Seahawks use of two tight end sets will only increase in 2020

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll likes to run the ball, of course. But with the skill set of Seattle’s tight ends, Seattle will use the group even more in 2020.

The Seahawks currently have eight tight ends on the roster. Of course, the roster is currently bloated and will need to be trimmed down by nearly half before week one of the 2020 season. Still, Seattle is likely to keep at least four tight ends for this coming season.

Why? Because two tight end sets are getting back into fashion in the NFL. Teams like to follow trends set by other successful teams. In 2019, eight of the 12 playoff teams were among the league leaders in percentage of plays with two tight ends on the field. Seattle was among that group, of course.

One big difference between this year’s two tight ends sets for the Seahawks versus 2019, however, is many times last year on of the tight ends on the field was George Fant. Fant was a good blocker but didn’t really catch passes. Therefore, while the Seahawks technically had a two tight end formation, they were limited in what they could do in that situation.

But this offseason Seattle acquired Greg Olsen, a veteran tight end who can block decently but has 718 career receptions and 59 touchdowns. Olsen will team up many times with third-year player Will Dissly. Dissly has gotten injured in each of his first two seasons but has shown excellent potential. Dissly can block well and catch well.

But Seattle also drafted Colby Parkinson, a monster of a tight end from Stanford. Parkinson might be used more as a receiver as he is 6’7″ but he gives Seattle flexibility. Seattle also re-signed Luke Willson who knows Seattle’s system well and can play off any other tight end of the Seahawks team.

And not to be forgotten is Jacob Hollister who last year caught 41 passes in 11 games for Seattle. Hollister is a better receiver than a blocker, but still has experience doing both.

Seahawks use of two tight ends to go up

In 2019, the Seahawks were seventh in the NFL in the number of plays with two tight ends on the field. A way to combat speed (and therefore smaller players) on the opposing defense is to use size and strength against them. Seattle wants to run the ball and being the bigger team helps with that.

But having versatile tight ends is better. All of the Seahawks’ tight ends can catch now. This means Russell Wilson will have more options than simply having George Fant on the field and running to the right. Wilson can change plays at the line and use his tight ends to catch as well.

In 2019, Seattle used two tight ends on 224 plays. I would expect that number to exceed 260 this season and for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to get a little creative in what the tight end sets look like. A more versatile offense should mean more points and more points should equate to more wins.