3 Reasons Why the Seattle Seahawks are Dark-Horse Super Bowl Contenders

A season after the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with two of the franchise's greatest stars in quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Bobby Wagner, head coach Pete Carroll did his best coaching. He led Seattle to a 9-8 record, which earned them a spot in the postseason (thanks to the Detroit Lions). A loss to the 49ers in the Wildcard Round should not overshadow what this team was able to accomplish.

Not only did the team part ways with Wilson and Wagner, but they lost All-Pro safety Jamal Adams for the season due to injury, as well as running back Chris Carson to an early retirement. However, thanks to the help of the Comeback Player of the Year in signal-caller Geno Smith, the Seahawks found their way into the playoffs.

After signing Smith to a three-year deal and the recent return of Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks appear primed for a Super Bowl-contending season. Here are three reasons why Pete Carroll's squad will contend for the Lombardi Trophy in 2023.

#1 - Stability at quarterback

After Russell Wilson spent a memorable decade in Seattle, which included bringing the Seahawks their first Super Bowl win, he found a new home in Denver last offseason. So, it was time for backup Geno Smith to take the reigns. To say that the former Jet was good is an understatement.

According to Pro Football Reference, the former West Virginia Mountaineer set career-highs in completion percentage (69.8%), passing yards (4,282) and touchdown passes (30). He was named a first-time Pro-Bowler and a big reason why Seattle finished in the top 10 in scoring offense.

With stability back under center, the Seahawks have one of the best offenses on paper. With Smith's passing abilities, the talented running skills of young tailback Kenneth Walker and the dynamic duo of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the outside, Seattle's offense is as dangerous as any team's entering 2023.

#2 - An underrated defense

Last season, after being one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2021 (28th in total defense), Seattle's defense had a fantastic resurgence. They finished T-4th in takeaways (25), 5th in fourth down defense (39.3%), T-9th in completion percentage allowed (62.7%) and T-5th in sacks (45).

These numbers happened without the help of Jamal Adams (missed 16 games last season), Bobby Wagner and veteran edge-rusher Carlos Dunnlap, who became a Chief last season.

Now, with Wagner back in the fold and Adams healthy, this Seattle defense is even more dangerous. The franchise also added veteran safety Julian Love to a talented defensive backs room that includes Pro Bowl cornerback Tariq Woolen, who finished T-1st in the NFL with six interceptions. It's safe to say that Seattle's defense will be a lot more dangerous than most think in 2023.

#3 - Experience at the helm

How many teams can say they have the oldest head coach in the NFL leading them? Just one, and it's the Seattle Seahawks. At the age of 71, Pete Carroll has accomplished everything there is to accomplish as the head man in the Pacific Northwest, including winning a Super Bowl and being named a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He has 161 wins to his name in the NFL (4th-most among active head coaches). Not to mention the fact that he was a two-time National Champion and four-time Rose Bowl winner at USC.

After doing arguably his best coaching job in 2022, Carroll has proven that age is just a number as he has helped open up another possible Super Bowl window in Seattle. With a complete offense once again, along with a resurgent defense, how many teams would want to face Pete Carroll and the Seahawks down the stretch? Not many, if any.

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