35-year old Olindo Mare will be in a battle with rookie 23-year old Brandon Coutu to see who will replace Josh Brown in 2008.  Mare appears to have a slight edge right now based on his experience.  Mare played in 13 games with the Saints last season and he only made 10 of 17 field goals (58.8%).  He also converted all 34 of his extra points last season.  Mare has a good leg for distance but the Seahawks need him to be more accurate if the wants to win the starting job.  Mare has now played in 168 games in his NFL career and he has made 255 of 320 field goals (79.7%).  He has also converted 347 of 352 extra points (98.6%) in his career to date.

23-year old Brandon Coutu played in 43 games in his career at Georgia and he made 51 of 64 field goals (79.7%).  He also converted on all 109 of his extra points for the Bulldogs.  Coutu was 5 of 11 on field goals attempts over 50 yards and that’s pretty good.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  D