In a surprising move on Monday, the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with linebacker Tyrel Dodson, a key defensive piece who had started in all nine games this season. The decision to release Dodson comes as part of a broader shakeup to Seattle’s underperforming defense, which has struggled to live up to expectations this season.
Dodson, 27, had been a steady presence for the Seahawks in the linebacker corps, starting seven games at middle linebacker and the last two on the weak side after the team acquired middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams on October 23. However, despite Dodson’s consistent presence, the Seahawks’ defense has been a major point of concern, ranking 26th in the NFL in rush defense (allowing 139.4 yards per game) and 24th in total defense (357.6 yards per game).
A Tough Season for the Seahawks’ Defense
The release of Dodson highlights the frustration within the Seahawks’ organization regarding their defensive struggles. The defense, once a cornerstone of Seattle’s identity, has fallen short this year, particularly in terms of stopping the run and giving up yards. With a defense that has consistently allowed big plays, head coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, in his first year with Seattle, are clearly trying to find solutions to turn things around.
Macdonald, who was hired in the offseason after coordinating the NFL’s top-ranked defense with the Baltimore Ravens last year, has yet to get the same results in Seattle. His scheme, which has seen success elsewhere, has been slow to take hold in Seattle, and the team’s defensive issues have left them fighting for relevance in a competitive NFC West. By releasing Dodson, the Seahawks are signaling that they are willing to make tough decisions in hopes of reshaping their defense as the season progresses.
What Led to the Release of Dodson?
Tyrel Dodson’s release is especially notable considering he had led the Seahawks in tackles this season, with 71 total stops. While not flashy, Dodson’s steady contributions were expected to be a stabilizing force after the team lost veteran linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks to free agency in the offseason. The Seahawks brought in Dodson and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker as replacements, but the results have been underwhelming so far.
With the recent trade for Ernest Jones IV to bolster the middle linebacker position, Dodson’s role became less clear, and it appears the team felt it was time to make a change. Jones, who was acquired for Jerome Baker, has been viewed as an upgrade in the middle, and the Seahawks will now look to younger players like second-year linebacker Drake Thomas or rookie Tyrice Knight to step up in Dodson’s place.
The move also signals a broader shift in philosophy for the Seahawks. With the defense underperforming and a potential playoff spot on the line, Seattle is making it clear that they are willing to make changes to improve their chances, even if it means parting with players who were brought in during the offseason.
What’s Next for the Seahawks?
While Dodson’s departure creates an immediate hole in the linebacker corps, the Seahawks are already preparing for his absence. Thomas, who has shown promise in limited action, and Knight, the rookie, will likely be the ones tasked with filling the void. Both are expected to compete for the starting role, with the team needing someone to step up and provide a boost to the defense.
Additionally, the Seahawks made another move on Monday, adding cornerback Josh Jobe to the active roster. Jobe, an undrafted free agent from Alabama, adds depth to the secondary and could help shore up Seattle’s pass defense, which has also been a point of weakness this season. With the defense in flux, the Seahawks will need all the help they can get in the second half of the season as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
The Bigger Picture
Seattle’s defense was once the backbone of the franchise, but the 2023 season has revealed cracks in the foundation. The departure of Dodson, combined with the ongoing struggles to stop both the run and the pass, has put a spotlight on the need for significant changes. While it remains to be seen whether the moves will pay off immediately, the Seahawks are clearly signaling that they are committed to addressing their defensive issues.
With the NFC West still up for grabs, Seattle can’t afford to let its defense continue to underperform. The next few weeks will be critical for the team, as they will need their younger linebackers to step up, and the defensive scheme under Macdonald must improve if the Seahawks hope to remain in contention.
Key Takeaways:
– Tyrel Dodson released: The Seahawks parted ways with linebacker Tyrel Dodson after he started all nine games this season.
– Defensive struggles continue: Seattle’s defense ranks 26th in rush defense and 24th in total defense, prompting the move to shake things up.
– Drake Thomas or Tyrice Knight likely to replace Dodson: The Seahawks will look to younger linebackers to step into Dodson’s role.
– Josh Jobe added to active roster: The Seahawks also added cornerback Josh Jobe in a move to strengthen their secondary.
– Defense under pressure: With a competitive NFC West and playoff hopes on the line, the Seahawks are clearly making changes to improve their defense for the second half of the season.
As the Seahawks try to retool their defense, all eyes will be on how quickly the young linebackers can adjust to increased roles and whether the team can shore up its defensive weaknesses in time for a postseason push. The season’s outcome could hinge on whether the defense can make significant improvements in the coming weeks.
