Seahawks '3-Point Checklist' for Success: Pressure on Geno Smith?
The Seattle Seahawks made the NFL stand up and take notice last season. With Russell Wilson gone, Geno Smith took charge and led the team to a surprising playoff berth with a 9-8 record.
Smith had a career season, and the offense, at times, looked solid. As we prepare for training camp in a few weeks, the Seahawks will be looking to build on their achievements from last season.
But how do they go about it?
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who was on Good Morning Football, gave his three-point checklist for what needs to happen for the Seahawks to have a successful season.
No. 1: Geno Smith replicating 2022 form.
"One of the best stories in the NFL last season," Pelissero said. "He came out, threw 30 touchdown passes, and had them on the brink of the playoffs. Can he do it again? It's going to be a huge factor going into Seattle's season."
No. 2: Get rookies involved.
"They got a couple of first-round picks," Pelissero said. "They took Devon Witherspoon at No. 5, and at No. 20, they took Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Last year's draft by John Schneider was unbelievable. If this is another good draft class, they may have built the foundation for another really good run in Seattle."
No. 3: Have a healthy Jamal Adams.
"Remember Jamal Adams, the guy that was traded for multiple first-round picks? We only saw him for one game last year," Pelissero said. "He's only 27 years old. We've seen flashes of how impactful Jamal Adams can be, still one of the most important players on that Seahawks roster."
Let's go through the checklist.
First, there’s Smith. Replicating his Pro Bowl form from last season looks tough, but with rookie additions in Smith-Njigba and running back Zach Charbonnet to complement what is already a good offense, Smith has the weapons to do some damage.
While he likely won't have to break franchise records to get Seattle into the postseason, another year of consistent, high-level production is needed from Smith.
Now to the rookies.
Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba have already been touted as Week 1 starters. There is still a long way to go, but if Seattle "hits" on both of these players, then buckle up.
Pairing Witherspoon with Tariq Woolen gives the Seahawks one of the best and youngest cornerback pairings in the NFL.
With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, both 1,000-plus yard receivers, Smith-Njigba comes in to form a three-headed monster for Smith next season. The offense ranked ninth for points per game (23.9), and with the addition of Smith-Njigba, that number could trend upward in a big way.
Lastly is the forgotten man of Seattle's defense - Jamal Adams.
Pelissero is right; the Seahawks missed Adams' playmaking ability last season. Getting him healthy - and more importantly, keeping him healthy - will go a long way to Seattle having an improved defense.
The defense allowed 23.6 points per game last season (ranked 25th). Having a fit and healthy Adams will undoubtedly improve the unit.
If the Seahawks hit on all three of the checklist items, then they're in business. But miss, and who knows what the season could look like.
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