Seattle Seahawks: Bucking The Trend
By Rob Shumate
Aug 15, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) covers San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Diego 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Emphasis On Defense
Given that Coach Carroll had multiple stints as a defensive coordinator is it any wonder that he thinks defense first and offense second? In his first year of taking over this team we saw a purge of players, any of whom were on the defensive side of the ball because they didn’t fit his defensive vision.
I didn’t say talent did I?
He has come in with a definite philosophy of what kind of mental toughness, physical characteristics and motivation his defensive stars should have. He has ran headlong into a league that downplays the value of defense. It is all about scoring points.
Don’t believe me?
Just look at the new rules for corner and defensive backs. At this point of pre-season there have been 107 defensive holding calls this year to 20 last year. But to Seattle’s credit they have only accounted for 4 defensive holding calls. So it appears that the Seahawks play the game within the rules as they are stated, which was the case last year. This year they adjust the rules and they adjust again. I think it is pretty smart. Oh and remember…defense wins championships (even against the most prolific, historic NFL offense on the planet).