A not overly optimistic yet joyful prediction for the Seahawks 2023 record

We've waited what seems like forever for this season to start, right? But it's finally here, and so is my probably wildly off-base prediction of the Seattle Seahawks 2023 record. And while I'm optimistic, I'm not crazy, either. Well, no more so than usual.

Remember last year, 12s, when so many of the talking heads and national media said the Hawks would win five games? And one goofball even said they'd just win three? Yeah, I do too. This season, the disrespect still lingers. I'm seeing several predictions of 8-9, which I find laughable. Does anyone seriously think this team is worse than last year's? Last year's phenomenal rookie class should be even better with a full season of experience, and this year's rookies may prove to be an even better group. What unit hasn't seen an upgrade? When I see Bobby Wagner's return, the addition of Dre'Mont Jones, the rookies JSN and Spoon, I can only see a better team in every respect.

Much of the conjecture for a losing season is predicated on the tougher schedule, and that Seattle plays four of their last six games on the road. Okay, but two of those are at Tennessee and Arizona. The Titans were 7-10 last year and there's no reason to expect a rebound. And the Cardinals are - well, they're the Cardinals. Arizona is only 11-23 in the second half of the season over the last four years. Even in the one year they were good, 2021, they lost five of their last six games. So pardon me if I'm not exactly terrified.

The Seahawks may not be the best, but they won't be far off

Now let me temper that enthusiasm a bit. As I said, I'm optimistic, but I'm not completely crazy. I don't have the Hawks running the table and winning the Super Bowl in a blowout. Larry Csonka, Larry Little and the ghost of Don Shula don't allow undefeated seasons anyway. Not that end with a championship. Even with the tougher schedule, I see the Hawks improving on their 9-7 record from last season. I'm not going to break down each game, but I will go all Nostradamus on the final score for each, along with the final record. Without further adieu and a minimum of mathiness:

Yes, I expect the Lions to be a tough out this season. (By the way, I wrote this on Sept 6th, prior to the Motor City Kitties' win over the Chiefs). We all know what a wild game we got from them last year, and they should be much better this season. Besides, a lot of key players are still going to be getting back into high gear early in the season - Adams is out for the first month, for example. So 2-2 doesn't worry me at all. This team will get better as the season moves on.

Yes, I do see the Seahawks beating the Bengals on the road. And I am aware the Bengals are one of the top picks for best in the AFC. I agree. But like I said, no one's going undefeated. The only easy game in this stretch will be the Cardinals. I know, they usually give us fits, but this team just looks atrocious. So, halfway though, and I have Seattle at 5-3. I know, they're headed into the tougher part of the schedule. Fear not, dear 12s.