3 NFC West moves that should make Seahawks fans feel better about 2023 chances
By Lee Vowell
The Seattle Seahawks appear to be on the upswing even after a 2022 season that saw them exceed expectations. But there's even more hope in 2023. To once again get to the postseason, Seattle needs to win the majority of its intradivision and two of the teams in the NFC West seem worse heading into next season.
Seattle was more aggressive than maybe at any other time since general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll started running the football team in 2010. The Seahawks had positions that needed to be upgraded, like the defensive line, and Seattle appears to have done that. And with such high draft capital still to be chosen, there is no reason to think the 2023 version of Seattle football is quite a bit better than the 2022 edition.
Meanwhile, Seattle's division is overall likely worse. Seattle went 4-2 in the division last season which was a huge reason Seattle made the playoffs. The team should be expected to go at least 4-2 in 2023 as well and here are three reasons 12s could hope for even better.
Hope for Seahawks No. 1: 49ers lost right tackle Mike McGlinchey
San Francisco is probably still the top dog in the NFC West. They are well-coached and their defense is fantastic. Even after starting their third-string quarterback for a bunch of last season, the 49ers were so good they dominated games. But losing McGlinchey should help Seattle.
After being injured for much of 2021, McGlinchey started every game at right tackle for the 49ers in 2022. He was very good. McGlinchey had plus grades last season, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He allowed just 6 sacks in 561 pass-block snaps.
The Seahawks had an inconsistent pass rush in 2022 but have the players to be dangerous. Uchenna Nwosu is very good. If Darrell Taylor ever gets consistent, he could have 14 sacks in a season. Add rising second-year player Boye Mafe and likely a talented edge rusher in the 2023 draft, and the Seahawks should have enough talent to take advantage of a likely diminished right tackle spot for the 49ers.