The Seattle Seahawks will not be appearing in a third straight Super Bowl, but the Hawks’ offense alone should give fans belief and hope heading into next season.

The Seahawks’ defense has long been, and will continue to be, the league’s best. However, it’s the offense that will likely propel Pete Carroll and company back to the promised land.

Most of the team’s offensive core, with the potential exception of Marshawn Lynch, are already under contract for next season. What’s more, most of the Hawks’ best offensive players are still improving.

Rising Stars

Three of quarterback Russell Wilson’s most dynamic offensive weapons are all under the age of 24. Thomas Rawls, Lynch’s long-term replacement, is only 22 years old. Playmaking wide receiver/return specialist Tyler Lockett is just a tad bit older at 23. Fellow wide out and big play threat Paul Richardson is also 23 years of age.

As a starter filling in for Lynch, Rawls ran the ball 132 times for 756 yards. His 5.6 yards per carry led the league. With a full season as the team’s featured back, he could post monster numbers.

Initially viewed as simply a difference maker in the return game, Lockett established himself down the stretch as the team’s second receiver behind Doug Baldwin. The rookie snagged five touchdowns to go along with 30 catches for 404 yards over Seattle’s final seven regular season games.

Richardson’s season was shortened due to injury in 2015, but he showed flashes of potential during his rookie campaign in 2014. Like Lockett, he possess the speed to take the top off of defenses.

What’s more, Wilson himself is only 27.

Additionally, fellow standouts Baldwin and Jimmy Graham are both under 30 (26 and 29 respectively). Baldwin is just coming into his own as a number one receiver, while Graham is already one in his own right.

Healthy Again

Speaking of Graham, the return of the star tight end is likely greater than any free agent of trade acquisition the Seahawks could make. The same can be said of Rawls or Richardson. All three know the offensive system and how to be effective in it. This is especially true of Graham.

After initial struggles, the All-Pro finally seemed to be clicking with Wilson and looked comfortable playing with the scrambling quarterback.

More Passing

Wilson excelled for the Seahawks late in the season, throwing for 1,906 yards, 24 touchdowns and only one interception over the team’s final seven games. With so much success coming via the pass, it would be surprising to see Seattle revert to a conservative aerial game. In other words, Wilson will continue to throw a lot next season. That means more targets for Graham and Richardson and more running lanes for Rawls.

In Conclusion

The Seattle Seahawks finished the NFL season on a blistering offensive pace. With the likes of Jimmy Graham, Paul Richardson and Thomas Rawls being re-added to the mix, expect more great things from the Seahawks in 2016.

Seattle’s defense hogged the spotlight during the team’s first Super Bowl victory, it may be the offense’s turn next season.

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About the author
Ben Rosener
Ben Rosener is a sports writer born and raised in the greater Seattle area. He is a college who is the editor and founder of two sports websites, Kingdome of Seattle Sports and Know Hitter, the latter of which is a member of the BBA. Ben’s work can also be found on the digital pages of Bleacher Report, USA Today, World Soccer Talk and FanSided among others. He only refers to himself in the third person for bios.