‘Fired up’ Seahawks’ guard D.J. Fluker embodies Pete Carroll’s coaching philosophy
Oct 23, 2018, 10:36 AM | Updated: 10:37 am
The Seahawks re-signed RG D.J. Fluker in March. (AP)
(AP)
After years of sitting at or near the bottom of the league, the Seahawks’ offensive line has taken a big step forward – and that’s not just a nod toward Seattle’s drastically-improved run game.
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The unit ranks 1st-overall in pass-blocking efficiency through the last four weeks, according to Pro Football Focus, and the tackle duo of Duane Brown and Germain Ifedi ranks in the top five in pass blocking.
Most of the credit has been attributed to new offensive line coach Mike Solari, whom the team hired in January to take the place of longtime coach Tom Cable. But it’s worth mentioning that a change in personnel has also been a factor. Among those changes was the addition of right guard D.J. Fluker, whose style of play and demeanor embodies the culture Seattle’s head coach Pete Carroll has promoted for nine years.
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Fluker joined Danny O’Neil, Dave Wyman and Jim Moore on 710 ESPN Seattle Monday to talk about the line’s growing chemistry.
“It’s a great feeling to see our running backs get a five yard gain, 10 yard gain, sometimes they’ll break loose and do their own thing, but it’s just a great feeling to have that bond,” Fluker said. “And I think that drives a passion for the game; that drives that enthusiasm. If you watch us play, we’re all getting after it.”
After giving up 12 sacks across their first two games, the O-line has given up just seven in their last four.
The most entertaining parts of Fluker’s interview with Danny, Dave and Moore are best experienced by listening. You can hear the entire interview in the audio clip embedded above — don’t miss his answer about a famous play from his time with the Chargers (at the 14:50 mark).
