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Seattle Seahawks: 5 Reasons they’ll make the playoffs in 2018

By Samuel Teets

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 09: Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks high fives fans following the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 09: Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks high fives fans following the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Bobby Wagner is a defensive anchor

Wagner is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and will be for years to come. In fact he’s one of the best defenders in the league right now who hasn’t won the award. With Thomas holding out, Chancellor sidelined, and the rest of the legion gone, Wagner will be taking center stage in 2018.

Previously, the quiet middle linebacker has been overshadowed by larger personalities like Sherman or by players like Chancellor, who’s hits made for great highlight reel material. Now that those players are gone the defense is his to control and represent.

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The Seahawks star defender contributes in every facet of the game. His run defense is impeccable and for a linebacker he’s got great man-to-man and zone pass defense skills. Last season he intercepted two passes and also recorded six pass deflections. His 133 combined tackles were the seventh most among all defenders and were only 11 off of first place. His 97 total (solo) tackles were tied for the most in the NFL.

The only linebacker who is arguably in the same league as Wagner right now is Luke Kueckly, who is a former Defensive Player of the Year. That statement isn’t a knock on Wagner, if anything it shows he’s on the level of the best defenders in the league.

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