Seattle Seahawks 2024 Preview

The Seattle Seahawks head into the 2024 season with a mix of optimism and caution. After a 9-8 finish in 2023 that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, the team is looking to improve and re-establish itself as a contender in the NFC.

With a win total over/under set at 7.5, the Seahawks are aiming to exceed expectations under head coach Pete Carroll and newly appointed offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from Seattle this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Seahawks bring back much of their core from last season, but they also face significant questions, particularly on the offensive line and in the linebacker corps. Geno Smith returns as the starting quarterback after a solid 2023 campaign, but the team will need improved play from both sides of the ball to make a serious playoff push. The defense, which struggled last year, will also need to step up if Seattle wants to challenge for the NFC West title.

Offensive Changes

Geno Smith’s Steady Leadership:

Solid 2023 Performance: Geno Smith returns after a year where he threw for over 3,400 yards with 20 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod. While his numbers were down slightly from his breakout 2022 season, Smith remains a capable leader for the Seahawks’ offense, which features a talented group of playmakers.
Dynamic Receiving Trio:
- DK Metcalf: Metcalf continues to be the focal point of the passing attack, coming off an 1,100-yard season with 8 touchdowns. His combination of size and speed makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
- Tyler Lockett: Lockett remains a reliable option for Smith, hauling in 79 catches for 894 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. His chemistry with Smith is critical to the Seahawks’ success.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The young wideout had a promising rookie year with over 60 catches and 600 yards. He’ll look to build on that in his second season and take on a bigger role in the offense.

Running Back Tandem:

Kenneth Walker III: Walker was productive in his rookie season, rushing for over 900 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns. He’s expected to be the lead back again, with his ability to break big plays a key component of the Seahawks’ offense.
Zach Charbonnet: Charbonnet, also a rookie last year, provided solid depth with 450 rushing yards and 4.3 yards per carry. Together, Walker and Charbonnet form a strong backfield duo that can take pressure off Geno Smith.

O-Line Concerns:

Mixed Performance: The offensive line is perhaps the biggest question mark for Seattle. While they allowed the 10th fewest sacks last season, they also ranked poorly in pressure rate allowed, which contributed to some of the offense’s struggles on third down and in the red zone.
- Injuries and Changes: Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, the starting tackles, are entering their third seasons and will need to stay healthy and improve their pass protection. The interior of the line is undergoing changes, with Laken Tomlinson signed to bolster the group, but his performance with the Jets last year, where he allowed 9.5 sacks, raises concerns.

Defensive Adjustments

Struggles in 2023:

Defensive Weaknesses: Seattle’s defense ranked 25th in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed last season. They struggled against both the run and the pass, giving up 4.6 yards per carry and over 230 passing yards per game.
Pass Rush Potential:
- Bo Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu: Mafe led the team with 9 sacks last season, while Nwosu, returning from injury, will look to regain his 2022 form when he recorded 9.5 sacks. The Seahawks need these two to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.
- Additions Up Front: The Seahawks brought in Leonard Williams, who had 5.5 sacks between New York and Seattle last year, and used their first-round pick on defensive end Byron Murphy, who was touted as the best defensive tackle in the draft. These moves aim to strengthen a defensive line that needs to be more disruptive.

Secondary Stability:

Cornerback Trio: The Seahawks are sticking with their core secondary, featuring Tariq Woolen, who held quarterbacks to a sub-80 passer rating, and Michael Jackson, who was similarly effective. Rookie Deon Witherspoon also showed promise, leading the team in passes defended.
Safety Changes: Seattle parted ways with both Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, opting to bring in Julian Love, who allowed a sub-90 passer rating last season, and former Jaguar Rayshawn Jenkins, who recorded over 100 tackles. These changes will be crucial in tightening up a secondary that allowed too many big plays last year.

Linebacker Shake-Up:

Goodbye Wagner, Hello Baker: The Seahawks bid farewell to Bobby Wagner, their longtime defensive leader, and brought in Jerome Baker from Miami. While Baker has shown he can be a solid tackler, replacing Wagner’s production and leadership will be no small task. They also added Terrel Dodson from Buffalo, who could see significant playing time after recording over 70 tackles in 10 starts last season.

Season Outlook

The Seahawks face a pivotal season with a wide range of possible outcomes. Their win total floor and ceiling give insight into the volatility surrounding this team:

Win Total Floor: 6 Wins

Why? If the offensive line continues to struggle, the defense fails to improve, and the team deals with injuries, Seattle could regress and fall short of a winning record. A challenging road schedule also adds to the potential for a disappointing season.

Win Total Ceiling: 10 Wins

Why? If Geno Smith maintains his Pro Bowl form, the defense steps up, and the offensive line stabilizes, the Seahawks have the talent to exceed expectations and push for a playoff spot. Sweeping teams like the Cardinals and beating contenders like Green Bay and Buffalo could result in a 10-win season.

Final Thoughts

The Seattle Seahawks are a team with potential, but they also have several areas that need improvement. Geno Smith and the offense must continue to produce, while the defense needs to find consistency and stop giving up big plays. With a tough schedule ahead, the Seahawks will need to be at their best to return to the playoffs in 2024.

Key Points Recap

Geno Smith returns as the starting quarterback, looking to build on a solid 2023 season.
DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba form a dynamic receiving trio, giving Smith plenty of options.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet provide a strong running back duo that can take pressure off the passing game.
The offensive line remains a concern, particularly with injuries and changes in the interior.
The defense must improve, especially in stopping the run and limiting big plays in the secondary.
The Seahawks have a wide range of outcomes, with a win total floor of 6 wins and a ceiling of 10 wins.

Seahawks fans, it’s going to be an interesting season. If the team can address its weaknesses and play to its strengths, they have a shot at making a return to the playoffs in 2024.

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