3 factors that could keep the Seattle Seahawks out of the playoffs in 2023

2. Inconsistent quarterback play

Maybe the issue with Seattle's inconsistency isn't one person or player. Maybe Geno Smith (and Drew Lock when he has played) and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron are just combining to lead the group into mediocrity. Smith's numbers aren't terrible, but they also are worse than in 2022 when he was a full-time starter for the first since 2014.

Smith is 19th in quarterback rating (89.1), 10th in the NFC in touchdown passes (15), 17th in interception percentage, and 12th in passing yards. In 2022, Smith ranked 5th, 1st, 11th, and 8th in those categories, respectively. There is no real reason for a big decline as Seattle has added wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the offense line is about as bad last year. Seattle's offensive design just seems off.

Whether by scheme or intent, the tight ends are getting the ball less in 2023. Seattle is running the ball less - the Seahawks are sixth in pass percentage in 2023 (61.4 percent) compared to 13th in 2022 (59.4 percent) - and seem to have important drives, especially in the second halves of games, where there is zero attempt to run the ball.

The game-planning seems lacking as Seattle has started slowly a number of times, and the play-calling has been sketchy. Geno Smith has also missed more throws this season. The real frustration, however, comes from Seattle being able to score 35 points against the Cowboys but just 29 points total in two games against the Los Angeles Rams.