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Thiel: 'Trouble Early On' As Seahawks Open Season Of Transition

SeahawksRaiders2018pre.jpg
Elaine Thompson
/
AP Photo
Seahawks players, including offensive guard J.R. Sweezy (64) huddle during warmups before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Seattle.

The Seahawks begin their regular season on Sunday in Denver. The team got some good news this week with the return of holdout Earl Thomas.

KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about Thomas and the outlook for the Seahawks this season.Thiel said there's still a chance the Seahawks could trade Thomas, but he will likely play otherwise this Sunday. Thomas had been holding out for a contract extension and more pay. That remains unresolved.

As far as the season goes, Thiel cautioned fans not to expect too much. He pointed out the team has a lot of young players in key defensive roles, trying to fill the shoes of departed stars like Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril.

"This time, this season, the offense is going to have to carry the Seahawks," Thiel said.

"That means a lot of pressure on Russell Wilson. The offensive line is going to have a real challenge."

"I see trouble early on in the season. They've got four of their first five games on the road. The young guys are going to be on a steep learning curve in critical positions."

"I see them getting better in November and December but I don't see them getting much beyond 8-8, which is likely not going to be good enough for the playoffs. But that's what happens in transition years."

Never miss an episode again. Subscribe to Sports With Art Thiel with iTunes or Google Play now. You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.

Kirsten Kendrick has been hosting Morning Edition on KNKX/KPLU since 2006. She has worked in news radio for more than 30 years. Kirsten is also a sports lover. She handles most sports coverage at the station, including helping produce a two-part series on the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the ongoing series "Going Deep."
Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, “Out of Left Field,” which became a regional bestseller. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored “The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists,” a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom.
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