Fansided

Russell Wilson tries to lead explosive Seahawks to Super Bowl

By Nicholas McGee

Aug 14, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Seattle Seahawks need Russell Wilson to mesh with their new offensive coordinator if they are to maintain superiority in the NFC West.

Best-case scenario

Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in football and elite weapons, it is debatable whether the Seahawks have a ‘Super Bowl or bust’ roster. However, that will surely be the mentality of a team that has recently seen more playoff failure than success.

The Divisional Round has too often proven the limit for Seattle, with the Seahawks failing to carry regular-season production into the playoffs. Following the arrival of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Seahawks will hope for a year where they can sustain production on that side of the ball and threaten what they will see as an overdue return to the Super Bowl.

Worst-case scenario

Given the Seahawks have had a front-row seat to the Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay offenses, it is surprising it has taken them this long to pluck Waldron from the Los Angeles Rams.

Yet should he and Wilson fail to mesh, it could be a long season for Seattle. Wilson and the Seahawks’ passing game fell off down the stretch in 2020 and, if those struggles carry into 2020, it will be tough to see a team with a very exploitable secondary successfully defending the division title. Tough questions will be asked in Seattle if they finish the year looking up at the Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

X-factor

While the Seahawks have perhaps the top receiver pairing in the league in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, they have long since lacked a consistent difference-maker at tight end.

Gerald Everett brings athleticism and familiarity with Waldron after also trading the Rams for Seattle and has reportedly quickly developed a rapport with Wilson.

The Rams never quite harnessed the full potential of Everett’s skill set, but a player of his caliber who can put stress on opposing safeties and linebackers could prove the extra dimension the Seattle offense needs to ensure it stays as one of the league’s best for an entire season.

Biggest game – Week 5 vs. L.A. Rams

The two weeks that loom largest on the Seahawks’ schedule are weeks 4 and 5, with Seattle hosting the Rams after traveling to take on the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. If the Seahawks are to retain control of the league’s best division, they will likely need to at least split those games.

Going 0-2 would put them behind the 8-ball but a win over the Rams, the team most view as the class of the NFC West following their Wild Card win over Seattle last season and the addition of Matthew Stafford, would send a clear message that the Seahawks are still the team to beat.

Bold prediction

Alton Robinson will record 10 sacks.

The Seahawks lack proven options at edge rusher and, though veterans Carlos Dunlap and Kerry Hyder Jr are dependable, Seattle will look for some of their younger players at that spot to make the leap in 2021.

The leading candidate is Robinson, who finished his rookie year with four seasons and flashed potential in terms of beating pass protectors to pressure the quarterback. With two extremely experienced heads to learn from this season, a sophomore surge could well be on the cards for the 2020 fifth-round pick.