Some Thoughts on the Seahawks, Part 3: Why We Should Have a Chance to Win Every Game, The Defense

Probably the most universally accepted belief about the 2012 Seahawks is that their defense should be good, really good. I am thinking top five in the NFL good. Seriously, even without a dominate pass rush these guys are that good. In 2011 the defensive unit showed legit talent by finishing the season ranked as the 7th best team based on PPG and 8th based on YDG. To strengthen their weakest aspect, the pass rush, they drafted Bruce Irvin and signed Jason Jones. Hopefully both will make a big impact. If they are evening average it will only strengthen our defense.

The most exciting part of the defense is probably the secondary. Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman form the core of what is one of the strongest secondary in the NFL. Throw in that the backups are Walter Thurmond (remember that guy, we were all pumped about him until he got hurt) and Marcus Trufant and you are also looking a a really deep secondary. Thomas is especially good. He a speedy ball hawk who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He and his partner at the safety position, Kam Chancellor, finished second and third on the team in total tackles. Only MLB David Hawthorne had more. I think Thomas has the potential to finish the season as an All-Pro. Anything less then a Pro-Bowler would be a shocker.

If one thing is going to stop them from reaching the elite level it will be the quality of opponent they have to face. The Seahawks have to play both the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots this year. Those are the two best offensive teams in football. However, I think even with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers trying to pass all over them the Seahawks D will prevail. I dont necessarily think we will beat those teams but we should limit their points scored.

The biggest loss the off-season was the team leader in tackle, middle linebacker David Hawthorne. While the Heater was a really good player, his loss shouldn’t be insurmountable. In the modern NFL, the middle linebacker position has become less of a lynchpin position. Additionally, the Seahawks drafted Bobby Wagner in the second round with the hopes of him being able to step right in and try to make us forget. He will be assisted by a Seahawks defensive unit that always to get at least and seven guys to the ball. Gus Bradley and Pete Carroll have shown us several times that they have an eye for defensive talent and I dont see why Wagner should be any different.

No written piece about the Seahawks defense would be complete without mention of Red Bryant. Although he only plays on about half the teams downs he is a very obvious play maker. Pete Carroll and his coaches foresight, to try the unconventional and play a 323lb player at DE, has paid huge dividends for the Seahawks. Last year he had 32 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT and 4 blocked kicks. That doesnt even take into account the several intangibles Red brings to the defense. His play brings multiple blockers and pumps up his teammates and the crowd. Big Red is an awesome player.

So, if you havent figured it out yet, I am really high on the Seahawks defense this year. So high that it is probably rubbing off on my overall impression of the team. In my preseason dreaming I started to imagine a 10 to 11 win team all because of that amazing defense. SEA-FENCE!