Film Breakdown: Seahawks CB Ugo Amadi Capitalizing on Second Opportunity in the Slot

After seeing extensive action at slot cornerback late in his rookie season, Amadi has stepped up to the plate the past two weeks after starter Marquise Blair suffered a torn ACL, providing a major boost to an otherwise struggling Seahawks secondary.

Earlier this month, the Seahawks’ defense suffered two substantial, potentially game-changing injuries in a costly 35-30 win over the Patriots.

Along with losing veteran linebacker Bruce Irvin to a torn ACL, second-year safety-turned-slot corner Marquise Blair suffered the same injury, abruptly ending his season after a strong training camp. Luckily for Seattle, at least in Blair’s case, a promising young alternative loomed in waiting in the form of Ugo Amadi, who saw some extensive snaps at the position late last year into the playoffs.

Grabbing the bull by the horns, the former Oregon standout has been a rare bright spot for the Seahawks struggling secondary since replacing Blair, producing 15 tackles, a tackle for loss, and two passes defensed while limiting receivers to under five yards per target against him.

"He's doing a nice job," coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Monday. "I'm really pleasantly pleased that the play of that spot hasn't fallen off at all with Marquise not being there. I'm really thrilled for Ugo, because he's such a fun kid to put out there, he's got so much juice to him. All the way back to his college days, he's one of those guys that has that golden horseshoe in his back pocket; stuff just comes his way and he makes plays. He's been doing that in the two years he's been with us, and we'll continue to expect him to do that. He's done a really nice job taking advantage of this opportunity."

How has the second-year defender capitalized on his extensive play time filling in for Blair? Check out my latest film study as I analyze Amadi's play as a run defender, blitzer, and in pass coverage from the past two victories against the Patriots and Cowboys.