I think its a good idea to get different levels of expectations based on where we're at in the NFL offseason. We're only in the infantile stages of free agency, with rumors that Seattle is working hard to retain Marshawn Lynch and Red Bryant, but with nothing set in stone yet.
We know that Seattle will be picking 11th or 12th in April.
We know that they've got a little bit of wiggle room with the salary cap.
We've heard rumors that they're interested in Peyton Manning, and it's a safe assumption that they're exploring that possibility, as well as Matt Flynn and other options. However, that doesn't mean that Tarvaris Jackson won't be named the starter well before the season starts if the Hawks don't get an NFL-ready or experienced quarterback.
At this point, we're mostly working off of the idea that Seattle was bad (but a playoff team) in 2010. That they were much improved, especially on defense, in 2011 and that they were active in signing Sidney Rice, Zach Miller, and Robert Gallery in free agency. We've seen Seattle make hits with small free agent moves and big trades, like the one to get Lynch, plus a so-far extraordinary track record in the draft.
Based on what we know now, based on how you feel about Pete Carroll and John Schneider and the direction of the organization, what is your expectation level for the 2012 season as of today?
EDIT: Seahawks 2012 opponents added for relevancy.
HOME: AZ, STL, SF, GB, MIN, DAL, NE, NYJ
AWAY: AZ, STL, SF, CHI, DET, CAR, BUF, MIA