Gus Bradley - defensive coordinator
Perhaps no one in the organization has more pressure to succeed outside the head coach than new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Sure, he won't get the fan focus or media attention any player will receive, but Bradley will be tasked with crafting something the Seahawks have never had in its 33-year history--a dominant defense.
This will be especially important for the future success of this team as the bulk of the young talent resides on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps signaling a shift from a finesse, offense-based team to a tough-nosed, defense-based one.
To continue...
But this is easier said than done. In 33 seasons as an NFL franchise, the Seahawks have cracked the league's top 10 in yards allowed only four times, and never have they cracked the top five.
The last time they finished in the top 10 was in 1997, though they have cracked the top 10 in points allowed three times since then.
A change in vision
For the past four seasons, the Seahawks defense has been in the hands of John Marshall. In that time the defense has had its ups and downs.
But even at the height of success under Marshall, fans complained about his vanilla style, citing a consistent lack of blitzing and pass rush.
So what's one of the first things Bradley addressed, showing the difference between he and his predecessor? Attacking defense.
Even in his coaching style, Bradley seems to bring a renewed energy to the team, which will hopefully be infectious to the players and show in their play on the field.
Future of the team
When you list the young talent on this team, the bulk of the names will be those on the defensive end. Here it is, not counting rookies, who have yet to prove their worth in the NFL:
Offense - John Carlson, Owen Schmitt, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Ray Willis... (ya, I'm really reaching at this point)
Defense - Lofa Tatupu, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Josh Wilson, Kelly Jennings
With an offensive unit anchored by aging stars, the future of this team is clear. But how good can that future be? Much of that is up to Bradley, a newby defensive coordinator tasked with perhaps the most important job in Seattle.
The Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2005 on the strength of the number-two team in total yards and number-one team in points scored. But if they're heading back any time soon, they'll need those numbers on the opposite side of the ball.
The only question is will Bradley step up and mold this defense into the championship unit the 12th Man believes it can be?
Number 1 - Jim L. Mora
Number 2 - Chris Spencer
Number 3 - Julius Jones
Number 5 - Brian Russell
Number 6 - Lawrence Jackson
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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