Seahawks offense can certainly improve, but they’re pretty darn good
The Seahawks offense has come under fire for being too predictable. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that they’ve been among the league’s most productive.
The Seahawks certainly have had their problems on offense this season. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer revealed that even his wife has been a tough critic, perhaps his toughest. I’ll give her credit; she knows her football. Despite the issues they’ve faced, Seattle has been among the league’s best offenses in more than a few categories.
Let’s start with the passing game. Obviously the Hawks have an advantage here with Russell Wilson under center. Seattle is seventh in the NFL with 7.4 net yards per pass attempt. They’re tied for sixth with seven touchdown passes, and rank fifth with one touchdown for every 15 pass attempts. The Hawks are only one of three teams that haven’t thrown an interception yet. Yeah, I probably just jinxed them. Sorry about that.
Where the Seahawks really shine is in the red zone. In the first three games of the young season, the Hawks have converted nine opportunities within their opponent’s 20-yard line into eight touchdowns. By contrast, their opponents have scored a touchdown five times out of nine chances. Seattle’s 88.9 percent conversion rate leads the league in red zone scoring. They weren’t too shabby last season either, as they ranked seventh in 2018.
Like I said, it doesn’t hurt when you have Russell Wilson pulling the trigger. Last week he was the first quarterback in the NFL since 1950 to throw for over 400 yards and two scores, and also run for over 50 yards and two scores. Wilson’s worst passer rating actually came in the same game. He “only” achieved a rating of 102.6, after opening the season with back-to-back ratings over 130 points.
Brian Schottenheimer gets his share of criticism, much of it deserved. But he deserves at least as much credit for incorporating more play-action into the Seahawks scheme. This has certainly helped the Hawks receivers find seams in opposing defenses. After a slow start, Tyler Lockett absolutely went off and set new game highs for receptions in back-to-back contests. Rookie sensation DK Metcalf is averaging 24.1 yards per catch. I’d say he’s right in line with the most generous expectations anyone could have.
Next. Staff predictions for week four. dark
Yes, Seattle has work to do on offense. The offensive line didn’t allow a sack last week, but that was the first time they’ve managed that in 24 games. Let’s see more of that. Chris Carson continued his fumbling issues. Hopefully the next article you see about Carson will cover another great performance, not whether the Seahawks can trust him with the ball or not. For the record, agree with Lee Vowell. Carson has to clean this up fast. But I think he will, and the Hawks offense will be even better because of it.