From Last Word On Pro Football, by Christopher Moore
The Seattle Seahawks home located in the Pacific Northwest creates a strong and passionate regional following, but relatively little national attention. Compared to teams like the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, among others, the Seahawks have few fans outside their home base. The only time many fans see the Hawks play is when they are on primetime television or playing against their favorite team. In compiling a list of underrated players, many avid Seahawks fans will already appreciate their talent, but most other football fans will not. Here is a list of the top five underrated players who contribute substantially to the team’s success, but receive little appreciation from the fans and media.
Unsung Heroes Contribute to Seattle Seahawks Success
DeShawn Shead
The statistics will not adequately reflect Seattle cornerback DeShawn Shead‘s admirable performance last season, but he played a crucial role in stepping up in the absence of strong safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Although he did not record many interceptions or forced fumbles, he deflected many passes and successfully guarded many athletic receivers. All season long, his close coverage of opponents discouraged many passes in his direction. One of his most impressive highlights was a game saving tackle at the goal line in overtime of a bizarre tie game against the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle’s defense consistently prevented high scoring last season, and Shead was an important factor in their playoff run.
Luke Willson
Although his teammate Jimmy Graham receives most of the acclaim, tight end Luke Willson is a reliable playmaker as well. He plays in almost every game, frequently as a starter, and usually contributes at least one key play. Although he is not the favored target of many passes, he makes the most of his opportunities. Willson is particularly sure handed in third down situations when the team needs a clutch play to extend the drive. Often playing like a wide receiver, he serves as a decoy for more well-known receivers like Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett. Opponents cannot afford to double team Seattle’s star players when Willson is capable of making a big catch as well. Although his numbers declined last season corresponding to the emergence of Graham, he plays particularly well in the postseason. It included their Super Bowl XLVIII victory.
Frank Clark
For a pass rusher with ten sacks and three forced fumbles, defensive end Frank Clark is conspicuously absent from last year’s Pro Bowl roster. Perhaps due to the inclusion of fellow defensive linemen Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, Clark found himself the odd man out and was unfairly excluded from the honor. Playing in only his second season, Clark helped Seattle’s defensive line return to elite form last season.
K.J. Wright
After five years of amazing play on one of the most phenomenal defenses of all time, linebacker K.J. Wright was finally selected to the Pro Bowl last season. Playing alongside star linebacker Bobby Wagner, who led the league in tackles, Wright still does not receive enough credit for his stellar play. Capable of both blitzing the quarterback and stepping back in coverage, Wright’s flexibility has been an important part of the defense’s rise to prominence.
Jeremy Lane
Playing in all 16 regular season games as well as both postseason contests, cornerback Jeremy Lane also helped the Legion of Boom continue its blanket coverage in the absence of Chancellor and Thomas. With 56 combined tackles, he was a consistent factor in holding offenses to minimal gain. He also defended particularly well against deep passes.
Last season’s defensive performance was one of the most impressive in recent memory. The offense frequently stalled early in drives, resulting in an enormous disadvantage in field position and time of possession. Despite this deficit, the defense still managed to hold opponents in check. Defensive statistics often do not adequately reflect a player’s performance. For example, there is no way to measure how closely a defender guards a receiver, or forces the quarterback to throw an inaccurate pass. Shead, Clark, Wright and Lane all contributed significantly to a remarkable overall team effort. Outside of the star players, Willson was one of the few high notes in an overall lackluster offensive performance. All five players should contribute a great deal next season as well.
