Seahawks’ defense dominates Brees and Saints

SEATTLE — With one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks standing across the line of scrimmage, the Seattle Seahawks were looking for a stellar effort from their defense Monday night.

Seattle’s defensive players definitely met the challenge.

In a showdown for NFC supremacy between the Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints, a smothering defensive effort was a big reason Seattle improved to 11-1 this season with a decisive 34-7 victory at CenturyLink Field. Seattle’s defense dominated the first quarter, holding the Saints without a first down until the final play of the period and even put up a defensive touchdown as the Seahawks jumped to a 17-0 lead.

By that point, Seattle had more points than New Orleans had yards of offense (12).

It was pretty much what Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman expected because, he said, “we knew how good our defense was.”

The play of the game came midway through the first quarter, and it was also courtesy of Seattle’s defense. On the Saints’ second offensive possession, defensive end Cliff Avril came charging in from the right of New Orleans QB Drew Brees, who then stepped forward in the pocket. Avril changed direction and then stepped forward to smack the ball away as Brees cocked his arm.

The ball popped into the air and into the arms of Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett. Though not quite speedy afoot, Bennett was able to get to the outside, pick up a dandy downfield block from cornerback Jeremy Lane, and win a footrace to the right corner of the end zone, stepping just inside the pylon.

The stadium shook as Seahawks fans rejoiced. It was, as cornerback Richard Sherman joked, “a Bennett quake,” a reference to the Marshawn Lynch “Beast Quake” against New Orleans three years ago.

For Bennett, it was his first touchdown since high school. “But I used to be a running back,” he pointed out. “I knew what to do with the ball.”

Bennett also gave credit to Lane for throwing “the best block. Without Jeremy, I wouldn’t have been able to get (to the end zone).”

Brees, meanwhile, is one of the NFL’s best, and there was some concern before the game because the Seahawks were playing with a patchwork defensive secondary. Starting cornerback Brandon Browner suffered a groin injury three weeks ago that will keep him out for several weeks, and he also reportedly is facing a one-year suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Also missing Monday was No. 3 cornerback Walter Thurmond, who has been suspended four games by the league, also for substance abuse. He is eligible to return for Seattle’s final regular-season game.

Byron Maxwell got the start at right cornerback “and he played great,” Sherman said. “He made all the plays. … He’s a starter. He could start for 32 teams in this league. So could Jeremy Lane.”

New Orleans managed just one meaningful offensive drive in the game, and it came in the early minutes of the second quarter. The Saints moved 80 yards in 13 plays for a touchdown that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 17-7.

Otherwise, the Seahawks kept Drew Brees and Co. in check. New Orleans had just 127 yards through three quarters and just 188 for the game

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.