Seahawks’ Duane Brown on giving out old team’s secrets, Seattle’s offense
Nov 22, 2019, 7:59 AM
Seahawks offensive tackle Duane Brown said the offensive line is improving week-to-week. (Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks’ offense has been the strength of the team this year, and as you’ll often hear, it starts up front.
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A big part of that is tackle Duane Brown, who is in his third season in Seattle – his second full year – and having a great campaign protecting quarterback Russell Wilson’s blindside.
He joined The Huddle Thursday afternoon to talk the 8-2 Seahawks’ success during the 2019 season so far, playing with Wilson, blocking in the run game and more.
Giving out secrets
A story came out this week about Rams safety Eric Weddle, who said he would not be giving out secrets about the Rams’ next opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, which is Weddle’s old team. Brown was asked by Dave Wyman whether he would give information to his new team about his old team.
“Every last bit,” he said, adding that he felt Weddle wasn’t being truthful.
Brown also said he had never heard of a situation like that happening before.
“No,” Brown said. “You’re trying to win.”
Favorite running play
Jake Heaps told Brown that he loves watching him on toss running plays where he gets pulled from his spot and is out in front leading the charge downfield. Since Seattle is a run-oriented football team, Heaps asked Brown if he had a favorite running play.
“That’s definitely one of my favorites,” Brown said of the toss plays. “Also just zones – being able to just tee off on a defensive end. Those pull plays are something I’ve been doing my whole career and I’ve been fortunate to have athletic ability and utilize it. Most of those guys aren’t used to seeing that – the corners and safeties – so it’s always fun.”
In plays like that, linemen will often be blocking a smaller player like a cornerback or a safety rather than the usual defensive lineman or a linebacker. Which is harder? Brown had to go with the bigger guys, especially the Rams’ Aaron Donald.
“They (secondary players) can move but they’re aren’t used to having a tackle get up on them so quickly,” Brown said. “They’re used to having time to count all their steps and pick out what they want to do but I’ve been doing it for a while so (I’m pretty good at it).”
Offense’s improvement
Wilson is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season, and Brown gets a front-row seat every game. Is anything different with Wilson this year? In Brown’s eyes, no.
“I can’t say anything’s different,” he said. “Maybe it’s just another year of experience.”
Brown gave high praise to his quarterback for the work he puts in.
“He’s been the most prepared person I’ve ever played with,” Brown said. “From week to week just watching his preparation from day to day, it’s second to none. He’s a phenomenal player. He makes plays in big-time moments … he’s been elite for a long time.
Wilson has also been at his best in critical moments, orchestrating numerous game-winning drives.
“We’ve been in so many close ballgames to where he’s been the guy that has to go win it for us and so I think that’s been the difference this year,” Brown said.
The running game started a little slow but has been picking up, especially against tough run defenses like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Francisco 49ers. Brown attributes some of that to his fellow offensive linemen.
“I think as a line we’re getting better,” he said. “It’s all about continuity and we’ve been good and we’ve been able to just kind of grow every week and November and December is where you play your best ball. We’re reaching (our potential); it’s a great thing to see. The backs are doing great. We’ve been against some really good defenses but we don’t really care so much about what they’ve done. It’s all about what we can accomplish.”
Realizing you’re in a great game
Those watching from home or in the stands on Nov. 11 realized quickly they were watching a great game between the Seahawks and the 49ers, which Seattle won 27-24 in overtime. When you’re on the field, do you realize that?
“Yeah, that was one of those,” Brown said. “We’ve been in so many games like that, it’s a little bit nerve-racking, but it’s fun.”
Brown said the team prepares for big moments regularly, getting ready by practicing the team’s two-minute offense and defense. He also said the game was closer than it should have been.
“It wasn’t the cleanest game we’ve played by any means. We had four turnovers,” Brown said. “I think we could have won decisively if we had held onto the ball a little more.”
Even still, Brown realized that game was something special.
“When you finish that kind of game it’s like, ‘Man, that was a great one,’ and even when they went down and scored and tied it up (at the end of regulation) we were like, ‘Alright we’re in a game here,’” Brown said. “You’re on the road, it’s loud, those are the kind of games you dream about. We’re grateful we were able to go out and win another game and talk about it now.”
Next up for Brown and the Seahawks is a road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at 10 a.m.
Brown also talked about what he did on the bye week, keeping younger players from looking too far ahead, when it’s OK to decorate the house for Christmas and more.
Listen to Brown at this link or in the player below at the 25:17 mark.
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