The last team to repeat as Super Bowl champions was in 2005 when the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, Super Bowl winners have had a tough time the following season. Last season, the Baltimore Ravens failed to qualify for the postseason following their Super Bowl victory. The previous season, the New York Giants also didn’t make the playoffs following their Super Bowl win. With key free agent departures, a target on their back, and playing in the NFL’s toughest division, the Seattle Seahawks face a difficult road ahead in 2014.
Seattle Seahawks Repeat Bid Faces Long Odds
The main task in the Seattle offseason was to lock up All-Pro secondary players Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. They accomplished that. However, after extending their two young cornerstones on defense, they had less money to pay free agents. Cornerbacks Walter Thurmond and Brandon Browner left for greener pastures. Defensive linemen Chris Clemons, Clinton McDonald, and Red Bryant also changed teams. On offense, wide receiver Golden Tate departed for Detroit and offensive lineman Breno Giacomini bolted as well. In addition, running back Marshawn Lynch is holding out for more money.
Seattle’s defense was the best in the NFL last season and was the main reason why the Seahawks destroyed the Broncos in the Super Bowl. They had a menacing pass rush with 44 team sacks and led the league in interceptions with 28. Key players such as Sherman and Thomas as well as Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright still make Seattle a formidable defense. However, it was the depth last season that made this group so special. They were able to withstand key injuries and perform at a high level. Without their depth from last season, any injuries to one of their top players will be a crucial blow to their chances.
On offense, the Seahawks had a top five rushing offense in the league led by Pro Bowler Marshawn Lynch. Their prize offseason acquisition, wide receiver Percy Harvin, was injured for most of the season before returning in the Super Bowl where he returned a kick for a touchdown. Their top receiver, Golden Tate, is gone, but Harvin should be able to put up even better numbers provided he stays healthy. The biggest problem is Lynch’s holdout. Quarterback Russell Wilson is an excellent game-manager, but was never asked to put the team on his back. This season he may have to, especially if Lynch’s holdout continues for longer. The Seahawks have an excellent backup with plenty of potential in Christine Michael, but without Lynch they have a lot of question marks heading into the year. The offensive line has been a problem the past few seasons and their best player Russell Okung is often banged up.
While the roster remains one of the best in the league, it has many more question marks than it did last season. In addition, the NFC West is the toughest division in the league. St. Louis and Arizona have both improved greatly and there is no easy out in the six division games Seattle plays. Their schedule is also one of the toughest in the league as they play only four teams with a 2013 record under .500.
Seattle has a target on their back following the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. With a weaker roster than a season ago, Lynch’s holdout, and a difficult schedule, the odds are stacked against them as they hope to become the first repeat Super Bowl champions in the last decade.
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Thank you for reading. Ron Leyba is the lead editor of Fantasy Football Overdose, and a LastWordOnSports Analyst. For more of his NFL articles, follow his updates at NFL Fantasy Football Rankings Facebook or follow him on twitter @ronniedare. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
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