NFC West: Previewing 49ers division rivals ahead of 2017 season
By Peter Panacy
Seattle Seahawks
2016 Record: 10-5-1, First Place in NFC West
Despite having “somewhat” of a down year in 2016, the Seahawks still managed to lay claim to the NFC West crown in 2016. Barring anything crazy, it’s unlikely they’ll give up this hold in 2017 either.
Seattle’s strength still lies within its defense, although the once-vaunted “Legion of Boom” seems a little less intimidating with Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas III returning from a serious injury and cornerback Richard Sherman’s trade buzz.
Regardless, the Seahawks still allowed the third fewest points last year (292) and ranked fifth best in yards allowed (5,099).
Offseason Moves
Taking defensive tackle Malik McDowell (No. 35 overall) and defensive back Shaquill Griffin (No. 90) overall should help keep this defensive bunch stout over the course of 2017.
Yet the biggest concern Seattle has is up front with its offensive line. Bringing in offensive tackle Luke Joeckel and drafting center Ethan Pocic (No. 58 overall) may help a bit — especially considering this group ranked 25th in pass protection last year, according to Football Outsiders — but these aren’t exactly major upgrades.
In short, the Seahawks should completely overhaul their O-line to keep quarterback Russell Wilson upright.
Wilson may get something of a running game to support him this season, with former Green Bay Packers tailback Eddie Lacy joining the mix. Lacy’s weight concerns could be a problem this season, so keep an eye on that.
2017 Schedule
| Day | Date | Opp | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | September 10 | 4:25PM ET | @ | Green Bay Packers | preview |
| Sun | September 17 | 4:25PM ET | San Francisco 49ers | preview | |
| Sun | September 24 | 4:05PM ET | @ | Tennessee Titans | preview |
| Sun | October 1 | 8:30PM ET | Indianapolis Colts | preview | |
| Sun | October 8 | 4:05PM ET | @ | Los Angeles Rams | preview |
| Bye Week | |||||
| Sun | October 22 | 4:25PM ET | @ | New York Giants | preview |
| Sun | October 29 | 4:05PM ET | Houston Texans | preview | |
| Sun | November 5 | 4:05PM ET | Washington Redskins | preview | |
| Thu | November 9 | 8:25PM ET | @ | Arizona Cardinals | preview |
| Mon | November 20 | 8:30PM ET | Atlanta Falcons | preview | |
| Sun | November 26 | 4:05PM ET | @ | San Francisco 49ers | preview |
| Sun | December 3 | 8:30PM ET | Philadelphia Eagles | preview | |
| Sun | December 10 | 1:00PM ET | @ | Jacksonville Jaguars | preview |
| Sun | December 17 | 4:05PM ET | Los Angeles Rams | preview | |
| Sun | December 24 | 4:25PM ET | @ | Dallas Cowboys | preview |
| Sun | December 31 | 4:25PM ET | Arizona Cardinals | preview |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/15/2017.
Seattle has a relatively easy schedule, based off last year’s results, heading into this season. Opponents this year posted a combined .455 winning percentage in 2016 — tied for 25th, according to CBS Sports’ John Breech.
There aren’t any arduous road trips either, as the Seahawks won’t have back-to-back road games this year. And only a handful of East Coast trips take place as well.
2017 Prognosis
The Seahawks will still rely heavily on both their defense and home-field advantage. Head coach Pete Carroll’s only major concern will be the ability to keep Wilson healthy over the course of 16 games and not under duress.
Losing Wilson to injury would be disastrous even if Seattle’s defense figures to be a top-10 unit.
So maybe there’s some good value to the thought of adding free-agent quarterbacks Robert Griffin III or Colin Kaepernick, as noted by ESPN earlier this week.
Still, the Seahawks are likely to wind up representing the NFC West in the playoffs this year, and there’s no reason to assume a change.