NFL Takeaways: The Seattle Seahawks Swagger Is Gone
By Erik Lambert
Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) carries the ball and slides for a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Oakland 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
It was impossible to miss in 2013. No NFL team had that attitude of a champion like the Seattle Seahawks did. What a difference a year makes. Suddenly the team everybody was proclaiming the next dynasty looks like anything but a champion. Even though they’ve won their last two games, the defending champs look vulnerable in a number of areas.
They can hardly throw the ball like they could last season, even when Marshawn Lynch has his mojo going.
"“Wilson’s scant numbers — 17-of-35 passing for 179 yards — had plenty to do with Oakland’s active pass rush. Taking advantage of a Seahawks line missing tackle Russell Okung and center Max Unger, the Raiders repeatedly flushed Wilson out of the pocket and forced the Super Bowl-winning quarterback into a bevy of bubble screens and throws into the flats. His 5.1 yards per attempt were Wilson’s second-lowest total all season.”"
Their vaunted defense is giving up drives and points at home to a winless team with a rookie quarterback. Never mind the fact they can’t force turnovers with any regularity like they used to.
Something is off. It’s hard to pinpoint what it is but experienced football fans could clearly see a difference between the 2013 Hawks and the 2014 Hawks. Is it injuries? Is it free agent losses? Is it internal locker room disputes? Or is it all of the above. Naturally, Pete Carroll and the front office will insist nothing is wrong and maybe it’s not that serious but the fact is the Seattle Seahawks may not even win their own division this season, let along another Lombardi trophy.
Russell Wilson has a lower quarterback ratings and is being forced to run more than he would prefer, exposing him to more hits and more chances for injury. The physical style of play is catching up to the defense who are without Bobby Wagner and Byron Maxwell and feature an ailing Kam Chancellor among others.
The NFL season is far from over and things change. They still have time to figure things out, but as things stand their hopes for a repeat must be tempered.