Seahawks’ defensive line depth shines in opener

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — There won't be many, if any, huge names on the defensive entrance for the Seattle Seahawks.

However one take a look at the stat sheet from Seattle’s season-opening win over Indianapolis exhibits the impression the Seahawks have been hoping to see from their assembled rotation of linemen.

“We really feel like that’s the strength of our unit,” defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. stated. “We have so many good players at that position that it’s important for us to really have a good rotation and keep everybody fresh and playing at a high level.”

When the Seahawks have been struggling defensively via the primary half of final season, it was partially as a result of shortcomings of the defensive position, particularly issues attending to the quarterback. The efficiency modified when Seattle acquired Carlos Dunlap at midseason, however it nonetheless wasn’t what the Seahawks wanted for his or her protection to work at its finest.

That’s why there was a lot optimism over what Seattle did in opposition to Indianapolis within the opener. It wasn’t only one defensive lineman who contributed, it was seemingly all of them.

Bryan Mone, in his third season, was a menace within the {middle} with 5 tackles. Rasheem Inexperienced had maybe his finest day as a professional with 4 tackles, a sack and two go breakups. Kerry Hyder Jr., Benson Mayowa and younger go rusher Darrell Taylor all had flashy moments that confirmed up on the stat sheet.

The one who had the least impression was Dunlap, though he sacked Carson Wentz on a 2-point conversion try that received’t get credited.

“This is a good-looking group,” coach Pete Carroll stated. “We were really pleased with the pressure that we got throughout the ranks of the guys.”

Think about this stat from Professional Soccer Reference: the Seahawks introduced security Jamal Adams on a blitz 98 instances in 12 regular-season video games final season, a mean of greater than eight per recreation. It was a part of the rationale Adams set an NFL file for essentially the most sacks by a defensive again and led Seattle with 9 1/2 a season in the past.

Within the opener in opposition to Indy, Adams was credited with two blitzes. Seattle didn’t want the additional stress due to the success of its defensive entrance.

Now the Seahawks get a Tennessee offensive line that was crushed up final week by Arizona, permitting six sacks and watching Derrick Henry handle simply 58 yards dashing on 17 carries.

“It’s very elite, so many guys that can get after the quarterback and do special things,” Adams stated after the win. “A rotation of really three fronts, you know what I mean? It can be really, really special.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Carroll turned 70 on Wednesday, joking that not many individuals get to have prescheduled news conferences on their birthday. The oldest coach within the league stated he’s grateful for persevering with to have the chance to teach in Seattle.

“I’m really grateful and appreciate where we are right now and this opportunity to be here and to work in this franchise for the Allen family and their support, the fans that we love to deal with. Everything about what we’re doing here is really just as good as I can hope,” Carroll stated.

INJURY UPDATES

Seattle positioned C/G Ethan Pocic on injured reserve with a sprained knee however Carroll stated the crew is optimistic it would solely be a three-week stint on the IR. Pocic had misplaced his beginning job to Kyle Fuller however was rotated in for a handful of series final week in opposition to the Colts. LB Jon Rhattigan was signed from the follow squad to take Pocic’s spot on the 53-man roster. ... RB Rashaad Penny (calf) didn't follow Wednesday, elevating concern over his availability this week. Carroll stated Monday it appeared unlikely Penny would be capable of play in opposition to Tennessee. ... WR Penny Hart was cleared to take part in follow Wednesday after leaving Sunday’s recreation as a consequence of a concussion. WR Dee Eskridge (concussion) was not cleared and never on the follow facility.

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