3 Seahawks that will make the difference in Week 1 versus the Broncos
By Lee Vowell
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams
Which version of Jamal Adams the Seahawks get in 2022 – the 2020 one or the 2021 one – might go a long way towards whether the overall defense is successful. In 2020, Adams had 9.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and attacked the line of scrimmage. In 2021, Adams had zero sacks and just 2 quarterback hits. Was the issue him or the scheme of the defense?
In 2022, Seattle has a new defensive coordinator, Clint Hurtt. Hurtt has promised that the defense will be a lot more aggressive than in recent seasons under former DC Ken Norton, Jr. But even if Seattle is ultra-aggressive this year, the way Adams is used can’t be an all-out pass rush. Adams needs to be smart about when he decides to chase the quarterback and Hurtt needs to use Adams intelligently.
If Adams commits too many times to go after Wilson, Wilson will take advantage and hit a receiver deep in the area Adams has vacated. So missing coverages and hiding Adams in the pass rush will be key in Week 1.
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That said, if Adams plays at his best (and while Adams gets criticism for not being perfect since he came to the Seahawks in 2020, he is still a unique talent with extreme athletic ability), he can disrupt Denver’s run and pass game. He might even force a couple of turnovers. In a close game, turnovers might be the difference between Seattle winning or losing.