GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 30: Offensive lineman Duane Brown #76 of the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

Some are already predicting a disappointing season for the Seahawks in 2019, the same narrative that they proved wrong last season with a 10-6 record and playoff berth.

Putting expectations on the Seahawks may seem a little early right now, but Seattle has a pretty straightforward path to success in 2019. These simple keys to victory should give the Seahawks the best edge this coming season and hopefully get them deeper in the playoffs.

Consistency

I believe that the number one key to victory for the Seahawks in 2019 is staying consistent. The Seahawks have gone 1-2 to begin their season in three of the last five years. All six of these losses came from away games.

Next season, for the first time in four years, Seattle will open their season at home and will only have one away game in their first three games. Hopefully, this will be a change in dynamic for the disappointing early-season Seahawks we are used to seeing.

Russell Wilson

This is a given. Russell Wilson is always an important factor for the Seahawks and that’s why they decided to make him the highest paid player in the league this off-season. Not only does he command the offense, but his unrelenting championship mentality is healthy for the entire team.

Offensive Line

The Seahawks offensive line is a pivotal part in the success of the offense. They are responsible for protecting Russell Wilson and giving him enough time to get the ball into the receiver’s hands.

Every year there are new expectations for Seattle’s offensive line because they have been known as one of the worst O-lines in football for the past several years now. It’s with the help of second-year offensive line coach, Mike Solari, that they are slowly making strides toward becoming an overall better unit.

Pass Rush

Seattle had an exciting pass rush last season between Frank Clark and Jarran Reed. But after trading Frank Clark days leading up the 2019 NFL Draft, it left the position relatively empty.

The Seahawks acted quickly to address Clark’s departure by drafting L.J. Collier in the first round and by signing a major free agent in Ezekiel Ansah.

As reported by the Seahawks earlier in June, Shaquem Griffin could also contribute to Seattle’s pass rush in 2019 after spending time as the strongside linebacker during off-season programs. Griffin spent a lot of time rushing the passer during his collegiate career at UCF because of his speed. After his uninspiring rookie season, hopefully this gives him more of an opportunity on the Seahawks defense in 2019.

The Road to Success in 2019

Keys to victory vary between opponents but these four are crucial for Seattle’s success. It takes every player to make an impact but keeping Russell Wilson protected and replenishing the pass rush will go along way.