Can LB Devin Bush make the Seahawks defense elite?
The last time the Seattle Seahawks had an elite defense they won a Super Bowl and were one play away from winning another. So, it makes sense as to why they want the defense to get back to that level. This offseason, it looks like that's been the MO: improve the defense to the point […]
The last time the Seattle Seahawks had an elite defense they won a Super Bowl and were one play away from winning another.
So, it makes sense as to why they want the defense to get back to that level.
This offseason, it looks like that's been the MO: improve the defense to the point where the Seahawks don't have to worry about a wide-open Deebo Samuel scampering down the field for a 74-yard touchdown.
This is based off the facts the Seahawks inked former Denver Broncos standout Dre'Mont Jones to a big deal, they signed New York Giants standout safety Julian Love, and they reunited with defensive lineman Jarran Reed.
But there's another signing that's very intriguing and it's the signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and first-round pick, Devin Bush.
The Seahawks really need help at linebacker. Last year's starters (and two very good starters, at that) are currently unavailable: Cody Barton was signed away in free agency and Jordyn Brooks is recovering from a torn ACL.
Therefore, enter Bush, whose career in Pittsburgh was disappointing after a very promising rookie campaign.
A change of scenery can reinvigorate a player and there are few coaches that can connect with players like Pete Carroll can. Bush is in a good spot when it comes to his 2023 prospects and there's one NFL analyst in NFL.com's Bucky Brooks who also agrees with that sentiment.
And, if Carroll can reach Bush, Brooks believes he could help the defense become elite again:
Pete Carroll loves a reclamation project, as evidenced by his work with Geno Smith, among many others, during his tenure with the Seahawks. Bush is next on the list as a former top-10 pick who struggled with injuries and inconsistency in Pittsburgh. Despite failing to live up to expectations as a Steeler, the ultra-competitive defender still has the dog in him that made the Michigan product a ballyhooed prospect in the Class of 2019. If Carroll can crack the code and unlock the feisty defender who delivered a number of splash plays as a rookie, the Seahawks' defense could rejoin the ranks of the elite with Bush and a group of junkyard dogs leading the way.- NFL.com's Bucky Brooks
It's going to be tough for Jordyn Brooks to be ready by the start of the regular season. So, there could be a lot riding on Bush's shoulders over the next few months. That added responsibility, along with Carroll's guidance, could be what reignites Bush's career and gets him back on track.
In the grand scheme of things, Bush may not be that far away from recapturing the level of play from his rookie year.
A to Z Sports' Steelers beat writer Rob Gregson provided the following analysis of where Bush currently stands when it comes to his NFL development and level of impact:
Many think Devin Bush lost a step physically after his ACL tear in 2020, as he kept struggling to build off of a promising rookie season. In reality, Bush recaptured his physical gifts, but lost his confidence. The tape shows an aggressive player that can disrupt offenses when he wants. Far too often though, Bush is a step behind, lacking the eye discipline and processing to beat lineman to their spot. If Pete Carroll gets Bush to trust his eyes again, a career resurgence may occur.
A resurgent Bush married with a recovered Brooks really could take the Seahawks to the next level, especially when considering the Jones/Love signings, Uchenna Nwosu's, Darrell Taylor's, and Tariq Woolen's 2022 development, and the Seahawks' current draft setup.
And an elite defense married with a very good offense means endless possibilities in the NFL.
You can check out Brooks' full column, here.