How much better will the Seahawks’ D-line be?
Jul 9, 2013, 11:12 AM | Updated: 11:17 am
By Brady Henderson
Pass rush and run defense were two of the Seahawks’ biggest shortcomings last season despite all the investments Seattle had made in its defensive line.
Danny O’Neil is examining each position group on the Seahawks before the start of training camp.
• Moving parts on new-look D-line | • LB corps marked by youth, speed |
• Upside, uncertainty in interior O-line | |
• WR corps among NFL’s deepest |
Last offseason, the Seahawks spent a first-round pick on Bruce Irvin and a fourth rounder on Jaye Howard. They gave new contracts to Red Bryant and Chris Clemons. Those moves came a year after Seattle re-signed Brandon Mebane and traded for Clinton McDonald.
So it was an even bigger disappointment when the Seahawks’ 2012 season ended with a playoff loss in Atlanta in which they couldn’t generate enough pressure on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and were run over by what was statistically one of the league’s worst rushing attacks during the regular season.
The Seahawks again approached the offseason with an emphasis on improving their defensive line, signing Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Tony McDaniel in free agency before using two of their first four draft picks on Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams.
In the video below, Brock Huard and Danny O’Neil discuss those additions, how good they can make the Seahawks’ defensive line and how pivotal improved play from that position group will be to the team’s success in 2013.
You can listen to Monday’s show here.