‘Legion of Boom’ poses a tall order for revamped offense
Seattle’s veteran secondary still a difficult matchup for passing attacks
Aggressive, hard-hitting and known for their outspoken personalities, the Seattle Seahawks’ secondary built an intimidating reputation years ago.
Known as “The Legion of Boom,” the Seahawks’ defensive backs are capable of shutting down talented passing connections. And they talk a bit of trash while doing so, especially Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman.
Headlined by Sherman, along with imposing linebacker-sized safety Kam Chancellor and Pro Bowl safety and former University of Texas standout Earl Thomas, the Seahawks represent arguably the most difficult challenge yet this season for Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller.
The Texans are one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL, ranking third with a 29.5 scoring average. They have built a potent passing game behind Watson’s 15 touchdown passes. He’s delivered six so far to Hopkins and another five to Fuller since he returned from a broken collarbone three games ago.
A second-year pro from Notre Dame, Fuller was in high school in Philadelphia when the Seahawks first earned their nickname.
“It’s going to be a good matchup,” Fuller said. “I’ve been watching these guys since I was in high school, guys like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor. It’s going to be a fun game to play against people who I’ve watched for a long time.
“They’re a great secondary. They’re all vets. It’s going to be cool to go up against some of those guys.” Newest addition
The Seahawks plugged in rookie cornerback Shaquil Griffin as the replacement for Jeremy Lane and haven’t missed a beat. Griffin has proven to be an upgrade while working in tandem with Sherman.
Sherman is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who has 30 career interceptions.
“You just put the film on, and he’s a guy that’s very, very difficult to get open against,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s very smart, he studies tape, he knows what’s going on and you better keep him guessing because if you don’t, it’s going to be a long day.”
The Seahawks rank eighth in total defense but are third in passing yards yielded per pass and eighth in passing yards allowed per game. They’ve surrendered just five touchdown passes.
“It’s going to be a fun task,” Watson said. “These are guys that I’ve looked up to, that I’ve watched over the previous years and actually got to know. So, it’s going to be fun going against those guys and competing with them.”
The Texans don’t look overmatched against the Seahawks.
Hopkins is one of the most physical wide receivers in the NFL, well-versed in the art of the contested catch.
Fuller is one of the fastest players in the league, running the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds.
And Watson is operating the offense with style, electrifying crowds with his ability to scramble or throw from the pocket.
“They’re scoring points like crazy on offense,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “They’re very explosive. The last four weeks, they’ve been just ripping.” Strength on strength
The Seahawks are allowing just 199.8 passing yards per game. They’ve allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns in the league.
“They are very, very smart, very well-coached, very athletic,” O’Brien said. “They have length. They do a great job of communicating.”
Thomas is impressive enough that O’Brien compared him to legendary retired NFL safeties Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. The praise isn’t hyperbole considering how gifted the former Longhorn has proven to be, having already been named to five Pro Bowls.
“Earl Thomas is probably, in my opinion, one of the best safeties to ever play the game,” O’Brien said. “He’s got great range, great tackler, great ball skills. He reminds you so much of the guys that I’ve had the unfortunate deal of calling plays against, being Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. Those guys who just had that type of skillset.
At 6-3, 232 pounds, Chancellor is a thumper in the middle of the field. He’s been named to four Pro Bowls.
“Kam Chancellor, great length, athletic ability, tough, good tackler,” O’Brien said. “They’ve got a lot. They’re very, very good in the secondary.”
The Texans are no slouches, though. This has become an extremely dangerous offense.
Fuller has scored in every game since returning from his injury.
He’s averaging 19.3 yards per reception. His hands have been much more consistent this season after dealing with a few dropped passes as a rookie. He’s gotten stronger in the weight room, too.
“Just working hard in the offseason at things I needed to get better at; one of those was playing strength,” Fuller said. I feel comfortable with how I’m playing right now. It just helps with going up for jump balls and becoming a complete receiver.”
The Seahawks have allowed just 15.7 points per game, tied for first with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’re first in the NFL in red-zone defense.
It’s a difficult matchup, but the Texans look much more well-equipped for this kind of game now with Watson under center.
“We have a lot of confidence in our guys,” O’Brien said. “We love our guys. We feel good about our playmakers, but we also know that it’s a huge challenge and that our guys need to be at the top of their game on Sunday.”