Seahawks enter a new era under coach Mike Macdonald looking to rejoin elite of the NFC

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.

STRENGTHS: Grubb and Macdonald are bringing new systems to Seattle, each with their own unique quirks that could make Seattle very good on both sides. The skill position talent for the Seahawks is without questions and players have raved about how well Smith has taken to Grubb’s offensive plans. Seattle’s defensive line could end up being exceptional if Macdonald finds new ways to take advantage of matchups, highlighted by Murphy and Williams. Uchenna Nwosu suffered a knee injury in the preseason finale but should return sometime in the first month and is another significantly important player for Seattle.

WEAKNESSES: Offensive line and inside linebacker stand out as the two biggest concerns for Seattle. If the offensive line stays healthy, it could end up being adequate because of the additions of Tomlinson and Williams. But the lack of depth behind the starting five and continued worry about the health of former starter Abraham Lucas’ knee make the line a worry. Inside linebacker depth is also a concern as beyond Dodson and Baker there is rookie Tyrice Knight and not much else.

CAMP DEVELOPMENT: The signing of Williams more than two weeks into training camp and barely eight months after tearing his ACL highlighted the concern that remains around the offensive line. Seattle hoped Olu Oluwatimi would take over as the starter at center but it became clear that other options needed to be looked at. And for as many standouts as Seattle has on the offensive side at the skill positions, a subpar offensive line could cancel out all that talent.

FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: While Grubb’s offense at Washington was highlighted by a trio of star wide receivers, his running backs were an essential part of the passing game. Walker has proven to be more than capable with the ball in his hands as a runner, but has yet to catch more than 30 passes in a season and has one touchdown catch. For Seattle’s offense to be at its best, Walker needs to be a threat and option out of the backfield and would only enhance his value in fantasy.

BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 66-1. Over/under wins: 7 1/2.

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The Associated Press