Seahawks co-captain Bobby Wagner was a guest on ESPN”s First Take Wednesday morning was asked Russell Wilson’s greatness and how his team could improve on a 11-5. The four time All First Team Pro and six-time Pro Bowler was blunt and honest with his answer.
“Obviously, Russell [Wilson] is an amazing quarterback; the things that he does on the field are just amazing. Like you said, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks in our game. We’re confident on that side. I feel like from the defensive standpoint, there’s a lot of room for improvement. We have to play a little bit better. I feel like if we make those changes and make those improvements, I still feel like we’ll be the team to beat.”
DETERMINED FOCUSED
If your’ unfamiliar with Wagner, his comments can be misconstrued as off season bravado and hyperbole. Those familiar with Wagner know he is a humble, committed and determined individual who cares for his team and teammates. Wagner believes hardwork is the only way to achieve greatness. Goal setting is essential to achieving greatness. It came as no surprise when Wagner went to say the Seahawks first goal in 2020 is to dethrone the NFC Champions San Francisco 49ers.
“First, we’ve got to win the NFC West, which I feel like we’re confident we’re gonna do, and then we move on from there. Those guys have great teams but at the end of the day, it’s just paper. You’ve got to prove it on the field.”
The Seahawks had the 26th ranked defense last year and were tied for the second fewest sacks at 28. Head coach Pete Carroll has vowed to improve the teams pass rush. While re-signing Jadeveon Clowney is one of the top priorities to achieving that goal the team has made some moves.
OFF SEASON MOVES
The Seahawks re-signed. DT Jarran Reed, brought in DE Benson Mayoma, brought back DE Bruce Irvin and CB Quinton Dunbar . In the process the team lost DL Quinton Jefferson, DT Al Woods. Tedric Thompson was released.
DE Ziggy Ansah , Neiko Thorpe, LB Dekoda Watson and Mychal Kendrick’s are all unsigned free agents.
WAGNER NOTES
Wagner became the club’s all-time leading tackler with his six tackles performance at Atlanta (10/27). His 1,073 tackles are second in the NFL since 2012. Former Carolina Panther Luke Kuechly was first at 1,091. Wagner no doubt become number since Kuechly retired from the league on Jan 14th.
Wagner is the first player in franchise history to record eight-consecutive 100-tackle seasons, including recording an NFL-leading and franchise-record 167 in 2016. Ranked third in the NFL with 138 tackles last season and first this season with 159.
