Three real reasons the Seahawks could miss the playoffs

The Seahawks may very well miss the postseason this year. I can tell you this much, it won’t be because they have all new receivers.

Let me preface this by saying I don’t think for a moment the Seahawks will miss the playoffs this year. Could they? Of course they could, but not for the reasons given in a recent article I mentioned in passing the other day. It seemed the author wasn’t actually familiar with the Hawks. So I thought I’d help him out, and give a few actual reasons Seattle could miss the postseason party.

The Seahawks offensive line underperforms

The potential problem on the offensive line isn’t youth, it’s age. Not chronological age, but football age. Wear and tear. Guard D.J. Fluker is just 29, but he’s missed 13 games over the past two seasons. I love what he brings to the Seahawks, but he has to stay on the field. His new counterpart at left guard, Mike Iupati, has had even more injury trouble the past two seasons. He played in just one game in 2017 and missed six games last year. Like Fluker, when he’s on the field he’s a monster, but he has to stay on the field.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks look more stable at tackle. Duane Brown hasn’t missed a game due to injury for two years. Germain Ifedi may not be the best tackle in the league, but he did improve quite a bit last season. In his three seasons he’s made 43 consecutive starts, not missing a game until the world’s largest tight end, George Fant, started at tackle in the huge win against the Chiefs.

Seattle has some solid options along the line to be sure. Rookie Phil Haynes looks like he has every bit of the right stuff to step up if needed at guard. The aforementioned Fant will certainly see time as a sixth tackle, so he can certainly slide over if needed. Jordan Simmons acquitted himself like a true pro last season when stepping in for Fluker, especially against the Rams. Still, the health of the Hawks at guard is a concern.