What we learned from the Seahawks week 1 victory over Denver
By Matthew Holm
Cody Barton has taken a step or three up this year
The Seahawks have been apprehensive to play Barton much at all in recent years, opting instead to run more nickel or sign Mychal Kendricks or pretty much any other alternative. This year, the Seahawks need Barton to play more, now that they’re operating out of a 3-4 base defense and don’t have much in the way of alternatives unless you’re a serious believer in Jon Rhattigan or Ben Burr-Kirven.
Barton certainly stepped up to the challenge on Monday, recording ten tackles, two of them for losses, including a sack from a beautifully executed delayed blitz. Only Jordyn Brooks had more tackles, and Barton made plays in every part of the field.
Most notably, Barton’s progress near the line of scrimmage is something to take note of. Originally drafted out of Utah in 2019, Barton made his name as a pure coverage linebacker, who could flow sideline to sideline and make plays in zone coverage, which was music to many Seattle fans’ ears at the time, as KJ Wright’s future as a Seahawk was very much in doubt.
But his evolution as a potential blitzer brings a new versatility to his game, and being able to disguise both Barton and Jordyn Brooks as blitzers will elevate Seattle’s defense, especially with Jamal Adams once again ailing.