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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 05: Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) peers over the line during the NFC wildcard playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys on January 5, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 05: Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) peers over the line during the NFC wildcard playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys on January 5, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

22. Seattle Seahawks

2018 Review: It wasn’t that long ago that this team had allowed the fewest points in the league for four straight seasons (2012-15). But this was an average unit at best in ’18 and relied more on the team’s running game to keep Pete Carroll’s defense off the field, certainly not the case earlier this decade. The Seahawks did manage to make their share of big plays on this this side of the ball as Frank Clark (12) and Jarran Reed (10.5). Of course, it was another big year for rangy linebacker Bobby Wagner, who led the team in tackles (138) and passes defensed (11).

2019 Key Additions: There were numerous key departures as veteran safety Earl Thomas signed with the Ravens and defensive end Frank Clark was dealt to the Chiefs. On the other hand, the Seahawks signed former Pro Bowl defensive end Ziggy Ansah in hopes he can re-gain his pass-rushing form. And John Schneider went defense with his first two picks in the draft in defensive end L.J. Collier (1-TCU) and safety Marquise Blair (2-Utah).

Analysis: Carroll’s team got just enough from its defense this past season but the Seahawks may need more if they are going to return to the playoffs for the second straight year and the seventh time in eight seasons. It will be interesting to see of Ansah and Collier can combine to bring the heat. And can this unit overcome the early-season loss of Reed, suspended for the first six games? This group has some questions that will need some early answers.

Next: No. 21

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