Hawks’ D inconsistent
There have been fleeting moments, like the first quarter of Super Bowl XL. Impressive games, like the 2004 game in which the San Francisco 49ers failed to score a point for the first time in 27 years. Dominating stretches, like the first month of the 2004 regular season, when the Seattle Seahawks led the NFL in defense through Week 4.
Seattle’s defense has shown enough over the years to get the fans excited. But one thing that has eluded this unit, year in and year out, is the kind of consistency that makes a top-five defense.
“The difference between the very best defense and the worst in the NFL is probably three plays a game,” Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney said. “You either get the explosion or give up the explosion. That’s what makes or breaks it.”
This year’s defense has taken the fans through a familiar ebb and flow of emotion through five weeks.
“We’ve been inconsistent,” said defensive coordinator John Marshall, whose unit ranks 19th in the league in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed. “We’re certainly addressing it, but it is one of the things that’s bothering us right now.”
Not only have the Seahawks been inconsistent from week to week, but also within the frames of a single game. Last Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh was a good example in that Seattle held the Steelers to modest first-half totals of six first downs and seven points, only to give up 13 first downs and 14 points after halftime.
Kerney referenced a recent interview with Tiger Woods on the television show “60 Minutes,” during which the golfer was asked what makes him so successful.
“He said: ‘To be able to do it again. And again. And again. And again,’ ” Kerney said. “That’s the name of the game in any sport.”
“Consistency is everything,” added middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. “It’s just about doing the right thing. That’s the name of the ballgame: Who can do what they’re supposed to for the longer period of time?”
If there’s one obvious area where Seattle’s defense has struggled, it has been on third downs. Opposing teams have converted 43.8 percent on third down this season, which puts the Seahawks at No. 23 in the NFL in that category.
Last Sunday, the Steelers went through one stretch in which they converted six third downs in a row.
Seattle has also been inconsistent in its pass rush. Of the team’s 16 sacks this season, 11 came in the wins over Tampa Bay and San Francisco.
This week, the Seahawks have been working particularly hard on their tackling techniques because that part of their game struggled against Pittsburgh.
Strong back with whistle
Mack Strong returned to the practice field with the Seahawks, and he was busting heads as usual.
Only this time, he was doing it while wearing a baseball cap and a whistle – and he wasn’t actually hitting anyone.
“He had me doing some burpies earlier, doing some jumping jacks,” running back Shaun Alexander joked after Strong helped the coaches at Wednesday’s practice. “I’m like: Darn it, this whistle thing is already going to his head.”
Thursday marked the first time that Strong helped out at practice.
On Wednesday, coach Mike Holmgren said he hoped to tap Strong’s 15 years of NFL experience as an unofficial member of the staff.
Around the league
Dallas Cowboys quarterback coach Wade Wilson is back at work after completing his five-game NFL suspension for buying and using performance-enhancing substances that he said were to try to “improve the quality” of his life after living with diabetes for more than 20 years. … Atlanta Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich left the practice field after twisting his right ankle. The injury is not serious, and it’s not the same ankle that shut down his 2006 season. … Carolina Panthers quarterback David Carr threw gingerly on the side but wasn’t ready to practice. Vinny Testaverde and Matt Moore took all the snaps for the second straight day. … New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton will keep Olindo Mare active Sunday night in Seattle. … In Austin, Texas, former New York Giants tackle Dewitt “Tex” Coulter died Oct. 2 after a lengthy illness. He was 83.