The Seahawks graded out as the top defense in our preseason rankings, but there are a few concerns. They've lost a couple of linemen (Red Bryant, Chris Clemons) so their pass rush won't be as good. They've still got that great secondary, though, which led the league with 28 interceptions a year ago. They lost a couple of depth players in free agency, but our feeling is they'll be fine there too.
One area that helped Seattle is their return teams, which has one of the league's best kickoff returners in Percy Harvin. And according to this article in the Seattle Times, Harvin is a candidate to return punts, as well. Golden Tate was their main guy on punts a year ago, and he's in Detroit now.
Harvin on punts is less than enticing idea to those hoping to select him in fantasy leagues. He's had trouble staying healthy, and returners take a lot of punishment. The chances of him suiting up all year as a wide receiver would definitely be hurt by him returning both kickoffs and punts. It's also worth noting that his college and NFL experience as a returner is exclusively on kickoffs -- he didn't return punts at Florida or in Minnesota.
But his talent and explosiveness does increase our interest in the Seattle defense should he win that job. The last three seasons there have been far more punt return touchdowns (51) than kickoff returns (29).
One of Harvin's main competitors for the return job is safety Earl Thomas. An injury to him would be a major blow for their defense, so it's another reason to hope Harvin wins the job. Unless you're hoping to select him as a wide receiver, that is.
--Andy Richardson