Some NFL coaches take being secretive with the media as a point of pride. Thankfully, Pete Carroll is not one of them – making for far more interesting conversations with local beat reporters.
For example, in his end of season press conference Carroll shared a rare thing for a coach at this level: an admission of failure. Specifically, Carroll says the Seahawks misused defensive tackle Poona Ford this year – playing him out of position and wearing him down. Here’s what he said, per Gregg Bell at the News Tribune.
Pete Carroll says Seahawks overused Poona Ford on the defensive line. He likes Ford over the center at nose tackle. They played him more outside as 3-technique and even 5-tech. "I think we wore him down."
Expect Ford back over the nose, among other changes to DL/run D in 2023
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 16, 2023
On film, Ford looked out of place at times and didn’t make the kind of impact he normally does. His traditional defensive numbers were much the same as usual, but his Pro Football Focus grades do indicate a decline. Ford posted a career-low 56.2 overall grade, down from 73.0 the previous year.
Ford will become an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks. However, we’re willing to bet that he will rebound if placed in a position to succeed. Seattle has to get younger along the interior defensive line, but Ford is one piece they should keep.
