The Seattle Seahawks are 7-3-1, which based on preseason expectations, I’ll take. I’m not too unhappy with that record, especially since they are nearly ready to take the division crown with five games left to go. Offensively though, it’s been a pretty wild rollercoaster with more straight shots than loopty-loops and more steep drops than we can handle as a fanbase.
Individually, blame goes around to just about everyone. We had preseason expectations for all of these players and some of them have met them, others have fallen so far below what we thought they were capable of. Here’s a snapshot of some key offensive players and whether they’ve done what they thought they would, or if they’re contributing a 20.4 ppg problem.
Russell Wilson - Disappointment
I think Wilson’s playing at an extremely high level, a level that 99% of players will never reach as he transcends into enlightenment ... but the numbers aren’t there. After his historic second half last season, expectations were hovering around at least 30 touchdown passes, maybe five picks, and 500 rushing yards. That sounds extreme, but doable given what he did last season and that Jimmy Graham would be coming back.
Instead, Wilson is on pace for 16 touchdowns and after his two-pick game on Sunday, his passer rating is down to 93.9. The reasons for this seem pretty simple: Offensive line, injuries, zero running game, and just that Wilson has missed some opportunities for what look like easy touchdowns upon review. That being said, I could see Wilson throwing 13 touchdowns over the final five games without a pick and really raising those numbers to something we are more accustomed to. I could also see it being only above average. I do not see it being bad.
But based on preseason expectations, this is a disappointment, statistically.
Thomas Rawls - Disappointment
Rawls seemed much more likely than Jimmy Graham to return by Week 1 and play a full, healthy season. Instead he’s missed all but four games and was limited in at least two or three of those. He’s averaging 2.7 yards per carry and is missing that burst after contact and vision before contact that he displayed as a rookie a year ago. The offensive line isn’t helping but that’s the reason the team let go of Christine Michael; you have to get what the offensive line doesn’t get you.
I’d still expect him to get back on track by the playoffs.
CJ Prosise - Neutral
The injuries are disappointing but if you told me that every time Prosise would touch the ball he’d be a threat to score — as a runner, receiver, maybe a punt or kick returner — right out of the gate, I’d be hardpressed to be disappointed. The Seahawks still have him for at least three more seasons and I don’t get worked up over early-career injuries. Give it time before we label him an injury bust.
Doug Baldwin - Satisfied
Baldwin didn’t turn back into a 50 yards per game receiver. He’s averaging more yards per game than he did a year, with ago a career-high 78.2% catch rate. He’s proven that last season was no fluke. This is great.
Tyler Lockett - Disappointment
Injuries. And not on the same page at all with Wilson, which really showed itself on Sunday vs the Bucs. Lockett could likely finish the year with under 500 receiving yards after posting 664 as a rookie. He still appears to be an incredible player, but we haven’t seen that very often through 11 games.
Jermaine Kearse - Just No. No no no no no.
I never advocated to re-signing Kearse and it seems highly unlikely that he’ll still be with the team after this season on the same contract he signed earlier this year. Kearse is catching just 51.8% of his targets and his five offensive pass interference penalties lead the NFL by a lot.
Paul Richardson - Neutral
He’s not hurt. Sometimes he looks really good. He’s still not producing much at all. He might still have a future with the team but needs another full season to integrate himself into the offense. Don’t forget how bad Baldwin looked in Wilson’s first season.
Jimmy Graham - Oh hell yeah
Just so far beyond the wildest expectations, Graham should be a lock for Comeback Player of the Year. He’s on pace for over 1,000 yards and already has the most receiving yards in a single season by a Seattle player.
Luke Willson/Nick Vannett/Brandon Williams - Disappointment
They’ve combined for 10 catches, 96 yards. We weren’t expecting a lot, but definitely more than that.
Justin Britt - Phenomenal turnaround
Britt was a candidate to be released less than a year ago and now it seems unfathomable that he won’t become one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL.
Every other offensive lineman - Disappointment
I can’t give Germain Ifedi too hard of a time, but look at all the players who were supposed to start: J’Marcus Webb, Bradley Sowell, Garry Gilliam. It’s not that expectations were high for any of them save for Gilliam, but wow they’ve fallen below a really low bar. And Mark Glowinski is probably fine, but overall the job hasn’t been getting done for the o-line. I think Ifedi, Britt, and Glowinski are probably safe for next year but where do they turn for tackles? And how do they reinforce the backup situation? Is George Fant the next Jason Peters or the next Alvin Bailey? What do you mean “There’s probably a middle ground”!?!?!?
I’m just one guy though — what do you think?