Yet again, the Seahawks are relying on youth, and it seems to be working

RENTON – Pete Carroll loves young players just starting out in the NFL. Always has.

More than a decade ago, the foundation of what became Seattle’s Super Bowl champion was built around players at the beginning of their careers.

It became clear a year ago that Carroll and the Seahawks were trying to recreate the formula once more. After trading Russell Wilson to Denver, the NFL’s oldest coach recommitted to youth.

So far, it seems to be working. Seattle went 9-8 and made the playoffs last season and is 3-1 this year with a roster peppered with first- and second-year players making major contributions.

After flopping in their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks have won three straight heading into their bye week, capped by last Monday’s 24-3 win over the New York Giants.

The latest young player to flash for Seattle was rookie Devon Witherspoon, who was named the NFC defensive player of the week for his performance last Monday night. He had seven tackles, two sacks and an interception that he returned 97 yards for a touchdown.

It was the kind of impact Seattle was hoping to get when it took Witherspoon with the No. 5 overall pick, the highest-ever selection for the tandem of Carroll and and general manager John Schneider.

“He has been electric for this defense and just is confident. You don’t see rookies that are that confident,” Seattle safety Julian Love said. “He’s coming in, obviously he missed the first game. He was missing most of camp because he was battling, rehabbing. He was coming in and has impacted this defense in a positive way, which is huge, and now just keep taking steps forward for him.”

Witherspoon isn’t the only youngster playing a critical role for the Seahawks.