Opinion ~ The Seattle Seahawks are truly one of, if not, the most underrated team in the NFL. You see a lot of media pages even including huge sports industries like ESPN ranking the Seahawks in the 20-25 range as a team, but I honestly think this team can make noise and be a top team in the NFC. I believe this because the team finally seems to be very well coached, and you cannot deny that this team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. 

Creator: Christian Petersen | Credit: Getty Images

Coaching Change

The biggest and most important change the Seahawks made in the offseason was officially ending the Pete Carroll Era in Seattle. There is no denying that Carroll was an outstanding coach for this team, winning a Super Bowl with the team during the Legion of Boom times, but it was definitely time for a change of scenery in the rainy city. Seattle chose to bring in former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach.

Macdonald is a defensive minded genius who is extremely smart at being able to use different types of schemes successfully. Macdonald led this defense and broke records while doing this. This Ravens defense became the first defense in history to finish with a triple crown in the NFL. This defensive group led in points allowed, sacks, and finally takeaways. This is extremely encouraging because an ongoing problem the Seahawks have had in previous years is the defense.

Defensive Talent

With Macdonald at head coach, I believe this Seahawks defensive group will take a huge step up and potentially become one of the best defensive groups in the league. As I mentioned earlier, this Seattle team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The defensive side of this team has many playmakers, and I believe Macdonald will be able to bring out the most potential out of all these players.

The biggest problem the Hawks have had is the inability to stop the run. This was a huge issue last year as Seattle let up 2352 rushing yards in 2023. Byron Murphy’s addition and a healthy Uchenna Nwosu will significantly strengthen the defensive line, which also features Jarran Reed, Leonard Williams, Dre’Mont Jones, and rising talent Derick Hall. However, the true strength lies in the cornerback room, led by Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, with depth from Tre Brown, rookies D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett, and Carlton Johnson. This stacked cornerback unit will play a crucial role this season and should excite fans about the team’s potential.

Offensive Talent

After you read about the Seahawks defense this year, you wouldn’t think it could get any better but it does. You will not find 5 teams in the NFL who have a better receiving core then Seattle. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and don’t forget Jake Bobo. In a Ryan Grubb offense these guys will thrive. Grubb was arguably the best OC in college football last year and his offensive scheming will help Seattle’s receivers flourish. DK Metcalf is poised to have another 1000+ yard season with double digit touchdowns, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should take a huge leap in his second year as coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear they want him to be a huge part of the offense.

You can also always expect Lockett to be Mr. Consistent while Jake Bobo will also contribute positively when given reps. The Hawks also have a very solid running back room led by Kenneth Walker. Walker will take another leap this year as he’s put on a lot of muscle and will most likely score double digit touchdowns. In order to be successful the Hawks will need solid offensive line play in front of them. The Hawks have had a good amount of trouble on the offensive line for a while now but this off-season the team has made it a priority to fill the trenches and hopefully get protection for Geno and open up holes for the running backs.

The Seahawks added RG Christian Haynes through the NFL draft, George Fant for RT depth, Laken Tomlinson at LG, and made the crucial signing of C Connor Williams. With Charles Cross and a healthy Abe Lucas, this line should effectively protect Geno Smith. Despite doubts, I have strong confidence in Geno. Last year’s struggles were partly due to poor play-calling by Shane Waldron, but new OC Ryan Grubb should help Geno operate a fast, efficient offense. Geno’s determination to prove doubters wrong, paired with Grubb’s innovative plays, could lead to an exciting season.

Seahawks 2024 Outlook

If you doubt this team’s potential in the NFC, think again. With a talented roster, strategic improvements, and a new coaching staff, they have the recipe to put together a strong 2024 campaign.

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