Seahawks starting linebacker Mychal Kendricks nagging hamstring injury has opened for the door for rookie Cody Barton to show what he can do at the outside linebacker position. Kendricks did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Sundays game in LA which means Barton will get the call he has patiently being waiting.
The Seahawks grabbed the former Utah stand out in the 3rd round ( 88th ) of this years draft with high expectations. Barton has not disappointed while bidding his time . Barton has 5 special teams tackles placing him third on the team and one defensive snap tackle.
After seeing sporadic defensive playing time in the first 12 games in which he had a total 7 defensive snaps , Barton nearly double that number when he participated in 11 defensive snaps against the Minnesota Vikings. The defensive snaps and stellar special team play against the Vikings have put Barton in a position not only to contribute but start against a high powered Rams offense.
While the Rams have re-embraced the run game after drop kicking it to the curb in the early part of the season the Seahawks will be facing the NFL’s third ranked passing offense. As a result the Seahawks will be using more nickel to defend the Rams dangerous passing attack.
If the Rams stay true to their ways Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has no concerns about Barton being able to handle the extra assignment of pass coverage.
INJURY REPORT
