2014 NFL Team Previews and Predictions: NFC

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson
Marshawn Lynch touchdown
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch Kyle Terada USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks 

Offense

Russell Wilson has been nothing short of spectacular this preseason. Let’s not forget he’s only entering his third NFL season, so there’s plenty of room for him to grow as a passer. That bodes well for an offense that you might not have realized was just a middle-of-the-pack unit in 2013.

With Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, an expanded passing attack could help the Seahawks become even more explosive. Percy Harvin is healthy in his do-it-all role, while the team added speedster Paul Richardson to stretch the field in place of Golden Tate.

Defense

Seattle’s Legion of Boom lost a couple of contributors, but many experts peg new starting corner, Byron Maxwell, as an upgrade. The team retained Michael Bennett and locked up Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas III, meaning its nucleus is back for the long haul.

The big question is the health of Kam Chancellor and Bruce Irvin. Both are dealing with hip injuries, and both should be back in time for Week 1. They should show some rust in their debuts.

Outlook

The defending Super Bowl champs remain the class of the NFC and the NFL, and have another strong shot at being the first team to repeat since the Patriots of 2004 and 2005.

The defense remains stout and the offense looks primed to take another step forward. They should be able to notch a second consecutive NFC West title with ease, though with Green Bay and New Orleans both improved, the road back to the Super Bowl remains tough.

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Sam Spiegelman
Sam Spiegelman is a native New Yorker covering sports in New Orleans. He likes Game of Thrones way too much. Tweet him @samspiegs.