4 bold predictions for the Seattle Seahawks 2024 season
Geno Smith leads the Hawks to a top five offense
Some of you might be saying that's not exactly a bold prediction. You may be thinking, 'Top five, that's all you're giving me?' Listen, considering the outlandish number of Geno-haters that carp about him on social media, I think that's bold enough. Besides, look at what the Hawks have done over the past three seasons. In 2021, Seattle ranked 16th in offense. They improved on that in 2022, Smith's breakout year, and were the ninth-highest-scoring offense. Last season, they took a step back and dropped to 17th in the league.
A lot of 12s want to blame Smith for that. I'm not sure how they managed to ignore that the Seahawks' O-line play was atrocious last year. Seattle used nine different starting lineups in those 17 games, and few of them clicked. As quoted by Brady Henderson for ESPN, one Hawks coach said that Smith "didn't have a clean pocket all year." That might be an exaggeration, but not by much.
I expect the offensive line will be much improved this season, even if Abe Lucas doesn't return for the foreseeable future. With the addition of George Fant and Connor Willilams, Smith should see much better protection this year. Partly because of that - but largely because he's a fine quarterback - I predict that Geno Smith will make the top 10 in QB ratings as well. I picture he'll throw 32 touchdowns against 9 interceptions, striking multiple receivers with picture-perfect throws in every game.
No team can thrive on a passing game alone, of course. Everyone thinks of the aerial attack of the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, right? The fact is, they ran for 200 more yards than the Hawks last year, 1,784 to 1,580. That's not going to happen again this season.
Seattle's new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, understands the value of the running game. Kenneth Walker III will finally have his breakout season in 2024, rushing for 1,300 yards and 12 scores. I know that seems low for a bold prediction, but he'll be well over five yards per carry and will split time with Zach Charbonnett and Kenny McIntosh.
Overall, the Seahawks running game will punish their opponents to the tune of at least 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. Add in a few scores on special teams and defense -yeah, I know that doesn't count as the offense, but points are points - and about 35 field goals from Jason Myers, and the Hawks will be scratching at the 500-point ceiling for the first time in franchise history.