The Seahawks’ tall task was to affect quick-throwing Kirk Cousins before he got the ball to his lethal Vikings receivers.
But instead of trying to pressure Cousins, Seattle decided if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
Join the ‘em down the field. With even more coverage.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll, a defensive mind first, and coordinator Ken Norton Jr. had the Seahawks using an old-school scheme at key points Monday night against Minnesota: seven defensive backs. It was the first time this season Seattle used that scheme, one the Seahawks call “bandit” from Carroll’s first year leading the team.