Once again, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in the enviable position as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Ever since falling one yard shy of back-to-back championships, Hawks fans have dreamt of redemption. The obvious question is: What do the Seahawks need to make this dream a reality? Here are the five most important questions that will determine whether the Seahawks can claim their elusive second title.
Unanswered Questions That Will Determine The Seattle Seahawks Fate This Season
Will The Seahawks Be Able To Repair Their Weakened Offensive Line?
In many ways, the offensive line is the most pressing of all the Seahawks’ concerns. Seattle has a tremendous amount of talent at the skill positions, including quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Their star players are capable of making big plays when they have the time and space to operate effectively. Two years ago, Seattle’s offense played extremely well even after the departure of running back Marshawn Lynch. When young tailback Thomas Rawls succumbed to injury, Seattle implemented a wide open, pass-oriented offense that proved highly successful. The only impediment last season was an offensive line that often left quarterback Russell Wilson scrambling to throw away the ball to avoid being sacked.
The Seahawks addressed this issue during the offseason, acquiring offensive linemen Luke Joeckel and Oday Aboushi, who can both play at either tackle or guard. They also drafted center Ethan Pocic in the second round. The team now has the talent necessary to resolve the issue, but it remains to be seen whether the new players can play well together as a unit. The Seahawks recently released offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, one of their stronger and more experienced linemen. With guard Germain Ifedi and tackle George Fant also playing only their second year of professional football, the line will need guidance and leadership from their coaches and franchise quarterback.
Will The Seahawks Implement A Run-First Or A Pass-Oriented Offense?
In many ways, the answer to the first question will determine the answer to this question. Last year, head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell showed a willingness to rely on the run until it became apparent their rushing attack was not sufficient to score touchdowns, or even many field goals. The offense managed to score only one touchdown in their first two games combined. Once they began passing the ball more often, the offense accelerated somewhat, but still fell short in many games. The signing of running back Eddie Lacy indicates the coaching staff would like to rely primarily on the run if possible. Running the ball is often the safest method since it eliminates the possibility of interceptions and incompletions. Reliance on the run is frequently not adequate to achieve high scoring, however. The Seahawks offense is most effective when they are willing to take chances passing the ball.
Who Will Emerge As The Team’s Primary Rusher?
The addition of Lacy adds depth to a roster that already includes talented running backs Rawls, C.J. Prosise and Alex Collins. This availability of multiple options begs the question: How will the Seahawks balance the number of carries and amount of playing time each player receives. Rawls is more of a power back who prefers to run straight up the middle. Prosise uses more finesse, occasionally even acting as a wide receiver. Collins is also a solid backup option. In the past, Rawls and Prosise have been susceptible to injury, creating the need for Collins to step up as a starter. Does the inclusion of Lacy to the lineup indicate that he will now play the role of the team’s leading rusher? The answer will depend on the performance of the offensive line and whether Rawls and Prosise remain healthy.
Will The Defense Continue To Play At An Elite Level?
All signs point to Yes. On paper, Seattle’s defense looks virtually bulletproof. Many fans mistakenly believe the team’s star defensive backs known as the Legion of Boom are aging veterans. Seattle’s star secondary rose to prominence at a young age, making the players appear older than they really are. In reality, cornerback Richard Sherman and strong safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are just now entering their prime. Still, the game’s highest level requires optimal athleticism, ensuring there are never any guarantees. Even small setbacks can mean the difference between deflecting an errant pass and allowing a heartbreaking touchdown. Seattle’s defense is strong at all phases, including the line, linebacker, and backfield positions. If for some reason they are unable to compete at the same high level, it would seriously hamper their championship hopes. Most likely, though, the team will continue to play at the level fans have come to expect in the upcoming season.
Can The Seahawks Convert Big Play Opportunities?
A little luck always helps. Provided they can fix their problems on the offensive line, the offense is capable of progressing towards the end zone with a balanced passing and rushing attack. Winning the Super Bowl, however, will require a certain amount of good fortune. The Seahawks have been known to utilize trickery in their game plan, often with positive results. A remarkable touchdown pass from wide receiver Doug Baldwin to Wilson was one of the highlights last season, especially ironic since the combination is usually in reverse. Even punter Jon Ryan ran for long yardage in a fake punt against the Los Angeles Rams last season. Dominant play defensively, and solid play offensively, will carry the team a long way, as it did last year. The Seahawks will need more long runs and deep passes in order to reach the next level, however. Awe-inspiring runs by Lynch and mesmerizing deep passes to former wide receiver Golden Tate were the missing ingredients last year. This year, the Seahawks will need to convert more big plays if they hope to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
Provided they remain healthy, the Seahawks are as good, or better, than any team in the league. If the offensive line improves, the question may be: Can anyone stop the Seahawks? If the team is unable to resolve these minor issues, they will still be a good team, just not a great team. They will likely make the playoffs next year, simply in virtue of playing in an admittedly weak division. If they maintain their defense, and fine tune their offense, they are capable of reaching extraordinary heights.
