Field Gulls
It’s been a couple of years of questions about whether to pursue Patrick Queen, re-sign guys like Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks, and trying out pieces such as Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker at the middle linebacker spots. Those spots seem to be simmering quite nicely now.
The off ball/inside linebacker unit did have some depth questions coming into this season. Remember some of the national pundits mocking LB as a potential first-round need for Seattle? That group didn’t get any additions in the draft and yet have proven to be a versatile and deep crew, and one that is a catalyst for the 4th-ranked run defense (91.2 yards per game allowed). Said run defense is on a 22-game streak (longest active streak in the league) of not allowing a back to break the 100-yard barrier on the ground.
The Seahawks average the second-fewest yards-per-play-allowed as a defense, so they have been in comfortable control in most cases. Let’s take a quick look at the players that comprise that surprise defensive room.
The big dawg. Jones is second in the league in interceptions (tied, with 5), leads Seattle’s impregnable defense with 94 tackles and is an emotional leader and green dot communicator for Mike Macdonald’s side of the football. Mike Macdonald said of Jones’ performance the week prior against Minnesota: “That’s some of the best linebacker play I’ve ever seen”. High praise, coming from a linebacking specialist. This is the one name that is not a surprise in any way.
Thomas didn’t start on the Seahawks defense from the beginning of the season, but he eventually earned those reps. With the impressive assortment of bullies and beasts on the defensive side, it’s impressive that Thomas leads the Hawks defense in tackles for loss. He may not be the most physically imposing man, but he has proven to be a nuisance for opposing offenses, flitting into and around blocks and passing lanes. Oh, he also packs surprising punch when he gets there.
Only Leo Williams, Byron Murphy, Chenna Nwosu and Tank Lawrence have more sacks than Thomas’ 3.5. What a steal of an unheralded UDFA rookie signing, plucked from the practice squad of the Raiders a couple years back.
Nobody on the team has more forced fumbles (2) than Knight and his limited playing time. What a luxury to have a possible breakout candidate and former rookie starter on your special teams unit as a backup linebacker. T-Knight came in to play 13 snaps in Atlanta and registered the 2nd-highest rated showing of any defender (90.5 PFF grade, which was only bested by Devon Witherspoon). He may be still getting healthier.
Surratt was nabbed after being waived by San Francisco and has made impact plays on special teams throughout the year. He has 11 tackles and threw an unforgettable block on Tory Horton’s 95-yard punt return TD back in Week 3. Unfortunately, he’s on injured reserve and his...
