12th Man Rising
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We got our man, so what does Duane Brown bring to the Seahawks?

By Todd Vandenberg

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: Duane Brown #76 of the Houston Texans looks on during pre game warm ups before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: Duane Brown #76 of the Houston Texans looks on during pre game warm ups before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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It was a big trade in more ways than one. What can 12s expect from Russell Wilson’s new favorite player, now the Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown?

The Seahawks trade of Jeremy Lane – oops, that didn’t quite happen. Anyway, Seattle still got the left tackle they desperately needed. After Sunday’s “rushing” attack, it’s never been more obvious the Seahawks needed an upgrade on the line.

As it turned out, Seattle got Duane Brown for draft picks. The fact Jimmy Graham is still a Seahawk is just as big as the trade itself. But that’s the magic of the Seattle braintrust for you. Maybe Bob McNair felt Mr. Lane fit his profile of a model prisoner. I’m just sayin’.

According to Brown, McNair has said plenty in the past that fueled his desire to get out of Houston. So perhaps it wasn’t only Schneider’s acumen and wheeling-dealing that made the trade happen, even after Lane failed his physical. No matter how it happened, the Seahawks got a major upgrade at left tackle.

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Seahawks got a huge upgrade at left tackle

Just how good is Brown? According to Brett Whitfield of Pro Football Focus, he’s really, really good. Pro Football Focus is a treasure house of football stats, by the way. They have stats like Smaug had gold. Much less dangerous, and friendlier, too. Anyway, about Brown.

"On 428 pass-block snaps in 2016, Brown surrendered just one sack on his way to putting up his eighth consecutive season being ranked in the top-20 at his position with an overall grade of 84.6. Over the past two seasons the Seahawks have boasted one of the worst left-tackle situation in the NFL. In 2016 starter George Fant was the lowest graded tackle in the league with an overall grade of 30.3, while this season has featured Rees Odhiambo as the starter. His grade of 27.3 also ranks last among qualifiers."

Back on topic. Fant certainly looked like he had improved, but I don’t think he was going to come close to what Brown brings to the line.

Brown will like being one of the Seahawks

For one thing, it’s not very likely that Paul Allen is going to call him an inmate. And he’s probably going to like the guy he’s protecting.  Brown had a very interesting quote the other day.

"“I just couldn’t believe some of the plays he was making,” Brown said. “I’ve never blocked for anyone like him. He’s a special talent. Don’t know what is going on back there sometimes, but you know if there is some kind of trouble, you think he is going to get up out of there somehow, make a play. Big, explosive plays being made by him.”"

Actually, he was talking about his former quarterback Deshaun Watson. Yes, I did write Watson was facing his biggest test of the season against the Legion of Boom. No, I didn’t expect him to pass it as well as he did. Our Steve McGrain was on point when he wrote “This may be the toughest dual-threat quarterback Seahawks will face to date.” Regardless, Brown sure sounds like he’s talking about Russell Wilson, doesn’t he? I think this is the beginning of a very happy mutual admiration society.

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