Adams Develops With Age Seahawks Defensive Lineman Is Already In His Third Season At The Age Of 23

In a season where Sam Adams is putting up career numbers, there is one that is often overlooked but might be the most important: 23.

Adams turned 23 in June. That, according to teammates and coaches, has as much as anything to do with the Seahawks’ 1994 first-round draft choice finally playing up to his potential.

“It’s maturity,” said Tommy Brasher, Seahawks’ defensive line coach. “Right now, Sam is the age a rookie’s supposed to be. A lot of rookies come in at 23, that’s what he is.

“How many great 20-year-old NFL players do you know? I can answer that. None.”

Adams raised more questions than he answered in his first two seasons. Even as he got off to a stronger start this year, any assessment of his performance usually contained the “so far” disclaimer. But Adams has silenced his critics during the past five games, collecting 17 tackles, 3-1/2 sacks and 7-1/2 tackles for losses.

“Sam is a different guy than a year ago. He’s dominating the game like everyone expected when he came here,” coach Dennis Erickson said.

Entering today’s game against the 11-1 Broncos in Denver, Adams already has career bests in tackles (28) and tackles for losses (8) and has matched the four sacks he had as a rookie.

Even more impressive than the numbers is the effort. Adams does things - disruptive things - that make it easier for those around him.

Adams is a big reason why the Seahawks have 26 sacks in 12 games, compared to 28 all of last season. Adams’ emergence also is a factor in Cortez Kennedy having his most productive season since he was voted NFL defensive player of the year in 1992.

“Those two are right with the best in the league. I haven’t seen anybody block them this year,” Houston coach Jeff Fisher said after Adams and Kennedy dominated and demoralized the Oilers’ offensive line in the Seahawks’ 23-16 upset victory four weeks ago.

Praise like this has been a long time coming.

“I’ve got some God-given talents and I’m starting to utilize those and use the things I’m blessed with,” Adams said. “I’m playing aggressively now instead of doing my own thing or being afraid to make mistakes.”

Seeing Adams use his strength to overpower a blocker or his quickness to split a double-team block is nothing new. Seeing Adams do it in the fourth quarter as well as in the first series of the game is.

“He’s much more consistent. He’s working harder. He’s kind of adjusted to the NFL, where you have to work hard every day to play well,” said 36-year-old Joe Nash, the tackle Adams could not displace in his first two seasons.

“Sam is dominating people,” Nash said. “He would have spots where he’d dominate a guy but then, for whatever reason, he didn’t the next play. I’m happy to see how he’s maturing and improving.”

Happy isn’t exactly the word opposing coaches use to describe Adams’ breakthrough season.

“I’m really impressed with his effort this year in comparison to last year,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said this week. “He’s really playing hard and he’s playing consistent. You always knew he had that talent, now you consistently see it.”

Adams also is playing hurt. He partially separated his left shoulder three weeks ago against Minnesota.

Still, Adams turned in the first two-sack game of his career against the Raiders.

Maturity. Consistency. Durability. Dependability. They all describe Adams. Finally.

Hawk talk

Wide receiver Brian Blades was unable to practice for the third straight day, and Erickson said the decision on whether Blades plays will be made this morning. Blades has a separated left shoulder and two cracked ribs.