Not like final 12 months, there may be widespread expectation that the Seattle Seahawks will make the playoffs in 2023. The weakened state of the NFC West, mixed with the uncertainty at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has generated hope that Seattle can win the division for the primary time since 2020.
I don’t imagine I’m off-base in saying that fairly a bit did need to go proper for Seattle that was past the staff’s management. As talked about earlier, half the NFC West imploded and the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams have been two of the worst groups within the league. The AFC West was overestimated closely however solely the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs truly lived as much as the billing, and we all know what occurred with the Denver Broncos. And but, Seattle additionally obtained to play all the NFC South they usually have been swept anyway. On the plus aspect, the Seahawks obtained a lot better play from Geno Smith than most had anticipated, and the rookie class contributed massively to the staff’s largest successes on either side of the ball.
The optimism for the 2023 Seahawks is centered closely round Geno sustaining if not enhancing his efficiency, likewise for the 2022 draft class, in addition to getting main contributions from this 12 months’s rookie class. However there are nonetheless query marks in regards to the run protection, the move rush, center linebacker depth, Jamal Adams’ well being (and skills if he can play), and the line of defense as an entire. When it comes to the schedule, on paper it’s daunting contemplating the NFC East despatched three groups to the playoffs final season, and the AFC North is up there with the AFC East for finest division (on paper!) within the NFL.
The development of the protection is just about a should for Seattle to be a contender, and that goes with out saying. I’ll argue that the offense is definitely by a substantial distance what is going to decide the Seahawks’ destiny. As I wrote earlier within the 12 months, Tremendous Bowl contenders (not essentially champions) with out top-10 defenses occur on a regular basis, however not having a top-10 offense is virtually loss of life. Seattle didn’t have a top-10 offense by DVOA by the top of final 12 months, and the increase or bust nature of the run sport definitely mattered loads on that entrance.
If the Seahawks offense doesn’t elevate itself right into a persistently top-tier unit this season, they don’t have any probability of contending. So regardless that the protection will seize loads of consideration as a result of it’s been such a sub-par unit for years now, I’m fixated on what the offense can do to tug itself up alongside the league’s elite.
What do you imagine would be the deciding issue(s) for the Seahawks of their quest for not only a playoff berth, however an precise postseason run versus an immediate exit? Tell us by scrolling right down to the feedback part!
