Photo credit Seattle Times
The Seattle Seahawks found themselves last year fielding a defense that looked nothing like the Legion of Boom from the days of yore. A statistically pedestrian defense saw GM John Schneider rebuild the defense and perhaps the biggest piece comes in the form of Strong Safety Jamal Adams. The former NY Jet had been considered the single best strong safety in football and as such required a transaction that comprised of two 1st round draft picks, a 3rd, and safety Bradly McDougald.
The former LSU Tiger had been in contract disputes with the Jets after he finished his second NFL season with 75 tackles, seven pass deflections, one interception and 6.5 sacks, the league’s best mark for a safety. Considered a distraction, the Jets shopped him around to the highest bidder. The winner being of course the Seahawks. Coupled with Pro Bowler Quandre Diggs, and a pair of stand out corner backs in Shaquille Griffin and Quinten Dunbar (if he can avoid jail,) this Hawks defensive backfield takes the shape of the Super Bowl days when the Likes of Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, and Richard Sherman were running amok.
The Seahawks have a history of big deals, with some working better than others. For example, the Percy Harvin and Jimmy Graham deals were regrettable. But last year’s Jadaveon Clowney deal was a god-send that kept the Seahawks defense together.
Adams comes to a defense that has to contend with the likes of the 49er’s George Kittle and the Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins. Having a man in the middle with Adams’ clout fixes a gaping hole that the Hawks had been struggling with. And for a Seahawks team that was just a 4th down play away from wining the NFC West, they have now put the NFC West on alert that any conversation of Seattle’s demise are grossly unfounded.
