Seahawks turn to multiple players to step in for Earl Thomas

The injury to All-World Earl Thomas leaves a huge void in the Seahawks defensive backfield. Can even three players replace him?

You’ll notice I didn’t ask if there’s any one player that could take the place of Earl Thomas. There’s no replacing the six time All-Pro. We’re really talking about who the Seahawks picked up to add to their depth.

In most sets, that player will be a direct replacement, one who’s already filled the role. Second year safety Tedric Thompson subbed for Thomas in the preseason. He was far from terrible, but would just rank at about the top third of all NFL safeties, according to Pro Football Focus. Paired with Bradley McDougald, that isn’t the worst possibility in the world. T2 shows a lot of promise, but he isn’t there yet.

McDougald has been playing excellent ball so far this year. He hasn’t picked off another pass since his two interception game against the Broncos, but he still ranks among the top ten safeties in the league. That’s great when you’re playing with the NFL’s best, as he was with Thomas. Paired with a player who so far has been just better than average isn’t the same. It isn’t the worst situation for the Seahawks to be in, but it isn’t the best either.

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Seahawks added a solid role player with a (small) chance to start

Thompson isn’t the only answer, though. The Seahawks added two safeties to their roster this week. The first will be familiar to 12s, as he was already in camp. Maurice Alexander gets another shot at the lineup after Seattle cut him following the final preseason game.

Alexander adds something Coach Pete Carroll craves: a warm body. Just kidding, although at this point, it would be understandable. What Pete likes is flexibility. Alexander lined up at weakside linebacker for some plays in that last preseason contest.

His primary position is strong safety, though. It’s likely that Alexander would come in to spell Thompson, and McDougald would switch to free safety. Expect to see the former Ram in a few different looks this Sunday against his old team.

The other player Seattle picked up is former Colts safety T.J. Green. This will be Green’s third year in the league. He got 11 starts in his two seasons in Indianapolis. While he’s listed as a free safety, he’s also played some on the strong side. Green was almost certainly added for depth at the position, rather than a chance to work his way into the starting lineup.

Between Thompson, Alexander and Green, they spell out TAG. Hopefully this combination will be able to do just that to opposing receivers this Sunday, and beyond. No, there is no replacing Earl Thomas, but at least T2 has players with solid experience in the wings to help.