Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today —Tuesday, September 27 — about your Seattle Seahawks:
Seahawks No. 1 In ESPN's List Of Best Defenses
Over at ESPN, NFL writer Bill Barnwell looked at the best defenses in the league after the first three weeks of the season. As Barnwell notes, there isn't a lot of information in this small of a sample size, so data about how these units performed last season and their quality of competition in 2016 were factored in when compiling this list.
The Seahawks finished with the top spot, and here's Barnwell's explanation for why he slotted Seattle first:
Right now, though, I think the best defense in football resides in the Pacific Northwest. The Seahawks led the league in scoring defense and were fourth in DVOA last year, and while we're not through with Week 3 yet, Seattle was tops in DVOA through two weeks. They allowed 18 points to the 49ers, but even that overstates things: Seattle was up 37-3 before the 49ers picked up two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter as some sort of Carlos Hyde fantasy fan service.
The Seahawks already are playing lights-out defense. They're second in points allowed per drive behind Philadelphia, first in forcing punts, third in forcing three-and-outs, and second in preventing series from ending with a first down or touchdown. They're third in the percentage of preventing runs from producing first downs. They are good at just about everything, and unlike past years, they haven't been getting a ton of help from the offense in setting the defense up with field position or allowing it to stay fresh on the sideline.
In thinking about what's likely to happen with these defenses over the next few months, though, I have to go with the Seahawks because of how they're performing while missing one key element of their game: turnovers. Seattle has just one takeaway through three games, with opposing offenses having recovered all three of the fumbles to hit the deck with Richard Sherman & Co. on the field. We know enough about this defense to know that the takeaways are going to come. And when they do, the Seahawks' defense is going to be even more terrifying for opposing passers.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from defensive end Cliff Avril, who tweeted his thanks for all who attended his third annual "Dinning to Make a Difference" charity dinner last night.
More From Around The Web
Digital media reporter John Boyle summarized the latest Seahawks injury updates from head coach Pete Carroll.
Russell Wilson and tight end Jimmy Graham are finding their chemistry.
Here are 10 key numbers from Sunday's victory over the 49ers.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times scouts the New York Jets.
Graham is only going to physically get better as the games go on.
Doug Baldwin shined in Pro Football Focus' grades of the Week 3 matchup.
And lastly, Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated wrote about Christine Michael's NFL journey.
