The Athletic: Hawks are #17 in their Power Rankings

[AROS]

I like The Athletic a lot. Some great writers, rare hyperbole, for the most part, sound writing and analysis.

That said, I do not agree at all that we are below average on anybody's power ranking. 17 is laughable to me. Even with all the new players, coaches, schemes...This is a solid roster with tremendous upside. Realistically, I would put them around 10-12. Still much to prove but I think Mike is the man for the gig, John is still showing he has much left in the tank...I believe.

AROS' SEAHAWKS PICK: 12

 

[toffee]

Bleacher ranked us #15

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25190889-nfl-power-rankings-every-team-after-2025-nfl-draft

 

[Shane Falco]

It's all just complete guess work when you go through as many changes from last season as this team has. Changing QB's alone is about the biggest change you can make. Going to be so interesting to see how it works out.

For me, I think we're still in that wanting to see the continued progress stage and get the feeling things are heading in the right direction. Mainly with the offense now.

I think we'll have to see a few games of Darnold to really get a feel.

 

[Natethegreat]

So much turnover on offensive side of the ball. Who knows how long it takes to get going.

 

[Ostatehawk]

I can understand the rankings. I think we are probably better than 15-17 - but certainly no worse. I think the Defense will keep us in contention while to offense gets figured out.

 

[Smellyman]

top 10 D and a lot to prove on offense.

 

[Rat]

I kinda understand why others would be hesitant to put us higher than right in the middle somewhere. We've all had time to get sold on Darnold, but really anyone during the season who suggested replacing Geno with him after the season, even late in the year when he had been putting up near-MVP numbers, were largely blasted for it. It was a very unpopular opinion. And he left many with a bad taste in their mouths after how poorly he played in the Vikings' last two games.

People see we didn't do much to address a struggling OL, at least in regards to personnel, and I think fans are probably overrating the general perception of Kubiak. We're also a little quicker to put the blunt of the blame on Grubb, while others are noting that the OL was an issue before Grubb too. DK and Lockett are gone, and Kupp is a risk with his injury history.

In addition, we're kind of a 6 or 7 out of 10 at most of our position groups with few standout stars. There's certainly reason for optimism, but I can't really blame those who are in wait and see mode.

 

[seabowl]

Rankings mean, absolutely nothing

 

[Rat]

Rankings mean, absolutely nothing

Really? I thought there was a trophy for that. Well, this changes everything for me.

Yeah, no crap they mean nothing. I don't get why people always have to jump into rankings threads to call them meaningless. They're just designed to be fun discussion generators. Nobody takes them THAT seriously.

 

[keasley45]

So much turnover on offensive side of the ball. Who knows how long it takes to get going.

Agree. I think we were seen as a 10 to 12 ranked team when it was thought we were returning the skill players from '24. I think the 17 rank is healthy skepticism as to whether Darnold can improve on last year and in response to an unproven WR corp and OC.

Its a week 1 rank. If we show the pieces work, we will jump up quickly.

 

[RehireMora]

I got us ranked number freaking 1

 

[Twelver]

A

I like The Athletic a lot. Some great writers, rare hyperbole, for the most part, sound writing and analysis.

That said, I do not agree at all that we are below average on anybody's power ranking. 17 is laughable to me. Even with all the new players, coaches, schemes...This is a solid roster with tremendous upside. Realistically, I would put them around 10-12. Still much to prove but I think Mike is the man for the gig, John is still showing he has much left in the tank...I believe.

AROS' SEAHAWKS PICK: 12

Agreed. If you put them lower than 14 you put them out of the playoffs.

 

[Jerhawk]

The new season can’t come soon enough. I’m really excited to see how this new look team plays. So many possibilities. Go Hawks!

 

[CouchLogic]

Middle of the pack is perfect for an unknown commodity, I'd put them in the 10-15 tier as well. The Coach doesn't even know what this team looks like right now, haha.

This is going to be another fun season, IT is known.

 

[HagFaithful]

I want us ranked 32. Hungry. And pissed off.

 

[Fresno Hawk]

Our defense is top 10. But with 3 big time contributes on offense now gone i can definitely see the offense being ranked at about 20ish. Especially if we cannot run the football again. So i would say its about right. For the time being.

 

[CPHawk]

It comes down to QB and OL play. I honestly believe Mac will have the D up in the top 7 this year, so need the O to hold up their end of things.

But I don’t agree that we lost 3 big time contributors on O. We lost one, but he’s not impossible to replace. Geno and Darnold are a push, and Locket was doing nothing last year .

 

[Hawknight]

At least it won't be boring

 

[Wsumatt1982]

That’s about right right now. We have added to a good defense. They were better after the changes were made at LB and should only grow. The offense is the unknown. I think the offense will take steps like the D did last year after around midseason. Too much unknown to rank them higher. I think we are heading in the right direction and I feel and see the team they are trying to build. The future is bright but it may take time.

 

[Hawkpower]

Our defense is top 10. But with 3 big time contributes on offense now gone i can definitely see the offense being ranked at about 20ish. Especially if we cannot run the football again. So i would say its about right. For the time being.

3?
Who's the third?