Just how far from their best are the Seahawks?
Judging by the Week 2 league injury report, the Seahawks appear to be one of the more banged-up teams. They have six guys on the official game report (only the Chargers and Redskins have more), and they had 16 guys listed with injuries on the practice report Friday.
Almost every offensive lineman has some kind of ailment, and the Hawks are going to swap out two injured defensive starters this week, too.
Their most stable positions have been quarterback, running back (if you can believe it) and linebacker. Otherwise, they are in a state of flux everywhere else.
We previously said they are better almost everywhere, but right now we estimate they are only about two-thirds of what they eventually will be. And it might take a couple of months to find that final third — barring any major injuries.
A look at each position (specialists excluded):
QB: Russell Wilson played as well as possible in the first game, considering he got little help from his line or coaches. He hit 14 of 20 passes (his target 70 percent mark) and his 134.6 rating was the best of his career in a season opener. He seems on top of his game, but let’s see if he’s allowed to show it more.
Strength: 90%
RB: Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny (and even C.J. Prosise) are healthy, but they didn’t have much chance to show in the opener as the line failed them.
Strength: 90%
WR: D.K. Metcalf got off to a strong start, but he will struggle at times, too. David Moore is almost back from his broken collarbone/shoulder. Figure those two might get up to speed by midseason, although maybe Metcalf will not hit any speed bumps and this unit will be cruising by October.
Strength: 50%
TE: Seattle is going light here, with Ed Dickson on IR, and depending on Will Dissly to stay healthy alongside Nick Vannett. The tight ends didn’t do much to help anywhere in the opener, and Dissly banged his knee. They need to stay healthy and step it up.
Strength: 60%
OL: Almost every lineman has been dinged up this summer; but, if aged vet Mike Iupati can stay healthy (good luck) and the rest can play through their nicks (Duane Brown’s knee, Justin Britt’s knee, George Fant’s ankle, Ethan Pocic’s neck) this group should grow together over the first month. They seem to have a ways to go though.
Strength: 40%
DL: This group is slowly growing in numbers as players come back from injuries. L.J. Collier should join the mix this week, with Ziggy Ansah likely debuting in Week 3 and Poona Ford hopefully missing only a game or two. Once suspended Jarran Reed returns in Week 7, the rest should already be in gear. For now, they are far from their best — even with Quinton Jefferson playing great and Jadeveon Clowney already having an impact as he ramps up.
Strength: 50%
LB: This unit is in great shape, but let’s not make them cover speedy receivers downfield like Mychal Kendricks had to do vs. Cincy’s John Ross.
Strength: 90%
DB: The outside corners are in good shape, but the rest is a mess. With Tedric Thompson out and Ugo Amadi banged up, Lano Hill and re-signed veteran Jamar Taylor will get their shots this week at strong safety and nickel back. Eventually, Marquise Blair will be one of the starting safeties — but it might not be until the last month of the season.
Strength: 40%