32 in 31: Seattle Seahawks

Another year of 32 in 31. Sports News on Tap takes the month of August and September to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013

The Seattle Seahawks are the Nina Agdal or Ryan Gosling, whatever your attraction may be, of the National Football League.  Seriously, they could not be hotter right now. They are talking up the Seahawks to the highest levels. Many people have this team playing in the Super Bowl this season.  There are many things to like about this team and I could see the Hawks playing in the New York in their second Super Bowl appearance. But that does not mean there are not concerns with this team.

OFFENSE
Russell Wilson became one of the bigger fan favorites in the sport last season. Wilson is a shorter player thus being an underdog and everyone loves an underdog. Wilson made some great plays last year from throwing to running the football.  He does have a great defense behind him meaning he does not have to be great all the time, but Wilson  finds a way to make an impact. In a lot of ways, Wilson has similar personality qualities as Tim Tebow. I realize that's sort of obscure, but every positive personality trait about Wilson has probably been said about Tebow. Is this a #HOTSPORTSTAKE?  Probably because Tebow carries so much weight yet I feel like I am not wrong here.  

The Seahawks might have a loaded arsenal when it comes to running backs. Marshawn Lynch developed into a top-tier running back again after showing potential in Buffalo and going through some hard times. Now he is a dynamic runner who can wear down any opponent defense. They also have Christine Michael and Robert Turbin. The two young running backs have shown a ton of potential whether it is Turbin during the NFL season last year or Michael during the preseason this year.

DEFENSE
When talking about their defense we have to start in their secondary.  It is rare to see the secondary as the meanest part of their defense, but this is what the Seahawks have right now. They clearly have the best defensive nickname going right now with the 'Legion of Boom.'   Richard Sherman is a mean dude. Brandon Brower is a mean dude. Kam Chancellor is a mean dude. These men do not play any sort of games and are not afraid to throw around the lumber.  Have I called Sherman an asshole in the past? Yes I have, but that's only because I have watched him jaw at my team before. I would be remiss if I did not mention Earl Thomas whose also a mean dude at safety.

Chris Clemons practiced Wednesday, but the defensive end will not be playing in the season opener this year although he should probably be back in the upcoming weeks. Not to worry Hawks fans as they added Cliff Avril in the offseason and he can definitely be a player for this team. Avril still had a pretty solid year in 2012 even if it did not hit his 2011 levels.  They also added Michael Bennett who had a huge year for Tampa Bay last season. Now this could have been a player looking for a contract, but you never know until they play the following seasons.

SPECIAL TEAMS
They have a pretty good unit with Steven Hauschka and Jon Ryan.  I love Tim Masthay and I am glad he's with the Green Bay Packers because I honestly missed Jon Ryan for a long time.

KEY ADDITIONS
WR Percy Harvin, DE Cliff Avril, DE Michael Bennett, DT Tony McDaniel - Harvin tweeted he might be back by Week 7 coming off his hip injury. I doubt it personally, but him coming back mid-season will be a massive upgrade to the wide receiver position.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS
DT Alan Branch, LB Leroy Hill, DE Jason Jones, QB Matt Flynn

SEAHAWKS DRAFT PICKS
RB Christine Michael, DT Jordan Hill, WR Chris Harper, DT Jessie Williams, CB Tharold Simon, TE Luke Wilson, RB Spencer Ware, OG Ryan Seymour, LB Ty Powell, OG Jared Smith, OT Michael Bowie - Jessie Williams is a player I would keep my eye on.

GAME TO WATCH
Sunday November 10th at Atlanta 12 pm - A rematch of one of the better playoff games in the past couple of years with the Hawks collapsing late. Can they redeem themselves and will this game be important to NFC seeding?

WIN TOTAL
11-12 - I think the Hawks win the NFC West division. They could be the number one seed as well which would be bad news for the rest of the NFC.

Charlie.