NFC West: Biggest question for each team in 2020

Seattle Seahawks: Is the team’s defensive unit capable of a turnaround?

Early in the previous decade, the Seattle Seahawks put on one heck of a dominant stretch when it came to the defensive side of the ball. During the first four years of that span (2012-15), the club allowed the fewest points in the league each season.

It was a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since the Cleveland Browns (1953-57) surrendered the fewer points in the league for five consecutive years. In each of those five campaigns, Pete Carroll’s club allowed fewer than 19 points and the club was in the playoffs each season.

It has been far different since as the ‘Hawks have permitted 332, 347 and 398 points, respectively, from 2016-18. This past season saw the club surrender 41 offensive touchdowns while a disappointing pass-rush produced just 28 sacks. But the team did come up with 32 takeaways, equally split between interceptions (16) and fumble recoveries (16).

What is even more interesting is that while general manager John Schneider used the club’s first two picks in April on linebacker Jordyn Brooks (1-Texas Tech) and defensive end Darrell Taylor (2-Tennessee), the remaining six selection were all on offense.

This offseason, the Seahawks brought back pass rusher Bruce Irvin and the roster still includes linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. Has the team done enough to reverse their misfortunes here?