Behind Enemy Lines: A look at the Seattle Seahawks

It is always good to get a perspective as to how the other teams in your division are coming along heading into the new season. As we all know, the Seattle Seahawks have dominated the NFC West for a couple of years now, including two straight superbowl appearances. If it weren’t for a questionable call on the goal-line, the Seahawks could have very well likely won back-to-back superbowls.

With that being said, I was gracious enough to speak with Keith Myers, editor of 12th Man Rising about certain things surrounding Seattle heading into 2015 and beyond. The Rams will square off with Seattle in week one in St. Louis.

1. The big headline the Seahawks made in the offseason was the trade with the New Orleans Saints for Jimmy Graham in exchange for Max Unger and this year’s first round pick. What is the fan bases thoughts on this trade and what has been done in order to replace Unger at center? 

Replacing Unger is more of an “on paper” concern than an “one the field” one. Unger played in only 9 of 19 games last season, and he struggled in many of those that he did play in. If they hadn’t traded him, they were going to cut from for cap reasons.

Replacing him as the starter in 2015 will be one the two guys who covered for him when out last season Patrick Lewis played well at the end of the season and in playoff. Lemuel Jean-Pierre played well when he was in there, and was the guy who covered for Unger in 2013. One of them will win the job in training camp.

Long-term, the guy at center is going to be Kristjan Soloki. He’s a defense-to-offense convert (just like Seattle’s starting RG J.R. Sweezy), who is one of the best athletes to ever enter the NFL draft. He’ll take time to learn his new position, but eventually the Seahawks expect him to be a tremendous player.

2. Recent reports of Russell Wilson’s agent stating that Wilson wants to be the highest paid quarterback in the NFL have had some mixed reviews around the league as to if he is worth it. How do you think this contract situation will play out and do you believe that he is worth that kind of money?

There are a lot of parts to this. First, Wilson is an incredible player. He’s held back statistically by Seattle’s offensive scheme and by playing behind one of the worst pass-blocking offensive lines in the NFL. There is zero doubt that he’s a franchise QB and one of the top players in the league.

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Once that is established, it is important to note that franchise QB salaries are not determined by on-field play. The are determined by the fact that there are only about 15 of them on the planet. It doesn’t matter if you rank Wilson significantly below a guy like Aaron Rodgers. This isn’t about Wilson vs. Rodgers. It is about Wilson vs. Seattle’s other options at the position.

Plus, you have to remember that the salary cap is jumping up significantly every season. With that comes salary inflation. If Wilson is making more than Rodgers at some point, it is because Rodgers signed his deal before we saw 17 percent salary inflation across the league.

As for how it’ll play out, Wilson will play out the final year of his rookie deal this season. The Seahawks will place the franchise tag on him next year. They’ll all roll-over the cap space that the budgeted for Wilson extension this season and didn’t use, and then use that extra cap space to increase their offer next season to a point where Wilson will sign a new deal.

3. While the San Francisco 49ers have taken a couple of steps back heading into 2015, the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals have taken a few steps forward. Out of these two teams, which one gives the Seahawks the biggest threat to compete for a division crown in 2015?

Arizona. They are the most complete team in the division outside of Seattle. Had Carson Palmer not gotten hurt last season, they likely would have won the NFCW because of their super-fast start to the season. Unless he gets hurt again, the Cardinals should be right in the middle of things.

I’m not the least-bit scared of the Rams. The NFL’s best defensive line will keep them in-game (especially against Seattle’s awful offensive line), but the rest of the roster is uninspiring. I also have no belief that Nick Foles is a franchise QB.

The 49ers are an interesting case. They’ve lost a ton of talent, and everyone is writing them off as the division bottom-dweller. I don’t buy that at all. While the overall roster talent has diminished, there is still some tremendous players in San Francisco. With a couple of breaks, they could still be right in the think of the battle for the NFC West this season.

4. Several Seattle Seahawks will soon become free agents in the next season or two including QB Russell Wilson (2016), LB Bobby Wagner (2016), LB Bruce Irvin (2016) , Russell Okung (2016) WR Doug Baldwin (2017). Of the men on this list, who is expendable if any? And what would you like to see the team do with these players moving forward. 

Wagner should be re-signed before training camp this year (They’re close on terms already). Wilson should be re-signed next year. The others on the list probably all leave for greener (the color of money) pastures.

Irvin is a great player, but more easily replaced than people realize. Okung has had trouble staying healthy, and has declined a bit after numerous ankle injuries. The team thinks they already have their heirs on the roster too. Plus, Wilson’s contract will mean the team can’t afford to pay everyone.

Baldwin is a bit more interesting. Seattle has invested in the position the last two seasons by drafting Paul Richardson and Tyler Lockett. Both of them can play the slot, which is where Baldwin is at his best. Baldwin is also best WR on the team, so losing him will hurt. It’ll all come down to money, and I think someone else will pay him more than Seattle can.

5. Lastly, what is your outlook on the 2015 season and will we see the Seahawks in a third straight Super Bowl?

Exceptions are (rightfully) sky-high in Seattle. The Seahawks return 10 starters on defense and 9 on offense. The guys that left were the weakest links in their position groups. Throw in increased depth at a few positions and getting many important players back from injury and you have a team that is loaded and ready to make another run.

As for if they can get back to the big game, it’ll all come down to injuries. The Seahawks suffered a ton of costly injuries last season, but none to guys like Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch or Richard Sherman. Seattle’s roster may be loaded, but every team’s run can end quickly if the wrong guy gets hurt. Just ask the Arizona Cardinals.