It is difficult to see the cracks of the franchise full up as full fractures that impacted this 2021 NFL season for the Seattle Seahawks. This team had the talent and coaches to compete in a tough NFC West Division and make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. Instead, the Seahawks encountered their first losing season since the 2011 NFL Season. However, it was not all bad for the Seahawks, as they showed they could rebound quickly and prepare for a successful 2022 season. Several players had a huge season as they earned the title of players of the year. Despite some down performances on both sides of the ball, some fantastic individual performances earned some special recognition. These are the players for the Seattle Seahawks that earned special end of the 2021 season awards.
Seattle Seahawks 2021 Season Team Awards
Most Valuable Player: QB Russell Wilson
It was a tough season for the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback as Wilson’s consistent and efficient performance could not propel the Seahawks past their huge offensive flaws. Wilson finished in the top five of the season in quarterback rating with 103.1. He also had 11 games where he threw for over 200 yards. When Wilson was given time to pass, he had huge performances. His best performance came in Week 1, where he threw for 18-of-23 completions for 254 yards, four touchdowns, and a 152.3 in the 28-16 road win against the Indianapolis Colts. His most efficient games came in the 30-23 home win against the San Francisco 49ers. Wilson threw for 30-of-37 completions for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Wilson’s record this season was 6-8 as a starter, but he put the Seahawks in more winning situations than in losing ones.
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Tyler Lockett
Out of the offensive players not named Russell Wilson, Lockett has been one of the important players for the Seahawks. This season, Lockett has been one of the most consistent and impactful skilled players for the Seahawk. Lockett finished the 2021 season catching 73 receptions for 1,175 yards (most-on-team) and eight touchdowns. He had five games this season where he accounted for at least 100 receiving yards compared to one from D.K. Metcalf. One of his best games came in the 28-16 road win over Indianapolis, where he caught four receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns. It has remained clear that Lockett remains the explosive and elusive receiver for Seattle’s passing game.
Defensive Player of the Year: S Quandre Diggs
Diggs followed an impressive 2020 NFL season by having one of the best defensive performances in the NFL. He finished the 2021 NFL season by accounting for 94 total tackles (third-on-team), 66 solo tackles, seven breakups, and five interceptions (most-on-team). Diggs was one of the most consistent defenders in the Seahawks run and pass defense. He finished the season with the top overall grade by Pro Football Focus at 71.6. One of his most impactful games accounted for seven total tackles, five solo tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception in the 28-21 road win over the San Francisco 49ers. Diggs was selected to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this season as he continues to develop as one of the best all-around safeties in the league.
Comeback Player of the Year: RB Rashaad Penny
Last year was a difficult season for Penny as he was put on I.R. and could only play three games. To make matters worse for Penny, he was placed there again on October 2nd. He was, however, able to return in late October as he had one of the best performances in his career. The Seahawks run game improved significantly when he returned to the starting lineup. Penny rushed for 749 yards and six touchdowns on 119 carries. This season, he had four 100-yard rushing performances as the Seahawks were 3-1 in those games. He also had two games where he accounted for two rushing touchdowns. His best game was in the 38-30 road win at the Arizona Cardinals. He is set to become a free agent this off-season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: OT Jake Curhan
The Seahawks didn’t have the best 2021 NFL Draft with their three picks. They found a solid potential starter at offensive tackle in the sixth round in Stone Forsythe, but they found a more capable starter in an undrafted star in Jake Curhan. He played in 15 games this season for Seattle while starting in the last five at right tackle. With Curhan as the starting right tackle, the Seahawks were 3-2 with wins at Houston, over Detroit, at Arizona. He solidified himself as one of the more consistent run blockers and pass protectors late in the season. With an impressive rise as the starter, he will be the more reliable offensive lineman moving forward. There could be potential for Curhan to play left tackle if the Seahawks decide to move on from Duane Brown, who will be 37-years old when the 2022 NFL season starts.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: CB Tre Brown
Without many high-caliber Draft picks to analyze, there wasn’t much of a debate of a defensive rookie of the year for the Seahawks 2021 awards. Even Brown didn’t have much competition, he had a good season for the small portion of portions he was able to provide. Brown started the season on I.R. with a knee sprain. He didn’t start playing until Week 6. His first start didn’t occur until Week 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His best performance came in the 17-0 road loss to the Green Bay Packers. Brown was efficient in his ability to read the eyes of quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and make a pass breakup on fourth down to force a turnover on downs. Brown suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the season with ten total tackles, nine tackles, and one pass breakup. His season was short, but there was potential.
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