Assessing Seahawks Offensive Groups After 10 Games
The halfway mark of the 2019 NFL season passed several weeks ago, but with the Seahawks on a Week 11 bye, this weekend ultimately serves as their midway point to rest up for the final stretch run.
Looking back at Seattle’s first 10 games and a fast 8-2 start, how have each of the team’s offensive positional groups performed thus far?
Here’s my bye week assessment, featuring a specific word to describe each positional group, in-depth analysis, and a grade through 10 weeks of play.
Quarterback
Word: Unparalleled
Analysis: Russell Wilson isn’t the only quarterback having a sensational year, but he’s playing on another level even compared to his peers such as Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson. He leads the entire league with 23 touchdown passes, a 114.9 quarterback rating, and five game-winning drives. He’s also remained a threat as a runner, rushing for 156 yards and three additional touchdowns to enhance his resume. For a Seattle squad that has constantly been squeaking out tight wins, there’s not a more indispensable player on any of the other 31 NFL teams.
Grade: A+
Running Back
Word: Reckless
Analysis: Typically, being called reckless presents a negative connotation, but in football, that’s not necessarily always the case. Consider Seahawks standout Chris Carson, who powers through defenders with reckless abandon and plays with his pads as well as any back in the game today. That physical running style fits Seattle’s offense perfectly, but at times, fighting for extra yardage has wound up backfiring on him this year. He’s lost four fumbles, with three of them leading to touchdowns for the opponent, being far too careless with the ball for coach Pete Carroll’s liking. Meanwhile, the ball security issues have become contagious, as backup back Rashaad Penny lost a fumble last Monday night against the 49ers.
Grade: B
Receivers
Word: Pedestrianistic
Analysis: Okay, I made up a word on this one, but remember when Cris Carter called Doug Baldwin and Seattle’s receivers pedestrian years ago? The national narrative seems to be trending in a similar direction in 2019 despite the fact Tyler Lockett has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier receivers and DK Metcalf has exceeded all expectations in his rookie season. Wilson obviously deserves a ton of credit for his outstanding production, but the idea he doesn’t have quality receivers to work with is a laughable one.
Grade: B+
Tight End
Word: Shatterproof
Analysis: Losing Will Dissly for the season hurts, but Seattle has weathered the storm regardless of who is in the lineup at tight end. Since being promoted from the practice squad in Week 6, all that Jacob Hollister has done is catch 17 passes and score three touchdowns. Despite being banged up, Luke Willson has given the Seahawks a boost when he’s on the field as both a receiver and a blocker. George Fant has returned to playing valuable snaps as a pseudo tight end. Now, Ed Dickson has a chance to return from injured reserve, further bolstering a resilient unit that has continued to contribute to Seattle’s winning ways despite numerous injuries.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line
Word: Operative
Analysis: Seattle’s offensive line hasn’t been a top-five, or even top-10 unit for that matter, as tackle Duane Brown predicted it could be before the season started. Still, overcoming numerous injuries to Brown, guard D.J. Fluker, and center Justin Britt, the Seahawks rank sixth overall in rushing yards and pass protection has been good enough for Wilson to put up the monster numbers he has so far in 10 games. Coach Mike Solari’s group has been serviceable, which is better than most of the offensive lines Wilson has had in front of him over the years.
Grade: C+
