The first line of defense

The Seahawks defense is based on speed. Blazing, swarming, hard hitting speed. Running wide on this defense is liking wandering, unguided into Dante's Hell. But fast defenses lack size, and against the run their margin for error decreases drastically. Size on the defensive line makes up for a lot of deficiencies. If your linebackers have trouble shedding blocks, two space eaters in the middle will take up blockers and prevent linemen from reaching the second level. With the smallish defense line that the Seahawks have, if Bernard or Terrell or Mebane do not fulfill their assignment, the offensive line moves quickly to Tatupu, Hill and Peterson and within a milisecond the running back has reached our veteran and speed challenged safeties.

Patrick Kearney for all his greatness as a pass rusher is adequate at best against the run. Run right at his edge, have the tackle get him on his outside shoulder and drive him and you do not have to worry about that monster anymore. He has a wiry frame which does not hold up against the run. Their first round pick, Laurence Jackson, has the body of a 3-4 defensive end, short strong and with a wide base. If you want to shut down the run, you draft guys like Jackson.

  This brings me to Red Bryant, a hulking, athletic beast from Texas A&M. It disturbs me that he's from Texas A&M because that program takes plays off, just like if we had drafted a guy from VaTech not named Tapp. His technique is apparently horrible, causing John Marshall to use the "golf ball in high grass" comment. However, he is size and the Seahawks are well coached, if Bryant can learn fast he could help this defense tremendously.

  Marcus Tubbs I do not have a lot to say about other than the fact that in 2005, he was largely healthy and we went to the Super Bowl. So Tubbs, stop breaking your foot, or tearing your pectoral or whatever new injury you are bound to come up with this year, and get on the field, your more important than you can imagine.