Three questions Seahawks must answer in 2019

Is Ken Norton Jr. a good defensive coordinator?

In 2018, Seattle’s defense performed somewhat better than expected. This was partly because no one really knew what to expect, or expected little, after Seattle rid themselves of Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett. Still, for a defense that was so young and without Earl Thomas for most of the season, the Seahawks did well enough to make the playoffs.

But as the season went on, Seattle’s weaknesses showed. In 2017, Seattle had trouble stopping the run. That problem persisted in 2018. Bringing in Norton, Jr. to run the defense, after spending three seasons with the Raiders, didn’t help. Norton knows the Pete Carroll defensive philosophy well, having coached under Carroll previously in Seattle.

But Seattle was gashed time and again by good running teams. Todd Gurley must love facing the Seahawks at this point as he eats up chunks of yards against them. This is a defense now built through linebackers as Seattle is loaded there. But fixing the defensive line, especially when it comes to stopping the run, is a must. Does Norton, Jr. know how to find the solution?

Seattle, thankfully, doesn’t have many pressing issues for 2019. But if they have any chance of reaching the Super Bowl, then they must answer the above questions. Without a solution to any of these three concerns, Seattle won’t go deep into the postseason and might not even make the playoffs.