The Associated Press
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (16-3)
New faces: DT Kevin Williams, rookie WR Paul Richardson, T Justin Britt, T Eric Winston, rookie DE Cassius Marsh.
Key losses: WR Golden Tate, T Breno Giacomini, G Paul McQuistan, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, CB Walter Thurmond, T Michael Bowie, DT Clinton McDonald.
Strengths: QB, RB, WR, CB, S, K.
Weaknesses: OL.
What’s New: Speed everywhere on offense. With Percy Harvin healthy, addition of rookie Richardson and expected addition of RB Christine Michael to game plan, Seattle possesses speed to stretch defenses to sideline but also vertically downfield. That speed element could be next transformation of scheme.
Expectations: Seattle might be best positioned team to repeat as Super Bowl champs in 10 years since repeat was last accomplished by New England. Still young, still talented. And offseason losses through free agency have been mitigated by additions or young players who barely saw action last season during title run. QB Russell Wilson could set stage for massive offseason payday by leading Seattle to another Super Bowl trip. Secondary remains best in NFL and Seahawks insist there will be no backslide despite Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor all getting paid during past two offseasons.
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