Seahawks vs Rams: 5 takeaways from Seattle’s frustrating loss
By Keith Myers
Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook (89) is defended by Seattle Seahawks defensive back Kelcie McCray (33) during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kelcie McCray can ball
Strong Safety Kam Chancellor has now missed the last 11 quarters with a tailbone and pelvis injury. Losing an All-Pro is supposed to be a major problem, but it hasn’t been for the Seahawks.
That’s because Kecie McCray has been surprisingly good while filling in for the injured Chancellor.
The Seahawks traded for McCray just before the season begin. They gave up a 5th round pick so McCray could come in and help on special teams. McCray has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the better special teams gunners in the league.
On defense though, he was the 4th-string strong safety at the start of he season. Dion Bailey started in Week 1. Deshawn Shead was next up, and then Kam Chancellor re-took his job back when he returned from his contract holdout.
Bailey was later cut. Shead was moved to CB where he’s now a starter. That meant that when Chancellor went down, McCray had to step in and play meaningful snaps for the Seahawks.
The result was definitely unexpected. McCray stepped in and the defense didn’t miss a beat.
McCray runs downhill against the run almost as well as Chancellor. His speed and coverage ability have helped the Seahawk defense solve some of their problems against TEs.
Seattle will be happy to get Chancellor back, but at least they know that they don’t need to rush him back. McCray can ball, and Seattle has needed him to do so.
Next: A no-run zone