Last season the Seattle Seahawks (11-17) made it to the playoffs for a fourth straight season. This year in our Seattle Seahawks 2016 NFL preview we expect them to get to the postseason again by either securing a Wild Card spot or the top spot in the division. The fact is this team will be in a tight race with the Arizona Cardinals. In either case, the Hawks do look like a premium playoff team.
Seahawks Offense: B+
Russell Wilson (4,024 YD, 34 TD, 8 INT) is one of the premium quarterbacks in the league. Last year he tossed few picks and a franchise record 34 touchdowns, earning a passing efficiency rating of 110.1. He also ran for 553 yards, averaging 5.4 YPC. Favorite targets included Doug Baldwin (1,069 YD, 13.7 AVG, 14 TD), Tyler Lockett (664 YD, 13.0 AVG, 6 TD) and Jermaine Kearse (685 YD, 14.0 AVG, 5 TD). Thomas Rawls (830 YD, 5.6 AVG, 4 TD) anchors the ground attack, as vet RB Marshawn Lynch is gone. The Seahawks drafted three running backs in 2016, including Alex Collins (Arkansas). The offensive line was problematic last season, as they allowed 46 sacks, and they look to be problematic again in 2016.
Seahawks Defense: A-
The Seahawks led the NFL in rush defense last season. It’s good news as three of four starters return. DE Michael Bennett led the club in sacks with 10 and proved to be a major force. The linebacking unit is also very fine, featuring K.J. Wright (116 Tackles) and Bobby Wagner (114 Tackles). Three-quarters of the original Seattle Leagion of Boom return to the secondary. FS Earl Thomas (5 INT), SS Kam Chancellor (74 Tackles, 2 INT), and CB Richard Sherman (2 INT). The other corner looks to be vet Jeremy Lane.
Seahawks Special Teams: B+
The kick and punter return units placed fifth in the league. They are sound. Tyler Lockett is the man on both. He can be a game-changer. Kicker Steven Hauschka (40/44 XP, 29/31 FG) has proven to be exceptionally accurate from 50-plus yards. His leg can win games. Punter Jon Ryan offers excellent, pinpoint placement.
Seahawks Coaching and Management: A-
Coach Pete Carroll (68-40) starts his seventh year with the Seahawks. In the past four years, he’s managed to get this club to two Super Bowls where they took down one title. GM John Schneider offers solid skills.
Last Word: Seattle Seahawks 2016 NFL Preview
In our Seattle Seahawks 2016 NFL preview, we note that this team may have the best all around defense in the NFL. In addition, their offense is nicely positioned to put points on the board. The battle for first in the division is between the Seahawks and the Cardinals. It may end up being a draw.
For our overview of the NFC and to link to other NFC teams, please click here.
Seattle Seahawks 2016 NFL Preview Pick: 12-4, Tied for 1st NFC West
