Grading the Seahawks defensive starters through 13 games

The Seahawks defense has been better than expected in 2018, if not always great. Here are the grades for the starters this season.

Most everyone thought that the Seahawks defense would be worse this season. The team lost lots of talent in the offseason. Gone were Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett and Kam Chancellor. That is a lot for one team to lose.

And at times this year, the defense has struggled. Not that Seattle has done poorly against bad offenses, but the Rams (twice) and the Chargers were both able to run well against Seattle. Still, against bad teams Seattle has sometimes imposed its will.

Seattle has also had to overcome the loss of Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas. Thomas broke his leg in week four and has probably seen his last game with the Seahawks. Flipping off the team while being carted away is no way to ingratiate yourself towards getting an extension.

Thomas, though, will not be a part of these grades. I am not showing sour grapes here. The fact remains that Thomas only started a smattering of games and for the most part has not been pertinent to the Seahawks failures or success defensively this season.

But this is a positive thing. Most of Seattle’s starting defense are young guys still learning their way, yet also being productive while doing so. The future of the Seahawks seems to be a good one. So far, 2018 has been pretty good too. Here are the grades for the defensive starters showing just how good.