GMEN HQ: The Seahawks are on pace to give up some of the most total yards and passing yards in NFL history. The defense has improved in recent weeks and Carlos Dunlap has greatly improved the pass-rushing department. Where are the Seahawks’ recent improvements on defense and what will it mean if Dunlap can’t play (due to injury) Sunday?
12th Man Rising:
The Seahawks defense was completely awful and miserable for most of the season.
But before the second Cardinals game, the defensive coordinator and Pete Carroll had a meeting with the defense and each player had to say what their assignments were on each defensive play call plus what their teammates’ assignments were. This seemed to change things as communication was a massive issue early in the year. Of course, it hurt that Jamal Adams missed a bunch of games and he changes the defense when he is playing with his aggressiveness.
But, you are totally correct in bringing up Carlos Dunlap. He has helped quite a bit because teams have to account for him and that leaves Jarran Reed on the interior free to make plays. If Dunlap can’t play it will affect Seattle overall but I also wonder if Seattle simply holds Dunlap out because they do not think the Giants have the offensive talent to do damage even without Seattle having Dunlap.