Are Seattle Seahawks Dark-Horse Contenders In NFC? -

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The NFC is no match for the AFC, when it comes to depth of true contenders. This is possibly the largest gap of talent between the two conferences in NFL history. As a result, some teams may be able to carve out an entertaining playoff run in this weaker NFC. One team that could most definitely do so is maybe not getting the credit that they deserve. That team is the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle was not expected to do great last year, according to most prognosticators. The loss of Russell Wilson was supposed to be massive. Elsewhere, the Seahawks were relying on many rookies for a boatload of snaps last season. In the end, the team jumped out to an exciting start, thanks to the stellar play of Geno Smith. In the end, the Seahawks made the playoffs and gave the division-rival San Francisco 49ers a tight battle for two quarters in the Wild Card round.

Despite not receiving as much hype as other NFC teams, the Seattle Seahawks may be the most equipped to emerge as a dark-horse NFC contender. This is of course after you consider the powerhouses that are the Philadelphia Eagles and the 49ers. Let’s kick it off.

Carroll’s Consistent History

Over the last decade, the Seattle Seahawks have only had one losing season. In the NFL, coaching is obviously one of the main factors that can help lead to sustained success. And for Pete Carroll, he seems to get better as time goes on. His past rosters have had noticeable holes. His past Seattle teams have been outmatched at offensive skill positions. And after the Legion of Boom run, Carroll’s defenses have been extremely leaky in Seattle.

Nevertheless, Carroll is one of the few NFL head coaches who knows how to make the proper adjustments week to week. He is not going to go out there and be seen as a one-trick pony, like some of these other head coaches, for example. Largely, the Seahawks and Carroll do a tremendous job of giving themselves a chance to win each game. That can also lead to opponents being stuck back on their heels. When it comes to that ability to put opposing teams in a bind, the Seahawks thrive off of a very specific play style.

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Seahawks Provide Pest-Like Style

The Seattle Seahawks have long been known for a physical, tough brand of football. They are not afraid to play tight and in your face on defense. Meanwhile, Seattle is not opposed to grinding out games offensively, leaning on the smash-mouth rushing attack that they can employ.

How does this impact the opponent’s game plan? Overall, the Seahawks force defenders to stick their face in the fan and make challenging stops in tight areas. Seattle is also able to stay on schedule and think ahead of the opponent, so to speak. By keeping things in their own control, more often than not, the Seahawks can usually make every game a battle.

Other NFC Contenders Are Not Perfect

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If you go through and make predictions based on the 2023 schedule, it is difficult to not put the Eagles or the 49ers as NFC champions. Yet, there are still questions surrounding those two dominant teams. San Francisco is still battling internal questions at quarterback, as far as health and true performance ceiling goes. Can they remain healthy as an entire team for once? Philadelphia is one of the most stout rosters. Yet, there will still be an acclimation period for young pieces that are replacing departed veterans. Additionally, no team has repeated as NFC East division champion since 2004, when Philadelphia won their fourth consecutive division title.

On the flip side, a team like the Dallas Cowboys is always super strong in the regular season. Finding consistent postseason success has been nonexistent for roughly three decades, though. Then there is the up-and-coming Detroit Lions. They are receiving plenty of hype entering 2023, and deservedly so. Yet, we know what can happen to some teams receiving universal hype. It may not always lead to the playoff result that most people envision.

Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.