This year’s Seattle Seahawks team has undergone a transformation in the play of its defensive line. The past couple seasons have demonstrated a “Bend, but don’t break” style of play that has carried the team a long way, but left them short of the Promised Land. This year’s defensive line, though, is playing with the same intensity of the team’s 2013 Super Bowl winning season. Not only does the defensive line refuse to break, they scarcely even bend.
5 Keys to the Resurgent Seahawks Defensive Line
After winning the Super Bowl, the Seahawks could not afford to sign several of their key defensive linemen due to salary cap restraints. Cornerback Richard Sherman‘s contract needed to be renewed, and contract negotiations for quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch were a top priority. This resulted in the release of defensive linemen like Pro Bowler Red Bryant, talented Chris Clemons and underrated Clinton McDonald. The line continued to play well, but without the aura of invincibility of previous years.
This year’s defensive line has experienced a rebirth of its glory days as Super Bowl champions. Here are 5 keys that explain the renaissance of Seattle’s defensive line:
Depth
Defensive coordinator Kris Richard has described the depth of the defensive line this year as “staggering”. “It’s very reminiscent of the 2013 year in regards to our edge rushers, which is really cool,” Richard said. Like the 2013 championship season, seven different linemen have played around half the snaps this year. Last season, the line used only four players on most of the snaps. This year’s depth helps prevent player fatigue, a tremendous help since Seattle’s offensive struggles have resulted in a significant disadvantage in time of possession. The lack of offensive mobility forces the defense to play on the field longer. Increased depth gives defensive players a longer time to regain their energy between plays, and allows strong players to cover for injured linemen like defensive end Michael Bennett, who is recovering from knee injury.
Dominance
There is simply no substitute for sheer size, strength, and speed. The Seahawks’ defensive line features many of the most powerful and talented players in the league. Defensive end Cliff Avril‘s 10 sacks ranks him second behind only Denver Broncos star defender Von Miller. While he has yet to record a sack, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin has contributed in other ways, with 15 tackles, two forced fumbles, and other intangibles not listed in the box score. Defensive end Michael Bennett recorded three sacks and 24 tackles before missing the past 5 games due to injury. He is expected to return this week against the Carolina Panthers, which should provide a spark to an already explosive unit.
Fountain of Youth
Young players like last year’s second round draft pick Jarran Reed from Alabama and second year lineman Frank Clark from Michigan have provided youthful energy to an experienced group of players entering their prime. Reed is credited with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Frank Clark has excelled this season with 7.5 sacks, 18 tackles and a forced fumble.
Blitzkrieg
Defensive coordinator Kris Richard prefers to blitz more frequently than former defensive coordinators. While blitzing carries certain risks, since it requires removing defenders from pass coverage to rush the quarterback, Richard’s use of the blitz has proven to be effective. The Seahawks’ defensive backfield, known as the Legion of Boom, is so effective in guarding receivers, that they often do not need extra help from their teammates. This enables the Seahawks to send extra defenders to pressure the quarterback without worrying so much about giving up the deep pass.
Versatility
The Seahawks’ linebackers, most prominently K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner, have proven incredibly diverse in the way they approach their respective positions. These linebackers represent a dual threat, since they are capable of covering receivers, as well as pressuring the quarterback. Wright is responsible for 56 tackles and three sacks, and Wagner has 64 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The dual capacity of the Seahawks’ linebackers keeps opponents guessing and makes play calling difficult.
While the Seahawks’ defensive backfield, known as the Legion of Boom, receives most of the accolades, the defensive linemen are Seattle’s unsung heroes. The defense will continue to contribute their fair share. The Seahawks will go as far as their promising, but inconsistent offense, will take them.
