Seahawks Legion of Boom 2.0 may hit sooner than you think

The Seahawks Legion of Boom showed some age in 2016. The retooled and improved LOB 2.0 may be here sooner than you think.

Just two days ago I wrote how Bradley McDougald can play a major role in a big playoff run for the Seahawks and the Legion of Boom. The biggest part of that scheme is using McDougald in a big nickel package. However, putting McDougald in for both Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas for significant time is also a key factor. I’ll spare you the number crunching, as it’s all in the original article. Giving the Pro Bowl safety duo some more rest is key to keeping them healthier.

I have to say, it’s great to find that someone as intelligent and informed as John Clayton agrees with my idea. That is, if he knew I existed I could honestly say he agrees with me. I’m just happy to see my idea validated. Sort of.

You see, Mr. Clayton didn’t mention McDougald at all. His article is about getting Chancellor more rest. Clayton’s solution is to bring Delano Hill in to sub for Chancellor:

"Chancellor was on the field for 731 defensive snaps over 12 games last year and has averaged 836 per season since 2012. Seattle’s coaching staff could find ways to keep him around the mid-700-level and let Hill fill in for the other 250 or so."

While the focus is on Chancellor, it can’t stop with him

Mr. Clayton’s article ( I really don’t feel comfortable referring to the man by just his last name. It seems so disrespectful. He is an absolute genius) focuses on Chancellor. There is good reason for this, as Chancellor’s style is basically to see how high his next hit will register on the Richter scale. Chancellor hasn’t played a full season since 2013. He needs some additional time off the field, to protect him from his own playing style.

While Clayton (dang it, Mr. Clayton) didn’t mention a specific substitute for Thomas, it’s clear that the Seahawks free safety could benefit from similar rest. Clayton sees Delano Hill as the main man spelling Chancellor. Tedric Thompson is the heir apparent at free safety. Much like Hill, he could spell Thomas for significant time.

Don’t forget about the competition at right cornerback, either. It doesn’t matter if Jeremy Lane or my favorite Shaquill Griffin wins the starting job. When DeShawn Shead returns from his ACL injury, the position will only be that much stronger. The latest on Shead, by the way, is that he will very likely start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. If that does happen, Shead will miss at least the first six games of the season. And don’t forget about Mike Tyson, who could (and should) see some time spelling Richard Sherman.

This plan puts Hill, Thompson and almost certainly Griffin and Tyson all on the field for significant playing time and experience. Of course, there’s an excellent safety on the roster with significant league experience already. One who can play at either safety position. Mix in McDougald with the rookies, and you have some real depth in the current Legion of Boom. Depth that will extend the careers of our two future Hall of Fame safeties, and get a jumpstart to the launch of the Legion of Boom 2.0.

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