Bruce Irvin feels right back at home producing for Seahawks

When it comes to the 6-3 Seahawks’ surprising success thus far in 2022, a lot of attention has been on what’s new.

There’s the stellar rookie class that’s hit the ground running, Geno Smith excelling as Seattle’s new starting quarterback, and even a new look on defense under first-year defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt.

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In the middle of Seattle’s current four-game win streak, though, has been a surprise contributor that is plenty familiar to the Seahawks and their fans: Bruce Irvin.

Seattle’s first-round NFL Draft pick in 2012 returned three weeks ago for his third tour with the Hawks, and the now 35-year-old linebacker has been a key addition, registering a sack, three tackles for loss, a QB hit and seven combined tackles thus far.

Even as a midseason signing (initially to the practice squad), Irvin told Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob on Tuesday that he feels as good as ever.

“People probably think I’m playing, but definitely I feel the same,” Irvin said. “Like, even from watching my film, how I move, it’s like it’s no difference from when I was 28 to now. I think 28 I was with the Raiders maybe and I was playing some of the best football of my life, and I feel like it’s no difference. Still strong, still got a great get-off, still can run and just do everything that a 23, 24-year-old guy could do. I feel like I can do everything just as much as they could do.”

.@BIrvin_WVU11 really lookin' 25. pic.twitter.com/5EdfGRDv6U

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 1, 2022

While Irvin feels right back at home with the Hawks, it’s actually a different style of defense in Seattle this year. But the beauty of that is Irvin played last season with Chicago in the 3-4 front the Seahawks are using now. It’s worth noting, as well, that Sean Desai, who was Irvin’s defensive coordinator in 2021 with the Bears, is now a defensive assistant and associate head coach on Pete Carroll’s staff in Seattle.

“Well, you know, I was in the same defense last year in Chicago,” Irvin said. “… It’s not a lot of thinking on the outside backer so that’s why I think we’re getting a lot of production these last few games, because Pete just told us, ‘just let it rip,’ you know. Try to do as less thinking as possible and go make plays.”

As an elder statesmen now, Irvin finds himself impressed with the direction the Hawks are heading, especially when it comes to their rookie class that includes running back Kenneth Walker Jr., offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, and defensive backs Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant.

“These guys was in college six, seven months ago, and you wouldn’t even think that,” he said. “You got Tariq strapping (Cardinals wide receiver) DeAndre Hopkins – that’s one of the best receivers in the league. You got Coby picking balls, he’s leading the league in forced fumbles. You got the two tackles who have played Khalil (Mack), who have played Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt – like great dudes who have had a lot of success in the league, and these dudes are really stepping up to the challenge and competing with these dudes on a high level. That says a lot.

“You know, Pete and John really hit it on his draft. This is a great foundation group and it’s only up from here for these guys. I’m excited to watch them in the future.”

As for Bruce himself, he’s grateful to be back where his pro career started.

“I mean, this place is great. I’m not saying that because I’m here, but it is the best organization that I’ve been a part of and I’ve been a part of maybe five different ones,” he said. “… Seattle is home. Like, soon as they called me, I told my wife that we’re going home. Like, there’s no getting used to anything; I just fit right back in. It’s the same equipment people, the same trainers, weight room people. So it’s just like it was kind of almost was meant to be for me to come back here.

“… I don’t want to be no other place right now than in this studio with y’all and in this great state of Seattle with the 12s. So thank you for welcoming me back and we’re gonna continue to work hard.”

You can listen to the full Wyman and Bob conversation with Irvin in the podcast player below.

Seahawks Football 101: Star rookie Tariq Woolen up to the challenge

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