Seahawks will test their secondary versus the Vikings

The Seahawks have more than a few questions to answer in their secondary. We may find some answers when they face the Vikings.

The Seahawks are going to be looking very closely at their personnel this week for consistency. Making a last-second shoestring tackle or an amazing fingertip pick is exciting to be sure. What matters is making every tackle, breaking up as many receptions as you can. Seattle has some big questions in their secondary. We may get all of our answers against the Vikings.

It’s no secret that the Seahawks defensive backfield wasn’t quite up to the standards of the Legion of Boom last year. Pro Football Focus wasn’t too impressed with the unit at all. Site expert Lee Vowell already issued his rebuttal, so I’ll just say Lee is correct. One thing to note is that both Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers, the Hawks starting corners, looked awfully good in yesterday’s practice. We’ll see if the corners can shut down – or at least contain- the Vikings receivers. When Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are in the game, that’s when the pressure will really be on.

Potential nickel back Jamar Taylor made two big plays in that same practice. The six-year veteran is making a strong push to take the place of the departed Justin Coleman. Akeem King probably has a leg up on getting the most snaps for now, especially against bigger targets like the Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph. Watch for rookie Ugo Amadi to make his bid, in particular in three-receiver sets. And just to really muddy the waters, Kalen Reed has been working with the first unit in the most recent practices. So keep eagle eyes out, 12s. Or Seahawks eyes, to be appropriate.

You’ll also want to watch the position battle at safety. Marquise Blair made some noise last week but also bit hard on a play that gave Denver 37 yards. Rookies can get pretty big eyes when they see what they think is an easy sack, but they have to play their position. Tedric Thompson has the trust of the coaches right now, so keep on eye on this competition. And keep an eye out for returning favorite Deshawn Shead. You can be sure the Vikings will be watching out for him.

Of the four starting defensive backs, three positions are locked: safety Bradley McDougald and the corners Griffin and Flowers. When you consider that Coleman and King combined for over 800 snaps last year, the nickel corner is basically a starting role as well. That spot is up in the air, as well as McDougald’s safety partner. It isn’t even certain whether McDougald will line up on the strong side or as the free safety, as that depends on who wins between the six dozen competitors for the other safety position. We’ll certainly be closer to answering all these questions after the Seahawks are tested by the Vikings.