SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-8)
EXPECTATIONS: Welcome to a new era in the Pacific Northwest. After 14 seasons, Pete Carroll was let go following another average season for the Seahawks and the resulting move led Seattle to go from having the oldest coach in the league to the youngest. Mike Macdonald, age 37, is now in charge after two seasons orchestrating the defense in Baltimore and quickly rising the coaching ranks. He inherits a Seattle roster that is filled with talent, providing optimism that the Seahawks can quickly turn into contenders in the NFC West. Geno Smith is back at quarterback, this time directing the offense of Ryan Grubb, who is in his first stint coaching in the NFL but had massive success as the offensive coordinator nearby at Washington. The skill positions are flush with talent such as DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Macdonald must improve a defense that ranked at the bottom of the league last year in nearly every statistical category and was especially bad at stopping the run. First-round pick Byron Murphy II should help along with a full season of Leonard Williams on the defensive front. The secondary could be very good if Riq Woolen returns to his rookie year form, Devon Witherspoon continues his rapid growth and Julian Love provides a steading force at safety.
NEW FACES: Head coach Mike Macdonald, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, defensive coordinator Aden Durde, QB Sam Howell, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor Williams, RT George Fant, TE Pharaoh Brown, DT Byron Murphy II, DT Johnathan Hankins, LB Jerome Baker, LB Tyrel Dodson, S Rayshawn Jenkins, S K’Von Wallace.
KEY LOSSES: Head coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt, QB Drew Lock, G Damien Lewis, C Evan Brown, TE Will Dissly, TE Colby Parkinson, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Jordyn Brooks, S Jamal Adams, S Quandre Diggs…