Football

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Seahawks depending on defence

By: Danny O'Neil

4/10/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

THE contest will begin before Peyton Manning snaps the ball.

It will start with a staredown between the Colts' quarterback known for his efficiency and a Seahawks defence that has shown inconsistency this year.

Manning will scan the field, digest the formation and commence with a series of hand signs generally reserved for third-base coaches and games of charades. Seattle's defence will camouflage its coverage as long as it can, trying to hide its true colours from the quarterback with computer-quick processing. It's a test of wills safety Deon Grant is looking forward to.

"I love facing a challenge," said Grant, one of the Seahawks' defensive captains. "And I know for a fact that facing him is going to be one of the biggest challenges you can face."

So what will Manning see when he stares across the line of scrimmage?

Will it be the defence that gave the Seahawks a fourth-quarter lead last week against the Bears after three quarters of miscues and missed field goals? Or will it be the defence that performed like it was on roller skates in the final five minutes, pushed backward without much trouble on Chicago's game-winning touchdown drive?

Will it be the defence that shut out St. Louis in the season opener despite three first-quarter turnovers by Seattle's offence, or the unit that gave up two touchdown runs of 79 yards or more to San Francisco's Frank Gore?

If Seattle is going to be the first team to beat Indianapolis this season, it will depend on the defence's ability to disrupt Manning.

-- The Seattle Times

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 4, 2009 C4

Rate this
This article has not yet been rated.

We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.

You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.

Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.