Everyone knows that the Seattle Seahawks are built on the running game. That's not exactly a "Da Vinchi Code" style surprise. The Seahawks led the NFL in rushing last year with 172.6 yards per game and also finished first in yards per carry (5.3) and rushing touchdowns (20). After two Super Bowl runs, it's pretty obvious that head coach Pete Carroll likes to pound the rock.
With those numbers and that well known philosophy, you would think that Seattle possessed one of the most dominant offensive lines in the NFL. But that's actually not the case. Seattle's success on the ground had much more to do with Marshawn Lynch's individual brilliance. Beast Mode broke 29 more tackles than any other player in the NFL last year and placed second in yards after contact with 2.5. Furthermore, Russell Wilson was pressured on 39 percent of his drop backs, which was the highest rate in the league.
To make a long story short, the Seahawks have big question marks up front on the offensive line. If Lynch's immense workload over the years starts to catch up with him or Wilson's development plateaus in 2015, the Seahawks could be in some trouble.
"Rookie right tackle Justin Britt somehow managed to lead the NFL in blown blocks on passing plays even though Seattle had the fewest dropbacks in the NFL," Vince Verhei of Football Outsiders wrote.
"So Seattl'es line was on shaky footing anyway, and then it lost center Max Unger in the Jimmy Graham trade, while left guard James Carpenter signed with the Jets in free agency. The Seahawks have no proven options to replace them. Of the candidates on hand, Lemuel Jeanpierre has seen the most action with 11 career NFL starts..."
Admittedly, the Seahawks added some blockers in last month's NFL draft. However, they waited until the fourth and sixth rounds to do so. San Diego State's Terry Poole, WVU's Mark Glowinski and Buffalo's Kristjan Sokoli may all turn out to be solid NFL players, but it's highly unlikely that they contribute on Day 1.
As of right now, you'd be a little cuckoo not to have the Seahawks as one of your Super Bowl favorites. But if they suffer a few key injuries or the line doesn't gel together as expected, it might be a much tougher year for the offense.
Don't sleep on the unsung heroes up front.
