The 2019 NFL Combine wrapped up this past weekend, and the draft is next month. But I am taking a bigger look at the Seattle Seahawks and what they can do to help themselves next year.
This is The Sack Argument.
Sacks are very important to both the offense and the defense; that is indisputable. If a quarterback is not sacked, then the pass play has a much higher chance of success. And on the same note, if a quarterback is sacked, the pass play failed. So, this is a clear win for either the offense or defense on a given play. I am comparing the sack numbers of the past decade’s Super Bowl winners with the Seahawks over the same time.
I am emphasizing sack numbers because I think they are indicative of the team’s success. That does not mean I think this is the best way to rate teams; it is just an exercise to look at correlation and find ways to improve.
Through the last 10 Super Bowls, eight of the winning teams had more sacks on defense than they let up on offense. The only two who didn’t were the 2013 Seahawks and the 2012 Baltimore Ravens. I think this shows that putting an emphasis on protecting your quarterback and getting to the opposing quarterback can be a good indicator of success.
Team Sacks For Sacks Against
2018-19 New England Patriots 30 21
2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles 38 36
2016-17 New England Patriots 34 24
2015-16 Denver Broncos 52 39
2014-15 New England Patriots 40 26
2013-14 Seattle Seahawks 44 44
2012-13 Baltimore Ravens 37 28
2011-12 New York Giants 48 28
2010-11 Green bay Packers 47 38
2009-10 New Orleans Saints 35 20
This is also one statistic that Seattle has been terrible in over the past decade. There have only been two seasons where the Seahawks had more sacks than they gave up, 2012 and 2010. In the other eight seasons, they gave up almost 50 more sacks than their opponents.
Team Sacks For Sacks Against
2018-19 Seattle Seahawks 43 51
2017-18 Seattle Seahawks 39 43
2016-17 Seattle Seahawks 42 42
2015-16 Seattle Seahawks 37 46
2014-15 Seattle Seahawks 37 42
2013-14 Seattle Seahawks 44 44
*2012-13 Seattle Seahawks 36 33
2011-12 Seattle Seahawks 33 50
*2010-11 Seattle Seahawks 37 35
2009-10 Seattle Seahawks 28 41
To a longtime Seattle fan this will probably confirm what you have been seeing and hearing about the team. It always seems like the targets during the offseason are the offensive line and the pass rush. This year is no different; both the guard spots on the O-line are in flux and the search is on for another edge rusher. Dion Jordan was supposed to pair with Frank Clark last year, but he massively underproduced and the rookies Seattle brought in were solid but didn’t get many sacks.
So, here goes: I think the Seahawks should prioritize the offensive line and the pass rush this offseason. I know it is controversial, but that is what I think.
