Brandon Browner was one of the charter members of Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” secondary. Now back with the Seahawks after two years split between the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, head coach Pete Carroll sees a different role for Browner’s return to Seattle.
“We’re going to play him at safety in base downs and then in nickel we are going to use him to match up at different spots playing inside,” Carroll said, in an interview with Brock Huard and Mike Salk on 710 ESPN Seattle. “So we may be able to develop a really unique role for him. We have seen him play, back to his New England days they used him quite a bit inside and he really matched up on tight ends and slot receivers and things like that that he matched up well, and we are going to see how that develops.”
Seattle struggled to cover tight ends last season. Greg Olson, Tyler Eifert and others made critical plays against Seattle’s defense in key moments last season.
While Browner may no longer be capable of playing right cornerback for Seattle to the same level he did from 2011-2013, he may be able to be a strong matchup against opposing tight ends and bigger receivers inside. He may still get some time at right cornerback as well. Jeremy Lane re-signed with the team this offseason and can play both on the outside and in the slot. His versatility could allow Seattle to move him inside on passing downs and put Browner, DeShawn Shead or other options on the outside depending on matchups as well.
“There is always some stuff we are developing and there are some good things we are going,’’ Carroll said. “But you will see us be a little bit more matchup-oriented because of that, because of the guys that give us the chance to do that. We would always do it if we had the opportunity. That may mean there may be some more dime packages and things like that rather than nickel.’’