14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Defense "Big Gains" Commentary

Forget the breaks and sprains that sideline Seattle's offensive superstars. Fans should be concerned with the Seahawks' defensive players: They might be relatively healthy, but they can't seem to catch anybody. Chester Taylor's 95-yard run for a touchdown in Sunday's game was the longest run against the 'Hawks since Willie Washington Redskins jersey
Parker's 75-yard scamper in Super Bowl XL. And if those were the only two long touchdowns against Seattle's defense in 2006, that would be damaging enough.But they aren't. Another loss -- a 37-6 defeat to Chicago in Week 4 -- also featured some embarrassingly long gains. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian burned Seattle for a 46-yard reception in the first quarter (when the game was still close), and followed it up with a 40-yard touchdown catch in the third (when it wasn't). A team without its playmakers on offense can't afford to give up big plays on defense. Even in victory, the offense has covered for defensive miscues. The Seattle Seahawks slipped past the Rams in Week 6, but had to overcome a 67-yard Torry Holt touchdown reception to do it. Their 21-10 win over hapless Arizona in Week 2 was impressive, except when they gave up a 40-yard touchdown to receiver Bryant Johnson. It was Johnson's only reception in the game, the Cardinals' longest gain of the afternoon and their only touchdown in the contest. When opponents hit the Seahawks for long gains, they usually make them pay. And if the offense isn't equipped to pay them back, the win-loss ledger is going to suffer.The ailing offense will grab headlines, but the team needs to start paying attention to its defensive struggles immediately. Beginning with Kansas City on Sunday, the Seahawks face a string of winnable games against teams with big-play ability. Larry Johnson and Randy Moss are scheduled to line up against Seattle's defense before a Nov. 12 rematch against Holt and the Rams. In order for the Seahawks to come out ahead in those three games, they'll need to contain opposing playmakers and give their offense a chance to find its footing. And with division-rival St. Louis tied with the 'Hawks at 4-2, there's little room for error. Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
After those contests, there's a good chance that Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will finally be in the starting lineup together. But neither of those guys play defense. Until the team figures out how to prevent big gains, Seattle's struggles won't end when its best players get healthy. Weekly Seattle Seahawks analysis