Optimism abounds after a peaceful, and by all appearances successful off season for the Seattle Seahawks.
It feels so much different than last year.
Coming off the dramatic and heart-breaking loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, last year’s off season was a tumultuous one for the Seahawks. That, and a bad hand provided for them by the league’s schedule makers, led to a bad start that they never fully overcame before bowing out in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
This year appears to be different, for many reasons.
Five of them in fact.
Here are 5 reasons to think the Seahawks will win the Super Bowl in 2017:
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THIS SEAHAWK TEAM IS HEALTHIER
Last year at this time we were sweating out the off season shoulder surgery of Earl Thomas, as well as the rehabilitation of Richard Sherman. There were conflicting reports about Thomas’ recovery, and at one point it looked like he wasn’t going to be ready for the start of the season. He was, but played in a brace and didn’t look like his old self until a few games into the schedule.
This year, there’s the Jimmy Graham knee injury and that’s about it. This team should be healthy and more refreshed than ever after back-to-back Super Bowl runs that cut into their recovery time and left them beat up.
Next: All hands on deck
EVERYONE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTED FOR IN TRAINING CAMP
Michael Bennett talked openly about being unhappy with his contract last off season, so we weren’t sure if he would show up for camp or not. Kam Chancellor said nothing about his situation and then blindsided everyone by holding out for all of camp and the first two weeks of the regular season. By all reports, and even based on comments from the players themselves, everyone is expected to show up for the start of formal training camp.
This is going to give the Hawks a chance to come together, get everything installed on time, and be hitting on all cylinders in time for the opener at home against Miami.
Next: A chance for a better start
THE SCHEDULE IS SET UP BETTER FOR THEM
Last year it was AT St. Louis (a traditional blind spot for the Hawks) and AT Green Bay. Then after two cupcake gimmes at home (Bears and Lions) it was AT red hot Cincinnati before the CenturyLink Field clash against the Panthers. The team still felt like they were figuring themselves out and fell to 2-4, digging themselves a huge hole it took them the rest of the year to dig out of.
This year it starts with that home game against Miami before travelling to Los Angeles to face the Rams and (most likely) rookie QB Jared Goff. Then it’s the 49ers at home. Week 4 sees them travelling to the east coast to face a potentially tough Jets team, but they have a chance to get out to an 3-0 start. Those early matchups should also give the young offensive line (the one really unsettled position group) time to find their footing.
Next: More goodies for the captain
RUSSELL WILSON HAS MORE WEAPONS THAN EVER
Does he ever. Gone is Marshawn Lynch, but GM John Schneider went to Costco to restock the cupboards, with not one but potentially three or four reinforcements in young backs C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins, Zac Brooks, and possibly even Tre Madden. Add these guys to Thomas Rawls and you have the makings of a dynamic and versatile RB group.
On the outside, there’s Doug Baldwin coming off his breakout season, to go along with rookie sensation Tyler Lockett and the return of now-healthy speedster Paul Richardson.
And if Graham returns to health, he will lead arguably the best TE group in the league with Luke WIllson and newly drafted Nick Vannett alongside him. Vannett’s blocking skills in particular will allow offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to employ Graham more as a downfield threat.
This could simply be the deepest and most dynamic collection of talent we’ve ever seen the Seahawks hit the field with.
Next: Stopping teams cold
THE DEFENSE COULD BE EVEN BETTER THAN LAST YEAR
Yep, you heard me.
Despite leading the NFL in scoring defense for three straight seasons, the Hawks could be even tougher this year.
The front four will be stronger with the addition of Jarran Reed and Quinton Richardson through the draft. There are questions at Bruce Irvin’s old OLB spot, but an intriguing gaggle of young players with unique skill sets set to jump into the fray.
And this may be the deepest group of DB’s the Hawks have had at their disposal since 2012.
Next: Trying to determine Doug Baldwin's value
In short, this might be the most dynamic and talented the roster has looked in three years. Certainly one capable of winning the division, locking up home field advantage, and taking home another Lombardi Trophy.