Seahawks focusing on enhancing passing game to balance offense

It has been well known for a number of seasons now that the Seahawks have a run-first offense.

With Marshawn Lynch (and Shaun Alexander prior to him) in the backfield, why would the focus be anywhere else?

As successful as the game plan has been recently, the Seahawks are slightly shifting their focus to the passing game to take some pressure off Lynch.

When Golden Tate left the Seahawks to sign with the Detroit Lions, some fans grew concerned that the team would not be able to replace him this offseason.

Alas, Seattle proved once again that their front office knows exactly what they are doing.

They drafted not one, but two excellent receivers, signed a former CFL standout and re-signed a receiver that already knows the offense and has proven his effectiveness when healthy.

Can you name all four players I just mentioned? Yes, Paul Richardson, Kevin Norwood, Chris Matthews and Sidney Rice.

And don’t forget about Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse, each of whom have shown what they can do when the ball is put in their hands.

All of these receivers will allow the Seahawks to have a more balanced offense when the 2014 season gets underway. They are all targets that will give Russell Wilson the ability to make even bigger plays than he already has.

The Seahawks defense gets the recognition it deserves as the top-ranked D in the league, but the Seahawks offense looks like it is trying to make a serious push as one of the most explosive offenses in the league as well.

They have the weapons.

Richardson, out of Colorado, has great speed and agility combined with excellent hands. We have mentioned before how much he plays the game like DeSean Jackson.

Check it out:

Norwood, from Alabama, on the other hand, plays the game utilizing his ridiculous size. If there is a jump ball, the odds are that he is going to come down with it. A big red-zone target is something the Seahawks have been looking for and they may have it if Norwood proves his worth.

He’s a smart guy that’s a decent route runner and could fit in nicely as a big target outside for Wilson.

Here are some highlights:

We know what Sidney Rice is capable of and if he can stay healthy next year, he should be a great contributor. And do I really need to talk about how Harvin will contribute?

Switching to a balanced offense is good news for all parties — and it will take some stress off Lynch who is starting to rack up  miles on his body, especially in Seattle.

Training camp is closer than it seems. It will be then that we will see how Pete Carroll and company decide to work the offense.

The  pieces are there. Now it’s time to get to work.