by Senji Torrey

Sports Editor

The 2020 NFL season will be unique for many reasons. Whether it is the new restrictions to accommodate COVID-19 safety measures or the New England Patriots finally looking at their downfall after the loss of Tom Brady, these next few months are going to be one for the history books.

With these seemingly once-in-a-lifetime events happening all at once, it may be hard to analyze this season as one of regularity. However, if one does this, they will realize that the NFL will see an unmistakable development in the NFC West: the fiery resurgence of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks have no doubt dropped off the top contenders list since their embarrassing Super Bowl loss to the Patriots in 2015, and have since found themselves in the middle of the NFC pack. However, many barriers that Seattle faced up to this point have now broken down, creating a unique “all green lights” scenario that the Seahawks will pounce on.

After defeating the Seahawks just a day before, New England Patriots players, as well as owner Robert Kraft (right) and head coach Bill Belicheck (left) pose with former President Obama.

Seattle’s first problem comes from a surprising place: the secondary. After losing integral players such as safety Kam Chancellor to retirement, star cornerback Richard Sherman to the San Francisco 49ers, and Earl Thomas III to the Baltimore Ravens in just two years, the Seahawks got blindsided by the gaping hole in their defensive backfield. 

Though cornerbacks such as Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers fill in these gaps to a certain extent, the Seahawks have been unsuccessful in regaining the prowess in this area that they once had just a few seasons back. 

Despite this dilemma, the offseason signing of Jamal Adams will most definitely solve it. Adams revolutionized an ailing New York Jets defense in just one season, making a name for himself as an elite player. Adams’ persistent hunger and tenacity has made him not only a great secondary player, but also a regular on the defensive line. Adams is so effective at what he does that countless NFL analysts are already placing the Seahawks in the Super Bowl discussion for this upcoming season.

Newly signed safety Jamal Adams celebrates after a successful play.

Another setback that the Seahawks faced in these past few seasons was their lack of a reliable running game. What elevates the relevance and urgency of this problem is the fact that the Seahawks had Marshawn Lynch, one of the best running backs of the 21st century. With such big boots to fill, even a solid running back like C.J. Prosise does not seem good enough. However, this seemingly difficult problem has a surprisingly simple fix. The solution lies in relying on two equally reliable running backs, Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde, to fill Lynch’s shoes, and therefore solving Seattle’s running game dilemma.

Carlos Hyde surveys the field after getting the ball.

Chris Carson focuses on the scoreboard during a game.

The Seahawks’ final substantial problem has been their offensive line. In an effort to solve this problem, Seattle has signed seven new offensive linemen to their 53-man roster. Although some of these players may not be as successful as Seattle would like them to be, many others are veterans of the NFL. Essentially, with a bit of luck, Seattle will have a solid offensive line this season and beyond.

B.J. Finney, who will take the field for the Seahawks this season, helps block Grover Stewart (90) while simultaneously preparing for another player.

If everything said before this doesn’t persuade someone that the Seahawks will find unique success during the 2020 season, let us review the assets that Seattle already had before this season. Seattle has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Russell Wilson. In addition, with the 2019 addition of D.K. Metcalf, the Seahawks’ passing game is on the ascent, and will be for the next few seasons. And don’t forget about Seattle’s incredibly talented defensive line. With names such as Bobby Wagner, as well as new talent like Jordyn Brooks, don’t be surprised to see opposing quarterbacks on their backs this season.

Bobby Wagner (54) runs out of the endzone after intercepting a pass from the Atlanta Falcons.

Seattle has been a solid side for many years, and has just been missing a few key pieces. When all of these pieces are assembled together, Seattle will easily break into an unstoppable stride, rocking the NFL. While I do not believe that the Seattle Seahawks will win the Super Bowl, I would not be surprised to see them clinch their division and go deep in the playoffs. Go Hawks!

(Sources: NFL.com, seahawks.com)