The 2022 Seattle Seahawks are the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals
The 2022 Seattle Seahawks have outperformed expectations immensely. However, their "storyline" is similar to a team from the last NFL season.
The 2022 Seattle Seahawks have outperformed expectations immensely. Their “storyline” is similar to a team from the last NFL season.
The Cincinnati Bengals came out of nowhere last season to make a Super Bowl appearance after finishing 4-11-1 in 2020. At 6-4 this year, the Seattle Seahawks appear to be following in Cincy’s footsteps.
What makes these two teams similar? What makes them different? Are the Seahawks on the same trajectory?
2021 Cinncinati Bengals
The 2021 Bengals were not expected to be competitive by any means. There were bound to be growing pains. This year was technically Joe Burrow‘s first full year of NFL play.
During the 2021 draft, Cincinnati, instead of taking an offensive lineman, which arguably was a significant need, took Burrow’s top receiver target at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase.
Naturally, the media and BengalsNation overreacted and said Cincinnati wasted their pick; they should’ve taken an offensive lineman. Fortunately for them, Chase set a rookie record with 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season.
Running back Joe Mixon was also an important part of the Bengals’ success. He posted his third 1,000+ rushing yard season and set a personal record with 13 touchdowns.
Don’t forget about the Bengals’ defense. They were a huge reason the team succeeded against the odds. Vonn Bell led the team in interceptions with four. Their pass rush was headlined by Trey Henderickson, who led the team with three-and-a-half sacks.
Cincinnati was the fourth seed. Nevertheless, they upset three teams, Las Vegas, Tennesee, and the previous AFC champion Kanas City Chiefs. Cincinnati met the Las Angeles Rams (also a fourth seed team, the first time in NFL history this happened) in LA for Superbowl 56. Unfortunately, the Bengals lost 23-20.
2022 Seattle Seahawks
The 2022 Seattle Seahawks, like the 2021 Bengals, were not expected to be competitive. Geno Smith has been in the league for nine years. And in that time, he failed to make an impact.
Rookie running back Kenneth Walker has been nothing short of incredible. Walker has 121 rushes for 587 yards and 7 touchdowns in 9 games. The second-round draft pick has proven to be worth his draft position, although many 12s questioned his selection at the time.
Seattle’s defense has gotten a boost from a pair of unlikely rookies, Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen. Woolen already has five interceptions. Bryant has four forced fumbles and one sack this season.
What makes these two teams similar?
These two are similar because, in the off-season, before their respective winning seasons, no one thought they would be competitive, let alone good.
Both teams have very successful run games. In this new age of the NFL, the ability to pick up yards on the ground makes the passing game even more dangerous. Especially when they have dynamic receivers. Cincinnati with Chase and Tee Higgins, and the Seattle Seahawks with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
These teams also have tough secondaries, each with ball-hawking cornerbacks.
What makes these teams different?
Honestly, there aren’t many differences between the teams. One is that 2021 was technically Burrow’s first full year of NFL play, while Geno had been in the league for quite a while. Furthermore, neither has what anyone would describe as a top-tier pass rush.
Are the Seahawks on the exact playoff trajectory as the 2021 Bengals?
Yes, comparing these two teams, they are similarly built. Both teams have their fair share of upsets during the regular season. Regardless, the Seattle Seahawks certainly have the roster for a deep playoff run with a weaker conference than last year.
Do you think the Seattle Seahawks can duplicate Cincinnati’s run from 2021?