The Seahawks led the NFL in scoring defense four straight years but fell to third in 2016. This may have been due to the fact safety Earl Thomas was injured twice late in the year. When Thomas is out, Seattle’s defense is not the same. Without Thomas, Seattle gives up more points per game and creates fewer turnovers. Thomas is to the defense as Russell Wilson is to the offense.
Was Seattle’s drop in defensive efficiency simply Thomas being hurt? Or is the Seahawks defense simply on a downward trend? Here is the worst that could happen in 2017.