Seahawks offensive line finally keeps Russell Wilson upright

After allowing 31 sacks through seven games, the Seahawks offensive line faced a challenging test against a powerful Dallas front seven.

BY ERIC MANDEL

Nov 2, 2015, 10:52 AM Updated: 1:20 pm

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The Dallas Cowboys managed no sacks but six quarterback hits against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. (AP)

(AP)

After allowing 31 sacks through seven games, the Seahawks offensive line faced a challenging test against a powerful Dallas defensive front. And they did it without their most experienced lineman, former Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung, who was sidelined with an ankle injury.

The group sufficiently passed, with QB Russell Wilson going sack-free for the first time this season. Right tackle Garry Gilliam called it a “turning point for more growth” after the game, though there are still aspects that the line needs to work on.

“Obviously we don’t want any pressures, any hurries, anything like that,” Gilliam said after the game. “It’s huge for us to be able to get an accomplishment like that, especially against a good front seven.”

The Cowboys managed six quarterback hits, three of which came from defensive end Greg Hardy, who also jumped a cut block to tip and intercept a pass behind the line of scrimmage and return it 9 yards. Those types of ultra athletic plays are what makes the controversial defender such a tough person to block, but Gilliam said he wasn’t a major concern.

“There was no scheme stuff going to his side, it was just win our one-on-one battles in the pass protection,” Gilliam said. “We are all good enough to block anybody in the league. Sticking to our technique and paying attention to those details. Aim small, miss small.”

Gilliam said the inexperienced group paid better attention to the details – keeping tighter sets, punching stronger, eliminating looseness and sticking to technique.

“It wasn’t anything special, just a matter of paying attention to detail,” he said.