Can Seahawks offense be fixed?
By Andy Larkin
The Seattle Seahawks offense has played poorly this season, but it is possible for this group to get better in time to make a playoff run.
It’s been an up and down season for the Seahawks offensive so far this season. Though some issues are more glaring than others (*cough the offensive line *cough) there are several things that need to improve if this offense wants to reach its potential.
The line has been dismal at points, Russell Wilson is still nowhere near himself physically, and the running backs have yet to hit their stride. Though they have been able to move the ball and put up points against lesser opponents, the Seahawks have struggled heavily against good defenses.
Offensive performances like Sunday night in Arizona bring all of this to a head, and leave many wondering if the production on that side of the ball is going to be the achilles heel to a potential championship run.
So the natural question is, can the Seahawks offense be fixed?
Yes. Though It’s not as simple as a one word answer. The three issues mentioned above need to improve for things to turn around offensively. The Seahawks offense isn’t necessarily as far away as it seems .
Russell needs to get healthy- It has been a strange season so far for Wilson. As ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia reported on Wednesday, Russell Wilson was limited in practice nursing a right pectoral injury. This is now the third seemingly significant injury Wilson has sustained this season. The quarterback is still fighting through an MCL and high ankle sprain.
Though Wilson is yet to miss a game due to the injuries, he is clearly affected by the limited mobility. On top of that, the lack of consistent pass blocking has left Wilson to be somewhat of a sitting duck in the pocket.
If Wilson can get healthier in the second half of the season (which seems likely) the offense will be in a much better position to increase its productivity.
Thomas Rawls return- Thomas Rawls is sorely missed in this offense. The second year back’s ability to hit the hole with power and speed is something the team has missed thus far. Christine Michael has played well, but the running game would greatly benefit from a solid one, two punch. Having Michael and Rawls split carries seems like the best solution for a rushing attack that could use a spark.
Line needs to gel better in 2nd half of season- Yes, the line has been nearly non existent at points this season. However, this is far from a new narrative.
This group is young and relatively inexperienced. That doesn’t give them a pass, but it does give them hope for improvement. Tom Cable has shown a knack for having the offensive line click by the time December rolls around.
Next: Is Kam done in Seattle after this season?
It’s tough to be patient, especially with Russell Wilson sustaining an injury every other game. But this line should get better. Coach Cable’s track record speaks for itself and these guys are building more chemistry with every game. Fans will have to exercise patience here.
Things are ugly right now, but there’s a lot of season left to play. Some things will have to fall into place for this offense to hit its stride; when it does it’s going to be fun to watch.