This is year five of the Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll era and now is the time for Seattle to really dominate the NFC. Last season Carolina proved they belong as the Seahawks will have their work cut out for them if they plan on returning to the Super Bowl in 2016. Head Coach Carroll is convinced Wilson has taken that next step and become one of the best leaders in the NFL.
“He has had a great camp,” Carroll said, via the team’s official site. “You guys have asked me, ‘When’s he going to arrive?’ or ‘How long is it going to take?’ and all that, and I kept telling you, it’s going to be down the road. It takes four, five, six years — you don’t know — for these guys to develop. He has made a clear step ahead. His command is all-time. His ability to move defenders with his eyes to set up some things — he’s consistently doing that, almost unconsciously, he’s so clued in. We saw him throw the ball all over the field throughout the offseason and he’s been strong and accurate and really precise about stuff. He has had a great offseason.
“This is year five. It has taken all of this time to get to this point, and he’ll still improve, but you can really see him as a real true vet now. I think coming off of last year, with the great success of the second half of the season, he has taken it right in the offseason and here we go. It’s been our best offseason and I think it’s an indication of the development of our guys.”
Wilson of course had his best statistical season in 2015 with career highs across the board. Yes it appears the Marshawn Lynch era is over, but this is Russell Wilson’s team now. The biggest question facing the Seahawks right now is their putrid offensive line but free agent Eugene Monroe could really help in that regard.
After a 10-6 record last season, I expect Seattle to improve and win the NFC West this season. A strong draft including stealing Jarran Reed in round two could propel Seattle back to the Super Bowl.