For Seahawks defensive lineman you can always go home. The Seahawks first-round draft selection in the 2012 draft expressed his sincere gratitude to return to the Seahawks after stints in Oakland, Atlanta and Carolina. After four years with Seattle Irvin went to Oakland for two, a half-season with Atlanta, then back to Oakland and last year with Carolina. After a nomadic four years, Irvin is glad to come back home.
LEADERSHIP ROLE
Irvin is looking to jump-start a defensive line unit that was second to last in sacks last year with 28. The Miami Dolphins had a league-low 23 sacks. The Seahawks defensive nucleus of DT Poona Ford, DT Jarran Reed, and Benson Mayowa is primed for a breakout year according to to Irvin.
SOME GAS IN THE TANK
At Carolina last year Irvin recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks in just 13 games. A good sign that the 32-year-old has some gas left in the tank. Seahawks defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. likes to rotate the D lineman so they are fresh at the end of the game. One reason Irvin decided to return to Seattle was to play under Norton Jr. Someone, he is very familiar and loyal too.
QUICK TAKES
The move to bring Irvin back makes because of his familiarity with the Seahawks defensive system and his willingness to take a leadership role. Improvement of the defensive line play will need to come from everyone. Benson Moya another former Seahawk who returned home will need to duplicate his career-high totals of seven sacks and three forced fumble while playing for Oakland last year. A return to 2018 form ( 10.5) sacks by Jarran Reed could catapult the Seahawks Dline into the middle of the NFL rankings. Reed had two sacks in 10 games last year. Which Reed shows up in 2020 will go a long way in making this a happy homecoming for Irvin.
