As of right now, the slates are clean and every team’s record is 0-0. No wins. No losses. But we are free to speculate who comes out on top and who falls. The Seattle Seahawks are one of the teams under debate. They are one of the most superior teams in the league, possessing a top five defense and offense. This article discusses the Seahawks best and worst case scenarios for 2016, while they attempt to follow up their 2013 Super Bowl victory.
Seattle Seahawks Best and Worst Case Scenarios in 2016
Best Case: 12-4
Undeniably, the Seattle Seahawks are one of the best, if not the best team in the National Football League. They have only missed one playoff season since 2010, the same year the Seahawks hired former USC head coach, Pete Carroll, to lead their team. Since then, they have appeared in two Super Bowls back-to-back, winning one.
Worst Case: 10-6
It’s pretty unlikely the Seahawks take a downfall. But the NFC West division is compiled of tough rivalries. The Seahawks must go through three other teams, the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers, twice every season to get to the playoffs. In 2015, the Seahawks fell to second place in the division behind Arizona, still managing to reach the playoffs where they were eliminated in the divisional round.
There are really only a few factors that could factor into the Seahawks fall. The players and injuries.
Counting on the Players
In 2015, fans saw Russell Wilson perform in his best season yet. He compiled a career high of over 4,000 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 68. He also broke numerous franchise records, including the first quarterback in Seahawks history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season, most passing touchdowns with 34, and a passer rating of 110. He was also the first quarterback in NFL history to have three or more touchdown passes and no interceptions in five consecutive games.
2016 will mark the return of Jimmy Graham since he tore his patellar tendon in week 12 of the 2015 season. Nearly fully recovered ten months after his injury, there’s hope that Graham can return to the glory days that he had in New Orleans for the upcoming season, his second in the Emerald City. If Graham can stay healthy and finally adjust to his time in Seattle, he will come out with a tremendous season.
Running Backs
The Seahawks saw the retirement of Marshawn Lynch early in the off-season. But there was no panic as they looked to the second man on the depth chart: Thomas Rawls. Rawls had an exceptional season when he took over for the injured Lynch until he became injured himself. Coming back from a broken foot, he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2016 season.
Rawls isn’t the only running back on the Seahawks roster. Currently fighting for a spot on the roster are rookies C.J. Prosise (Notre Dame), Alex Collins (Arkansas) and Troymaine Pope (Jacksonville State). Also in midst of position battles is veteran Christine Michael.
Defensive Roster
The Seahawks have one of the best defenses in the NFL. But they have their struggles. In the off-season, they lost two notable players including Bruce Irvin (Oakland Raiders) and Brandon Mebane (San Diego Chargers). But they also added a few players including Quinton Jefferson and Jarran Reed, both defensive tackles, in the 2016 NFL draft. The Seahawks could find themselves another grab at a Super Bowl title if the defense can remain at the top.
Offensive Line
The Seahawks offensive line is one thing that could stop them from having another breakout season. In the past they have struggled to protect their quarterback. Wilson is one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league, having a career high amount last season. In the off-season they lost Russell Okung (Denver Broncos), J.R. Sweezy (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Alvin Bailey (Cleveland Browns). In reality, they didn’t really add anything to the offense. Right now on the offensive line are Garry Gilliam, Mark Glowinski, Justin Britt, Germain Ifedi, and J’Marcus Webb.
