC WEST Hutchinson's return gives Seahawks more optimism

CHENEY, Wash. (AP) -- Steve Hutchinson planted his foot on the turf and tried to change directions. Then came a pop, and he knew something was wrong.
"I wasn't sure if it was broken, or maybe a torn ligament," Hutchinson said Wednesday. "I tried to stand up on it and it wasn't going. Surgery two hours later. They put some screws in there and I was on my way to rehab."
That summarized the 2002 season for the Seattle Seahawks starting left guard, who missed 12 games with a broken right leg.
It wasn't the first injury for Hutchinson, who had shoulder surgeries in college at Michigan, but those always happened when the season was over. This was the first time he'd been forced into an extended break from football.
"It was real hard," Hutchinson said. "You're sitting at home and you're watching the guys play on TV. You make every practice and mini-camp. You work so hard in training camp, and then you're just not out there to help contribute."
The Seahawks struggled through a 7-9 season last year, and an offensive line that seemed to change every week was part of the problem. Center Robbie Tobeck and guard Chris Gray were the only linemen to play all 16 games.
Coach Mike Holmgren is expecting more stability and success this fall, and Hutchinson's return is one of the biggest reasons. In fact, Holmgren said he thinks the 6-foot-5, 313-pound Hutchinson "should go to the Pro Bowl every year.
"He's assignment correct. He's aggressive. He's tough. ... He's a bit of a throwback. He just does his job and keeps his mouth shut," Holmgren said.
Holmgren went on to call Hutchinson one of the best guards in football, high praise indeed for a third-year player. Hutchinson said he appreciates the compliment but can't dwell on it.
"You've still got to do your thing," he said. "If the team has success, there will be enough individual awards to go around. My focus is on making us good enough to get into the postseason."