A quick look at the Seattle Seahawks schedule

Can Russell Be “the guy” for the Seahawks in 2012?
Courtesy U.S Presswire

Going into this pivotal third preseason game against the Chiefs in Kansas City, the Seattle Seahawks first-team offense has yet to gain much offensive traction.

Quarterback carousels, injuries to key starting receivers Doug Baldwin and Sidney Rice, as well the additions of new receivers like Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards have been a mixed bag of occasional flashes of brilliance yet inconsistent offensive football to date.

One can only hope the decision to start rookie quarterback Russell Wilson in the regular season dress rehearsal will be the calming and galvanizing force needed as the Seahawks prepare for the Arizona Cardinals in 2 weeks.

Just for fun I decided to take a look at 2011 scoring outputs for each opponent we face in 2012 as well as defensive points allowed statistics.

Here is a snap shot of what the Seahawks might face. (Stats in Seahawks favor are highlighted in green).

Seahawks 2011 Offensive Scoring: 20.1 PPG
Seahawks 2011 Defense allowed: 19.7 PPG

Game 1: Arizona Cardinals (John Skelton, Kevin Kolb)
2011 Offensive Scoring:19.5 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 21.8 PPG

Game 2: Dallas Cowboys (Tony Romo)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 23.1 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 21.7 PPG

Game 3: Green Bay Packers (Aaron Rodgers)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 35 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 22.4 PPG

Game 4: St Louis Rams (Sam Bradford)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 12.1 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 25.4 PPG

Game 5. Carolina Panthers (Cam Newton)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 25.4 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 26.8 PPG

Game 6. New England Patriots (Tom Brady)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 32.1 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 21.4 PPG

Game 7. San Francisco 49ers (Alex Smith)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 23.8 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 14.3 PPG

Game 8. Detroit Lions (Matthew Stafford)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 29.6 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 24.2 PPG

Game 9. Minnesota Vikings (Christian Ponder)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 21.2 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 28.1 PPG

Game 10.  New York Jets (Mark Sanchez)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 23.6 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 22.7 PPG

Game 11. Miami Dolphins (Ryan Tannehill)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 20.6 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 19.6 PPG

Game 12. Chicago Bears (Jay Cutler)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 22.1 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 21.3 PPG

Game 13.  Arizona Cardinals (John Skelton, Kevin Kolb)
2011 Offensive Scoring:19.5 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 21.8 PPG

Game 14. Buffalo Bills (Ryan Fitzpatrick)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 23.2 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 27.1 PPG

Game 15. San Francisco 49ers (Alex Smith)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 23.8 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 14.3 PPG

Game 16: St Louis Rams (Sam Bradford)
2011 Offensive Scoring: 12.1 PPG
2011 Defense allowed: 25.4 PPG

Understanding that previous years do not always project future outcomes, It is still interesting to note that the Seahawks face twelve games in which the opposing team had a better scoring offense yet face thirteen games in which their defense has lower defensive points-per-game allowed.

This schedule may be brutal. Facing Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Jay Cutler, Cam Newton, Tony Romo and the 49ers (twice) with lingering questions at QB and receiver will be something to behold.

One thing is for sure….The Seahawks can not afford to waste their great defense by taking a step back offensively in 2012.

BOLD PREDICTION: The Seahawks get through 2012 with a winning record for the first time under Pete Carroll: 9-7

If not the seat under Pete Carroll will get hot quickly.

Pressure is on Coach.

GO SEAHAWKS!!