The Seahawks have reason to be extremely confident in their secondary and they are hopeful they've done enough this offseason for the defensive front to make significant strides.

But in-between those two areas, Seattle's problem at linebacker is being undersold.

In 2022, Cody Barton and Jordyn Brooks started at inside linebacker for the Seahawks, and the numbers reflect performances that were better than either was given credit for last season.

Both Barton and Brooks ranked in the top 15 among linebackers in Expected Points Added per target, per Sports Info Solutions. Barton was fourth while Brooks finished the season 13th.

However, Barton left in free agency and signed with the Commanders, while Brooks is not guaranteed to be available for Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL.

The Seahawks addressed the loss of both last season's starters by bringing back franchise legend and likely future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner and former Steelers first-round pick Devin Bush.

Wagner is regarded by many as being past his prime, but his sole season with the Rams last year was statistically impressive, the six-time first-team All-Pro showing his ability to impact the game in a variety of fashions has not waned.

Indeed, Wagner intercepted two passes, had six sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss for a thin Rams team that was hit hard by injuries. 

Although Wagner's yards per target (7.5) and yards per completion (10.9) numbers were his worst since 2019, the Seahawks can still expect a baseline level of play from their franchise great.

That may not be the case with Bush if Brooks is not recovered in time to start the season.

Only five linebackers with at least 25 targets last season allowed a higher EPA per target than Bush, whose campaign was bereft of splash plays as he registered only two pass breakups and two tackles for loss.

Perhaps the biggest issue with the combination of the 33-year-old Wagner and Bush is it is one that on paper will do little to resolve the Seahawks' vulnerability to the play-action game.

The Seahawks conceded 8.4 yards per attempt against play-action last year, tied for the seventh-most in the NFL. The Rams, with Wagner at linebacker, and a Steelers defense starting Bush each gave up 8.3.

Similarly, Seattle was extremely vulnerable on pass attempts where the offense used any kind of motion. They gave up 7.8 yards per attempt on such throws, tied for the fourth-most in the league.

Opening the season against the Rams and the Lions, two play-action heavy and, in the case of Detroit, motion-heavy attacks, the Seahawks risk being exposed early if their linebackers are not up to task of defending against both.

A failure to make progress in that area risks being exacerbated later in the season even if Brooks is back on the field. The Seahawks face the 49ers twice in the space of three games between Weeks 12 and 14, contests that could decide the NFC West. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan makes a living out of tormenting linebackers and won't hesitate to attack them if that position group remains a weakness for Seattle. 

Brooks' recovery will be a hugely important storyline to track as the Seahawks go through training camp and preseason. Yet the reality is Seattle needs Bush to showcase the talent that convinced the Steelers to draft him in the first round and give Pete Carroll confidence his group can successfully defend against the Shanahan-esque attacks that prey on hesitation and indecision from linebackers.

The Seahawks have a roster set up to contend, but such aspirations will quickly be derailed if their linebackers prove liabilities in pass coverage. They are relying on Brooks getting healthy, Wagner enjoying one more peak year and Bush shaking off talk of him being a draft bust. That is a lot to ask and is not an enviable position in which to reside.

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