NFL: WASHINGTON at SEATTLE, FOX 1 p.m. Brown reinforces Seahawks’ ambition
SEATTLE — Urgency is rarely the overwhelming feeling within the Seattle Seahawks. They are usually surrounded by a calm confidence.
This year is a bit different. There is some urgency, built not out of worry but of opportunity, realizing Seattle can again be the class of the NFC and, possibly, find its way back to another Super Bowl.
The latest example was last week’s trade for left tackle Duane Brown, a move to solve the biggest issue for the Seahawks moving forward, beginning with today’s game against Washington.
When personnel issues have arisen in the past, the Seahawks (5-2) haven’t been this aggressive in trying to find fixes. The first move came before the season even began when Seattle acquired defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson from the New York Jets when there was a need on the defensive line. Seattle also grabbed Justin Coleman from New England, a move that seemed like another transaction but has proven vital as Coleman has become the Seahawks nickel cornerback.
Then came the move for Brown, yet another sign of how serious the Seahawks are approaching this opportunity.
“It says a lot about what our front office thinks of our team right now and what they think of us moving forward,” Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman said.
“I think they think this is our window, this is our chance to take it by the reigns and they are doing everything they can to put us in position to be successful and make us a championship team. Any perceived weaknesses, they are doing their best to shore up.”
Brown is a major upgrade for Seattle’s offensive line and will get tested right away with the Redskins and top pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan. Washington (3-4) has lost three of four and in each of the three losses the Redskins have been run over. Washington allowed 168 yards rushing to Kansas City; 127 to Philadelphia; and a season-high 169 last week to Dallas. In Washington’s three victories this season, it’s allowing just 71.3 yards per game rushing.
Seahawks safety Earl Thomas has been ruled out of today’s game because of a strained hamstring.
Back-to-back divisional losses and attrition on the injury front is testing the Redskins’ morale. Already, four players are on injured reserve, and more than a dozen have uncertain statuses to play today. Inside the locker room, there’s a shortage of bodies from players not practising, but no one’s saying the mood is down.
“We understand guys are going to get banged up, and that’s when other guys get opportunities to make a name for themselves,” said safety DeAngelo Hall, who is close to being activated from the physically unable to perform list. “We’re going to keep rooting for you, I’m hoping you get healthy, but it’s my time to go out there and play.”
After rotating running backs through the first seven games and seeing minimal results, the Seahawks intend to give Eddie Lacy first crack at being the featured running back against the Redskins.
The Seahawks are coming off one of the worst rushing games in franchise history, finishing with 33 yards rushing. Seattle’s running backs had five yards on 16 carries. The Seahawks would like to be balanced offensively and intend on giving Lacy the carries needed to try and establish a rhythm. Injuries along Washington’s offensive line could mean a starting front of T.J. Clemmings, Arie Kouandjio, rookies Chase Roullier and Tyler Catalina and banged-up Morgan Moses, who is playing with two sprained ankles.
The noise in Seattle is one factor along with getting linemen used to playing with each other.
“They’re learning. It’s new to them,” coach Jay Gruden said.