Seattle, WA
Seahawks Q&A: What’s the best-case scenario for Seattle in 2022?
This week’s Seahawks Q&A options questions on Seattle’s best-case state of affairs in 2022 and the way forward for the NFC West.
Lefko: Why that is the 12 months Seahawks will lastly characteristic TEs extra
With so many great questions submitted on Twitter, this turned the ultimate installment of a three-part mailbag. You’ll be able to learn half one right here, and half two right here.
@SteakCzar: What could be your absolute best-case state of affairs for the Seahawks this season? (Aside from the plain Tremendous Bowl win.)
A top-five protection and a top-five run recreation.
Extensive receiver DK Metcalf is likely one of the largest stars on this workforce, and deservedly so. On the shut of 2022, he’ll nonetheless be an enormous star. However the best-case state of affairs for the Seahawks is that the checklist grows over the subsequent a number of months, particularly with the addition of younger defenders. Why? As a result of it means the guess Pete Carroll made – that he can win one other championship with out sacrificing his core philosophy – could have paid off for at the least one season.
It additionally means Seattle’s investments are paying off. Rashaad Penny may be enjoying on a comparatively team-friendly deal this 12 months, however he was nonetheless a former first-round choose. They used a second-round choose on rookie halfback Ken Walker, a first-round choose on linebacker Jordyn Brooks, a second-round choose on Darrell Taylor, and traded two firsts for Jamal Adams earlier than making him the very best paid security in NFL historical past. If any of those gamers discover their title within the All-Professional or Professional Bowl dialog this season, take into account 2022 successful.
A top-five protection or top-five run recreation wouldn’t essentially make Seattle a playoff workforce (although boasting each will surely enhance these odds). The Carolina Panthers gave up the second-fewest yards final 12 months to opposing offenses and missed the postseason, whereas New Orleans completed prime three in weighted DVOA and in addition fell quick. However making enhancements in each classes shall be a key measuring stick for the Seahawks this 12 months.
@Luicas69: When do the Seahawks plan to be in competition for the division?
It’s an amazing query, and sadly depending on a ton of variables, the solutions to lots of which aren’t particularly clear simply but.
A simple place to start out is by trying on the quarterbacks, entrance workplace stability, and stars.
Rams defensive sort out Aaron Donald is returning to Los Angeles – a lot to the chagrin of the remainder of the NFC West – on a reworked three-year contract, although their stalwart proper sort out Rob Havenstein is enjoying beneath the ultimate 12 months of his contract and huge receiver Cooper Kupp shall be looking for a brand new deal after 2023.
In Arizona, each Budda Baker and Kyler Murray grow to be free brokers in March 2024. The Cardinals will presumably lengthen their franchise quarterback, however (because it does with any workforce) that’ll restrict the pliability they’ve for different contracts.
In San Francisco, there’s the curious case of Trey Lance, a gifted passer who lacked the school expertise of another excessive picks and has but to take over as a full-time starter. If he works out and turns into each bit as particular because the 49ers thought he may very well be, then they one thing each workforce envies: A difference-maker on a rookie deal. In the meantime although, they’ll want to determine what to do about Deebo Samuel’s extension. The star wideout accounted for 1,770 yards from scrimmage for the 49ers (670 greater than the next-closest participant) and 14 all-purpose touchdowns (eight greater than the next-closest participant).
Then you definately’ve obtained Seattle. The Seahawks might want to work out what to do about DK Metcalf’s contract. It’s one I at the moment anticipate them to get executed, however you by no means actually know with this workforce. In addition they want to seek out their quarterback of the long run. If Drew Lock can excel as a recreation supervisor on a workforce with a top-ranked protection or top-ranked run recreation, that’s nice – however it won’t be sufficient ultimately. Simply ask Titans followers and 49ers followers, each of whom have seen wildly proficient and aggressive groups fall wanting the Tremendous Bowl with out elite quarterback expertise. Discovering that participant is much from a easy process, contemplating different franchises have tried and failed for many years. However ought to they, they’ll have one of many extra team-friendly quarterback contracts within the division in two to 3 years.
Is Drew Lock exhibiting sufficient to maintain Seahawks from getting Mayfield?