Seahawks Need Defense To Make A Difference With Playmakers Aplenty, Seattle Hones Fundamentals

One way or the other, there were a lot of touchdowns scored when the Seattle Seahawks’ defense was on the field last year.

The unit scored an NFL-best 10 touchdowns via interception and fumble return, establishing a team record. Seven different players returned interceptions for TDs.

But the defense couldn’t duplicate its success in stopping opponents. Only Indianapolis gave up more first downs in the AFC than did Seattle.

Just three AFC teams allowed more rushing yardage - and Jacksonville allowed 2,000 to Seattle’s 1,999. Nobody in the AFC gave up more passing yards than Seattle’s 3,690. The Seahawks were 27th in total defense.

Theories vary in explaining the lenient numbers. The Seahawks gambled too much and left themselves vulnerable to big plays. They tired in the fourth quarter. They didn’t function as a unit. They were shaky on third downs. They were left in lousy field position by the offense an inordinate number of times. Most, however, agree Seattle wasn’t always fundamentally sound.

“Everybody has a role to play in the defense,” safety Darryl Williams said. “Last year, sometimes we pretty much left voids in the defense. This year we’re going to play solid.”

Seattle has no shortage of playmakers. End Michael Sinclair has more sacks than any player in the NFL during the last three years. If linebacker Chad Brown isn’t the best defender in the NFL, he’s high on the list. Cornerback Shawn Springs scored three TDs last year and made the Pro Bowl. Linebacker Darrin Smith returned two interceptions for scores. Tackle Cortez Kennedy has been to seven Pro Bowls, including last year’s. Tackle Sam Adams was a Pro Bowl alternate in ‘97. Williams was a starter in the ‘97 Pro Bowl.

Still, something was missing.

“The only thing is putting it together,” safety Jay Bellamy said. “We’re all out there, but sometimes it’s not all together. When we played together, we played pretty good defense. When guys decided to do their own thing - that’s when we suffered.”

“We have talent, but it’s not all about talent,” cornerback Willie Williams said. “It’s about knowing what we’re doing out there. I’m pretty sure we’re going to put this thing together.

“Last year we had a lot of touchdowns, but we just didn’t get off the field. Also, look at the fourth quarter. We lost a ton of games in the fourth quarter, so it’s about being in condition. One thing we have to do is get in shape and stay healthy.”

Interim defensive coordinator Jim Lind is counting on it. He declines to discuss last year’s downfalls. His focus is on making sure this year’s unit is stingier.

“First of all, we’re going to be a fundamentally sound team. Our whole deal isn’t the scheme and doing all that,” he said. “If we get to where we’re fundamentally sound, then we’ll switch in and out of different defenses. Every team certainly wants big plays. Players have to play the scheme and usually if they do that, they have a chance to make plays.”

It’s on-the-job training digesting Lind’s system, but Darryl Williams likes what he sees.

“It’s pretty different,” he said. “It’s more solid. It’s not what if this or what if that.”

Bye-bye Bailey

Former University of Washington receiver Mario Bailey quit the team Friday. Bailey considered quitting Monday, but coach Mike Holmgren asked him to practice the rest of the week and see what happened.

“He just came in and said, `It wasn’t working out and I’m tired. I’m not having any fun. The guys are great, I love (receivers coach) Nolan Cromwell,”’ Holmgren said. “Everything is fine, his heart just wasn’t in it.”

Bailey, 28, has been trying, with little success, to stick on an NFL roster since 1992. He is NFL Europe’s all-time leading receiver with 2,932 yards on 199 receptions.

Notes

Friday’s morning practice was the worst of camp. “We were a little lethargic, making too many mistakes,” Holmgren said. “We cannot practice this way, so I trust this was just one of those days.” … NFL officials were on hand when the team practiced game-like situations. The officials will work Sunday’s 1:45 p.m. scrimmage at Eastern Washington’s Woodward Stadium… . Quarterback Jon Kitna was sacked by an onrusher about 20 minutes after practice. He encouraged it, considering it was his 22-month-old son, Jordan, who covered 20 yards in respectable time to deliver a hug… . Temperatures dropped into the upper 80s for the afternoon session for the first time since camp opened. Extended forecasts call for unseasonably cooler temperatures in the 70s Sunday and Monday.