By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Seahawks Ucheena Nwosu says,’ defense is almost there’

Edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu was asked if the defense is close to reaching its potential.

“I feel like we’re almost there. We have put together some good games this year. We’ve had one game where we didn’t perform against the Bucs. But overall, I feel like we’re trending in the right direction,” said Nwosu .” The biggest thing is communication because you have to be Four is One out there, and if we’re all talking, covering each other up communicating out there, we can be unstoppable. It’s not so much talent, but it’s so more how much more can we communicate, especially being at home when it’s so loud. And that’s where communication has to go up.”

While ranked 13th overall, the Seahawks’ defense is ranked second against the run and sixth in scoring defense. The Seahawks’ defense is trending towards being a top ten defense.

The same could be said for Nwosu’s healing process. The eight-year edge rusher saw his first start of the season against the Jaguars last week and played 51 snaps, which was 67% of the defensive plays. 

The start was a significant milestone for Nwosu, who was inactive for the season opener against the Cardinals and came off the bench in the last four games before the start in Jacksonville. In the Seahawks’ win over Jacksonville, the team recorded 17 quarterback hits and seven sacks. Nwosu was credited with a sack and a half.

“I’d probably say I’m still trying to get my legs back. I didn’t really have offseason training, which I kind of feel,’ said Nwosu .” But it’s steady coming along with each game, each day of practice, I’m trying to continue to work and push my body to make sure I’m still here. I’m still climbing. I’m still getting back to myself.”

Overcoming injuries

 Multiple injuries caused  Nwosu to participate in just 12 games between the  2023 and 2024 seasons.  In 2023  Nwosu’s season was cut short by a pectoral muscle. In 2024, Nowsu participated in just six games due to a quadricep injury. Before that, Nwosu played all 17 games in the 2022 season and recorded a career high 9.5 sacks, which tied him for the team lead with Darrell Taylor.  Nwosu led the team with a career high 26 quarterback hits, which placed him tied for 9th in the NFL

Close to full strength

Vigorous rehabbing has not only put Nwosu back on the field but also put him in a position where he can return to be a dominating player. For Nwosu  just getting back on the field is something he does not take for granted

 “It means a lot. You can’t take this game for granted. It’s something I love to do. I love playing ball.  I love being out there running, hitting, making plays, celebrating, and enjoying the moment,”. Said Nwosu  So, I’ve been missing those for the last two seasons, really it sucked, but I’m back now, and I’m just worried about staying positive.”

Now that he is  back on the field, Nwosu is continuing with his strength training  program

“You’ve got to run. You’ve got to run in practice. That’s where you get your conditioning. When the ball is thrown, you’ve got to sprint full speed and chase the ball. You’ve got to get on a bike, walk on the treadmill, and just do all the other forms of cardio like battle ropes and stuff like that.”

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