Seahawks need peak performance out of pass rush on Monday to help secondary

Seahawks have added depth at secondary with former Seattle cornerback Byron Maxwell. But, even with the addition, Seattle’s pass rush is the primary match-up to keep a close eye on Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

Great Seahawks signing, but the primary focus is on the front seven

A secondary without a true number one corner has to rely on a consistent pass rush to succeed.

With this in mind, Seattle does have a potential number one corner in rookie Shaquill Griffin. Considering who he has faced, I would not call him a rookie. In fact, on Monday his next test is Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. An absolute beast and game-breaker on the outside for Atlanta.

Furthermore, the Falcons have a bevy of playmakers with size and speed. An element Seattle realizes. The defense, though, may have many opportunities for turnovers, as long as the defensive front continues to play well.

Seahawks front seven

The best way to help a secondary is to apply pressure to the quarterback. In some instances, this may not be the most productive. Especially if the signal-caller is a dual-threat. But, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a pocket passer.

This is important to realize because Seattle’s pass rush can collapse the pocket with not a lot of fear of Ryan using his wheels to gain yardage. Defensive ends Frank Clark and Michael Bennett can exploit the tackles on the offensive line. Similarly, Marcus Smith is back from a concussion to add depth on the edge.

If there is a significant down and distance for the opposition, look for a Dwight Freeney spin-move to hurry the quarterback or bring down Ryan for a sack.

Specifically, pass rusher Frank Clark is the most explosive of the group when getting around the book-ends of the offense line. Not only on Seattle, but the National Football League.

In order to alleviate some of the pressure on the secondary covering a talented Falcons receiving group, Seattle needs to pressure the quarterback and get quarterback Matt Ryan in a funk.

Best way to help a depleted secondary?

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Have the defensive line swarming the quarterback