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Red Bryant is a mountain of a man and trying to drive block him backwards on a running play is like trying to move, well, a mountain. He and Brandon Mebane are the two biggest reasons the Seattle Seahawks have such a great run defense. Last season, the Seahawks ranked number five in that category in the NFL.
Bryant was a fourth round draft choice by the Seahawks in 2008, who spent two uninspiring seasons at defensive tackle until the light went on when defensive line coach, Dan Quinn, and head coach, Pete Carroll, came up with a plan to move Bryant to left defensive end or the five-technique in Carroll’s defense.
All Bryant has become is an anchor at that position so much so that the Seahawks rewarded him with a five year contract that will pay him $35 million with over $14 million of it guaranteed last offseason. Even though he is replaced in passing situations because he doesn’t generate many sacks, he is still vitally important to the team. He is also one of the most respected and vocal leaders on one of the better defenses in the NFL.
The play of Bryant did suffer last season due to his dealing with a foot issue which is extremely important considering how much he weighs. One could tell he wasn’t quite the same player he was earlier in the year or in the previous season. However, all signs point to Bryant being 100 percent coming into 2013, which will make an already good player even better.
Bob writes about the Seattle Seahawks for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @seahawksbob.
