BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Heaps: With leaders absent, Seahawks’ defense lacking edge in practice

Jun 12, 2019, 5:09 PM

Bobby Wagner has not been in action during Seahawks OTAs and minicamp. (AP)...

Bobby Wagner has not been in action during Seahawks OTAs and minicamp. (AP)

(AP)

Under head coach Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawks have been known for their brash defense that would dominate opposing offenses and not be quiet while it did so.

Clayton: An emerging No. 2 WR, a TE to watch and more Hawks takeaways

That defense has undergone a significant amount of changes in recent years, with Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril retired and Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and now Frank Clark all playing elsewhere. All that remains from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl teams are linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, and Wagner hasn’t been on the field during OTAs or this week’s minicamp.

It shows, according to 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake Heaps.

A former practice squad member of the Seahawks, Heaps said during his weekly segment on Bob, Groz and Tom that intensity seems to be lagging with Wagner and safety Bradley McDougald sitting out and defensive tackle Jarran Reed having just returned from a sports hernia surgery this week.

“This just does not have the same feel out there in practice, at all, from a defensive standpoint. The defense does not have an edge to them, the defense is not out there talking smack and having fun,” Heaps said. “All great defenses have that fiery competitiveness, and that’s what you see out of Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. As those guys are out, you would look for these other guys trying to fill that role a little bit, and there just isn’t that same edge out there on the defensive side of the ball in practice as of right now.”

Heaps added that while Seattle’s veteran leaders can still make an impact by helping out from the sidelines, it’s not the same as when they’re in the mix with helmets on themselves.

“You talk about the main defensive leaders on your team, they’re not out there, and their personalities aren’t being able to be infectious on the field,” he said. “There’s a difference between being engaging and coaching and helping out the young guys versus you being on the field and them seeing how you do things. I think that’s a huge difference in all of this. When those guys step on the field it will feel different.”

That being said, in previous years the absence of leaders on the field didn’t seem to have the same effect that it is having this offseason, according to Heaps.

“It wasn’t just the main starters that were the guys that were chirping and talking smack and having fun, flying around and trying to make it known that they wanted to beat you every day in practice. It was infectious. The attitude permeated all through the team, and I just haven’t seen that.

“… This is an amazing time during the year for the players to continue to develop and showcase what they can do, and I think that’s what I’m kinda been yearning for. The offense so far, they’ve been able to have their way for the most part during these OTAs.”

You can hear the full segment with Heaps, which includes plenty more conversation about what he’s seeing from the Seahawks, in the audio player embedded in this post or in podcast form at this link.

Which 2 Seahawks rookies can make biggest impact when pads come on?

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Heaps: With leaders absent, Seahawks’ defense lacking edge in practice