Six takeaways from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on media day at the NFL Combine

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll met with the media on Thursday at the NFL combine and spoke about several different topics. Here are six takeaways.

Rarely are the ground breaking questions asked to coaches and general managers at the NFL Scouting Combine each year. Many of the questions asked to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on Thursday were more general subjects like what Carroll thought about any instant replay changes.

But Carroll, like general manager John Schneider did on Wednesday, gave some insight as to how the Seahawks are looking at 2019. Here are six topics worth mentioning.

1. Carroll thinks the current Seahawks team will be better in coming seasons

Carroll used the word “positive” when talking about how he thought the 2018 season went. I think maybe even Carroll was a bit surprised by how good Seattle ended up being. Due to the number of young players Seattle had and the production they got from those players, Carroll thinks Seattle be even better in 2019 and beyond.

2. Carroll thinks free agency will be good for Earl Thomas

Carroll said that free agency is a “great opportunity for Earl (Thomas).” The coach also said he expects Thomas to be at “the top of his game” in 2019 and is a “great worker.” From those sounds it certainly seems that Carroll is wishing Thomas well but does not expect Thomas to return to the Seahawks.

3. Seattle’s running backs will focus on a duo next year instead of a trio

Carroll specifically mentioned just Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson when discussing Seattle’s running backs and not Mike Davis. Davis, of course, is a free agent and probably unlikely to return to Seattle.

Penny will probably get a lot more reps in 2019. But Carroll did say Penny needed some “coaching up” to overcome his injury last year. Penny had not been injured much is his football life and appears to not have known how to overcome being injured well. Hopefully, Penny will learn from the time off and be a stronger player next year.

4. Carroll liked the offensive line play in 2018

The offensive line was much better in 2018 than in previous years, for sure. It wasn’t great but it was better. Carroll was “thrilled” to be asked a question about how the line had “established” itself up front. He also said he feels J.R. Sweezy and D.J. Fluker “fit well” with Seattle’s scheme and hopes they both can return to Seattle in 2019. Both are currently free agents.

5. Paxton Lynch might stick with the Seahawks

Carroll seemed nearly upset that a reporter asked why Lynch was signed by Seattle. His response to the question was, “Have you seen him?” Carroll said that Lynch was signed for his athletic ability and potential but admitted that Lynch had not so far had a good experience in the NFL. 12s, of course, hope that Seattle finds a long-term answer to whoever backs up Russell Wilson but also hopes that player never plays.

6. Will Dissly is expected to be a big contributor in 2019

After a promising four week start to his NFL career, Will Dissly got injured and missed the rest of the season. Dissly may have even surprised a lot of people by how well he ran with the ball on pass receptions. Everyone knew he was a good blocker already. Carroll said that Seattle is “counting a lot” on Dissly moving forward and thinks the tight end room as it stands right now will be a point of strength for the team.