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Seattle Seahawks: Can They Protect Russell Wilson?

By Russell S. Baxter

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is brought down by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the third quarter in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is brought down by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the third quarter in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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It may be a quarterback-driven league. But what happens if you’re the Seattle Seahawks and your quarterback is taking a pounding?

In pursuit of becoming the first NFC team to reach three straight Super Bowls, the Seattle Seahawks failed to reach even the conference championship game in 2015.

Pete Carroll’s club made a valiant comeback in the second half at Carolina in the divisional playoffs. But when all was said and done, the ‘Hawks were roughed up by the Panthers in a 31-24 loss.

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Russell Wilson would complete 31 of his 48 throws for 366 yards and three scores against the Super Bowl-bound Panthers. But he was picked off twice in the first half and by afternoon’s end the four-year pro was sacked five times.

It’s those sacks that are the focal point here. That’s because early this past season Wilson was tossed around far too often for his own and Carroll’s liking. An offensive front that would be missing former Pro Bowl center Max Unger (dealt to the New Orleans Saints for tight end Jimmy Graham) struggled in the first seven games as the young signal-caller was sacked an astounding 31 times.

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Things would eventually get better in this regard. In their next seven contests, Seattle allowed only seven sacks, Wilson would throw for 21 scores and was picked off only twice as Carroll’s club won six of those games.

Then a funny thing happened on the way to what many figured would be a home win over the Rams, a team that had knocked off Seattle in overtime in Week 1. Wilson was sacked four times and Seattle fell, 23-17. The team rebounded with a 30-point win at Arizona and would squeeze out a 10-9 playoff win at Minnesota before falling to the Panthers.

After looking like the team had worked out its offensive line issues, Wilson was sacked a combined 12 times, nine of those in losses to the potent defensive fronts of the Rams and Panthers.

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Garry Gilliam (79) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Garry Gilliam (79) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Courtesy of Pro Football Focus, the Seahawks ranked 29th in the league in run-blocking efficiency and 30th in the NFL when it came to pass protection.

Changes are certainly coming. Garry Gilliam started all 16 games at right tackle but struggled mightily. Former Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung is currently an unrestricted free agent and played well in 2015. But in six NFL seasons he’s yet to play all 16 games.

The interior of the unit didn’t fare very well either. And this offseason, right guard J.R. Sweezy signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA /

Over the last day or so, the Seahawks have been taking measures to make sure they’re not left short-handed up front. Via Adam Caplan of ESPN, the team added former Arizona Cardinals tackle Bradley Sowell to a one-year contract on Monday.

Hours later, Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports informed us that former Oakland Raiders guard J’Marcus Webb, who has also played tackle in his NFL career, will join Carroll’s team as well.

At the very least, the Seahawks are covered for the loss of Sweezy (although 2015 rookie Mark Glowinski did make a start at right guard). And if Okung does depart, the arrival of Sowell and perhaps Webb can take a little bit of a sting out of the departure. The team could also bring back Alvin Bailey, who started three games in place of Okung this past season but Seattle opted not to tender him an offer.

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Here’s the bottom line. Seattle can’t afford to have Wilson sacked a combined 52 times in 18 games once again. Despite that kind of punishment in 2015, he managed to finish as the NFL’s top-rated passer.

Imagine what he could do with a little help from his friends up front? That could mean investing some early draft picks on the offensive line as well.

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