In 2022, the Seattle Seahawks struggled significantly with their run defense, which proved to be a glaring weakness throughout their 9-8 season.
As they entered the 2023 season, this weakness remained their biggest concern and a potential obstacle for their young and talented roster, which showed promise but still had question marks.
Ironically, in the first three games of the season, the Seahawks' strength has been their ability to stop the run. This aspect has emerged as the sole consistent factor for a defense that has been yielding significant yards through the passing game and struggling to get off the field on third downs.
This trend continued in their recent 37-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Lumen Field. After allowing only 2.9 yards per carry in the first two games, the Seahawks limited the Panthers to 3.1 yards per carry and a total of 44 rushing yards.
Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged Carolina's intent to run the football, but despite their determination, the Panthers eventually couldn't sustain a successful ground game. Carroll commended the Seahawks' defensive performance against the run and emphasized its significance as a fundamental part of their team.
Carolina attempted only 14 rushing plays during the game, including two scrambles by Andy Dalton. Importantly, this low rushing count wasn't due to the score forcing the Panthers to abandon the run; they were competitive throughout the game, leading 13-12 at halftime and staying within 10 points for most of the second half.
Seattle's ability to allow just 2.9 yards per carry over the first three games ranks them third-best in the NFL. This marks a significant improvement from last season when they averaged 4.9 yards per carry allowed, ranking seventh-worst in the league. In 2022, they also surrendered the third-highest rushing yards (2,554) among all NFL teams.
Addressing this run-stopping issue was a top priority for the Seahawks' defense during the offseason. Inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks described last year's performance in stopping the run as embarrassing and not up to the team's standards. As a result, their emphasis has been on improving their run defense, and they believe they have made progress with each passing week.
This transformation has been more about changes in attitude and personnel rather than adjustments to the defensive scheme. The term "buy-in" has been frequently used.
Brooks emphasized the importance of focusing on their desired approach to stopping opposing offenses, as well as better alignment within the team in contrast to the previous season when not everyone was fully committed to the goal.
The offseason also saw significant changes in the defensive personnel, with several linebackers and defensive linemen who had played over 100 snaps for Seattle in the previous season either released or not re-signed. Among the notable additions was the return of nose tackle Jarran Reed, who rejoined the team after two seasons away. Reed's impact has been substantial, and his performance has arguably made the most significant difference so far.
In the recent game, Reed registered eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and a pass defensed. Coach Carroll praised Reed for playing exceptionally well, noting that he did so despite dealing with a strained groin.
Notably, Seahawks' Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs had been advocating for Reed's return for two years. Although Reed's reunion with the team seemed unlikely due to past circumstances, it became a reality when he signed a two-year, $9 million deal in March.
Diggs expressed his support for Reed and his belief in his ability to contribute positively, particularly in terms of pass rush and run defense. Reed's full sack came at a crucial moment late in the fourth quarter, effectively ending any hopes of a Carolina comeback.
Despite their success in run defense, the Seahawks have faced challenges in other aspects of their defense. They have struggled to get off the field on third downs, allowing Carolina to convert on 10 of 19 third-down attempts. Their third-down defense ranks second-to-last in the NFL through three games at 57.4%.
Additionally, they have struggled with their pass defense, allowing an average of 328 passing yards per game, although Carolina's total of 334 on Sunday was somewhat inflated by Dalton's 58 passing attempts. The Seahawks did record three sacks and 11 official hits on Dalton, showing promise in their pass rush.
However, their defensive unit encountered some injuries during the game, with Dre'Mont Jones and Darrell Taylor suffering injuries. Seattle also lost cornerback Tre Brown to a concussion, while Riq Woolen was inactive due to a chest injury.
Coach Carroll provided updates on the injured players, suggesting that Taylor may not have to miss additional time, while Jones's status remained uncertain. The Seahawks are hopeful that Woolen will return in the upcoming week, and they anticipate the long-awaited return of safety Jamal Adams, who has been out since injuring his quad tendon in Week 1 of the previous season. Adams is expected to make his 2023 debut when they face the New York Giants on "Monday Night Football."
These developments would be positive for a defense that has allowed at least 27 points in all three games and still has areas of concern. Nonetheless, one of the unexpected bright spots has been their ability to stop the run, which they aim to maintain as they continue to progress and work together as a cohesive defensive unit.
Jarran Reed's return and strong performances by the front seven have contributed significantly to this turnaround, which has helped bolster the Seahawks' defense in an area that had been a significant weakness in the past.