The 2023 Seattle Seahawks are starting to look like underachievers. Despite all the talent they have on both sides of the ball, Seattle has only managed to beat two true heavyweights so far this year – just barely defeating the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns. In our latest power rankings, we have Seattle sinking all the way down to No. 16 – dangerously close to mediocre territory and roughly where they finished last season.
So, why are the improvements to a young and deep roster not translating to better results? The easiest answer is that the team is totally incompetent on third down. One thing that would help is Geno Smith getting the ball out faster – as head coach Pete Carroll mentioned to the media on Sunday.
Pete Carroll continues to say the Seahawks' entire offense, not just Geno Smith, has to play better. But one area he wants to see the QB improve is getting the ball out quicker. That was an issue vs. the 49ers and it's a big emphasis given Seattle's upcoming schedule.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 26, 2023
While Smith does have to get the ball out quicker, he needs an assist from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who has to offer him more of those quick outlet routes and escape valves for when the pass rush gets to be too much. Better pass protection would also help – and the return of right tackle Abe Lucas should provide some relief where the pressure has been the most persistent.
That said, even with a serious improvement on third down these Seahawks just aren’t ready to compete with the contender teams that they’re playing right now. Every season is different, but odds are it will take another offseason or two of building up the roster and maybe some coaching staff changes to get there.
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