What we learned about the Seahawks in the first quarter of 2022

Through the first 4 weeks of the season, the Seahawks have made a similar impression to seasons in recent years, showing the ability to compete and beat good teams and also fail to show up and start slow in other games.

The largest difference between this year and years past is the expectations for Seattle to compete are significantly lower coming into this year.

Honestly, Seattle showing even small signs of resemblance between this year’s team and any previous Seahawks squad over the past decade is a monumental statement in my opinion.

Seattle Seahawks quarter season breakdown and analysis going forward

Even though Seattle has made a somewhat impressive statement over the first four weeks, Pete Carroll would be the first person to admit improvements can and need to be made if this team will reach its full potential.

Offensive breakdown

Highlight of the offense

One name deserves first mention here, Geno Smith. Geno has been an outstanding orchestrator of the offense and has far surpassed expectations thus far. Geno hasn’t done it alone so it’s only fair to also highlight the offensive line play, especially in Week 4, and also the weapons for the seahawks playing hard, getting open and making plays. This unit has made an impressive statement to the pre-season doubters. I guess you could say Geno Smith has still yet to write back to all those doubters.

Areas of improvement

Running the ball has been very inconsistent, to say the least, the offensive line play primarily the two rookie tackles Abe Lucas and Charles Cross have much to learn in the run game. Although the pass protection has been great so far, The Seahawks offensive lineman needs to become more consistent in run blocking as it’s absolutely imperative to the success of a Pete Carroll and Geno smith led offense.

Overall assessment

The offensive unit has far vastly exceeded my personal expectations. Geno Smith is completing 77.3 percent of his passes, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and the rest of the offensive weapons for the Seahawks have been clicking and the offensive line has made major strides in pass protection.

Although run blocking has been inconsistent the Seahawks did manage to run for 235 yards in Sundays week 4 win over the Lions. This group has all the potential to help the Seattle Seahawks shock the league if they can play more cohesively the rest of the year.

Defensive/special teams breakdown

Highlight of the defense

Through the first four weeks of the season, the Seahawks defense has been quite ambiguous. Seattle has shown flashes in the pan with their core of young players and at other times shown great savvy with their veterans. If I am going to pinpoint one major highlight it would have to be Tariq Woolen.

Thus far Tariq Woolen (a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft) has outplayed projected veteran starters and earned a starting spot and has held it throughout every game. Not only is Woolen getting playing time but the young rookie already has shown off impressive playmaking ability gathering the Seahawks only two interceptions through four games.

Highlight of the special teams

Although the Seahawks have only punted the ball 9 times in four games, Seattle is averaging the fifth-highest yards per punt ratio at 50.2 yards per punt. Michael Dickson has maintained his reputation as one of the league’s elite punters. Considering the lack of punting for the Seahawks a great thing for the team but it always feels good knowing you have one of the best when called upon.

Areas of improvement

This year’s defense has been up and down but for the most part wildly inconsistent. According to NFL.com, the Seahawks are allowing a league-worst 8.7 yards per completion. The defensive line has not been able to produce a consistent pass rush resulting in Quarterbacks finding comfort and rhythm from the pocket.

The Secondary has also allowed some very costly third-down conversions in the form of broken coverages, missed tackling and even penalty yardage. If Seattle is going to compete with teams over the remainder of the season the mistakes and miscues that come with a relatively young defense need to be corrected immediately.

Overall assessment

The Seattle Seahawks defense has to make strides in playing as a total unit. Seattle at the moment ranks fourth worst in the league in rush defense per game, the more embarrassing statistic is that the defensive unit for the Seahawks is the fact they’ve now allowed 1,712 yards, according to ESPN. The Seahawks simply will not be anywhere near where the aspirations of Pete Carroll if this defensive unit does not show major signs of improvement.