Were Seattle Seahawks Hurt By Free Agency More Than Expected?

Oct 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles away from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer (93) and passes the ball during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Dallas defeated Seattle 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The defending champion Seattle Seahawks look awfully unsettled of late after their defeat by Dallas.  Did the problems really start in free agency?

Red Bryant and Chris Clemons Missed On Defense

Few teams were hit harder back in March by free agency than the Seahawks.  Forced to devote their salary cap to keeping Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman for the long-term, it was a decision that saw a lot of notable names leave, particularly on defense.  Key slot corner Walter Thurmond left for New York.  Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, who had five sacks last year for the Hawks, is in Tampa Bay and former Pro Bowl corner Brandon Browner is hoping to get his career back on track in New England.

However, the two losses they may be feeling the most are defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons.  Bryant was not only one of their key run defenders last season but also a veteran leader who got so much out of teammates.  Clemons meanwhile was an integral part of their pass rush, collecting 4.5 sacks but more importantly able to apply regular pressure to create bad throws.  Both have since landed in Jacksonville.

Seattle currently has the 28th ranked pass rush in the NFL.

Golden Tate Loss Hurting More Than Expected

It’s not just the defense however that has felt the sting of loss.  Key wide receiver Golden Tate, one of their most reliable receivers and a big play threat for Russell Wilson departed.  While his numbers didn’t really impress from a typical wide receiver in the NFL (898 yards) it was his gaudy 14 yards per completion that really stuck out.

Last year Wilson averaged 8.2 yards per completion during the Super Bowl run, good enough for top five in the league.  This year that’s down to 7.0 yards per completion, putting him at 25th overall.  That is a huge reason for why the Seattle Seahawks, as an offense and a team are struggling to exert the same dominance they had last season.

Talk about good drafting and development of young players all day.  The bottom line is the defending champs were weakened by free agency more than they’re letting on.