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          NFL Nation

          Seahawks missing D-line depth of last year

          • Terry Blount, ESPN Staff WriterOct 21, 2014, 02:20 PM ET
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            • Covered the NFL at the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle, including eight Super Bowls
            • Received Citation for Writing Excellence from Hearst Newspapers
            • Also has covered NBA Finals, World Series, Finals Fours, Indy 500 and Daytona 500
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          What’s wrong with the Seattle Seahawks?

          Let us count the ways, starting with the defensive line, with a little help from ESPN Stats & Information.

          The Seahawks' pass defense ranked first in opponent total quarterback rating last season, but has dropped to 25th this season.

          Seattle had the No. 1 pass rush in the NFL last season, generating pressure (sack or duress) on 34 percent of opponent dropbacks. The Seahawks have pressured opponents on just 17 percent of dropbacks this season, worst in the NFL.

          No Seahawks defensive lineman played more than 57 percent of the team’s snaps last season, but seven had at least 47 percent of the snaps. Everyone shared the load. This season, Michael Bennett is at 80 percent, including 90 percent against the St. Louis Rams Sunday. Cliff Avril is at 60 percent and has only one sack.

          It's clear the Seahawks miss the depth they had last year with defensive ends Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.