The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 7. Today, the Seattle Seahawks.
Head coach: Pete Carroll
Last season’s record: 10-5-1
Playoff result: Lost to Atlanta Falcons in NFC Divisional Round
Key free agent gains: Eddie Lacy was the highest-profile name to move to Seattle in the off-season. The former Pro Bowler underwent ankle surgery last season and appeared in only five games with the Green Bay Packers. Pete Carroll will be looking for Lacy to return to form and give the Seahawks a nice one-two punch in the backfield alongside Thomas Rawls.
“I’m very motivated to prove myself,” Lacy said when he signed with the team. “I know what I’m able to do, but I just want to go out and show everybody that I can do it and will do it. I just can’t wait to get my chance.”
With longtime kicker Steven Hauschka now in Buffalo, ex-Minnesota Viking Blair Walsh will handle field goal duties in the Pacific Northwest. Seahawks fans will best remember Walsh for his infamous miss in the 2016 playoffs and will now be hoping he can regain the form that made him a top kicker earlier in his career — if he wins the job out of training camp.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Luke Joeckel signed a one-year, $8-million deal in the spring and will factor into Seattle’s plans on the left side of the line.
Key free agent losses: The Seahawks waved goodbye to Garry Gilliam, who was the starter at right tackle for the past two seasons. Gilliam landed with the division rival San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract. Backup linebacker and special teams standout Brock Coyle also signed with the 49ers.
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Key draft picks: The Seahawks decided to trade out of the first round and net a bundle of picks later in the draft in return. When they finally made a selection, they took Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell 35th overall. McDowell has immense talent, but may not see the field this season after suffering injuries in a car accident last month.
Versatile LSU guard Ethan Pocic was selected later in the second round and will be a welcome addition to an offensive line that has been a sore spot for Seattle in recent years. It’s unclear exactly which position he’ll play and whether or not he will have a starting role off the bat, but depth up front always comes in handy.
Seattle made four picks in the third round, highlighted by a pair of defensive backs in Shaquill Griffin and Delano Hill. Both profile as hard-nosed defenders who should fit in well with the Legion of Boom.
X-factor: The O-Line. Wilson has plenty of weapons at his disposal, but will he have enough time to get them the ball? The players brought in this off-season should help offset the loss of Gilliam but will they be enough to keep Wilson off the ground? Seattle gave up 42 sacks in 2016, which was the most allowed by a playoff team.
2017 will be a success if: The Seahawks win the NFC West and make some noise in the playoffs. The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a disappointing 2016 campaign but should pose the biggest threat to steal Seattle’s crown. The bottom of the division likely won’t offer much resistance with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers not ready to contend.
