As head coach Mike Macdonald noted last week on Day 2 of training camp, "We want to be a loud defense," later referring to said loudness as "obnoxious communication," which he describes as "calling everything we see, and you just never know what you're going to say is going to click in a guy that you're playing with to let them play faster. We talk about pre-snap alerts, post-snap alerts, signing and co-signing. If you have a team that's playing on one accord, that's a powerful thing."
Some of that communicating could be seen and heard, from the entire defense, who came up with a pick and a couple pass break ups, during their fifth training camp practice.
"For us it's more of a simple thing," Boye Mafe said on how the communication sounds chaotic for outsiders. "It's something that, from the outside looking in, it probably does sound chaotic. But to us, everyone knows what we're saying and it means something to somebody. It may not mean something to all other guys, but it means something to somebody. The communication may sound crazy and everyone's talking at each other at the same time, but at the same time we all are hearing each other."
When Mafe looks back on last season, one aspect of his game that he wants to improve on is noticing plays before pre-snap, and the amount of communication the defense is doing pre-snap could help him improve on that goal this season.
"There's a lot of things that happen pre-snap that can give you tells and things that you can see beforehand. One of the things, especially from last year, I noticed there were plays that I felt like I left on the table. To be able to capitalize on those plays, and see those plays pre-snap and earlier, and be able to make most of those plays."
Julian Love, who made the one pick of the day, when talking about the defense last week said the communication on defense doesn't only happen pre-snap but also when they're hyping each other up to even making sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to be doing.
"We've got to be able to talk to each other. Across the board we've got to be able to gas each other up, hold each other accountable. I think that's what that obnoxious communication is. Talk to a point of like seeming obnoxious but that's just going to have to be the standard. We're building that."
And while it's up to the players to communicate on the field, the coaches are leading the way on how exactly the defense communicates.
"We have to teach them how to communicate," Macdonald said. "And what to say, what they're looking for, what are the words. Make it clear, make it have some elegance (and) simplicity behind it. That's something you're always going to chase as the offensive installs starts to build over time, then they're going to give us some more things that we're going to have to respond to, which is great practice. And every team operates in their own way throughout the league, so being able to anticipate those things and have confidence in the scheme, and (know) what they're supposed to do and the expectations, then I think you start to hear it on the field."
Along with the coaches help, Macdonald mentioned it also comes down to the players.
"You have to have the right type of guys," Macdonald said. "The guys that love to talk have a lot of confidence. A lot of times that's correlated to guys loving football, and just having passion for what they do and calling things out. You appreciate that, they're just chasing it. You want to be able to create a defense where you can close your eyes as a coach, and you can envision the play happening based off of how we communicate. That's what we're chasing."
The Seahawks held their first padded practice of the 2024 training camp on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) and tight end Brady Russell (38) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Raiqwon O'Neal (79) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks offensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90), defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) and defensive end Nathan Pickering (57) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defensive line at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry (85) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback PJ Walker (15) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonalda and coach Leslie Frazier at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) and safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and nose tackle Matt Gotel (77) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard McClendon Curtis (66) and linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) and defensive end Myles Adams (95) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Nick Harris (56) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) and linebacker Derick Hall (58) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) and tackle Stone Forsythe (78) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) and linebacker Sundiata Anderson (47) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Carlton Johnson (37) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Nelson Ceaser (46) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and linebacker Devin Richardson (43) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defense at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kobe Lewis (44) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks defense at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Devin Richardson (43) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge (1) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety K'Von Wallace (24) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) and center Nick Harris (56) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) and tackle Charles Cross (67) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Jack Westover (89) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81) and cornerback Tre Brown (22) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard McClendon Curtis (66) and linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back George Holani (36) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice on July 29, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
