After they traded franchise quarterback Russell Wilson last offseason, the Seattle Seahawks were expected by most people to miss the playoffs in 2022.
But they instead became a big surprise by finishing 9-8 and making the playoffs, while new starting QB Geno Smith had a dream season.
If the Seahawks are to duplicate that success next season, they will have to overcome a grueling travel schedule, as they will travel the most total miles of any NFL team, just as they did last season.
The Seattle Seahawks will travel 30,000 miles this season — the most of any NFL team for the second year in a row: pic.twitter.com/gre5lUyhze
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 12, 2023
The biggest reason the team will rack up lots of frequent flyer miles will be numerous instances of playing a game at home, only to fly to the Eastern time zone for their very next game.
They will play at the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens, and all of those contests will take place in the first nine weeks of the season.
Seattle’s bye will take place in Week 5 in between their road contests at the Giants and Bengals, which will give them some much-needed rest.
Last year, Smith, who had been considered a career backup by most, led the league with a 69.8 percent pass completion rate while throwing for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.
That production earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, as well as the Comeback Player of the Year award.
He will continue to have stud wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and running back Kenneth Walker III by his side, while an old mainstay in star linebacker Bobby Wagner is back in town.
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The Seahawks Are Signing A Veteran Defensive Lineman