There is no such thing as a stress-free Sunday when you are a Seahawks fan, and this year was no exception. Tears were shed, derogatory phrases were shouted, over-emotional rants were tweeted and a stream of “ready-to-go” excuses were stored, but I would not want it any other way. I recap the Seattle Seahawks’ 2023-24 season and provide suggestions on what I think should be done to put them over the top next season.
After 18 weeks of nail-biting, gut-wrenching NFL football, the Seattle Seahawks’ season has unfortunately come to an end.
A 9-8 campaign is nothing to complain about, but falling just outside of the playoff picture leaves a sour taste heading into next season.
Being a Seahawks fan, there is no such thing as a stress-free Sunday, and this year was no exception. Tears were shed, derogatory phrases were shouted, over-emotional rants were tweeted and a stream of “ready-to-go” excuses was stored, but I would not want it any other way.
Nonetheless, the season also brought many celebratory moments, leaving a lot to unpack.
Starting with the leader of this Seahawks team, Geno Smith. Though Smith’s 3,624 yards and 20 touchdowns were serviceable, they were noticeable downgrades from the season prior. Games were won and lost by Smith’s hands, but what more can one expect from a player who has been a backup for the majority of his career?
Personally, I believe that this team will go as far as Smith takes it, and I fear that we have already witnessed his peak; two more years of the 10-year veteran will only continue mid-level production — not enough for a shot at the Super Bowl.
Fortunately, the Seahawks currently hold the 16th overall pick in a draft class loaded with quarterback talent. I hope to see John Schneider take advantage of this opportunity and draft Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. or Jayden Daniels, even if it means trading up. I think those prospects have what it takes to take this franchise back to the promised land, especially with how young and talented Seattle is.
Speaking of young talents, Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba shined brightly in their rookie campaigns.
Witherspoon should take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after a 14-game season with 56 tackles, one forced fumble, one pick-six and 16 passes defended.
Smith-Njigba’s numbers might not stand out, but in a role in which he was the third option, the electric rookie made countless clutch plays and racked up 63 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns.
However, a lot is still to be desired going forward. The individual talent on both sides of the ball was never in question; it was always about both sides playing their best football at the same time — which they continuously failed to do in large part because of the coordinators.
For the Seahawks to make noise, they need to clean house. That process has already commenced with the parting of head coach Pete Carroll. Coming across an elite head coach such as Carroll is rare, so the move remains bittersweet, but change must occur for progress to happen.
As a replacement, Ben Johnson, Raheem Morris and Mike Macdonald are, in my mind, the best options, and I favor Johnson more than the others. Johnson would bring a dynamic factor into the offense — something that has been lacking over the past few years.
Though that would solve the vacancy at the head coaching position, finding a replacement for defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt must also be a priority this offseason. There have been too many games in which the defense fails to adjust, costing Seattle opportunities at wins.
Finally, some tough roster decisions need to be made: Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Bobby Wagner and Tyler Lockett should be cut or restructured. On the flip side, bringing back Jordyn Brooks and Leonard Williams should be a top priority.
There’s a lot to be disappointed about but also a lot to be excited about as the Seattle Seahawks head into what I consider a make-or-break offseason. Until then, I hope to see the Chiefs and Lions clash at the Super Bowl.
Contact Eric Hayrapetian at Eric.hayrapetian@gmail.com
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