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The Seahawks' troubles have spread beyond the offensive line

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports

Through three weeks of the NFL season, it seems clear that the Seattle Seahawks' refusal to seriously address the weaknesses on their offensive line has caught up to them.

With Russell Wilson constantly running for his life against non-elite defensive lines through three games, it's easy to point out that Pro Football Focus' lowest-graded offensive line from 2016 is still not good.

However, that weakness is no longer the Seahawks' only problem to figure out.

After years of general manager John Schneider being praised for building a top-notch roster, holes have begun to emerge from several areas as the Seahawks have stumbled out of the gate to a 1-2 record.

The biggest difference with this year's Seahawks has been the defense - a unit whose system has been copied by many teams around the NFL after a dominant five-year run - despite the recent addition of Pro Bowler Sheldon Richardson.

Seattle has allowed 115-plus-yard rushers in back-to-back weeks after having not allowed one since Jamaal Charles in Week 11 of the 2014 season. The San Francisco 49ers ran for 159 yards, while averaging 8.4 yards per carry in Week 2 before the Tennessee Titans went for 195 rushing yards Sunday.

On paper, names like Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Bobby Wagner, Kam Chancellor, Richardson, and K.J. Wright should make the Seahawks one of the toughest teams to run against, but at the moment, it's not that difficult.

Against the pass this season, All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has been unable to achieve the dominance he's used to, instead earning a grade of 42.8 out of 100 over 204 snaps from PFF. Sherman's recent struggles have even appeared to negatively affect his temperament in-game. After breaking his leg last season, Earl Thomas has been unable to force the turnovers and make the plays that had once made him the best safety in football.

Offensively, Wilson's mobility is making up for everyone else's inability to catch, get open, and block - which is not a sustainable strategy. Doug Baldwin has been good, though even his consistent production can't carry an offense, and Jimmy Graham's lack of impact is has knocked him down a tier or two among tight ends.

The loss of Jermaine Kearse via trade before the season seems to have impacted the Seahawks' receiver corps in a way it was not prepared for. Former third-round picks Tyler Lockett and Amara Darboh as well as Paul Richardson have done what they've been told, though none strike fear in the opposition, allowing teams to bring pressure on Wilson.

Making Eddie Lacy the newest version of "Beast Mode" wasn't a project that lasted long, as the former Packer has not been used since rushing for 3 yards in Week 1.

Looking around the Seahawks' position groups, the overflow of dominance that some thought would never desert them after consecutive Super Bowl appearances is now disappearing. The units that look good on paper have drastically under-performed, while the weaknesses that are easier to identify are being targeted heavily.

At this point in the season, there isn't a signing or roster move that will magically fix the problems, so it's up to the people in the building to either figure it out or merely watch as the Seahawks' hopes of a dynasty walk out the door.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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