Niner Noise
FanSided

Previewing how the 49ers stack up against the NFC West in 2019

By Josh Altorfer

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during preseason action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during preseason action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

2019 Preview: Seattle Seahawks

2018 Record: 10-6, Second in NFC West

Key Additions: 

G Mike Iupati, FA

DE L.J. Collier, Draft

WR D.K. Metcalf, Draft

Key Losses:

S Earl Thomas

RB Mike Davis

WR Doug Baldwin

Recap:

The Seattle Seahawks seem to always find a way into the playoffs. In 2018, they got in on a Wild Card spot, but got beat in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys.

The biggest loss they suffered was All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. Thomas only played four games last season for the Seahawks due to a lower leg fracture. The Seahawks defense definitely takes a hit without him, but they proved that they can reach the postseason under less than ideal circumstances.

The key players they added were defensive end L.J. Collier from Texas Christian University and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from Ole Miss through the draft.

Like the Rams, the Seahawks did not suffer any major losses that will hold them back this season. Unlike the Rams, the Seahawks have quite a few weaknesses that they have neglected to address. PFF rates the Seahawks offensive line as 23rd in the league. Seattle’s defense is also a long way removed from their Super Bowl “Legion of Boom” days.

2019 Projections:

The best-case scenario for the Seahawks would be another playoff birth riding the magic of quarterback Russell Wilson yet again. NFL fans know, once a team gets into the playoffs, anything can happen.

The Seahawks can certainly scrap their way there in 2019.

The more realistic outcome is that the lack of addressing problem areas for the team finally catches up to them. The added talent on the Cardinals and 49ers make for an extremely competitive division.

The Seahawks led by head coach Pete Carroll will play with heart but finish a mediocre 8-8.