Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart 2018 Seahawks Depth Chart

Seahawks Turning Back Time

After five consecutive seasons of playoff appearances (and 10+ wins), the Seattle Seahawks slipped to a 9-7 W-L record in 2017, acceptable for most NFL teams, but an undeniable disappointment for head coach Pete Carroll and Seattle's rabid fan base. In the run-up to the 2018 season, the Seahawks find themselves at a crossroads, with significant personnel changes (in both players & coaching staff) contributing to a much different-looking squad than the one that's been the NFC's winningest since 2012. Gone are "Legion of Boom" standouts Avril, Bennett, Chancellor, Sherman (and maybe Thomas), presenting quite a challenge for new defensive coordinator Ken Norton, who'll try to retool an anemic pass rush and find suitable replacements for at least 3/4 of a once-feared secondary, the unit expected to have the most hotly-contested roster battles. The LB corps, led by Wagner and Wright, is without a doubt the strength of Seattle's defense, but with so many new faces surrounding them, they run the risk of having to do too much. Developing all-important chemistry, a trademark of the 2012-16 squads, is another critical factor facing Norton.

During Seattle's dominating five-year stretch, the offense, at best, hasn't been explosive, but consistently steady behind QB Russell Wilson. The bad news is Wilson was the leading rusher in 2017, never a statistic conducive to offensive balance (or success.) To address the issue, Seattle used a first-year draft pick on Rashaad Penny, a big, durable RB who also has speed. His addition and hoped-for quick adjustment to the pro game could/would solve the RB problem. Seattle also spent big bucks upgrading the O-line which was injury-riddled last season. The receiving corps, led by Doug Baldwin, has talent, but isn't deep, and TE Jimmy Graham's defection via free agency robs Wilson of a reliable safety valve, a role the team hopes FA signee Ed Dickson can fill. New offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has talent on hand, but as on defense, patience will be needed as the new faces find their places in adapting to Schottenheimer's philosophy, heavy on West Coast offensive schemes and formations. Regardless, Wilson's versatility and leadership skills will be featured. Special teams play, normally a strength under Carroll, also disappointed in 2017, particularly in the kicking game. The team is counting on FA addition, veteran PK Sebastian Janikowski, to regain his once-feared form after sitting out 2017 with a back injury. P Jon Ryan has been solid, but could be challenged by strong-legged fifth-round draftee Michael Dickson. The return game should be more than capable with Trent Lockett always presenting a threat, while rookie RB Penny had 7 TDs on kickoff returns at San Diego State. Pete Carroll has always been an elite motivator and player-friendly coach; skills that will undoubtedly be put to the test in 2018 as his Seahawks embark on a new era. If he can guide this squad back to the top of the highly competitive NFC West, it would be perhaps his most impressive accomplishment in an already Hall of Fame-worthy coaching career.