Seahawks 2019 offense vs Seahawks 2018 offense: wide receivers

The Seahawks lost one of their best players ever after last year. Can the 2019 wide receiver corps make up for the loss of Doug Baldwin?

In a word, yes. What gets lost in the noise over Doug Baldwin‘s retirement is just how limited he was in 2018. HIs 13 games were the fewest of his career. His targets, catches, yards and touchdowns were all the lowest for at least five years. The Seahawks don’t have to replace the stats of the Pro Bowl level Baldwin. They have 50 catches and five touchdowns to replace, and that is far less daunting.

Tyler Lockett played lights out last season, as all good 12s know. Now he’ll step into the number one role. Based on his historic performance last season, he’s ready for the job. The Seahawks were smart to extend his contract when they did. Whether or not he returns kicks, Lockett will be a major force for Seattle this year. After this year, he’ll no longer be one of Seattle’s best-kept secrets.

There was considerable conjecture about who would be on the other end of the field from Lockett. It appeared throughout the summer that Jaron Brown would take the role. Then he was cut. And then he was re-signed. So it looks like the coaching staff really do intend to use him more after all. Brown won’t be confused for Baldwin, but it’s worth noting that he had five touchdowns in 2018, the same as the Seahawks stalwart.

Seahawks have standout rookie wideouts

Seattle has two more standouts from the preseason at the position. Physical freak DK Metcalf and the diminutive John Ursua would sell out every seat in a roadshow of The Odd Couple. They also caught a lot of footballs this summer. Metcalf shows every sign of being a front-line NFL talent. Ursua looks ideal for the slot and even led the team with 100 yards in the preseason.

I think Metcalf should match Baldwin’s production, especially now that he’s listed as the starter opposite Lockett. Check out the depth chart here, folks. 600 yards and five scores may not seem like a lot for a guy with this much hype, but it would be more than enough for the rookie. For now, Ursua is buried on the depth chart. I think he’ll get more opportunities before long.

Let’s not forget that David Moore was terrific for several games last season. I’ll admit, some of us may have gone a bit overboard in their praise for the seventh-round pick. Okay, it was me. Still, I expect he’ll be a major factor for the Hawks this year. That is, as soon as he gets back from his broken arm.

The Hawks have Malik Turner and Gary Jennings Jr. slotted as third-team receivers. Turner didn’t catch a pass in the preseason but the coaches clearly like him. With the exception of one great practice, Jennings showed almost nothing in the preseason. Maybe he’s on the Alan Iverson practice plan and will light it up at game time.

That gives the Seahawks some solid chances to replace Baldwin’s 50 catches and five touchdowns. Matching those stats should be no issue. The real challenge lies in them matching peak Angry Doug. With Metcalf leading the way, I think the kids will get it done. I’ll give the 2019 receiver corps the edge over 2018.