What Can Atlanta Learn From Seattle?
By Ben Sullivan
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) during the first half in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
1. Invest In The Defensive Line
The Seahawks are mostly known for their defensive backs, but Richard Sherman and company can only be as aggressive and play as fast as they do because the defensive line is so dominant.
Defense, much like offense, all starts on the line of scrimmage. If you aren’t able to generate pass rush without sending extra blitzers, you’re doomed to watch NFL quarterbacks sit back in the pocket and pick you apart. That leads to your defensive backs being more passive and giving bigger cushions to receivers. Really, it’s a vicious circle that only leads to giving up tons of yards and more often than not tons of points.
The Seattle defense can fly around and make plays because they know the quarterback only has a very limited time before he has to get rid of the ball. Atlanta’s pass rush was stagnant last year, if they want to get to where the Seahawks are right now they need to upgrade the defensive line this offseason.