Seattle Seahawks: We should have seen this season coming
What Nobody Saw Coming
The season was already slipping away, but Russell Wilson‘s finger injury helped turn a slide into a free fall. Geno Smith played just well enough to lose a few close games. By the time Wilson returned, there was no margin for error. An upset of the 49ers offered a glimmer of hope, but the season died of natural causes the following week. The ensuing Russ staying or going drama was an added surprise that nobody wanted or needed.
Yes, the defensive scheme neutralized much of what Jamal Adams did well. Once the Seahawks got better play from the corners, he would have adapted back to the All-Pro safety we know. Him going on IR for most of the season, hurt the defense badly.
There was another big surprise. Rashaad Penny met Adrian Peterson, then made himself into the prime version of AP over the last quarter of the season. Peterson received the lion’s share of the credit for Penny’s improvement (which begs the question of what his position coaches have been doing, but I’m trying to stay positive here). Penny showed flashes of brilliance over his first four seasons but always managed to injure himself and never built any momentum.
The other consequence of Penny’s surprise is he’s now made himself an off-season dilemma for the Seattle Seahawks. By declining his fifth-year option, the Hawks granted him unrestricted free agency.
With the already not-great-looking Carson extension looming over their heads, like the sword of doom, will Carroll and Schneider take a chance at having two injury-prone backs taking up cap space and roster spots? Or will they wish Penny luck in his future endeavors and move on? My money’s on the latter pending more information on Carson’s neck situation.
.@pennyhendrixx's last 4 games:
481 rushing yards
5 touchdowns
85.2 FPTSDid Rashaad Penny win you an @NFLFantasy Championship with this stretch 😳 pic.twitter.com/pl4yt3JDer
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2022