Seattle Seahawks mid season grades

DEFENSIVE LINE:

• Midterm grade: C+
• Semester grade: A-

Overall the defense has found it’s stride, not allowing a single TD in the last two games, and nowhere has the improvement been more evident than up front. Cliff Avril is having his best season as a Seahawk and Michael Bennett was simply unblockable against the 49ers. Brandon Mebane is healthy again, as is key reserve Jordan Hill. Cassius Marsh flashed some of his ability (finally) in Dallas and could provide a key rotational piece moving forward. If the Hawks are to beat Arizona this Sunday, these guys are going to need to pressure Carson Palmer. My best is that they do.

The only reason for the minus is there are still times when the pass rush is inconsistent. Their sacks have come in bunches. The Cardinals much improved offensive line will be a good test.

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LINEBACKERS:

• Midterm grade: B
• Semester grade: A

Bobby Wagner is healthy and back up to full speed, and the combination of Bruce Irvin and K.J. Wright are playing as well as any OLB’s in the league.  In fact, Wright has been rated as the NFL’s best OLB by Pro Football Focus so far. Irvin has become a versatile weapon, moving up to rush the QB from the LEO spot, and also covering tight ends and receivers on long routes downfield. The depth hasn’t been great, despite flashes by Kevin Pierre-Louis, so the continued health of this unit will be key.

SECONDARY:

• Midterm grade: B+
• Semester grade: A

The decision to have Richard Sherman shadow the better WR’s has paid off big time. He held Dez Bryant to only two inconsequential catches in Dallas, and it’s allowed for better matchups for Cary Williams (who has been solid despite constant criticism from fans). De Shawn Shead has played so well in the slot that Marcus Burley has had a hard time winning that spot back since returning from injury. Earl Thomas looks completely recovered from his offseason shoulder surgery and is playing some of his best football, and Kam Chancellor has been his usual solid self as well.

And this group could get even better, as Jeremy Lane is almost ready to come off the PUP list, fully healthy for the first time since suffering serious injuries to his arm and knee in the Super Bowl.

SPECIAL TEAMS:

• Midterm grade: A
• Semester grade: B

Jon Ryan and Steven Hauschka have been their typical solid self, and the coverage teams have been outstanding, but the return game which was so dynamic with Tyler Lockett in the first few games has seemingly ground to a halt. They need to figure out how to find some return lanes for the outstanding rookie.

Next: Predicting the Seahawks second half, game by game

SUMMARY:

Overall the positional grades are up, but the winning percentage remains the same. The next four game stretch features three straight at home. Our next grade update will likely tell the story of just how far this Seahawk team can go.