The injury bug bit the Seahawks yet again with reports that strong safetyKam Chancelloris headed for Injured Reserve. Where do we go from here?
Seahawkssafety Kam Chancellor suffered a neck stinger against the Cardinals on the last play of their Thursday Night disaster last week. While head coach Pete Carrollstayed coywith reporters getting the news Chancellor was headed for Injured Reserve, it still seems likely thatChancellor’s season is over.
Starting with tomorrow night’s game against the Falcons, the Seahawks will play the rest of the season presumably with only one member of the Legion of Boom healthy. (The number of healthy members of the LOB depend on who you consider ‘original’ members.) Free safetyEarl Thomaswill return from his hamstring injury that kept him out two games.
Everyone in the Seahawks secondary will have to play up in a big way. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from rookie cornerbackShaquill Griffin, and the Seahawks brought backByron Maxwellto help fill the massive void left byRichard Shermanand his devastating injury. There was hope former starterDeShawn Sheadwould return from his serious injury in last year’s Divisional game against the same Falcons who will visit CenturyLink Field tomorrow, but, he is only“really close”to returning this season.
That leaves Griffin, attempted trade baitJeremy Lane, Maxwell, nickel cornerJustin Coleman, and free agent signingBradley McDougaldto form their own legion.
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McDougald will be the key. If this defense holds up, it will be because of the former Tampa Bay starting safety. He’s already filled in well for Thomas in the last two games, and now he’ll be asked to fill in for Chancellor at the other safety position.
Replacing irreplaceable players is not the way to win games, but the Seahawks I believe, have the depth to at least hang around against good offenses like Atlanta’s. A healthy Thomas means Seahawks’ defensive coordinatorKris Richardcan keep his usual tactical game plan. And McDougald has shown he can hold up in coverage. He may not get the big plays that Seattle expects from Chancellor, but if he can help Thomas protect the middle of the field and match up well against the occasional tight end or slot receiver, he’ll keep the Seahawks’ defense at an adequate level to giveRussell Wilsonand the offense a chance to win games. McDougald could be the most important addition to this team this year.
Next: Sifting Through the Chaos
This is what the Seahawks will look like from now on. They’ll have to rely on Wilson and company more than ever. So far, Wilson has passed the test, but he’ll face his toughest yet. If he manages to lead Seattle to a division title in spite of everything, he’s the MVP.
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