Seahawks versus Falcons: 5 questions about Seattle for week one
The Atlanta Falcons will kick off their season Sunday against the Seahawks.
The Seahawks are traveling to Atlanta to take on the Falcons to kick off the season. Just six months ago it didn’t seem like we would get to this point but here we are and Atlanta Falcons fans everywhere could not be more excited.
We were able to catch up with Lee Vowell, the site expert at 12th Man Rising, FanSided’s Seattle Seahawks site to get his take on this year’s version of the Seahawks.
Russell Wilson’s main receiving threat in 2020.
Blogging Dirty: After a 900 yard rookie year, what are the expectations for DK Metcalf in year 2?
Lee Vowell: I think 12s have the expectation that D.K. Metcalf could be something like Julio Jones, big and fast who can catch. The question isn’t if Metcalf will be good, since I think he showed at the end of 2019 he has freakish ability, but how much production he can have.
The Seahawks offense is still a lot of run plays so he will be competing with Tyler Lockett and Greg Olsen and Will Dissly for catches. He might be a top-five receiver, but I am not sure his numbers will show it. Still, a 1,000-yard season, should he stay healthy, should be expected.
Outlook in 2020 for Russell Wilson
Blogging Dirty: What is the next step for Russell Wilson?
Lee Vowell: My hope is that he will an MVP. Or, you know, at least get one vote! Russell Wilson, like Metcalf, will have his numbers held down by the offensive scheme. I like the offense and it works because of Wilson and Chris Carson and company, but Wilson is never going to throw for 5,000 yards in a season.
However, he could get to 40 touchdown passes with the weapons he now has and maybe that will garner him some notice in the MVP voting. Like Matt Ryan, Wilson is likely a Hall of Fame quarterback and it is just weird he hasn’t gotten an MVP vote when linebacker Bobby Wagner has.
Seahawks 2020 rookie class
Blogging Dirty: What rookie are you most excited about?
Lee Vowell: This is a great question. The rookies could have a tough time since they had no preseason games to play in to get ready for NFL action. I think the rookie that will start first and do OK is right guard Damien Lewis. I think linebacker Jordyn Brooks will play a bunch and be really good one day, but he first has to beat out Wagner and K.J. Wright for playing time.
The rookie I am most excited to see is running back DeeJay Dallas who has been great in training camp and can be a change of pace from Carson and Carlos Hyde.
Which Seahawks player had a great camp
Blogging Dirty: Who had the best camp that people outside of Seattle aren’t talking about?
Lee Vowell: Marquise Blair. Blair is a safety by trade that Falcons fans might remember as starting against them in 2019 and having 11 tackles. Blair still made rookie mistakes and while he is athletic and can hit hard, he isn’t going to beat Quandre Diggs or Jamal Adams to start in 2020.
But Blair has been moved into the slot and was excellent in training camp. He should be able to cover the slot receiver with his length but also chip down on run plays. With Adams and Blair, both can play the run and blitz. Hopefully, Ken Norton, Jr. gets creative and uses his safeties in unexpected ways.
Next. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones can move past Hall of Famers in Week 1. dark
Coaches on the hot seat
Blogging Dirty: How much pressure is on Ken Norton Jr to improve the Seahawks defense in 2020?
Lee Vowell: In my opinion, there should be lots. In fact, I think if Norton, Jr., given the fact that the Seahawks added Quinton Dunbar and Jamal Adams on defense, along with bringing back Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa to help with pass rush, doesn’t produce a top-12 defense he should be fired. Norton, Jr.’s defenses have a history of declining under his leadership and in 2020 Seattle has no excuses for declining.
They may not have Jadeveon Clowney this year but overall the defensive talent is much better. Norton, Jr. just needs to use all his shiny new toys in the right way.