The Seahawks defense had a bit of a dip last year, but that’s only because they’ve set ridiculously high standards for themselves.
But if you think finishing second in the league in pass defense humbled them, think again.
“Most people would give their left arm to have our defense,” Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said, via Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times. “But when you’re held to the standard that we are, being No. 1 in points allowed, No. 2 in total yards and No. 2 in passing yards allowed is an off year for us.”
Last year was still the fourth straight year they’ve led the league in points allowed, and they held opponents to single digits six times, including the playoffs.
And unlike years past, they aren’t faced with a number of offseason questions, from recovery from injuries or ugly and pointless holdouts. That’s why Sherman was able to shrug off a question about his career-low two interceptions.
“I don’t think anyone in the league has more [interceptions] than me since I came in,” Sherman said. “I know, at the end of the day, I’m going to get them.”
They’re going to need him and his friends in the secondary to be at their Legion of Boom best this year, as they’re undergoing a number of changes on both sides of the ball which will make upholding their standard a bit tougher.