Seahawks Coach Clint Hurtt Guarantees Defensive Improvement: 'We're Going to Be Better'

Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt says he's expecting his unit to take a big step forward in 2023

After an up-and-down defensive showing in 2022, the Seattle Seahawks will be looking for a big step forward on defense this upcoming season.

Seattle's defense struggled for much of the season, finishing in the bottom quarter of the league in yards allowed (361.7) and points allowed (23.6) per game. The Seahawks were solid against the pass, allowing 211.5 yards per game, but had the third-worst rushing defense at 150.2 yards allowed per game.

Despite those struggles, defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt is "very confident" that his unit will improve in 2023.

"I'm very confident," Hurtt said. "We're going to be better, we're going to improve."

The Seahawks have made some big additions to their defense this offseason. In free agency, some of their additions include defensive linemen Dre'Mont and Jarran Reed, safety Julian Love and the return of a franchise legend in linebacker Bobby Wagner. Then in the draft, they added cornerback Devon Witherspoon, edge rusher Derick Hall and others in later rounds. While it's still very early in the offseason, Hurtt is a fan of the new additions on his side of the ball.

"I don't get into all those things; the proof is in the pudding, and we'll show that during the course of the year as we continue to progress," Hurtt said. "But I'm excited and appreciative about what John and Pete have put out here with us to work with. We're a developmental staff, so we've got to get these guys up to speed and everything is going in the right direction right now."

In particular, Hurtt is very happy with the return of Wagner. The Seahawks have many young players on defense, so having Wagner, who Hurtt describes as "the ultimate leader" is a huge plus.

"For him, he just wants to work and still earn it with new teammates," Hurtt said. "For me, that's beyond admirable and for the young guys, I think that is a great thing to be able to learn. For my expectations in terms of him setting the defense up, his communication out on the field, and he and I being an extension of each other in the communication, it's been great." 

Above all, Hurtt is preaching consistency to his defense this offseason. With the additions the Seahawks have made on defense, that should be a much more attainable goal this time around.

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You can find Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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