2. Seattle Seahawks – Is the run nearing the very end? 

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

When Russell Wilson became the Seahawks quarterback and Pete Carroll became their head coach, the NFL became the Seahawks’ league. Everyone loved Wilson, everyone loved Marshawn Lynch, Carroll, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, etc. They were Super Bowl champs in the 2013 season, Richard Sherman was the cover of Madden 15, and the “Legion of Boom” defense was, to say, “booming.”

Then, one very play-call changed everything.

The Seahawks returned to the Super Bowl in the 2014 season. They were at the goal line, knocking on the door of a game-winning touchdown against the Patriots. And then, Pete Carroll decided to throw the ball towards the end zone instead of running it with Lynch. Wilson’s pass was thus intercepted, and they lost the game. Ever since, the Seahawks just don’t seem to be the dominating franchise they once were.

After winning 13 games in 2013, and 12 in 2014, the Seahawks have only won 10, 10 and 9 in the last three seasons respectively. Not to mention, they haven’t gotten back to the Super Bowl or even the NFC Championship since that Super Bowl loss. And then, in 2017, the Seahawks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Is this dynasty on a slow, but serious decline?

People overlook the fact that they are in a division that includes the 49ers who are on the up and up, along with the very successful LA Rams. And now, first-round selection for the Cardinals, Josh Rosen, is in the division. If the Seahawks don’t return to their own selves, they could be staring down a third or fourth-place finish in the NFC West.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Will Andrew Luck bounce back?

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

In his first three seasons, Andrew Luck looked to be what could be a prominent quarterback in NFL history when it was all said and done. The Colts were coming off a 2-14 season when they drafted Luck No. 1 overall in 2012. Luck entered the league and led the Colts to the playoffs in his first three seasons. Not to mention, he was chosen to the Pro Bowl each of the those three years as well. However, it’s been concerning for Luck ever since that final Pro Bowl season in 2014.

In 2015 he dealt with injuries, only starting and playing in seven games for the Colts, going 2-5 in those games. In 2016 he did play in 15 games, however, didn’t perform well enough to make the playoffs nor the Pro Bowl. Then, Luck didn’t play a snap in 2017 due to a shoulder injury. An injury that many have doubted and questioned, including the front office of the organization.

The big question becomes, now that Luck is returning for the 2018 season, will he be back to his old self? Will he perform like the Pro Bowl quarterback he once was and lead the Colts back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014? If he doesn’t do either, question marks may rise regarding Luck’s competitiveness.

Will Luck still be the future of the Colts at quarterback after this season? If not, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett could be a legitimate option. Brissett started 15 games for Indianapolis last season, completing 58.8 percent of his passes along with throwing for 13 touchdowns. Good size, big arm, and mobile but only to the point where he can extend plays. However, not mobile enough where he could become a turnover machine or injury-plagued athlete.

Luck is Luck, but if things don’t work out, Brissett could be a definite option for the future. The right coaching and system just needs to be implemented.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.