Grading the 2022 Seattle Seahawks: The future is bright
By Jake Luppino
When teams form an identity, they rely upon it in times of crisis. Entering the 2022 regular season, the Seattle Seahawks could have taken many different paths than the one they chose.
As we have seen over the last couple of years, a magic eraser to most of your teams’ problems is astonishing quarterback play. In fact, NFL consumers have become so elated with the quarterback phenomenon, that the overtime rules were changed so we can see more offense.
For the Seattle Seahawks, not many were quite sure who their next magic eraser would be after trading Russell Wilson. Some speculated that it would be Matt Coral or Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL draft. Others feel they can get their guy in the 2023 NFL draft in a Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Will Levis.
Grading the overachieving Seattle Seahawks in 2022
Rather than panicking and reaching for a quarterback, the Seahawks fell back on their identity. The competitive culture that Pete Carroll set in place over a decade ago breeds greatness. Even, from players who many may not perceive to be great. In doing so, they shocked the NFL world and finish the season with the following accolades:
Finished 9-8; 2nd place in the NFC West
Clinched their 10th playoff birth since the beginning of Pete Carroll and John Schneider’s tenure in 2010.
Hold the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft via Denver.
Have two finalists for Rookie of the Year (Kenneth Walker III & Tariq Woolen)
Many expected changes to ensue after losing both Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner in the offseason. But, the majority of 12s knew that the rollercoaster ride of emotions would most likely remain. It’s in the Seahawks’ DNA.
Finishing 9-8 is considered an overachievement for this young Seahawks team. But, the reality is, they should have finished this season with more wins. They were more than capable of winning 11 games.
The season as a whole was a true testament to who the Seattle Seahawks are as a franchise. As many stated on the final day at the facility, they are just getting started. The future is bright in Seattle. Here are my grades for the 2022 Seattle Seahawks team.