Seahawks postive thoughts: Hope after preseason game 2

Though the Seahawks have started 0-2 in the preseason, this team might still make the playoffs. Here are some reasons why.

Doug Baldwin hasn’t played

Baldwin is the best receiver the Seahawks have. He hasn’t played a down in preseason in 2018. His presence makes the other receivers better and, therefore, the offense better overall.

I have written about my worries for Seattle’s offense in preseason, but maybe I am being overly sensitive. Quarterback Russell Wilson played without Baldwin and Tyler Lockett against the Chargers. And also without rookie running back Rashaad Penny. This offense, especially once Baldwin comes back, is probably better than it has shown.

Earl Thomas hasn’t played

The defense hasn’t been horrible. But it also hasn’t been imposing. Defensive end has struggled and there may be a lot of reason for that. One is that Frank Clark hasn’t played a lot. Another is Seattle is keeping players limited who have been injured, like Clark. But Thomas hasn’t showed up yet and he makes a big difference.

Thomas‘s presence in centerfield at free safety keeps teams from trying different things, especially throws over the middle. Once he returns – and Thomas will return at some point this year – Seattle’s defense will be better.

Seahawks haven’t schemed for the opposing team

Like every other NFL team, the Seahawks have not really planned on how to stop the opposing team. There is no reason for it. All preseason games are really just scrimmages.

That said, once Seattle solidifies its starters they will begin to scheme for the opponent. Just as the opponent will scheme against Seattle. It is difficult to have an honest and clear picture of how Seattle will match up this year offensively or defensively. And that is actually a good thing.

Rasheem Green has looked really good

Seattle wants to get younger. They have had a bunch of expensive veterans leave or still have then on the roster, like Thomas. But the kids may be alright. Especially Rasheem Green.

Green, a rookie defensive end, has had three sacks and 13 tackles in two preseason games. This has mostly been against presumed backups, but not all. Green did have a sack on Andrew Luck, after all.

The fact that Green and fellow rookie Shaquem Griffin, among others, have been solid lends hope to the future. Maybe not a huge boost in 2018, but in years beyond. This is a good thing because if Seattle does take a step back in 2018 they might recover more quickly and be a beast again quite rapidly.