Ken Norton Jr. becomes the latest Seattle Seahawks fall guy
Making Lemonade
This season Norton was asked to make do with the worst group of cornerbacks the Seattle Seahawks had in a decade. They struggled for half the season but again righted the ship in the latter half of the season and did so without Adams. Seattle finished in the top 10 in scoring defense, even though opponents racked up yardage. The “bend don’t break” defense kept the Seahawks in most games.
https://twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1216536439883816960
Unfortunately, the unit often ran out of gas thanks to an offense that couldn’t sustain drives. It’s hard to stay fresh and aggressive when you’re on the field for 40 out of 60 minutes every week.
There were many reasons for the Seahawks losing season. Among the big reasons were Russell Wilson‘s finger, an offense that didn’t find its way until week 15, poor roster construction, etc. The list goes on. Carroll and Schneider were never going anywhere. If Russell Wilson is staying put, someone had to take the blame. One last time for Norton to take one for the entire organization.
Goodbye & Good Luck
In the book, Jemmy, The Whipping Boy eventually has his dreams come true. In real life, he got fired, and the organization starts its search for the next man up. I know many Seattle Seahawks fans are saying good riddance, but it’s not that simple. Ken Norton was no schematic genius, and I don’t think it’s a huge loss to Seattle.
At the same time, his defense was no worse than Seattle’s offense. Jordyn Brooks, Rasheem Green, and Darrell Taylor become valuable players under his tutelage, and the defense was better than it got credit for this year. Goodbye and thanks, Coach Norton. Good luck to the next scapegoat, er, defensive coordinator.
Related: So Russ wants to explore his options
DC Ken Norton Jr on #Seahawks SAM LB Darrell Taylor: "He's come through so much. I think we've all watched him, his journey. And fighting through his injuries, and the rehab, and things like that. And the fact that he's been able to come out here every single day." (1)
— Under Zone X (Frisco)/Phoenix Check/Stick Slasher2 (@mattyfbrown) September 8, 2021
Do you think the Seattle Seahawks were right to fire Ken Norton Jr., or is he a convenient fall guy? Let us know in the comments below.