The Seattle Seahawks nearly pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history against the Carolina Panthers, but just fell short. It was a comparatively tougher season after two straight Super Bowl appearances and a slow start.
However, there’s a number of reasons to believe that the Seahawks will be back and better than ever next season. Here’s three of them.
- Jimmy Graham
In the last seven games of the regular season Russell Wilson amassed 1,949 passing yards, 22 touchdowns (only two interceptions) and a 124.4 quarterback rating without Jimmy Graham. Imagine Wilson running an offense with Graham.
Injuries to running backs Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls forced Seattle to throw more, and it worked out brilliantly. Wilson was historically good, and the team excelled when leaning on passing plays.
Graham’s injury was particularly unfortunate, because it seemed as if he had finally adjusted to playing with the scrambling Wilson after years of catching passes from the stationary Drew Brees.
After so much success, Pete Carroll and company aren’t likely to abandon the prolific passing attack anytime soon. This increased number of throwing plays will only benefit Graham. The combination of the towering tight end, Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett will give opposing defenses nightmares.
- A Healthy Thomas Rawls
With Lynch retiring, Rawls will be the focal point of the Seattle running game. The Seahawks’ young running back will likely be fully healthy in 2016/2017 after missing significant time due to injury last season with an ankle injury. Before the injury, the rookie was an unstoppable force. He led the league in yards per carry, while topping 100 yards four times despite only averaging 11.3 rushing attempts per games over 13 contests. The combination of a dominant run game led by Rawls, with a dynamic passing attack will make Seattle one of the league’s best teams.
- The Continued Improvement of Russel Willson
By all accounts, the Seattle signal caller had a career year in 2015. Wilson set career highs in the following categories:
- Completions
- Completion Percentage
- Passing Yards
- Passing Touchdowns
- Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt
- Adjusted Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt
- Passing Yards Per Game
- Quarterback Rating
- QBR
- Net Yards Gained Per Pass Attempt
- Adjusted Net Yards Per Pass Attempt
As time goes by, Wilson continues to get better and better, showing steady improvement. He’s already one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he has the potential to grow his game even more considering his track record. With more control in the offense next season, expect Russell Wilson to continue to grow and the Seattle Seahawks to come back strong in 2016.