Tariq Woolen is the key to a new era of Seahawks defence
Nearly eight years on from Seattle’s legendary victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Seattle’s defence has gradually crumbled over recent seasons and what remains is a unit that has been torn apart by rampant running backs.
The Seahawks have always had a crucial defensive leader. Whether it was Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman or more recently Bobby Wagner, there was consistently someone with the experience of winning a Championship. There was always a veteran who knew what it took to build a dominant force, capable of terrifying opposing quarterbacks.
Following star linebacker Bobby Wagner’s departure to division rivals to LA Rams, the whole operation has imploded. No one from the 2014 World Championship team remains in the emerald city. This drought of experience has led to a vacuum of knowledge and depth. Seattle have slumped to the 31st ranked defensive unit with the worst ability to run the ball and allowing the most yards per game.
If one player is to step up to fill the void on defence, the Seahawks may have their answer. Drafted in the fifth round and fresh out of University of Texas at San Antonio, Tariq Woolen has shown levels of play that hark back to the all-conquering Legion of Boom. He is the fastest player over six feet tall and has produced the third quickest 40-yard dash time on record at the NFL Combine.
Whilst watching Woolen play, one would be forgiven for thinking Richard Sherman had come back from retirement. Both drafted in the fifth round, Woolen’s broad and lengthy frame is similar to that of his predecessor. Through his first four games, Woolen allowed a quarterback rating of 35.3 and only missed one tackle. He had two interceptions and just added another whilst playing the New Orleans Saints. This means he’s on track to record more interceptions than Sherman did in his 2013 season, the year Seattle won their Super Bowl.
At the beginning of this season, Seattle was written off as a bust, a team that would provide cannon fodder to the rest of the league. Had it not been for this team’s poor defensive plays, the Hawks could be sat top of the NFC West with a 4-1 record, laughing in the face of every critic.
Geno Smith is arguably the number one quarterback in the league right now, cooking up the highest completion percentage. He’s backed up by two outstanding receivers in the form of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett- of which the later continues to be an under appreciated weapon.
The biggest surprise on the offensive side of the ball has been the rookie tackles. Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, taken in the first and third rounds respectively earlier this year. They have given Smith and the offence time to find their groove and most importantly, they’ve allowed Smith to keep his composure in the pocket- a scarce luxury in recent times.
Despite losing Rashaad Penny to a season ending ankle injury, Michigan State graduate, Kenneth Walker III has the ability to fill the void of Penny. As a result, Seattle’s offence will continue to put the team in positions to win, all they need is the defence to make some plays and get off the field.
Seattle currently has two first round draft picks and two in the second round thanks to the Russell Wilson trade to the Broncos. Combine this with six other picks in next year’s draft and suddenly you can add some raw firepower to the secondary and the defensive line. Provided Adams can return to full health and Woolen continues to impress, the framework of what could be a frightening unit is there.
Tariq Woolen provides hope of a return to a defence that has an ability to frustrate any quarterback and shutdown their aerial attacks. He’s on track to beat Sherman’s rookie season number’s and more. Now is the time to build around him and recreate some of the Legion of Boom ferocity that took them all the way to a Super Bowl ring.
