Five reasons the Seahawks could have a losing season
Yes, it’s possible the Seahawks could have a losing season, as much as I hate to think about it. Any of these five things could make it happen.
Just a few days ago we called your attention to an article that predicted the Seahawks streak of six straight winning seasons would come to an end in 2018. We didn’t think much of that prediction at the time, and still don’t. Here’s an article by Mr. Rank that should put a smile on your face. I could not agree more with his choice here for the Seahawks.
But you can read that later. Right now, it’s time to face the grim reality that maybe, just maybe, Adam Rank was right and Seattle will actually have a *gulp* losing season. How could it happen, you ask? Sadly, there are more than a few ways I can think of this tragedy to play out. Five, in fact.
Kam Chancellor retires and Earl Thomas departs. If Earl Thomas is traded, I can’t imagine the Seahawks would get much in return. Of course, maybe a team will lose their starting free safety and be in a playoff push – and Seattle won’t, because Kam Chancellor was already forced to retire.
Rashaad Penny is a bust and the backfield gets hurt. Again. Seattle drafted a 5’10 220 pound back pretty high in the draft a few years ago. It took Christine Michael four seasons to gain 1,000 yards, so there are no guarantees. Yes, Penny gained nearly that much as a senior, but there really are no guarantees. The Seahawks practically needed a MASH unit on their sideline for their running backs the past two seasons, so why should 2018 be any different?
Seattle Seahawks
It could get even worse for the Seahawks. Just wait for it.
The offensive line is still offensive. I like the moves they’ve made to improve the running game, and that improved running game would make life easier for Russell Wilson. Unless of course it doesn’t. D. J. Fluker did not grade well at pass blocking, and he’s the only new lineman with any appreciable experience. I think it will work, but I also thought Eddie Lacy would go off for about 900 yards last year. Unlike politicians, I own up to my stupidity.
No one replaces the lost yardage of Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson. I think the Seahawks have this covered with the improved running game and now the addition of Brandon Marshall. However, see above comments regarding Eddie Lacy. Seattle has an interesting mix of a few veteran receivers and a lot of kids. That may not play out the way 12s would like.
The Unlimited is grounded. It was just last season – seems a century ago – that Michael Bennett said that the Seahawks cannot win a game without Russell Wilson. If the worst came to pass and Wilson went down, I’m calling Bennett out on this. I guarantee you the Seahawks could win at least two games without Mr. Unlimited. My point of reference is the year Peyton Manning proved he was the MVP, 2011. That was the year he was out for his neck injury. The Colts went from nine straight seasons of double-digit wins to 2-14. So clearly, Seattle could win two games without their superstar quarterback, too.
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There you have it, 12s. For those of you who fear I’ve put the jinx on the Seahawks by talking about keys to making the playoffs, here’s your antidote. The only scenario I’m even slightly worried about is the first one. And I’m only half worried about that, as I expect Earl Thomas to be in navy, green, and gray on September 9 against the Broncos. Kam Chancellor, that’s another story for another day.