4 Down Territory: Seattle Seahawks should be bold and dream big in 2023
The Seattle Seahawks begin regular season play against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field.
Congratulations Seahawks fans, we have officially arrived at Week 1 of the NFL season. The Seattle Seahawks will immediately jump into a massive must-win divisional battle against the Los Angeles Rams. With the Rams possibly without superstar Cooper Kupp, you can make the case that week one has essentially become a must-win.
The Seahawks begin with a four-game run prior to the bye week where they need to go at least 2-2. Things get much more difficult later in the season so collecting all the wins now they should will be important toward a postseason chase. But Week 1s can always be tricky.
Week 1 is just the first step in a long journey for the Seahawks, though. We're going to make four bold predictions for the entire season in this article. Also, Go Hawks!
1st Down: The Seahawks rookie duo deliver
If you look at the 2023 Seahawks draft class today, you may be a little nervous. Injuries, injuries, and more injuries have plagued this group's ability to make their mark…so far. I'm predicting another fantastic class that produces this season, with both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon making their mark on this season.
While I'd be surprised if either plays Week 1, it's looking good for them to both make it back for Week 2 in Detroit. With Witherspoon, I expect him to come in and be a useful tool for Pete Carroll, playing both on the outside and in the slot. If healthy, Witherspoon should not only be a shutdown corner partner with Riq Woolen, but also a massive upgrade in the secondary's run defense. His career may always be tied to what happens with Jalen Carter, but I expect him to be a top 6 player on the Seahawks' defense in year 1.
While Witherspoon makes his mark as a rising DB, JSN brings home some hardware this season. I'm predicting, even with the potential to miss time, that JSN will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. A star in limited snaps in the preseason, JSN is as perfect of a compliment as I could draw up for DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Much like Cooper Kupp grew into a star in LA as a slot monster with Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks, JSN will do the same.
Prediction: I expect a stat line around 75 catches, 950 yards, and 7 TDs.