Seahawks 2019 Midseason Awards - Offense
Though it hasn’t always been pretty or fun to watch, the Seahawks managed to open the season with a 6-2 record for only the second time in franchise history.
“The first half is over. 6-2 isn’t exactly the best it could have been,” coach Pete Carroll said after Sunday’s win in Atlanta. “But it’s pretty darn good at this time. We made the most of it. I wanted to really finish this half, get it over with and see where we were as we kick in to the second half, because the whole thing gets started now.”
Considering Seattle has historically played better in the second half under Carroll’s leadership, it’s no wonder he’s eager to see how things play out on the field over the next two months.
But before the Seahawks enter the “start to the finish” phase as Carroll coined it, it’s time to hand out midseason awards, starting on the offensive side of the football.
Offensive MVP – Russell Wilson
Several other players have enjoyed strong seasons thus far for Seattle, but this offense isn’t going anywhere without Wilson at the helm and he’s built himself a case as front runner for NFL MVP. Aside from an ugly pick-six thrown to cornerback Marcus Peters, he’s been near-flawless in 2019, throwing for 2,127 yards and a league-best 17 touchdowns while completing 68.4 percent of his passes. He also ranks first in the league in passer rating (115.5) and has added three rushing touchdowns for good measure.
Offensive Non-QB MVP – Chris Carson/Tyler Lockett
Shrugging off a sluggish start in which he lost three fumbles in three games, Carson has averaged 100 rushing yards per game, caught 12 passes out of the backfield, and scored three touchdowns in Seattle’s last five contests. Displaying a unique blend of power and athleticism as he runs through and around opposing defenders, the third-year back is on pace for 1,300 rushing yards and already surpassed his previous career-high in receptions. With eight games left to play, he remains a legit All-Pro candidate as the Seahawks workhorse back.
Building off a career year in 2018, Lockett has met the challenge replacing Doug Baldwin as Seattle's new No. 1 target. Making sensational one-handed catches and moonlighting as a gymnast toe-tapping along the sidelines, the fifth-year receiver already has 46 receptions and is on pace for 1,230 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Even playing in Seattle's run-heavy offense, like Carson, he's building a strong All-Pro resume and quickly becoming a household name among the league's best receivers.
Offensive Lineman of the Midseason – Germain Ifedi
Seemingly always ripe for criticism, Ifedi has actually been the most consistent offensive lineman for the Seahawks this year. Unlike the rest of his line mates, he’s started all eight games and in the midst of a contract year, he’s quietly played his best football protecting Wilson. He has held up well against the likes of Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, showcasing continued improvement under the coaching of Mike Solari. Time will tell if the Seahawks choose to re-sign him, but he’s made himself some money in 2019.
Offensive Rookie of the Midseason – DK Metcalf
By simply playing in all eight of Seattle’s games, Metcalf would’ve won this award since no other offensive players from the 2019 draft class have contributed away from special teams. But despite his relative rawness and a low 51 percent catch rate, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound specimen has been impressive in his first year with the Seahawks. He’s already caught 23 passes for 402 yards, averaging 17.5 yards per reception and scoring four touchdowns. At his current pace, he’ll eclipse 800 receiving yards and approach double-digit touchdowns as a rookie playing in a run-oriented offense.
Most Improved of the Midseason – Will Dissly
It’s bittersweet handing out this award with Dissly now done for the rest of the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but nobody was more deserving through Seattle’s first eight games. Prior to the injury in Week 6, he led all tight ends with four touchdown receptions and ranked second on the team with 23 receptions, impressive numbers considering he suffered a torn patellar tendon during his rookie season. He emerged as Wilson’s go-to red zone target and the Seahawks have certainly missed his presence the past two weeks.
Biggest Surprise of the Midseason – Jamarco Jones
The Seahawks have held Jones in high regard since his arrival as a fifth-round pick out of Ohio State two years ago, but there wasn’t a clear path for him to see the field coming off a severe ankle injury. Duane Brown and Ifedi were entrenched as starters at both tackle spots. But Jones proved his value by performing admirably as a replacement for D.J. Fluker at right guard, a position he had never played in a game at any level of football. He played so well Seattle considered keeping him in the lineup and he still played a fair number of snaps against the Falcons last week.
Play of the Midseason – Russell Wilson connects with Tyler Lockett for 13-yard touchdown vs. Rams
Somehow, this phenomenal pitch-and-catch from Wilson to Lockett didn’t make NFL.com’s top 10 plays of the midseason. But watching it even a month later, watching Wilson roll out to his left and magically drop the football perfectly into the back left corner of the end zone while throwing across his body to Lockett is a jaw dropper. Add in the ridiculous body control and hand-eye coordination displayed by Lockett to catch the ball and get both feet down inbounds? It may not quite be up to par with the famous “Beast Quake” run, but this is a highlight reel play Seahawks fans will remember for a long, long time.
