On paper, comparing the 2012 Seattle Seahawks and 2016 Oakland Raiders is absolutely ridiculous. For one thing, the 2016 season hasn’t even started yet. Week one is still months away, and we haven’t even seen a preseason game yet. Comparing the success of a team that has already played to one we can only speculate about is ridiculous. But as the dog days of the NFL offseason drag on, it’s the ridiculous speculation that keeps us sane

Comparing the 2012 Seattle Seahawks and 2016 Oakland Raiders

In 2011, the Seattle Seahawks only won seven games and failed to make the playoffs. They had a strong running game and some pieces on defense, but something just didn’t click. They were missing something, and after a magnificent draft class starring defensive end Bruce Irvin and quarterback Russell Wilson, they found it.

The Seahawks would win eleven games, including a startling upset of the New England Patriots, and make the playoffs. They dominated teams with a ferocious defense and a physical rushing attack, with the occasional big play from their rookie quarterback. Despite losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs, the Seahawks made a lot of noise in 2012, letting everyone know they were for real.

In 2015, the Oakland Raiders only won seven games and failed to make the playoffs. They had a potent passing attack and some pieces on defense, but something just didn’t click. They were missing something, and after a very strong off-season, it looks like they may have found it.

Off-Season Improvements

After three relatively quiet off-seasons, general manager Reggie McKenzie finally dug into Oakland’s huge salary and brought in some new players. McKenzie instantly legitimized an already respectable offensive line by stealing guard Kelechi Osemele from the Baltimore Ravens. Next to Donald Penn, Rodney Hudson, and Gabe Jackson, Osemele gives the Raiders one of the best lines in the league. Ironically, McKenzie also signed Bruce Irvin, one of the players that helped legitimize the Seahawks. The additions of defensive backs Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson turned Oakland’s biggest weakness into a strength. On paper, the Oakland Raiders look like playoff contenders.

While the Oakland Raiders are a trendy wildcard pick, few experts are taking them seriously. Analysts expect improvement from the Silver and Black, but within reason. Nobody is saying the Raiders will be in the Super Bowl. But maybe they should be. After all, nobody was predicting that the Seahawks would be playoff contenders in 2012. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller was the rare optimist, saying they might win nine games. Instead, they lost a fluke playoff game, and participated in the next two Super Bowls.

If a steady run game, a brilliant young quarterback, and a gritty defense can transform the Seahawks from doormat to dominance, why can’t the same be true for the Raiders? If Carr continues to develop, defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. can find a way to put all these pieces together, and everyone stays healthy? Then maybe it’s not unrealistic that the Silver and Black and the Legion of Boom could meet in the Super Bowl this season.