Seattle Seahawks hope to fly high once again in 2014

A nasty defense, a strong running game and an effective quarterback was the simple formula used by the Seattle Seahawks to win last year’s Super Bowl.

Now comes Coach Pete Carroll’s next challenge, which is to not only repeat the team’s success but also not regress. Not to mention keeping loose cannon Richard Sherman focused on the field where the defense ranked first against the pass and 7th against the rush.

The idea is second-round pick wide receiver Paul Richardson will help the team’s at times anemic passing game, which last year ranked 26th behind the Seahawk’s impressive rushing game (thank you, Marshawn Lynch) that was 4th in the league.

This year’s schedule finds the Seahawks facing the league’s sixth hardest schedule with its opponents boasting a .561 winning percentage from last season. Also added into the equation is the fact the NFC West has four potential playoff contenders, including the tough 49ers, the surprising Cardinals and the rising Rams.

The sportsbooks are currently posting a Seahawks win total of 11 OV -115. Considering the team’s schedule and lack of injury good luck from last season, the under could be in play here.