At 6-3, the Seattle Seahawks are in good shape at mid-season. Or are they? We have more than a few questions about what's brought them this far, and how much further they can go. We'll review what's happened so far, make some semi-educated guesses at what's in store over the next eight games, and take a sneak at 2024.
The Seahawks have looked unstoppable at times this season. Unfortunately for those 12s with heart conditions, those times are never within one game. They may open fast as they did against the Browns and throw 17 on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Or they may score a pair of touchdowns in the fourth, as they did versus the Lions. It's all those dead times in between that have their fans reaching for the antacids.
So what are the answers? To figure that out, we need to decide exactly what we're asking. We've already discussed some pressing issues with an eye toward 2024. This time, let's focus a bit more on what's happened so far, and how the rest of this season may play out.
Is the Seattle Seahawks defense good, bad, or...?
Has the defense regressed, or did they only look that good against the Giants, the Bengals before Joe Burrow got right, and the Cards?
I think the defense is still who we thought they were. In 2022, the defense had a good run too…for four games between Weeks 6 and 9. Oddly, those games included the Giants and Cardinals as well. I do think overall the defense is better than in 2022. They allow 5.2 yards per play in 2023 – tied for 14th in the league – and last year was 5.5, 20th in the NFL. Last year they were 25th in points allowed per game (23.6) and this year they are 20th at 22.3.
So they aren’t great, of course, but they do seem somewhat better. There is no question they have some very talented players as well, such as Devon Witherspoon and Bobby Wagner. But communication is still an issue at times. Add to that Quandre Diggs is not playing anywhere near the level he was the last few years and the defense is still underperforming.
Is Geno Smith back, and what happens after week 11?
Is Geno Smith back to early 2022 form, or was the Commanders game an outlier?
I wish I knew. One difference for Smith against the Commanders was that Smith was less hesitant, especially in the second half, than in previous weeks. I am still confused about why so many people think he played poorly against Washington. Did he miss some throws? Sure, but going 9 for 10 on the final two drives, both of which ended up in scores is all you need to know about how he did in Week 10. The issue is that we might not know if Smith is back to being as good as he was early in 2022 for many games now. Even if he plays well, he might have issues against the 49ers, Cowboys, and Eagles.
If the Seahawks lose to the Rams - and we know they could - is 6-4 good enough to get them through those next four games with any chance at the playoffs?
If Seattle loses to the Rams, their season is done. Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times has his own thoughts on the game, of course. I do not think the Seahawks are good enough to beat the Cowboys in Dallas, and if the 49ers are healthy they are simply better than Seattle. Nine wins might get a team to the postseason again in 2023 (as it was in 2022), but if Seattle loses to the Rams I think they will be 6-8 before Week 16. They would then have to win their final three games, and neither the Steelers nor the Titans are no pushovers.
2023 surprises and a look toward 2024
Who's been the biggest surprise this season not named Bobo?
There are several, some good and some bad. I will name two, though. Dre’Mont Jones has been a major disappointment so far with only 2.5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. The problem for Seattle is Jones is basically on pace with his career averages, but Seattle didn’t give him a huge contract to have him be the same player he has been. They needed him to be transformative and he hasn’t been.
Jordyn Brooks was a surprise just to be back by Week 1, and he has been Seattle’s best linebacker at times this year. As Shane Lantz wrote in The Seattle Times, Brooks is playing at a remarkable level. He seems to be able to anticipate plays better than even Wagner at times. Brooks has already surpassed his career highs for sacks and QB hits, and will likely better his personal best of tackles for loss. Seattle needs to re-sign him this offseason.
Should the Hawks take a QB with their first pick in 2024, or wait for what many expect to be a stronger class in 2025, and shore up other areas this time?
What a silly question! Seattle already has their answer at quarterback in Drew Lock! (Joking.) I think this depends on where Seattle actually picks in the draft and who is available. I do not think they should just take a quarterback to take a quarterback. If Seattle finishes something like 8-9 they would have a better chance to get a decent QB than if they finish 11-6, of course. If players such as Drake Maye are available for Seattle with their first pick, they have to take him. Otherwise, positions like safety and defensive tackle could be bigger concerns.