COLUMN: Must win weeks for the Seahawks
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes a catch during the NFL football team's training camp in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
AP
As the NFL preseason kicks off August 7, it’s time to think about every possible outcome for our favorite teams. For some teams, assessing the most important games or points of the season can be quite easy.
As a lifelong Bengals fan, it's weeks one and two. The last few years, they have started 0-2 and it’s been the ultimate momentum killer for them, coupled with injuries and team drama.
However, what about the Seahawks? Where do they need to be successful the most throughout this season in order to secure their spot in the playoffs next January?
Week One and Two
Just like my Bengals, the Seahawks need to start the season strong. For any team, it has proven in the past that at least one win in the first two weeks helps a lot for playoff pushes in late November. Starting 0-2 will put them in a challenging position to be successful later in the season, playing for higher seeding is much better than playing for one of the last spots in the playoffs.
This will be the first look we have at Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp and what progress Head Coach Mike McDonald has made in his vision of the team's future.
The Seahawks open their season at home against the San Francisco 49ers, who have lost several key players from last year. However, that is no reason to look past them. Christian McCaffery will be returning to the field this year. Two seasons ago, he was an MVP candidate, so it’s likely he will be trying to get back to that level of production.
Kyle Shanahan is an elite head coach who can keep the Niners competitive no matter the talent level of their roster. Despite some key losses, their defense still possesses players that are some of the best at their positions in Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
In week two, they will play the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has made several additions, like former Seahawks wider receiver DK Metcalf, to their roster and, on paper, are poised to have a successful season.
They will be tested in the first two weeks, so it will be important to start strong if they hope to chase the Lombardi Trophy in January.
Week Nine against the Commanders
Week Nine is important for many reasons, much like why the first two weeks are important. It is the start of the second half of the season. The Seahawks will have had a bye week the week prior. November is when teams begin to separate themselves from playoff contenders to draft tankers.
Not to mention, it’s the Commanders. A team that no one expected to make a run to the NFC Championship and narrowly missed the Super Bowl last year. They have made key roster additions like adding wide receiver Deebo Samuel, edge rusher Von Miller and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The Commanders are not leaving the Super Bowl conversation any time soon and this will be one of the biggest games on the Seahawks schedule. If they can come out of their bye week and defeat the Commanders, they will have the momentum they need to push through the rest of their season.
Division Games
It's simple, if you want to host playoff games, then win your division. Lumen Field holds one of the most passionate NFL atmospheres; I don’t know that from personal experience, but because it garners national media attention.
Before the Chiefs dynasty, I remember when it was CenturyLink Field that was praised for how difficult it was to play in due to the fans. Having the decibel meter break at home in January is every Seahawks fan and players' dream.
On paper, the Seahawks need to win their home games against division opponents. If they do that and steal a couple on the road, they will be in good shape to win the NFC West for the first time since 2020.
If the Seahawks win the division, they will be guaranteed to host the first-round playoff game. Additionally, a better record means higher seeding that awards more home playoff games. When a team reaches the playoffs, they need every advantage they can get since it’s the best teams in the NFL squaring off.
Final Note
At the end of the day, to point out what the Seahawks need to do is much easier said than done. They play in a division with the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams who are perennial Super Bowl contenders. The NFC Conference has no shortage of playoff contenders either.
The Seahawks will be battling for a playoff spot in December, no doubt. For their record, the floor is 10-7 and the ceiling is 12-5. However, it remains to be seen if Kupp is really washed and if Darnold is not a one-year wonder.
ARTICLES BY MIKE MAYNARD
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