Seattle Seahawks earn respect by bringing back an old face
Bobby Wagner's return to the Pacific North West meant a lot of things to the Seattle Seahawks, but more than anything else, it established the Seahawks' linebacker core as a formidable bunch heading into 2023. Recently, Pro Football Focus provided its rankings for linebackers in the NFL. Seattle's own came in at No. 7. Here is […]
Bobby Wagner's return to the Pacific North West meant a lot of things to the Seattle Seahawks, but more than anything else, it established the Seahawks' linebacker core as a formidable bunch heading into 2023.
Recently, Pro Football Focus provided its rankings for linebackers in the NFL. Seattle's own came in at No. 7.
Here is what Pro Football Focus had to say:
"Bobby Wagner returns home after one year in Los Angeles, and what a spectacular year it was. Despite the struggles of the Rams team around him, Wagner finished 2022 with the position's best overall grade (90.7) and run-defense grade (91.1). His 91.0 tackling grade also ranked first among his peers, as he missed only four tackles all season. Even at 33, he is still one of the best at the position.
Seattle’s questions lie with the rest of the group. Mainstay Jordyn Brooks is a tackling machine and run defender, but his struggles in coverage have kept his overall grades below 60.0 in each of his first three seasons. He’s durable and tough but may not be a long-term top-end player in the middle. Free agent acquisition Devin Bush faces similar questions as a former first-round pick who has never found his footing.
If either were to have a breakout season, they could combine with Wagner to form an elite group. It just seems unlikely, given their track records."
Much of Seattle's success in 2023 is reliant on the defense. Working in its favor is the versatility present in the unit. Multiple players can line up at multiple positions, and that will undoubtedly make up for the lack of power present on the defensive line.
Seattle's defense will be death by 1,000 cuts.
And central to that is Wagner in his return.
Feature image via Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.
