The Seattle Seahawks have had a rollercoaster of a season, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by lingering inconsistencies. Despite a promising offense led by Geno Smith and a talented supporting cast, the team has struggled to maintain balance, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Brock Huard recently weighed in on what he believes is the Seahawks’ most pressing issue: addressing a glaring positional need on defense.
In his latest commentary, Huard pointed out that the Seahawks’ interior defensive line has been a consistent weakness this season. While Seattle has playmakers like Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs anchoring the defense, the inability to control the line of scrimmage has led to problems stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
The statistics back up Huard’s concerns. The Seahawks rank in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed per game, and their inability to collapse the pocket has given opposing quarterbacks too much time to make plays. This lack of interior disruption has exposed the secondary to big plays and put additional pressure on the linebackers to cover gaps.
In today’s NFL, games are often won or lost in the trenches. A strong interior defensive line not only disrupts an opponent’s running game but also collapses the pocket, making life difficult for quarterbacks. The best teams in the league—like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles—boast dominant interior linemen who can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback.
For Seattle, improving this area is critical if they want to compete with the NFC’s elite. The Seahawks’ inability to consistently generate pressure from the interior has allowed opposing offenses to dictate the tempo of games, particularly in critical matchups.
The Seahawks have invested in their defense, but the results have been mixed. Veterans like Jarran Reed and rising stars like Dre’Mont Jones have shown flashes, but there hasn’t been enough consistent production to solidify the position. Injuries and depth issues have also plagued the unit, leaving the Seahawks vulnerable against physical teams.
Huard emphasized that while Seattle has talent, they lack the type of dominant presence that can single-handedly change the complexion of a game. A true disruptor in the middle would not only elevate the defense as a whole but also free up edge rushers like Boye Mafe and Darrell Taylor to make more impactful plays.
1. Free Agency: The Seahawks could target a proven veteran in free agency to shore up the position. Players like Chris Jones (if available) or other established interior linemen could provide an immediate boost.
2. NFL Draft: Seattle has shown a willingness to build through the draft, and the 2024 class features several promising interior defensive line prospects. Players like Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois) or Leonard Taylor (Miami) could be game-changers for the Seahawks.
3. **Scheme Adjustments**: While personnel changes are critical, Huard also suggested that defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt could tweak the scheme to better utilize the existing talent. This might include more creative blitz packages or rotating players more effectively to keep them fresh.
Huard’s analysis underscores a broader theme: the Seahawks are close to being a contender but must address key weaknesses to reach their full potential. With a dynamic offense and a strong foundation on defense, fixing the interior line could be the missing piece that propels Seattle into the upper echelon of the NFC.
The team’s front office, led by general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll, has a track record of making bold moves to improve the roster. Whether through the draft, free agency, or trades, addressing the interior defensive line will likely be a top priority this offseason.
The Seahawks have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender, but as Brock Huard pointed out, their interior defensive line remains a significant liability. To compete with the NFL’s best, Seattle must invest in strengthening this position, ensuring they can stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently.
With the offseason looming, the Seahawks have an opportunity to make the necessary changes to solidify their defense and position themselves for long-term success. Whether it’s through a marquee free agent signing or a high draft pick, addressing the interior defensive line could be the key to unlocking the Seahawks’ full potential. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Seattle responds to this pressing need.