Best three Seahawks through first third of 2019

Quinton Jefferson

I know, right? I never thought I would be writing about Jefferson being one of the best players for Seattle either. The assumption, and rightfully so, is that players like Jefferson would be outshined by better-known names like Ziggy Ansah or Jadeveon Clowney. Clwoney has been good, Ansah less good, but neither has really been as productive as Jefferson.

To say Jefferson is having a career year is an understatement. He is on pace to destroy his previous career highs. In 2018, Jefferson played in all 16 games and started 12 of them. So far in 2019, he has played in five games and started four. But in 2018, Jefferson had 15 quarterback hits, 3 sacks, 5 tackles-for-loss and 2 passes defended.

In 2019, Jefferson already has 7 quarterback hits (on pace for 22), 2 sacks (6.5), 2 tackles-for-loss (6.5) and 2 passes defended (6.5). Each one of those categories would be career highs for Jefferson.

Through five games, Jefferson has four more quarterback hits than the next closest Seahawk, Clowney. Jefferson is tied for the team lead in sacks, sadly just 2. Also, Jefferson is 8th on the team in tackles. While this might not seem amazing, for a team designed to have its linebackers do most of the tackling, a defensive tackle being 8th is impressive still.

Basically, Seattle isn’t 4-1 unless Jefferson is having the season he is.