Seattle Seahawks: 5 Burning questions for the 2020 season

2. Did Seattle fix its pass rush?

Seattle ranked toward the bottom of the NFL last season, only generating 28 sacks. In comparison, Seattle’s opponents produced 48 sacks, and the Pittsburgh Steelers led the league with 54. After several offseason moves, Seattle’s defensive line looks different, but can it at least perform at an average level in 2020?

The Seahawks made a splash move by trading for Jadeveon Clowney last year. However, the three-time Pro Bowler did not generate many sacks in 2019, finishing the year with three. In comparison, Jacob Martin, who Seattle sent to Houston in the trade for Clowney, recorded 3.5 sacks with the Texans.

Now, Clowney remains a free agent with multiple landing spots that make sense, including Seattle. If the former Pro Bowler doesn’t return to Carroll’s team this offseason, the Seahawks could again struggle to reach opposing quarterbacks.

Rasheem Green led the Seahawks with four sacks last year, and Quinton Jefferson came in second with 3.5. Unfortunately, Jefferson signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Seattle also said goodbye to Ezekiel Ansah, Mychal Kendricks, and Al Woods this offseason. Those three generated 6.5 sacks last season.

The Seahawks did sign Bruce Irvin, who produced a career-high 8.5 sacks last year, in free agency. The team added two new defensive ends through the draft and signed Benson Mayowa, who also set a career-high with seven sacks in 2019. Seattle remains hopeful that L.J. Collier can redeem himself after a disappointing rookie season as well.