10 Reasons Seattle Seahawks Will Challenge for the NFC West

The third season in Pete Carroll's tenure with the Seahawks will be an extremely important one in the eyes of both the organization and the fans. 

If the former USC coach wishes to keep his comfy NFL position and salary, it is safe to say he will need a stronger showing than 7-9, and he will have to do it in a division that is quickly losing its reputation as one of the weakest in the league. The 49ers' emergence in 2011 means that the Seahawks will no longer be able to squeeze into the playoffs with a losing record.

However, this is not an insurmountable feat, considering many of the pieces that appear to be falling into place to make 2012 a special year in the eyes of Seahawks fans. Carroll now has his quarterback, a feature back, one of the most talented young position groups in the NFL and a Nike makeover that makes them bear a resemblance to Pacific Northwest neighbor University of Oregon. 

The Hawks certainly have the talent in place to make a run this year. Marshawn Lynch returns after a monster year, and several breakout youngsters from 2010 will look to make a bigger impact as well. Free agency has gone well, and Seattle has maintained much of the talent they stood to lose over free agency, with the only question mark remaining being the linebacking corps, a hole they will likely address this April in the NFL draft. 

If Carroll hopes to best his nemesis Harbaugh, 2012 will be his best, and possibly last shot. He will also have to deal with an ever-improving young Rams team and an Arizona squad that is also hungry to improve from last year's mediocre showing.

So who and what will be the reasons for the Seahawks' success? 

For Pete Carroll, It's Now or Never

If Pete Carroll is looking to keep his job, this may be the time to prove he deserves it.

Although he led the Hawks to a playoff bid his first season, Carroll's lackluster record (14-18) in a relatively weak NFC West means that another losing season could spell his removal. Carroll's already had two failed stints in the pros, and another early exit from the big leagues would likely be his last.

However, this added pressure could be just the motivation Carroll needs to have a big year. He's been given the time to assemble the roster according to his specifications, has a big-time feature back in Marshawn Lynch, and signed what could potentially be his franchise quarterback in Matt Flynn.

All that remains to be seen is if Carroll can translate this talent into on-field success.

Marshawn Lynch Will Have Another Big Year

If the Seahawks are going to make a run in 2012, it's going to be on the back (and legs) of Marshawn Lynch.

One of the bright spots of last year's season, Lynch is coming off a career year, his second with the Hawks, where he ran for 1,204 yards and a franchise-record 10 straight consecutive games with a rushing touchdown. If Matt Flynn ends up the starter, expect the offense to rely heavily upon Lynch in the opening games as Flynn continues to become oriented with the team.

Lynch is a workhorse, and the Hawks will need every carry they can get if they hope to make the playoffs. 

Matt Flynn's Signing

Since getting rid of Matt Hasselbeck, the Seahawks aerial game, as well as their quarterback play in general, has been lackluster. With the signing of Matt Flynn, the Seahawks finally have options for who's behind center.

While it's difficult to truly assess Flynn's talent level due to his lack of game experience (only two career starts), he's looked strong in his limited exposure with the Packers, throwing for a franchise record 480 yards in his Week 17 start last year. With Flynn, the Seahawks may have found the heir apparent to Hasselbeck—ironic considering they found both quarterbacks in near identical situations in Green Bay. 

If Flynn is a success behind center, he has the ability to add a whole new dimension to the Hawks' offense, as well as take some of the pressure and strain off of Marshawn Lynch.

A Strong Receiving Corps

The combination of Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Mike Williams is sure to give defensive coordinators something to fret over in 2012.

Baldwin, an undrafted free agent who emerged last year to lead the Hawks in both yards and receptions, will be relied upon to have another career year. Rice, an explosive athlete when healthy, spent most of last year nursing various injuries and missed six games, but is expected to return to the Hawks in full form for 2012. Williams, the former USC standout who reappeared on radars after a big year in 2010, suffered a bit of a regression during 2011, but with a new quarterback and flanked by two dangerous receivers, may be gearing up for a big season in 2012. 

If Baldwin can continue his momentum from last year, Rice can maintain his health and Williams can find his groove once more, the Seahawks may finally have the potent passing game they've sorely lacked.

A Dangerous Secondary

The Seahawks defense is no pushover this year, and the backbone of it will be the secondary.

The Hawks have assembled a scary-good lineup of young talent to patrol their defensive backfield, perhaps the most notable being their two cornerbacks, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman, who both stand over 6'3". Browner made the Pro Bowl last year, but some Seahawks faithful believe Sherman may end up being the more talented of the two. Together, their size and skill combine to form one of the most intimidating corner tandems in the league.

Backing up Browner and Sherman in the backfield are Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. Thomas has already proven to be an incredible talent in the FS position, and has the potential to become one of the league's best safeties in the coming years. Chancellor is a hard-hitter whose presence in the middle will disrupt any receiver looking to run a post route.

If this young secondary can stay healthy, look for them to become one of the top units in the NFL this season.

A Talented Defensive Line

With the re-signing of free agent Red Bryant, the Seahawks retained a key ingredient in their success against the run last year, as well as an important building block for this season's new and improved defense. With the addition of former Tennessee Titan Jason Jones, the Seahawks line is looking strong heading into the draft.

The only thing that remains to be seen is if the Seahawks can acquire a significant second pass-rusher to aid Chris Clemons, who led the team in sacks the past two years, posting 11 in 2011. If the Hawks can obtain a solid second pass-rusher in the draft, they will have a dangerous ensemble of talented big men holding down the line of scrimmage for them next year.

The NFC West Is Still Weak

Although San Francisco's emergence in 2011 helped change some of the dialogue surrounding the NFC West, it is still arguably the weakest division in the conference, and possibly the NFL. While the 49ers will be a difficult division opponent if they continue their success from 2011, neither the Rams nor the Cardinals have seemed to made any large leaps from last season in terms of talent. 

If the Seahawks are as improved as touted, they will have the ability to challenge San Francisco as the top team in the division, on the backs of a deep and young pool of defensive talent that rivals Harbaugh's units in the Bay Area. Look for the two teams to dominate the discussion for the conference in 2012.

Zach Miller Is Ready for a Breakout Year

Miller's role last year in the passing game was limited, as he was played as more of a blocking tight end in his first year within the Seahawks' scheme. However, Miller is an explosive athlete and built in the perfect mold of a dangerous receiving tight end. He made the Pro Bowl while with Oakland, and with Matt Flynn now in Seattle, will likely become more involved in the passing game.

If Miller can develop into a security blanket for Flynn, it could mean big numbers for him, as well as another weapon to add to Seattle's offensive arsenal this fall. Look for Miller's number to be called a lot this season.

The 12th Man Is as Strong as Ever

Free-agent pick ups and draft selections may be important to the success of the Seahawks this season, but they won't mean anything without the support of a strong 12th man in 2012.

The Seahawks' home stadium has become notorious for its loud and raucous atmosphere, and Seattle will need every ounce of that atmosphere this fall if it hopes to make an impact in the division and league. 

If Seahawks fans show up ready this season, Century Link Field could become a nightmare for opposing offenses when combined with an improved and stingy defense.

Snazzy New Digs!

Sure, these spiffy new get-ups don't have any sort of quantifiable impact on the team, but there's no way to measure the confidence-increase the Hawks will get stepping onto the turf every Sunday dressed like super heroes.

All jokes aside, the new uniforms do seem to be well-received by most of the players, and having a little extra pride and swagger when you put on your jersey definitely never hurt. This new gear may just be the Seahawks' ticket back to the Super Bowl (hey, it worked for the Titans in '99).