Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are trying to return to being the top dog in the NFC West as they once were just a few seasons ago. Over the past two seasons, Seattle has played second-fiddle to the Los Angeles Rams in the division.

Carroll may not have the well-kept hair that Sean McVay has, but the longtime head coach knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl. In 2018, the Seahawks returned to their mantra of running the ball and playing phenomenal defense to propel them into the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Dallas Cowboys. This year, Seattle is hoping to take another step forward as a team.

The Seahawks' first chance to see their new-look team happened in Week 1 of the preseason versus the Denver Broncos. Similarly to Super Bowl 48, the Seahawks defeated the Broncos but this time they won 22-14.

Seattle wanted to improve upon their first victory in their second preseason game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Unlike the Broncos game, the Seahawks lost the game 25-19 but there were a few players who impressed in their second exhibition game.

3. Jaron Brown (2 Receptions, 52 Yards)

The Seahawks are quietly loaded at the wide receiver position. Forgotten among the rest of the receivers, Jaron Brown could have a role in the offense if he continues to show his worth to the coaching staff.

Brown didn't have a chance to play in the Seahawks' preseason opener against the Broncos. The veteran wide receiver had a chance to suit up in their second preseason contest against the Vikings and showcased his talent with his limited opportunities.

The Seahawks wideout caught just two passes but turned those two receptions into 52 yards. Seattle could use some more big plays downfield after having just 47 passing plays go 20+ yards in 2018 (20th in NFL).

Of course, the team drafted D.K. Metcalf in the second round of the draft but he isn't the only one in the offense who could help improve the deep passing game. The 29-year old Brown has a chance to earn some looks in the Seahawks' passing attack if he builds upon his preseason debut.

2. Russell Wilson (6-9, 82 Passing Yards, 9 Rushing Yards)

Earlier this offseason, Seattle made Russell Wilson the NFL's highest-paid quarterback with a new lucrative extension. The deal is worth $140 million over four seasons and the mobile quarterback had his first chance to take the field since he signed his extension on Sunday.

The Seahawks' franchise quarterback was given three series against the Vikings and played fairly well. Wilson completed six of his nine attempts for 82 yards through the air. He also added nine yards on the ground.

Last season, Seattle was one of the only teams in the NFL who ran the ball (534 rushing attempts) more than they passed it (427 passing attempts). As a matter of fact, they ran it over 100 times more than they allowed Wilson to chuck the football downfield.

In 2019, the Seahawks are expected to assert their dominance with their rushing attack but they did surround Wilson with more weapons in the passing game. Therefore, we could see Wilson throw it slightly more to his new arsenal of weapons as he enters his eighth season with the franchise.

1. DeShawn Shead

The Seahawks want to see some improved play from their secondary in 2019 to bring back the “Legion of Boom” label. To begin the offseason, Seattle brought DeShawn Shead for his second stint with the team.

Only this time around, Shead is making the switch to safety after playing cornerback his entire NFL career. In 2012, the Seahawks signed Shead as an undrafted free agent out of Portland State.

The veteran quarterback spent a few seasons as the starting cornerback opposite Richard Sherman but this time around, he has to earn a spot on the team. Against the Vikings, Shead showed how well he fits on the backend of their defense.

Shead was the first backup safety to come into the game to replace Bradley McDougald. In his limited number of plays, Shead had four tackles and an interception.

Furthermore, Shead's lone interception was turned into an 88-yard touchdown for the 30-year old defensive back. On his second go-around with the Seahawks, Shead seems to be finding his niche on the defense this season.