New and improved defense?

  • By Scott M. Johnson / Herald Writer
  • Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:00pm
  • Sports

NEW ORLEANS – In some respects, an NFL opener is kind of like the Hollywood starlet who just got out of rehab.

All the problems and habits that have plagued them in the past would seem to be cured overnight. It’s important to remember that relapses are likely.

But for at least one week, the Seattle Seahawks can feel like the defensive woes that plagued them at times in 2003 might be a thing of the past.

Seattle, boasting a defense that included six new starters from last January’s playoff loss, shut down the high-powered New Orleans Saints’ offense during a 21-7 win at the Superdome on Sunday.

While it was far from perfect, the Seahawks’ defensive effort provided plenty of good signs.

“If nobody knew anything about this team, they’d have watched us today and thought the defense was a little bit ahead of the offense,” offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson said.

The Seahawks allowed 281 yards of total offense to the Saints, including 57 rushing yards from Pro Bowl running back Deuce McAllister. They forced turnovers at key times and, most important of all, gave up just one touchdown.

“I thought our defense did a great job today,” Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. “I think the Saints are a good offensive football team. (Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes) put together a good plan, and our defensive coaches and players did a fine job against them today.”

One thing that stuck out was the presence of defensive end Grant Wistrom, whom the team signed to a six-year, $33 million contract last March. Wistrom made an impact with a tipped pass that resulted in Michael Boulware’s third-quarter interception, while other players also seemed to benefit from the veteran being on the field.

Defensive end Chike Okeafor appreciates Wistrom’s presence because it means he can play on the left side, where he doesn’t have to line up against the opposing teams’ top linemen every week. He took advantage Sunday by beating right tackle Victor Riley for a first-quarter sack.

In Wistrom and Okeafor, the Seahawks have two under-sized ends, which is something they’ve shied away from in the past. Both players have the ability to rush the passer and can also drop into coverage. Wistrom showed that on the tipped pass that resulted in an interception.

“We’re lighter guys, but we play with technique and leverage,” Okeafor said. “We’re powerful enough to play on the line, but we run fast enough to make plays. That’s the best of both worlds. We can be a dominating force.”

With both players on the field, the Seahawks can utilize a number of different blitz packages. Boulware and linebackers Anthony Simmons and Orlando Huff had multiple opportunities to get after quarterback Aaron Brooks on Sunday.

Wistrom was credited with an assisted tackle and two passes defensed in his official Seahawks debut. The entire defense seemed to play better with him around.

“These guys have played well all preseason,” Wistrom said. “They’re young guys, but they’re very mature guys; I think they play well beyond their years. They’re very impressive. They come to work every day, they practice hard. They came out and played great (Sunday), and I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

With one game under its belt, the 2004 Seattle defense feels like it has the makings of an improved unit from the one that finished 19th in the NFL last season. But there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We can’t get overconfident,” said Simmons, who was sporting a new haircut to go with a few new teammates. “It’s good that guys are feeling good and confident in what they’re doing, but don’t hold your head up too high.

“We’ve got to stay focused. This is early, the first game, and everybody gets better the first couple games. You’ve got to improve every week. We set the bar, and now we’ve got to raise it.”

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 puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Gonzaga sets school record with 33 assists in blowout

The first half started with Khalif Battle hitting consecutive 3-pointers… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

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.