Seattle Seahawks: 3 things we learned from the 2021 season

Retain Shane Waldron

Over the last month or so of the regular season, there was a lot of speculation surrounding Pete Carroll’s future in Seattle. If Pete were to retire or get fired, then whoever the Seahawks replaced him with would bring in a new coaching staff. Meaning that both offensive coordinator,

Shane Waldron and defensive coordinator, Ken Norton Jr. would be let go off.  Both coordinators have endured their fair share of criticism this season, and rightfully so, as many felt this Seahawks team wasn’t playing up to expectations.

But, if Pete were to remain the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, I think Shane Waldron showed enough to keep his job for 2022. Seattle finished the season ranking 20th in yards per game (323.9), 23rd in passing (201.9), 11th in rushing (122.0), and 16th in scoring (23.2).

On the surface – outside of the rushing attack – the numbers aren’t dazzling. But, it could be misleading because Seattle barely moved the ball when Geno Smith started 3 games. Nevertheless, I attribute Seattle’s biggest offensive weakness to third-down efficiency.

They struggled with it all year long and it showed, especially towards the second half of the season when their offense appeared to be broken. One of the main reasons why I believe Waldron should be retained is because of the tweaking he did. As a coordinator, it is crucially important that you adapt to your players.

Over the last month or so when Rashaad Penny took over, this Seattle offense looked completely different. We saw them implement power scheme runs along with trap scheme runs that freed up Penny and allowed Seattle to get back to being deadly in the play-action game.

The irony in all of it is, not only did Rashaad Penny resurrect his career, but he also brought this offense back from the dead. Over the last three or four years, everyone — including myself — has wanted Russ to cook and just sling it all over the field.

But, the truth is, this team operates best when they can be physical in the trenches. Their offensive line is built for the run and thus, they should establish the run in every single game. A potential two-headed monster in Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson would certainly make Waldron’s job easier.

Lastly, it is very important to have stability within coaching staffs. With no stability, no rapport can be built with players. When the Seahawks decided to let go of Brian Schottenheimer for “philosophical differences”, it was really because he was used as the scapegoat. If Seattle decided to move off Waldron, they once again will be starting over and will more likely than not, find themselves in that mid-season slump.

I think the last month has given this Seattle offense more confidence heading into the offseason. The numbers won’t back it up, but I liked what Waldron showed in his first year.