Getting on the Defensive: Not Seattle's best
Stats you can use: Sack leaders | INT leaders | Tackle leaders
While the Seahawks can point to injuries as to why their offense isn't getting the job done, they can't do the same with their defense. All of the key players that helped the 'Hawks corral 45 sacks and 20 interceptions last year are playing poorly.
How bad is it? Not a single Seahawks defender ranks in the top 90 players overall in leagues that reward tackles.
Here's a glance at Seattle's key IDPs and where they're at this season compared to last season:
DE Patrick Kerney
2007 stats: 60 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles
2008 stats: 18 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble
Analysis: Kerney had three of his four sacks in the first two games and needs to go on a tear before he's worth starting in IDP leagues.
LB Lofa Tatupu
2007 stats: 109 total tackles, 1 sack, four interceptions, nine passes defensed, three forced fumbles
2008 stats: 39 total tackles, zero sacks, zero interceptions, one pass defensed, one forced fumble
Analysis: Tatupu has just one game with 10-plus total tackles this season and hasn't been his usual all-over-the-place self. He's an example of a Fantasy IDP option that should be dropped for a hotter hand in standard leagues, but not in deeper leagues with extensive starting lineup requirements.
LB Julian Peterson
2007 stats: 74 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, two interceptions, three passes defensed, four forced fumbles
2008 stats: 32 total tackles, three sacks, zero interceptions, one pass defensed, two forced fumbles
Analysis: Peterson is actually on pace to match last year's totals in sacks and tackles, so there's not much not to like about him. He's also been pretty consistent. If only he could accelerate his play to crack the Top 25 linebackers in Fantasy.
LB LeRoy Hill
2007 stats: 81 total tackles, three sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles, touchdown
2008 stats: 47 total tackles, zero sacks, two passes defensed, zero forced fumbles
Analysis: Hill has been the best Seattle IDP thus far, but that's not saying much as he's outside the Top 25 at his position and owned in just six percent of CBSSports.com leagues.
CB Marcus Trufant
2007 stats: 85 total tackles, seven interceptions, 15 passes defensed, touchdown
2008 stats: 28 total tackles, zero interceptions, four passes defensed
Analysis: Trufant has been a problem for the Seahawks as he hasn't been his usual shut-down self. This happened in 2005 after a strong 2004 season. He's not worth using as a Fantasy DB as there are much more productive options.
S Deon Grant
2007 stats: 77 total tackles, three interceptions, 10 passes defensed
2008 stats: 30 total tackles, one interception, three passes defensed
Analysis: Another defensive back with decent numbers, but again, there are better options out there. Grant barely registers among the top DBs in Fantasy these days.
Can the Seahawks defense turn around?
The biggest problem the 'Hawks face is that the offense is not staying on the field for a long time. On average, the defense is on the field for nearly 34 minutes a game, which is a while. They've run out of gas most of the time.
The other problem is that their pass rush is struggling. They have 14 sacks, but eight came in Week 2 vs. the 49ers, their Week 8 opponent. Until Patrick Kerney & Co. can get to the quarterback, this defense won't scare anybody.
DL matchups
Rams vs. Patriots O-line/passing game After the Broncos' seemingly harmless pass rush came up with six sacks of Matt Cassel last week, the red-hot Rams defense, led by their pass rush, should cash in a couple of times. The Rams have tallied seven sacks in their last two games, both with Jim Haslett at the helm.
Players to watch: Leonard Little, James Hall, Chris Long
Jets vs. Chiefs O-line/passing game The combination of Tyler Thigpen taking over at quarterback for Kansas City and an offensive line torn by injuries and bad play makes life easy for the Jets' front three.
Players to watch: Shaun Ellis, Kris Jenkins
LB matchups
Ravens vs. Raiders running game Seems obvious, but with Oakland expected to try and run, then try and pass short, these linebackers -- already angry over the 'bounty' comments made this week -- should be really strong.
Players to watch: Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Jarret Johnson
Lions vs. Redskins running game No one is running the ball more than the Redskins this season, and if Washington did built a big lead, the Lions' linebackers would be able to notch some garbage-time stats.
Players to watch: Ernie Sims, Paris Lenon, Alex Lewis, Jordan Dizon
DB matchups
Chargers and Saints vs. Saints and Chargers passing games: A little two-for-one here as both clubs have struggled with their run games and shouldn't find the going any easier in their LOndon adventure. Only a strong downpour would change this.
Players to watch: Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn, Quentin Jammer, Eric Weddle, Randall Gay
Panthers vs. Cardinals passing game: This will be a big test for the Panthers, who have played brilliantly vs. the pass thus far. With the Cardinals coming east and likely being unable to run the football, we like the Panthers' chances at picking off Kurt Warner.
Players to watch: Chris Gamble, Richard Marshall, Ken Lucas
Do you have an IDP question? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: IDP in the subject field. Include your name, hometown and state.
