Seahawks Have Found their Pass Rush

Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons (91) and defensive end Michael Bennett (72) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

During Pete Carroll’s first few years at the helm in Seattle, the Seahawks defense has been steadily improving in almost every single way. The formation of the “Legion of Boom” has made the Seahawks defensive backfield one of the most feared units in the NFL. The drafting of K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner has provided the Seahawks with a solid foundation to build on at the linebacker position. And run stoppers like Red Bryant and Brandon Mebane have come into their own in Seattle.

But in spite of all that success, the Seahawks pass rush has failed to climb out of mediocrity. Or at least that was the case prior to this season.

Apparently the dedication the Seahawks organization has shown toward improving the pass rush has paid of so far this season. Going out and getting big time pass rushers like Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett has helped to elevate the Seahawks to an elite level in regards to sack production.

After seven weeks, Seattle is tied with Buffalo for the fourth most sacks in the league with 23. Not bad for a team that only had 36 sacks all of  last season.

Seattle’s ability to throw a variety of pass rushers into the mix has given them the opportunity to keep offenses off balance. Even with Chris Clemons and Bruce Irvin missing games earlier in the season, the Seahawks were still able to be productive in the trenches. Now that Seattle’s defensive line is at full strength the entire NFL should be wary (just ask Carson Palmer and the Cardinals).

Perhaps no group has enjoyed the Seahawks pass rush more than Seattle’s defensive backfield. The added pressure quarterbacks are getting is clearly leading to some costly mistakes. So far, the Seahawks are second in the league with 11 interceptions (Buffalo is first with 12).

The scariest part about the Seahawks pass rush is that they appear to get better every week as players begin to settle into their roles. If their seven-sack performance against the Cardinals was just the beginning, it’s going to be a rough ride for opposing quarterbacks during the second half of the Seahawks season.