The Seattle Seahawks are 4-4, but have won back-to-back games. It's not as strong of a start as Seahawks fans wanted, but a playoff appearance is still in their reach. With that in mind, here are the five things that will decide the remainder of the Seahawks' season.
5. Sustained Defensive Success
The Seahawks defense has played well in recent weeks, allowing just 15 points in their last three games. Of course, that came against terrible offenses in the Cowboys and 49ers. In Seattle's four wins, the defense has allowed a combined 25 points. That's fewer points than the team allowed in each of their wins. If Seattle's defense plays well, the Seahawks will win. That's much easier said than done, which is why the offense must step up.
4. Russell Wilson
Wilson has stepped up in many games this season and he's a huge reason Seattle has four wins. He's been held back by a poor offensive line and limited weapons (more on those below), but Wilson needs to continue to find ways to make plays. If Wilson gets hurt, the Seahawks are in serious trouble.
3. Wilson's Weapons
The Seahawks don't have a litany of weapons for Wilson like, say, the Cincinnati Bengals do for Andy Dalton. However, Wilson isn't without options. Jimmy Graham is one of the best tight ends (even though he's really just a big wide out) in the NFL. Seattle hasn't consistently gotten him the ball, and the team needs to do a better job of that. Paul Richardson, a former second round pick, should be off the PUP list soon. The team doesn't really have a player with his speed, and Seattle should find ways to get him the ball.
2. Offensive Line Play
The Seahawks' offensive line play has been a major issue this season. The line hasn't opened up as many holes for RB Marshawn Lynch as it has in the past and Wilson doesn't have as much time in the pocket. The Seahawks can make a playoff push if the line doesn't improve, but a Super Bowl title won't happen until the line gets better. That can still happen, but the Seahawks need to get better up front.
1. Fourth Quarters
Take the four items and roll them up into one issue and that's what this is like. The fourth quarters this season have been a disaster for the Seahawks. In all four games the team has lost, the Seahawks have held a fourth quarter lead, usually late. The Seahawks could be 8-0 if the fourth quarters of those games had gone the right way. Seattle hasn't done a good job of closing games late and that must change going forward. Seattle did that against the Cowboys, but the team must do more of that the rest of the season.
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