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.”
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