One of the biggest moves this past off-season was the Seattle Seahawks trading for Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams. The Seahawks trading with the New York Jets for the high-caliber safety from the was the biggest acquisition this off-season, outside of the quarterback position. In his fourth year in the league, Adams has already presented himself as one of the most dynamic and efficient defensive players in the league. Adams has been to the Pro Bowl in the past two seasons while he was with the Jets. He was also selected by the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team in 2017. While Adams was achieving individual honors, the Jets underperformed. Adams wanted to be a part of a organization that valued what he could bring to a team. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Russell Wilson and Adams, are now an elite team in the NFC and a Super Bowl contender.
Jamal Adams Has Impacted Seahawks Defense Immediately
The Seahawks needed new star players after the departure of cornerback Richard Sherman, and safeties Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. They were going to have to rely on six-time Pro-Bowl inside linebacker Bobby Wagner or first-team Pro Bowl alternate cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The Seahawks needed a defensive player in the secondary that fits the scheme of head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks felt that player could be Adams as Seattle traded for him and a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft while giving the Jets their original strong safety Bradley McDougald, two first-round picks (2021 and 2022), and a third-round pick in 2021. So far it seems to have worked out for the Seahawks as Adams was the most impactful defensive player in the league in Week one of the new season.
Adams’ Production
In the first game for Seattle, Jamal Adams led the team in total tackles (12), solo tackles (eight), tackles for loss (2.5), quarterback hits (two), and sacks (one) against the Atlanta Falcons. In one game, Adams showed his versatility and proved that he is one of the most productive defensive players in the NFL. He was strong in defending the pass in certain zone coverage schemes. He was also stout in suppressing Falcons running back Todd Gurley as Gurley was held to 56 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. The Seahawks needed someone that could play into the strength of efficient safety blitzes. Adams is the top safety in the league and he can create havoc and pressure in the backfield through safety blitzes. His ability to fit into any defensive scheme and personnel also makes him one of the most reliable safeties.
Seahawks Looking for Elite Pass Defense Once Again
Under coach Carroll, the Seahawks defense likes to win efficient matchups with a productive secondary. For six seasons (2012-2017), the Seahawks had a top-ten ranked passing defense in the league. During that time, the Seahawks defense was led by the Legion of Boom with Sherman and Thomas. Sherman was the first player to go via free agency after the 2017 season followed by Thomas after the 2018 season. In 2019, the Seahawks defense was ranked 27th in the league in passing yards allowed per game (263.9). Even with the rise of Griffin as a Pro-Bowl caliber cornerback, the Seahawks needed help to make their defense more reliable against the passing game. While Adams is more of a reliable run-stopper, he still can be a high-value passing game defender. In his three seasons with the Jets, Adams accounted for 25 pass deflections.
Last Word
With Adams and Griffin being young and already outstanding players early in their careers, the Seahawks will be looking for their first elite defensive unit since the 2016 NFL season. For four seasons in a row (2012-2015), the Seahawks had the top scoring defense in the league. In two of those years (2013 and 2014), they had the number one pass defense in the league. The 2013 season was the year they won Super Bowl XLVIII with a 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos. The following season, the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl and lost an extremely close game to the New England Patriots. Adams just might be the piece the Seahawks needed to get their pass defense, and defense overall, back to where they want it. Adams’ leadership and star play making ability will help lead the Seahawks to another top scoring defense.
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