Seattle Seahawks LBs are the best in the biz
In 2020, the Seattle Seahawks defense once again is led by their outstanding linebackers. As a group, they could end up as the best in the NFL.
There is plenty for 12s to get excited about this season when it comes to the Seattle Seahawks defense. Their secondary improved with the additions of safety Jamal Adams and cornerback Quinton Dunbar. But, the staple of the D, however, remains the linebacker group that I believe is the best in the business right now.
Leader
Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner leads the unit. He essentially quarterbacks the Seattle Seahawks defense. Before the snap, Wagner has an uncanny knack to sniff out what the play the opposing offense will TRY to run and put the defense in position to stop it.
Due to his sideline-to-sideline ability, the five-time All-Pro can make plays anywhere on the field. Since 2016, Wagner missed only one game and has the most tackles in the NFL over the same period, including two seasons with over 150 stops. It’s hard to believe he was the sixth linebacker and 47th player chosen in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Throughout his eight seasons in Seattle, Wagner has amassed 1075 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions (which includes a pick-six). Although his career so far is relatively short, he is on track for the Hall of Fame. At 30-years-old this guy is still a beast and the heart and soul of the defense.
His Wingman
The Robin to Wagner’s Batman is K.J. Wright. The tenth-year pro rebounded from an injury-riddled 2018, to record 132 tackles with 11 passes defended last season. For his career, Wright has 855 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 11.5 sacks, and 44 pass deflections. He is equally as good against the run as he is the pass.
When Wright comes up to the line in blitz packages (which in my opinion the Seahawks need to do more of), he has to be accounted for by the offense under penalty of a significant loss of yards or worse. If Wagner was a bargain in the second round, then Wright was a bonafide steal as a fourth-rounder in 2011.
The New Guy
Replacing departed free agent Mychal Kendricks won’t be easy, but head coach Pete Carroll believes he found his man. Seattle selected Jordyn Brooks from Texas Tech in the first round (27th overall). As a senior, Brooks had 108 tackles, including an incredible 20 for lost yardage. The former Red Raider was a second-team AP All-American and a finalist for the 2019 Butkus Award.
Mr. LEO
The Seattle Seahawks use a different defensive scheme that utilizes a player in the LEO position. It’s a hybrid defensive end-outside linebacker who mainly rushes the passer but also drops back in coverage. For 2020, Seattle brought back a familiar face to be their primary LEO, Bruce Irvin. Formerly a member of the team from 2011-15, Irvin has 55 career sacks. He will be counted on to get some much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks
How do you feel about the Seattle Seahawks linebackers? Are they the best group in the NFL? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.