Seahawks Defensive Back grades from the Falcons game

Cornerback

1) Richard Sherman (C+)

Last week he did not receive a grade.

THE GOOD:

He had a big block on Leon Washington’s big punt return and had a solo tackle.

THE BAD:

He isn’t getting any playing time on defense.

2) Brandon Browner (C)

Brandon Browner levels Julio Jones 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens

Last week C-

Yes, there were times when he had trouble in coverage deep but he played the underneath routes pretty well especially the wide receiver screens. On that long pass to Julio Jones to start the third quarter he couldn’t have had much better coverage but a perfectly thrown ball and a great play by a wide receiver will beat great coverage any time.

3) Marcus Trufant (D)

Last week B+

THE GOOD:

A couple times he had really good coverage and had a pass defensed.

THE BAD:

He played too soft in coverage especially on 3rd and 1-yard and when he had safety help over the top. On one play he completely blew his coverage and to top it off he had a missed tackle.

4) Kennard Cox (D-)

Last week C-

THE GOOD:

Hopefully with the additions made this week he will either “shape up or ship out”.

THE BAD:

He missed his block on two different kick returns both led to a tackle and on Washington’s big punt return he missed a block that ended up being the reason Leon was tackled short of the end zone.

Safety

Jeron Johnson pushes Julio Jones out of bounds 10/2/2011. Photo by Brett Bivens

1) Jeron Johnson (B-)

Last week he did not receive a grade.

THE GOOD:

Jeron had a big tackle that upended the kick returner after Sidney Rice’s touchdown. He showed he understands angles by the way he used the sideline as an extra tackler when there was no one around to help. On Leon’s punt big punt return he had a big block to help spring him.

THE BAD:

Johnson doesn’t see a whole lot of time on the field to show what he has but he takes advantage of the time he gets.

2) Earl Thomas (C+)

Last week B-

THE GOOD:

Earl had four tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage and was causing havoc in the running game all day with the way he was crashing in on the run.

THE BAD:

Thomas gave up on a Michael Turner run early in the game. In the NFL (especially when facing a back like turner) the play isn’t over till the whistle. He was a little late in his coverage at times and had a couple missed tackles.

3) Atari Bigby (D+)

Last week C

THE GOOD:

Atari was able to get a little pressure on Matt Ryan and also had a pass defensed. He did a good job keeping contain and forcing the running back inside.

THE BAD:

Bigby struggled a little in coverage like most of the secondary. He was late in his run recognition at times and had a couple missed tackles.