Seattle Seahawks Preview: The Offense

Our preview of the upcoming Seahawks season continues, and this time we take a quick look at the offense. The Seahawks will win because of their defense, but their offense must be able to do it’s part if the Seahawks are going to win. While I don’t think anyone will question that the Seahawks offense will be improved over last season, it remains to be seen if it will be improved enough to make a considerable difference in terms of wins and losses.

Key Newcomers

Aug 30, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Russell Wilson – The Seahawks third round draft pick in this past draft, Wilson played his way into the QB competition and the ultimately won it. On top of having good accuracy and a great strong arm, Wilson is a dynamic playmaker who can also make plays with his legs.

Robert Turbin – The Seahawks 4th round draft pick is the perfect backup for RB Marshawn Lynch. He has a tremendous combination of both power and speed, and led the entire NFL in yards per rushing attempt this preseason (with at least 25 carries).

Braylon Edwards – Edwards was signed about a week after training camp began, and quickly began putting on a show with one spectacular catch after another. Edwards should take over the roll that was filled by Mike Williams that past 2 years, so expect him to put some some good numbers, especially inside the red zone.

Key Contributors

Sydney Rice – Rice remains the team’s best and most dynamic wide receiver. When he’s healthy he completely changes the way the defenses have to play the Seahawks. The question remains whether or not he can stay healthy.

Dec 12, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin (15) hurdles receiver Ben Obomanu (87) and St. Louis Rams cornerback Rod Hood (26) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Doug Baldwin – 2011’s leading receiver returns as the Seahawk’s key slot receiver. Look for Baldwin to play a major roll on third down again for the Seahawks.

Marshawn Lynch – Beast Mode returns, and after rushing for over 1200 yards last season, he poised for an even bigger 2012. Look for Lynch to be the focus of the offense, as the Seahawks will once again focus on running the ball and passing via play action. The Seahawks just have to hope that his back problems don’t flair up again this season.

Strengths

The Running Game – A year ago, it took 6 weeks before Lynch and the running game found it’s legs, but once it did the Seahawks had one of the best running attacks in the NFL. This year, with most of the starting linemen back, the Seahawks appear ready to pick up right where they left off. With the addition of Turbin to help Lynch, and with the additional yards that the team will get from Wilson scrambling, the Seahawks running game should be even better.

Concerns

Pass Protection – While the offensive line is expected to be great at run blocking, the pass blocking is still a big question mark. Many of the linemen struggled at pass protection a year ago, and it remains to be seen if they have improved in that regard. As a team with a Rookie QB, the Seahawks really need their pass protection to be at least average so as to take some pressure off the young passer.

Rookie QB growing pains – Wilson looked good in the preseason, but it would be wrong not to expect some growing pains as he adjusts to NFL. The Seahawks must find a way to limit the damage when mistakes happen, and Wilson will have to make sure that any mistakes don’t come when they’ll cost the Seahawks wins.

Reasonable Prediction

The running game should be one of the best in the NFL this season. I’d be quite surprised if it’s not within the top 5 of the league at the end of the season.

The passing game likely wont be nearly as good. A rookie QB and below average pass blocking should limit the Seahawks success through the air this year. I still expect it to be improved over a year ago, but I think somewhere between the 15-20th in the NFL in passing yards is about all we can expect.