Where will Rams NFC West Division rivals struggle this season?

III: Seattle Seahawks - Linebacker and safeties

The next NFC West Division rival is the Seattle Seahawks, a team that has continued to impress behind the rejuvenated passing of starting quarterback Geno Smith. But the Seahawks as a whole got about as much success out of their roster as possible in 2023. The Seahawks finished with a record of 9-8, but fielded the 21st-ranked NFL offense, and the 30th-ranked NFL defense.

While their offense was powered by the running of Kenneth Walker and the trio of receivers in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, they seemed to struggle to find consistency. We know that the LA Rams loved what they saw in backup tight end Colby Parkinson, signing him to an impressive three-year contract in the offseason. Did that Seahawks simply have too many weapons and not enough role players?

The Seahawks did shop often in the 2024 NFL Free Agency market for veteran offensive linemen, including signing former Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. (who I think is ready to be an NFL starter).

The problem is that the Seahawks are doing a complete makeover on the defensive side of the football, and have parted ways with ILB Bobby Wagner, ILB Jordyn Love, DB Quandre Diggs, and DB Jamal Adams. Between those four players, the Seahawks defense loses 437 tackles, 8.0 quarterback sacks, and two interceptions.

That's a pretty hefty amount of defensive production to replace.

The Seahawks did draft former Texas DT Byron Murphy II, a rookie prospect who the Rams had hoped might fall to within reach in Round 1. But their draft was limited to eight selections, six of which fell on Day 3.

I don't know that I see many reasons for the Seattle Seahawks to finish above .500 this season. In fact, this could be a difficult year to cheer for them.