What does it take to have the No. 1 defense in the NFL? In my opinion, a defense needs stars and good leaders to build itself around. The rest will take care of itself.
The Seahawks, with the recent signing of Pro-Bowler and franchise player Marcus Trufant, have all the makings of a defense that could lead them to the Super Bowl.
Earlier in the season, they re-signed USC product, Pro-Bowler, and elite linebacker Lofa Tatupu to a deal which would see him in the smoky blue colors of Seattle through the 2015 season for $42 million.
Overpaid? I don't think so.
This past season, he led his team with 109 tackles and was second in interceptions with four. That’s about seven tackles a game.
Now some people might think that seven tackles for a middle linebacker is maybe only just above average, but look at the other starting linebackers on the team. Julian Peterson has been one of the top linebackers in the NFL for the past several years and Leroy Hill is a rising star in the league. This past season, Hill made 81 tackles and assisted in 23 and JP made 74 tackles and had a respectable 10 sacks.
This linebacking core is among the Top 5 in the NFL and is just one of the reasons that this defense will wreak havoc all next season.
OK, so the Seahawks have insane LBs. So what right? They don't have a D-line right? Wrong.
Patrick Kerney has five more years left on his contract and shows no desire to move. We are talking about a guy who had been a Pro-Bowler in Atlanta and had an outstanding ’07 campaign, recording 60 tackles and getting 14 sacks. He also managed to force and recover five fumbles. A star? I think so. A leader? Absolutely.
He has a great supporting cast on the defensive line with Rocky Bernard, Brandon Mebane, and Darryl Tapp. For those of you out there who are unfamiliar with the 'Hawks and are probably thinking "Who the hell are those guys?" Those guys combined for 113 tackles and 13 sacks.
Finally we go to the DBs, the weak link for past Seahawk defenses. No more.
The signing of Trufant for six years and over $50 million is just the start of this great secondary. Trufant was a Pro-Bowl selection and was second in team tackles with 85 and led the team with seven interceptions.
He is complimented by two emerging safeties in Deon Grant and Bryan Russell and on the opposite side of the field by up-and-coming superstar Kelly Jennings.
Once the Seahawks figure out their situation with the running backs, they will be hard to stop. Hasselbeck has a very good TD-to-INT ratio and their O-Line is still great.
Mike Holmgren's offense will be able to work its magic because the defense will have no problems getting them the ball with the freakish power and talent that lives in it.
8 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Chris about 1 year ago
How can re-signing propel the #16 defense in the NFL to the #1 spot? The word re-sign implies that you are re-signing the same players. That will not improve the defense on its own. They will need to acquire improved talent and improve defensive schemes to be the best defense in the NFL. Its not all about talent. The Giants weren't one of the best defenses based on talent alone. They had a genius running the defense. You need elite talent and a smart defensive coordinator to have the best defense in the NFL. Another important area is strong depth. You merely mentioned a few starters. To make it in the NFL today a team needs 3 solid CBs not just one. Tell you what, merely re-signing the same players will not turn the pathetic defense that got destroyed by the Packers in the playoffs into the #1 defense in the NFL. You con't necessarily have to have stars to have the #1 unit in the NFL. You just need solid starters, depth, and a good defensive coordinator. A pro bowl DE, a few good LBs, and a pro bowl CB will not do that.
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Matt Breidenbach about 1 year ago
I understand where you are coming from Chris, but, both Tatupu and Trufant are very young and could very well have Defensive Player of the year calibre seasons next year. And as i said before, for the most part, that defense is made up of very young, talented players. But maybe you are right, maybe not number 1, but there is no question that they will be among the Top 5. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
The Seahawks defense was really good in 2007 in pass situation. They sacked opposing quarterbacks. The linebackers were speedy and the defensive backs didn't give up too many long TDs. However they couldn't stop the run. This weakness was painfully exploited in the playoff against Green Bay. The nucleus of this defense is solid. To become a Super Bowl contender, they need wide-bodied pluggers to stop the run. Hopefully, they are able to draft good DTs in the upcoming draft.
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Matt Breidenbach about 1 year ago
I think that Rocky Bernard will really step up this year and Brandon Mebane can only get better with experience. These next few years are gonna be great for this team.
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Matt Winthrop about 1 year ago
I agree Matt, the Seahawks D is darn good and only getting better as they play together more. Stability, in the form of guys sacrificing a little on their own contracts so that they can stay together, is a great thing.. Go Hawks!!
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Matt Breidenbach about 1 year ago
Thanks Matt. it's great to hear from someone who shares the same love for the hawks as i do. I guess I am a little bias but I still think that this team has nothing but good things in the future
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TJ Zwarych about 1 year ago
Agreed, the will only get better as the years go on becauseof how young they are.
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Matt Winthrop about 1 year ago
Agreed all around
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