Seattle Seahawks Offense (1998) – Dennis Erickson

In 1998, the Seattle Seahawks' offense was led by head coach Dennis Erickson, who was in his fourth and final season with the team. This was a notable year for the Seahawks, as it marked Erickson's last effort to push the team beyond the .500 mark, finishing with an 8-8 record. The offense showcased a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, with a strong start to the season that ultimately faded due to inconsistency and key losses.

The Seahawks began the 1998 campaign with a revamped offensive lineup, spearheaded by veteran quarterback Warren Moon, who had been the NFL passing leader in 1997. Moon brought precision and experience to the passing game, orchestrating an attack that leaned heavily on dynamic wide receivers Joey Galloway and Derrick Mayes. Galloway, in particular, was a key playmaker, known for his speed and ability to stretch the field. The offensive line, anchored by new signing Kevin Glover—a three-time Pro Bowl center—provided solid protection and cohesion, allowing for a multifaceted offensive strategy.

The season started with promise, as the Seahawks won their first three games, including a standout 36-0 shutout against the Philadelphia Eagles on Kickoff Weekend. This hot start showcased the offense's potential, with Moon effectively distributing the ball and the team averaging strong early-season performances. However, the momentum stalled as they lost their next three games, highlighting struggles with consistency. Later in the year, with the team hovering around .500, Erickson turned to Jon Kitna at quarterback. Kitna injected some energy into the offense, leading a close win against the Tennessee Oilers, but the season’s defining moment came in a controversial loss to the New York Jets. In that game, a blown call on a Vinny Testaverde touchdown run—where replay evidence showed he was stopped short—cost Seattle a critical victory, dropping them to 6-7 and effectively ending their playoff hopes. The Seahawks finished the season with 372 points scored (23.3 points per game), ranking 10th in the NFL, a testament to their offensive capability despite the disappointing record.

Overall, the 1998 Seahawks offense under Dennis Erickson was characterized by a blend of talent and potential that shone early but couldn’t sustain success. The unit featured one of the league’s better passing attacks, bolstered by Moon’s veteran presence and Galloway’s explosiveness, yet it faltered under pressure in key moments. This season encapsulated Erickson’s tenure in Seattle—flashes of brilliance overshadowed by an inability to break through the 8-8 ceiling, leading to his firing on December 28, 1998, a day after the season ended.