Seattle Seahawks Could Have Up To Seven Injured Players Return This Weekend

Right now, finding the recipe to success may come down to the defensive line and getting the run-game in gear. Oh, and did I mention injuries?

I think we can all agree that the Seattle Seahawks are a run-first offense, and considering the recent lack of experience starting to show at receiver, it may lend more weight to the running back by committee idea first brought up during training camp. A three-headed giant starring Marshawn Lynch, accompanied by the more-than-capable Robert Turbin, and the bench-warming-yet-secretly-talented Christine Michael may be exactly what this offense needs in order to kickstart their ailing pass game. Russell Wilson obviously needs help on the line, but he should feel more comfortable in the pocket this Sunday as Center Max Unger (foot) and Left Tackle Russell Okung (calf) return from their respective injuries.

This season’s offense is missing one thing: a defense that can hand them a gaudy +20 turnover ratio from the 2013 squad. The ‘Hawks are currently at a +4. Twenty-eight of those turnovers from last year were off interceptions, and—believe me—an additional twenty-eight possessions will do wonders for a struggling offense. But in order to do that, the defensive line is going to have to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and put the L.O.B. in position to make plays on the ball. Opposing throwers have had more than ample time to dink and dunk all day. Just take Eli Manning’s game-tying touchdown drive where he meticulously dissected the secondary with very little pressure applied upfront. Or even a third stringer like Austin Davis going 17 of 20 for 155 yards and two scores.

Bruce Irvin’s improvement as linebacker should free him up to get more snaps at the LEO position where he can really thrive and force some errant throws. Although after that interception he returned for a touchdown, it may be wise to continue to let him roam the field as an outside linebacker. Young guys like Brock Coyle and Kevin Pierre-Louis have been stepping up lately, but it’s hard to replace a guy like Bobby Wagner in the middle. He’s been making solid progress and will hopefully be back on the practice field next week.

Amidst all the injuries, the ‘Hawks might actually see some light at the end of tunnel. And that light is the potential return of Safety Kam Chancellor, Safety Jeron Johnson, Cornerback Jeremy Lane, Center Max Unger, Left Tackle Russell Okung, Defensive Tackle Jordan Hill, and even Cornerback Byron Maxwell. If all goes according to plan, they should be available for the matchup against the debilitated New York Giants this Sunday at CenturyLink Field.