This week starts a new journey for the Seattle Seahawks, as they prepare for the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football to open their 2022 campaign. Seattle will be playing its first season without eight-time Pro-Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson and long-time linebacker Bobby Wagner. The loss of leadership from Wilson and Wagner is significant, but Seattle will have to move on. If Seattle wants to contend for the NFC West Division, they must show they can adjust to roster moves and rely on some key young players on both sides of the ball. Rather than tank, the Seahawks look to compete as the jobs of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider will depend on it.
[pickup_prop id=”27314″]
Storylines for the Seattle Seahawks Leading Up to Week One
Russell Wilson Returns Home to Seattle
There are several storylines set for week one of the 2022 NFL Season, but one of the biggest will be the return of Wilson to Lumen Field. Wilson created a Hall of Fame career with the Seahawks when drafted in the third round in the 2012 Draft. Wilson has guided the Seahawks to a 104-53-1 record as the starting quarterback, eight playoff appearances, four NFC West Divisional titles, two NFC Conference Championships, and one Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLVIII. After a disappointing 2021 off-season and the regular season, the Seahawks granted Wilson’s wishes to be traded to Denver. Seattle got a significant package in return that includes three players, two first-round picks, a 2022 and 2023 second-round pick, and a fifth-round pick. Seattle also sent a fourth-round pick in the deal.
Wilson now gets a chance to contend for another Super Bowl run with a more dynamic roster, and his first regular season is an emotional homecoming to Seattle. There will be cheers from Seahawks fans as they welcome Wilson back to Lumen Field, but when the game starts, it is a new season for Seattle. Geno Smith will have the opportunity to face the quarterback he had spent two seasons backing up. There will also be some tough moments in Week One as Pete Carroll, defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt, and the defenders must find a way to slow down their former teammate. There have been plenty of return games where Hall of Fame quarterback take on their former teams. The Seahawks, however, will feature a first where their former quarterback is playing against them in Week One.
Tyler Lockett Becomes the Leader of the Seahawks Offense
The offensive team captain will not be a quarterback for the first time in several seasons. Seattle has chosen wide receiver Tyler Lockett as its offensive captain for the 2022 NFL season. Lockett returns as one of the longest-tenured offensive players left on the team. The Seahawks selected Lockett in the third round (69th overall pick) in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has been a positive role model in the locker room and the community of Seattle. Lockett is coming off a third consecutive season where he accounted for at-least 1,000 receiving yards. Last season, Lockett caught 73 receptions for 1,173 yards (career-high) and eight touchdowns. He adds to the dynamic passing offense along with wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who got a huge extension this off-season.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Seattle didn’t name Geno Smith as an offensive captain. Smith could be replaced by backup quarterback Drew Lock after one bad game. The offensive line for the Seahawks looks to improve their performance after allowing 46 sacks last season. Another position that has key issues to address is the running back after having to cut Chris Carson. Veteran leadership is severely needed with the Seahawks going into the 2022 NFL season as Lockett may have to provide emotional support to the offense if productivity is down.
