Seahawks already trying new things on defense with Jadeveon Clowney

Jadaveon Clowney has been with the Seattle Seahawks for just one game, but the presence of the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is already allowing defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. to try out some new things.

Heaps’ Film Room: How Lockett got so open for Seahawks’ go-ahead TD

In a third down situation in the first quarter of Seattle’s Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Seahawks employed a different look than their usual base 4-3 or nickel packages. With Clowney’s ability to create pressure on the quarterback, Seattle used a 3-3-5 package, meaning Clowney was one of just three defensive linemen on the play. That allowed the Seahawks to use five defensive backs, opening up one of them – safety Bradley McDougald – to rush Andy Dalton and cause a much-needed incompletion.

In the first edition of 710Sports.com’s Football 101 of the 2019 season, former NFL linebacker and current Seahawks radio color commentator Dave Wyman breaks down Clowney’s Seattle debut and why his presence allowed the Seahawks to use the 3-3-5 defensive set.

“I haven’t seen them line up in this… I don’t think ever,” Wyman said.

Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texas, was acquired by the Seahawks earlier this month between the final preseason game and the start of the regular season. He made an immediate impact, too, registering two tackles, a sack, a pass defensed and drawing a holding penalty on the Texans.

“He hit the ground running,” Wyman said. “You can see the kinds of things that he can do in this defense, it’s gonna be special. … He is a problem for opposing offenses.”

Clowney and the Seahawks will continue play on the road this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which Wyman will be on the call on 710 ESPN Seattle and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM. Coverage starts with the pregame show at 7 a.m. Sunday, with kickoff set for 10 a.m. For details on how to listen to Seahawks games online, click here.

Go here to subscribe to a YouTube playlist of every episode of Wyman’s Football 101.

For more Seahawks news, analysis and opinion from this week, click any of the links below:

• Notebook: A return for top draft pick L.J. Collier, plus injury updates
• Brock Huard’s 5 Seahawks that need to bounce back in Week 2
• Moore: Rashaad Penny shouldn’t get carries over C.J. Prosise
• Heaps on DK Metcalf’s debut, OL and safety issues
• Quinton Jefferson on D-line’s 2019 debut: ‘We caused some havoc’
• Brock & Salk grade best and worst from Week 1 win