|
SEATTLE -- The heart and soul of the Seattle Seahawks' defense was back Sunday, with two star players who were healthy for the first time in a long time. The heart: Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, who played for the first time in six weeks after a turf-toe injury. The soul: Strong safety Kam Chancellor, playing full speed and without pain for the first time this season. The result was a defense that got its swagger back and shut down the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals in a 19-3 victory at CenturyLink Field. Wagner and Chancellor each had eight total tackles, including seven solo stops for Chancellor. Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell, who had an interception in the second quarter, summed up what Wagner and Chancellor meant to the defense Sunday. On Wagner: “I definitely felt his presence out there today,” Maxwell said. “He's a playmaker and has great ball skills. He adds another dimension to our defense.” On Chancellor: “It’s like when somebody picks on you and you go get your big brother,” Maxwell said. “He was our big brother today.” Sunday marked the fewest points the Seahawks had allowed since shutting out the New York Giants on Dec. 15 last year. And it was the fewest points the Seattle defense had allowed at home since the 29-3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 15 last season. The Cardinals had only 204 total yards of offense and only 64 yards rushing. A big reason? Wagner and Chancellor, who completely change the complexion of the defense when they are healthy. The Seahawks had all their defensive starters back Sunday, with the exception of nose tackle Brandon Mebane, for the first time since the Dallas game on Oct. 12. “I think we’re getting healthy at the right time,” said Wagner, who played every defensive snap. “That’s going to be important down the stretch with all the division games [four of the last five] we have coming up.” Wagner said earlier in the week he wanted to bring a passion back to the defense. “I think I did that,” he said. “I definitely wanted to come out there with a lot of energy and make some big hits. It shows when we’re healthy and we’ve got all our pieces, we’re a pretty good bunch.” Chancellor missed two games earlier this season with a groin injury. But he’s been playing with ankle problems and he also had offseason hip surgery. He said he felt like a new man Sunday. “Yeah, it is the best I’ve felt all season,” Chancellor said. “I felt good, running around, cutting, everything.” And he also felt Wagner’s return made him better. “Bobby just brings so much intensity,” Chancellor said. “He controls the middle of the defense. He disrupts things and changes the direction of the runner, and that gives me more chances, too.” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll made a beeline to Wagner’s locker after the game. “It was great to have him out there,” Carroll said. “I went up to Bobby and said, ‘Geez, I didn’t realize what a factor you are.’ He is one of the heartbeat guys for this club.” The heart (Wagner) and the soul (Chancellor) were back at their best Sunday, which made all the difference for the Seahawks’ defense.
|
