Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the Seattle Seahawks.
2015 in a nutshell: They lose only two games after a 2-4 start, with quarterback Russell Wilson putting up superhero numbers. But they settle for second in the NFC West and lose to the Carolina Panthers in the divisional playoffs.
Why 2016 could be different: They were extremely healthy last season, so the injury gods may not be as generous in 2016. They also lost several key contributors, and the division looks strong.
Major additions: They brought in offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb in free agency, and first-round guard Germain Ifedi should start from the get-go.
Major losses: Webb is replacing Russell Okung, but they also lost Bruce Irvin, Brandon Mebane and guard J.R. Sweezy.
Breakout watch: Thomas Rawls is supposed to become the next Marshawn Lynch, at least if he can stay on the field. The 23-year-old back averaged 5.6 yards per carry as a rookie in 2015.
Position to watch: The line is the unit everybody’s watching. They’ve struggled to protect Wilson, and now they’re moving on from Okung and Sweezy in favor of Webb and Ifedi, while moving Garry Gilliam — who was awful last year — to the blind side and moving Justin Britt to center. Will the makeover help?
Prediction: They’re getting back to the playoffs, and Wilson and that secondary can take them back to the Super Bowl. That said, the Cardinals are slightly better. I’m giving them 11 wins and an NFC championship game loss.
