Seattle Seahawks: A team of elite consistency
The Seahawks have been among the true elite teams for years. This team shows every sign of continuing their run of excellence.
Even for the Seahawks, consistency is difficult to achieve in the National Football League. Each week, there are many variables, which can directly influence the outcome on Sunday. But, there is one element a team needs to be most consistent about, winning.
A common theme among the elite is being in the playoff picture every year and advancing. Sure, there are seasons when things do not go their way. This could be for several reasons; injuries or simply “it just is not that team’s season.” These circumstances can ruin even the most highly anticipated seasons.
The Seattle Seahawks have injected themselves into the group of elites. It is safe to say General Manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have pieced together a masterful puzzle. Through the draft and undrafted prospects Seattle will be in the discussion of the best in the NFL for the foreseeable future.
This is a team not only considered elite, but constantly among Super Bowl contenders.
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Seahawks defense is there
The defense has been on the verge of unprecedented success. From 2012 to 2015, Seattle’s defense held opposing offenses to the fewest-points-per-game-allowed. In 2016, the Seahawks fell short of being ranked number one again. The New England Patriots took the top spot. It hurt Seattle that safety Earl Thomas was injured in Week 13 and missed the rest of the season.
Cornerback Richard Sherman controls one half of the field. Linebacker Bobby Wagner is the leader in the middle. Two edge rushers, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, constantly keep things bottled up between the tackles. The duo applies pressure in the backfield as well. Now add a major intimidator and a true ball-hawk. Safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas roam the secondary in those roles. The Seahawks defense will be a unit leaned on by the offense.
Seahawks offense regaining their place
To accommodate a perfectly structured defense, there needs to a quarterback with the proper supporting cast. After a sub-par rushing output in 2016, the Seahawks did something every great organization does; they adapted. A masterful move of signing running back Eddie Lacy to take the lead with Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise accompanying him should stabilize the running attack.
Wide receiver Tyler Lockett suffered a leg injury and Jermaine Kearse disappeared throughout much of the season in 2016. The Seahawks drafted Amara Darboh for hi spotential to jumpstart the passing game.
Also, lets not forget about All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham being a favorable target for any quarterback.
Finally, we definitely have the quarterback. Russell Wilson will continually keep the game within reach until the final whistle blows. He’s also been voted to three straight Pro Bowls. He is absolutely among the NFL elite.
Seahawks are truly among the elite
There are many so-called “elite” teams in the NFL. These teams strike a bit of magic, only to find the magic disappear the following season. The truly elite teams are always in the hunt in December. These teams always play well into January. Teams like the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers have been the standard for their respected conferences for years on end.
The Seattle Seahawks continue to hit their stride. They have constantly been in the mix for one of the final six positions since 2011. This is a team that has the pieces in place on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks have what is needed to be a force for a long time.
What do the Patriots, Steelers and Green Bay Packers all have in common? A resiliency to outlast any opponent, a “face-of-the-franchise” quarterback and a relentless defense. Not only are they elite, but they are consistent.
I believe the Seattle Seahawks deserve to have a spot at the table and will for years to come.