3 Seattle Seahawks who have to take the next step this season
![SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lumen Field on December 11, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lumen Field on December 11, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0d5474448b4ab1134d789663ea2a6488bc63a3a8d332d8a663dc5b4a10659ebb.jpg)
Seahawks that have to take the next step in 2023: 2. Charles Cross
The higher-ups in Seattle should be happy with what they saw from Charles Cross during his rookie campaign. He gave up seven sacks as the team’s starting left tackle but he flashed the natural talent required to be a dominating blocker out on the edge.
It’s also worth mentioning that Cross compounded giving up seven sacks by committing seven penalties as well. Cutting down on both areas could pay big dividends for Cross and the Seahawks’ offense.
The good news is that Cross’s good plays were really good. He was a mauler in the run game and did a decent job holding up against the league’s top edge rushers when he was left isolated. There’s more good tape than bad tape to watch from Cross’ first season as a pro.
The key for Cross this season will be to consolidate the gains he made as his rookie season rolled along. He just needs to moderately cut down on his mistakes to perform like a top-flight left tackle. There’s reason for optimism that Cross can turn into a star this season but he’s got to do the work required to take a meaningful step forward.