The Seattle Seahawks ranked in the bottom half of the league in just about every meaningful defensive category except points allowed in 2021. The organization is hoping to turn the unit around with some coaching changes. Ed Norton Jr. is gone and former Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell expected to join the team’s staff, while defensive line coach Clint Hurtt is reportedly being promoted to defensive coordinator.
There’s at least one franchise legend who thinks those are good moves. Former Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu sat down with 710 ESPN Seattle to discuss what Hurtt and Donatell bring to the defense. Tatupu shared high praises for Hurtt’s work as defensive line coach the past few years, expressing his belief that he will transition well to being a defensive coordinator in 2022.
“I love Clint. He’s a phenomenal coach and he’s done a great job with that D-line and I think he’ll be an excellent D-coordinator, too.”
As for Donatell, Tatupu says his past with coach Pete Carroll plus his experience fielding a sturdy defense in Denver should serve the team well.
“I know Donatell’s going to be here and he led a strong defense over in Denver, and having worked with Pete before, I think they have a rapport where they can go back and forth and there’s some trust there and he can tell him the truth. . . I think that can be huge and beneficial to the defense and the team.”
Ideally these moves will bring an end to Norton’s “bend but don’t break” style of defense that cedes underneath yardage and contributes to the unit staying on the field for too long – one of many reasons why Seattle ranked No. 32 in time of possession. Let’s hope the new staff can consistently put the defense in a better position to succeed in 2022.
