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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawkscalls a play at the line during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawkscalls a play at the line during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

36. . . Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 22. team

Believe it or not, the Seahawks offensive line actually looked good in their 21-20 preseason loss to the Vikings in preseason Week 3. Quarterback Russell Wilson wasn’t sacked and was rarely under pressure. Seattle’s running game resembled its old self too.

That’s a hopeful sign. And it’s enough to help push the Seahawks up a spot in our NFL power rankings heading towards Week 1.

Still, one can’t ignore the fact Seattle’s O-line still ranks 30th heading into this season, according to Pro Football Focus. There’s probably an argument to be made not having former offensive line coach Tom Cable around (he’s back with the Raiders now) is positive for Seattle’s chances here. But we’ll have to see some regular-season games to decide that.

The Seahawks also just added quarterback Brett Hundley via a trade with the Green Bay Packers to back up Wilson.

That could help, considering the O-line woes. But some of the bigger worries are still there, namely on defense where Seattle could easily miss defenders Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor.

Perhaps the next phase of a great Seahawks defense is in the works, but it’s likely going to take time to jell.