Groz: Why Seahawks’ defense is the big concern after Week 2 loss

A week after a nearly-perfect start to the 2021 season, the Seattle Seahawks are in the complete opposite situation following their 33-30 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

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While Seattle seemed to coast to a 28-16 win over the Colts in Week 1, their comfortable 24-9 halftime lead against the Titans didn’t hold up in their home opener at Lumen Field. The Seahawks were outscored 21-6 in the second half, the offense couldn’t get a first down in overtime when all it needed to win was a field goal, and Tennessee turned favorable field position on its second drive of OT into the game-winning kick.

While the offense had its share of issues and penalties played a big role in the Seahawks’ loss, that’s not where Dave “The Groz” Grosby is focusing.

“My concern is clearly with the defense,” Groz said in his weekly Just a Minute segment for 710 ESPN Seattle’s YouTube channel. “Shredded for more than 500 yards, being trampled by (Titans running back) Derrick Henry is one thing; being picked apart by (Titans quarterback) Ryan Tannehill is another. The defense was supposed to be the strong suit after the way last season ended and it hasn’t been.”

Seattle had a similarly rough start to 2020 on defense, but a trade for veteran defensive end Carlos Dunlap and Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams getting healthy around midseason helped the Seahawks turn it around. Yet even with Dunlap and Adams both on the field, Groz is seeing a similar story play out for defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.’s unit.

“The defense started last year the same way, and Ken Norton figured it out in time to turn them into one of the league’s best defenses by the second half. He’s just gonna have to do it again,” Groz said.

Hear Groz’s full thoughts in the video embedded below.

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