Clayton: Seahawks’ chances of bouncing back in 2022 just got better

The weekend all of a sudden pointed to a bunch of positive things that could have the Seahawks bouncing back to the playoffs in 2022.

How close are Seahawks to the level of teams in NFL’s title games?

First, the Green Bay Packers had a stunning loss to San Francisco. The Packers didn’t make the NFC title game, are $40 million over the salary cap, and you have to figure quarterback Aaron Rodgers will now ask for a trade if he plans to play football next season. He said he’s not to going to play for a team in the rebuilding process, which could be the case for the Packers in 2022.

That would open up the NFC North, where Chicago and Minnesota are going through general manager and coaching changes and Detroit is terrible.

Then came the news out of New Orleans that Sean Payton hasn’t committed to coaching next season. Losing Payton would take them out of the playoff mix.

Finally, ESPN reported that Tom Brady isn’t sure he will play next season. You figure he probably will, but if Brady isn’t with the Tampa Bay Bucs, they won’t be a Super Bowl-caliber team in the NFC.

Now look at the Seahawks’ 2022 schedule. They play the NFC South, where Carolina could be in its final year with head coach Matt Ruhle. New Orleans and Tampa Bay also might not be that good if they’re transitioning from Payton and Brady, respectively.

You should also take into account that the Seahawks will play the fourth-place schedule and get teams like the New York Jets and the New York Giants. The 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles just made the playoffs with fourth-place schedules.

That all spells a good weekend for the Seahawks.

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