Emergence of DT Hill benefits Seattle defense
PHILADELPHIA – Here’s a snapshot of the way things are supposed to work for the Seahawks’ pass rush, and it’s important for understanding the potential value of defensive tackle Jordan Hill:
Defensive end Michael Bennett got pressure outside, even got his hands on Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez in the fourth quarter Sunday, but couldn’t bring him down. Sanchez evaded Bennett by stepping up in the pocket, but waiting right there was Hill.
Bennett forced the initial pressure, Hill got the sack and the Eagles punted again. But what the sequence really showed is something that was largely missing from the Seahawks earlier this year: interior pressure in the pass rush. Only in the past few weeks has Hill, in his second season, started providing that service.
“We have those fast outside guys so that means the inside guys are going to have an opportunity to get sacks,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said, “and that’s what Jordan is doing.”
Bennett and defensive end Cliff Avril have created pressure at a similar rate to last year, but the Seahawks haven’t complemented their havoc with similar pressure elsewhere, particularly up the middle.
Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, who teammates called “Truck” or “Truck Driver,” piled up 5.5 sacks in that role last season before departing in free agency. Teammates viewed McDonald’s role as pivotal because quarterbacks couldn’t step up freely in the pocket.
The Seahawks targeted Hill to fill McDonald’s role but because of injuries, depth and his own inconsistencies, Hill’s career stalled early.
Yet in the past few weeks Hill has affected the defense in a way that could have big implications for the pass rush. He has two sacks this season, both coming the past three weeks. He was also active in stopping the run against the Eagles.
“He’s doing what ‘Truck Driver’ did last year,” linebacker K.J. Wright said, “and I expect him to keep it up.”
Said Avril, “I think him continuing to get better is going to make it easier on me and Mike and the other guys.”
The Seahawks have always liked Hill’s skills, and his athletic ability for a 300-pounder is impressive. “I don’t think anybody can really match his speed,” Wagner said.
That shows up in Hill’s ability to pass rush, which is the area the Seahawks thought Hill could most help them when they drafted him in the third round in 2013.
Hill is only now starting to settle into his pass-rushing role, and he said the game is starting to come easier to him.
“I think the thing that surprises everybody the most is his effort,” Wagner said. “Every time there’s a forced fumble, if you watch the film, he’s almost there or he has the ball. He’s just all over the field right now.”
Bowman activated
The San Francisco 49ers activated linebacker NaVorro Bowman to the 53-man roster from the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Bowman has been rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee that has kept him out since the injury in January’s NFC title game at Seattle. The three-time All-Pro most likely won’t play on Sunday at Seattle, but needed to be added to the 53-man roster on Tuesday to be eligible to be used this season.