5 Keys to the Seattle Seahawks Getting on a Track Back to the Playoffs

At 6-5 with just five games remaining in the regular season, the Seattle Seahawks have a challenging but obtainable climb to make the playoffs. The Seahawks don’t resemble the same team that had back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. But there are five things the Seahawks can do to get back on the playoff track.

Realistically, the Seahawks will likely need at least nine wins to earn the wild card. They’re currently tied in the win column with the reeling Atlanta Falcons, who have lost five of their last six. The Seahawks have a pretty decent chance to make the postseason considering their main competition.

Seattle is one game ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and Chicago Bears at 5-6. The Seahawks have the strongest pedigree of the group, but the Bears have the easiest schedule remaining. Their quest will not be a cake walk.

Let’s take a look at five key adjustments the Seahawks can make to ensure a playoff appearance. Once in the playoffs, all bets are off and Seattle is as dangerous as anyone. Here’s how they can get there.

Improve Secondary Communication

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It’s no secret that the Legion of Boom hasn’t been itself this season. The dynamic trio of Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas has been as good as ever when they’ve all played, but the missing component now is depth. Two years ago, the talent was four-deep at cornerback.

The salary cap era left the Seahawks with little ammunition to upgrade their depth at the position after losing Byron Maxwell, and the team recklessly signed Cary Williams with what was available. Williams was horrible for the Eagles, and his play led to inactive status in Week 12. This has forced Sherman to bear a weight greater than he has ever needed to.

Defensive backs Tye Smith, Marcus Burley and DeShawn Shead must communicate better for this secondary to improve. Although their collective talent isn’t as high as what the Seahawks had in years past, there are simply too many examples of being on the wrong page with one another from this group. The chatter and understanding of this complex defense must pick up for success.

Reconfigure Without Jimmy Graham

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Even before Jimmy Graham was carted off the field Sunday with a torn patellar tendon, the Seahawks weren’t nearly as effective utilizing him as they could have been. With Graham out for the season, the Seahawks need to reconfigure who they prioritize in the passing game. Like the secondary, the talent pool to draw from is limited.

To this date, the Seahawks’ leading receivers in targets are Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett. No. 4 on that list is Chris Matthews, who is now with the Ravens.

Things are not ideal for Russell Wilson.

The player who needs to be fed more is Lockett. Not only is Wilson’s passer rating the highest when he goes to Lockett, but he has the most special skill set of any receiver on the roster. He’s the only receiver with quick-twitch traits that can make a five-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown.

Wilson possesses a solid deep ball that can also use Lockett’s speed well. Pro Football Focus has as an accurate pass on 40.5 percent of throws. With Lockett moving between the slot and outside, he’s a threat to run any type of route at any time. Defenses will have to focus on Lockett if the Seahawks make him a priority.

More Play Action

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Despite having the second-most rush attempts per game in the NFL, the Seahawks only run play action passes on 21.7 percent of their passing attempts. That’s 12th in the NFL. There’s an opportunity being missed here to help Wilson buy time in the pocket.

Surprisingly, Wilson’s been a better passer without play action in terms of completion percentage. This helps illustrate that Seattle is almost exclusively looking downfield off play action instead of taking more moderate gains. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell can use his possession receivers on intermediate routes that should come open as Wilson is resetting after pulling the ball away from the back.

This is where the Seahawks’ commitment to the run should pay off most. Pulling the linebackers in even for a second will help their average receiving core create some space. This shift, along with our advice about featuring Lockett more, are subtle but key changes.

Rotate the Defensive Line More

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Like the secondary, the Seahawks’ defensive line lacks the crazy depth it had in previous years. Unlike said secondary, the defensive line does have more available talent that can make an impact. A stronger rotation that keeps the starting unit fresh and gives offenses sub-package fits can exist.

The starting defensive tackle unit of Ahtyba Rubin and Brandon Mebane has been underwhelming in providing pass rush pressure. To alleviate this, the Seahawks continue to use Michael Bennett as a punishing nickel presence. But a unique look that has rookie Frank Clark or Cassius Marsh as an undersized rusher would allow Bennett to slide inside or stay outside, and still have a better attack.

The snap counts for guys like Jordan Hill, Clark and Marsh are much too low at this point in the season. At some point, Seattle must know its current core hasn’t been as effective, and it’s time to try a new look. The talent is there, even if it is young. Vary the fronts and production is likely.

Run to the Left Side

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Although their key to improvement is running to the left side, obviously balance to every gap is important to keep defenses honest. But the Seahawks have a major advantage running to the left side of the line. This has become even more the case since Justin Britt was moved to left guard from tackle.

The dynamic rushing duo of Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls has been excellent when going left behind Britt and Russell Okung. According to Pro Football Focus, Lynch and Rawls have averaged 7.77 yards per carry to that side for a total of 435 yards. In comparison, the two average just 3.48 yards a carry on the right.

The run action to the left is basically unstoppable, and it should be considered the go-to play when the offense bogs down. Bevell must keep this effectiveness in mind and be sure to favor plays that end up behind Okung, especially. Otherwise, the entire offense will suffer from play-calling that doesn’t match it’s talent and strengths.

All stats used are from sports-reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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