Seahawks defensive line grades

 

This is part two of the Seahawks player grades from the Titans game. If you missed the quarterbacks they can be found here.

Jason Jones tackle Chris Johnson for a loss. Photo by Brett Bivens

Jason Jones #90

The Good:

As advertised, Jason Jones was able to create pressure from the inside on Saturday. Jason showed off a wicked swim move that forced the Titans to double team him. I was surprised by his ability to get off blocks in the running game. He uses his strong hands to grab blockers and throw them off balance. Early in the game Jason locked up with a guard and pulled the guard towards him and off balance allowing  Jones to run Chris Johnson down from behind and pick up a tackle for a loss.

The Bad:

On one play Jones was pushed 5 yards down the field and out of a running play completely. Jason needs to do a better job of holding his ground.

The Grade: B+

 

Brandon Mebane #92

Honestly Brandon Mebane looked really good out there on Saturday, if he had played more snaps I would have been more apt to give him a higher grade. While he was in the Titans were double teaming him to keep him from disrupting the plays and he was still able to pursue them from behind as he shed blockers. Brandon looks like he’s in mid season form already, though his conditioning isn’t there yet.

The Grade: B

 

Greg Scruggs #98

The Good:

Greg Scruggs played the running game extremely well using his long arms to keep the blocker from setting solid blocks and then shedding the blockers. This is the technique he used to make a stop at the opponents 1 yards line as well as record a tackle for a loss.

The Bad:

I am not sure what was going on but on one snap him and Pep Levingston were talking while the ball was snapped and everyone began the play while those two just stood in their stance oblivious.

The Grade: B-

 

Jaye Howard #94

The Good:

The Seahawks 5th round looked pretty good on Saturday. On the third down play that was stopped at the Titans 1 yard line it was a combination tackle between Greg Scruggs and Jaye Howard as both players fought off blockers to make the big play. Jaye showed some ability to create pressure from the interior of the line as well as the power to collapse the pocket.

The Bad:

Jaye Howard lost his balance and was pancaked.

The Grade: B-

 

Red Bryant #79

Red Bryant is introduced to the 12th man for the first time in the new Nike uniforms. Photo by Brett Bivens

The Good:

Who would have thought that Red Bryant’s biggest contribution on Saturday would be against the pass? Yet it was. Red tipped an early screen pass causing it to fall short of the intended target and later dropped back into coverage while staying with the tight end step for step in the flat. The run game is Red’s forte and he was able to stretch the game outside keeping the running back from cutting upfield.

The Bad:

Red Bryant was unable to get any kind of a pass rush which isn’t odd for him but what was odd was watching him get blown up and pushed out of a running lane by a full back.

The Grade: C+

 

Bruce Irvin trying to rush Jake Locker. Photo by Brett bivens

Bruce Irvin #51

The Good:

When it comes to evading blockers Bruce Irvin does it well. Bruce showed he has an ability to stunt inside and find a gap to get a clean run at the quarterback as well as the ability to set up blocker and then change directions. In the running game he can fit through small lanes and he was able to record a tackle for a loss.

The Bad:

Once a tackle gets his hands on Bruce he’s done. The Seahawks coaching staff is going to have to work with him on that if he’s going to be successful at this level.

The Grade: C+

 

Several Players received a C and just like last year I am not going to break C’s down unless there is a specific player someone wants broken down.

 

Chris Clemons getting some pressure on Matt Hasselbeck during an interception. Photo by Brett Bivens

Chris Clemons #91

THE GOOD:

Chris Clemons made a nice swim move inside on the first defensive snap getting in the face of Matt Hasselbeck right as he released the ball.

The Bad:

After that play Clemons was unable to do anything positive. Chris lost outside contain on one play and was being consumed by the tackle while trying to rush the passer.

THE GRADE: C-

 

Dexter Davis #58

Dexter Davis getting a little pressure a little too late on Jake locker. Photo by Brett Bivens

The GOOD:

Dexter Davis needs to get pressure from the edge if he wants to stay a member of Seahawks. He was able to get minimal pressure in both the running and passing game on Saturday.

THe Bad:

He struggled mightily in special teams coverage and an end of the roster player like him will have to contribute on special teams if he is going to suit up. Dexter Davis struggled even more than Bruce Irvin did when blockers were able to get their hands on him and he was fooled by misdirection plays.

Pierre Allen #95

The Good:

Pierre Allen was able to get some push at the point of attack.

The Bad:

Having a hand in 2 touchdowns scored against your team is not a way to make a positive impression but that is exactly what Allen did on Saturday. Pierre was pushed out of the way by the left tackle, opening a huge hole, on a rushing touchdown and he was out of position on the punt return for a touchdown.

THE GRADE: D-