Seattle Seahawks: New look O-Line has potential but faces challenges
The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line has struggled the last few years. They began a rebuild in the offseason, but there is a long way to go.
As of right now, the Seattle Seahawks offensive line is far from a finished product. The starters consist of two rookies at both tackle positions, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. A center that’s new to the team this year Austin Blythe. And the presumptive starter at left guard, Damien Lewis, is currently injured.
To say that they are overmatched compared to starting defensive lines in this league would be quite an understatement. Pro Football Focus ranked the Seattle Seahawks’ new-look offensive line as the worst line in the league.
The upside
On the bright side, this O-line has the potential to be decent, maybe even good. They could be pretty decent if they can sustain their blocks and get to the next level with the run game. As he has shown in the past, Rashaad Penny does not need a lot of room to make a cut and get up to full speed.
If Penny can play at the high level he did at the end of 2021, there is a good chance that both this offensive line and the quarterback will be able to raise their play. Geno Smith is pretty good in play-action.
Realistic Expectations
But the line also has the potential to be awful. Starting rookies at both tackle positions is unheard of in the NFL. Opposing edge rushers are salivating to feast on whoever Seattle puts in at quarterback.
Even though their offensive line was below par in 2021, the Seahawks still picked up 324 yards per game, 13th most in the NFL. That includes 202 passing yards per game (23rd) and 122 yards on the ground (11th). Just what 12s expect from a Pete Carroll team.
Conclusion
There is reason to be hopeful when it comes to the 2022 Seahawks offensive line, but there is reason to be wary as well. Most of the offense’s successes and failures will rest on the success of the run game. If Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Walker III are able to establish the running game early on, then it will make things a lot easier on the quarterbacks and the offensive line.
The @seahawks have found themselves a left tackle. This is an elite level play by Charles Cross. Empty protection. LB tries to bait Cross but he uses excellent footwork which allows him to get a piece of the DE so the QB can throw. pic.twitter.com/Mwh47U00tz
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 29, 2022
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