The Seattle Seahawks will begin training camp later this week, on Friday, 7/25. The Super Bowl Champions have enjoyed the spotlight this offseason, including winning ESPY awards, making the cover of Madden (Richard Sherman), and endless promotional activities on and off camera. It is time for the team to report back to the Pacific Northwest and set out to accomplish what hasn’t been done since a decade ago when the New England Patriots won back-to-back Lombardi trophies.
Here are five, key questions to keep an eye on during and coming out of camp:
Question 1: Can the Seahawks repeat?
There is no reason to believe the Seahawks can’t repeat. As with every other team in the NFL, the first pitfall they need to avoid is the injury bug, particularly to their core on both sides of the field. With relatively good health heading into Training Camp, the Seahawks will hope to repeat last year’s ability to avoid devastating injuries.
Beyond injury, the Seahawks play in the toughest division in football. Every game will matter in order to lock up home field playoff games. Winning the division, just like they did this past season, would be a fantastic coup when thinking about avoiding having to travel to San Francisco at some point in the playoffs.
Question 2: Will a RB by committee approach work?
There are two critical elements here. First, will Marshawn Lynch be happy with a reduced role in the regular season? It is critical to keep Marshawn in a good mode and avoid any contentious moments with one of its stars. While trying to save Lynch’s legs for the playoffs, the Seahawks will need to ensure the overall production is, at least, as good as it was last year.
Only the Buffalo Bills ran the ball more times last season vs. the Seahawks - 546 attempts to the Seahawks 509 attempts. Their ball and clock controlling offense is critical in maintaining the balance this team achieved in 2013/14. Whether it is Robert Turbin or Christine Michael, at least one of the two will need to be a key contributor to the Seahawks’ rushing attack.
Question 3: Will Seahawks WR’s finally earn respect around the league?
The vast majority of the Seahawks’ production from last season will return, minus Golden Tate. If Percy Harvin can stay healthy, the Seahawks WR’s should have an amazing season. You won’t see 100 catches from any particular player, but you will see explosive plays from someone each and every week.
The sure-handed Doug Baldwin returns after signing a new contract. After being cut at the beginning of the offseason, Sidney Rice decided the grass wasn’t going to be greener elsewhere and took the opportunity to win over a larger contract. You add in the emerging, big-play ability of Jermaine Kearse and the potential of their two rookies, Paul Richardson and Kevin Norwood, and the Seahawks have a rock solid collection of talent.
Question 4: Is it possible to expect more from the Seahawks defense?
Short answer, Yes. The Seahawks lost several players from last year’s regular rotation, namely Chris Clemons and Red Bryant. However, Clemons was outplayed by the DL that remain with the team and Bryant simply wasn’t going to get the money he received from Jacksonville out of Seattle. Enter 12 year pro, Kevin Williams from the Minnesota Vikings.
GM John Schneider resigned DL Michael Bennett and the remaining growth will come from within the clubhouse and from the draft. The Legion of Boom will be back with Byron Maxwell playing the other CB position across the field from Richard Sherman. All-Pro Safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor will be ready to patrol the field.
Question 5: Who is going to start at Right Tackle?
This is probably the burning question heading into camp. The Seahawks must find a replacement for Costless Agent departure, Breno Giacomini. Second year OT Michael Bowie filled in admirably last year when Giacomini and/or LT Russell Okung missed time with injuries. However, he’ll have competition in camp from rookie Justin Britt. This will be the competition to keep an eye on throughout camp to see who winds up with more first team snaps.
A Seahawks Training Camp preview without a single mention of Russell Wilson? Check.