3 Seattle Seahawks who have to take the next step this season

The Seahawks overachieved to win nine games in 2002, but if they want to crack double-digits in 2023 these three players must step up. 

Pete Carroll deserves a ton of credit for piloting the Seattle Seahawks to a second-place finish in the NFC West last season. Now the challenge for everyone in Seattle is to find a way to close the gap on the 49ers in 2023.

The good news is that Geno Smith is back to pilot what was a surprisingly efficient offense last season. It might be hard for him to play better than he did in 2022, but the organization enters this year with no significant questions at the quarterback position.

Carroll and his staff do need the defense to significantly improve if they want to become legitimate division title contenders. Getting one key player back from injury could help Seattle do just that.

Seahawks that have to take the next step in 2023: 3. Jamal Adams

Jamal Adams may never justify the massive price the Seahawks paid to acquire him but he still can be a high-level starter in his team’s secondary. He only played one regular season game last year after suffering a torn quad. He should be ready to go by the time Week 1 arrives.

The Seahawks need Adams to be a playmaker near the line of scrimmage. When healthy, he’s one of the top pass-rushing safeties in all of football. Seattle needs that unique benefit from Adams given their lack of quality edge-rushers at more conventional positions.

If Adams can come back and play like a Pro Bowler next year it’s going to take a ton of pressure off his teammates. The Seahawks overpaid to acquire him but he can help them on the field in 2023.