The Seahawks threw the rest of the league a curve ball earlier this year, trading for the No. 3 guy on the Chargers' quarterback depth chart. Immediately, Charlie Whitehurst was installed as the backup to Matt Hasselbeck and the heir apparent as the starter.
With the regular season only one preseason game away, there's a sense in Seattle that Whitehurst isn't as good as advertised.
The Clemson product drew raves in the preseason opener, generating a passer rating of 107.0 via 14 completions on 22 attempts for 214 yards and two touchdowns, along with an interception.
Since then, he has put up a dreadful 31.0 against the Packers (9-for-20 for 73 yards, with a touchdown and two picks) and 46.6 against the Vikings, with 12 completions in 26 attempts for 138 yards and a pick.
Said coach Pete Carroll, per Percy Allen of the Seattle Times: "He's had a play in there in each game that is really regrettable, you know the turnovers."
Whitehurst's subpar performances come at an interesting time for the team, given that Matt Leinart likely will be available on Saturday -- and given the growing belief that Leinart's former college coach will pounce on Leinart once he's available.
If Whitehurst can't get it done against the Raiders, it could be that Leinart will land at No. 2 on the depth chart, that Whitehurst will return to his familiar No. 3 spot, and that both of them will compete next year to replace Hasselbeck.
