2013 Seattle Seahawks Season Preview
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Last year, the Seahawks took a lot of people by surprise, going 11-5 and notching a win in the playoffs. Rookie QB Russell Wilson was one of the top newcomers in a league that was full of them last season. Unlike 2012, the Seahawks aren’t going to sneak up on anybody this year. Among the favorites to win the NFC, big things are expected out of the Seahawks in 2013.
It all came together last year. At the same time, everybody had a big year--with seemingly all key players healthy and fulfilling their full potential. Will everything line up as wonderfully this season? Time will tell, but the league has a way of adjusting. Any let-up in their form will create major problems. Their division is tough and improving. At the same time, the optimism for the Seahawks in 2013 is well-placed. They should be awfully tough and are clearly moving in the right direction.
Wilson is really something else. The Seahawks found a real gem in their young star quarterback, who is one of the more diverse players in the league. They still have battering ram Marshawn Lynch, who has steadily worked his way into being a top back in the NFC. He is still only 27 and should have another excellent season, coming off a career-high 1590 yards on the ground in ’12.
Not to impugn the existing Seattle receiving corps, but the addition of Percy Harvin should provide a major boost to the Seahawks aerial attack. The former Vikings stalwart is one of the best in the business--a fast, productive, and versatile wide receiver with a ton of moxie. Along with Golden Tate, Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and a few good tight ends, this offense can be potentially better this upcoming season. With Wilson always a threat to break one with his legs, Seattle should have one of the more versatile offenses in the conference.
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Another less-talked about part of Seattle is their top-flight offensive line. There is a little doubt at the right guard position, but otherwise, everyone is back and this line should get even better. With Russell Wilson’s high-wire act, that part of the equation is ultra-critical. There is no reason to expect any falloff in this area of their game.
With the possible exception of the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle’s regular season is critical for establishing some home-field advantage. They are deadly at home. Even when they weren’t that great, playing in Seattle was tough. But now--forget about it. If Seattle lost more than one home game this regular season, it would be considered a disappointment.
Defensively, there was the loss of Marcus Trufant, but Seattle’s secondary should continue to be top-notch. Their safety tandem of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor is among the league’s best and veteran CB Antoine Winfield is being brought into the fold. Second year LB Bruce Irvin will miss the first 4 games while serving a suspension, but Cliff Avril and returnee Michael Bennett will still provide a robust pass rush from the line. With Russell Wilson gaining more experience with a potentially better offense, that should also help the defense by giving them the rest they need. Especially at home, this Seattle “D” is going to be fierce.
Fans might not be conditioned to predicting Super Bowl glory for the Seahawks. On some level, it just doesn’t sound right. But in a league full of legit contenders, Seattle stands out as a real threat in 2013. You don’t want to see a team without any rings get cocky and it looks like there is a touch of that in Seattle. It’s one thing to jump up in a single season and have a great year. Can they do it again? They now have a target on their backs, opposing defenses might be more prepared for Wilson, and they have gone from underrated to potentially overrated.
The division is tough and they will need to play their tails off. You’d like to see them develop as a road team to a greater extent. With teams like the Falcons, 49ers, and Packers, among others in the conference, they may have to win some big games on the road when it counts. While there was nothing flukey about Russell Wilson’s breakout season last year, there are no guarantees in this business, either. But by all signs, Seattle should be a solid contender this year and are legit at 9/1 to win Super Bowl XLVIII.
